The world's political record
Person
![Official portrait of Rep. Atkins, Chester G. [D-MA-5]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/a000226_200.jpg)
United States · Official source
2,623 records where Rep. Atkins, Chester G. [D-MA-5] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 27 May 1987
Designates the week beginning February 1, 1988, as National VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program) Week.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1987
Anti-Terrorism Sanctions Act of 1987 - Provides certain sanctions against countries determined by the Department of State, under provisions of the Export Administration Act of 1979, as countries that repeatedly provide support for international terrorism. Specifies such sanctions as: (1) the termination, withdrawal, or suspension of any portion of any trade agreement or treaty that relates to the provision of nondiscriminatory (most-favored-nation) trade treatment to such country; (2) the denial of nondiscriminatory (most-favored-nation) trade treatment by the United States; (3) the nonapplication of the Generalized System of Preferences with respect to the products of such country; (4) the nonapplication of the provisions of the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act with respect to the products of such country; and (5) the nonapplication of the provisions of the International Travel and Tourism Act of 1961 instructing the Secretary of Commerce to consult with other nations regarding international travel and tourism. Authorizes the President to waive any or all of such sanctions with respect to any foreign country if the President determines that such a waiver would be in the best interests of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1987
Title I: Establishment of National Postsecondary Education Trust - Parental Assistance for Tuition Investment Act of 1987 - Establishes the National Postsecondary Education Trust. Creates a Board of Trustees of the Trust, to be composed of: (1) the Secretaries of Education and the Treasury, serving ex officio; and (2) five representatives of postsecondary education institutions and five members of the general public (not more than half of whom may be from the same political party), who shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Creates under the jurisdiction and control of the Board an Advance Tuition Payment Fund. Sets forth the general duties of the Board, including holding the funds of the Trust, establishing necessary policy and procedures for operating the Trust, paying money directly to postsecondary institutions, collecting necessary fees for its operation, imposing reasonable time limits on use of tuition benefits, and other related administrative matters. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury, as Managing Trustee, to invest portions of Fund moneys in interest-bearing obligations of the United States or in obligations guaranteed by the United States. Sets forth restrictions on uses of the Fund. Requires the Board to make annual reports to the Congress. Allows a purchaser to enter into an agreement with the Trust, on behalf of itself and the Federal Government, for the purchase of an advance tuition payment plan for use by a qualified beneficiary to pay a portion of the costs of tuition and fees required to attend a postsecondary education institution to which the qualified beneficiary is admitted. Sets forth required contents and design of advance tuition payment plan agreements. Directs the Trust to provide that a purchaser may purchase an advance payment tuition plan for an eligible beneficiary at any time following the beneficiary's birth. Sets forth conditions for termination of agreements and for refunds upon termination. Sets forth certain restrictions. Authorizes appropriations. Provides that at such time as the Trust is capable of self-support the annual report shall indicate no need for subsequent appropriations. Title II: Tax Treatment of Advance Tuition Payment Plans - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax deduction in an amount equal to the amount paid in cash during the year to the National Postsecondary Education Trust pursuant to any advance tuition payment plan agreement. Allows such deduction only if: (1) the taxpayer is the qualified beneficiary under the agreement and is not the dependent of another taxpayer; or (2) the taxpayer is entitled to a deduction with respect to the qualified beneficiary under such agreement for the taxable year. Limits maximum deductible payments per beneficiary to $2,000 for any taxable year and $48,000 for all taxable years. Sets forth certain adjustable gross income limitations above which such maximum deductible amounts are to be reduced. Disallows such deduction for the taxable year in which the beneficiary dies or attains age 25 or for any year thereafter. Disallows such deduction to a taxpayer who is a dependent of another taxpayer. Disallows such deduction with respect to a beneficiary who is the spouse of the taxpayer, unless the taxpayer is entitled to an exemption for the spouse and files a joint return. Deems payments to an advance tuition payment plan agreement as payments for the preceding taxable year if they are made not later than the time prescribed by law for filing the return. Provides that the deduction for payment under advance tuition payment plan agreements is also allowable to taxpayers who do not itemize deductions. Excludes from gross income any amount paid from the National Postsecondary Education Trust to any postsecondary education institution pursuant to any advance tuition payment plan agreement. Includes in the gross income of the person to whom the amount is paid any other amount paid from the National Postsecondary Education Trust which is not described in the preceding sentence. Adds a ten percent penalty tax for such refunds from the Trust, except where the beneficiary under the agreement dies.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1987
Better Use of Hospital Facilities Act of 1987 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide that when a hospital's occupancy rate is less than specified target minimum occupancy rates established for hospitals with 50 or more beds, the amount otherwise payable to such hospital for the depreciation of its capital shall be reduced by the percentage by which the target minimum occupancy rate exceeds its occupancy rate. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide for exceptions and adjustments to such reductions to take into account the special circumstances faced by certain hospitals, such as sole community hospitals. Provides that when a hospital agrees to retire beds from the provision of inpatient hospital services for a specified period of time, only a portion of such bed (the size of such portion diminishing as the length of the bed's retirement lengthens) shall be counted in determining the hospital's occupancy rate. Prevents the restoration of a retired bed from working to the detriment of a hospital in certain cases where there is an immediate medical need for beds in the region. Provides that hospitals which are subject to payment reductions by reason of this Act's amendments shall be temporarily exempted from State laws or regulations which restrict the class of inpatient services a hospital provides or prevent (other than for reasons of health or safety) a hospital from using a bed or beds for any particular services.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1987
