United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1988
Expresses the sense of the Congress that Federal departments and agencies should use the most recent population data in determining the amount of benefit received by State, county, or local government.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 1988
Designates specified land as the Manassas National Battlefield Addition. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to acquire land within the boundaries of the Addition and to administer such lands as part of the Manassas National Battlefield Park, Virginia. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 1988
Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to reimburse physicians and medical facilities for emergency medical treatment (including any required in the course of labor and childbirth) which: (1) is rendered to an undocumented alien or an alien commuter worker who cannot pay for such service; and (2) is not reimbursable under any other public assistance program or private insurance plan.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1988
Protests Soviet human rights violations, especially the restrictive emigration regulations. Calls upon the President to use the upcoming summit meeting in Moscow to stress the inherent link between respect for human rights and the achievement of lasting peace.
United States · United States Congress · 19 April 1988
Declares that the Congress acknowledges and appreciates the commitment, devotion, and sacrifices of present and former military families. Designates November 21, 1988, as National Military Families Recognition Day.
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 1988
Lower Mississippi Delta Development Act - Establishes the Lower Mississippi Delta Development Commission to study and make recommendations concerning the economic needs and economic development of the Lower Mississippi Delta, defined to include areas in Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee. Directs the Commission, among other things, to: (1) study the projected ten-year economic needs of the region; (2) review existing Federal, State, local, and private programs for business development and financing; (3) develop inventories of the region's business resources and natural resources; (4) study the role of small business in creating jobs in the region; and (5) make recommendations to the Congress regarding tax policies, business development programs, investment incentives, infrastructure development, and a number of other economic development issues. Requires the Commission, no later than one year after its first meeting, to present its required findings and recommendations to specified congressional leadership and committees, the President, and the Governors of the affected States. Requires termination of the Commission within one year after submission of its report. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 12 April 1988
Civil Service Annuity Prompt Payment Act - Requires civil service retirement annuity payments and survivor annuity payments to begin 90 days after the later of: (1) the annuity's commencement date; or (2) the date on which the Office of Personnel Management receives a completed application. Requires the payment of interest on the initial underpayment of annuity if no monthly payment is made within the 90-day period, or if one or more monthly annuity payments are made within such period but the amount of payment is deficient.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1988
Omnibus Antidrug Abuse Act of 1988 - Title I: Drug Enforcement and Personnel Enhancement - Subtitle A: Asset Forfeiture Fund Amendments Act of 1988 - Department of Justice and Department of Treasury Assets Forfeiture Fund Amendments Act of 1988 - States that expenditures out of the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund and the Customs Forfeiture Fund shall not be scored as outlays which either increase or decrease the Federal budget deficit. Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to provide that the Customs Forfeiture Fund shall be available to the U.S. Customs Service permanently. Authorizes the transfer of funds from the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund to the Building and Facilities account of the Federal prison system for the construction of correctional institutions, and to the Support of United States Prisoners in non-Federal Institutions account of the Department of Justice. Allows the Attorney General, with respect to the DOJ Assets Forfeiture Fund, and the Commissioner of Customs, with respect to the Customs Forfeiture Fund, to exempt the procurement of supplies and services under such funds if necessary to maintain the security and confidentiality of related criminal or civil investigations. Amends the Controlled Substances Act to require the Attorney General to ensure the equitable transfer of forfeited property to the appropriate State and local law enforcement agency or prosecutor's office. Subtitle B: State and Local Narcotics Control Assistance Act of 1988 - Part A: Establishment of the Bureau of Justice Assistance - Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to require the Director of the Bureau of Justice Assistance to: (1) develop an annual State and Local Strategic Drug Control Plan; and (2) publish and disseminate information on the condition and progress of drug control activities. Requires the Bureau to: (1) coordinate Federal, State, and local government efforts toward a national drug control strategy; (2) serve as the coordinating Federal agency with respect to the submission of State and local applications for grant-in-aid programs under the Antidrug Abuse Act of 1986; and (3) maintain a liaison with Federal agencies having drug control authority. Part B: Drug Control Formula Grant Program - Authorizes the Bureau to make grants to States having approved statewide drug control strategies for: (1) Zero Tolerance Enforcement Programs that effect heightened public awareness of and support for local drug control enforcement projects; (2) Multi-Jurisdictional Task Force Programs; (3) Drug Control Law Enforcement Training Programs; (4) Multi-Jurisdictional Intelligence and Data Sharing Programs; (5) Judicial Drug Control Training Programs; (6) Prison Treatment Programs; (7) Drug Treatment for Youthful Offenders Programs; and (8) Statewide and National Intelligence Systems Programs. Requires the executive officer of each participating State to designate a State drug control office to: (1) prepare applications to obtain funds under this Program; and (2) administer such funds. Requires the chief executive officer of each participating State to maintain a State Drug Control Board to: (1) analyze the drug control problems within the State; (2) prepare a statewide drug control strategy; (3) receive, review, and approve (or disapprove) applications from State agencies and units of local governments; (4) prepare annual reports containing assessments of the State drug control program; and (5) assure fund accountability, auditing, and evaluation of programs and projects funded under the Program. Permits the establishment of local drug control offices to prepare and coordinate drug control strategies and implement the provisions of this Act at the local level. States that each jurisdiction which is eligible to have a local drug control office shall establish local drug control boards to: (1) analyze the drug control problem within that jurisdiction; (2) prepare a jurisdiction-wide drug control strategy; (3) receive, review, and approve (or disapprove) applications from units of local government; and (4) prepare annual reports containing assessments of the drug control program. Directs