United States · United States Congress · 10 November 1987
Authorizes the Vietnam Women's Memorial Project, Inc., to establish a commemorative statue within the Vietnam Veterans Memorial to recognize and honor the women of the U.S. armed forces who served in the Vietnam war. Expresses the sense of the Congress that after the addition of such statue, no further commemorative works should be added to the Memorial. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to select a site for the statue within the Memorial. Makes the design proposal subject to the approval of the Secretary and the National Capital Planning Commission. Prohibits the United States and the District of Columbia from paying any expense of establishing the statue.
United States · United States Congress · 27 October 1987
Establishes the position of Director of the Office of Management and Budget as a cabinet position at level I of the Executive Schedule. Upgrades the Deputy Director position to level II of the Executive Schedule.
United States · United States Congress · 21 October 1987
Equity in Interstate Competition Act of 1987 - Empowers any State and the District of Columbia to require a person to collect a State sales tax imposed with respect to the sale of tangible personal property if: (1) the destination of sale is in such State; and (2) such person engages in regular or systematic soliciting of sales in such State and has, within a specified one-year period, gross receipts from the sale of such property that exceed either $500,000 within the State or $12,500,000 nationally. Sets forth certain requirements that will qualify certain local sales taxes for treatment as State sales taxes. Prohibits a State from requiring any person who collects a State sales tax to make an accounting for the receipts of such tax on the basis of the geographical location at which the taxable transaction occurs. Limits the authority of the State to require a taxpayer to: (1) file more than four tax returns reporting the amount of such tax collected or required to be collected in any one-year period; or (2) file a return and remit the receipts of such tax more frequently than once in a calendar quarter, or before the expiration of the 20-day period beginning on the last day of the period for which such return is required to be filed. Provides that any person required by a State to collect a State sales tax shall be subject to the laws of that State relating to such tax.
United States · United States Congress · 14 October 1987
Amends the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 to provide that the General Supply Fund of the General Services Administration shall be available for the following additional uses: (1) utilization of excess personal property and the donation, sale, or other disposal of surplus personal property; (2) sale for executive agencies of personal property; (3) utilization and disposal of abandoned, seized, and forfeited personal property; and (4) travel and transportation management and services. Requires payments by requisitioning agencies to be fixed at prices which shall recover all direct and indirect costs of furnishing supplies and services. Authorizes the Administrator of General Services to reduce certain charges as deemed appropriate. Prohibits indirect costs included in prices and charges from exceeding the dollar limitation specified in appropriation Acts. Provides for the crediting to the Fund of proceeds (including charges and expenses) from sales of surplus personal property (except proceeds which must be deposited in the Treasury or credited with the applicable Federal agency or in accordance with contract provisions). Removes the restriction that postpayment transportation audit activities be financed at 40 percent of overpayments collected annually from carriers on transportation bills.
United States · United States Congress · 13 October 1987
Omnibus Taxpayers' Bill of Rights Act - Requires the Secretary of the Treasury (Secretary) to prepare a statement setting forth in nontechnical terms: (1) the rights and obligations of a taxpayer and of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) during a tax audit; (2) the procedures by which a taxpayer may appeal adverse decisions, prosecute refund claims, and file complaints; and (3) the procedures that the IRS may use in enforcing revenue laws. Directs the Secretary to transmit drafts of such statement to specified congressional committees and to distribute the final statement to all taxpayers receiving annual tax filing forms from the IRS. Requires the IRS, upon taxpayer request, to conduct any interview regarding the determination or collection of any tax at a reasonable time and place convenient to the taxpayer and to the IRS, and to permit the taxpayer, at his or her own expense, to record the interview. Authorizes the IRS interviewer to record such interview if the taxpayer has been given prior notice and is provided, upon request and payment of reproduction costs, with a transcript of the recording. Requires the interviewer to explain to the taxpayer the audit process, including the taxpayer's rights with respect to the process. Requires the Secretary to abate any penalty or interest imposed on any deficiency attributable to erroneous advice in writing given to a taxpayer by an IRS officer or employee in response to such taxpayer's specific inquiry. Authorizes the IRS Ombudsman, upon application filed by a taxpayer, to issue a Taxpayer Assistance Order if, in the determination of the Ombudsman: (1) the taxpayer is suffering or is about to suffer from an unusual or irreparable loss as a result of the manner in which the internal revenue laws are being administered by the Secretary; and (2) the Secretary has failed to carry out any of his or her duties or has violated any provision of law. Allows the terms of a Taxpayer Assistance Order to require the Secretary to release property of the taxpayer levied upon or to cease or refrain from certain actions. Requires the Secretary to obey any Taxpayer Assistance Order issued by the Ombudsman. Directs the Secretary, within 90 days of this Act's enactment, to issue regulations with respect to Taxpayer Assistance Orders, including provisions to assure full, fair, and impartial due process for affected taxpayers. Amends the Inspector General Act of 1978 and other Federal law to establish within the Department of the Treasury an Office of Inspector General. Transfers to such Office the existing audit and investigation units of the Department. Sets forth criteria with respect to: (1) the authority of the Inspector General to conduct an investigation; and (2) the authority of the Secretary in cases of audits or investigations requiring access to information of a sensitive or confidential nature. Allows the Secretary to prohibit investigations under specified circumstances. Restricts disclosure by the Inspector General of tax returns and return information. Prohibits records of tax enforcement results from being used to evaluate certain IRS personnel or to impose or suggest production quotas. Requires district directors to certify compliance with this mandate on a monthly basis. Requires the Secretary to certify that a rule proposed by the IRS is substantially the only alternative that meets the mandate of the relevant statute in order for the rule to be considered an interpretative rule (and thereby not subject to analyses under the Regulatory Flexibility Act). Amends the Regulatory Flexibility Act to require regulatory flexibility analyses to include consideration of both the direct and indirect beneficial and negative effects of a proposed or final rule. