United States · United States Congress · 12 June 1989
Amends title VII (Equal Employment Opportunities) of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to deem a prima facie violation of such title to have been made out by proof that the representation of the protected group is significantly less in the position or among the benefit recipients in question than among the qualified applicants (or likely qualified applicants) for the position, or the eligible persons (or likely eligible persons) for the benefit. Allows a defendant to rebut the showing by proving that each part of the selection process was essential to the performance of the defendant's legitimate functions.
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 1989
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should not appoint a new Administrator of the Panama Canal Commission unless and until he certifies to the Congress that the ruling Government of Panama is democratically elected according to procedures specified in the Constitution of Panama.
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 1989
Hazardous Materials Transportation Act Amendments of 1989 - Amends the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act (the Act) to require the Secretary of Transportation to issue regulations requiring any generator of a shipment of hazardous materials to transmit a manifest of its contents and the license plate or other identifying number of the carrier to the central reporting system and data center. Requires the Secretary to enter into a contract under which a private entity shall establish a central reporting system and data center to provide law enforcement and firefighting personnel with information and advice on dealing with emergencies connected with the transportation of hazardous materials (currently the Secretary is required to establish and maintain such a system and data center). Prohibits the appropriation of Federal funds for such system and data center. Permits the private entity to impose a fee for manifesting such a shipment if the generator is a Federal agency. Directs the Secretary to study the flow of hazardous materials in the United States. Requires the Secretary, in collaboration with the private entity, to report the results of such study to the Congress. Increases both civil and criminal penalties for violations under the Act. Sets forth specified terms and conditions with respect to the private entity's establishment and maintenance of the reporting system and data center.
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 1989
Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to enter into an agreement for the transfer of specified monkeys used in research at the Institute for Behavioral Research in Silver Spring, Maryland, to Primarily Primates, Inc., an animal sanctuary in San Antonio, Texas, the teaching zoo known as Moorpark College in Moorpark, California, or the San Diego Zoo in San Diego, California.
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 1989
Expresses the sense of the Congress regarding admissions of minority students to institutions of higher education, especially with respect to illegal exclusion and illegal racial discrimination against Asian-Americans and other groups.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1989
Authorizes the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate to present a bronze medal to individuals: (1) who were members of the armed forces and were present in Hawaii on December 7, 1941; and (2) who participated in combat operations that day against Japanese military forces attacking Hawaii. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to strike such medals. Authorizes the Secretary to provide for the sale of bronze duplicates of the medal. Authorizes appropriations which are to be reimbursed out of the proceeds from sales of the medals.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1989
Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to permit certain battered alien spouses to apply for permanent residence without filing a joint petition (and interview) with the citizen spouse. Requires such an alien spouse to demonstrate: (1) that the marriage was entered into with good faith; and (2) evidence of physical abuse or extreme mental cruelty.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 1989
Includes in the definition of a veteran (therefore eligible for all veterans' benefits) all persons considered to be Commonwealth Army veterans by reason of service with the armed forces during World War II in the Philippines.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 1989
Designates June 21, 1989, as Chaney, Goodman, and Schwerner Day. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Voting Rights Act of 1965 has helped to fulfill the promise of democracy in this Nation. Reaffirms the goal of removing remaining barriers to full voter participation in this Nation.
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 1989
Provides an opportunity for Federal employees subject to the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) and certain Federal employees subject to other retirement systems under the Central Intelligence Agency Act of 1964 for Certain Employees and the Foreign Service Act to elect coverage under the Federal Employees' Retirement System (FERS) between July 1 and December 31, 1989. Delays implementation of certain Government pension offset provisions under the Social Security Act. Makes this Act's amendments effective as of January 1, 1988.
