United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1988
Commends the President, Secretary of State, and Administrator of the Agency for International Development for their response to the drought and food emergency in Ethiopia and other nations of sub-Saharan Africa, and urges them to continue efforts to preclude the onset of famine and to ensure the timely delivery of medical and other emergency relief supplies. Declares that: (1) the Government response to these food emergencies should include initiatives to prevent the dislocation of large numbers of persons across national borders and/or into relief camps; and (2) the plight of the refugees or displaced should be addressed by emphasizing the provision of basic human needs, such as food, water, and shelter.
United States · United States Congress · 17 December 1987
Deplores the Soviet Government's active persecution of religious believers in the Ukraine and its forcible liquidation of the Ukrainian Orthodox and Ukrainian Catholic Churches. Sends greetings to the Ukrainian people on the Millennium of Christianity in the Ukraine. Urges the President, the Secretary of State, the U.S. delegation to the United Nations, and the U.S. delegation to the Vienna Review Meeting of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe to continue to speak out forcefully against violations of religious liberty everywhere and, specifically, in the Ukraine. Calls upon the Soviet Government to release all those imprisoned for their religious beliefs. Discourages U.S. officials from attending the commemoration of the Millennium in the Soviet Union so long as individuals remain imprisoned for their religious beliefs and the Ukrainian Catholic and Ukrainian Orthodox churches remain outlawed. Urges the U.S. Government to call on the Soviet Government to ban its prohibition of the Ukrainian Orthodox and Ukrainian Catholic Churches.
United States · United States Congress · 14 December 1987
Freedom Fighter Assistance Act of 1987 - Title I: Findings and Purpose - Finds that the actions of Communist governments have caused massive suffering and tens of millions of deaths, and that indigenous freedom fighter movements around the world are working to rid their countries of Communist governments. Declares that it is the purpose of this Act to establish as U.S. policy the provision of effective military and economic assistance to such movements. Title II: Aid to Freedom Fighters, and United States Relations with Certain Communist Governments - Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to provide military, humanitarian and other forms of assistance to such movements and to coordinate efforts among other nations to provide such assistance. Authorizes the Secretary of State to promote democratic electoral processes, democratic training programs and institution-building, and individual rights and freedoms in countries in which freedom fighter movements deserving of U.S. assistance exist, and to seek to coordinate such efforts among other nations. Bans assistance to any movement demonstrating a consistent pattern of proven gross violations of human rights, unless the assistance will directly benefit the needy people in the country in question. Permits the President to waive such prohibition if he finds that a significant improvement in the movement's human rights record has occurred. Urges the President to consider suspending diplomatic and trade relations with the governments of countries in which such movements exist. Requires that the Secretary of Defense annually transmit to the Congress: (1) a report on the degree to which freedom fighter movements receiving assistance under this Act respect and observe internationally recognized human rights; and (2) a report on the number of Soviet and Soviet-bloc personnel stationed in other countries, as well as the amount and type of Soviet assistance provided to those countries. Permits the Secretary to submit both a classified and nonclassified version. Authorizes appropriations. Leaves open the possibility of alternative means of assistance. Title III: Revising the Conditions for United States Assistance to Communist Governments - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to permit a waiver of the prohibition against the provision of U.S. assistance to a Communist country if the President finds and reports to the Congress that the government of the recipient country is making substantial progress toward: (1) holding free and fair elections; (2) ceasing maintenance of a centrally planned economy based on principles of Marxism-Leninism; (3) respecting human rights; (4) granting religious freedom; (5) eliminating forced labor; and (6) removing all foreign troops and advisors. Allows each presidential waiver to be applicable for not more than 12 months at a time. Adds the following Communist countries to the list of nations classified as countries under such Act: Guyana; Afghanistan; Laos, Ethiopia; South Yemen; Angola; Benin; Cambodia; Congo; Mozambique; Nicaragua; and Suriname. Amends the Export-Import Bank Act of 1945 to require that the conditions listed above for a waiver of the prohibition on U.S. assistance to Communist countries also apply with respect to Export-Import Bank assistance. Title IV: Definitions - Defines "freedom fighter movement" as an organization or organizations composed primarily of persons indigenous to a Communist country seeking to overthrow the government of that country, or to make a significant alteration in the policies or structure of such government, and which meets specified conditions. Defines "Communist country."
United States · United States Congress · 11 December 1987
Calls upon the Western European nations that provide assistance to the Sandinista regime in Nicaragua to: (1) affirm their support for the Guatemala accord by withholding all direct assistance to the Sandinistas until they are in full compliance with that accord and democratic institutions are established in Nicaragua; (2) reaffirm their commitment to democratic values by directing their economic assistance to support the democratic governments in Central America and by giving political and financial assistance to non-Marxist groups; and (3) reaffirm their commitment to regional cooperation among democratic institutions by channeling financial assistance to the Central American Bank for Economic Integration and by funding the Central American Development Organization.
