United States · United States Congress · 3 June 1987
Retirement and Survivor Annuities for Bankruptcy Judges and Magistrates Act of 1987 - Establishes a new retirement system for bankruptcy judges and magistrates with 14 or more years of service, or at least eight years of service, upon attaining age 65. Entitles a bankruptcy judge or magistrate who has served at least five years to disability retirement. Provides for cost-of-living adjustments in such retirement system. Requires each bankruptcy judge or magistrate who elects an annuity under this Act to notify the Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts. Declares that such judge or magistrate shall not be entitled to an annuity under the civil service systems. Declares this Act applicable to service on or after October 1, 1979. Establishes transition provisions for incumbent judges and magistrates. Provides survivors' annuities for bankruptcy judges, magistrates, and incumbents. Authorizes the recall of retired bankruptcy judges and magistrates into service.
United States · United States Congress · 28 May 1987
Renewable Energy/Fuel Cell Systems Integration Act of 1987 - Directs the Secretary of Energy to implement a research program regarding: (1) fuel cell use of methane gas generated from biomass forms; (2) technologies using renewable energy sources (such as wind and solar energy) to produce hydrogen for fuel cell use; and (3) fuel cell technology for electric power production as backup spinning reserve components to renewable power systems in rural and isolated areas. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to, and enter into contracts with, private research laboratories. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress regarding the fuel cell research program. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1988.
United States · United States Congress · 28 May 1987
Hydrogen Research and Development Act - Title I: Hydrogen Production and Use - Directs the Secretary of Energy to prepare and submit to specified congressional committees a comprehensive five-year program management plan for a research and development program designed to permit the development of a domestic hydrogen fuel production capability within the shortest practicable time. Requires the Secretary to send the Congress annual plan descriptions including any necessary plan modifications. Directs the Secretary to establish such program within the Department of Energy. Requires that the areas to be addressed in such program include production, liquefaction, transmission, distribution, storage, and utilization. Requires priority to be given to production techniques that use renewable energy sources as their primary energy sources. Directs the Secretary to conduct demonstrations to evaluate technical and nontechnical parameters to determine commercial applicability of hydrogen technology and to prepare a comprehensive large-scale hydrogen demonstration plan. Requires the Secretary to prepare a comprehensive technology application plan which shall include: (1) the potential applications for the use of hydrogen; (2) technical market and economic readiness assessments for such potential applications; (3) an assessment of Government actions needed to develop such application; and (4) an analysis of the impact of such applications on domestic energy supplies. Requires the Secretary to consult with other Federal agencies and departments in carrying out this program. Requires the establishment of a Hydrogen Technical Advisory Panel of the Energy Research Advisory Board to advise the Secretary on the conduct of the hydrogen program. Requires the Panel to submit an annual report on the program to the Energy Research Advisory Board which shall subsequently report to the Secretary. Authorizes appropriations to carry out this title for FY 1987 through 1991. Title II: Hydrogen-Fueled Aircraft Research and Development - Directs the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to prepare and submit to specified congressional committees a comprehensive five-year program management plan for a research and development program for the development of a domestic hydrogen-fueled aircraft capability within the shortest practicable time. Requires the Administrator to transmit to Congress an annual plan description including any necessary modifications with respect to the plan. Requires the Administrator to establish such program within NASA and to prepare and transmit to the Congress a comprehensive flight demonstration plan which shall confirm the technical feasibility, economic viability, and safety of liquid hydrogen as a fuel for commercial transport aircraft. Provides that the research and development program under this title shall include, at a minimum, the development of the systems associated with the production, transportation, storage, and handling of liquid hydrogen for commercial aircraft application. Provides that the Administrator shall consult with other Federal agencies and departments in carrying out the program. Establishes a Hydrogen-Fueled Aircraft Advisory Committee to advise the Administrator on the programs established by this title. Requires the Committee to report annually to the Administrator on its activities and on the status of such programs. Authorizes appropriations to carry out this title for FY 1987 through 1991.
United States · United States Congress · 28 May 1987
Fuel Cells Energy Utilization Act of 1987 - Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to redefine the term "domestic renewable energy industry" to include industries using fuel cell technology (thus bringing fuel cells systems technology within the ambit of Federal energy legislation). Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to prepare guidelines for cities and municipalities specifying environmental and safety standards for the use of fuel cell technology. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to report to the Congress regarding the export market potential for integrated systems of fuel cells with renewable power technologies.