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 1989
Amends the Federal criminal code to require a minimum sentence of five years' imprisonment, without an opportunity for parole, for the unlawful possession of a firearm by any person: (1) who has been convicted of a crime punishable by more than a year imprisonment; (2) who is a fugitive from justice; (3) who is an unlawful user of or addicted to any controlled substance; (4) who has transported in interstate commerce any stolen firearm; or (5) who has received any stolen firearm. Increases from $5,000 to $10,000 and from five years to ten years the fine and term of imprisonment, respectively, for violation of Federal firearm laws. Increases the penalties for possession of a firearm in connection with a crime of violence or drug trafficking.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1989
Title I: General Provisions - Merchant Marine and Defense Act of 1989 - Sets forth congressional findings regarding the maritime industries and national defense. Declares that it is the policy of the United States to develop the necessary maritime resources to meet U.S. national defense and economic security requirements. Title II: Operating Differential Subsidy Reform - Amends provisions of the Merchant Marine Act, 1936 relating to the operating-differential subsidy (ODS) to: (1) allow the Secretary of Transportation, in determining whether to approve an application or revise a contract, to consider the availability of funding; and (2) prohibit the Secretary, in making such determinations, from making a distinction between persons already receiving such aid and new applicants. Revises the definition of "essential service" to include any operation determined by the Secretary to be necessary for national defense or for competitive and economical operation of U.S.-flag vessels in foreign commerce. Requires, for ODS aid, that a vessel be a militarily useful dry cargo vessel less than 20 years old and U.S.-documented. Directs the Secretary, notwithstanding any other law, to allow any qualified U.S. operator to qualify any militarily useful vessels for an ODS if the operator applies within one year of enactment of this Act, meets the requirements for such aid, and meets other requirements. Defines "qualified operator" to mean a U.S. citizen who owned, during the two years ending on the date of enactment of this Act, oceangoing vessels documented in the United States. Ends the Secretary's authority to determine suitable ocean routes and lines to foreign ports. Ends the ODS eligibility requirement that vessels be operating in an essential service. Directs the Secretary to designate ocean services, routes, and lines to not be essential services for purposes of ODS. Prohibits the Secretary from designating a route after two years after enactment of this Act unless operation on that route under an ODS is essential for national security. Repeals provisions excluding certain vessels from eligibility for an ODS. Reduces the maximum period for ODS contracts from 20 to ten years. Modifies the formula for determining the amount of ODS payments. Eliminates ODS coverage for insurance, maintenance and repair, and subsistence of officers and crews. Shields contracts in effect on the date of enactment of this Act from the changes until specified events occur. Changes the definition of "collective bargaining costs." Requires wage subsidies to be paid semimonthly rather than monthly. Prohibits the Secretary from entering into or making payments on ODS contracts for a dry cargo or dry bulk vessel that is more than 25 years old or a tanker vessel that is more than 20 years old. (Current law prohibits ODS payments for vessels that are more than 25 years old.) Directs the Secretary, in awarding and revising ODS contracts, to ensure that disruptions to parties to existing contracts are minimized. Provides for a reduction of ODS payments for a particular voyage in proportion to the amount of revenue payable under cargo preference provisions, subject to exception. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out ODS provisions so as to provide incentives for improving the efficiency of operation of vessels for which an ODS is paid. Allows the Secretary to authorize a contractor receiving an ODS for operations of a line haul vessel to own or operate certain foreign flag vessels that act as feeder vessels for that line hall vessel. Authorizes the Secretary, notwithstanding specified provisions, to enter into ODS contracts with U.S. citizens for the operation of any militarily useful vessel built in a foreign shipyard if the citizen has a foreign vessel acquisition right issued by the Secretary and if other requirements are met. Directs the Secretary to establish a program for the issuance of a foreign vessel acquisition right with respect to each oceangoing merchant vessel over a specified number of deadweight tons for which construction in the United States is started on or after enactment of this Act. Requires the program to provide for the assignment by the Secretary of the rights to any U.S. citizen. Requires amounts received as revenue under the program to be deposited in the Procure and Charter Shipyard Improvement Fund established under title XIV of the Merchant Marine Act, 1936 for use under that title. Declares that these provisions shall not be construed to authorize any vessel built or acquired outside the United States to engage in the coastwise trade. Authorizes the Secretary: (1) notwithstanding specified provisions, to enter into ODS contracts for one year after enactment of this Act with any qualified operator for the operation of any militarily useful vessel built in a foreign shipyard if the vessel meets certain requirements; and (2) on and after the date of enactment of this Act to enter into ODS contracts for operation of any vessels eligible for such subsidies by reason of these provisions, the