Sulfur and Nitrogen Emissions Tax Act of 1987 - Title I: Excise Tax on Emissions from Certain Boilers and Trust Fund for Revenues Therefrom - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose an excise tax, at a rate based on the amount of pollutant emitted, on emissions of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides from certain fossil fuel-burning boilers. Provides that such tax: (1) be phased in over a two-year period; and (2) be adjusted annually for inflation after 1990. Fixes the liability for the tax on the person owning or operating the taxable boiler. Exempts certain boilers from the tax. Sets forth the methodology for determining the amount of pollutants emitted, generally to be measured by a qualified continuous emissions monitoring device. Permits: (1) a quarterly credit against the emissions tax for costs of the taxpayer's qualified pollution equipment, based on ratable depreciation over ten years; and (2) an income tax deduction for emissions tax payments. Establishes in the Treasury the Sulfur and Nitrogen Emissions Trust Fund (SANE Trust Fund) to receive emissions excise tax revenue. Permits expenditures from this fund to: (1) carry out the acid deposition control assistance program under this Act; and (2) pay specified administrative costs. Authorizes repayable advances to the SANE Fund. Sets limits and conditions to govern such borrowing. Title II: Acid Deposition Control Assistance Program - Amends the Clean Air Act to authorize the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (Administrator) to make loans, from funds available in the SANE Fund, to qualified persons to either: (1) construct a new electric power generating unit to replace an existing fossil-fuel fired unit; or (2) purchase and install pollution abatement equipment at a fossil-fuel fired unit. Sets forth: (1) factors to be considered in selecting loan recipients; (2) limitations and conditions applicable to loans for both pollution abatement and new plants; and (3) the circumstances under which the Administrator is authorized to cancel a portion of either type of loan. Directs the Administrator and the Secretary of the Treasury to: (1) complete a study of the effectiveness of the pollutant emissions tax in reducing the targeted emissions; (2) make recommendations concerning emission control and economic growth; and (3) report to the Congress within five years of this Act's enactment. Directs the Administrator to study the tax disincentive approach to pollution control and to report the results to the Congress within five years of this Act's enactment. Authorizes appropriations, for the next fiscal year, of monies remaining in the SANE Fund after loan expenditures. Permits such excess funds to be used for specified purposes, including: (1) research projects relating to clean coal technology, alternative energy, or the environmental effects of pollutant emissions; (2) job retraining programs for workers displaced by the effects of this Act; and (3) programs to mitigate certain environmental damages. Prohibits the authorization of such appropriations of excess funds if the Administrator fails to submit when due the reports required by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1987
Federal Industrial Extension Act of 1987 - Establishes an Office of Extension Services within the National Bureau of Standards to inform State Industrial Extension Services of Federal research and development programs and to provide a contact point for such Services. Establishes a three-year Industrial Extension Service Grant Program in the Department of Commerce to demonstrate methods of Federal assistance to States for the development of State Industrial Extension Services designed to help businesses enhance competitiveness through the application of the latest science and technology. Limits participants to not more than 15 States, with preference given on the basis of need and regional distribution. Makes grants available for FY 1988 through 1990. Requires that funds be used to expand the number of businesses served or the quality of services provided. Requires that participating States provide at least 20 percent of the costs of such Program. Authorizes States to provide services directly or through other State agencies or through universities or nonprofit organizations. Permits the charging of fees. Requires States to report annually to the Secretary. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress at the end of FY 1990 on the operation of the Program. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1988 through 1990.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1987
Provides that, upon retirement from service as the Librarian of Congress, Daniel J. Boorstin may be known as the Librarian of Congress Emeritus. States that such honorary designation shall not constitute an appointment in the civil service under specified Federal law. Provides that as Librarian of Congress Emeritus, Dr. Boorstin may receive incidental administrative and clerical support through the Library of Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1987
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to cover an annual Papanicolaou test for the diagnosis of uterine cancer and an annual radiological mammogram for the diagnosis of breast cancer.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1987
Federal Employees Leave Act of 1987 - Directs the Office of Personnel Management to establish a program under which the annual leave of a Federal employee may be transferred to the annual leave of any other Federal employee if such other employee requires additional leave because of a personal emergency. Describes the requirements for receiving and using transferred leave and for donating annual leave. Requires agencies to establish procedures to ensure that a leave recipient is not permitted to use or receive transferred leave after the personal emergency ceases to exist. Provides for restoring unused transferred leave to leave donors on a prorated basis. Prohibits an employee from being coerced into donating, receiving, or using annual leave under the voluntary leave transfer program. Makes postal employees eligible to participate in such program. Authorizes the exclusion from such program of employees working under negotiated contracts and agencies for which such program would cause substantial disruption. Requires such program to terminate five years after its commencement. Requires the Office of Personnel Management to report to the President and the Congress on the program not later than six months before its termination. Authorizes the Office to establish general guidelines for agencies to conduct experimental programs to determine the desirability and feasibility of providing additional leave as a means of recognizing outstanding performance or other achievements by Federal employees. Terminates such experimental programs five years after the date of enactment of this Act. Requires the Office to report to the President and the Congress on such programs not later than six months after their termination.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1987