United States · United States Congress · 10 December 1987
Amends Federal veterans' benefits provisions to direct the American Battle Monuments Commission to establish a memorial and museum on Federal land in the District of Columbia or its immediate area to honor World War II veterans and to commemorate U.S. participation in that conflict. Directs the Commission to plan, design, construct, and oversee the operation of the memorial and museum. Establishes the World War II Memorial and Museum Advisory Board to: (1) promote the establishment of the memorial and museum and encourage the donation of private funds for construction and maintenance; and (2) recommend the site and select the design for the memorial and museum, subject to the approval of the Commission. Authorizes the Commission to solicit private contributions for such memorial and museum. Authorizes Federal funding, in addition to such private funds, for preparation, planning, establishment, construction, and maintenance of the memorial and museum. Authorizes assistance from specified Federal departments and agencies. Authorizes Federal property to be transferred to the Commission, or authorizes the Commission to purchase suitable property within the District of Columbia for the establishment of such memorial and museum.
United States · United States Congress · 8 December 1987
Expresses the sense of the Congress that, in celebration of the millennium of the Christianization of Kievan-Rus', the Soviet Union should: (1) comply with its international obligations and allow Christians to practice their faith without harassment; (2) grant a general amnesty for all Christians who have been imprisoned because of their religious beliefs; (3) allow religious believers to practice their faith freely; (4) permit unlimited publication, distribution, and importation of religious materials; and (5) allow closed churches to reopen, new churches to be built, and theological seminaries to open or expand.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 1987
Dwight David Eisenhower Commemorative Coin Act of 1987 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue not more than a specified number of one dollar silver coins in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the birth of Dwight David Eisenhower. Sets forth certain features of such coins and provides for their design, issuance, and sale. Terminates the minting of the coins after December 31, 1990. Requires the Secretary to deposit in the Treasury all surcharges received from the sale of the coins, to be used to reduce the national debt.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 1987
Antiterrorism and Arms Export Amendments Act of 1987 - Amends the Arms Export Control Act to prohibit the U.S. Government and U.S. persons from exporting or facilitating the export of any munitions item to any country which: (1) has repeatedly provided support for international terrorism; or (2) grants sanctuary from prosecution to any individual or group which has committed an act of international terrorism. Authorizes the President to waive such prohibition upon making specified certifications. Imposes criminal penalties for willful violations of such prohibition. Imposes civil penalties for violations of such prohibition and provides for enforcement of such civil penalties. Requires that the possibility of supporting international terrorism shall be a consideration in the issuance of arms export licenses or in arms sales. Amends the Export Administration Act of 1979 to provide that a validated license shall be required for the export of goods or technology to a country if the Secretary determines that: (1) such country grants sanctuary to or has repeatedly provided support for acts of international terrorism; and (2) such exports would contribute to the military potential of such country, would be destined to a military end-user or for military end use in such country, or would enhance the ability of such country to support acts of international terrorism. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to prohibit the provision of any assistance under such Act, the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954, the Peace Corps Act, or the Export-Import Bank Act to any country which the Secretary determines: (1) has repeatedly provided support for international terrorism; or (2) grants sanctuary from prosecution to any individual or group which has committed an act of international terrorism. Authorizes the President to waive such prohibition upon making specified certifications. Prohibits rescinding a determination that a country supports international terrorism, unless the Secretary of State, at least 90 days before the rescission would take effect, certifies to the Congress that: (1) the country has not provided support for international terrorism for the preceding six months; and (2) the country has made explicit assurances that it will not support international terrorism in the future. Amends the Arms Export Control Act and the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to require the President to notify the Congress of third country transfers of items: (1) sold under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program; (2) exported pursuant to a munitions license; or (3) provided under the Military Assistance Program (MAP). Directs the President to include in required quarterly reports to the Congress concerning military exports a listing of all defense articles or defense services transferred by the Department of Defense to other agencies of the U.S. Government. Prohibits the transfer of any munitions item by the U.S. Government to any foreign country, group, or person under the authority of a presidential determination that such a transfer is important to the national security of the United States as a significant anticipated intelligence activity, unless the President notifies certain congressional committees of such a transfer in accordance with the procedures set forth in the National Security Act of 1947 for the reporting of any intelligence activities. Revises requirements for reporting the use of foreign assistance funds where it is inadvisable to specify the nature of the use of such funds to require that such a report be transmitted to the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives rather than to the Speaker of the House. Amends the Hostage Act to specify that the President may not use any means otherwise prohibited by law in attempting to cause the release of U.S. citizens imprisoned by foreign governments. (Current law specifies that the President may not use any means amounting to acts of war.)
United States · United States Congress · 17 November 1987
Raoul Wallenberg Monument Resolution - Authorizes the Raoul Wallenberg Tribute Committee to establish a monument to honor Raoul Wallenberg on Federal land in the District of Columbia or its environs. Prohibits the United States from paying any expense of the establishment of the monument.