contracts to be effective after the vessels are delivered and documented under U.S. laws. Amends the Merchant Marine Act, 1936 to modify the definition, for purposes of provisions relating to cargo preference, of the term "privately owned United States-flag commercial vessels" so as to allow certain foreign-built vessels to carry preference cargo, subject to limitation. Authorizes the Secretary, notwithstanding cargo preference limitations, to declare a foreign-built vessel eligible for preference cargo, if the Secretary is authorized to enter into an ODS contract with respect to that vessel and if other conditions are met. Title III: Procure and Charter Program - Part A: Design and Construction of Vessels and Improvement of Shipyards - Directs the Secretary of Transportation (Secretary) and the Secretary of Defense to establish a program under which amounts in the Procure and Charter Revolving Fund (Fund) must be used to: (1) fund contracts for the design in the United States of military useful merchant vessels; (2) fund contracts for the construction of such vessels in privately owned U.S. shipyards; and (3) provide assistance to such shipyards for improvements to equipment, systems, and techniques. Directs the Secretary to enter into contracts for the: (1) design and construction of prototypes of militarily useful merchant vessels; and (2) construction of militarily useful merchant vessels in accordance with such designs and prototypes. Sets forth vessel requirements, contractor eligibility requirements, and contract restrictions. Directs the Secretary to require that, as part of the contract, any person awarded a contract improve facilities and management systems of the person and achieve improvements in productivity and cost reductions through serial construction. Authorizes the Secretary to provide vessel construction contractors under these provisions financial assistance in an amount equal to one-half of the costs of improvements in vessel construction equipment, systems, and techniques to be used in carrying out the contract. Prohibits the assistance unless the Secretary determines that the assistance will result in reduced total costs and increased productivity in carrying out construction under these provisions. Limits the amount of the assistance. Authorizes appropriations from the fund as necessary for constructing an average of 12 vessels in each of the FY 1989 through 2000. Part B: Vessel Charter and Sale - Directs the Secretary to establish a program for the chartering and disposing of vessels constructed under part A of this title. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into contracts with any eligible person for the charter by the person of such vessels. Sets forth charter contract terms. Directs the Secretary, as a condition of a contract, to require: (1) a deposit to ensure the faithful performance of all requirements of the contracts, including indemnity against liens on the vessel; and (2) insurance at the expense of the person entering into the contract. Sets forth contracting procedures. Allows the Secretary to terminate a contract: (1) on a presidential proclamation that termination is required for national defense; and (2) during a national emergency declared by the President. Directs the Secretary, in chartering vessels, to avoid conferring any unfair advantage on a charterer. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation (Secretary) and the Secretary of Defense to contract for the charter of any vessel constructed under part A of this title, for use by the Department of the Navy, at rates determined by the Secretary (but not less than the prevailing commercial rate) for not more than two years. Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to contract with any private person to subcharter any vessel constructed under part A, unless the operation of the vessel under that contract will adversely affect the commercial operation of a vessel documented under U.S. laws. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation (Secretary) to sell or otherwise dispose (including by transfer to the National Defense Reserve Fleet) of a vessel constructed under this title if the vessel is not under contract and no reasonable contract offers have been received, and if other conditions are met. Mandates that the Secretary require as compensation for a vessel sold or disposed of an amount at least as much as the U.S. cost in constructing the vessel, less depreciation. Directs the Secretary, in disposing of vessels, to avoid conferring any unfair advantage on any person who acquires the vessel. Authorizes the Secretary to dispose of a vessel to any person for purposes of scrapping the vessel. Part C: Procure and Charter Revolving Fund - Establishes in the Treasury the Procure and Charter Revolving Fund, to consist of amounts deposited in and transferred to the Fund under these provisions. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to: (1) deposit in the Fund all proceeds of charters, sales, and disposals under part B of this title, all duties under specified provisions of the Tariff Act of 1930, all proceeds of issuance of foreign vessel acquisition rights under provisions of the Merchant Marine Act, 1936 as amended by this Act, and interest on such amounts; and (2) transfer to the Fund, for each of the FY 1990 through 2000, any difference between the deposited amounts and the amount authorized to be appropriated under part A of this title. Makes amounts in the Fund available to the Secretary for vessel design and construction and shipyard assistance. Terminates the Fund, with the balance reverting to the general fund of the Treasury, upon a finding by the Secretary that amounts in the Fund plus anticipated receipts are insufficient for funding construction contracts. Mandates deposit in the general fund of the Treasury of any amounts received after termination of the Fund. Part D: General