the Bureau to establish a National Drug Control Assistance Coordination Board to provide for the representation of drug control agencies at the Federal, State, and local levels for the purpose of articulating national drug control priorities, programs, and resource needs. Sets forth: (1) State application procedures under the Program; (2) certain limitations on the use of Program funds for administrative expenses; and (3) procedures for the allocation and distribution of Program funds. Part C: Drug Control Discretionary Grant Program - Authorizes the Bureau to develop programs and make grants to public agencies and private nonprofit organizations for technical assistance, training, and national scope and demonstration projects in support of any of the purposes specified in part B of this subsection (Drug Control Formula Grant Program), and any purpose specified in the strategic drug control plan developed by the Bureau. Sets forth application requirements with respect to such program and procedures for the allocation and distribution of program funds. Provides that grants under this program shall be for a period not to exceed three years (may be extended for up to two years under certain circumstances). Part D: Targeted State and Local Strategic Drug Control Plan - Requires the Bureau to complete an annual National Strategic Drug Control Plan which targets the most critical drug control problems that are most effectively resolved at the State and local levels. Part E: Miscellaneous Amendments to Justice Assistance Act of 1984 - Allows Criminal Justice Facility Construction grants to cover 80 percent of the estimated costs of approved construction. (Current law allows such grants to cover 20 percent of such costs.) Part F: Administrative Provisions - Authorizes the Bureau to establish such rules, regulations, and procedures as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this subtitle. Directs the Bureau to prepare a "Program Brief" and an "Implementation Guide" for each of the programs and projects contained in the formula grant programs. States that the functions, powers, and duties specified in this subsection to be carried out by the Bureau shall not be transferred elsewhere in the Department of Justice unless specifically authorized by the Congress. Allows the Bureau to arrange with and reimburse other Federal departments and agencies for the performance of functions under this subtitle only if the funds are to benefit the units of State and local government. Sets forth program and project evaluation and reporting requirements. Part G: Funding - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1989 through 1991 to carry out the grant programs authorized under this subtitle. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1989 for salaries and expenses of the Bureau. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1989 through 1991 for grants to State and local governments for the construction of correctional facilities. Part H: Relationship with the Justice Assistance Act of 1984 - Directs the Bureau to administer any funds available to it under the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 in such a manner as to compensate for the increase in cases resulting from apprehensions and accelerated prosecutions of persons accused of drug trafficking, possession, and related offenses. Encourages State and local jurisdictions to participate in funding under this Act. Subtitle C: Chemical Diversion and Trafficking Act of 1988 - Chemical Diversion and Trafficking Act of 1988 - Amends the Controlled Substances Act to establish recordkeeping and reporting requirements for the manufacture, distribution, importation, and exportation of listed precursor and essential chemicals. Prohibits the distribution of such chemicals unless the recipient provides a certification of lawful use and proper identification. Establishes exemptions from such requirements: (1) for the distribution of such chemicals between agents or employees within a single facility; (2) for the delivery of such chemicals to or by common carriers; (3) where the Attorney General determines that such requirements are not necessary for the enforcement of this Act; and (4) where products containing such chemicals are lawfully marketed under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Establishes an import-export notice and declaration requirement for listed precursor and essential chemicals. Includes as precursor chemicals: (1) N-Acetylanthranilic acid; (2) Anthranilic acid; (3) Ergotamine tartrate; (4) Ergonovine maleate; (5) Phenylacetic acid; (6) Ephedrine; (7) Pseudoephedrine; (8) Benzyl cyanide; (9) Benzyl chloride; and (10) Piperidine. Includes as essential chemicals: (1) Potassium permanganate; (2) Acetic anhydride; (3) Acetone; and (4) Ethyl ether. Establishes a mechanism and criteria for adding or deleting chemicals from such lists. Prohibits the transfer of commercial tableting and encapsulating machines unless a certification of lawful use and proper identification are provided. Establishes reporting requirements for such transfers. Establishes criminal penalties for the unlawful: (1) possession, manufacture, distribution, sale, importation, or exportation of a precursor or essential chemical; and (2) possession, manufacture, distribution, or importation of drug manufacturing equipment, tableting or encapsulating machines, and gelatin capsules. Subjects all listed precursor and essential chemicals, drug manufacturing equipment, tableting and encapsulating machines, and gelatin capsules which have been imported, exported, manufactured, possessed, or distributed in violation of such Act (as well as all conveyances and equipment) to forfeiture to the United States. Directs the Attorney General to maintain an active program, both domestic and international, to curtail the diversion of precursor and essential chemicals. Grants the Attorney General subpoena power with respect to precursor and essential chemicals. Subtitle D: Comprehensive Federal Law Enforcement Officer Improvements Act of 1988 - Comprehensive Federal Law Enforcement Officer Improvements Act of 1988 - Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to increase the basic level of public safety officer death benefits. Removes the requirement that parent beneficiaries be dependents of the deceased officer. Establishes the National Advisory Commission on Law Enforcement to study the methods and rates of compensation of law enforcement officers. Requires the Commission to report the results of such study to the President and the Congress within six months of enactment of this Act. Subtitle E: Deportation of Convicted Foreign Drug Inmates - Violent Criminal Alien Deportation Act - Allows the Attorney General to order the deportation of any alien convicted of an aggravated violent felony. Allows the District Director of the Immigration and Naturalization Service for the district in which the alien was sentenced and convicted to issue the order of deportation on behalf of the Attorney General. Sets forth procedures for the appeal of such a deportation order. Subtitle F: Customs Enforcement Amendments Act of 1988 - Customs Enforcement Amendments Act of 1988 - Requires the pilot of any aircraft, prior to departing the United States, to comply with advance notification and reporting requirements prescribed by the Secretary of Commerce. Establishes civil penalties for violations of such requirements. Increases the penalties for failing to declare controlled substances brought into the United States. States that a declaration of forfeiture by a customs officer shall have the same force and effect as a final decree and order of forfeiture in a judicial forfeiture proceeding in a U.S. District