United States · United States Congress · 27 May 1987
Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit any person from engaging in, or furnishing money, goods, or services with the intent of assisting any group to engage in, military or paramilitary operations in a foreign country if there is a statutory prohibition against U.S. covert assistance to military or paramilitary operations in that country.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1987
Anti-Terrorism Sanctions Act of 1987 - Provides certain sanctions against countries determined by the Department of State, under provisions of the Export Administration Act of 1979, as countries that repeatedly provide support for international terrorism. Specifies such sanctions as: (1) the termination, withdrawal, or suspension of any portion of any trade agreement or treaty that relates to the provision of nondiscriminatory (most-favored-nation) trade treatment to such country; (2) the denial of nondiscriminatory (most-favored-nation) trade treatment by the United States; (3) the nonapplication of the Generalized System of Preferences with respect to the products of such country; (4) the nonapplication of the provisions of the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act with respect to the products of such country; and (5) the nonapplication of the provisions of the International Travel and Tourism Act of 1961 instructing the Secretary of Commerce to consult with other nations regarding international travel and tourism. Authorizes the President to waive any or all of such sanctions with respect to any foreign country if the President determines that such a waiver would be in the best interests of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1987
Provides that, upon retirement from service as the Librarian of Congress, Daniel J. Boorstin may be known as the Librarian of Congress Emeritus. States that such honorary designation shall not constitute an appointment in the civil service under specified Federal law. Provides that as Librarian of Congress Emeritus, Dr. Boorstin may receive incidental administrative and clerical support through the Library of Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1987
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to cover an annual Papanicolaou test for the diagnosis of uterine cancer and an annual radiological mammogram for the diagnosis of breast cancer.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1987
Federal Employees Leave Act of 1987 - Directs the Office of Personnel Management to establish a program under which the annual leave of a Federal employee may be transferred to the annual leave of any other Federal employee if such other employee requires additional leave because of a personal emergency. Describes the requirements for receiving and using transferred leave and for donating annual leave. Requires agencies to establish procedures to ensure that a leave recipient is not permitted to use or receive transferred leave after the personal emergency ceases to exist. Provides for restoring unused transferred leave to leave donors on a prorated basis. Prohibits an employee from being coerced into donating, receiving, or using annual leave under the voluntary leave transfer program. Makes postal employees eligible to participate in such program. Authorizes the exclusion from such program of employees working under negotiated contracts and agencies for which such program would cause substantial disruption. Requires such program to terminate five years after its commencement. Requires the Office of Personnel Management to report to the President and the Congress on the program not later than six months before its termination. Authorizes the Office to establish general guidelines for agencies to conduct experimental programs to determine the desirability and feasibility of providing additional leave as a means of recognizing outstanding performance or other achievements by Federal employees. Terminates such experimental programs five years after the date of enactment of this Act. Requires the Office to report to the President and the Congress on such programs not later than six months after their termination.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 1987
Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act Amendments of 1987 - Title I: Registration - Amends the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act to provide for public access to health and safety data submitted to support a registration application for a pesticide containing a new active ingredient, or to authorize the food use of a pesticide active ingredient. Provides criminal penalties for wrongful disclosure. Requires a person seeking such information to affirm that he or she is not working for a pesticide business. Prohibits conditional registrations for additional uses unless in the public interest. Requires the reregistration of active ingredient pesticides with outstanding data requirements registered before November 1, 1984. Requires an inert ingredient priority list to be established. Provides for the payment of registration fees based on active ingredients. Title II: Information Disclosure - Requires pesticide producers to make health, safety, and environmental information available to the public. Provides for data disclosure to States. Title III: Review and Cancellation - Provides for a public administrative review of pesticide safety. Provides for cancellation of registrations based on false or invalid data. Title IV: Records and Inspections - Authorizes duly designated Federal and State officials or employees to inspect pesticide facilities. Title V: Exports - Requires that specified precautionary information be placed on the labels of pesticides intended for export, unless such information is in conflict with the importing country's laws. Revises notification requirements. Directs the Administrator to: (1) actively participate in international efforts to develop improved pesticide research and regulatory programs; and (2) report annually to the Congress. Title VI: Certification and Training - Makes it a violation for any person to use any pesticide as a commercial applicator unless such person is a certified commercial applicator or a registered commercial applicator under the direct supervision of a certified commercial applicator. Requires commercial applicators to maintain records of pesticide applications. Provides for the development of training materials and procedures, including standards for trainers and training programs. Provides for separate standards for commercial and private applicators. Requires refresher training. Requires pesticide dealers to maintain sales and distribution records. Title VII: Additional Data, Data Compensation, and Patents - Requires each registrant of an active ingredient pesticide used only in food, feed, or fiber production to jointly develop, or share in the development costs of, additional data. Revises data compensation provisions. Title VIII: General - Subtitle A: Amendments to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act - Provides for State regulation, under specified conditions, of household antimicrobial pesticides not intended for use on food or feed. Terminates such authority five years after enactment of this Act. Permits a State, in regulating pesticide sales or uses, to take into account the difference in concept and usage between various pesticide classes and the differences in environmental risk (and risk evaluation) between agricultural and nonagricultural pesticides. Terminates State primary enforcement responsibility for pesticide violations as of January 1, 1989, unless the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) determines that the State has the authority to impose civil and criminal penalties at least equal to those provided for in this Act. Requires the Administrator of EPA to establish criteria for disapproving special local needs registrations. Makes the scientific advisory panel under such Act permanent. Authorizes EPA action if a State fails to take appropriate investigative or enforcement measures. Authorizes any person to obtain judicial review of EPA regulations. Revises enforcement and penalty provisions under such Act. Requires congressional review of EPA regulations and rules. Requires: (1) indemnity reports to the appropriate congressional committees; (2) the Administrator to protect drinking water and groundwater from pesticide contamination; (3) the Administrator to protect the health and safety of pesticide workers; and (4) the Administrator to develop antimicrobial standards. Requires the Administrator to establish a council of information management experts to plan an information management system that would direct and assist users in accessing site specific information on pesticide application. Provides for the testing of neurotoxicological and behavioral effects of pesticides. Directs the Administrator to regulate the design of pesticide containers and procedures and standards for removal of pesticides from containers before disposal. Requires a study and report to the Congress on containers. Requires producers and other parties to notify EPA and State and local officials regarding stored, cancelled or suspended pesticides. Permits the Administrator by regulation to limit the distribution, sale, or use in any State of unregistered pesticides. Authorizes FY 1988 through 1992 appropriations. Obligates specified amounts for research. Subtitle B: Other Provisions - Requires the Comptroller General to evaluate the activities under this Act and report to the Congress. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to provide support for the interregional project number 4 program (IR4 program). Requires EPA studies and reports to the Congress on the following: (1) pesticide risk rating; (2) nonagricultural pesticides; (3) pesticide drift; and (4) naturally occurring agents that act as pesticides. Directs the Administrator to establish a Pesticide Resistance Management Program. Title IX: Clarifying and Technical Amendments - Makes technical amendments. Title X: Effective Date - States that the provisions of this Act shall take effect 60 days after enactment, unless otherwise so provided.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 1987