Provisions - Directs the Secretary to: (1) submit an annual report to the Congress regarding matters under this title; and (2) issue regulations to carry out this title. Title IV: Simplification of Procedure for Long-Term Military Leases - Amends Federal law to exempt noncombatant oceangoing vessels from provisions relating to authorization required for certain long-term leases of vessels and aircraft by military departments. Directs the Secretary of Defense to submit an annual report to specified committees of the Congress describing each case in which the Department of the Navy is seeking, or considering seeking, to enter into a long-term charter of an oceangoing vessel under the provisions amended by this title. Title V: Vessel Prototype Design and Construction Program - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to: (1) establish a program for the design and construction of dry and liquid cargo vessel prototypes and troop carrying vessel prototypes; (2) establish guidelines for such design and construction; and (3) conduct a series of competitions for the selection of designs for vessel prototypes. Sets forth design criteria. Authorizes the Secretary to contract for the production of vessel prototype designs. Directs the Secretary to encourage such cooperation between naval architecture firms and ship building firms as may facilitate the use of modern production techniques. Directs the Secretary to contract for the construction in private U.S. shipyards of one of each vessel prototype design. Sets forth criteria for selection of shipyards. Directs the Secretary to base contract awards, to the maximum extent practicable, on consideration (in addition to other considerations required by law) of maintaining the U.S. ship building mobilization base. Requires prototypes constructed under this title to be chartered or otherwise disposed of under the program established under part B of title III of this Act. Requires information obtained through the design and construction of prototypes to be made available to private shipyards and ship suppliers. Title VI: Federal Ship Mortgage Insurance - Amends the Merchant Marine Act, 1936 to exclude from the definition of "vessel," as used in provisions relating to Federal ship mortgage insurance: (1) any vessel used primarily for offshore exploration or exploitation of petroleum; and (2) barges, tugs, towboats, and workboats. Title VII: Tax Incentives for Modernization of U.S. Shipyards - Amends provisions of the Merchant Marine Act, 1936 and the Internal Revenue Code regarding tax incentives and relating to merchant marine capital construction funds to define "reconstruction" to include general repairs to a qualified vessel to the extent that their costs exceeds a specified amount. Adds references to shipyards to the same provisions of both Acts. (Current law provides the incentives only for certain vessels and related barges or containers.) Amends the Internal Revenue Code to add qualified vessels and qualified shipyards to the list of exceptions to the termination of the regular percentage, for purposes of determining the amount of the investment tax credit. Restores, for such vessels and shipyards, the depreciation schedule which was in effect on the day before the enactment of the Tax Reform Act of 1986. Title VIII: Tariff and Trade Reform for Vessel Construction and Operation - Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to impose, when purchased or performed in a foreign country, an ad valorem duty on: (1) modifications and permanent additions to the hull, fittings, or superstructure of a vessel, including inspections required by the classifications societies, insurers, and governmental entities; and (2) vessel drydocking and all services necessary for drydocking. Excluding emergency repairs from imposition of such duty. Relieves the owner or operator of a vessel from liability for the duty if the owner or operator elects to spend, in a shipyard in the United States within five years, for equipment, repair parts or materials, or repairs, a cumulative amount at least equal to the duty. Makes an owner or operator who fails to so spend liable for the duty plus accrued interest. Requires amounts received as a duty to be deposited into the Procure and Charter Revolving Fund established by this Act. Title IX: Expansion of Cargo Reserved for U.S. Vessels - Amends cargo preference provisions of the Merchant Marine Act, 1936 to require that 100 percent of the agricultural and nonagricultural ocean-borne cargoes generated by the U.S. Government, including cargoes generated as a result of a foreign aid cash transfer program, be transported on privately owned U.S.-flag commercial vessels, subject to exception. (Current law requires that 50 percent of nonagricultural and 25 percent of certain agricultural commodities be transported on U.S.-flag commercial vessels.) States that, in authorizing a vessel which is not U.S.-registered to transport any cargo which is foreign assistance subject to the provisions being amended, the Secretary of Transportation must require that 50 percent of the cargo be transported on U.S.