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to direct the Secretary, with limited exceptions, to send a preliminary letter of deficiency to a taxpayer prior to the mailing of a deficiency notice. Specifies required contents for tax due notices and deficiency notices, including the basis of the deficiency and a breakdown of the total amount into tax, interest, and penalty. Directs the Secretary, within 90 days of this Act's enactment, to issue regulations requiring all IRS personnel to explain and support their position in assessing any penalties or additions to tax. Requires the Comptroller General to study IRS procedures with respect to such assessments and to present findings to specified congressional committees no later than December 31, 1988. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into a binding agreement with a taxpayer under which the taxpayer may pay tax liability in installments if the Secretary determines that such an agreement will facilitate collection of the liability. Permits the Secretary, after proper notice and a hearing, to modify or annul the agreement upon the finding that the financial condition of the affected taxpayer has significantly changed. Renders such an agreement nonbinding if the taxpayer fails to pay any installment or any other tax liability when due. Extends from ten to 30 days the period between the required notice to a person who neglects or refuses to pay tax liability and a levy on such person's salary, wages, or other property. Specifies information that must be incorporated in such notice, including possible alternative actions and the appropriate appeals procedures. Adds to the circumstances triggering termination of such a levy: (1) an agreement between the taxpayer and the Secretary for payment of the liability; and (2) the Secretary's determination that the taxpayer's financial condition precludes enforceability of the liability. Revises the list of property exempt from levy to: (1) increase the exempt amount permitted for certain personal effects, the property of a business, and wages; (2) add an exemption for certain deposits in qualified institutions; and (3) provide an express exemption, except under limited circumstances specified in this Act, for the taxpayer's principal residence, a motor vehicle used by the taxpayer as the primary means of transportation to work, and any tangible personal property essential to the operation of the taxpayer's business in cases when a levy would prevent the taxpayer from carrying on such business. Prohibits a levy on any property when levy and sales expenses would exceed either the liability for which the levy is made or the fair market value of the levied property. Permits the Secretary to demand surrender of bank accounts only after 21 days in escrow have passed since service of the notice of levy on the accounts. Sets forth situations in which the Secretary must release a levy. Applies to jeopardy levies the administrative and judicial review procedures currently applicable to jeopardy assessments. Permits a taxpayer to bring a civil action against the United States in the Tax Court for judicial review of jeopardy levies and assessments. (Under current law an action for judicial review of jeopardy assessments may be filed only in district court.) Increases the time during which a taxpayer may petition for such review. Describes the jurisdictional requirements to be applied to such actions. Allows an administrative appeal of tax liens. Grants to the Tax Court exclusive jurisdiction to enjoin premature assessments if the taxpayer has filed a timely petition for review. Provides for review of such injunctive orders by the U.S. Court of Appeals. Grants to the Tax Court jurisdiction to enforce payment by the Secretary of refunds of overpayment and interest to taxpayers. Places on the Secretary the burden of proof of justifying any failure to refund, credit, or offset relevant amounts with respect to a taxpayer. Entitles a prevailing taxpayer to: (1) an interest rate of 120 percent of the overpayment rate with respect to refunds; and (2) reasonable litigation costs. Grants to the Tax Court jurisdiction to: (1) review jeopardy assessment sales of assets; and (2) redetermine interest under certain circumstances when a taxpayer claims an overpayment of the interest. Vests in the Tax Court original jurisdiction over any civil action against the Secretary for the recovery of any tax, additions to tax, and penalties with respect to income, estate, gift, and certain excise taxes. Authorizes an award of reasonable litigation costs to the prevailing party in proceedings by taxpayers before the Internal Revenue Service. Permits a taxpayer to bring a civil action in district court for actual damages resulting from the failure of any Federal officer or employee to release a tax lien on the taxpayer's property. Permits a civil cause of action in district court for damages resulting from the careless, reckless, or intentional disregard of internal revenue laws by any Federal officer or employee. Denies damage awards in cases of contributory negligence. Authorizes a damage award, to a $10,000 maximum, to the United States in cases of frivolous or groundless claims by a taxpayer. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to prescribe criminal penalties for: (1) any investigation or surveillance authorized or conducted by an officer or employee of the United States in connection with Federal tax laws that inquires into the beliefs, associations, or activities of any individual or organization; or (2) the maintenance of any records containing information derived from such an investigation. Establishes in the Internal Revenue Service the Office for Taxpayers Services, under the supervision of an Assistant Commissioner of Internal Revenue. Directs this Assistant Commissioner to: (1) be responsible for telephone, walk-in, and educational services, and for the design and production of tax and information forms; and (2) prepare annually, for presentation to specified congressional committees, a joint report (with the Chief Problem Resolution Officer for the IRS) on the quality of taxpayer services.