Campaign Cost Reduction and Reform Act of 1987 - Title I: Amendments to the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to define a qualifying House of Representatives candidate as one whose principal campaign committee includes in its statement of organization a declaration of the candidate's intention to abide by expenditure limitations under this Act, and to use broadcast time under the Communications Act of 1934 or to receive reduced postal rates. Includes in the definition of contribution: (1) any gift, subscription, loan, advance, or deposit of money or anything of value made by any person for the purpose of encouraging any specific individual who is not a candidate to become a candidate; and (2) with respect to a political committee, any gift, subscription, loan, advance, or deposit of money or anything of value made by such committee with respect to a clearly identified candidate. Revises the exclusion of mailing costs from authorized contributions. Provides that the term contribution does not include the value of any advertising rate reduction made available to a qualifying House candidate by a newspaper or magazine, if such reduction is made available to any qualifying candidate and such reduction is made available during the 90-day period before the election. Includes in the definition of expenditure: (1) any purchase, payment, distribution, loan, advance, deposit, or gift of money or anything of value made by any person for the purpose of encouraging any specific individual who is not a candidate to become a candidate; and (2) with respect to a political committee, any purchase, payment, distribution, loan, advance, deposit, or gift of money or anything of value made by such committee with respect to a clearly identified candidate. Prohibits a candidate for Federal office from establishing, maintaining, or controlling a political committee, other than an authorized committee of the candidate or a committee of a political party. Declares that an expenditure is not an independent expenditure if: (1) there is any arrangement, coordination, or direction with respect to the expenditure between the candidate and the person making the expenditure; (2) with respect to the election, the person making the expenditure was involved in the candidate's campaign; or (3) the person making the expenditure communicates with, advises, or counsels the candidate relating to such election. Prohibits the personal use of campaign funds after the date of enactment of this Act. Removes certain limitations regarding State-by-State spending by presidential candidates. Prohibits a candidate for the office of Representative from accepting any contribution from a multicandidate political committee which exceeds: (1) $75,000 for a primary, general, or special election; or (2) $25,000 for a runoff election. Prohibits a qualifying House candidate from making expenditures in excess of $50,000 of such candidate's personal funds for an election. Prohibits such candidate from spending in excess of $200,000 with respect to a primary or general election, or $100,000 with respect to a runoff election. Removes such limitation for all House candidates in an election if any candidate receives contributions or makes expenditures aggregating more than 50 percent of the limitation applicable to a qualifying House candidate. Establishes monetary penalties for qualifying House candidates who exceed expenditure limitations. Provides for the accountability of contributions made by intermediaries or conduits. Provides that contributions expended to encourage an individual to become a candidate shall be treated as contributions whether or not such individual becomes a candidate. Increases the amount a person can contribute to a candidate for the office of President from $1,000 to $2,500. Limits the use of separate segregated political funds affiliated with certain other organizations (such as labor unions, corporations, and trade associations) solely to the making of contributions. Requires, when independent expenditures are made for television broadcast communications, that a statement appear continuously during such broadcast showing the name of the person or committee making such expenditure. Requires any type of general public communication to include such statement. Prohibits any person from soliciting contributions by false representation as a candidate or as an agent of a candidate, a political candidate, a political committee, or a political party. Title II: Amendments to the Communications Act of 1934 and Title 39, United States Code - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to authorize the Federal Communications Commission to revoke any station license or construction permit for willful or repeated discrimination against a candidate for Federal office in the amount, class, or period of time made available to such candidate on behalf of such candidacy. Requires broadcast stations to publish broadcast media rates which will be applicable to specified election periods. Requires such stations to give priority to legally qualified candidates in providing access to the use of such station. Exempts debates between candidates from the equal opportunity requirement. Establishes a special broadcast media rate for qualified House candidates. Provides for reduced postage rates for qualified House candidates. Title III: Effective Date and Sunset Provision - Specifies that certain provisions of this Act shall apply only during the period beginning on the date of the regularly scheduled general election of 1988 and ending on the date of the regularly scheduled general election of 1994.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 1987
Declares that the Congress recognizes and supports efforts to develop the National Purple Heart Museum in Enfield, Connecticut, and encourages the people of the United States to participate in the development of such museum.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1987
Designates August 1, 1987, as Helsinki Human Rights Day. Requests the President to: (1) reassert American commitment to the Helsinki Accords; (2) raise the issue of noncompliance with such Accords with the Soviet Union, Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, the German Democratic Republic, Hungary, Poland, and Romania; (3) convey to all signatories of such Accords that respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms is vital to progress in the ongoing Helsinki process; (4) convey to U.S. allies the necessity of unity regarding such Accords; (5) continue his efforts to achieve the release of political prisoners of the Soviet Union, increase in Soviet emigration, resolution of family reunification cases, and cessation of radio transmission jamming; (6) seek the inclusion, in any concluding document agreed to in Vienna, of a mechanism to sustain human rights progress after the Vienna Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe; and (7) convey to signatory states the desire of the United States for a result at Vienna that will not favor military security at the expense of human rights.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1987
Forest Ecosystems and Atmospheric Pollution Research Act of 1987 - Amends the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Research Act of 1978 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a ten-year program to evaluate and research the effects of atmospheric pollutants on forest ecosystems, including recommendations for solving problems affecting health and productivity. Requires the Secretary to appoint an advisory committee to assist in developing the program which shall be coordinated with other governmental and private efforts. Directs the Secretary to report to the President and the Congress initially and annually on the status of the forest ecosystems, the program, and the costs of implementing the program. Requires the Secretary to submit a final report within ten years.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1987