-registered vessels and the remainder on vessels registered in the country receiving the assistance. Title X: Increasing Defense Readiness of United States Merchant Marine - Amends the Merchant Marine Act, 1936 to direct the Secretary of Transportation, before approving any assistance under such Act for the construction of a vessel intended for use in the coastwise trade, to submit the plans to the Secretary of Defense for review and approval. Directs the Secretary of Defense to either: (1) certify that the plans are suitable for construction of a vessel which is capable of economical and expeditious conversion to use during war or national defense emergency; or (2) request changes in the plans necessary to enable that conversion. Directs the Secretary of Transportation, subject to appropriations, to pay to a person constructing a vessel in the United States after enactment of this Act to be operated in the coastwise trade, before construction begins, the costs of: (1) constructing any national defense features; (2) maintaining the features for 15 years; (3) additional operating expenses because of the features during that period; and (4) lost revenue during that period because of reduced cargo space. Declares that it is the sense of the Congress that: (1) rates paid by the Department of Defense for the carriage of ocean-borne cargoes should fully compensate the vessel owner and could be based on established commercial rates; and (2) contracts for such carriage should be awarded, compatible with sound business practice (including cost minimization), so as to enhance the strategic sealift capabilities of the U.S.-flag commercial merchant fleet. Prohibits the Department of Defense, subject to exception and after enactment of this Act, from entering into any contract for carriage of cargoes on a vessel which was: (1) not U.S.-built; or (2) documented in the United States after enactment of this Act. Directs the Secretary of Transportation (Secretary) and the Secretary of Defense to establish a national maritime industries research and development program to carry out commercial water-borne and commercial intermodal transportation and strategic sealift-related research and development. Makes the Secretary responsible for administering the program and lists areas which must be included in the program. Directs the two Secretaries to jointly establish the Maritime Research and Development Advisory Board. Directs the Secretary, as a condition of a research and development project under these provisions, to require that private industry pay a portion of the cost of the project. Limits the Federal share to 66 percent and the non-Federal share to a specified dollar amount for each fiscal year. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1991 through 2001. Title XI: Maritime Labor Reform - Repeals provisions of Federal law relating to merchant mariners' documents. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation, notwithstanding any law, to issue regulations to: (1) allow performance of both deck and engine duties on vessels by qualified personnel; (2) establish the numbers and qualifications of the crew and the watch on vessels; (3) create and keep current licensed and unlicensed personnel ratings; and (4) govern the requirements and standards for documentation of licensed and unlicensed personnel of vessel crews. Directs the Secretary to conduct a study and report to the Congress regarding methods for reducing allowable compensation for port and shipyard workers' injuries and disabilities under the Longshoremen's and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act to a level comparable to other industrial occupations. Title XII: Miscellaneous - Directs the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Transportation, the Secretary of Commerce, the Administrator of the Federal Maritime Commission, and the U.S. Trade Representative to jointly submit an annual report to the Congress regarding unfair foreign trade practices that affect the U.S.-flag merchant marine and maritime industries. Directs the Secretary of Defense to submit an annual report to the Congress regarding specified current and projected maritime defense matters. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to include certain information in an annual report to the Congress required by specified provisions of the Merchant Marine Act, 1936.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1989
Older Americans' Freedom to Work Act of 1989 - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to remove the limitation on the amount of outside income which beneficiaries who have attained retirement age may earn without incurring a reduction in benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1989
Urges: (1) the Chinese Government to respect and affirm internationally recognized human rights and to repeal martial law; (2) protesting students to continue their fight in nonviolent ways; and (3) the Secretary of State to take appropriate action to protect protesting students' and workers' rights. Commends the protesting students' commitment to nonviolent principles of protest. Declares that any violent response by China could affect Sino-American relations.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1989
Cable Competition Act - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to authorize a State or cable television franchising authority to regulate the rates that a cable operator may charge for the provision of lifeline television services for any franchising area which is not provided with cable service by two or more cable operators. Defines the "lifeline television service" as the provision of: (1) channels of the three major networks; (2) a public television channel; and (3) one channel carrying each independent local television station. Repeals a provision of such Act which prohibits a telephone company from providing video programming in its telephone service area. Allows a telephone company to: (1) provide video programming directly to subscribers; or (2) provide rental arrangements to any entity which is owned or controlled by, or under common control with, such telephone company for the provision of such video programming. Directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to prescribe regulations to ensure that: (1) the economic risks of video programming business of a telephone company are not borne by telephone service ratepayers in any way; and (2) a common carrier providing video services allocates costs in a manner which protects basic telephone ratepayers from subsidizing the provision of cable video programming. Prohibits a telephone company from providing video programming services if prohibited