United States · United States Congress · 10 November 1987
Authorizes the Vietnam Women's Memorial Project, Inc., to establish a commemorative statue within the Vietnam Veterans Memorial to recognize and honor the women of the U.S. armed forces who served in the Vietnam war. Expresses the sense of the Congress that after the addition of such statue, no further commemorative works should be added to the Memorial. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to select a site for the statue within the Memorial. Makes the design proposal subject to the approval of the Secretary and the National Capital Planning Commission. Prohibits the United States and the District of Columbia from paying any expense of establishing the statue.
United States · United States Congress · 10 November 1987
Authorizes the President to prohibit the importation of all products which are grown, produced, or manufactured in Afghanistan and exported by the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan or any faction supported by the Soviet Union. Authorizes the President to prohibit the exportation of any goods or technology for the benefit of, or use by, such groups. Requires the President to take action to prohibit such trade within 45 days or to submit a report to the Congress stating why such action has not been taken.
United States · United States Congress · 10 November 1987
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President, the Secretary of State, and the Permanent Representative of the United States to the United Nations should be commended for, and should continue, their efforts to place Cuba on the human rights agenda of the United Nations. Commends specified countries for their votes in favor of considering human rights violations in Cuba. Urges specified countries to reconsider their positions with respect to this issue. Urges the United States to: (1) take the votes into account in determining U.S. bilateral and other assistance to all countries which are members of the United Nations Human Rights Commission; and (2) continue to emphasize how other countries vote on fundamental issues, such as human rights, in determining financial support for the United Nations and for the Commission. Urges the Commission to include among the highest priorities of its human rights agenda at its 44th session in Geneva, Switzerland, in 1988, consideration of human rights violations in Cuba.
United States · United States Congress · 5 November 1987
Urges Nicaragua to fulfill its commitments under the August 7, 1987, Central American Peace Agreement through: (1) democratization, to include actions such as lifting the state of emergency, reinstating due process and fair trials, ending torture, ensuring freedom of religion, and ensuring the rights of all Nicaraguans, including campesinos, Indians, and Creoles; (2) national reconciliation and cessation of hostilities, including negotiations with the Nicaraguan resistance; and (3) amnesty for political prisoners and armed opposition to the Government.
United States · United States Congress · 30 October 1987
Expresses the sense of the Congress that before November 18, 1987, the Secretary of State should inform the Soviet Government that the United States supports the right of the Latvian people to peacefully assemble to commemorate important dates in their history and should urge the Soviet Government to: (1) allow the Latvian people to publicly commemorate November 18, the anniversary of the founding of the independent Republic of Latvia, without reprisal; (2) allow the Western media access to Riga, Latvia, to report on that day's events; (3) halt harassment of Latvian human rights groups; and (4) release all Latvian prisoners of conscience, including human rights activists Linards Grantins and Gunars Astra, before such date. Urges the President to direct U.S. Government agencies to closely monitor the events of November 18, and to send an appropriate representative to observe that day's events. Urges the President and the Secretary to raise the issue of human rights and self-determination in the Baltic states during the next U.S.-Soviet summit.
United States · United States Congress · 29 October 1987
Designates the week beginning September 11, 1988, as Total Education Awareness Week, recognizing that the educational experience should address the total needs of children, including their intellectual, psychological, social, and physical needs.
United States · United States Congress · 28 October 1987
Authorizes the President, on behalf of the Congress, to present a gold medal to Mrs. William J. Casey in recognition of the dedicated public service of her late husband, William J. Casey, the former director of the Central Intelligence Agency. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to provide for the sale of bronze duplicates of the medal.
United States · United States Congress · 27 October 1987
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend the ten percent energy investment tax credit for geothermal property from December 31, 1988, until July 31, 1991.
United States · United States Congress · 22 October 1987
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) Nicaragua should undertake specified reforms, such as reinstating due process and fair trials, ending torture, conducting free elections, allowing an uncensored free press, ensuring the right to strike and to publish for unions, ceasing attacks against civilians, and ending the forced relocation of Indians and Creoles; and (2) all countries in Central America should continue to work toward achieving the democratic principles and processes specified in the August 7, 1987, Central American peace accord.
United States · United States Congress · 21 October 1987
Video Privacy Protection Act of 1987 - Amends the Federal criminal code to make any person who wrongfully discloses video tape rental or sale records liable for civil damages.
United States · United States Congress · 21 October 1987
Recommends that the Government lend support to efforts to overturn United Nations General Assembly Resolution 3379 (XXX), which equates Zionism with racism.
United States · United States Congress · 20 October 1987
Declares congressional support for the President's policy of protecting freedom of navigation in the Persian Gulf and restoring the peace and security of the region through continued diplomatic initiatives, cooperation with U.S. allies in the region, and appropriate military actions. Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) U.S. armed forces in the Gulf should continue to have the authorization to respond expeditiously in a defensive manner to military actions which immediately threaten the safety of U.S. personnel, shipping under the U.S. flag, and other U.S. interests; and (2) the President should continue to consult the leadership of the Congress to the maximum extent practicable before authorizing military responses to attacks in the Gulf and should report to the Congress in a timely manner on incidents involving U.S. forces in the Gulf.