Designates the week of October 11 through October 17, 1987, as National Job Skills Week.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1987
Designates the month of May 1988 as National Foster Care Month.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1987
Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to study and report on the effectiveness of current laws, regulations, and licensing standards for commercial breeders of dogs and puppies in protecting such animals raised for sale in retail pet stores from inhumane treatment.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1987
National Narcotics Leadership Act of 1987 - Establishes a Cabinet-level Office of the Director of National Drug Control Policy to coordinate Federal operations and policy on drug control and abuse. Requires the Director of the Office to prepare and submit annual reports on a National and International Drug Control Strategy. Terminates the National Drug Enforcement Policy Board. Repeals specified provisions of the Comprehensive Crime Control Act of 1984 and the Drug Abuse Prevention, Treatment, and Rehabilitation Act respecting such Board. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1987
Amends the Clean Air Act to establish standards for emissions of dioxins from new or modified municipal waste combustion units. Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to provide for the monitoring of such emissions. Authorizes States to adopt more stringent standards. Authorizes the Administrator to promulgate standards for emissions of other air pollutants from municipal waste combustion units.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1987
Designates August 1, 1987, as Helsinki Human Rights Day. Requests the President to: (1) reassert American commitment to the Helsinki Accords; (2) raise the issue of noncompliance with such Accords with the Soviet Union, Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, the German Democratic Republic, Hungary, Poland, and Romania; (3) convey to all signatories of such Accords that respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms is vital to progress in the ongoing Helsinki process; (4) convey to U.S. allies the necessity of unity regarding such Accords; (5) continue his efforts to achieve the release of political prisoners of the Soviet Union, increase in Soviet emigration, resolution of family reunification cases, and cessation of radio transmission jamming; (6) seek the inclusion, in any concluding document agreed to in Vienna, of a mechanism to sustain human rights progress after the Vienna Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe; and (7) convey to signatory states the desire of the United States for a result at Vienna that will not favor military security at the expense of human rights.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1987
Designates the westernmost point of Guam as Point Udall in honor of Morris Udall, a Member of the House of Representatives. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to place and maintain a plaque on Federal land near such point to honor the service and accomplishments of Morris Udall. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1987
Patients' Viewing Rights Act - Amends the copyright law to permit the performance of audiovisual works before inpatients in a health care facility.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1987
Diplomatic Reciprocity and Security Act - Title I: Soviet Embassy in the United States and United States Embassy in the Soviet Union - Declares that the United States withdraws from the agreement with the Soviet Union concerning embassies in Moscow and Washington. Authorizes the President to waive such withdrawal if he determines, and reports to the Congress, that: (1) it is vital to the national security of the United States not to withdraw from the embassy agreement; (2) the U.S. Embassy in Moscow can be safely and securely occupied by the United States and used for its intended purposes; and (3) steps have been or will be taken to eliminate, no later than October 1, 1989, the damage to U.S. national security due to electronic surveillance from Soviet facilities at the Mount Alto site in Washington, D.C., and from other Soviet facilities in the United States. Provides that if the withdrawal from the embassy agreement takes effect the Mount Alto site may not be available for use by a foreign mission for any purpose. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the current arbitration process between the United States and the Soviet Union should be expanded to include Soviet reimbursement of the full costs incurred by the United States as a result of the intelligence activities of the Soviet Union directed at the new United States Embassy in Moscow. Requires the Secretary of State to achieve, by October 1, 1989, reciprocity in certain matters for U.S. diplomatic and consular posts in the Soviet Union. Specifies such matters as: (1) the payment of fair market value for goods and services in the Soviet Union; (2) full access to goods and services in the Soviet Union, including utilities; and (3) obtaining real property in the Soviet Union which is equivalent in terms of quantity and quality to the real property used by diplomatic and consular posts of the Soviet mission to the United States. Authorizes the Secretary to take certain measures, including the closing of Soviet diplomatic or consular offices, in order to achieve reciprocal treatment concerning real property. Requires the Secretary to report annually to the Congress concerning actions taken or planned to achieve such objectives. Requires the Secretary to submit to the Congress a report discussing whether the number of personnel of Soviet state trading enterprises in the United States should be reduced. Title II: Improving State Department Personnel Practices and Organization to Counter Hostile Intelligence Threats - Requires the Secretary of State to require periodic counterintelligence scope polygraph interviews of the Diplomatic Security Service. Requires the Secretary to develop and implement a special personnel security program for personnel of the Department of State assigned to U.S. diplomatic and consular posts in high intelligence threat countries who are responsible for security at those posts and for any individuals performing guard functions at those posts. Requires the Secretary to convene an Accountability Review Board in any case of a serious breach of security involving intelligence activities of a foreign government directed at a U.S. mission abroad. Prohibits, after September 30, 1989, employment of any national of a Communist country as a foreign national employee at U.S. diplomatic and consular missions in any Communist country. Exempts from such prohibition any foreign national employee who is not permitted access to: (1) U.S. Embassy or consulate grounds, vehicles, or buildings located in the compound of the Embassy or consulate; and (2) the residence, wherever located, of the chief of mission or the deputy chief of mission. Expresses the willingness