Court. Provides that title in such forfeited property shall be deemed to vest in the United States free of any liens or encumbrances (with certain exceptions). Allows the Secretary of the Treasury to retain forfeited property for official use. Allows the Secretary to transfer forfeited property to any Federal agency, to any State or local law enforcement agency, or to any foreign government that cooperates with the U.S. Customs Service in joint enforcement operations. States that any person who is convicted of a criminal offense under any law administered or enforced by the Customs Service involving the Bank Secrecy Act, Money Laundering Act, or the Controlled Substances Act shall be fined the reasonable costs of the investigation and prosecution. Authorizes the Secretary of State to make regulations prescribing procedures for marking the passports of those convicted of controlled substances offenses. Provides for the revocation of the passports of those convicted of a controlled substances violation, or any criminal violation of the Bank Secrecy Act or the Money Laundering Act. Establishes procedures for the reissuance of such passports. Grants the Secretary of the Treasury certain powers (including the power to subpoena witnesses and compel their testimony) which are necessary to the enforcement of laws relating to the importation or exportation of prohibited merchandise. Amends the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) statute to include in the definition of "racketeering activity" acts relating to: (1) the illegal exportation of munitions; (2) the illegal exportation of merchandise; (3) criminal violations of the Trading With the Enemy Act; or (4) criminal sanctions under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to provide civil penalties for failing to report the transfer of ownership of an aircraft to the Secretary as required under such Act. Subjects such aircraft to seizure and forfeiture. Subtitle G: Authorization of Additional Appropriations for Drug Enforcement Personnel, Fiscal Year 1989 - Authorizes additional appropriations for FY 1989 for the: (1) Coast Guard for drug enforcement personnel; (2) U.S. Customs Service for drug enforcement personnel; (3) Immigration and Naturalization Service Border Patrol for drug interdiction personnel; (4) Immigration and Naturalization Service for criminal investigator personnel, and for the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force in New York City; (5) Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms; (6) Drug Enforcement Administration; (7) Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for drug enforcement personnel; (8) U.S. Marshals Service; and (9) Federal Prison System. Subtitle H: Miscellaneous Law Enforcement Provisions - Authorizes rewards to be paid for assisting in, or furnishing information which leads to, the capture of an escaped Federal prisoner or a person who has violated parole or probation or defaulted on bail bond. Makes it unlawful for any person to carry a dangerous weapon into a Federal courthouse. Authorizes the Attorney General to make payments for the support of U.S. prisoners in non-Federal institutions. Title II: International Narcotics Control and Assistance to Foreign Countries - Subtitle A: International Drug Eradication Improvement Program - Establishes within the Department of State, under the Office of International Narcotics Matters, an International Special Operations Drug Eradication Squadron to: (1) provide special assistance to drug source countries who request drug eradication assistance; and (2) participate in joint international drug eradication operations in drug source countries. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1989 for the International Narcotics Matters program at the Department of State for the procurement and maintenance of aircraft and for Squadron personnel. Directs the Secretary of State to establish guidelines and procedures to govern the deployment of the Squadron. Subtitle B: International Narcotics Matters Improvement and Special Assistance Programs - Establishes under the Agency for International Development (AID) a special economic assistance incentive grant program to provide assistance to drug source countries that meet specific eradication goals during FY 1989, 1990, and 1991. Sets forth grant eligibility requirements. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1989 through 1991 for AID. Requires the Comptroller General of the United States to monitor such program. Requires the Attorney General, the Director of AID, and representatives of the House and Senate to meet at the start of FY 1991 to consider whether such program should be continued beyond FY 1991. Subtitle C: Amendments to Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as Amended - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to list additional factors to be considered by the President when determining whether to certify that a foreign country is cooperating with the United States in its international narcotics control efforts. Subtitle D: International Narcotics Matters Authorization of Appropriations - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1989 and 1990 for the economic assistance incentive grant program. Earmarks specified amounts of FY 1989 and 1990 appropriations for: (1) developing safe and effective herbicides for use in the aerial eradication of coca; (2) the procurement of weapons to defend aircraft involved in narcotics control efforts; and (3) pilot and aircraft maintenance training for narcotics control activity. Provides that funds withheld from countries which fail to take adequate steps to halt illicit drug production or trafficking may be reallocated to countries which take such steps. Lists additional requirements (regarding coca production, possession, and distribution) which must be met by Bolivia before receiving FY 1989 assistance. Limits FY 1989 and 1990 international narcotics control assistance for Mexico. Withholds $1,000,000 of such assistance until Mexico has fully investigated (and prosecuted those responsible for) the murder, detention, and torture of certain Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents. Directs the Assistant Secretary of State for International Narcotics Matters to provide more narcotics control assistance to those drug-transit countries which are not "major drug-transit countries" and which are cooperating with the United States in its international narcotics control efforts. Authorizes additional funding for activities aimed at increasing awareness of the efforts of production and trafficking of illicit narcotics in source and transit countries. Directs the Secretary of State and the Attorney General to develop a model extradition treaty with respect to narcotics-related violations, a model legal assistance treaty, and model comprehensive anti-narcotics legislation. Subjects any transfer by the United States of property seized or forfeited in connection with narcotics-related activities to a foreign country for narcotics control purposes to the regular reprogramming procedures applicable under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961. Requires that the annual narcotics control reports include: (1) a description of the assistance provided by the DEA and the Customs Service to each country; (2) a description of the assistance provided by each country to the DEA and Customs Service; (3) an expression, in numerical terms, of achievable reductions in illicit drug production; and (4) a description of U.S. assistance denied to each major illicit drug producing and drug-transit country. Subtitle E: Latin American Antidrug Strike Force - Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the