United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1987
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Japanese should: (1) lower their high tariffs and remove quotas on U.S. agricultural products; and (2) take such actions to avoid damage to the relations between the two countries.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 1987
Declares that the Congress recognizes and supports efforts to develop the National Purple Heart Museum in Enfield, Connecticut, and encourages the people of the United States to participate in the development of such museum.
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 · 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
Worker Protection Act of 1987 - Amends the National Labor Relations Act to require the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) to revoke the exclusive bargaining status of any labor organization that is found either to engage in or to encourage the use of violence. Prohibits the NLRB from issuing an order directing reinstatement of any employee whose past or present conduct displays violence that would be an unfair labor practice if carried on by a labor organization. Includes among the unfair labor practices of a labor organization any interference with employees exercising their statutory rights. Provides for investigations and injunctive relief in cases of labor organizations' unfair labor practices involving violence, as long as a petition for such relief is filed within seven days of the filing of the unfair labor practice charge. Directs the NLRB to order awards of treble backpay and special damages to employees suffering loss of wages and other damages as a result of violent conduct qualifying as an unfair labor practice.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1987
Establishes congressional procedures for consideration of special messages submitted by the President proposing to rescind all or part of any item of appropriation provided in an approved appropriation bill.
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
Davis-Bacon Reform Act of 1987 - Amends the Davis-Bacon Act to increase from $2,000 to $250,000 the threshold amount subjecting certain contracts to such Act and requiring them to specify the minimum wages to be paid to laborers and mechanics. Directs the Secretary of Labor to establish as the prevailing wage for a class of laborers or mechanics the entire range of wages being paid to a corresponding class of such workers in the particular urban or rural subdivision of the State in which the work is to be performed. Sets out the means for determining such prevailing wage in cases when more than a single wage is being paid to corresponding classes of workers. Excludes from the computation of wages the basic hourly rates of pay for workers on local Federal projects. Establishes a separate classification for helpers of laborers or mechanics, with their prevailing wages to be determined on the basis of the corresponding class of helpers. Prohibits the division of contracts into units of $250,000 or less for purposes of avoiding wage computation under such Act. Directs the Secretary of Labor and the U.S. Comptroller General to submit to the Congress annual reports describing the effects of the Davis-Bacon Act, the Copeland Act, and this Act on local wages and on local and national economies. Amends the Copeland Act to require certain contractors or subcontractors to furnish compliance statements concerning weekly wages at the beginning, midpoint, and conclusion of the period covered by the contract, instead of every week as the wages are paid.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1987
Los Angeles and San Diego Basins Air Safety Enhancement Act of 1987 - Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to require the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration to prescribe regulations requiring the operation of altitude-encoding transponders on civil aircraft operating in the Los Angeles and San Diego Basin areas and other areas designated as having sufficient air traffic density to justify such transponder requirement. Sets the applicability date for such regulations at no later than one year from enactment of this Act. Expresses the sense of the Congress that specified business and governmental entities should seek certain cost-lowering measures to expedite the installation of altitude-encoding transponders on civil aircraft.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1987
Makes funds available from the contingent fund of the House of Representatives for a voluntary controlled substances testing program for Members, officers, and employees of the House of Representatives.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1987
Amends the Public Health Service Act to prohibit the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control, from making certain grants regarding acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), under existing provisions of such Act, to a public entity established by a State which does not by law require testing for the etiologic agent for AIDS of any individual who: (1) is receiving medical treatment for any venereal disease; (2) is between 15 and 49 years of age and is admitted to any hospital; (3) applies for a marriage license; or (4) is convicted of prostitution or the intravenous use of any drug.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1987
AIDS Confidentiality and Accountability Act of 1987 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to prohibit the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control, from making certain grants regarding acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), under existing provisions of such Act, to a public entity established by a State which does not by law require: (1) physicians and medical technicians to report to the appropriate State health authorities the name and address of any individual infected with the etiologic agent for AIDS; and (2) such reporting to be carried out in accordance with State laws regulating the confidentiality of records regarding individuals with sexually transmitted diseases.
