United States · United States Congress · 28 September 1988
Alcoholic Beverage Labeling Act of 1988 - Prohibits manufacturing, importing, or bottling for sale or distribution in the United States any alcoholic beverage unless its container bears a Government warning statement that: (1) according to the Surgeon General, women should not drink alcohol during pregnancy because of the risk of birth defects; and (2) consumption of alcoholic beverages impairs the ability to drive a car or operate machinery and may cause other health problems. Sets forth location and type size requirements for such statement. Makes such requirement inapplicable to alcoholic beverages for export from the United States or for delivery to a vessel or aircraft as supplier for consumption beyond the jurisdiction of U.S. internal revenue laws. Applies such requirement to those for sale, distribution, or shipment to members or units of the armed forces, including those located outside the United States. Sets forth civil penalties for violations of this Act. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury (the Secretary) to compromise, modify, or remit, with or without conditions, any such penalty. Vests jurisdiction to issue injunctions against such violations in U.S. district courts, upon application of the Attorney General acting through U.S. attorneys. Prohibits State law from requiring any alcohol and health statement, other than that required by this Act or other Federal law on any container of an alcoholic beverage, or any other package containing such container. Directs the Secretary to report promptly to the Congress any recommendations for amendments to this Act that are appropriate and in the public interest, upon finding that available scientific information would justify a change in, addition to, or deletion of all or part of such a statement after an appropriate investigation and consultation with the Surgeon General carried out after 24 months after the enactment of this Act. Directs the Secretary to promulgate regulations regarding implementation of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 1988
Smoke-Free Hospitals Act of 1988 - Amends part A (General Provisions) of title XI of the Social Security Act to exclude a hospital from participation in the Medicare (title XVIII of the Act) or Medicaid (title XIX of the Act) program unless it prohibits the sale and smoking of tobacco products within its building or on its grounds. Excepts smoking permitted for research purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 1988
Authorizes and requests the President to congratulate and thank Dennis Connor and the crew of Stars and Stripes for showing what can be accomplished through work, technology, and skill, for instilling a sense of national pride, and for another job well done.
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 1988
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Postmaster General should provide and sell a postage stamp to commemorate the 450th anniversary of the discovery of Alta California by Portuguese explorer John Rodrigues Cabrillo. Declares that the stamp should be provided and sold in 1992 and sold for such period as the Postmaster General determines.
United States · United States Congress · 16 September 1988
Immigration Nursing Relief Act of 1988 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to grant special immigrant status to an immigrant (and accompanying spouse and children): (1) who entered the United States before January 1, 1988, as a nonimmigrant to perform services as a registered nurse; (2) who is working in such capacity with a valid visa as of the date of enactment of this Act; and (3) with respect to whom a labor certification has been filed prior to the granting of special immigrant status. Sets forth the following conditions for admission of nonimmigrant nurses during the five-year period beginning on April 1, 1989: (1) a professional nursing license from the country where the alien studied nursing or a degree from a U.S. or Canadian nursing school; (2) completion of an appropriate examination or possession of a license in the State of intended employment; (3) such alien's employment will not adversely affect wages and working conditions of similarly employed nurses; (4) a substantial disruption of the hiring health facility's services will occur without the services of such alien; (5) the facility has taken steps toward recruitment and retention of U.S. citizens or immigrant nurses; and (6) there is no ongoing labor dispute or related activity at such facility. Provides for an initial admission period of up to three years, with extensions up to a five-year total (six years under extraordinary circumstances). Directs the Secretary of Labor to provide for the appointment by April 1, 1990, of an advisory group to advise the Secretary: (1) concerning the impact of this Act on the nursing shortage; (2) regarding programs to recruit U.S. citizens or immigrant nurses; and (3) regarding the advisability of extending the provisions of this Act beyond April 1, 1994. Directs the Secretary to conduct a study and report to the Congress by April 1, 1991, regarding the amendments made by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 9 September 1988
San Diego Sewage Treatment Improvement Act of 1988 - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to make a grant of $10,000,000 from funds allotted to California under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act for FY 1990 to San Diego, California, for planning the construction of secondary wastewater treatment works and for planning water reclamation projects. Requires the Administrator to make grants to San Diego for the construction of secondary wastewater treatment works. Limits the Federal share of construction expenses to 55 percent. Authorizes appropriations for such construction grants.
United States · United States Congress · 10 August 1988
Degradable Plastics Act of 1988 - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to issue rules, within two years of this Act's enactment, requiring that plastic articles which are produced, distributed, or sold in a State be made of naturally degradable material which will begin reduction to environmentally benign subunits within a specified period of time after being discarded that is not to exceed 180 days and complete such reduction within a specified period of time that is not to exceed two years. Provides that this Act does not preclude States or localities from adopting more stringent rules. Imposes civil and criminal penalties against persons who violate such rules. Requires producers of plastic articles to make records regarding the development and production of such articles available to the Administrator for inspection and copying. Makes the rules issued pursuant to this Act inapplicable to any plastic article produced before the end of the five-year period beginning after the issuance of such rules.
United States · United States Congress · 8 August 1988
Natural Gas Contract Renegotiation Act of 1988 - Requires the parties to certain natural gas purchase contracts to renegotiate such contracts to provide for a price level acceptable to both of them if the purchaser gives written notice to the producer that renegotiation is desired because the contracted sales price exceeds the current ceiling price allowable under the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978. Provides for termination of such a contract if its amendment under this Act is not executed within 90 days after the producer receives such notice (or after any other agreed upon date).
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1988
Subjects light trucks and multi-purpose vehicles to specified safety standards applicable to passenger motor vehicles under the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1988
Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to require the Clerk of the House of Representatives to report quarterly in the Congressional Record the following information for each multicandidate political committee: (1) the name of the committee and the name of any sponsoring body of the committee; (2) the total amount of contributions received by the committee; (3) the total amount of expenditures made by the committee, allocated to contributions and operating expenses; and (4) the total amount of cash assets of the committee on the last day of such quarter.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 1988
Cigarette Restrictions Act of 1988 - Declares that consumer sales promotion of tobacco products is an unfair or deceptive act or practice under the Federal Trade Commission Act. Directs the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to issue regulations defining such unlawful acts or practices. Prohibits the sale of tobacco products unless sold over the counter in an establishment in which is posted a sign stating the sale of cigarettes to minors is strictly prohibited. Repeals provisions of the Federal Cigarette Labeling and Advertising Act exempting cigarettes manufactured, imported, or packaged for export from the requirements of such Act. Requires the FTC to conduct a continuing study of the constituents of tobacco smoke, including: (1) random testing of cigarettes to determine the amounts of tar, nicotine, carbon monoxide, and other constituents; and (2) an analysis of the levels of cigarette smoke constituents when people change their smoking behavior to compensate for lower levels of nicotine. Directs the FTC to: (1) arrange for a laboratory of the Government or a private, non-profit laboratory with no connection to a tobacco company to conduct the study; (2) as a condition to the arrangement, require such laboratory to conduct similar studies for private non-profit groups; and (3) report annually to the Congress on the results. Declares that State tort systems should be allowed to treat cigarettes like any other product even though warning labels are required and States are prohibited from requiring additional warning labels. Provides that States are not prevented from regulating the sales, distribution, or promotion of cigarettes. Requires cigarette packages to bear a warning label stating that nicotine in cigarettes is addictive, with specified format requirements, and in both English and the language of any country in which an exporter reasonably expects the cigarette to be sold. Makes this Act applicable with respect to cigarettes manufactured after one year after the date of the enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 1988
Human Needs and Mobility Resolution - Expresses the sense of the Congress that a variety of transport options, particularly nonmotorized and low-cost options, should be encouraged as solutions for the mobility needs of the poor in developing nations. Urges the Agency for International Development to: (1) redirect resources to providing low-cost vehicles; and (2) report to the Congress on the effectiveness of multilateral development banks regarding lending for mobility needs of the poor in developing nations. Urges U.S. officials to increase the emphasis multilateral development banks place on nonmotorized, low-cost alternatives to private motor vehicles. Urges the Peace Corps to encourage the use of nonmotorized transport technologies in its projects and by its volunteers.