United States · United States Congress · 13 October 1987
Department of Veterans Affairs Act - Redesignates the Veterans Administration (VA) as the Department of Veterans Affairs (the Department), an executive department within the executive branch of the Government. Provides that the Department shall be headed by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, to be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Designates as other principal officers of the Department the Deputy Secretary, the Chief Medical Director, and the Chief Benefits Director. Provides for the temporary continuation of service of the current Administrator, Deputy Administrator, Chief Medical Director, and Chief Benefits Director of Veterans Affairs. Establishes within the Department eight Assistant Secretaries, each of whom shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, to perform such functions as the Secretary may prescribe. Directs the Secretary to assign to one such Assistant Secretary all functions regarding the National Cemetery System and the State cemetery grant program. Outlines functions which the Secretary shall assign to the Assistant Secretaries. Provides for the temporary continuation of the performance of such functions by present personnel until such functions are assigned to an individual appointed as Assistant Secretary under this Act. Redesignates the current VA's Department of Medicine and Surgery as the Veterans Health Services Administration of the Department. Redesignates the VA's current Department of Veterans Benefits as the Veterans Benefits Administration of the Department, whose primary function shall be to administer nonmedical programs which provide assistance to veterans, their dependents, and their survivors. Establishes within the Department the Office of the General Counsel. Redesignates the current Office of Inspector General of the VA as the Office of Inspector General of the Department. Provides that any references to departments or positions under the current VA system shall be considered to be references to such departments and positions of the Department as modified under this Act. Provides continuing effect of all legal documents, suits, actions, and property and resources of the current VA. Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, after appropriate congressional consultation, to prepare and submit to the Congress proposed legislation containing technical and conforming amendments to reflect the changes made under this Act. Requires such legislation to be submitted no later than six months after the enactment of this Act. Provides that any spending authority of the Department is subject to available amounts as provided in appropriation Acts.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1987
Federal Employees' Political Activities Act of 1987- Prohibits an employee from using or attempting to use official authority or influence to interfere with or affect the result of any election. Prohibits an employee from using or attempting to use official authority to intimidate, threaten, coerce, command, or influence: (1) any individual for the purpose of interfering with the right of any individual to vote as the individual may choose, or of causing any individual to vote, or not to vote, for any candidate or measure in any election; (2) any person to give or withhold any political contribution; or (3) any person to engage, or not to engage, in any form of political activity. Prohibits an employee from using or attempting to use, or permitting the use of, any official information unless such information is available to the general public. Prohibits an employee from: (1) giving or offering to give a political contribution to any individual either to vote or refrain from voting, or to vote for or against any candidate or measure, in any election; (2) soliciting, accepting, or receiving a political contribution to vote or refrain from voting, or to vote for or against any candidate or measure, in any election; or (3) giving or handing over a political contribution to a superior of the employee. Prohibits an employee from soliciting, accepting, or receiving, or from being in any manner concerned with soliciting, accepting, or receiving, a political contribution: (1) from another employee (or a member of another employee's immediate family) with respect to whom the employee is a superior; or (2) in any room or building occupied in the discharge of official duties by a Federal employee or official or an individual receiving salary or compensation from the Treasury. Prohibits an employee from soliciting, accepting, or receiving a political contribution from, or giving a political contribution to, any person who: (1) has, or is seeking to obtain, contractual or other business or financial relations with the employing agency; (2) conducts operations or activities which are regulated by that agency; or (3) has interests which may be substantially affected by the performance of the employees' official duties. Directs the Special Counsel of the Merit Systems Protection Board to prescribe regulations which exempt employees from such prohibitions. Prohibits an employee from engaging in political activity: (1) while on duty; (2) in any room or building occupied in the discharge of official duties by a Federal employee or official; (3) while wearing a uniform or official insignia identifying the office or position of the employee; or (4) while using any vehicle owned or leased by the Government. Exempts certain high level political appointees from such prohibitions if the costs associated with the political activity are not paid for by money derived from the Treasury. Describes such a political appointee as one: (1) whose duties and responsibilities continue outside normal duty hours and while away from the normal duty post; (2) who is paid from an appropriation for the Executive Office of the President; (3) whose position is located within the United States; and (4) who determines policies to be pursued by the United States in its relations with foreign powers or in the nationwide administration of Federal laws. Authorizes leave without pay or accrued annual leave to an employee who is a candidate, upon request, to allow such employee to engage in activities relating to that candidacy. Declares that such request may be denied if the exigencies of the public business so require. Declares that such employee may be required to take leave without pay or accrued annual leave in order to be a candidate if activities relating to the candidacy interfere with the employee's performance of duties. Directs the Special Counsel to prescribe rules and regulations to implement this Act. Applies this Act to postal employees and employees of the Postal Rate Commission.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 1987
United States Coinage Reform Act of 1987 - Requires that one dollar coins be gold colored, be at least 90% copper, and be fabricated in the United States from natural deposits located in the United States. Redesigns the obverse side of the dollar coin to symbolize the 500th anniversary of the discovery of the New World by Christopher Columbus. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to place such coins into circulation within 18 months and to cease production of one dollar notes within 18 months after the first of such coins are placed in circulation. Directs the Secretary to conduct a study and report to the Congress on the advisability of phasing out production of the one-cent and 50-cent coins and of rounding cash sales to the nearest five cents.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 1987