of the Congress to provide additional funds to the Department of State for the expenses of employing U.S. citizens to replace foreign nationals dismissed as a result of such prohibition. Requires the Secretary to terminate the retirement benefits of foreign national employees who the Secretary reasonably believes engaged in intelligence activities directed against the United States. Allows the Secretary to waive such requirement on a case-by-case basis if he determines that it is vital to U.S. national security to do so and reports such waiver in advance to the appropriate committees of the Congress. Requires the Secretary to submit to the Congress a report discussing the advisability of employing foreign nationals at foreign service posts abroad. Establishes within the Department of State the position of Under Secretary of State for Security, Communications, Construction, and Missions. Provides that such Under Secretary shall be responsible for: (1) the Bureau of Diplomatic Security; (2) the Office of Communications; (3) the Office of Foreign Buildings; and (4) the Office of Foreign Missions. Replaces the current position of Director of the Office of Foreign Missions with the position of Assistant Secretary of State for Foreign Missions. Title III: Additional Measures to Protect Against Hostile Intelligence Threats - Authorizes additional appropriations for the Department of State to carry out the diplomatic security program. Requires the Secretary of State to conduct periodic surveys to determine the weaknesses in the programs, practices, and procedures for protecting classified information at U.S. diplomatic and consular posts, giving priority attention to posts in Communist countries. Amends the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 to prohibit the acquisition of real property by or on behalf of the foreign mission of an unfriendly country if: (1) in the judgment of the Secretary of Defense, the acquisition of that property might improve the capability of that country to intercept communications involving U.S. diplomatic, military, or intelligence matters; or (2) if in the judgment of the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the acquisition of that property might improve the capability of that country to engage in intelligence activities directed against the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1987
Amends the Clean Air Act to limit permit terms for new major stationary sources of pollutants in nonattainment areas, requiring compliance with the expiring conditions and with the lowest achievable emission rate determined at the time of reissuance.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1987
Higher Education Prepayment Tax Act of 1987 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide an income tax exclusion for the value of any benefits covering tuition and related expenses and reasonable living expenses while away from home when such benefits are provided in accordance with a qualified prepaid college education contract, except for payments by an employer under such a contract. Defines eligible contracts as those between a payor and either a State or one or more institutions of higher education under which: (1) educational benefits are provided to eligible beneficiaries enrolled in certain undergraduate or vocational courses in pursuit of a degree or certificate; and (2) all payments made by the payor must be deposited into a prepaid college education trust created by a State or by one or more qualified institutions of higher education for the exclusive purpose of funding benefits under such contracts.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1987
Amends the Consumer Product Safety Act with regard to the definition of the term "consumer product" to remove the exception excluding tobacco and tobacco products.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1987
Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to grant special immigrant status to an alien service member or veteran who has served honorably in the U.S. armed forces for four years, and to any accompanying spouse and children.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1987
Star Schools Program Assistance Act - Amends the Education for Economic Security Act to add a title establishing a star schools program. Cites the new title as the Star Schools Program Assistance Act. Empowers the Secretary of Education to make demonstration grants of up to a fiscal year maximum of $20,000,000 per grant to eligible telecommunications partnerships for the development, construction, and acquisition of telecommunications facilities and equipment and for technical assistance. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1988 through 1992, subject to fiscal year limitations. Mandates that at least 50 percent of funds under this Act for any fiscal year be used for the cost of facilities, equipment, teacher training or retraining, technical assistance, or programming for certain local educational agencies. Sets forth eligibility criteria to identify eligible telecommunications partnerships, which must be organized on a statewide or multistate regional basis and be either: (1) a public agency or corporation established to provide education-related telecommunications networks to certain educational or health institutions or to industries; or (2) a partnership that will provide a telecommunications network and whose membership includes certain specified educational entities (especially elementary and secondary schools eligible for funds under title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 or such eligible schools operated by the Department of the Interior for Indian children) or public or private organizations experienced with telecommunications. Authorizes eligible partnerships to submit a grant application: (1) describing the telecommunications facilities, equipment, and technical assistance for which aid is being sought; (2) demonstrating that the services offered will increase the availability of courses of instruction in mathematics, science, and foreign languages; (3) describing teacher training policies to be implemented to ensure the effective use of the relevant facilities; (4) providing assurances that the financial interest of the United States in the telecommunications facilities and equipment will be protected for their useful life; (5) assuring that a significant portion of the facilities, equipment, technical assistance, and programming will be made available within local educational agencies having a high percentage of educationally deprived students; (6) describing how traditionally underserved students will participate in the benefits of such technology; and (7) containing other assurances and information as required by the Secretary. Directs the Secretary, in approving applications, to assure an equitable geographic distribution of grants and to give priority to certain applicants, including those partnerships that: (1) have the capacity to serve the broadest range of targeted institutions; (2) have substantial academic and teaching capabilities; (3) will serve a multistate area; and (4) demonstrate strength in mathematics, science, and foreign language resources which by distribution through