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 1988
Women's Business Ownership Act of 1988 - Title I: Congressional Findings and Purposes - Sets forth congressional findings and purposes with respect to small businesses owned and controlled by women. Title II: Demonstration Projects - Amends the Small Business Act to direct the Small Business Administration (SBA) to provide financial assistance to private organizations to conduct demonstration projects giving financial, management, and marketing assistance to small businesses, including start-up businesses, owned and controlled by women. Describes application criteria. Requires the SBA to report to the congressional Small Business Committees on the projects. Terminates authority for this pilot program on October 1, 1991. Authorizes appropriations. Title III: Procurement Assistance - Amends the Small Business Act to include small business concerns owned and operated by women as a discrete group for purposes of Government contracts and subcontracts and procurement programs. (Current law governing these programs refers expressly only to small business concerns and small business concerns owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals as groups targeted for assistance.) Instructs the Director of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization of each Federal agency to designate a Women-in-Business Specialist to be responsible for programs designed to assist concerns owned and controlled by women. Directs Federal agencies, in their procurement activities, to engage in affirmative action to identify and solicit offers from small businesses owned and controlled by either women or socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. Title IV: Access to Capital - Amends the Consumer Credit Protection Act to prohibit the Federal Reserve Board, except under limited circumstances, from exempting from such Act's provisions any class of transactions that are primarily for personal, family, or household purposes, or business or commercial loans made available by a financial institution. Limits to five years any exemption authorized under the circumstances specified in this Act, unless a subsequent determination is made that the exemption remains appropriate. Requires lenders to keep records relating to loans and to provide written notice to applicants of their right to receive notice of reasons for a loan denial. Authorizes the SBA to establish a certified loan program for lenders that display knowledge and proficiency with respect to SBA regulations and programs. Directs the SBA to encourage small business loans of $50,000 or less under both this new program and the preferred lenders program in FY 1989 through 1991 by permitting participating lenders to: (1) use their own forms without regard to SBA paperwork; and (2) retain one-half of the loan guarantee fee. Requires SBA reporting to specified congressional committees in connection with the certified loan program. Directs the Federal Reserve Board, the Comptroller of the Currency, the Department of Commerce, and the SBA jointly to study levels of availability of and demand for debt and equity capital by small businesses, as well as innovative financing techniques to meet any unmet demand. Requires reporting to the congressional Small Business Committees. Title V: National Women's Business Council - Establishes the National Women's Business Council to review the status of women-owned businesses nationwide and to develop detailed multiyear plans in connection with both private and public sector actions to assist and promote such businesses. Requires annual reporting to both the President and the Congress. Title VI: Statistical Data and Effect on Other Programs - Directs: (1) the Bureau of Labor Statistics to include in its census reports on women-owned businesses specified information on sole proprietorships, partnerships, and corporations; (2) the Bureau of the Census to include in its Business Census data the number of corporations that are 51 percent or more owned by women; (3) the SBA's Office of the Chief Counsel for Advocacy to report on the most cost-effective and accurate ways to gather and present the statistics required in these census reports; and (4) Federal agencies to report to the Office of Federal Procurement Policy the number of first-time contract recipients that are small businesses owned and controlled either by women or by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. Requires the President's annual Report on Small Business and Competition to include in separate detail information relevant to small businesses owned and controlled either by women or by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals.
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 1988
Territorial Sea and Contiguous Zone Extension Act of 1988 - Title I: Establishment of 12-Mile Territorial Sea and 24-Mile Contiguous Zone - Establishes a 12-mile territorial sea of the United States consisting of the water, the seabed and subsoil, and the airspace above the water. Declares that U.S. sovereignty exists in accordance with international law over such areas. Establishes a 24-mile contiguous zone of the United States (the first 12 miles of which is the territorial sea) consisting of the water, the seabed and subsoil, and the airspace above the water. Declares that the United States has authority to conduct activities in the zone relating to U.S. customs, fiscal immigration, and sanitary laws. Declares that: (1) except for laws enacted after enactment of this Act, nothing in this title affects the application of State laws, or the exercise of authority by a State under Federal law, with respect to the territorial sea or the contiguous zone; and (2) nothing in this title affects any agreement in effect between the United States and a foreign country and the right of innocent passage through the territorial sea. Title II: Establishment of National Oceans Policy Commission - Establishes the National Oceans Policy Commission (the Commission), composed of 17 members to be appointed by the President, including at least two marine scientists. Requires the Commission to have eight congressional advisors to advise the Commission in the formulation of findings and recommendations. Requires the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to also advise the Commission. Directs the Commission to propose to the President and the Congress a comprehensive national oceans policy to carry out the purposes set forth in this Act, including promoting the conservation of marine resources and the peaceful use of the oceans. Directs the Commission to develop recommendations on the international and domestic ocean policies, laws, regulations, and activities of the United States that will define and implement the territorial sea and the contiguous zone established by title I and other aspects of the comprehensive policy. Outlines further considerations concerning development of such recommendations, including surveys of Federal ocean-related activities and reviews of marine facilities. Outlines powers of the Commission and other administrative provisions. Directs the Commission, no later than two years after it first meets, to submit simultaneously to the President and to each House of the Congress a final report on the comprehensive oceans policy and the recommendations developed under this Act. Terminates the Commission 30 days after such report is submitted. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 1988
Fastener Quality Assurance Act of 1988 - Defines "fastener" as a screw, nut, bolt, or stud having internal or external threads, or a washer commonly used to perform a load indicating or bearing stress distribution function, with a diameter of one-quarter inch or more and containing any steel. Prohibits the offering for sale or sale in interstate commerce of any fastener unless it bears a specified insignia and is part of a lot which: (1) conforms to standards and specifications represented by the manufacturer or ordered by the purchaser; and (2) has been inspected, tested, and certified according to this Act. Requires manufacturers to have a fastener lot sample inspected by a laboratory accredited under an approved system (including one owned or affiliated with the manufacturer if it is so accredited). Sets forth requirements governing sample size. Authorizes the laboratory, upon determination of conformance with the appropriate standards and specifications, to provide the manufacturer certificates with respect to such lot. Sets forth requirements for such certificates, the form of which is to be prescribed by the Secretary of Commerce (the Secretary) within 180 days after enactment of this Act. Directs the Secretary, also within such 180-day period, to issue regulations to establish a program for approval of any system for the accreditation of laboratories