operations of international illegal drug smuggling organizations pose a threat to the national security of the member states of the Organization of American States (OAS); (2) illegal international drug smuggling organizations threaten to overwhelm small nations; (3) members of OAS should coordinate their efforts to fight the illegal drug trade; (4) the formation of a multinational strike force to conduct operations against illegal drug smuggling organizations is necessary; (5) the United States should initiate diplomatic discussions to achieve an agreement to establish and operate the Latin American Antidrug Strike Force; and (6) the United States stands ready to provide equipment, training, and financial resources to support the Strike Force, but believes that Strike Force personnel should be provided by those states facing the most serious threat. Establishes the position of Ambassador at Large and Coordinator for Western Hemisphere Antidrug Efforts to: (1) coordinate the efforts of all U.S. bureaus and agencies involved in antidrug efforts; (2) report to the Secretary and to the Chairman of the National Drug Policy Board on the effectiveness of the operations and level of cooperation of such bureaus and agencies; (3) be a member of all interagency groups with authority or oversight over U.S. international drug policy or operations; (4) undertake diplomatic discussions with OAS members regarding the formation of a multinational strike force intended to conduct operations against international illegal drug trafficking organizations in the Western Hemisphere; and (5) seek to secure participation in the strike force by those Western Hemisphere states most threatened by international illegal drug trafficking organizations. Directs the Secretary to report to specified congressional committees on the progress made toward establishing the multinational strike force. Requires the Secretary of Defense to develop a plan for the establishment, training, equipping, and operation of the multinational strike force. Title III: Drug Interdiction Asset Improvement and Enhancement - National Drug Interdiction Asset Improvement and Enhancement Act of 1988 - Subtitle A: Coast Guard - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1989 for the Coast Guard for the procurement of marine and air drug interdiction assets. Subtitle B: United States Customs Service - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1989 for the U.S. Customs Service for the procurement, operation, and maintenance of certain drug interdiction assets. Subtitle C: Department of Defense Drug Interdiction Assistance - Department of Defense Drug Interdiction Assistance Act of 1988 - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1989 for the Department of Defense for the enhancement of drug interdiction assistance activities. Subtitle D: Drug Enforcement Administration - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1989 for the DEA for the establishment of an International Drug Interdiction helicopter force and for the enhancement of the El Paso Intelligence Center. Subtitle E: Immigration and Naturalization Service/Border Patrol - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1989 for the Department of Justice for the procurement of drug interdiction-related equipment for Border Patrol drug enforcement personnel. Subtitle F: Establishment of Interagency Southwest Border Drug Interdiction Mobile Corridor Task Force - Establishes an Interagency Southwest Border Drug Interdiction Mobile Corridor Task Force to: (1) conduct a joint drug interdiction operation between ports of entry along the southwest border of the United States, from Texas to California; (2) assist and augment other law enforcement agencies along such border in the interdiction of illegal drugs and the arrest of narcotics traffickers; and (3) assist State and local law enforcement officials along such border in the interdiction of illegal drugs and the arrest of narcotics traffickers. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1989 for the Department of Justice for such task force. Subtitle G: United States-Bahamas Drug Interdiction Task Force - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1989 for the U.S.-Bahamas Drug Interdiction Task Force. Subtitle H: Special Drug Interdiction Support - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1989 for Puerto Rico, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, and Hawaii for special drug interdiction support. Requires the recipients of special drug interdiction assistance to submit periodic reports to the Congress regarding the status of the procurement of resources and related operation and maintenance expenditures authorized under this subtitle. Title IV: Demand Reduction - Subtitle A: Treatment and Rehabilitation - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish drug abuse demonstration projects for the treatment and rehabilitation of drug dependent offenders who could otherwise be subject to incarceration. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1989 through 1991 to carry out such projects. Subtitle B: Alcohol and Drug Abuse Treatment and Rehabilitation - Alcohol and Drug Abuse Treatment and Rehabilitation Improvement Act of 1988 - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1989 through 1991 for the basic Alcohol, Drug Abuse and Mental Health Block Grant Program. Requires that at least 49 per cent of such appropriations be made available for alcohol and drug abuse programs. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1989 through 1991 for substance abuse emergency drug treatment programs to be targeted to those States and communities where the substance abuse problem is most acute. Requires that all States eligible to receive basic and emergency Alcohol, Drug Abuse, Mental Health Block Grants develop Statewide substance abuse treatment facilities plans. Allows such States to expend up to 1.5 percent of their grants to develop and prepare such plans, and up to 40 per cent of such grants to acquire, construct, or renovate such facilities. Subtitle C: Amendments to the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act - Amends the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1986 to authorize appropriations for FY 1988 through 1991 to carry out the provisions of such Act. Makes technical amendments to such Act with respect to eligibility, application, and reporting requirements. Title V: National Drug Enforcement Agency Reorganization and Coordination - Subtitle A: Establishment of Office of Enforcement and Border Affairs in Department of Treasury - National Border Coordination and Reorganization Act of 1988 - Part A: Establishment and Officers - Establishes within the Department of the Treasury the Office of Enforcement and Border Affairs which shall consist of: (1) the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Treasury for Enforcement; and (2) the Coast Guard. Provides that the Office of Enforcement and Border Affairs shall be headed by the Under Secretary of the Treasury for Enforcement and Border Affairs. Establishes within the Office of Enforcement and Border Affairs: (1) the Office of Border Management Affairs, which shall be headed by the Assistant Secretary of the Treasury for Border Management Affairs; and (2) the Office of Narcotics Interdiction, which shall be headed by the Assistant Secretary of the Treasury for Narcotics Interdiction. Part B: Transfer of the Coast Guard to Office of Enforcement and Border Affairs - Transfers the Coast Guard from the Department of Transportation to the Office of Enforcement and Border Affairs of the Department of the Treasury. Subtitle B: Department of Defense Drug Interdiction Reorganization - Establishes within