Star Schools Program Assistance Act - Amends the Education for Economic Security Act to add a title establishing a star schools program. Cites the new title as the Star Schools Program Assistance Act. Empowers the Secretary of Education to make demonstration grants of up to a fiscal year maximum of $20,000,000 per grant to eligible telecommunications partnerships for the development, construction, and acquisition of telecommunications facilities and equipment and for technical assistance. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1988 through 1992, subject to fiscal year limitations. Mandates that at least 50 percent of funds under this Act for any fiscal year be used for the cost of facilities, equipment, teacher training or retraining, technical assistance, or programming for certain local educational agencies. Sets forth eligibility criteria to identify eligible telecommunications partnerships, which must be organized on a statewide or multistate regional basis and be either: (1) a public agency or corporation established to provide education-related telecommunications networks to certain educational or health institutions or to industries; or (2) a partnership that will provide a telecommunications network and whose membership includes certain specified educational entities (especially elementary and secondary schools eligible for funds under title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 or such eligible schools operated by the Department of the Interior for Indian children) or public or private organizations experienced with telecommunications. Authorizes eligible partnerships to submit a grant application: (1) describing the telecommunications facilities, equipment, and technical assistance for which aid is being sought; (2) demonstrating that the services offered will increase the availability of courses of instruction in mathematics, science, and foreign languages; (3) describing teacher training policies to be implemented to ensure the effective use of the relevant facilities; (4) providing assurances that the financial interest of the United States in the telecommunications facilities and equipment will be protected for their useful life; (5) assuring that a significant portion of the facilities, equipment, technical assistance, and programming will be made available within local educational agencies having a high percentage of educationally deprived students; (6) describing how traditionally underserved students will participate in the benefits of such technology; and (7) containing other assurances and information as required by the Secretary. Directs the Secretary, in approving applications, to assure an equitable geographic distribution of grants and to give priority to certain applicants, including those partnerships that: (1) have the capacity to serve the broadest range of targeted institutions; (2) have substantial academic and teaching capabilities; (3) will serve a multistate area; and (4) demonstrate strength in mathematics, science, and foreign language resources which by distribution through the partnership will offer new educational opportunities, especially to traditionally underserved populations and to areas with limited access to such resources; and (5) will meet the needs of individuals traditionally excluded from careers in mathematics and science because of discrimination, inaccessibility, or economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Requires each grantee to report to the Secretary concerning courses and materials to be transmitted by satellite to educational institutions and teacher training centers and to specify the locus and time of such transmissions. Directs the Secretary to: (1) compile and prepare for dissemination a listing and description of the courses and materials submitted by each grantee; and (2) distribute such list to all State educational agencies. Authorizes the Office of Technology Assessment, upon request, to: (1) conduct a thorough evaluation of the use of the telecommunications system supported by the grants awarded under this Act and report to the Congress on such evaluation; and (2) study and evaluate the cost of designing, building, and launching a satellite for educational purposes, including an analysis of potential users' ability to repay such costs. Requires a report to the Congress if such study indicates that potential users would be able to repay such costs within ten years.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1987
Social Security Act Mental Health Amendments of 1987 - Amends titles XVI (Supplemental Security Income) (SSI), XVIII (Medicare), and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to provide benefits for chronically mentally ill individuals. Requires State plans under title XIX to include case management services and home and community-based services for such individuals. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to arrange for up to five States to conduct demonstration projects providing mental health services on a prepaid capitation basis to chronically mentally ill Medicaid beneficiaries. Requires any hospital receiving funds under titles XVIII or XIX to have a case plan established for, and a case manager assigned to such individuals prior to their discharge. Treats certain chronically mentally ill individuals about to be discharged from an institution as presumptively disabled for purposes of title XVI. Extends the period during which certain institutionalized mentally ill may receive SSI benefits if such individuals are expected to return home upon discharge. Provides Medicaid coverage for certain SSI recipients who are chronically mentally ill and would be institutionalized but for such coverage. Preserves the eligibility of such individuals for SSI benefits for the period during which they are in transitional living facilities. Repeals limits on coverage of outpatient services relating to mental illness under part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of Medicare.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1987
Housing for the Chronically Mentally Ill Act of 1987 - Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to permit State mental health authorities, or other private nonprofit or public agencies designated by a State, to use vacant residential property to provide supervised living for the chronically mentally ill. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1988 and for each fiscal year thereafter. Amends the Housing Act of 1959 to set aside specified amounts beginning in FY 1988 for handicapped family housing loans. Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to authorize a housing voucher program for the chronically mentally ill. Authorizes FY 1988 through 1990 appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1987
Amends Federal veterans' benefits provisions to direct (current law authorizes) the Administrator of Veterans Affairs to pay travel expenses of certain veterans and their eligible dependents to or from a Veterans Administration facility or other authorized place in connection with rehabilitation, counseling, or medical treatment or care. Defines those veterans entitled to such payment, including: (1) those veterans financially unable to meet such travel costs; and (2) those veterans unable to bear the cost of special transportation necessitated due to a medical disability. Limits such payments in the case of travel by a privately-owned vehicle to the cost of similar public transportation for such travel. Limits such payment to the actual cost incurred for such travel.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1987
Medicaid Nursing Home Quality Care Amendments of 1987 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to establish a single set of requirements for skilled nursing and intermediate care facilities (other than facilities for the mentally retarded), and to refer to such facilities as "nursing facilities." Sets forth requirements for nursing facilities, including requirements that such facilities: (1) primarily engage in providing residents with nursing care or rehabilitative services directed toward residents' mental, psychosocial, and physical well-being; (2) provide such care in accordance with a written plan of care initially prepared and periodically reviewed and revised by a licensed health care professional on the basis of assessments of a resident's functional capacity conducted upon the resident's admission and after a significant change in the resident's physical or mental condition, but in no case less often than annually; (3) provide, in addition to nursing and rehabilitative services, such physicians' services, medically-related social services, pharmaceutical services, dietician services, and dental services as are required to fulfill each resident's plan of care; (4) not use any individual who is not a licensed health care professional or licensed social worker to provide nursing or nursing-related services after 1989 to facility residents unless the individual has completed a State-approved training program or is enrolled in such a program, and is competent to provide such services; (5) require a physician's supervision of each patient's care, the maintenance of clinical records on all patients, and 24-hour nursing services; (6) protect specified patient rights, including the right to appeal an involuntary transfer or discharge from the facility; (7) safeguard a patient's funds upon the patient's authorization; (8) not admit any new resident, after 1988, who is mentally ill or retarded unless the State mental health authority deems such individual to require nursing facility services and decides whether the individual requires active treatment for mental illness or retardation; (9) notify the State agency responsible for licensing the facility of changes in the ownership, control, or administration of the facility; (10) adopt certain measures to preserve facility safety and sanitation; and (11) meet such other conditions which the Secretary of Health and Human Services deems necessary for patient health and safety. Requires States to specify, by January 1, 1989, those nursing facility personnel training programs which meet the minimum standards to be established by the Secretary by July 1, 1988, and have the State's approval. Prohibits State approval of a training program offered by a facility that has been out of compliance with this Act's requirements within the previous two years. Requires States to: (1) establish a fair mechanism which meets Federal guidelines to be established by October 1, 1988, for hearing appeals on involuntary transfers of residents from nursing facilities; and (2) implement and enforce standards which are to be developed by the Secretary by January 1, 1989, regarding the qualifications of nursing facility administrators. Requires that, in addition to the preadmission review of mentally ill or retarded individuals, State mental health authorities conduct an annual review of mentally ill or retarded residents to determine whether such residents require nursing facility services and whether they require active treatment for mental illness or retardation. Directs that such preadmission and annual reviews be conducted in accordance with criteria to be developed by the Secretary by October 1, 1988. Sets forth required nursing facility responses to determinations as to whether such residents need nursing facility services and need, or do not need, active treatment for mental illness or retardation. Gives long-term residents who do not require nursing facility services, but who require active treatment, the choice of remaining in the facility or receiving covered services in an alternative setting. Requires nursing facilities to provide for the active treatment of residents in need of treatment for mental illness or retardation regardless of their continued need for nursing facility services or their discharge from such facility. Sets the Federal matching percentage for nursing facility personnel training programs at 50 percent and for preadmission and annual screening of mentally ill or retarded residents at 75 percent. Directs the Secretary to designate an instrument(s) by April 1, 1990, and States to specify the instrument by July 1, 1990, for use by States in assessing a resident's functional capacity. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress by January 1, 1992, on the implementation of the resident assessment process. Imposes civil monetary penalties on individuals who falsify resident assessments. Makes the Secretary responsible for certifying that State nursing facilities comply, and States responsible for certifying that other nursing facilities comply, with Medicaid nursing facility requirements. Bases such certification on standard surveys to be conducted within two months of any change in the ownership or administration of such a facility and, on an unannounced basis, at nine- to 15-month intervals. Subjects facilities with poor compliance records to extended surveys. Directs the Secretary to: (1) develop and test a protocol for conducting surveys; (2) establish minimum qualifications for surveyors and train them in the use of resident assessment instruments; and (3) conduct sample surveys of nursing facilities, within two months of State surveys, to test the adequacy of State surveys and reduce Federal payments for State Medicaid administrative costs if such State surveys prove inadequate. Authorizes the Secretary to conduct a special survey of a facility when there is reason to question its compliance with this Act. Requires States to investigate complaints against, and monitor the compliance of, a facility with this Act's requirements if the facility was previously found out of compliance with such requirements or the State has reason to question its compliance. Requires that certain information regarding nursing facilities and their compliance with this Act's requirements be made available to the public. Provides long-term care ombudsmen, resident's physicians, and the State board which licenses facility administrators with notice of a facility's poor quality of care. Gives State Medicaid fraud and abuse control units access to facility survey and certification information. Sets the Federal matching percentage for nursing facility certification activities at 90 percent in FY 1990, 85 percent in FY 1991, 80 percent in FY 1992, and 75 percent thereafter. Eliminates current penalties applied to a State when its control over the utilization of skilled nursing or intermediate care facility services is deemed inadequate. Requires that when the Secretary or a State determines that a nursing facility's deficiencies immediately jeopardize residents' health and safety, such facility's participation in Medicaid be terminated. Directs the Secretary and States to apply certain other remedies where the health and safety of facility residents is not immediately jeopardized. Provides that if a facility is out of compliance with any of this Act's requirements six months after having been found out of compliance with such requirements, Medicaid payments for newly admitted or eligible residents shall be denied. Sets forth special rules which are to be applied where a State and the Secretary do not agree on a finding of noncompliance or the remedies which should be prescribed.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1987
Jobs for Employable Dependent Individuals Act - Amends the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) to entitle each State to the payment of a bonus for the successful job placement of certain employable dependent individuals. Makes the following persons eligible to be counted for an incentive bonus: (1) a head of a household who has received benefits continuously under part A (Aid to Families with Dependent Children) (AFDC) of title IV of the Social Security Act or under cash and medical assistance to refugees under the Immigration and Nationality Act, or a blind or disabled person who has received benefits continuously under title XVI (Supplemental Security Income) (SSI) of the Social Security Act, for at least two years prior to participation in education, training, and support activities designed to provide jobs for such individuals, and who has no work experience for the year preceding the year for which the eligibility determination is made; or (2) a head of a household who receives benefits at the time determination of eligibility is made under AFDC, under cash and medical assistance to refugees, or a blind or disabled individual who receives benefits under the SSI program, who has not attained 22 years of age, has not completed secondary school or its equivalent (except that this does not apply to blind or disabled persons), and has no work experience for the year preceding the year for which the eligibility determination is made. Requires that such individual: (1) participate in education, training, and support activities designed to provide jobs for such individuals; (2) be placed in nonsubsidized employment (or in the case of a blind or disabled individual, in employment or supported employment) for at least one year after such participation; (3) receive from such employment an income equal to or greater than the cash benefits under the relevant aid program; and (4) no longer qualify for such aid benefits. Provides that the amount of the incentive bonus paid to each State will be equal to: (1) 40 percent of the placement bonus base for each successful placement; (2) 50 percent for the second continuous year of such employment; and (3) 60 percent for the third year. Includes in such calculation only placements in excess of those during FY 1986 or another base period agreed upon by the Governor and the Secretary of Labor (Secretary). Sets forth a formula for the determination of the placement bonus base for each category of eligible recipient. Sets forth State application requirements. Requires adequate verification of placements for approval of applications. Directs the Governor to reserve an amount equal to the amount the State receives for incentive bonuses and to: (1) set aside up to 15 percent of the amount so reserved in each fiscal year for distribution to specified participating entities to support the costs of establishing and maintaining systems necessary for the operation of the incentive bonus program; and (2) distribute the remainder to participating agencies, private industry councils in service delivery areas (SDAs), and service providers, including community-based organizations, that contribute to the incentive bonus program. Limits use of these remainder funds to the following activities designed for the job preparation and job placement of participants: (1) outreach; (2) basic and remedial education, including English language training; (3) training and supportive services, including child care; and (4) transportation. Directs the Secretary to evaluate the incentive bonus program and to report the results to the Congress within three years after this Act's enactment. Directs the Secretary and the Secretary of Health and Human Services to issue jointly regulations relating to the safeguarding and sharing, among certain participating entities, of pertinent information concerning programs under the incentive bonus program. Reallots unexpected funds exceeding 20 percent of a State's JTPA fiscal year allocation for certain training services for the disadvantaged, plus any balance from the prior year, to States that did not have such excess funds. Requires the Secretary to reallot such monies in accordance with States' need for the ability to use the funds for the incentive bonus program. Directs the Secretary to: (1) provide improved information and technical assistance on performance standards adjustment approaches; (2) collect data that more adequately identify hard-to-serve individuals and long-term welfare dependency; (3) provide guidance on setting performance goals at a service provider level that encourage increased service to targeted persons; and (4) reexamine performance standards to ensure that they provide maximum flexibility in serving the hard-to-serve, especially long-term welfare recipients. Establishes a basic measure for performance applicable to certain adult education programs. Directs the Secretary to prescribe standards to determine whether the basic measure is being achieved. Lists factors to be included in such standards. Subjects the new programs established under this Act to the JTPA's requirements relating to the submission of a plan, plan review and approval procedures, and performance standards. Requires the Secretary, in prescribing performance standards relating to the placement of certain employable dependent individuals, to weight the placement of such persons in accordance with the average costs of successful placement of such persons compared to the average cost of successful placement of individuals eligible for other specified services for disadvantaged persons.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1987