the partnership will offer new educational opportunities, especially to traditionally underserved populations and to areas with limited access to such resources; and (5) will meet the needs of individuals traditionally excluded from careers in mathematics and science because of discrimination, inaccessibility, or economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Requires each grantee to report to the Secretary concerning courses and materials to be transmitted by satellite to educational institutions and teacher training centers and to specify the locus and time of such transmissions. Directs the Secretary to: (1) compile and prepare for dissemination a listing and description of the courses and materials submitted by each grantee; and (2) distribute such list to all State educational agencies. Authorizes the Office of Technology Assessment, upon request, to: (1) conduct a thorough evaluation of the use of the telecommunications system supported by the grants awarded under this Act and report to the Congress on such evaluation; and (2) study and evaluate the cost of designing, building, and launching a satellite for educational purposes, including an analysis of potential users' ability to repay such costs. Requires a report to the Congress if such study indicates that potential users would be able to repay such costs within ten years.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1987
Designates the week of November 22 through November 28, 1987, as National Adoption Week.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1987
Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to exempt from the English language naturalization requirement permanent residents over 65 years old who have lived in the United States for at least five years.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1987
Amends the Federal criminal code with respect to the special forfeiture of collateral profits of crime to remove the requirement that the underlying offense result in physical harm to an individual.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1987
Honors the late Portuguese diplomat, Dr. Aristides de Sousa Mendes do Amarel e Abranches, for his extraordinary acts of mercy and justice during World War II.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1987
Amends Federal veterans' benefits provisions to direct (current law authorizes) the Administrator of Veterans Affairs to pay travel expenses of certain veterans and their eligible dependents to or from a Veterans Administration facility or other authorized place in connection with rehabilitation, counseling, or medical treatment or care. Defines those veterans entitled to such payment, including: (1) those veterans financially unable to meet such travel costs; and (2) those veterans unable to bear the cost of special transportation necessitated due to a medical disability. Limits such payments in the case of travel by a privately-owned vehicle to the cost of similar public transportation for such travel. Limits such payment to the actual cost incurred for such travel.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1987
Reclamation States Ground Water Protection and Management Act of 1987 - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to publish criteria for assessing the adequacy of groundwater protection and management programs of the Reclamation States (Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming). Requires to include programs to protect the integrity of such resources, programs for mapping and classifying aquifer systems, and monitoring programs. Directs the Secretary to identify Reclamation States with significant groundwater problems and assess the adequacy of their protection and management programs. Requires the Secretary to make public both the criteria developed and the States identified. Prohibits the development of a reclamation project in an identified State unless such State has an approved program. Authorizes States to revise Secretary-approved programs, subject to the Secretary's approval. Directs the Secretary to review such programs periodically, notifying a State of any intention to withdraw approval. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress on what assistance the U.S. Geological Survey Cooperative Research Program can provide States in developing groundwater protection and management programs.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1987
Restores, on an interim basis, certain recently amended procedures for determining the maximum attorney's fees which may be awarded to representatives of Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance (title II of the Social Security Act) claimants for services rendered before the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Directs the Secretary to conduct a study and report to the Congress regarding procedures for determining such fees.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1987
Designates the week of April 24 through April 30, 1988, as National Eating Disorders Awareness Week.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1987
Authorizes and directs the President to call on representatives of the broadcasting industry, in cooperation with public health organizations, to provide free air time to private and government organizations for antismoking public service announcements which educate the public about the dangers of cigarette smoking.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1987
Designates October 1987 as Polish American Heritage Month.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1987
Designates the week beginning on the third Sunday of September 1987 and 1988 as National Adult Day Care Center Week.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1987
Economic Diversification Act - Title I: Defense Economic Diversification-Adjustment Council - Establishes in the Executive Office of the President the Defense Economic Diversification-Adjustment Council (Council) in the interest of: (1) assisting affected persons in defense-dependent communities to make plans for nondefense economic alternatives to minimize dislocation in the event of a closure of a military installation or cancellation of a major defense contract; (2) providing incentives for business, industry, and the vocational education community to develop programs to retrain workers affected by such closures or terminations; and (3) notifying communities in advance of anticipated events that will require economic adjustments to nondefense alternatives. Directs the Council, among other things, to: (1) establish within the Executive Office of the President an Office of Economic Diversification-Adjustment to provide staff support for its work; (2) disseminate pertinent information to the appropriate Federal, State, and local authorities and to diversification-alternative use committees; (3) develop and coordinate data relating to defense economic diversification and adjustments; (4) serve as a resource for civilian job information for workers displaced from defense-related employment; (5) prepare and distribute a Diversification and Conversion Guidelines Handbook in accordance with prescribed content specifications outlined in this Act; and (6) make available for appropriate