the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs the position of Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Drug Interdiction and Enforcement to supervise Department of Defense drug interdiction and enforcement activities. Title VI: Research and Development for Law Enforcement Agencies - Subtitle A: Establishment of New Research and Development Programs to Assist Federal Law Enforcement Agencies - Directs the Attorney General to establish a Research and Technology Group under the National Drug Policy Board to review the research, development, technology, and evaluation programs of the Department of Defense and development programs of other nondefense Federal agencies to assist their applicability to the operations, programs, and missions of the Federal law enforcement agencies. Directs the Attorney General to establish a Research, Technology and Acquisition Advisory Board to make recommendations to the National Drug Policy Board through the Research and Technology Group. Requires the President to designate and establish within existing facilities of the Department of Defense, the Department of Justice, the Department of Energy, the National Security Agency, and the Central Intelligence Agency, at least eight new National Technology Centers to develop technologies for application to Federal law enforcement missions. Redesignates certain existing Government facilities as National Technology Development Centers. Requires the Comptroller General of the United States to monitor the establishment of such centers. Subtitle B: Cargo Container Drug Detection Research and Development - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1989 for the U.S. Customs Service for accelerating the development and availability of X-ray detection, nitrate detection, or other technologies to be utilized for the detection of illegal narcotics in cargo containers entering the United States. Title VII: Drug Enforcement Training Improvement - Subtitle A: The Federal Law Enforcement Training Center Improvement Act of 1988 - Federal Law Enforcement Training Center Improvement Act of 1988 - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1989 for the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center to increase the level of drug enforcement training. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1990 and 1991 for the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center. States that support for the State and local law enforcement training program and the training programs for drug enforcement officers from foreign countries shall be maintained at no less that the FY 1989 level during such years. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to expand the advanced training programs for Federal law enforcement agencies at the Marana, Arizona, satellite facility of the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center. Requires the Secretary to submit reports to the appropriate congressional committees on such expansion. Subtitle B: Department of Justice Training Facilities Improvement Act of 1988 - Department of Justice Training Facilities Improvement Act of 1988 - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1989 for the Department of Justice for existing law enforcement training facilities. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1989 for the expansion of such facilities and for new Department training facilities. Directs the Attorney General to report to the appropriate congressional committees on plans for improving such facilities. Subtitle C: Federal Law Enforcement Language Training Improvement Act of 1988 - Authorizes the Department of Defense to provide foreign language training at the Defense Language Institute to special agents of Federal civilian agencies involved in drug law enforcement. Authorizes the Department of State to provide similar training at the Foreign Service Institute. Authorizes the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Customs Service, and the Immigration and Naturalization Service to: (1) detail investigative personnel to such Institutes; and (2) reimburse the Departments of Defense and State for the cost of such training. Authorizes appropriations for the Customs Service, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Immigration and Naturalization Service for such training. Subtitle D: Authorization of Appropriations for Special Training Centers - Requires the Director of the Bureau of Justice Assistance to establish a national training center in El Reno, Oklahoma, for the training of Federal, State, and local prison officials in drug rehabilitation programs. Establishes the National Advisory Panel on Prison Rehabilitation Programs to oversee the operation of such center. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1989 for such center. Title VIII: Drug Testing in the Private Sector - Prohibits any employer in interstate commerce, on the basis of a drug test administered to an applicant or employee (unless the drug test is conducted in a laboratory which meets specified requirements), from: (1) refusing to hire an applicant for employment; (2) taking adverse action against an employee; or (3) discharging an employee. Subjects any employer who takes such prohibited actions to civil penalties. Title IX: Congressional Policy Regarding Additional Funding for Fiscal Year 1989 for Antidrug Abuse Programs - States how the levels of new budget authority and outlays required to carry out the programs, activities, and initiatives contained in this Act shall be accommodated in the budget process.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1988
Amends the Internal Revenue Code with respect to the excise tax on diesel and aviation fuels. Prohibits imposition of the tax on the sale of these fuels by a producer or importer for use by the purchaser in a nontaxable use (defined to include, among other uses, any off-highway business use, use as supplies for vessels or aircraft, State or local governmental use, and use by a nonprofit educational organization). Permits the exemption only if both the seller and purchaser have registered with the Secretary of the Treasury. Requires producers, importers, and purchasers taking part in reduced-tax sales to file with the Secretary information returns containing specified data. Requires producers and importers, in addition, to furnish corresponding statements to their purchasers. Establishes penalties for failure to file required returns.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1988
Amends the Small Business Act to authorize the Small Business Administration (SBA) to make direct low interest (maximum four percent) disaster loans of up to $100,000 to assist certain small businesses or to refinance all or part of their existing indebtedness. Permits loans only to businesses: (1) located in areas of economic dislocation resulting from extreme fluctuation in the value of the currency of Canada or Mexico and concomitant adjustments in the regulation of the respective monetary system; and (2) unable to obtain credit elsewhere but able to demonstrate the ability to repay the loan. Requires the SBA to report to specified congressional committees on the extent and effectiveness of the loan program.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1988
Postal Reorganization Act of 1988 - Declares that the receipts and disbursements of the Postal Service Fund: (1) shall not be included in the totals of the Federal budget or the congressional budget; (2) shall be exempt from Federal budget limitations on expenditures and net lending; and (3) shall not be counted for purposes of calculating the Federal deficit. Repeals certain limitations on postal borrowing authority. Increases the limitations on postal borrowing authority.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1988