Office of Federal Procurement Policy Act Amendments of 1987 - Amends the Office of Federal Procurement Policy Act to provide that the Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council (established by this Act) shall implement policies, regulations, procedures, and forms relating to procurement and procurement systems as such functions are prescribed by the Administrator for Federal Procurement Policy (Administrator). Requires the Administrator to prescribe Government-wide regulations, procedures, and forms when the Council is unable to agree on such regulations, procedures, and forms in a timely manner. Requires the Administrator to recommend to the Administrator of General Services: (1) a sufficient budget for the activities of the Federal Procurement Data System and the activities of the Federal Acquisition Institute; and (2) methods to ensure executive agency compliance with procurement and record-keeping requirements. Directs the Administrator to establish standards of conduct and post-employment limitations for Federal employees involved in procurement or procurement systems. Extends authorized appropriations for the Office of Federal Procurement Policy for FY 1988 and for each of the three succeeding fiscal years. Establishes the Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council to assist in the direction and coordination of procurement policy and procurement regulatory activities. Provides that the Council shall consist of the Administrator and the official assigned by statute (or a designated official) with the responsibility for acquisition policy in the General Services Administration, the Department of Defense, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. Directs the Council to issue and maintain a single Government-wide procurement regulation, to be known as the Federal Acquisition Regulation. Declares that any other procurement regulations shall be limited to additional policies and procedures designed to satisfy the specific needs of an agency. Directs each Council member to: (1) approve or disapprove proposed and final regulations of the member's department or agency relating to procurement before such regulations may become effective; (2) carry out the responsibilities for information collection requests relating to procurement; and (3) eliminate or reduce the levels of review in the procurement system of the member's department or agency. Directs the Council to manage, direct, coordinate, and monitor the maintenance of, and the issuance of changes in, the Federal Acquisition Regulation. Directs the Administrator, with the concurrence and cooperation of the Council, to: (1) issue a report every three months relating to the development of procurement regulations by the General Services Administration, the Department of Defense, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration; and (2) report within 180 days after establishment of the Council regarding the extent of the paperwork burden created by the Federal procurement process, and the extent to which the Federal procurement system can reduce unnecessary paperwork while maintaining legitimate recordkeeping and reporting requirements to ensure the integrity of the system. Establishes within the Office of Federal Procurement Policy an independent board to be known as the Cost Accounting Standards Board, which shall be chaired by the Administrator. Provides that the Board has the exclusive authority to make, promulgate, amend, rescind, and enforce cost accounting standards and principles designed to achieve uniformity, consistency, and equity in the cost accounting standards governing measurement, assignment, and allocation of costs to contracts with the United States and the cost principles governing allowability of costs on such contracts. Declares that duly promulgated cost accounting standards and cost principles shall be mandatory for use by executive agencies and contractors and subcontractors in estimating, accumulating, and reporting costs in connection with pricing, administration, and settlement of negotiated prime contract and subcontract procurements in excess of $100,000, other than contracts where the price negotiated is based on: (1) established catalog or market prices of commercial items sold in substantial quantities to the public; or (2) prices set by law or regulation. Provides that contracts that are subject to conflicting agency regulations shall be controlled by standards and principles promulgated by the Board. Declares that the Administrator has the exclusive authority to make, promulgate, amend, rescind, and enforce rules and regulations to implement the cost accounting standards or cost principles promulgated by the Board. Requires such regulations to require contractors and subcontractors to: (1) disclose in writing their cost accounting practices; and (2) agree to a contract price adjustment, with interest, for any increased costs paid to such contractor by the United States resulting from a change in the contractor's cost accounting practices or failure to comply with applicable cost accounting standards. Authorizes the Administrator to exempt classes or categories of contractors or subcontractors from such regulations and to establish procedures to waive certain requirements. Specifies procedures to be taken by the Administrator and the Board prior to promulgating rules, regulations, cost accounting standards, and cost principles. Requires the Administrator to report to the Congress annually on the activities of the Board. Authorizes appropriations. Declares it to be unlawful during the conduct of any Federal agency procurement of property or services: (1) for any officer, employee, or representative of any competing contractor knowingly to make any offer or promise of future employment or business opportunity to, or to knowingly engage in any discussion of future employment or business opportunity with, any procurement official or employee of such agency; (2) for any officer, employee, or representative of any competing contractor knowingly to offer, give, or promise to offer or give, directly or indirectly, any money, gratuity, or other thing of value to any procurement official or employee of such agency who has any responsibility or authority with respect to such procurement; (3) for any procurement official or employee of such agency who has any responsibility or authority with respect to such procurement knowingly to ask, demand, exact, solicit, seek, accept, receive, or agree to receive, directly or indirectly, any money, gratuity, or other thing of value (including offer of future employment) from any officer, employee, or representative of any competing contractor for such procurement; (4) for any procurement official or employee of such agency who has any responsibility or authority with respect to such procurement knowingly to disclose to any officer, employee, or