engaged in such inspection and testing of fasteners, if such system demonstrates that it has adopted or otherwise adheres to the requirements of the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Standard. Directs the Secretary, if the responsible technical committee withdraws the ASTM Standard, to: (1) approve an alternative standard issued by the ASTM or another voluntary consensus standards organization; or (2) issue a standard which incorporates the ASTM Standard together with any necessary modifications. Directs the Secretary to approve or reapprove any system which demonstrates that it has adopted or otherwise adheres to such a new standard. Prohibits any manufacturer from selling any lot or portion of a lot of fasteners manufactured in the United States unless delivery to the first purchaser is accompanied by an original certificate from an accredited laboratory. Prohibits any person from selling any lot or portion of a lot of fasteners manufactured outside the United States to any importer or end user unless delivery is accompanied by such a certificate. Allows such delivery to an importer or private label distributor without the required certificate if: (1) the manufacturer discloses in writing the appropriate standards and specifications; and (2) the importer or private label distributor assumes responsibility in writing for the inspection and testing (for which purposes they shall be considered a manufacturer, except they must provide the laboratory with the manufacturer's written disclosure). Prohibits further sale or offer of sale unless delivery to the first subsequent purchaser is accompanied by an original certificate from an accredited laboratory. Requires that a copy of the original certificate be provided to subsequent purchasers who purchase at wholesale a lot or a portion from: (1) the purchaser of domestically manufactured fasteners; (2) the importer or end user who purchased foreign manufactured fasteners; (3) a private label distributor; or (4) any subsequent seller. Requires persons who make material physical alterations to a fastener subsequent to its manufacture to have such altered fastener inspected and tested before offering for sale or selling it. Requires manufacturers or private label distributors of fasteners offered for sale or sold in interstate commerce to: (1) be identified by a raised or depressed insignia on the surface or the fastener; and (2) comply with requirements of a program for recordation of such insignias. Directs the Secretary to establish such program, including regulations to ensure traceability, within 180 days after enactment of this Act. Sets forth civil remedies, including declaratory and injunctive relief, and criminal penalties, including fines and imprisonment, for violations of this Act. Sets forth recordkeeping requirements for laboratories, manufacturers, importers private label distributors, and wholesalers. Provides that nothing in this Act shall be construed to: (1) preempt any rights or causes of action that any buyer may have with respect to any seller of fasteners under the law of any State, except in so far as such State law conflicts with this Act; and (2) limit or otherwise affect the authority of the National Bureau of Standards or any voluntary consensus standards organization to establish, modify, or withdraw any standards and specifications under any other law or authority in effect on the date of enactment of this Act. Applies this Act only to fasteners fabricated more than 240 days after its enactment.
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 1988
Resolves that the Congress should implement policies under which: (1) the Bell operating companies would be permitted to provide information services, conduct research, design and market software, and design, manufacture, and market telecommunications equipment and customer premises equipment; and (2) statutory safeguards would ensure that these Bell activities would not harm telephone service customers or competition in the information services or manufacturing industries and would prevent cross subsidies between regulated and unregulated service offerings.
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 1988
Rural Electrification Administration Lending Assistance Improvements Act of 1988 - Amends the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 to limit after September 30, 1988, the Rural Electrification Administration's (REA) authority to guarantee loans to 70 percent for electric distribution and subtransmission facilities and telephone facilities and 80 percent for electric generation and transmission facilities. Prohibits REA guarantees of loans from any Federal lending agency after such date. Revises guaranteed loan and direct or insured loan prepayment provisions. Reduces the maximum amount of funds that a borrower may invest. Prohibits the REA from insuring loans after such date unless specified findings are made. Bases interest rates on comparable U.S. obligations, with a minimum rate of five percent. Prohibits the REA from guaranteeing loans after such date to certain metropolitan area borrowers for: (1) recreation purposes; or (2) telephone service improvement if the borrower's gross revenues exceed specified amounts. Prohibits the issuance of class A stock after September 30, 1988. Requires 51 percent of such stock to be redeemed on September 30, 1995, with the remaining stock redeemed and retired by September 30, 2005. Repeals the provision creating a telephone bank reserve for losses due to interest rate changes. Requires the telephone bank to retire all Treasury-held debentures by September 30, 1995. Prohibits the further issuance of such debentures. Provides for the privatization of the telephone bank.
United States · United States Congress · 12 July 1988
Waste Export Prohibition Act - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to prohibit the exportation of solid waste from the United States, except as provided for by this Act. Permits the exportation of solid waste in compliance with a bilateral agreement entered into before this Act's enactment between the United States and the country to which the waste is exported. Makes the exportation prohibition inapplicable to materials exported and destined for recycling or reuse unless such material is: (1) a hazardous waste; (2) a substance whose storage, treatment, or disposal is regulated under the Toxic Substances Control Act; (3) mixed municipal solid waste; or (4) ash or other residue from the incineration of solid waste. Subjects persons who violate the solid waste exportation prohibition to a fine and/or imprisonment.
United States · United States Congress · 7 July 1988
International Health Corps Act - Amends title III (General Powers and Duties of Public Health Service) of the Public Health Service Act to establish the International Health Corps (Health Corps), to consist of the International Health Development Corps (Development Corps) and the International Health Emergency Corps (Emergency Corps). Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services, on request of a foreign government, to assign members of: (1) the Development Corps to serve in the country to assist the country in meeting the long-term basic health care needs of its people; and (2) the Emergency Corps to provide short-term assistance in the country with regard to an ongoing medical emergency. Directs the Secretary to disseminate information on the Health Corps and request health care professionals to provide services to the Corps without compensation. Requires a health care professional to be considered, while providing uncompensated services to the Health Corps, an employee of the Public Health Service for purposes of provisions relating to defense of certain malpractice and negligence suits. Directs the Secretary to establish programs in which health professionals and health professions students agree to: (1) serve as members of the Development Corps for at least two years in return for payment by the Federal Government of not more than $20,000 of their educational loans for each year of service; or (2) provide uncompensated services to the Development Corps for at least six months in return for payment by the Federal Government of not more than $5,000 of their educational loans for each six months of service, subject to an aggregate limit. Makes provisions of the Public Health Service Act relating to the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program, except as inconsistent, apply to these programs. Provides for non-duplication and coordination between these programs and the programs of other Federal agencies, other developed countries, and nonprofit private entities. Directs the establishment of a committee to advise the Secretary on policies concerning the activities of the Health Corps. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1989 through 1991.