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 · 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
Directs the head of each Federal department or agency holding records relating to sightings of U.S. military personnel in Southeast Asia since 1973 to make available to the public, within 30 days after the enactment of this Act, all such records. Provides exceptions to such disclosures for information revealing intelligence sources and methods or the names of such personnel.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1987
Budget Process Reform Amendments of 1987 - Title I: Amendments to House Rules - Amends the Rules of the House of Representatives to require, for the consideration of any resolution reported from the Committee on Rules which waives any provision of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974, that the Committee report contain explanations, justifications, and cost estimates of the provisions to which each such waiver applies. Requires a separate vote on each such waiver. Prohibits the inclusion of extraneous matters in reconciliation measures. Limits the spending levels for short-term continuing appropriations measures (those effective for 30-days or less). Subjects long-term continuing appropriations measures to the same prohibitions on legislation and unauthorized provisions that apply to general appropriations bills. Requires a three-fifths' vote of the House to waive points of order against provisions in a continuing resolution not previously adopted by the House. Title II: Budget Act Amendments - Extends the point of order prohibiting the consideration of legislation that exceeds various spending limits to include budget outlays. Prohibits the consideration of any appropriations bills until all appropriations bills are reported from the Committee on Appropriations. Amends the Impoundment Control Act of 1974 to grant the President special rescission authority over long-term continuing appropriations measures that cover two or more regular appropriations bills. Title III: Restoration of Automatic Sequestration - Deficit Reduction Commission Act of 1987 - Amends the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act) to establish the Commission on Deficit Reduction which shall: (1) review and consider reports issued by the Director of the Office of Management and Budget and the Director of the Congressional Budget Office under such Act; (2) issue reports to the President and the Congress estimating the budget base levels of total revenues and total budget outlays for each fiscal year; (3) state whether there is a deficit for each fiscal year in excess of the permissible maximum deficit amount; (4) specify the amounts by which the deficit must be reduced to eliminate such excess deficit; and (5) perform other responsibilities required of the Commission under such Act. (Substitutes the Commission for the Comptroller General in the sequestration process.) Terminates the Commission on September 30, 1991.
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 · 22 April 1987
Designates the week beginning August 2, 1987, as International Special Olympics Week and designates August 3, 1987, as International Special Olympics Day.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1987
Declares that the Congress strongly supports: (1) the Special Programme on AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome) established by the World Health Organization; and (2) coordination of relevant U.S. agencies with the World Health Organization in its effort to combat the AIDS disease.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1987
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that an adequate level of funding should be authorized for vocational education programs for FY 1988 and that funds should not be rescinded from the 1987 appropriation for basic vocational education grants.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1987
Calls upon the House of Representatives to resist all attempts to deny the income tax home mortgage interest deduction to any taxpayer whose home is a boat.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1987
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the member nations of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) should: (1) negotiate further reductions in tariffs and strengthen the rules governing nontariff barriers; (2) establish rules governing the use of safeguard actions (including voluntary restraint agreements and marketing arrangements) to ensure that such actions contribute to trade adjustment without shifting the burden to other trading countries; (3) develop rules governing agricultural trade (including the elimination of export subsidies and barriers to agricultural markets) and foreign investment; (4) establish enforceable mechanisms for the protection of intellectual property; and (5) strengthen and streamline the GATT dispute settlement procedures.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1987
Makes permanent the income tax credit for qualified research expenditures by repealing the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code that would terminate such credit for expenses incurred or paid after 1988.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1987
Indochinese Refugee Resettlement and Protection Act of 1987 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to establish a specific time period in which the President must consult with the Congress regarding emergency refugee admissions. States that the Secretary of State shall have sole authority to admit certain South Asian refugees. Prohibits denial of refugee status to aliens who are otherwise eligible for immigrant classification. Allocates a specified number of FY 1988 through 1990 refugee admissions for: (1) East Asians; and (2) the Orderly Departure Program (from Vietnam). Expresses the sense of the Congress that under the leadership of the United States renewed efforts should be made to settle Indochinese refugees who have lived in camps for at least three years. Allocates specified numbers of FY 1988 through 1990 East Asian entries for: (1) persons who have lived in refugee camps for at least three years; and (2) other camp residents. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to allocate specified amounts from FY 1988 and 1989 authorizations for education, economic, and military training border projects in Thailand. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the international community should increase efforts to protect Indochinese refugee camps in Thailand from cross-border attacks, and that international personnel should be present on a 24-hour-a-day basis at camp "Site 2" in Thailand.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1987