use information with respect to funds that could be used for diversification and conversion planning. Directs the Secretary of Defense to: (1) notify the Council one year in advance of any pending or proposed change in defense spending that would affect employment in the defense industry; and (2) furnish annually to the Council data with respect to future defense spending levels and contract progress. Title II: Community Economic Diversification - Adjustment Program - Directs the Council to establish a grant program to provide funds to be used for: (1) planning for economic diversification or conversion to avoid substantial dislocations; or (2) economic adjustment, in certain cases. Permits the awarding of grants to: (1) any community that is in the process of reducing a heavy dependency on defense-oriented activities or that is substantially affected by the reduction or elimination of Federal defense facilities or curtailment of defense contracts; (2) labor unions, business representatives, and private nonprofit economic development, job training, or education agencies located near or within such communities; and (3) the base management and civilian employees of a Federal military installation being closed or realigned. Directs the Council to establish grant eligibility criteria that will ensure assistance to the most vulnerable communities. Limits a community to a single grant for each major defense contract cancellation or military installation realignment. Instructs the Council to publish semiannually a listing of the currently eligible local government units. Permits any community not on such a listing to petition for inclusion. Requires every grantee to establish a diversification-alternative use committee to: (1) develop and review plans for the economic diversification of the defense-dependent area and for the alternative use of a major defense facility for other activity in the event of a Government decision affecting its continued role in defense; (2) review the industry-education partnership for training and retraining in defense-dependent areas and evaluate the particular manpower, environmental, and economic needs of the particular community; and (3) ensure that proper education and assistance are provided to employees displaced by defense-related facility closings. Sets forth criteria with respect to the contents of diversification and alternative use plans. Title III: Industry-Education Partnership - Amends the Carl D. Perkins Vocational Education Act to establish a program of grants to the States to carry out industry-education partnership vocational education programs designed to train and retrain workers in defense-related facilities or defense-dependent communities to allow them to find nondefense-related employment. Sets forth general guidelines for such grant program. Authorizes the use of grant funds for: (1) necessary administrative costs; (2) the training and retraining of instructional and guidance personnel; and (3) curriculum development and acquisition. Title IV: Miscellaneous - Authorizes FY 1988 through 1990 appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1987
Atomic Safety Act of 1987 - Declares that it is the sense of the Congress that full emergency planning is an essential element of the nuclear enterprise and that no plant should operate without assurance from Federal experts on emergency preparedness that the public health and safety can and will be protected. Prohibits the Nuclear Regulatory Commission from issuing a utilization facility operating license unless the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has issued a finding regarding whether such facility has in place an offsite emergency plan which will provide assurance that the public health and safety will be protected. Revokes upon enactment of this Act any license issued by the Commission that is not based upon such a finding by FEMA.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1987
Federal Accounting Practices Review Commission Act of 1987 - Title I: Title, Statement of Findings, Purpose and Limitations - Declares the reasons for, and purposes of, this Act. Title II: Establishment, Duties, and Membership - Establishes the Federal Accounting Practices Review Commission to: (1) examine and describe the financial management practices of the Federal Government; (2) formulate a financial accounting and management system for Federal agencies; (3) prepare a plan for implementation of such system; and (4) recommend an ongoing method for determining and updating generally accepted accounting principles for the Government. Title III: Administration - Sets forth the administrative staffing, procedures, and powers of the Commission. Requires the Commission to submit a final report to the President and the Congress not later than 18 months after the date of completion of appointments of members to the Commission. Terminates the Commission 30 days after submission of such report. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1987
Directs the Administrator of Veterans Affairs to provide to certain persons who served during the Vietnam era as overseas volunteers a medical examination to determine if such individuals have any adverse health effects as a result of such service due to exposure to phenoxy herbicides or other herbicides. Provides that all individuals eligible for such medical examinations shall also be treated as veterans for purposes of eligibility for veterans' readjustment counseling. Terminates the eligibility for such medical examinations and counseling three years after the enactment of this Act. Requires the President to direct the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, and the Administrator of Veterans Affairs to submit to the appropriate committees of the Congress a joint report on the question of U.S. Government responsibility for providing such volunteer personnel with health care and compensation for disabilities related to their service in Vietnam during the Vietnam era. Requires such report to be submitted to the Comptroller General for review and comments before submission to the Congress. Requires such report to be submitted within one year after the enactment of this Act. Directs the Administrator to determine whether women who served during the Vietnam era as overseas volunteer support personnel have experienced long-term adverse health effects (especially gender-specific adverse health effects) from either traumatic experiences during such service or from exposure to phenoxy herbicides or other chemicals during such service. Directs the Administrator, while making such determination, to consider the results of a similar study required under the Veterans' Health-Care Amendments of 1986, and to submit a report on the results of such study to the Congress not later than one year after the first report required under such Act is submitted.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1987
Designates November 6, 1987, as National Chemistry Day.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1987