United States · United States Congress · 7 July 1988
Makes the legal defense of discretionary function provided under specified Federal law and the legal doctrine of foreseeability of damages inapplicable to any legal or administrative proceeding for damages arising out of U.S. violation of occupational safety or health standards or U.S. negligence at any workplace owned or operated by or under contract with the United States. Prohibits the foreseeability doctrine from being used to limit the amount or kind of damages otherwise available to the plaintiff. Establishes a National Registry of Government Litigants, within the U.S. Claims Court, to collect and maintain data regarding claims against the United States predicated (in whole or in part) upon U.S. violation of safety and health standards. Allows any person seeking damages from the United States on the basis (in whole or part) of harm resulting from U.S. violation of safety and health standards to file a notice of such fact with the U.S. Claims Court, within 30 days after commencement of such action (whether administrative or judicial in character). Directs the chief judge of the U.S. Claims Court to report annually to the Congress on the number of, and relevant facts and common characteristics underlying, such notices filed within the Registry.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 1988
Requires a certain percentage of Federal fleets of passenger automobiles and light-duty trucks to be alternative fuel vehicles by specified deadlines if such vehicles are being operated in an area designated under the Clean Air Act as an area of serious health endangerment for ozone and/or carbon monoxide. Requires the Administrator of the General Services Administration and the Secretary of Defense, with concurrence of the Secretary of Energy, to issue regulations ensuring that such vehicles shall: (1) be supplied with alcohol, natural gas, or electricity in the primary area of operation; and (2) be operated exclusively on such fuel (except when it is impracticable to obtain it). Mandates that funds appropriated to implement this Act be expended first in those areas determined by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (the Administrator) to have the most severe air pollution problems. Requires alcohol or natural gas fuels to be offered for sale to the public at Federal facilities except in certain circumstances. Mandates that the funds appropriated for alternative fuel vehicle acquisition apply only to the portion of costs which exceeds the cost for comparable conventional fuel vehicles. Directs the Secretary of Energy to ensure that the cost to any Federal agency receiving an alternative fuel vehicle under this Act shall not exceed the cost to such agency of a comparable conventional fueled vehicle. Mandates that gasoline powered Federal vehicles, with specified exceptions, which are operated in an area designated as seriously endangering health because of carbon monoxide, and which are not dual energy (or natural gas dual energy), be operated exclusively with fuel which blends oxygenates with gasoline at their primary fueling facility. Requires the Administrator to report to the Congress the results of a comprehensive analysis of the public health risk associated with the use of significant amounts of alcohol or natural gas transportation fuels as compared to diesel and gasoline fuels. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1990. Sets forth criteria for alternative fuel vehicles. Authorizes appropriatons for FY 1993 through 1996.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 1988
Revises conflict-of-interest provisions concerning Department of Defense procurement to prohibit former Department officers and employees and former or retired members of the armed services who participated in decisionmaking responsibilities concerning defense contractors from accepting compensation from such contractors for a two-year period following separation from the Department. (Present law imposes such prohibitions only on those officials who performed procurement functions for a majority of working days or who participated in negotiations of contracts or claims in excess of $10,000,000.) Imposes criminal penalties for violations of such prohibition. (Present law provides only civil penalties.) Imposes criminal penalties upon any person who knowingly offers or provides such compensation to a former defense procurement official. (Present law imposes only civil penalties.) Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to exempt from such requirements certain persons appointed to sensitive civilian procurement executive positions. Specifies that such an exemption shall be made with the concurrence of the Director of the Office of Government Ethics. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress concerning any such exemptions. Requires the Secretary to provide each defense procurement official separated from service a written notice containing: (1) an explanation of the provisions of this Act; and (2) the name of each contractor from whom such person is prohibited from accepting compensation. Specifies that the provisions of this Act shall not apply to contracts for less than $100,000 or to contractors who did less than $100,000 worth of business with the Department in the preceding fiscal year. Allows any person who is considering the propriety of accepting compensation from a defense contractor to apply to the Director of the Office of Government Ethics for advice on the applicability of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 1988
Department of Environmental Protection Act - Redesignates the Environmental Protection Agency as the Department of Environmental Protection, an executive department to be administered by a Secretary of Environmental Protection appointed by the President.
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 1988
Department of Defense Acquisition Reorganization Act of 1988 - Establishes within the Department of Defense a Defense Acquisition Agency. Provides that the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition shall be the head of such Agency. Specifies that the Agency shall be responsible for all functions of the Department of Defense (including the military departments) relating to acquisition of property and services (including construction). Terminates the procurement authority of the Secretary of the Army, the Secretary of the Navy, and the Secretary of the Air Force. Establishes in the Department of Defense a Defense Acquisition Corps (DAC) to be headed by the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition. Requires the Secretary to make appointments to the DAC from the best-qualified civilian applicants and military personnel. Directs the Secretary to establish by regulation a personnel system for civilian personnel within the DAC. Outlines information to be included in such regulations. Allows the Secretary to exempt civilian personnel of the DAC from any otherwise applicable competitive service requirements. Authorizes the Secretary to establish by regulation a merit pay system for such members of the DAC as the Secretary deems appropriate. Provides for the assignment of members of the DAC. Requires the Secretary, not later than one year after the enactment of this Act, to: (1) review existing acquisition-related positions in the military departments to determine which positions should be included in the DAC; and (2) make appointments to such positions. Directs the Secretary of Defense to review each major defense acquisition program before such program proceeds into the stages of: (1) initial research and development; (2) full-scale development; and (3) production. Sets forth evaluations to be included in each review. Prohibits the Secretary or the Secretary of a military department from obligating or expending funds with respect to a stage of a major defense acquisition program unless the Secretary of Defense approves such program at the beginning of such stage. Directs the Secretary of Defense to establish and operate a Defense Acquisition University which includes all existing acquisition-related defense schools.
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 1988
Disadvantaged Minority Health Improvement Act of 1988 - Amends title VII (Health Research and Teaching Facilities and Training of Professional Health Personnel) of the Public Health Service Act to require that, for schools in which not less than 25 percent of the students are minorities from disadvantaged backgrounds, the Federal capital contribution and the school contribution to a student loan fund under existing provisions be used only for making loans to such students. Authorizes appropriations for Federal capital contributions to such schools for FY 1989 through 1991. Creates a new subpart relating to assistance for disadvantaged minority students. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to certain schools of health, in which not less than 25 percent of the students are minorities from disadvantaged backgrounds, for scholarships covering tuition and fees. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1989 through 1991. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into agreements with such students in their final year of degree programs at such schools to assist in paying Government and commercial loans for educational and living expenses. Conditions the agreement on the student and school agreeing that the student will hold a full-time faculty appointment at the school for at least two years. Authorizes loan payments of $20,000 for each year of service, to a maximum of $80,000. Authorizes the Secretary to reimburse the individual for any increase in their Federal, State, or local income taxes which results from the loan payments. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1989 through 1991. Amends title XVII (Health Information and Health Promotion) of the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary to establish in the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health an Office of Minority Health and to appoint a Deputy Assistant Secretary of Minority Health to serve as Director of the Office. Authorizes the Secretary, through the Director, to make grants and enter into contracts to conduct programs of research, training, education, epidemiological studies, and data collection with respect to the prevention and control of diseases prevalent among minority groups. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1989 through 1991.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 1988
Amends the Federal judicial code to make funds from the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund available to assist State and local governments in financing construction, expansion, maintenance, and operation of penal facilities. Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to add a parallel provision with respect to the Customs Forfeiture Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 1988