General Aviation Standards Act of 1987 - Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 (relating to aviation accident investigations) to apply such Act, with specified exceptions, to any action for damages for harm arising out of a general aviation accident brought against a general aviation manufacturer, owner, or operator of a general aviation aircraft, or a person who supports or maintains such aircraft. Establishes guidelines for uniform standards of liability of general aviation manufacturers for general aviation accidents. States that all actions for harm arising out of a general aviation accident shall be governed by the principles of comparative responsibility. Establishes, with specified exceptions, a limitation of actions period of 12 years from delivery of aircraft or harm-causing part to the purchaser for general aviation civil liability brought against a general aviation manufacturer. Declares admissible as evidence certain income tax and payroll tax liability for purposes of establishing financial harm arising out of a general aviation accident. Permits the award of punitive damages if a claimant establishes by clear and convincing evidence that the harm suffered was the direct result of conduct manifesting conscious, flagrant indifference to safety. Establishes a two-year limitation of actions period for actions arising out of a general aviation accident. Confers original jurisdiction upon the Federal district courts, concurrently with State courts, for all civil actions for harm arising out of a general aviation accident. Provides procedures for removal from State to Federal district courts of such actions. Declares that this Act supersedes any State law regarding recovery of damages for harm arising out of a general aviation accident. Declares the intent of the Congress that sanctions be strictly enforced for violations of Rule 11 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, including orders to pay to the other party the reasonable costs of legal fees.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1987
Directs the head of each Federal department or agency holding records relating to sightings of U.S. military personnel in Southeast Asia since 1973 to make available to the public, within 30 days after the enactment of this Act, all such records. Provides exceptions to such disclosures for information revealing intelligence sources and methods or the names of such personnel.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1987
Ground Water Research, Development, and Demonstration Act - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to establish a research, development, and demonstration program for the protection, maintenance, and restoration of groundwater resources. Authorizes the Administrator to contract or cooperate with other government or private entities, including using existing Federal facilities on a reimbursable basis. Requires the Administrator to establish a media-specific research committee for groundwater resources to annually summarize major research issues, including State and local needs. Requires the Administrator to establish a standing subcommittee on groundwater resources within the Science Advisory Board established under the Environmental Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 1978 to review and report to the Congress on the research committee's report. Directs the Administrator to carry out a program of research, evaluation, testing, development, and demonstration of practices, methods, technologies, and processes which may be effective in controlling sources or potential sources of groundwater contaminants. Authorizes the Administrator to contract out or make grants for demonstration projects selected on the basis of their potential for mitigating contaminants which pose the greatest risk to human health and the environment, their broad-based applicability, and cost effectiveness. Sets forth monitoring and quality control requirements. Authorizes the Administrator to make grants or enter into cooperative agreements or loans with State and local governments for activities under this Act, limiting the Federal share of research and survey costs. Authorizes the Administrator to research the effects of groundwater contaminants on human health, including laboratory, clinical, and epidemiological studies. Authorizes the Administrator to conduct training and establish research fellowships. Directs the Administrator to make grants to research institutions to establish and operate three groundwater research institutes for research and information dissemination. Requires such institutions to be located in areas making significant use of groundwater which has experienced significant contamination problems. Limits the Federal share of such institutional costs. Sets forth program approval procedures. Directs the Administrator to establish a national groundwater clearinghouse and a technology transfer program. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1987
Authorizes the Librarian of Congress to designate employees of the Library of Congress as police for duty with respect to the Library buildings and adjacent streets. Requires the rank structure and pay for such employees to be the same as that for the Capitol Police.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1987
Provides for the appointment of a delegation of Members of Congress to participate in ceremonies to be held in New York City in April 1989 commemorating the 200th anniversaries of: (1) the implementation of the Constitution as the form of government of the United States; (2) the inauguration of George Washington as the first President; and (3) the proposal of the Bill of Rights as the first ten amendments to the Constitution. Invites the President to join the delegation in participating in the ceremonies.
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
Hearing Aid Compatibility Act of 1987 - Requires that all telephones sold, rented, or otherwise distributed in the United States be hearing aid compatible, except telephones that are manufactured before the effective date of this Act or that are not required to be registered with the Federal Communications Commission.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1987
Global Resources, Environment, and Population Act of 1987 - Declares public policy with respect to promoting national population stabilization and encouraging other nations to achieve population stabilization to balance population, resources, and environmental quality. Requires that Federal policies, regulations, and public laws be interpreted and administered in accordance with this Act. Directs Federal agencies to use reliable demographic, natural resource, and environmental information in planning and decisionmaking and to assist State and local governments in efforts to balance population, resources, and environmental quality. Requires Federal agencies to act to eliminate any deficient or inconsistent policy which limits or prevents compliance with this Act. Directs the agencies to recommend to the President and the Congress any administrative or legislative action deemed necessary. Requires the President, within three years of enactment of this Act, to report to the Congress on: (1) the current and foreseeable trends in national and global population size and age structure and consumption patterns, including annual figures on population increases or decreases in each nation and the level of net migration into the United States; (2) an evaluation of the adequacy of available natural resources to fulfill population requirements; (3) an evaluation of the short-term and long-term impact that such trends will have on the economy and national security of the United States; (4) a review of the effects of Federal, State, and local laws, regulations, programs, and activities on the attainment of national and global population stabilization; (5) a detailed demographic analysis of population growth, losses, or shifts in different regions of the United States and their impact on the economy, natural resources, environmental quality, and the provision of public services; (6) any destabilizing impacts which population growth and shifts may have on other nations, particularly the developing nations; (7) a summary of the findings of agency policy reviews; and (8) recommendations for legislative actions as considered necessary.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1987
National Advisory Committee on Semiconductor Research and Development Act of 1987 - Establishes the National Advisory Committee on Semiconductors to monitor the competitiveness of U.S. semiconductor technology and develop strategies and make recommendations to enhance such competitiveness. Requires the Committee to report annually to the Congress and the President on its past and planned activities. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1988 through 1990.