representative of any competing contractor for such procurement any information the disclosure of which may disadvantage the Government in the conduct of such procurement or in the conduct of negotiations with any of the competing contractors for such procurement; or (5) for any officer, employee, or representative of any competing contractor knowingly to receive from any procurement official or employee of such agency any information unauthorized for disclosure. Requires written certification to the contracting officer from the following persons that no violation of standards of conduct regarding Federal procurement has occurred: (1) the competing contractor, and each officer, employee, or representative of the contractor who has had any contact during the conduct of the procurement with any procurement official or employee of the agency who has any authority or responsibility with respect to such procurement; and (2) each procurement official and employee of such agency who has any authority or responsibility with respect to such procurement. Specifies recordkeeping requirements for the contracting officer. Makes it unlawful for any individual who, during the conduct of an agency procurement, was engaged as a procurement official or employee of such agency, and was involved in any manner in the conduct of such procurement, to participate in any manner, as an officer, employee, agent, or consultant to a competing contractor, in: (1) any negotiations leading to the award or modification of a contract for such procurement; or (2) the performance of such contract, during the five-year period beginning on the date such individual ceases to be a procurement official or employee of such agency. Establishes debarment proceedings for any individual who is found to have violated the procurement integrity requirements of such Act. Directs the Administrator to conduct a study to develop a consistent methodology which executive agencies should use for measuring profits earned by Government contractors on procurements. Amends the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act to expand the definition of architectural and engineering services.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 1987
Amends Federal law regarding the exemption authority of the Interstate Commerce Commission with respect to rail carriers to prohibit the waiving of a rail carrier's obligation under the Railway Labor Act or collective bargaining agreements. Sets forth a separation allowance schedule for employees adversely affected by the disposition of certain rail carrier lines. Establishes a ceiling for such separation allowance of $30,000 (periodically adjusted for inflation). Entitles such employees to the right of first hire in seniority order to a substantially equivalent position by the rail carrier obtaining the rail lines from such employees' previous rail carrier employer. States that such separation allowance and right of first hire apply to: (1) certain financial assistance offers to avoid rail abandonment and discontinuance; and (2) specified actions for which the Commission grants an exemption.
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 1987
Diabetes Prevention Act of 1987 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to assist States in preventing or reducing morbidity and premature mortality resulting from diabetes, with particular emphasis on Hispanics and other populations at risk. Sets forth criteria for such grants. Authorizes appropriations. Amends provisions of the Public Health Service Act relating to block grants to state that allotments under certain provisions for preventive health services may be used for services relating to the prevention of diabetes and related complications among Hispanics and other populations at risk for diabetes.
United States · United States Congress · 9 September 1987
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the U.S. Navy should expedite the implementation of an environmentally sound trash compacting or disposal procedure.
United States · United States Congress · 7 August 1987
Comprehensive Alcohol Abuse, Drug Abuse, and Mental Health Amendments Act of 1987 - 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 (State Comprehensive Mental Health Service Plans), part D (Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention, Treatment, and Rehabilitation Services), 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 1988 and 1989 and separate transition rules for territories for FY 1988 and 1989. 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 1988 through 1990 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 the Secretary, in the new part C, to make grants to the States for the development of State comprehensive mental health services plans, apportioned among the the States from appropriated funds according to the relative population of the States. Authorizes appropriations for each of the FY 1988 and 1989. Requires, starting in FY 1988, each State to submit to the Secretary a State comprehensive mental health services plan covering that fiscal year and the succeeding two fiscal years, and meeting specified requirements. Requires the State, in developing the plan, to consult with representatives of employees of State institutions and public and private nursing homes who care for seriously mentally ill individuals. Directs the Secretary to provide technical assistance to States in the development and implementation of the plans. Provides for enforcement measures the Secretary is directed to take against a State which has not taken certain steps by the end of specified fiscal years. Directs, in the new part D, 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 States for FY 1988 and 1989 and separate transition rules for territories for FY 1988 and 1989. 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 1988 through 1990 for: (1) alcohol and drug abuse programs; (2) general provisions under part E; (3) the Office of Substance Abuse Prevention; (4) model projects for the prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation of drug abuse and alcohol abuse among high risk youth; (5) data collection, as provided in this Act, regarding mental health and substance abuse; (6) alcohol abuse and alcoholism demonstration project grants; and (7) drug abuse demonstration project contracts. 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 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. Authorizes the Secretary, acting through the Director, to make grants for mental health services demonstration projects, including self-help services, for the planning, coordination, and improvement of community 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 1988 and 1989. 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 of the various forms of mental illness and substance abuse. Specifies the types of data to be included. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1988 through 1990 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. 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.) Authorizes the Administrator to: (1) accept voluntary and uncompensated services; and (2) conduct and support certain research training. 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.)