Declares that: (1) the Department of State should pursue with the Government of Romania the importance of permitting the reunification of families such as the family of Napoleon Fodor and of respecting the right of individuals to travel or emigrate from Romania; (2) Romania should cease to place barriers against the reunification of families and the right to travel and emigrate; and (3) Romania should give urgent consideration to such matters before the renewal of the Most-Favored-Nation trade status of Romania.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1987
Jobs for Employable Dependent Individuals Act - Amends the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) to entitle each State to the payment of a bonus for the successful job placement of certain employable dependent individuals. Makes the following persons eligible to be counted for an incentive bonus: (1) a head of a household who has received benefits continuously under part A (Aid to Families with Dependent Children) (AFDC) of title IV of the Social Security Act or under cash and medical assistance to refugees under the Immigration and Nationality Act, or a blind or disabled person who has received benefits continuously under title XVI (Supplemental Security Income) (SSI) of the Social Security Act, for at least two years prior to participation in education, training, and support activities designed to provide jobs for such individuals, and who has no work experience for the year preceding the year for which the eligibility determination is made; or (2) a head of a household who receives benefits at the time determination of eligibility is made under AFDC, under cash and medical assistance to refugees, or a blind or disabled individual who receives benefits under the SSI program, who has not attained 22 years of age, has not completed secondary school or its equivalent (except that this does not apply to blind or disabled persons), and has no work experience for the year preceding the year for which the eligibility determination is made. Requires that such individual: (1) participate in education, training, and support activities designed to provide jobs for such individuals; (2) be placed in nonsubsidized employment (or in the case of a blind or disabled individual, in employment or supported employment) for at least one year after such participation; (3) receive from such employment an income equal to or greater than the cash benefits under the relevant aid program; and (4) no longer qualify for such aid benefits. Provides that the amount of the incentive bonus paid to each State will be equal to: (1) 40 percent of the placement bonus base for each successful placement; (2) 50 percent for the second continuous year of such employment; and (3) 60 percent for the third year. Includes in such calculation only placements in excess of those during FY 1986 or another base period agreed upon by the Governor and the Secretary of Labor (Secretary). Sets forth a formula for the determination of the placement bonus base for each category of eligible recipient. Sets forth State application requirements. Requires adequate verification of placements for approval of applications. Directs the Governor to reserve an amount equal to the amount the State receives for incentive bonuses and to: (1) set aside up to 15 percent of the amount so reserved in each fiscal year for distribution to specified participating entities to support the costs of establishing and maintaining systems necessary for the operation of the incentive bonus program; and (2) distribute the remainder to participating agencies, private industry councils in service delivery areas (SDAs), and service providers, including community-based organizations, that contribute to the incentive bonus program. Limits use of these remainder funds to the following activities designed for the job preparation and job placement of participants: (1) outreach; (2) basic and remedial education, including English language training; (3) training and supportive services, including child care; and (4) transportation. Directs the Secretary to evaluate the incentive bonus program and to report the results to the Congress within three years after this Act's enactment. Directs the Secretary and the Secretary of Health and Human Services to issue jointly regulations relating to the safeguarding and sharing, among certain participating entities, of pertinent information concerning programs under the incentive bonus program. Reallots unexpected funds exceeding 20 percent of a State's JTPA fiscal year allocation for certain training services for the disadvantaged, plus any balance from the prior year, to States that did not have such excess funds. Requires the Secretary to reallot such monies in accordance with States' need for the ability to use the funds for the incentive bonus program. Directs the Secretary to: (1) provide improved information and technical assistance on performance standards adjustment approaches; (2) collect data that more adequately identify hard-to-serve individuals and long-term welfare dependency; (3) provide guidance on setting performance goals at a service provider level that encourage increased service to targeted persons; and (4) reexamine performance standards to ensure that they provide maximum flexibility in serving the hard-to-serve, especially long-term welfare recipients. Establishes a basic measure for performance applicable to certain adult education programs. Directs the Secretary to prescribe standards to determine whether the basic measure is being achieved. Lists factors to be included in such standards. Subjects the new programs established under this Act to the JTPA's requirements relating to the submission of a plan, plan review and approval procedures, and performance standards. Requires the Secretary, in prescribing performance standards relating to the placement of certain employable dependent individuals, to weight the placement of such persons in accordance with the average costs of successful placement of such persons compared to the average cost of successful placement of individuals eligible for other specified services for disadvantaged persons.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1987
General Aviation Standards Act of 1987 - Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 (relating to aviation accident investigations) to apply such Act, with specified exceptions, to any action for damages for harm arising out of a general aviation accident brought against a general aviation manufacturer, owner, or operator of a general aviation aircraft, or a person who supports or maintains such aircraft. Establishes guidelines for uniform standards of liability of general aviation manufacturers for general aviation accidents. States that all actions for harm arising out of a general aviation accident shall be governed by the principles of comparative responsibility. Establishes, with specified exceptions, a limitation of actions period of 12 years from delivery of aircraft or harm-causing part to the purchaser for general aviation civil liability brought against a general aviation manufacturer. Declares admissible as evidence certain income tax and payroll tax liability for purposes of establishing financial harm arising out of a general aviation accident. Permits the award of punitive damages if a claimant establishes by clear and convincing evidence that the harm suffered was the direct result of conduct manifesting conscious, flagrant indifference to safety. Establishes a two-year limitation of actions period for actions arising out of a general aviation accident. Confers original jurisdiction upon the Federal district courts, concurrently with State courts, for all civil actions for harm arising out of a general aviation accident. Provides procedures for removal from State to Federal district courts of such actions. Declares that this Act supersedes any State law regarding recovery of damages for harm arising out of a general aviation accident. Declares the intent of the Congress that sanctions be strictly enforced for violations of Rule 11 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, including orders to pay to the other party the reasonable costs of legal fees.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1987