from doing so by Federal antitrust laws. Makes it unlawful for any person (including a common carrier) to purchase or otherwise acquire control of a cable system without the permission of the franchising authority for that cable system. Prohibits a franchising authority from granting such authority unless: (1) it determines that cable subscribers will benefit from such acquisition; (2) it determines that the number of channels, the signal quality, and the types of services will be expanded; and (3) the person acquiring the cable system agrees to include an obligation to achieve such expanded benefits and services for its customers. Requires a cable operator to: (1) provide cable system access to any program service, except under specified conditions; (2) provide cable system access to any unaffiliated program service under the same rates, terms, and conditions as provided to an affiliated program; and (3) comply with regulations prescribed by the FCC which ensure such access. States that any regulations prescribed by the FCC shall not relieve a common carrier who provides cable service from any regulations under the above Act or any other regulations concerning open network architecture plans and related requirements. Makes it unlawful for any person affiliated with a cable operator who provides programming to any cable operator to engage in any unjust or unreasonable discrimination in charges, practices, regulations, facilities, or services against any person seeking to obtain such programming for distribution over another capable system or over any other medium capable of making the programming available for private viewing. Empowers U.S. district courts with jurisdiction to enforce such prohibitions. Directs the FCC to initiate a proceeding to investigate: (1) the extent to which affiliated persons are engaged in producing and distributing video programming for carriage on cable television systems; and (2) the degree to which such operations result in higher rates for television service or unfair or anticompetitive acts or practices with respect to such programming. Requires the FCC to report immediately to the Attorney General or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) any acts or practices found during such investigation that appear to violate any law within the jurisdiction of the Attorney General or the FTC. Directs the FCC to report to the Congress on the results of such investigation within one year after the enactment of this Act. Directs the FCC to initiate a proceeding to investigate: (1) the extent to which video programming is being delivered to residents of rural areas by means of cable television systems and other media; and (2) methods which might be used to improve and extend the delivery of such programming by such media. Directs the FCC to report the results of such investigations to the Congress within one year after enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 1989
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Commission on the Bicentennial of the United States Constitution and the Secretary of Commerce should observe the U.S. census bicentennial with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 1989
Prohibits a person from being appointed Inspector General of the Department of Defense unless such person has at least ten years of professional experience in accounting, auditing, financial analysis, law, management analysis, public administration, or investigations. Outlines administrative provisions concerning the term, removal, duties, and subpoena power of the Inspector General. Requires the Director of the Defense Contract Audit Agency to report to, and be subject to the supervision of, the Inspector General.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 1989
Changes the date for which Memorial Day is designated as a legal public holiday from the last Monday in May to May 30. Changes Memorial Day as a particular day for displaying the flag from the last Monday in May to May 30. Makes Memorial Day an exception to the observance on Mondays.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1989
Amends the Internal Revenue Code with respect to the valuation of farmland for estate tax purposes to eliminate the limit on the reduction in fair market value of certain farmland if such land continues to be farmed for up to 30 years.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1989
Constitutional Amendment - Requires the Congress and the President, prior to each fiscal year, to agree on an estimate of total receipts (except those derived from borrowing) for that fiscal year by enactment of a joint single subject resolution. Prohibits outlays for that year (except those for repayment of debt principal) from exceeding this amount unless the Congress, by a three-fifths roll call vote of each House, authorizes a specific excess of outlays over receipts. Requires a three-fifths roll call vote of each House to increase the public debt. Directs the President to submit a balanced budget to the Congress. Requires the approval of a majority of the total membership of each House by roll call vote before any bill to increase revenue may become law. Waives these provisions when a declaration of war is in effect.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 1989
White House Conference on Small Business Act - Calls upon the President to conduct a National White House Conference on Small Business once every four years to: (1) increase public awareness of the contributions of small business; (2) identify small business problems; (3) examine the status of minority and women small business owners; (4) assist small business in carrying out its role as the Nation's job creator; (5) develop specific recommendations for executive and legislative action; and (6) review the status of recommendations adopted at the preceding Conferences. Directs Federal departments, agencies, and instrumentalities to provide support and assistance to the planning of such Conferences. Requires a final report of each Conference, within six months from the date a Conference is convened, to be submitted to the President and the Congress. Requires the Small Business Administration to report annually to the Congress following the submission of the final report of the Conference. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 1989