Amends the Powerplant and Industrial Fuel Use Act of 1978 to repeal prohibitions against the use of natural gas or petroleum as a primary energy source in new and existing electric powerplants and major fuel-burning installations. Applies the provisions of this Act only to the contiguous 48 States and the District of Columbia. Prohibits the construction or operation of any new electric powerplant as a base load powerplant without the capability to use coal or another alternate fuel as a primary source. States that an electric powerplant has the capability to use coal or another alternate fuel if: (1) it has sufficient inherent design characteristics to permit the addition of equipment necessary to render it capable of using coal or another alternate fuel as its primary energy source; and (2) it is not technologically or structurally precluded from using coal or another alternate fuel as its primary energy source. Makes the coal utilization requirements inapplicable to peakload powerplants or to intermediate load powerplants. Requires the owner or operator of any new baseload electric powerplant proposing to use natural gas or petroleum as its primary energy source to certify to the Secretary of Energy prior to construction or operation that such powerplant has the requisite coal-using capability. States that any permanent exemption from the proscription against the construction of new electric powerplants without coal or alternate fuel capability shall not take effect until all approvals required by State regulatory authorities relating to construction have been obtained.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1987
National Professional Liability Reform Act of 1987 - Establishes a program to provide development and incentive grants to States for enacting medical malpractice liability reforms. Sets forth the reforms which must be in effect for States to receive incentive grants, including: (1) requiring that future damage awards exceeding $100,000 be made by periodic payments; (2) limiting damages for noneconomic losses to $250,000; and (3) requiring that attorney fees be in accordance with a provided schedule. Allows the Secretary of Health and Human Services to require additional or alternative reforms. Requires each State receiving an incentive grant to prepare and transmit a report to the Secretary every two years describing: (1) State liability reforms enacted, adopted, or in effect; (2) activities conducted by the State with grants received under this Act; and (3) any current problems with respect to health care professional liability or health care professional liability insurance. Requires the Secretary to transmit periodic reports to the Congress summarizing the information provided by the States. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1987
World War I Veterans' Service Pension Act - Directs the Administrator of Veterans Affairs to pay a monthly pension of $150 to each veteran of World War I who meets specified service requirements. Requires such veteran, if receiving another pension administered by the Veterans Administration (VA), to elect which pension he will receive. Provides for the payment of a monthly pension of $100 to surviving spouses of World War I veterans who meet certain marriage requirements. Requires such surviving spouses to choose between pensions if they are currently receiving another pension through the VA.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1987
Product Liability Act of 1987 - Sets forth uniform national standards for products liability cases. Preempts inconsistent Federal and State laws. Permits actions under this Act to be brought in State court or Federal court if the United States is a party or diversity jurisdiction exists. Prohibits recovery for other than commercial loss or damage to the product itself, except as otherwise provided in this Act. Sets forth basic standards of responsibility for manufacturers and product sellers. Establishes rules relating to proof in products liability cases with respect to Government standards and contract specifications. Prohibits admission of postmanufacturing improvements except for the purpose of impeaching a witness where the product seller denies the feasibility of such improvements. Allows a manufacturer to introduce certain precautionary measures. Provides that all product liability actions shall be governed by the principles of comparative responsibility. Specifies the manner in which damages are to be apportioned. Provides that comparative damages apply only to compensatory damages. Requires the reduction of any damage award by the amount of workers' compensation benefits which are paid. Makes a product seller who acted with flagrant indifference to consumer safety, where the act was an extreme departure from accepted practice, liable for punitive damages. Establishes a two-year statute of limitations and a ten-year statute of repose.
United States · United States Congress · 31 March 1987
Amends the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 to prescribe the extent to which Federal agency activities directly affecting the coastal zones must be consistent with approved State management programs. Describes what is encompassed by "directly affecting activities." Allows Federal activities to be inconsistent with State coastal zone management programs only if to be consistent would violate Federal law or if substantial unforeseen obstacles are encountered.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1987
Petroleum Marketing Practices Act Amendments of 1987 - Amends the Petroleum Marketing Practices Act to provide that, with respect to the sale, consignment, or distribution of motor fuel, the term "franchise" includes any contract between specified parties which is economically necessary to the operation of the leased marketing premises. Provides that the termination or non-renewal of a franchise relationship, upon expiration of an underlying lease for a marketing premises, is reasonable in the event that the franchisor: (1) has an option to renew or purchase an underlying lease or premises and, at least 90 days before such option expires, provides the franchisee with the name, address, and phone number of the owner or lessor; and (2) agrees not to terminate the franchise relationship solely because of the lease and option expiration during any term during which the franchisee is able to retain possession of the premises as a result of entering into an agreement with the owner or lessor.