United States · United States Congress · 23 April 1987
Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require foods to include on their labeling the presence and amount of any palm, palm kernel, or coconut oil along with a statement that such oil(s) is a saturated fat.
United States · United States Congress · 23 April 1987
National Nutrition Monitoring and Related Research Act of 1987 - Title I: Nutrition Monitoring and Related Research - Establishes a ten-year coordinated program, to be known as the National Nutrition Monitoring and Related Research Program, which will be implemented by the Secretaries of Health and Human Services and Agriculture. Establishes an Interagency Board for Nutrition Monitoring and Related Research to facilitate the implementation of such program. Authorizes the Secretaries to appoint an Administrator of Nutrition Monitoring and Related Research to coordinate such program. Sets forth the functions of the Secretaries with respect to such program, including: (1) establishing matching grants programs for specified nutritional and dietary purposes; and (2) submitting an annual report to the President for transmittal to the Congress. Requires the Secretaries to prepare and implement a comprehensive national nutrition monitoring and related research plan which shall: (1) assess and report on U.S. nutritional and dietary trends; (2) assess and report on low-income food and household expenditures; (3) sponsor and conduct research; (4) develop and update a national dietary and nutritional status data bank; (5) assist State and local agencies in developing procedures and networks for nutrition monitoring and surveillance; and (6) focus the activities of Federal agencies. Requires the plan to allocate the project functions and activities among the various Federal agencies and offices involved. Provides that the comprehensive plan shall be carried out during the period ending with the close of the ninth fiscal year following the fiscal year in which the final comprehensive plan is submitted. Requires the Secretaries to provide for and coordinate such scientific research and development as may be necessary to support the coordinated program and comprehensive plan. Authorizes appropriations. Title II: National Nutrition Monitoring Advisory Council - Establishes an 11-member Advisory Council to: (1) provide scientific and technical advice on the development and implementation of all components of the coordinated program and the comprehensive plan; (2) evaluate such program and plan; and (3) submit an annual report to the Secretaries. Title III: Dietary Guidance -Directs the Secretaries, by the start of 1990 and every five years thereafter, to publish and review dietary guidelines for the general public.
United States · United States Congress · 23 April 1987
National Policy and Technology Foundation Act of 1987 - Establishes, as an independent agency, the National Policy and Technology Foundation to develop and coordinate the collection, analysis, and dissemination through existing information systems of information as it relates to national and international economies, economic and industrial trends, technological advances, and related matters. Requires the Foundation to become a repository of such information and to provide a full array of informational and statistical services as well as monitor the quality of U.S. life through economic and other indicators. Establishes in the Foundation, in order to facilitate its purposes: (1) a National Policy and Technology Board; (2) an Office of Director of the Foundation; (3) a National Information Office; (4) an Office of National Policy, Analysis, and Assessment; (5) an Office of National Programs; (6) an Office of the Professions; (7) an Office of Institutional and Human Resource Development; (8) an Office of Small Business; and (9) an Office of Intergovernmental Technology and Professions Delivery Systems. Transfers to the Foundation: (1) the National Bureau of Standards; (2) the Patent and Trademark Office; (3) the National Technical Information Service; (4) the Office of Small Business Research and Development; (5) the Directorate for Engineering; (6) the Division of Industrial Science and Technological Innovation (exclusive of the nonengineering programs of the industry/university cooperative research projects program element) of the National Science Foundation; (7) the Intergovernmental Programs section of the National Science Foundation; (8) the Office of Industrial Technology; (9) the Center for the Utilization of Federal Technology; (10) the Division of Policy Research and Analysis of the National Science Foundation; and (11) functions of the Departments of Energy and Defense, of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and of the Public Printer which relate to the sale of Government information to the public. Transfers to the Foundation all the functions and authorities of the National Science Foundation and the Secretary of Commerce under the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980. Requires the Foundation to monitor and assess such information, developing indicators and evaluating the impact of such information on current or proposed policy and the impact of policy upon economic indicators. Requires the Foundation to support research and professional development. States that advisory councils covering the full range of Foundation responsibilities shall be appointed by the Director. Requires the Director to coordinate Foundation programs with other government and private programs. States that a National Foundation Coordinating Board shall be appointed. Authorizes the Foundation to award scholarships and graduate scholarships. Requires the foundation to report biennially to the Congress and the President on the activities, issues, and recommendations of the Council. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1987.
United States · United States Congress · 23 April 1987
Department of Science and Technology Act - Declares that the purpose of this Act is to promote the advancement of science and technology, technological innovation, technology utilization, and the supply of technological manpower for the improvement of the economic, environmental, and social well-being of the United States. Establishes the Department of Science and Technology to be headed by a Secretary of Science and Technology, who shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Establishes the following entities within such Department: (1) an Office of Policy, Analysis, and Assessment; (2) a National Technology Board; (3) an Advanced Research Projects Foundation; and (4) a National Bureau of Technology Transfer. Makes the following transfers to such Department: (1) the National Bureau of Standards; (2) the National Technical Information Service; (3) the National Science Foundation; (4) the National Science Board; (5) the functions of the Office of Science and Technology Policy; (6) all functions, powers, duties, and authorities specifically assigned to the Secretary of Commerce or to the Office of Productivity, Technology and Innovation under the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980; and (7) such other programs and activities as the President may identify and transfer. Sets forth duties and functions of entities within the department and the general authorities of such department. Authorizes appropriations for the functions specifically set forth in this Act. Directs the Secretary to recommend to the Congress such additional authorizations of appropriations for FY 1988 and 1989 as necessary.