United States · United States Congress · 14 October 1987
Redefines "eligible veterans" for purposes of determining eligibility as a Vietnam veteran for educational assistance to include any individual who had commenced the third academic year as a cadet or midshipman at one of the service academies before January 1, 1977, if the individual: (1) graduated from such academy; (2) served on active duty for more than 180 days after graduation; and (3) was discharged or released from active duty under conditions other than dishonorable. Sets forth provisions governing the transition to such educational assistance program for veterans enrolled in the educational assistance program for post-Vietnam era veterans. Requires an eligible veteran electing to make such transition to file such election with the Veterans Administration before the expiration of the G.I. Bill.
United States · United States Congress · 14 October 1987
Calls upon the Government of the Soviet Union to: (1) grant to all those who wish to join spouses in the United States permission to emigrate with their family members to the United States; and (2) give special consideration to such cases that have remained unresolved for many years.
United States · United States Congress · 14 October 1987
Requires the Clerk of the House of Representatives and the Secretary of the Senate, jointly and every 30 days, to determine the aggregate amount of expenditures made by the Congress which are attributable to the House Select Committee to Investigate Covert Arms Transactions with Iran and the Senate Select Committee on Secret Military Assistance to Iran. Requires the Clerk and Secretary, in making such determination, to include: (1) all expenditures made by the Select Committees; (2) all expenditures in support of the activities of the Select Committees which have been made by the Architect of the Capitol, the Capitol Police, the Clerk of the House, the Secretary of the Senate, the Congressional Research Service, or any other congressional support entity; (3) the pro rata personnel costs attributable to the time which congressional staff devoted to Select Committee activities; and (4) any other expenditures made by the Congress which are attributable to Select Committee activities. Requires each determination to be made available to the public. Makes this resolution effective until the Clerk and the Secretary report to their respective Houses that no further costs will be incurred which are attributable to the Select Committees.
United States · United States Congress · 13 October 1987
Omnibus Taxpayers' Bill of Rights Act - Requires the Secretary of the Treasury (Secretary) to prepare a statement setting forth in nontechnical terms: (1) the rights and obligations of a taxpayer and of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) during a tax audit; (2) the procedures by which a taxpayer may appeal adverse decisions, prosecute refund claims, and file complaints; and (3) the procedures that the IRS may use in enforcing revenue laws. Directs the Secretary to transmit drafts of such statement to specified congressional committees and to distribute the final statement to all taxpayers receiving annual tax filing forms from the IRS. Requires the IRS, upon taxpayer request, to conduct any interview regarding the determination or collection of any tax at a reasonable time and place convenient to the taxpayer and to the IRS, and to permit the taxpayer, at his or her own expense, to record the interview. Authorizes the IRS interviewer to record such interview if the taxpayer has been given prior notice and is provided, upon request and payment of reproduction costs, with a transcript of the recording. Requires the interviewer to explain to the taxpayer the audit process, including the taxpayer's rights with respect to the process. Requires the Secretary to abate any penalty or interest imposed on any deficiency attributable to erroneous advice in writing given to a taxpayer by an IRS officer or employee in response to such taxpayer's specific inquiry. Authorizes the IRS Ombudsman, upon application filed by a taxpayer, to issue a Taxpayer Assistance Order if, in the determination of the Ombudsman: (1) the taxpayer is suffering or is about to suffer from an unusual or irreparable loss as a result of the manner in which the internal revenue laws are being administered by the Secretary; and (2) the Secretary has failed to carry out any of his or her duties or has violated any provision of law. Allows the terms of a Taxpayer Assistance Order to require the Secretary to release property of the taxpayer levied upon or to cease or refrain from certain actions. Requires the Secretary to obey any Taxpayer Assistance Order issued by the Ombudsman. Directs the Secretary, within 90 days of this Act's enactment, to issue regulations with respect to Taxpayer Assistance Orders, including provisions to assure full, fair, and impartial due process for affected taxpayers. Amends the Inspector General Act of 1978 and other Federal law to establish within the Department of the Treasury an Office of Inspector General. Transfers to such Office the existing audit and investigation units of the Department. Sets forth criteria with respect to: (1) the authority of the Inspector General to conduct an investigation; and (2) the authority of the Secretary in cases of audits or investigations requiring access to information of a sensitive or confidential nature. Allows the Secretary to prohibit investigations under specified circumstances. Restricts disclosure by the Inspector General of tax returns and return information. Prohibits records of tax enforcement results from being used to evaluate certain IRS personnel or to impose or suggest production quotas. Requires district directors to certify compliance with this mandate on a monthly basis. Requires the Secretary to certify that a rule proposed by the IRS is substantially the only alternative that meets the mandate of the relevant statute in order for the rule to be considered an interpretative rule (and thereby not subject to analyses under the Regulatory Flexibility Act). Amends the Regulatory Flexibility Act to require regulatory flexibility analyses to include consideration of both the direct and indirect beneficial and negative effects of a proposed or final rule. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to direct the Secretary, with limited exceptions, to send a preliminary letter of deficiency to a taxpayer prior to the mailing of a deficiency notice. Specifies required contents for tax due notices and deficiency notices, including the basis of the deficiency and a breakdown of the total amount into tax, interest, and penalty. Directs the Secretary, within 90 days of this Act's enactment, to issue regulations requiring all IRS personnel to explain and support their position in assessing any penalties or additions to tax. Requires the Comptroller General to study IRS procedures with respect to such assessments and to present findings to specified congressional committees no later than December 31, 1988. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into a binding agreement with a taxpayer under which the taxpayer may pay tax liability in installments if the Secretary determines that such an agreement will facilitate collection of the liability. Permits the Secretary, after proper notice and a hearing, to modify or annul the agreement upon the finding that the financial condition of the affected taxpayer has significantly changed. Renders such an agreement nonbinding if the taxpayer fails to pay any installment or any other tax liability when due. Extends from ten to 30 days the period between the required notice to a person who neglects or refuses to pay tax liability and a levy on such person's salary, wages, or other property. Specifies information that must be incorporated in such notice, including possible alternative actions and the appropriate appeals procedures. Adds to the circumstances triggering termination of such a levy: (1) an agreement between the taxpayer and the Secretary for payment of the liability; and (2) the Secretary's determination that the taxpayer's financial condition precludes enforceability of the liability. Revises the list of property exempt from levy to: (1) increase the exempt amount permitted for certain personal effects, the property of a business, and wages; (2) add an exemption for certain deposits in qualified institutions; and (3) provide an express exemption, except under limited circumstances specified in this Act, for the taxpayer's principal residence, a motor vehicle used by the taxpayer as the primary means of transportation to work, and any tangible personal property essential to the operation of the taxpayer's business in cases when a levy would prevent the taxpayer from carrying on such business. Prohibits a levy on any property when levy and sales expenses would exceed either the liability for which the levy is made or the fair market value of the levied property. Permits the Secretary to demand surrender of bank accounts only after 21 days in escrow have passed since service of the notice of levy on the accounts. Sets forth situations in which the Secretary must release a levy. Applies to jeopardy levies the administrative and judicial review procedures currently applicable to jeopardy assessments. Permits a taxpayer to bring a civil action against the United States in the Tax Court for judicial review of jeopardy levies and assessments. (Under current law an action for judicial review of jeopardy assessments may be filed only in district court.) Increases the time during which a taxpayer may petition for such review. Describes the jurisdictional requirements to be applied to such actions. Allows an administrative appeal of tax liens. Grants to the Tax Court exclusive jurisdiction to enjoin premature assessments if the taxpayer has filed a timely petition for review. Provides for review of such injunctive orders by the U.S. Court of Appeals. Grants to the Tax Court jurisdiction to enforce payment by the Secretary of refunds of overpayment and interest to taxpayers. Places on the Secretary the burden of proof of justifying any failure to refund, credit, or offset relevant amounts with respect to a taxpayer. Entitles a prevailing taxpayer to: (1) an interest rate of 120 percent of the overpayment rate with respect to refunds; and (2) reasonable litigation costs. Grants to the Tax Court jurisdiction to: (1) review jeopardy assessment sales of assets; and (2) redetermine interest under certain circumstances when a taxpayer claims an overpayment of the interest. Vests in the Tax Court original jurisdiction over any civil action against the Secretary for the recovery of any tax, additions to tax, and penalties with respect to income, estate, gift, and certain excise taxes. Authorizes an award of reasonable litigation costs to the prevailing party in proceedings by taxpayers before the Internal Revenue Service. Permits a taxpayer to bring a civil action in district court for actual damages resulting from the failure of any Federal officer or employee to release a tax lien on the taxpayer's property. Permits a civil cause of action in district court for damages resulting from the careless, reckless, or intentional disregard of internal revenue laws by any Federal officer or employee. Denies damage awards in cases of contributory negligence. Authorizes a damage award, to a $10,000 maximum, to the United States in cases of frivolous or groundless claims by a taxpayer. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to prescribe criminal penalties for: (1) any investigation or surveillance authorized or conducted by an officer or employee of the United States in connection with Federal tax laws that inquires into the beliefs, associations, or activities of any individual or organization; or (2) the maintenance of any records containing information derived from such an investigation. Establishes in the Internal Revenue Service the Office for Taxpayers Services, under the supervision of an Assistant Commissioner of Internal Revenue. Directs this Assistant Commissioner to: (1) be responsible for telephone, walk-in, and educational services, and for the design and production of tax and information forms; and (2) prepare annually, for presentation to specified congressional committees, a joint report (with the Chief Problem Resolution Officer for the IRS) on the quality of taxpayer services.