Integrity After Federal Government Employment Act of 1988 - Amends the Federal criminal code to revise provisions regarding former Federal employees attempting to influence the Government. Makes it unlawful, within five years after employment or service has ceased, for: (1) former senior officials to lobby their former employing agency; (2) former top level officials (Cabinet Secretaries and Deputy Secretaries) to lobby any executive or independent agency or any Member of Congress; and (3) former Members of Congress to lobby any entity of the legislative branch or any top level official of the executive branch. Prohibits any senior or top level official, within five years after employment has ceased, from being employed by, representing, or advising a foreign entity for compensation, financial gain, or other remuneration. Prohibits any person from acting as an agent and communicating on behalf of such former officials and Members of Congress. Includes as exceptions to such prohibitions: (1) any person who is engaging solely in the solicitation or collection of funds and contributions within the United States to be used only for medical assistance, food, or clothing to relieve human suffering; or (2) any person who is providing a statement based on that person's special knowledge, provided that no compensation is received for such statement other than that regularly provided by law for witnesses. Increases the criminal and civil penalties for violations of this Act. Prohibits the partner of a Member, officer, or employee of the legislative branch in a partnership for the provision of professional services from acting as an agent or attorney for, or otherwise representing, any other person other than the United States in lobbying activities in either House of Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1988
Comprehensive Alcohol Abuse, Drug Abuse, and Mental Health Amendments Act of 1988 - Amends title XIX (Block Grants) of the Public Health Service Act to revise and reorganize provisions relating to mental health and substance abuse programs, replacing the current part B (Alcohol and Drug Abuse and Mental Health Services Block Grant) and part C (Primary Care Block Grants) with a new part B (Community Mental Health Services), part C (Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention, Treatment, and Rehabilitation Services), part D (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome and Intravenous Drug Abuse), and part E (General Provisions). Directs, in the new part B, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Administrator of the Alcohol, Drug Abuse, and Mental Health Administration, to make allotments and payments each fiscal year to each State for planning, developing, and providing community mental health services and related support services. Specifies application procedures and requirements, including a requirement that a State, in order to receive payments, agrees to establish and maintain a State mental health planning council with specified duties. Sets forth a formula for determining the amount of allotments, including special provisions for direct payment to an Indian tribe or tribal organization. Provides transition rules for States for FY 1989 and 1990. Directs the Secretary, acting through the Director of the National Institute of Mental Health, to develop and evaluate community mental health programs and services. Authorizes the use of grants, contracts, and cooperative agreements for such programs. Authorizes the Director of the National Institute of Mental Health to establish research centers to carry out the evaluations. Directs the Secretary, acting through the Director of the National Institute of Mental Health, to develop and make available a model plan for a community-based system for the care of chronically mentally ill individuals. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1989 through 1991 for: (1) mental health programs and services; (2) general provisions under part E; and (3) data collection, as provided in this Act, regarding mental health and substance abuse. Directs, in the new part C, the Secretary, acting through the Administrator of the Alcohol, Drug Abuse, and Mental Health Administration, to make allotments and payments each fiscal year to States for establishing and carrying out programs of prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation with respect to substance abuse and related activities. Specifies application procedures and requirements, including a requirement that a State must agree to use not less than specified portions of the payments for programs and activities related to: (1) alcoholism and alcohol abuse; (2) drug abuse; (3) prevention and early intervention regarding the abuse of alcohol and drugs; and (4) such programs and services designed for women. Sets forth a formula for determining the amount of allotments, including special provisions for direct payment to an Indian tribe or tribal organization. Provides transition rules for territories for FY 1989 and 1990. Directs the Secretary, acting through the Director of the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism and the Director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse, to develop and evaluate alcohol and drug abuse treatment programs. Authorizes the use of grants, contracts, and cooperative agreements for such programs. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1989 through 1991 for: (1) alcohol and drug abuse programs; (2) general provisions under part E; and (3) data collection, as provided in this Act, regarding substance abuse. Directs the Secretary, in the new part D, for each of the FY 1989 through 1991, to make an allotment for each State for prevention of the transmission of the etiologic agent for acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) by eradicating intravenous drug abuse. Requires non-Federal matching funds in FY 1990 and subsequent years and prohibits the Secretary from requiring them in FY 1989. Allows funds to be used for drug abuse treatment, training counselors, outreach, testing for infection with the etiologic agent, and renovation or construction of drug abuse treatment facilities. Sets forth program requirements, application procedures and requirements, and a formula for determination of the amount of allotments. Directs the Secretary, directly or through contracts, to provide for evaluations of programs, collection of data regarding AIDS and intravenous drug abuse, and dissemination of information on the evaluations and data. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1989 through 1991. Sets forth, in the new part E, general provisions, including: (1) a requirement that, in order for the Secretary to make payments under specified provisions of this Act, a State must submit a description of the purposes for which the State intends to expend such payments; (2) the content such statement must have for specified provisions of this Act; (3) a requirement of public notice and opportunity for comment; (4) restrictions on the use of payments, including restrictions on the portion used for administrative expenses; (5) agreements a State must make in order for the Secretary to make payments; (6) annual reports a State is required, for payments under specified provisions, to prepare and submit to the Secretary; (7) availability of the reports to the public; (8) evaluations, by the Comptroller General of the United States, of expenditures by States under specified provisions; (9) repayment of payments for failure to comply with agreements; (10) a prohibition against certain false statements; and (11) a prohibition of discrimination. Directs the Secretary to provide technical assistance to a State receiving payments under specified provisions of this Act, or entities designated by the State, without charge. Authorizes the Secretary to provide supplies and services in lieu of grant funds. Requires the Secretary, no later than October 1, 1989, to report to the Congress on the activities of the States carried out under specified provisions of this Act. Amends the Public Health Service Act to create a new title on counseling and testing with respect to acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), starting with a part on grant procedures for counseling and testing. Prohibits the Secretary of Health and Human Services from providing financial assistance unless the applicant agrees to ensure, in accordance with Federal law and with State and local law not superseded by Federal law, the confidentiality of information and records with respect to individuals counseled or tested. Requires a written, signed statement of informed consent by the individual to be tested, with special provisions relating to testing through the use of a pseudonym and anonymous testing. Requires recipients of Federal financial assistance to provide counseling which includes coverage of specified points before testing, after a negative test result, and after a positive test result. Allows recipients to use the grant to provide counseling without testing. Prohibits the Secretary from providing Federal financial assistance to a State unless the State requires that: (1) any entity carrying out testing confidentially report to the State public health officer information sufficient to perform statistical and epidemiological analyses of the incidence and demographic characteristics of cases of infection; and (2) the State public health officer, to the extent appropriate in the determination of the officer, carry out a program of contact tracing. Requires States, to the extent permitted under State law, to offer substantial opportunities for an individual to undergo counseling and testing anonymously and through the use of a pseudonym. Prohibits requiring testing as a condition of receiving other health services, unless the testing is medically indicated in the health services being sought. Creates another new part in the new subtitle established by this Act concerning confidentiality with respect to counseling and testing. Prohibits a described person, without regard to whether the described person receives Federal financial assistance, from disclosing identifying information with respect to a protected individual or a contact of such individual. Includes among the described persons anyone who obtains identifying information: (1) directly or indirectly in connection with counseling or testing with regard to AIDS, providing health care to the protected individual, or carrying out a disclosure authorized by this Act or ordered by a court under this Act; or (2) by directly perceiving any record developed in such counseling, testing, health care, or disclosure. Authorizes consensual disclosure of identifying information through a specified procedure, including consent by a guardian of a legally incompetent person and consent, after the death of the protected individual, by