United States · United States Congress · 25 March 1987
Telephone Decency Act - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to prohibit any obscene or indecent telephone communication, in foreign or interstate communication or in the District of Columbia, for commercial purposes to any person. (Current law prohibits such communication to any person without his or her consent or to any person under 18 years of age.)
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1987
Antitrust Damages Clarification Act of 1987 - Provides that no damages, costs, or attorney's fees shall be awarded under an antitrust suit with respect to the establishment or use of any rate, charge, or premium filed by a title insurance company with a State insurance department or authorized, approved, or permitted to become effective pursuant to State insurance laws.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1987
Amends the Clean Air Act to grant the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency authority to regulate air pollution resulting from an activity regulated under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1987
Marine Resources Investment and Economic Competitiveness Act of 1987 - Expands coverage of the National Sea Grant College and Program Act to include Great Lakes resources. (Current law covers ocean and coastal resources.) Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce (the Secretary) to establish a marine policy fellowship program for the placement of qualified graduate students with the legislative or executive branches of the U.S. Government. Amends the Sea Grant Improvement Act of 1976 to authorize the Secretary to make grants of up to 100 percent to carry out the strategic marine research program. Prohibits granting more than ten percent of the total funds appropriated for any fiscal year to persons in any one State, except for centers of excellence designated as provided in this Act. Requires the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere (the Under Secretary), within one year of enactment of this Act, and every three years thereafter, to develop and publish a report identifying and describing priority areas for strategic marine research. Requires submission of the report to the Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries in the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation in the Senate. Prohibits the Under Secretary from making such grants until 45 days after receipt of such report by the committees. Authorizes the Secretary, upon making certain findings, to designate centers of excellence in strategic marine research. Requires the Secretary to establish and administer a program of strategic marine research postdoctoral fellowships. Prohibits, except for such centers of excellence, more than ten percent of the fellowship awards being in use at any one sea grant program in the same fiscal year. Prohibits use of a fellowship to support an individual at the institution where that individual received a graduate degree. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into contracts and make grants for specified purposes. Sets eligibility requirements. (Current law requires the Secretary to support a sea grant fellowship program.) Establishes an independent committee to be known as the sea grant review panel, superseding the existing sea grant review panel, within 90 days after the enactment of this Act. Provides for the duties, membership, terms, and powers of such panel. Authorizes appropriations of specified amounts for each of FY 1988 through 1992. Provides for reversion of unused grant funds to the Secretary for use in other grants under the same provision as the original grant. Requires the Secretary, within one year of the enactment of this Act, to prescribe rules and regulations necessary to carry out provisions of this Act regarding the strategic marine research program. Repeals the provision of the current law dealing with the sea grant international program. Repeals provisions relating to a biennial report by the Secretary to the Congress and the President regarding the national sea grant program.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1987
President's Pro-Life Bill of 1987 - Prohibits the use of Federal funds for abortions, except when continuing the pregnancy would endanger the mother's life. Prohibits the granting of funds relating to certain population research and voluntary family programs under the Public Health Service Act to organizations providing abortions or abortion referrals, unless the life of the mother would be endangered by continuing the pregnancy.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1987
Constitutional Amendment - Requires the Congress, prior to each fiscal year, to adopt a statement of receipts and outlays for that year in which total outlays are not greater than total receipts. Permits the Congress, in such statement, to provide for a specific excess of outlays over receipts by a three-fifths vote. Requires the President and the Congress to ensure that actual outlays do not exceed the outlays set forth in such statement. Prohibits total receipts for any fiscal year set forth in such statement from increasing by a rate greater than the increase in national income in the last calendar year, unless a bill directed solely to approving specific additional receipts is enacted. Permits the Congress to waive the provisions of this article with respect to any fiscal year in which a declaration of war is in effect. Declares that total receipts shall include all receipts of the United States, except those derived from borrowing, and total outlays shall include all outlays of the United States, except those for repayment of debt principal.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1987
Employee Educational Assistance Act of 1987 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the income tax exclusion for employee educational assistance programs. (Present law terminates such exclusion as of December 31, 1987.) Requires, for every taxable year beginning after 1988, an annual cost of living adjustment of the maximum excludable amount. Waives the maximum excludable amount for any educational assistance furnished by certain educational institutions to graduate students engaged in teaching or research activities for such organization.
![Official portrait of Rep. Badham, Robert E. [R-CA-40]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/b000024_200.jpg)