United States · United States Congress · 13 October 1987
Department of Veterans Affairs Act - Redesignates the Veterans Administration (VA) as the Department of Veterans Affairs (the Department), an executive department within the executive branch of the Government. Provides that the Department shall be headed by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, to be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Designates as other principal officers of the Department the Deputy Secretary, the Chief Medical Director, and the Chief Benefits Director. Provides for the temporary continuation of service of the current Administrator, Deputy Administrator, Chief Medical Director, and Chief Benefits Director of Veterans Affairs. Establishes within the Department eight Assistant Secretaries, each of whom shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, to perform such functions as the Secretary may prescribe. Directs the Secretary to assign to one such Assistant Secretary all functions regarding the National Cemetery System and the State cemetery grant program. Outlines functions which the Secretary shall assign to the Assistant Secretaries. Provides for the temporary continuation of the performance of such functions by present personnel until such functions are assigned to an individual appointed as Assistant Secretary under this Act. Redesignates the current VA's Department of Medicine and Surgery as the Veterans Health Services Administration of the Department. Redesignates the VA's current Department of Veterans Benefits as the Veterans Benefits Administration of the Department, whose primary function shall be to administer nonmedical programs which provide assistance to veterans, their dependents, and their survivors. Establishes within the Department the Office of the General Counsel. Redesignates the current Office of Inspector General of the VA as the Office of Inspector General of the Department. Provides that any references to departments or positions under the current VA system shall be considered to be references to such departments and positions of the Department as modified under this Act. Provides continuing effect of all legal documents, suits, actions, and property and resources of the current VA. Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, after appropriate congressional consultation, to prepare and submit to the Congress proposed legislation containing technical and conforming amendments to reflect the changes made under this Act. Requires such legislation to be submitted no later than six months after the enactment of this Act. Provides that any spending authority of the Department is subject to available amounts as provided in appropriation Acts.
United States · United States Congress · 9 October 1987
Declares that the House of Representatives: (1) honors U.S. firefighters for their efforts and sacrifices during the summer fire season of 1987; (2) commends those who gave their lives and conveys condolences to their families and loved ones; and (3) expresses gratitude to all firefighters who fought to protect lives and land in the western United States.
United States · United States Congress · 8 October 1987
Expresses the sense of the Congress that it opposes efforts to pass Federal or State legislation allowing people to assist others to commit suicide or to promote suicide as a rational solution to certain problems.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1987
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Soviet Union's test of ballistic missiles near Hawaii has increased rather than decreased the risk of nuclear war. Condemns the Soviet Union for its actions regarding such test. Declares that the U.S. Government should officially protest such actions. States that the President should report to the Congress concerning the details of such test, the Soviet explanations offered, steps that will be taken to ensure that such a test will not happen in the future, and what effect an SDI system could have against a missile launched in similar proximity to the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 1987
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that Federal estate and gift taxes should not be changed in order to increase Federal revenues as part of deficit reduction.
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 1987
Declares that the Congress: (1) expresses its solidarity with the citizens of Iran and extends its wish that the people of Iran will soon enjoy an end to the Iran-Iraq war and to internal repression; (2) supports an official U. S. policy of completely halting the shipment of arms to the Government of Iran; (3) urges the President to cooperate with the United Nations to bring about an end to government-sponsored torture in Iranian prisons and to pressure Iran to permit inspection of Iranian prisons by an international delegation; and (4) expresses support for all efforts made through the U.N. Security Council to pressure the Khomeini Government to end the Iran-Iraq war.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 1987
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that colleges and universities should demand drug-free environments on campus and should enforce strict but fair policies to eliminate drug use by students with the support of parents, students, and the community.
United States · United States Congress · 21 September 1987
Requires U.S. coins to be redesigned, at the discretion of the Secretary of the Treasury, over the next six years. Requires the reverse side of the first coin redesigned to commemorate the bicentennial of the U.S. Constitution for a two-year period. Requires that any profits from the sale of uncirculated and proof sets of U.S. coins be deposited in the Treasury and used solely to reduce the national debt.
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 1987
Amends the Internal Revenue Code with respect to the corporate income tax exclusion of contributions to the capital of the taxpayer. Includes as a qualifying contribution any amount of money or property received by a regulated public utility (a utility required to provide electric energy, gas, water, or sewage disposal services) that: (1) is a contribution in aid of construction (as defined by regulations to be promulgated by the Secretary of the Treasury); (2) meets certain expenditure requirements; and (3) is not included in the taxpayer's rate base. Excludes amounts paid as customer connection fees.
United States · United States Congress · 9 September 1987
Amends rule XV of the Rules of the House of Representatives to prohibit the House from passing or adopting any bill or joint resolution, or conference report thereon, making appropriations, providing revenue, or increasing the statutory limit on the public debt except by a rollcall vote.