the claimant of life insurance proceeds, for disclosure to the insurance company. Provides for nonconsensual disclosure: (1) to a health care provider in connection with counseling or testing, to the protected individual, or to the guardian an incompetent individual; (2) to a health care provider who is likely to be occupationally exposed to the etiologic agent; (3) to a State public health officer if required by State law; (4) in connection with donation of blood, semen, breast milk, or an organ; (5) to a person preparing the body of a protected individual for burial; (6) intraorganizationally as necessary; (7) from a person receiving disclosure to any person authorized in these provisions for authorized purposes; and (8) in connection with certain sales, transfers, mergers, or consolidations of organizations. Authorizes a court of competent jurisdiction, with respect to the protected individual or contact involved, to: (1) order disclosure of identifying information to a State health officer in order to prevent a clear and imminent danger of transmission, by the individual or contact, of the etiologic agent; and (2) authorize the officer to disclose identifying information to the extent reasonably necessary to prevent such danger. Sets forth procedures, including in camera hearings, use of pseudonyms, and sealing of records. Authorizes physicians and counselors to make nonconsensual disclosures to spouses, sexual contacts, and people with whom the protected individual has shared a hypodermic needle, in certain circumstances. Requires, subject to exception, that: (1) disclosures be accompanied by a written declaration that redisclosure may be prohibited by law; and (2) in certain circumstances, the protected individual be notified in writing of the disclosure. Provides for civil money penalties and civil causes of action for intentional or negligent violation of disclosure provisions of this part. Authorizes injunctive relief initiated by the Secretary and a civil cause of action by any aggrieved individual. Provides for in camera proceedings, use of pseudonyms, and sealing of records. Provides for criminal penalties for intentional violation of disclosure provisions. Provides for termination of grants from and contracts with any Federal agency and suspension or debarment of any Federal grantee or contractor for violation of certain disclosure provisions of this part. Declares that the imposition of a penalty or the receipt of relief under specified provisions of this part does not preclude other penalties or relief under Federal law. Declares that this part supersedes any State law that provides penalties or causes of action for failure to make disclosures not authorized by this part or for making disclosures authorized by this part. Creates an additional new part containing general provisions setting forth definitions applicable to the new title created by this Act. Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary, acting through the Director of the National Institute of Mental Health (Director), to develop and publish information regarding the causes of suicide and the means of preventing suicide, especially among individuals under 24 years of age. Directs the Secretary, acting through the Director, to make grants and enter into cooperative agreements for research on mental illness. Directs the Secretary, through the Director, to establish a National Mental Health Education Program to: (1) develop treatment and family assistance methods; (2) support research, training, and education; (3) collect and disseminate information; (4) provide technical assistance; and (5) establish a clearinghouse to collect and disseminate information. Authorizes the Secretary, acting through the Director, to make grants for mental health services demonstration projects for the planning, coordination, and improvement of community services, including outreach and self-help services, for chronically mentally ill individuals, seriously emotionally disturbed children and youth, elderly individuals, and homeless chronically mentally ill individuals, and for the conduct of research concerning such services. Authorizes the Secretary, acting through the Director, to make grants for prevention services demonstration projects for the provision of prevention services for individuals who are at risk of developing mental illness. Limits the duration of such a grant and the portion of the grant which may be used for administrative expenses. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1989 and 1990. Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary, acting through the Administrator of the Alcohol, Drug Abuse, and Mental Health Administration, to collect data on the incidence, nationally and in selected major metropolitan areas, of the various forms of mental illness and substance abuse. Specifies the types of data to be included. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1989 through 1991 to carry out specified provisions of the Public Health Service Act relating to: (1) alcohol abuse and alcoholism; and (2) research with respect to drug abuse. Authorizes the Secretary, acting through the Director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse, to make grants for demonstration projects: (1) to determine the feasibility and efficacy of providing drug abuse treatment and vocational training in exchange for public service; (2) to conduct outreach to intravenous drug abusers with respect to AIDS; and (3) to provide drug abuse treatment services to pregnant and postpartum women and their infants. Directs the Secretary, directly or through contracts, to provide for evaluations of the projects and for dissemination of information developed. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1989 through 1991 for the Office of Substance Abuse Prevention. Directs the Secretary, acting through the Director of the Office of Substance Abuse Prevention, to make grants for prevention, education, and treatment regarding drug and alcohol abuse relating to pregnant and postpartum women and their infants, giving priority to projects: (1) for low-income women; and (2) to develop innovative approaches regarding the use of the drugs about which there exists insufficient information, including cocaine and crack. Requires that grants be distributed among projects that provide inpatient, outpatient, and residential treatment. Requires the Director to evaluate the projects. Amends the Public Health Service Act to state that the Office of Substance Abuse Prevention is an entity of the Alcohol, Drug Abuse, and Mental Health Administration (Administration). Changes from annual to not less than once each three years the requirement that the Administrator, acting through the Associate Administrator for Prevention, report to the Congress regarding prevention activities undertaken by the Administration. Directs the Administrator to establish a process for responding to reports of scientific misconduct in connection with projects using funds under title V of the Public Health Service Act. (Current law requires such a process for scientific fraud.) Repeals provisions dealing with the duties, composition, and operation of the Alcohol, Drug Abuse, and Mental Health Advisory Board. Authorizes the Administrator to: (1) accept voluntary and uncompensated services; and (2) conduct and support certain research training. Amends provisions relating to drug abuse research and to drug abuse demonstration projects to require special consideration regarding pregnant women and their children. Amends provisions relating to mental health clinical traineeships to impose a service obligation on individuals receiving such a traineeship in marital and family therapy. Amends the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1986 to require the Secretary to report to the Congress with respect to the results of a study regarding insurance coverage of drug abuse treatment, within 18 months after the execution of the contract for the study. (Current law requires such a report within one year of the enactment of that Act.) Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to expand programs of treatment for drug abuse, limiting eligibility to applicants whose treatment programs have a waiting period of one month or more. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary, directly or by contract, to provide for an independent evaluation of federally funded programs of: (1) treatment for drug abuse; and (2) research into methods of such treatment. Sets forth reporting requirements. Mandates that butyl nitrite be considered a banned hazardous product under provisions of the Consumer Product Safety Act, subject to exception. Declares that any conviction of a person for certain violations of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act involving anabolic steriods or human growth hormone shall be considered a conviction for purposes of specified provisions of the Controlled Substances Act. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to: (1) develop guidelines and provide counseling for law enforcement agencies for dealing with illegal drug laboratories to protect the public health and environment; and (2) carry out demonstration projects to clean up substances associated with illegal drug laboratories. Amends the Controlled Substances Act to allow proceeds from the sale of forfeited property to be used to pay for demonstration projects for and expenses of cleanup of substances associated with illegal drug laboratories.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1988