American Heritage Trust Act of 1988 - Title I: American Heritage Trust - Establishes the American Heritage Trust, comprised of the Land and Water Conservation Fund and the Historic Preservation Fund, to provide funding for the preservation of America's natural, historical, cultural, and outdoor recreational areas. Title II: Land and Water Conservation Fund - Amends the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act to require the Secretary of the Treasury to invest a portion of the Land and Water Conservation Fund in public debt securities. Requires that the interest from such investments be used to provide for the preservation of the Nation's recreational areas. Sets forth a formula for the allocation of such interest income to the Federal Government and the States. Sets forth specified requirements with respect to the apportionment of such income to local and State governments. Repeals a specified section concerning publicity and signing provisions. Title III: Historic Preservation Fund - Amends the National Historic Preservation Act to extend the Historic Preservation Fund through 2015. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to invest a portion of such Fund in public debt securities. Requires that the interest from such investments be used for the preservation of historic sites. Title IV: Miscellaneous Provisions - Requires the owner of any site that benefits from moneys derived from the American Heritage Trust to install a sign indicating that fact.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1988
Telecommunications Billing Disclosure Act of 1988 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to make it unlawful for any person to charge for a voice communication by telephone: (1) unless it is preceded by a disclosure of billing charges and practices and the fee meets the description offered in the disclosure; or (2) if the potential recipient ends the call within a required warning interval of at least ten seconds. Makes it unlawful, in addition, to knowingly permit one's telephone facility to be used in either of these prohibited billing contexts. Lists criteria to be met by the required disclosure of billing rates and practices. Makes violators liable to aggrieved parties and establishes authorized penalties in connection with resulting suits.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1988
Firearms Detection Act of 1988 - Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit the manufacture or importation of any plastic firearm unless the barrel of such firearm is constructed, in whole or in part, of a metallic substance and is susceptible to being detected by a magnetometer, or: (1) certain identifying information is engraved, cast, or stamped in a metallic substance and is susceptible to being detected by a magnetometer; and (2) the polymer portions of the frame or receiver, barrel, and slide or cylinder have been infused with a compound sufficient to render such firearm capable of being detected by airport security x-ray systems. Defines the term "plastic firearm" to mean a firearm, the frame or receiver, and slide or cylinder of which is constructed entirely of a polymer or ceramic. States that no provision of this Act shall apply to: (1) any firearm manufactured, imported, or possessed prior to the date of enactment of this Act; or (2) conduct by or under the authority of the Federal or State governments. Requires the detection devices at all federally-controlled airport security checkpoints to be set to detect all existing firearms manufactured in, or imported into, the United States. Allows any Federal agency with jurisdiction over security operations to provide security personnel, equipment, and procedures sufficient to ensure the ability to detect all such firearms.
United States · United States Congress · 17 February 1988
Universal Voter Registration Act of 1988 - Entitles any eligible individual to register for any Federal election by mail, in person, or at the appropriate polling place on the day of an election. Declares that such individual may register in person at: (1) a designated place for such individual's current address; (2) any Federal, State, county, or municipal agency that serves the public directly; or (3) any private agency that voluntarily agrees to register voters. Provides that where a State maintains a system of voter registration, such State shall allow an individual to register to vote for elections held on the date of Federal elections, in the manner provided by an approved State plan. Requires such plan to include: (1) the voter registration form to be used for mail registration; (2) provisions for distribution of such forms; (3) election day voter registration; (4) voter registration in agencies which serve the public directly and at private agencies that voluntarily agree to register voters; (5) provisions for prompt notification of registration acceptance; (6) provisions to inform registrants about voting places and times; (7) registration confirmation to insure accurate, inclusive, and uniform voter registration lists; (8) provisions with respect to registration challenges; and (9) a description of State efforts to actively increase voter registration. Requires each State to submit to the Federal Election Commission for approval a voter registration form which allows registration in person or by mail. Allows the form to be similar or identical to postcard application forms under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act. Specifies requirements for such form, including that it provide for postage paid return delivery to the appropriate State or local official. Requires agencies subject to this Act to provide for year-round registration services. Requires State and local election officials to provide for the availability of sufficient quantities of registration forms. Requires the chief election official of a State to establish a program to confirm voter registration. Sets forth requirements for such program, including: (1) notification systems concerning deaths and changes of address; (2) non-removal from a voter registration list unless a voter has died, changed residence to another jurisdiction, been convicted of a criminal offense or institutionalized for mental incapacity, or requested removal; and (3) voter registration lists comprising eligible voters, voters whose registration cannot be confirmed and whose eligibility may be challenged on election day, and individuals who have been removed from such list not more than four years before the date of the election. Sets forth provisions for challenging election votes, including the use of an affidavit ballot for the challenged voter. Declares that voter registration requirements shall not apply to any State which: (1) provides for voter registration procedures which meet or exceed the standards for State plans; (2) does not require voter registration; or (3) adopts the Federal postcard application form. Requires individuals who register to vote on an election day to establish their identity, place of residence, and qualifications at the time of such registration. Requires each polling place to provide a means of processing such registrants separately from other voters. Authorizes the Federal Election Commission to administer this Act and to provide advice and technical assistance to States. Requires the Commission to report to the Congress every two years on: (1) the effectiveness of efforts to establish and maintain voter registration procedures; (2) the administration of voter registration programs; and (3) recommendations on national voter registration standards. Declares any order of the Commission under this