United States · United States Congress · 7 August 1987
AFDC Employment and Training Reorganization Act of 1987 - Title I: Two-Tier System under AFDC program - Amends part A (Aid to Families with Dependent Children) (AFDC) of title IV of the Social Security Act to establish a two-tier system under which a family applying for or receiving AFDC benefits is assigned to the first tier if it is not a two-parent family and includes a child under six months of age and to the second tier if the family does not qualify for tier-one. Exempts first tier families from this Act's registration, employment, and training requirements. Exempts caretaker relatives, and authorizes the exemption of adolescents, in tier-two families who do not have a high school diploma or its equivalent from such requirements if they participate in a program providing a high-school education or its equivalent. Requires a State plan to deny assistance to an individual under age 18 who is not and has never been married and who is responsible for the care of a dependent child (or is pregnant), unless such individual lives with a parent. Makes such requirement inapplicable if: (1) such individual has no parent who is living and whose whereabouts are known; (2) the health and safety of the child or individual would be jeopardized if such individual lived with the parent; or (3) such individual has not lived at home for at least one year prior to the child's birth or making a claim for AFDC payments. Title II: Comprehensive Employment and Training Program - Requires AFDC applicants and recipients to register with a State agency for employment counseling, training, and assignment. Authorizes AFDC recipients to refuse employment which results in a net loss in their income. Directs each State to: (1) establish a single intake and registration process for AFDC applicants and recipients; and (2) arrange for the participation of AFDC recipients in one or more of the work-related programs established under title IV of the Act or other Federal law, while coordinating such programs to enhance the availability and efficiency of services provided. Authorizes each State to: (1) make an assessment as to whether immediate employment is a realistic possibility or whether training or education is needed to prepare registered applicants and recipients for employment; (2) provide applicants and recipients with counseling regarding their prospects and needs; (3) require AFDC applicants to undertake an immediate program of job search; and (4) develop an employment plan for each AFDC recipient. Requires States to provide AFDC recipients who are assigned to employment, training, or education programs, and applicants who are required to participate in job search, with child care and transportation services, otherwise such applicants and recipients need not participate in such programs. Sets the Federal share of AFDC employment, training, and education costs in excess of FY 1987 costs at 50 percent. Establishes participation standards which require State AFDC employment, training, and education programs to include a specified annual percentage (increasing from 15 percent in FY 1988 to 70 percent in FY 1996 and thereafter) of a State's mandatory AFDC population. Requires 80 percent of such population within the ages of 16 and 18 to be attending school on a full-time basis by FY 1990. Reduces Federal funding for States which fall short of such participation standards. Authorizes appropriations for AFDC employment, training, and education programs. Expresses the congressional intent that such funding be increased after FY 1988 if and to the extent such programs prove successful in reducing welfare dependency. Ensures that each State receive at least as much funds for such programs in FY 1988 and 1989 as it did in FY 1987. Provides that after FY 1989 50 percent of such funds shall be allotted on the basis of a State's share of the total participating AFDC population and 50 percent on the basis of the relative success of each State in placing high-priority AFDC applicants and recipients (high school dropouts, unwed mothers with children under age three, and AFDC recipients under age 22) in school or jobs for six months or more. Requires Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and Guam to each implement a coordinated program of activities affording individuals the opportunity to achieve self-sufficiency through employment. Authorizes appropriations for such programs for each fiscal year after 1987. Makes this Act's registration, employment, and training requirements inapplicable to such territories. Establishes, in the Office of Family Assistance, an Office of Work Programs headed by a Director responsible for overseeing the operation and effectiveness of this Act's employment and training programs. Sets forth recordkeeping and reporting requirements. Authorizes States to add the cash value of food stamps to AFDC payments which are divided by the greater of the Federal or State minimum wage in determining the number of hours a community work experience program participant who is a recipient of such benefits may be required to work. Title III: Certificate System for Child Care - Authorizes States to establish a program providing certificates for child care to families: (1) whose income is less than 150 percent of the Federal poverty level; (2) which have received AFDC benefits within the past three months, but are no longer eligible for such aid because of increased earnings; and (3) which are paying for from ten to 90 percent of the cost of such child care. Limits the applicability of such certificates to the child care necessary to permit their recipients' employment or search for employment. Provides for Federal reimbursement of program costs as though they were costs incurred in providing child care to individuals assigned to an AFDC employment, training, and education program. Requires providers participating in the child care certificate program to be licensed or certified by the State, but certain providers shall be given two years to comply with State licensing or certification requirements. Requires States to disseminate information regarding child care and the certificate program to parents, the public, and child care providers. Limits the certification program's administrative expenses to eight percent of the program costs which are subject to Federal reimbursement. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to withhold Federal payments for certificate program costs upon a State's substantial failure to comply with program requirements. Sets forth reporting requirements. Title IV: Child Support Enforcement Amendments - Amends part D (Child Support and Establishment of Paternity) of title IV of the Social Security Act to direct States to establish binding guidelines for child support award amounts. (Currently, such guidelines need not be binding). Creates a rebuttable presumption that the child support award resulting from the application of such guidelines in a judicial or administrative child support proceeding is correct. Requires States to review and update all child support orders at least once every two years to ensure that they continue to comply with child support award guidelines. Amends part A (General Provisions) of title XI of the Act to authorize up to ten States to carry out demonstration projects which require absent parents who owe child support, but whose income is insufficient to pay such support to participate in an employment or training program. Amends part D of title IV of the Act to require that the names and social security numbers of the father and mother of every child born in a State be recorded on such child's birth certificate. Requires States to adopt certain procedures with regard to paternity determinations and the standard of proof in paternity cases. Takes a State's paternity determinations into account in computing the State child support collection incentive payment. Requires each State to adopt procedures: (1) requiring employers to disclose certain information to the State child support enforcement agency regarding any employee who is under court order to pay child support; and (2) making certain legislation regarding the interstate enforcement of child support effective in the State. Provides that when the State in which the custodial parent resides requests the State in which the absent parent resides to modify a support order, the latter State shall not have jurisdiction to modify any other aspect of the order. Requires that by October 1992 every State have in effect an operational child support management information system. Reduces the Federal share of the costs for such systems. Requires the withholding of child support payments from the non-custodial parent's wages upon the issuance or modification of a child support order unless both parents agree in writing to an alternative arrangement or the parent paying child support posts a bond equal to six months of child support. Requires that the Parent Locator Service and the State agency administering the State child and spousal support plan be given access to all employment security information which is in the possession or control of any Federal or interstate telecommunications network or is available through any other data exchange method, and is to be used for child support enforcement purposes. Directs the Secretary to develop and publish standards within one year of this Act's enactment for the amount of time a State may take to complete each of several actions in child support cases. Penalizes States which fail to comply with such standards. Makes this title's amendments effective one year after this Act's enactment. Directs the Comptroller General to evaluate State implementation of this title's amendments and report to the President and the Congress regarding such evaluation within four years of this Act's enactment. Title V: State Demonstration Programs - Requires States that wish to conduct demonstration programs which include Federal, federally-assisted, or non-Federal public programs designed to alleviate poverty to submit filings regarding such demonstrations to an Interagency Low-Income Opportunity Board which shall select and approve those demonstrations judged worthy of implementation. Sets forth policy goals to be considered by the Board in selecting and evaluating such demonstrations. Directs that special consideration be given to demonstration programs designed to: (1) improve methods of helping welfare recipients achieve economic independence; (2) coordinate employment and training programs currently supported by Federal or State funds; (3) establish paternity and obtain child support orders in AFDC cases for which paternity was not established when the case was opened; (4) facilitate efforts by nongovernmental organizations to help welfare clients achieve economic independence. Requires a Governor or his designee to submit a filing which describes in detail the demonstration program to be conducted, including: (1) employment-related activities required of individuals receiving assistance under the demonstration and the circumstances in which they will not be required to participate in such activities; (2) procedures for determining the initial and continuing eligibility of, and benefits for, individuals and families; (3) a budget setting forth the amounts and sources of funding for the demonstration. Requires each Federal department or agency with responsibility for a program which is included in the demonstration program to make an estimate of Funding which, but for the demonstration, would be available for such programs so that the Chairman may compare State budgetary assumptions with such estimate. Provides that when the amount of Federal funds necessary to carry out the demonstration is less than the amount contained in the budget by reason of the effectiveness of the demonstration in achieving the objectives of this title, the State may use excess Federal funds to improve the demonstration or otherwise benefit individuals and families included in the demonstration. Provides that those within a class eligible to participate in a demonstration shall only be eligible for benefits under a program included in such demonstration. Requires the Board to conduct interim evaluations of, and have States submit annual reports on, demonstrations. Authorizes the submittal of demonstration changes for congressional approval if such changes improve the likelihood of accomplishing this title's objectives and participant benefits are not thereby reduced. Authorizes State Governors or the Chairman of the Board to terminate the demonstration (upon giving the Chairman or Governor at least three months advance notice) if the interests of the Federal Government, the State, or the participating individuals would be better served by returning to the separate conduct of the included programs. Requires a Governor, within six months of the completion of a demonstration, to submit a final report on such demonstration to the Board. Directs the Chairman to report annually to the Congress on demonstrations. Directs the Board, after selecting and approving demonstration programs in accordance with criteria it establishes, to prepare a single demonstration proposal containing all information pertinent to the programs selected. Provides that the proposal shall be submitted to the Congress and become effective unless the Congress passes legislation modifying or rejecting the proposal within 60 days after its submission by the Board. Title VI: Evaluation of Employment and Training Programs and State Demonstration Programs - Directs the Secretary to convene an Interagency Panel within three months of this Act's enactment which shall design, implement, and monitor a series of studies assessing the methods and effects of the programs initiated under titles II and V of this Act. Requires the Panel to select an advisory board of not more than 12 members, within six months of this Act's enactment, to provide the Panel with advice and counsel on all aspects of its operation. Requires the Panel to ensure that a study of child care during the welfare-to-work transition period is conducted during the first three years of its operation. Sets forth Panel reporting requirements. Authorizes appropriations for the Panel. Title VII: Miscellaneous and Related Provisions - Authorizes the Secretary to approve a five-year demonstration project testing Washington State's Family Independence Program as an alternative to the AFDC program.
![Official portrait of Rep. Badham, Robert E. [R-CA-40]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/b000024_200.jpg)