Advanced Television Competitiveness Act of 1989 - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to provide for the establishment of an industry-led consortium, to be known as TV Tech, to conduct research, development, and manufacturing activities in the field of high definition television and other advanced television systems. Outlines membership provisions concerning TV Tech. Requires the Directorate of TV Tech (the controlling group) to appoint from among employees of firms that are members of TV Tech a Commercial Coordinating Group to coordinate and advise on the commercially related activities of TV Tech and a Technical Coordinating Group to coordinate and advise on the technical activities of TV Tech. Requires the Directorate to establish a variety of projects related to advanced television system technologies, each to be supervised by a project leader. Provides a Project Leaders Coordinating Group to facilitate the sharing among projects of costs, planning, and the dissemination of obtained information. Establishes an Advisory Council on Federal Participation in TV Tech to: (1) advise the Directorate on appropriate goals for activities; and (2) conduct an annual review of TV Tech activities to determine progress made in achieving the purposes of this Act. Outlines membership and funding provisions for the Council. Provides that the conduct of any person making or performing a contract to carry out activities authorized by this Act shall not be considered illegal per se under antitrust laws, but shall be judged on the basis of its reasonableness. Provides that, for the purposes of damages recovery and attorneys' fees, conduct authorized by this Act shall be considered within the scope of a notification under appropriate provisions of the National Cooperative Research Act of 1984. Permits TV Tech to enter into contracts which would result in the transfer to any person outside the United States of technology developed in the United States only when authorized by the Directorate, in consultation with the Advisory Council. Permits a non-U.S.-owned firm to obtain licensing rights from TV Tech with respect to technology developed in the United States only if: (1) all royalties connected with such license are retained by TV Tech or a U.S.-owned firm; and (2) all components are manufactured in the United States, unless special circumstances warrant otherwise. Provides for reversion to TV Tech of all patents held by a member firm of TV Tech which ceases to be a U.S.-owned firm. Allows research and development programs undertaken by TV Tech to culminate in pilot projects as appropriate. Authorizes TV Tech to enter into agreements with a State to encourage development of full-scale projects at the State level.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 1989
Limits assessments of underpayments with respect to taxable periods beginning before July 1, 1985, in connection with the annual $250 occupational tax on retail liquor and beer dealers. Abates assessments and refunds overpayments of any post-1987 tax.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 1989
Calls on the Government of Vietnam to: (1) make public the names of all individuals who continue to be held in "reeducation" camps or prisons in connection with suspected opposition to the Government of Vietnam; (2) release immediately all remaining long-term detainees from such camps or prisons; and (3) resume negotiations with the United States, without preconditions, concerning the emigration from Vietnam of such detainees and their families.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 1989
Amends the Older Americans Act of 1965 to require the Commissioner on Aging to give special consideration to funding demonstration projects providing older individuals with the opportunity to serve as volunteers furnishing long-term care services to nursing home residents.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 1989
Authorizes the President, on behalf of the Congress, to present a gold medal to George Mantello in recognition of his efforts to save the lives of thousands of Jews and other Europeans from extermination during the Holocaust. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to provide for the sale of bronze duplicates of the medal.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 1989
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the Soviet Union should be held responsible for any use of chemical warfare by the Afghan regime against the mujahideen and should remove the potential for chemical warfare in Afghanistan; and (2) any such use may be cause for the United States to reduce or terminate diplomatic initiatives and economic cooperation with the Soviet Union.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1989