United States · United States Congress · 22 April 1987
National Advanced Technician Training Act - Requires the Director of the National Science Foundation to carry out an advanced technician training program, making matching grants to two-year community and technical colleges to provide training in technical competencies in strategic fields. Requires such program to emphasize on-the-job training and recruitment of the unemployed. Requires that an inventory of available programs be accessible. Requires the Director to appoint a National Advisory Council on Advanced Technician Training to review and report to the Director and to the Congress on the effectiveness of the program, with recommendations as needed. Requires the Director to designate ten centers of excellence among such colleges to serve as clearinghouses, half for advanced technician training and half for undergraduate education in mathematics and science. Requires the Director to make at least 20 grants annually. Requires that funds under this Act be used to strengthen programs in advanced-technology occupations, for faculty development in advanced-technology fields such as laser, robotic, and computer technology, and the development of cooperative training and information networks with other schools and the private sector. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1988 through 1990.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1987
Superconductivity Competition Act of 1987 - Directs the President to appoint a National Commission on Commercial and National Defense Applications of Superconductors to report to the Congress and the President on recommendations to enhance the development of improved superconductors and commercial and national defense applications of superconductors. Requires the Commission to address several issues, including: (1) U.S. competitiveness in superconductor development; (2) methods to improve and coordinate information, funding, and applications; (3) private sector incentives to develop superconductors; and (4) the impact on U.S. security of relying on foreign producers.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1987
Farmers Home Loan Buy Back Act of 1987 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture, in administering the sale of specified Farmers Home Administration rural development obligations as provided for under the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1986, to give the issuers the right of first refusal. Sets forth sale price provisions.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1987
National Bureau of Standards and Industrial Competitiveness Act of 1987 - Renames the Bureau of Standards as the National Bureau of Standards and Industrial Competitiveness (the Bureau). Establishes an Industrial Competitiveness Division within the Bureau. Provides that the Division shall be headed (subject to specified requirements relating to an Industrial Competitiveness Board) by a Deputy Director for Industrial Competitiveness who shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Directs the President to afford the Industrial Competitiveness Board an opportunity to make recommendations with respect to such appointment. Sets forth the industrial competitiveness functions of the Bureau. Establishes an Industrial Competitiveness Board within the Bureau. Directs the Board to exercise general supervision and policy control of the Division. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to appoint as Board members three from the Federal Government and five from the private sector representing a cross-section of the industrial base, including large and small businesses. Authorizes the Board to establish special commissions. Directs the Secretary to formulate the programs and budgets of the Division in consultation with the Board. Requires the Deputy Director to submit an annual report to the Director of the Bureau, the Secretary, and the Congress, detailing activities of the Division. Establishes in the Treasury the Standards and Industrial Competitiveness Fund. Makes the Fund available to the Director, in accordance with appropriations Acts but without fiscal year limitation, for use as a revolving fund to carry out the industrial competitiveness functions of the Bureau. Outlines sources of deposits to the Fund. Authorizes appropriations to the Fund for the eight fiscal years beginning after enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1987
Stratospheric Ozone Protection Act of 1987 - Amends the Clean Air Act to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to promulgate regulations controlling aggregate emissions of fully halogenated alkanes from the United States, setting a schedule which ultimately requires a 95 percent reduction from 1986 levels within seven years of enactment. Sets forth an emissions calculation formula which multiplies each fully halogenated alkane by its ozone depletion weight, adjusting aggregate amounts for imports, exports, production, and destruction or encapsulation. Requires the Administrator to establish a monitoring network to detect or predict modifications in the ozone layer. Requires the Administrator to conduct a detailed scientific assessment before implementing each stage of required reductions, adjusting the control measures as necessary. Prohibits, within one year of enactment, the import of fully halogenated alkanes in bulk from any nation without sufficiently stringent control measures. Prohibits, within three years of enactment, the import of all products containing fully halogenated alkanes from any nonequivalent nation. Sets forth a schedule of trade restrictions concerning the import or export of such alkanes, the technologies used to produce them, and the products produced by them. Requires the Administrator to report to the Congress annually on aggregate emissions and compliance. Sets forth enforcement provisions, including provisions allowing citizen suits.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1987
Amends the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 to permit Rural Electrification Administration borrowers to prepay Federal Financing Bank loans without penalties if: (1) private capital is used to replace such loans; and (2) any savings will be used to avoid future rate increases, passed on to customers, or used to improve the borrower's financial strength.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1987
United States Peace Tax Fund Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit conscientious objectors to designate their income, estate, or gift tax payments for nonmilitary purposes. Establishes within the Treasury a United States Peace Tax Fund (Fund) to receive such tax payments. Makes these tax designation procedures available to any individual who by reason of religious training and belief is opposed to participation in war in any form and either: (1) has been exempted from combat training and service in the armed forces under the Military Selective Service Act; or (2) satisfactorily demonstrates conscientious objection to war in any form. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to deny such status to a taxpayer upon a finding that the taxpayer is not entitled to make such a designation. Allows a taxpayer to challenge such a denial by bringing an action in the United States Tax Court or in U.S. District Court for a declaratory judgment as to whether the taxpayer is an eligible individual for purposes of such designation. Requires that each publication of general instructions accompanying income tax returns include specified information about the Fund, including the purposes of the Fund and the criteria governing one's eligibility to designate tax payments for such Fund. Requires every taxpayer who makes such a designation for any taxable year to file a questionnaire return during such year for the purpose of determining whether the taxpayer is an eligible individual. Permits the setting aside of criminal or civil penalties imposed upon a taxpayer for nonpayment of tax prior to 1988 if the taxpayer pays the tax due (with interest) and establishes to the satisfaction of the Secretary of the Treasury that the nonpayment was due to religious beliefs. Directs the Comptroller General to determine the percentage of actual appropriations made by the United States from the Federal budget during the preceding year for military purposes. Requires the publication of such information in the Congressional Record. Establishes a United States Peace Tax Fund Board of Trustees to distribute funds for eligible nonmilitary activities and research. Sets forth the Board's membership structure and its duties. Directs the Board to publish regulations to govern applications for funds. Includes as activities qualified for funding: (1) research directed toward developing nonviolent solutions to international conflict; (2) disarmament efforts; (3) special projects of the United States Institute of Peace; (4) improvement of international health, education, and welfare; and (5) retraining of workers displaced by conversion from military production activities. Authorizes appropriations.