Act to be reviewable by the appropriate U.S. court of appeals. Provides that the appellee shall not be liable for costs. Directs the Commission to make grants to the chief election official of a State which has an approved plan for establishing voter registration programs. Requires such grants to be made to enable and encourage States to computerize voter registration lists and to undertake alternative methods of voter registration. Authorizes the Commission to establish an advisory council of State and local election officials to advise States about voter registration systems. Requires the Commission to develop a formula for the allocation of funds to States and to allocate or reallocate such funds. Requires a State to submit a plan for voter registration to the Commission within two years of enactment of this Act. Requires the Commission to publish proposed regulations for an implementation plan, or portion thereof, for any State which fails to submit a plan or for any State plan determined not to meet the requirements under this Act. Establishes Federal enforcement procedures and penalties for violations of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1988
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt from the required application of uniform inventory cost capitalization rules any animal produced in a farming business, regardless of the animal's preproductive period.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1988
Child Protection and Obscenity Enforcement Act of 1988 - Title I: Child Pornography - Amends the Federal criminal code to make it illegal to use a computer to transport information in interstate or foreign commerce concerning the visual depiction of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct (child pornography). Establishes criminal penalties for buying, selling, or transferring the custody of a minor: (1) knowing that, as a consequence of the sale or transfer, the minor will be used in child pornography; or (2) with the intent to promote child pornography. States that such sale or transfer must involve: (1) the minor or other actor traveling in interstate or foreign commerce; (2) communications in interstate or foreign commerce; or (3) conduct in a territory or possession of the United States. Requires any person who produces a book, magazine, periodical, film, videotape, or other matter which contains any visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct (which is shipped or intended for shipment in interstate or foreign commerce, or contains material shipped in interstate or foreign commerce) to maintain certain records regarding the performers portrayed in such conduct. Directs the Attorney General to issue regulations regarding the maintenance and availability of such records. Includes the sexual exploitation of children as a predicate offense to the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) statute. Title II: Obscenity - Makes it a Federal criminal offense to receive or possess, with the intent to distribute, obscene matter which has been transported in interstate or foreign commerce. Makes it a Federal criminal offense to knowingly use a facility or means of commerce to sell or distribute obscene matter in interstate or foreign commerce. Establishes a rebuttable presumption, with respect to Federal criminal offenses involving obscene matter, that obscene matter produced in one State (or outside the United States) which is subsequently located in another State (or in the United States) was transported, shipped, or carried in interstate (or foreign) commerce. Establishes criminal and civil forfeiture procedures with respect to Federal offenses involving obscene material and child pornography. Includes communications by means of cable or subscription television within the prohibition against broadcasting obscene language. Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to modify the penalty provisions of such Act with respect to obscene telephone communications. Amends the Federal criminal code to establish criminal penalties for the possession or sale of obscene matter on Federal property. Adds obscenity offenses to the list of crimes for which the Government may obtain wiretaps.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1988
Amends the Internal Revenue Code with respect to the excise tax on diesel and aviation fuels. Prohibits imposition of the tax on the sale of these fuels to any purchaser (or purchaser for resale to a second purchaser) for use on a farm for farming purposes or for any other use not as a fuel in a diesel-powered highway vehicle or train. (Although fuel sold for these purposes is tax-exempt under current law, provisions of the Revenue Act of 1987 require purchasers to pay the tax and subsequently apply for a refund based on nontaxable uses of the fuel.)
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1988
Amends the Internal Revenue Code with respect to the excise tax on diesel and aviation fuels. Prohibits imposition of the tax on the sale of these fuels to any purchaser (or purchaser for resale to a second purchaser) for use on a farm for farming purposes or for any other use not as a fuel in a diesel-powered highway vehicle or train. (Although fuel sold for these purposes is tax-exempt under current law, provisions of the Revenue Act of 1987 require purchasers to pay the tax and subsequently apply for a refund based on nontaxable uses of the fuel.)
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1988
Amends the Low-Level Radioactive Waste Policy Act to preclude States which are not members of regional compacts for nuclear waste disposal from approving regional radioactive waste disposal facilities located within 60 miles of the Mexican border.
United States · United States Congress · 17 December 1987
Deplores the Soviet Government's active persecution of religious believers in the Ukraine and its forcible liquidation of the Ukrainian Orthodox and Ukrainian Catholic Churches. Sends greetings to the Ukrainian people on the Millennium of Christianity in the Ukraine. Urges the President, the Secretary of State, the U.S. delegation to the United Nations, and the U.S. delegation to the Vienna Review Meeting of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe to continue to speak out forcefully against violations of religious liberty everywhere and, specifically, in the Ukraine. Calls upon the Soviet Government to release all those imprisoned for their religious beliefs. Discourages U.S. officials from attending the commemoration of the Millennium in the Soviet Union so long as individuals remain imprisoned for their religious beliefs and the Ukrainian Catholic and Ukrainian Orthodox churches remain outlawed. Urges the U.S. Government to call on the Soviet Government to ban its prohibition of the Ukrainian Orthodox and Ukrainian Catholic Churches.
United States · United States Congress · 9 December 1987
Expresses the sense of the Congress that railroad retirement benefits are exempt from reduction under the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act) and that supplemental annuities payable under the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 and sequestered under a specified presidential order should be restored.
United States · United States Congress · 8 December 1987
Amends the Internal Revenue Code with respect to the targeted jobs income tax credit. Extends the credit to employees who begin work in 1989 through 1991. (Current law terminates the credit for employees who begin work after December 31, 1988.) Includes as a targeted group individuals aged 65 or older who are members of economically disadvantaged families. Revises the minimum employment period requirement for purposes of this credit.