United States · United States Congress · 6 August 1987
Lottery Advertising Clarification Act of 1987 - Amends the Federal criminal code to allow the advertising in interstate commerce of lotteries, gift enterprises, and similar schemes offering prizes dependent upon lot or chance, if the lottery, gift enterprise, or similar scheme is legal in the State in which it is conducted. (Current law refers only to State-conducted lotteries.) Amends Postal Service provisions of law to provide for the mailing of such advertisements and materials. Includes as a punishable offense the unauthorized television broadcasting (currently, only radio broadcasting) of lottery information.
United States · United States Congress · 6 August 1987
Fair and Equitable Cargo Allocation Act of 1987 - Amends the Merchant Marine Act, 1936 to repeal a provision which requires the Secretary of Transportation to preserve, during calendar years 1986 through 1989, the percentage share, or the metric tonnage of bagged, processed, or fortified commodities, whichever is lower, experienced in 1984, of waterborne cargoes exported from Great Lakes ports under the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1987
Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 to prohibit all employee benefit plans (not just pension plans, as at present) from merging or consolidating or transferring their assets or liabilities unless each plan participant receives benefits after such transfer which are either equal to or greater than the benefits received before such transfer. Applies this Act to mergers and transfers occurring on or after April 12, 1984.
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 1987
Designates October 15, 1987, as National Safety Belt Use Day. Authorizes and requests the President to issue a proclamation calling on the people to wear safety belts and have their children use child safety seats, and encouraging public safety and law enforcement agencies to promote these devices.
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 1987
Independent Counsel Amendments Act of 1987 - Revises and makes permanent the current statute regarding the appointment and duties of independent counsels. Requires the Attorney General to conduct a preliminary investigation whenever information is received sufficient to constitute grounds to investigate whether persons subject to this Act may have violated a criminal law other than a petty offense. (Current law requires the violation of a criminal law other than a Class B or C misdemeanor or an infraction.) Declares that the authority to conduct such investigation applies to persons subject to this Act even if the violation occurred before a person assumed office or current position. Prohibits the Attorney General from determining that the person who is the subject of an investigation lacked the state of mind required for the violation of criminal law. Requires the Attorney General in determining whether reasonable grounds exist to warrant further investigation to consider established policies of the Department of Justice which pertain to the conduct of criminal investigations. Prohibits information supplied to the division of the court (judges assigned to appoint independent counsels) from being disclosed to any individual outside the division of the court, or outside the Department of Justice without leave of such court. Requires the court to assure that the independent counsel will have adequate authority to fully investigate the scope of the subject matter. Provides that the court may expand the prosecutorial jurisdiction of an independent counsel. Authorizes the court, when presented with precedential legal issues, to disclose sufficient information about the issues to permit the Attorney General and the Congress to file timely amicus curiae briefs. Authorizes the independent counsel to report evidence of ethical violations to the Office of Government Ethics and any other Federal agency or officer having jurisdiction over noncriminal violations. Requires the independent counsel to report annually to the Congress on the budget of the counsel's office. States that the Clerk of the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia shall serve as the clerk of the division of the court.
United States · United States Congress · 9 July 1987
Urges the administration to continue to reject efforts by Canadian negotiators to: (1) have the U.S. cabotage trades, including the transport of energy resources, opened to Canadian vessels; and (2) eliminate the ad valorem duty on vessel repairs performed in Canadian shipyards.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1987
Public Buildings Amendments of 1987 - Amends the Public Buildings Act of 1959 to require congressional approval for any alteration or acquisition which exceeds the estimated maximum cost of $2,000,000 (currently, $500,000). Authorizes the Administrator of General Services to adjust such cost annually to reflect a percentage increase in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers for the preceding calendar year. Requires that any adjustment be reported to specified congressional committees. Revises the definition of "alter" to provide that it does not include reconfiguration of vacant space to house a new tenant. Amends the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 to increase from three years to five years the period for which the Administrator may enter into contracts for the inspection, maintenance, and repair of fixed equipment and building services. Requires the Administrator to submit an explanatory statement to the Congress of the circumstances of each negotiated outlease of buildings if the rental value of the lease exceeds $200,000 per year. Revises current provisions relating to the protection of Federal property by special policemen under the jurisdiction of the Administrator to provide that the Administrator may provide such protection on property owned or occupied by the United States and under the charge and control of the Administrator. Amends the Public Buildings Act of 1959 to authorize the Administrator to relinquish to a State, commonwealth, territory, or U.S. possession all or part of the jurisdiction of the United States over land or interests under the control of the Administrator in such State, commonwealth, territory, or possession.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1987