Title I: Municipal Incinerator Emissions - Amends the Clean Air Act to direct the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to promulgate performance standards to control emissions of particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, oxides of nitrogen, carbon monoxide, lead, cadmium, dioxins, dibenzofurans, hydrogen chloride, and mercury from municipal waste incineration units. Requires that such standards reflect the greatest degree of emission limitation achievable through application of the best available control technologies and practices. Deems specified practices and control technologies to be available. Requires that such standards be promulgated within one year of this Act's enactment, take effect within 18 months of enactment, and be reviewed and, if necessary, revised within three years of promulgation and every five years thereafter. Sets forth emission control standards which will be applicable should the EPA fail to promulgate standards. Requires the EPA to promulgate a timetable, within one year of this Act's enactment, for existing municipal waste incineration units to comply with emission control standards, taking into account the remaining useful life of the unit and the threat the unit poses to human health and the environment. Sets forth the maximum number of years which such timetable may allow for the compliance, providing more time as a unit's additional pollution control equipment costs represent a larger proportion of its capital costs. Requires owners or operators of municipal waste incineration units to monitor emissions at the point such emissions move into ambient air and at such other points as necessary to protect human health and the environment and to report the results of such monitoring. Sets monitoring standards, including ones for continuous and periodic monitoring. Sets a 20-year limit on unit permits. Provides for the termination of such a permit if: (1) the unit is not in compliance with permit terms and conditions; (2) compliance with additional conditions is necessary to protect human health and the environment, or will impose minimal costs on the unit owner or operator and reduce air emissions below levels specified in the permit; or (3) enforceable contracts for the treatment or disposal of the unit's ash for the succeeding five years do not exist. Requires that a permit be reviewed at least once every five years. Authorizes concurrent State enforcement of unit emission standards, provided such enforcement is equivalent to Federal enforcement under this Act. Requires that civil penalties imposed against municipalities pursuant to this Act be applied in support of public programs and activities that enhance the protection of the health and environment of their residents. Directs the EPA to establish a model State program, within 18 months of this Act's enactment, for the training and certification of municipal waste incinerator personnel. Requires that incinerator personnel be certified pursuant to a State or EPA training and certification program which is consistent with such program. Subjects any person engaged in the manufacture or sale of municipal waste incineration units or components who misrepresents the performance characteristics of incinerator technology or equipment to a civil monetary penalty plus costs and damages caused by such misrepresentation. Includes as major emitting facilities under the Clean Air Act municipal incinerators capable of charging more than 50 tons of refuse per day. (Currently, only incinerators charging more than 250 tons per day are included.) Title II: Solid Waste Disposal Act Amendment - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to direct the EPA to promulgate regulations, within one year of this Act's enactment, for the safe management of municipal incinerator ash. Requires that landfills into which such ashes are disposed be monofills with groundwater monitoring, two synthetic liners, an additional lower liner, a leachate collection system above all liners, and a leak detection system between the two synthetic liners. Authorizes the disposal of ash in a landfill other than a monofill if requirements more stringent than those imposed on monofills apply. Authorizes the EPA to waive the applicability of this Act's landfill design requirements to solid waste management units receiving incinerator ash if an alternative design will provide at least as effective protection of human health and the environment as such requirements. Prohibits a State from issuing a permit to any new or modified municipal waste incineration unit after 18 months after this Act's enactment unless the State prepares a solid waste management plan which provides cost-effective maximization of resource conservation and the protection of human health and the environment through solid waste reduction, source separation or control, recycling, and other measures. Prohibits the issuance of a permit to a unit unless an ash management plan demonstrating compliance with this Act's requirements has been submitted for the ash from such unit. Requires that before a new or modified unit begins operations it have sufficient capacity to treat or dispose of its ash for the succeeding five years. Directs the EPA, in developing regulations for the management of municipal incinerator ash, to issue criteria and testing procedures for identifying the characteristics of such ash which may pose a hazard to human health or the environment. Authorizes the EPA to require the owner or operator of a municipal incinerator or any facility involved in ash management to test the ash in accordance with such criteria and testing procedures. Requires that any ash which is identified as posing a hazard to human health or the environment be: (1) disposed of pursuant to this Act's requirements; or (2) treated, in accordance with regulations to be promulgated by the EPA, so as to remove the hazards associated with such ash, including the migration of hazardous constituents. Subjects facilities receiving municipal incinerator ash to a permit or other prior approval program and conditions in accordance with a State's solid waste management program. Provides public notice and the opportunity or an informal public hearing prior to the issuance of a permit to an ash management facility. Authorizes the EPA to issue a corrective action order or commence a civil action against the offending facility when there has been a release of a hazardous ash constituent. Directs the EPA to publish guidelines, within one year of this Act's enactment, identifying items or materials that should be removed from municipal waste prior to incineration in order to reduce air emissions.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1988
Independent Defense Inspector General Act - Establishes the Office of the Defense Inspector General (Office) as an independent establishment within the executive branch. Provides that such office shall be headed by an Inspector General appointed by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Specifies that the Inspector General shall not report to, or be subject to supervision by, the Secretary of Defense. Provides that the Inspector General shall appoint an Assistant Inspector General for Auditing and an Assistant Inspector General for Investigations. Specifies the various duties and responsibilities of the Inspector General, including: (1) providing policy direction for, and conducting and supervising audits and investigations relating to, the programs and operations of the Department of Defense; and (2) being the principal adviser to the Secretary of Defense for matters relating to the prevention and detection of fraud, waste, and abuse in the programs and operations of the Department of Defense. Requires the Inspector General, in carrying out the duties and responsibilities established under this Act, to: (1) give regard to the activities of the Comptroller General with a view toward avoiding duplication and insuring coordination and cooperation; (2) report to the Attorney General whenever reasonable grounds exist to believe there has been a violation of criminal law; and (3) carry out such duties and responsibilities in a manner that avoids compromising or endangering the national security. Requires the Inspector General to prepare semiannual reports concerning the activities of the Office and to furnish such reports to the President, the Secretary of Defense, and the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives. Sets forth administrative provisions concerning: (1) the authorities of the Inspector General to have access to records and documents of the Department of Defense; (2) the obtaining of information and assistance from other Federal agencies; and (3) office space and equipment. Requires the Inspector General to report to the President, the Secretary of Defense, and the Armed Services Committees whenever any requested information or assistance is unreasonably refused. Authorizes the Inspector General to receive and investigate complaints or information from employees of the Department of Defense concerning violations of law, waste, mismanagement, or dangers to public health or safety. Prohibits the Inspector General from disclosing the identity of such an employee without the consent of the employee, unless the Inspector General determines such disclosure is unavoidable during the course of an investigation. Prohibits taking or threatening to take any action against any such employee as a reprisal for making a complaint or disclosing information to the Inspector General. Prohibits any person from serving as Inspector General if he or she has served as an officer of the armed forces or has been employed by a defense contractor during the five-year period prior to nomination. Prohibits any person who has served as Inspector General from accepting compensation from a defense contractor for a period of five years after leaving office. Sets forth similar rules for employees of the Office for periods of three years before and after employment with the Office. Terminates the Office of the Inspector General of the Department of Defense. Transfers all personnel, records, property and assets of such office to the Office established by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 1988
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Secretary of the Treasury should not regulate the donation of articles intended to relieve human suffering in Nicaragua, except as authorized for the President under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 1988
Amends the Federal Hazardous Substances Act to make the art materials labeling requirements of the American Society for Testing and Materials effective as a regulation of the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Requires manufacturers or repackagers of such materials to provide the Commission with the criteria used to determine whether or not such materials could cause chronic adverse health effects along with a list of materials that require hazard warning labels. Requires updates and revisions in labeling and standards as necessary. Directs the Commission to issue guidelines specifying criteria for determining when customary or foreseeable uses of such materials could result in a chronic hazard. Requires the Commission to review and amend such guidelines as appropriate. Directs the Commission to develop informational and educational materials about art materials and to distribute such materials to interested persons.
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 1988
Requires commercial lessors of automobiles to disclose to their rental customers the nature of the collision damage waivers offered under the automobile rental agreement. Mandates that such information be included in advertisements posted by such lessors. Makes violators of such disclosure requirements liable to: (1) an aggrieved lessee in an amount equal to the total amount paid by the lessee under the rental agreement; and (2) the United States for a maximum civil penalty of $10,000. Sets forth enforcement provisions.
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 1988
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a taxpayer a nonrefundable 50 percent income tax credit, to a limit of $250, for costs of television subtitle equipment for use by a hearing-impaired dependent.