Cable Consumer Protection Act of 1989 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to repeal certain limitations on the authority of a State or local government to regulate the rates for cable television service. Authorizes a State or franchising authority to require the alteration of rates following any change in service by a cable operator (such as the rearrangement of cable service tiers). Requires such State or franchising authority to issue a final decision on such an alteration of rates within 60 days of public notice and opportunity for hearing. Authorizes a State or franchising authority to prohibit the ownership or control of a cable system by a person because of such person's ownership or control of media of mass communications or other media interest, but limits the enforcement of such prohibition to either: (1) granting or denying a renewal of the franchise; or (2) granting or denying an application to transfer ownership or control of the cable system. Amends Federal copyright law with respect to compulsory licensing requirements for the secondary transmission by a State or local franchising authority of a primary transmission made by a broadcast station licensed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to require cable system compliance with certain must-carry requirements. Provides that a cable system complies with the must-carry requirements if the FCC certifies that such cable system: (1) carries, as part of their basic tier of cable service, specified signals of television broadcast stations; and (2) carries each station on the cable channel on which it was carried on July 19, 1985, or on the channel number assigned to such station by the FCC, or on such other cable channel as may be acceptable to the television broadcast station.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1989
Designates the Labor Day weekend beginning on September 2, 1989, as National Drive for Life Weekend. Calls on people to observe that weekend with a pledge to not drink and drive.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1989
Steel Revitalization Act of 1989 - Sets forth quotas on the aggregate quantity of articles that may be imported within all steel categories and within each steel category for quota years 1989 through 1997 (corresponding to FY 1990 through 1998). Limits the aggregate quantity of such articles for any year to a specified percentage of the domestic consumption. Sets forth a foreign country limitation with respect to the importation of such steel articles. Requires the Secretary of Commerce to determine the domestic consumption and compute the quantitative restriction for such articles in a steel category for each year. Requires the Secretary to: (1) monitor the domestic production in, the exportation from, and the importation into, the United States of articles in a steel category; and (2) notify the Secretary of the Treasury of such determinations and computations. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to auction rights to enter quantities of articles within the steel categories during each quota year. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to deposit auction monies into the Steel Revitalization Fund. Requires the President, before quota year 1989, to negotiate with foreign countries for an orderly transition from voluntary steel restraint agreements to the quantitative restrictions imposed under this Act. Permits any domestic steel product manufacturer to submit, for the Secretary's approval, a restructuring plan that will enable such manufacturer to compete on an international basis. Authorizes the Secretary to provide financial assistance to steel manufacturers with approved restructuring plans. Authorizes the Secretary to establish a plan review advisory council to review and provide advice regarding restructuring plans. Establishes the Steel Revitalization Fund within the Treasury. Terminates the quantitative restrictions imposed under this Act on September 30, 1998.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1989
Elephant Protection Act - Requires the United States Trade Representative (USTR), before January 1, 1990, to identify each foreign country that has enacted sanctions against trading in ivory. Requires the USTR to: (1) determine, for each year after 1989, if each identified country has effectively enforced such sanctions; (2) determine, for each year after 1990, if each foreign country not so identified has enacted such sanctions; and (3) determine, for each year after 1990, if such countries that have implemented sanctions against trading in ivory have enforced them. Directs the USTR to: (1) make such determinations for each year; (2) notify the President of each negative determination; and (3) publish each negative determination in the Federal Register. Requires the President, after receiving a negative determination with respect to any foreign country, to revoke nondiscriminatory treatment (most-favored-nation treatment) for all products of such country that are imported into the United States. Makes it unlawful for any person to import or export ivory products. Sets forth civil and criminal penalties. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to deny foreign tax credit benefits with respect to income derived from trading in ivory. Provides that ivory-related income shall not be treated as foreign base company income.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1989
Designates September 8, 1989, as National Pledge of Allegiance Day. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Christopher Columbus Quincentenary Jubilee Commission should include the centennial observance of the Pledge of Allegiance in its commemorative activities.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1989
Prohibits the U.S. Government from giving its approval to the manufacturing license agreement involving the export of technology relating to the design, development, and production of the FSX aircraft in Japan.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1989
Condemns the use of excessive and lethal force by Soviet troops in responding to the demonstrations of April 9, 1989, in Tbilisi, Georgian Soviet Socialist Republic. Urges the Soviet Union to investigate allegations of the use of toxic chemical agents against the demonstrators in Tbilisi and, if true, to take steps to prevent the reoccurrence of such use. Supports the demands of the people of Georgia for human rights and fundamental freedoms.
![Official portrait of Rep. Bentley, Helen Delich [R-MD-2]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/b000392_200.jpg)