Hazardous Waste Reduction Act - Requires filings of the annual toxic chemical release forms required under the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 to include a toxic chemical waste reduction and recycling report for each listed toxic chemical for the preceding calendar year. Requires such report to include information on a facility-by-facility basis as to the amounts and disposition of each toxic chemical, including levels of waste reduction and recycling achieved and expected. Requires that toxic chemical waste reduction practices be delineated according to set categories, such as equipment, redesign, and substitution of raw materials. Requires the inclusion of a production index for each toxic chemical waste and a list of techniques used to identify waste reduction opportunities. Provides protection for trade secrets. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish a central receiving facility at EPA for the storage and retrieval of waste management program information. Requires the Administrator to collect, coordinate, and consolidate data collection requirements under environmental statutes. Requires all such information to be compiled into a data base organized on an industry-by-industry basis according to Standard Industrial Classifications and on a waste stream basis. Directs the Administrator to establish a Waste Reduction and Recycling Clearinghouse Program to include information on approaches to waste reduction and recycling and information from States receiving grants for technical assistance programs. Requires the Clearinghouse to be actively involved in technology transfer and the development of waste reduction technologies. Requires the Administrator to make matching grants to States for innovative waste reduction programs. Requires such programs to make specific and targeted technical assistance available to businesses as well as for funding experts and research and providing training. Directs the Administrator to report annually to the Congress on the waste reduction information gathered pursuant to this Act. Requires such report to include a profile of waste reduction levels on an industry-by-industry basis and identify priorities as to industries, pollutants, and research. Establishes the Office of Waste Reduction within EPA to collect waste reduction plans and information from other EPA offices on an industry-by-industry basis, administer the clearinghouse and State grants programs, and carry out other related responsibilities including improving EPA's ability to evaluate multi-media waste management practices and the potential for waste reduction through information collection and retrieval. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 1987
Major Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Amendments of 1987 - Amends the Disaster Relief Act of 1974 to make eligible for assistance for the repair, restoration, reconstruction, and replacement of damaged facilities special purpose local governments such as levee districts, irrigation districts, and reclamation districts. Declares that the Federal share of such assistance shall not be less than 75 percent (currently, such assistance can not exceed 100 percent). Requires the President to issue rules which provide for the recognition of differences existing among urban, suburban, and rural lands to facilitate adequate removal of debris and wreckage from large lots. Declares the Federal share of assistance for debris removal to be 75 percent. Provides for temporary housing assistance for up to 18 months after the date of a major disaster. Authorizes the President to extend such period for an additional 18 months due to extraordinary circumstances. Declares the Federal share of such assistance to be 100 percent of eligible costs. Provides that temporary housing assistance may not be used for reconstruction or rehabilitation of damaged property when the cost of such assistance exceeds the cost of other applicable types of housing. Sets forth notification requirements for the President when persons apply for temporary housing assistance, including: (1) all forms of assistance available; (2) criteria that must be met to qualify for each type of assistance; (3) limitations which apply to each type of assistance; and (4) the address and telephone number of offices responsible for assisting applicants. Requires that housing assistance account for the applicant's location of and travel time to: (1) the applicant's place of business; (2) schools which family members may attend; (3) any home or place of business whose destruction or damage is the result of the major disaster which created the need for assistance; and (4) crops or livestock the applicant tends which provide 25 percent or more of the applicant's annual income. Includes in the individual and family grant program an authorization for the President to make grants to States for land use and construction projects designed to mitigate future major disaster-related loss. Authorizes a State to expend up to ten percent (currently, three percent) of any such grant for administrative expenses. Increases the limitation on such grants for families and individuals from $5,000 to $10,000. Repeals the restriction that crisis counseling be provided only through the National Institute of Mental Health. Removes the authority of the President to make grants to States for the removal of damaged timber from private lands. Provides that appeals arising from assistance decisions must be acted upon within 60 days of the receipt of such appeal. Declares that eligibility for Federal disaster assistance begins on the date: (1) of the occurrence of the disaster; or (2) on which eligible costs are incurred, whichever is earlier. Declares that disaster assistance shall not be restricted to limit assistance to a particular geographic area. Sets forth procedures for State governors to request declarations by the President that a major disaster exists. Requires such request to be based on a finding that effective response to such disaster is beyond the capabilities of the State and local governments and that Federal assistance is necessary. Describes general and essential assistance that the President may provide. Authorizes the President to contribute up to 50 percent of the cost of hazard mitigation measures. Establishes an emergency assistance program. Sets forth procedures for State governors to request the President to declare an emergency. Describes general Federal assistance under such an emergency. Limits the amount of emergency assistance to $5,000,000, which may be exceeded if the President finds it necessary. Requires the President to report to the Congress on the nature and extent of an emergency when such limitation is exceeded. Requires public and private nonprofit facilities in flood hazard areas to maintain flood insurance. Declares that major disaster and emergency assistance shall not be considered income or a resource when determining benefit levels for Federal programs. Requires the President to establish comprehensive standards to be used to assess the efficiency and effectiveness of Federal emergency and major disaster response programs administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Authorizes the Federal Government to recover the cost of assistance from any person whose negligent act or omission, or whose act or omission while engaged in ultra-hazardous activity, resulted in an emergency or major disaster. Directs the President to conduct audits and investigations necessary to ensure compliance with this Act. Revises provisions relating to criminal and civil penalties. Increases from $25,000 to $50,000 the maximum amount of grants to States for improvement, maintenance, and updating of State plans. Renames the Disaster Relief Act of 1974 the Major Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1987
Designates the two week period of July 13 through July 26, 1987, as United States Olympic Festival-1987 Celebration. Designates July 17, 1987, as United States Olympic Festival-1987 Day.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1987
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through 1992 the period during which qualified mortgage bonds may be issued. (Under current law, authority to issue these bonds expires as of 1989.)