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 1988
Nursing Shortage Reduction and Education Extension Act of 1988 - Title I: Initiatives to Reduce Nursing Shortages - Amends title VIII (Nursing Education) of the Public Health Service Act to create a new part on initiatives to reduce nursing shortages. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants for demonstrating innovative hospital nursing practice models which include restructuring the role of the nurse, testing innovative wage structures, and evaluating the effectiveness of various benefits. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1989 through 1991. Directs the Secretary to provide, directly or through contracts, for evaluation of the models demonstrated and for dissemination of the information developed. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to nurse training entities: (1) to demonstrate innovative nursing practice models for services in the home and long-term care facilities designed to increase recruitment and retention of nurses and improve nursing care; and (2) to develop projects to increase the exposure of nursing students to clinical practice in nursing home, home health, and gerontologic settings. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1989 through 1991. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants for the identification of specific community nursing needs and the development and establishment of programs of educational outreach and nurse recruitment. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1989 through 1991. Title II: Special Projects - Amends title VIII (Nurse Education) of the Public Health Service Act to replace provisions relating to nursing education opportunities for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds with a new subpart on the same topic. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants and enter into contracts for special projects to increase nursing education opportunities for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds. Prohibits the Secretary from approving or disapproving an application for a grant or contract until after consultation with the National Advisory Council on Nursing Training. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1989 through 1991. Removes provisions authorizing the Secretary to make grants and enter into contracts for special projects to: (1) provide retraining for nurses after periods of professional inactivity; (2) demonstrate clinical nurse education programs which combine educational curricula and clinical practice; and (3) demonstrate methods to encourage nursing graduates to practice in health manpower shortage areas. Replaces provisions authorizing grants and contracts for continuing education for nurses with provisions authorizing the Secretary to make grants and enter into contracts for special projects to demonstrate improved geriatric nursing training. Replaces provisions authorizing grants and contracts to increase the supply or improve the distribution of nurses with provisions authorizing the Secretary to make grants and enter into contracts for special projects to increase the supply of nurses, including bilingual nurses, to meet the needs of rural areas. Revises the description of nursing education special projects eligible for certain grants and contracts with regard to: (1) priorities in training and education to upgrade the skills of paraprofessional nursing personnel; (2) development of curricula for certain nursing baccalaureate and masters degree situations; (3) facilitation of the completion of advanced nurse education programs by certain specialists; and (4) provision of nursing education courses to rural areas through telecommunications via satellite. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants and enter into contracts for special projects to collect the names and addresses of health facilities and nursing students and nurses willing to enter into agreements under which the facilities would repay at least 25 percent of the educational loans for each year of nursing service of the individual in that facility. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants and enter into contracts for geriatric nursing training. Requires applications for grants and contracts to be subject to peer review. Prohibits the Secretary from approving or disapproving an application unless the Secretary has received recommendations from the peer review group and has consulted with the National Advisory Council on Nurse Training. Authorizes appropriations for grants and contracts for special projects in nurse education and for advanced nurse education for FY 1989 through 1991. Revises the guidelines for programs for the education of nurse practitioners and nurse midwives to require that they have not less than six full-time equivalent students. (Current law requires that they have eight students.) Allows service commitments by nurse practitioner or nurse midwife traineeship recipients to include service in an Indian Health Service health center, a Native Hawaiian health center, a migrant health center, or a community health center in addition to the currently-allowed service in a health manpower shortage area or a public health care facility. Authorizes appropriations for certain nurse practitioner and nurse midwife programs for FY 1989 through 1991. Title III: Assistance to Nursing Students - Authorizes the Secretary to make grants for traineeships for students enrolled at least half-time in nursing masters degree programs who agree to complete the degree requirements by the end of the academic year in which the student is to receive the traineeship. Authorizes appropriations for traineeships for advanced education of professional nurses for FY 1989 through 1991. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants for traineeships for licensed registered nurses to become nurse anesthetists and for projects to develop and operate programs for the education of nurse anesthetists. Authorizes appropriations for traineeships for nurse anesthetists for FY 1989 through 1991. Includes, as qualifying for loan repayment under specified provisions, nursing service in an Indian Health Service health center, a Native Hawaiian health center, a public hospital, a migrant health center, a community health center, a nonprofit nursing facility, or a health facility determined by the Secretary to have a critical shortage of nurses. Sets forth financial need and geographic priorities in entering into loan repayment agreements. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1989 through 1991. Amends title VIII (Nurse Education) of the Public Health Service Act to create a new subpart on scholarships. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants for scholarships for nursing students in financial need. Requires applicant schools to agree to: (1) give priority in providing scholarships to individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds; and (2) require student recipients of the scholarships to agree to serve as nurses at least two years in specified types of facilities. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1989 through 1991. Title IV: General Provisions of Title VIII - Changes the composition of the National Advisory Council on Nurse Training to increase the number of members and require representation by practicing professional nurses and from associate degree schools of nursing. Amends title VIII (Nurse Education) of the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide, directly or through contract, for evaluations of projects carried out under this title and for dissemination of information developed as a result of the projects. Sets forth reporting requirements. Title V: Effective Date - Sets forth the effective dates of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 1988
Amends Federal law to authorize Federal employees who are separated from service (for other than gross misconduct) and individuals who cease to meet unmarried dependent child requirements to continue Federal health benefits coverage. Authorizes coverage for former employees up to 18 months and for unmarried dependents up to 36 months at their own cost. Authorizes the Office of Personnel Management to prescribe regulations for continued coverage for certain former spouses, legally separated individuals, and members of employee organization plans.
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 1988
Condemns the use of chemical weapons by Iraq and calls upon Iraq to halt the use of such weapons. Commends the President for his prompt condemnation of Iraq's recent chemical weapons attack on civilians. Urges the President to: (1) seek allied cooperation to tighten controls on the export of chemical compounds to countries seeking to develop a chemical weapons capability; (2) make appropriate diplomatic efforts to prevent Iran from developing or using chemical weapons; and (3) intensify American efforts at the Geneva Conference on Disarmament and in bilateral discussions with the Soviet Union to achieve an arms control agreement banning the production, use, and transfer of chemical weapons.
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 1988
Requires the President to provide the House of Representatives with specified documents (with respect to the assistance for Central America provided for in Public Law 100-276) concerning: (1) interpretations of such Act by the Legal Advisor of the Department of State or the Office of the General Counsel of the Agency for International Development (AID); (2) standards, procedures, and controls for the accountability of funds which have been adopted by AID pursuant to such Act; (3) the procurement outside of the United States, the receipt, and the end-use of any equipment, supplies, or other goods for the Nicaraguan democratic resistance using the funds made available by such Act; (4) funds made available by such Act for the Verification Commission established by the Sapoa Agreement of March 23, 1988; (5) the selection of, and agreements with, organizations to distribute assistance under such Act for children who are victims of the Nicaraguan civil strife; and (6) compliance with the requirements for the distribution to and use of such assistance by children.
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 1988
Price Competitive Products Act of 1988 - Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to permit the importation or sale of foreign-made articles bearing a trademark or trade name identical with one owned and registered by a U.S. citizen when: (1) both the foreign and the U.S. trademark are owned by the same person; (2) the foreign and domestic trademark owners are parent and subsidiary companies; or (3) the foreign articles bear a recorded trademark applied under authorization of the U.S. owner. Permits the importation or sale of an article otherwise legally imported even though such article may have a copyright in its trademark or in the label, package, design, instructions for use, or other accompanying material.
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 1988
Expresses the sense of the Congress urging Government agencies to avoid actions that would reduce amateur radio frequency allocations used for emergency communications and encouraging support for the Amateur Radio Service in its emergency communications efforts.
![Official portrait of Rep. Bates, Jim [D-CA-44]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/b000236_200.jpg)