Grants a Federal charter to the Non Commissioned Officers Association of the United States of America, Incorporated.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1987
Designates the Federal building located on Causeway Street, Boston, Massachusetts, as the Thomas P. O'Neill, Jr., Federal Building.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1987
Estuarine and Coastal Waters Study and Protection Act - Directs the Administrators of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to jointly develop and implement a national estuarine and coastal waters program which includes an ongoing evaluation of water quality and resource management, particularly as they have been affected by pollution. Requires such program to provide technical assistance to other government agencies in developing and implementing resource management and water quality projects and strategies. Directs the Administrators to jointly issue regulations identifying functions of their respective agencies and how such functions will be coordinated under the applicable environmental laws. Requires the Administrators to jointly designate one or more centers for estuarine and coastal studies to provide research, information collection and dissemination, educational programs, and technical assistance. Directs the Administrators to report biennially to the Congress on Federal activities undertaken to improve water quality and resource management, a ranking of degraded waters, and a discussion of major pollution problems and the research and management needed. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1987
Provides for the appointment of a delegation of Members of Congress to participate in ceremonies to be held in New York City in April 1989 commemorating the 200th anniversaries of: (1) the implementation of the Constitution as the form of government of the United States; (2) the inauguration of George Washington as the first President; and (3) the proposal of the Bill of Rights as the first ten amendments to the Constitution. Invites the President to join the delegation in participating in the ceremonies.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1987
Declares that: (1) President Alfonsin should be commended for his actions in resolving the recent military unrest in Argentina; and (2) the President of the United States should take all appropriate action to indicate U.S. support for the current democratic regime in Argentina and the principles of a democratic society for the people of Argentina.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1987
Hearing Aid Compatibility Act of 1987 - Requires that all telephones sold, rented, or otherwise distributed in the United States be hearing aid compatible, except telephones that are manufactured before the effective date of this Act or that are not required to be registered with the Federal Communications Commission.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1987
Global Resources, Environment, and Population Act of 1987 - Declares public policy with respect to promoting national population stabilization and encouraging other nations to achieve population stabilization to balance population, resources, and environmental quality. Requires that Federal policies, regulations, and public laws be interpreted and administered in accordance with this Act. Directs Federal agencies to use reliable demographic, natural resource, and environmental information in planning and decisionmaking and to assist State and local governments in efforts to balance population, resources, and environmental quality. Requires Federal agencies to act to eliminate any deficient or inconsistent policy which limits or prevents compliance with this Act. Directs the agencies to recommend to the President and the Congress any administrative or legislative action deemed necessary. Requires the President, within three years of enactment of this Act, to report to the Congress on: (1) the current and foreseeable trends in national and global population size and age structure and consumption patterns, including annual figures on population increases or decreases in each nation and the level of net migration into the United States; (2) an evaluation of the adequacy of available natural resources to fulfill population requirements; (3) an evaluation of the short-term and long-term impact that such trends will have on the economy and national security of the United States; (4) a review of the effects of Federal, State, and local laws, regulations, programs, and activities on the attainment of national and global population stabilization; (5) a detailed demographic analysis of population growth, losses, or shifts in different regions of the United States and their impact on the economy, natural resources, environmental quality, and the provision of public services; (6) any destabilizing impacts which population growth and shifts may have on other nations, particularly the developing nations; (7) a summary of the findings of agency policy reviews; and (8) recommendations for legislative actions as considered necessary.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1987
Amends Federal law regarding railroad line operation and construction to prescribe the contents of a rail carrier's application to the Interstate Commerce Commission (the Commission) for approval of additional railroad line acquisition or construction. Grants affected States a specified time within which to submit a written protest to the Commission. Requires the Commission, upon timely receipt of such protest, to review the proposed transaction in order to determine whether it will serve the public convenience and necessity. Prohibits the Commission from approving the proposed transaction unless the application indicates that the carrier selling the railroad line is required to reacquire and resume common carrier transportation responsibilities over such line if, within two years after sale, the acquiring carrier ceases to provide transportation service. Directs the Commission to determine a fair and reasonable refund to be paid by a carrier reacquiring a line to the carrier which has ceased to provide service. Prohibits the Commission from granting an applicant an exemption from Commission review unless: (1) an application for abandonment of the affected line has been approved; or (2) the length of trackage involved in the transaction is less than 50 miles.