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1987
Repeals specified provisions of the Tax Reform Act of 1986 that restrict the types of scholarships and fellowship grants that may be excluded from gross income for income tax purposes. States that the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (IRC) shall be applied and administered as if such provisions had not been enacted. Amends the IRC to allow an income tax deduction for interest on a qualified educational loan incurred to pay the educational expenses of the taxpayer, spouse, or dependent. Eliminates the current requirement that such indebtedness be secured by an interest in real property.
United States · United States Congress · 28 May 1987
Amends the Office of Federal Procurement Policy Act to extend through FY 1988 the authorization of appropriations for the Office of Federal Procurement Policy in the Office of Management and Budget.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1987
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that Federal excise taxes should not be increased as a method of reducing the Federal budget deficit.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1987
Family Opportunities for Child Care Act of 1987 - Establishes programs to provide recipients of aid to families with dependent children with affordable quality child care services while they participate in education, training, and employment programs. Directs the Secretary of Labor (Secretary) to allot to each State from appropriated funds an amount based on the State's proportion of the number of children receiving aid to families with dependent children (AFDC) nationwide. Requires, as a condition for fund eligibility, that a State provide an increasing percentage of matching funds from non-Federal sources in each succeeding fiscal year of fund allotment, to a maximum of 50 percent for the fourth year and thereafter. Limits administrative costs to ten percent of funds received. Earmarks a minimum percentage of administrative funds for information and referral services to AFDC recipients. Requires, as a condition for eligibility, that a State submit to the Secretary a plan for a given fiscal year. Details the obligatory contents of such a plan, including: (1) provision for the designation of a State agency to carry out the relevant functions and duties; (2) assurances that the State will perform certain need assessment, coordination of programs, and resource and referral activities; (3) an agreement as to recipient priorities in the event of inadequate funding; (4) an agreement as to services the State will pay for when adequate resources are provided; (5) certification that public comment about the plan has been solicited; (6) agreement as to priorities in the awarding of contracts to certain service providers, such as those providing care on an extended-day full-year basis; and (7) agreements to submit required reports and to correct and evaluate data. Requires the Secretary to assess a State plan within 45 days of its receipt. Prohibits disapproval of a plan unless the Secretary has provided to the State notice of any deficiencies and an opportunity to correct them. Directs the Secretary to make grants to States to carry out approved plans. Provides for: (1) recordkeeping by States and their contract partners; (2) compliance audits of funds received for child care services under this Act; (3) the revocation of a State plan in the event of substantial violations of this Act; (4) the repayment to the Federal Government of misspent funds; and (5) mandatory investigation by the Secretary, under certain circumstances, of possible noncompliance with this Act or with a State plan. Permits the Secretary to terminate a grant if, after notice and an opportunity for a hearing on the record, the Secretary determines that a State did not comply with this Act or with its plan. Requires State repayment of misspent funds in such cases. Requires each recipient State to submit to the Secretary an annual report describing and evaluating the activities it carried out under this Act. Establishes a child care demonstration program under which the Secretary shall make grants to public and private entities that operate various child care facilities in order to increase the supply of affordable quality child care services that will enable AFDC recipients to participate in education, training, and employment programs. Instructs the Secretary, in making grants, to give special consideration to proposals that emphasize serving the child care needs of qualified young parents targeted under this Act. Sets forth required grant application contents. Directs the Secretary to establish a National Commission on Child Care and Work (Commission) to: (1) coordinate Federal education, training, and employment programs with Federally-assisted child care services; and (2) assess the nationwide need for child care services as it relates to employment. Mandates that the Commission: (1) make recommendations with respect to Federal child care policies and programs related to employment; (2) review and evaluate existing policies to determine their effectiveness; (3) identify arrangements that increase the supply of quality child care services through private-public partnerships; (4) collect and disseminate information about the availability of affordable child care services; and (5) conduct studies and public forums concerning the needs of working adults for child care services. Requires the Commission, by August 1, 1991, to submit to the President and to specified congressional leadership a report on its findings and conclusions, including recommendations for appropriate legislative and administrative action. Terminates the Commission 60 days following the submission of its report. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1987
Directs the head of each Federal department or agency holding records relating to sightings of U.S. military personnel in Southeast Asia since 1973 to make available to the public, within 30 days after the enactment of this Act, all such records. Provides exceptions to such disclosures for information revealing intelligence sources and methods or the names of such personnel.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1987
Urges the President to restructure U.S. policy with respect to the countries of Indochina in order to secure the release of any American prisoners of war and an accounting of Americans missing in action. Recommends that: (1) the President assign to the Secretary of State the responsibility to develop and direct the implementation of this new policy; (2) an ambassador be appointed to represent the U.S. Government in all its relations with the governments of Indochina; and (3) all departments and agencies of the U.S. Government support the implementation of such policy.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1987
Energy Security Tax Act of 1987 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose an excise tax on the first sale within the United States of imports of: (1) crude oil; (2) refined petroleum products; and (3) petrochemical feedstocks or other derivatives. Sets the rate of such tax as the difference between $24 per barrel ($26.50 for petroleum and petrochemical products) and the most recently published average price of a barrel of internationally traded oil, as determined by the Secretary of the Treasury in accordance with a specified formula. Permits an income tax deduction for oil import tax payments. Repeals the windfall profit tax on domestic crude oil.