United States · United States Congress · 8 December 1987
Condemns the failure of the National Governing Council of Haiti to: (1) support a constitutional transition to democracy; and (2) provide security and adequate protection for the human rights of the people of Haiti and for the security of diplomats. Declares that it is the policy of the United States to suspend all assistance to Haiti, with exceptions, unless the democratic process set forth in the Haitian Constitution (approved March 29, 1987), especially those provisions relating to the Provisional Electoral Council, is being fully adhered to by the Government of Haiti. Directs the President to take steps to promote human rights and democracy in Haiti. Urges, specifically, that the President: (1) use the vote and influence of the United States to halt or discourage the provision of assistance to Haiti by international financial institutions and organizations and other governments; (2) undertake diplomatic initiatives to secure international cooperation to maximize diplomatic and economic pressure on Haiti; (3) suspend Haiti's eligibility for benefits under the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act; (4) furnish assistance to the news media in Haiti; (5) furnish assistance to private, voluntary and international organizations, and foreign governments, which might include U.S. participation in international peacekeeping activities; (6) sever diplomatic relations with the National Governing Council; (7) recognize an alternative entity, which is committed to a prompt transition to democracy, as the legitimate government of Haiti; and (8) impose, and seek international cooperation to multilaterally impose, an arms embargo and trade and financial sanctions against the Government of Haiti. Authorizes and urges the President to deny visas to, and exclude from admission to the United States, aliens (and family members and associates thereof) who have been involved in the denial of human rights in Haiti or in activities designed to impair Haiti's transition to democracy. Suspends all assistance to Haiti, with specified exceptions (such as assistance provided by voluntary organizations to meet humanitarian needs, assistance to enable the continuation of migrant and narcotics interdiction operations, and assistance for constitutional elections), unless the democratic process as set forth in the Haitian Constitution is fully adhered to by the Government of Haiti. Specifies that such adherence must include transition to a civilian government elected under the auspices of the Provisional Electoral Council by February 7, 1988. Authorizes the President to provide such assistance as appropriate related to the holding of elections. Requires the President to notify the Congress with respect to: (1) any such assistance provided; (2) actions taken pursuant to this Act; and (3) progress in promoting human rights and democracy in Haiti.
United States · United States Congress · 8 December 1987
Expresses the sense of the Congress that, in celebration of the millennium of the Christianization of Kievan-Rus', the Soviet Union should: (1) comply with its international obligations and allow Christians to practice their faith without harassment; (2) grant a general amnesty for all Christians who have been imprisoned because of their religious beliefs; (3) allow religious believers to practice their faith freely; (4) permit unlimited publication, distribution, and importation of religious materials; and (5) allow closed churches to reopen, new churches to be built, and theological seminaries to open or expand.
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 1987
Act for Better Child Care Services of 1987 - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1988 and such sums as necessary for FY 1989 through 1992 to carry out the purposes of this Act. Specifies the manner of making allotments for child care services. Requires the designation of a lead agency in each State which participates in the programs under this Act. Requires States to submit, in order to qualify for assistance under this Act, an application and plan to the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Requires each plan to cover a five-year period and to meet specified requirements for providers of child care services. Authorizes the use of State allotments: (1) by contracts with or grants to eligible child care providers, or public or private nonprofit agencies, to enable such providers or agencies to operate programs directly or by subcontract; or (2) by distributing child care certificates that parents may use as payment for child care services. Requires that a percentage of funds be reserved to enable part-day programs to extend existing hours of operation and provide full-day child care services. Authorizes the Secretary to make planning grants to States which desire to participate under this Act but cannot fully satisfy the requirements of a State plan without financial assistance. Provides for a review of the operation of a State plan during the five-year period to determine its continued eligibility for funds. Requires the Governor of each participating State to establish: (1) a State interagency advisory committee on child care to assist the lead agency in carrying out its responsibilities; and (2) a State committee on licensing to review the licensing requirements, the law, and the policies regulating child care services and programs within the State. Requires each participating State to recognized private nonprofit community-based organizations, or public organizations, as resources and referral agencies for particular geographic areas. Requires each participating State to require that all employed or self-employed persons providing licensed or regulated child care complete at least 15 hours per year of inservice, continuing education, or other training as described in this Act. Directs the Secretary to establish within the Department of Health and Human Services an Administrator of Child Care to carry out the provisions of this Act. Establishes enforcement provisions for review of State plans and monitoring of State compliance. Declares the Federal share of child care programs to be 80 percent and requires the State to demonstrate that the remaining 20 percent will be provided from other sources. Requires the Secretary to establish a National Advisory Committee on Child Care Standards to: (1) review Federal policies on child care services and such other data as appropriate; (2) submit to the Secretary proposed minimum standards for child care programs; and (3) develop and make available to lead agencies model regulations for resources and referral agencies. Terminates the committee 90 days after the date of publication of final minimum child care standards. Prohibits the use of funds under this Act for: (1) sectarian purposes or activities; (2) capital improvements to sectarian institutions; and (3) tuition.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 1987
Dwight David Eisenhower Commemorative Coin Act of 1987 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue not more than a specified number of one dollar silver coins in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the birth of Dwight David Eisenhower. Sets forth certain features of such coins and provides for their design, issuance, and sale. Terminates the minting of the coins after December 31, 1990. Requires the Secretary to deposit in the Treasury all surcharges received from the sale of the coins, to be used to reduce the national debt.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 1987
Antiterrorism and Arms Export Amendments Act of 1987 - Amends the Arms Export Control Act to prohibit the U.S. Government and U.S. persons from exporting or facilitating the export of any munitions item to any country which: (1) has repeatedly provided support for international terrorism; or (2) grants sanctuary from prosecution to any individual or group which has committed an act of international terrorism. Authorizes the President to waive such prohibition upon making specified certifications. Imposes criminal penalties for willful violations of such prohibition. Imposes civil penalties for violations of such prohibition and provides for enforcement of such civil penalties. Requires that the possibility of supporting international terrorism shall be a consideration in the issuance of arms export licenses or in arms sales. Amends the Export Administration Act of 1979 to provide that a validated license shall be required for the export of goods or technology to a country if the Secretary determines that: (1) such country grants sanctuary to or has repeatedly provided support for acts of international terrorism; and (2) such exports would contribute to the military potential of such country, would be destined to a military end-user or for military end use in such country, or would enhance the ability of such country to support acts of international terrorism. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to prohibit the provision of any assistance under such Act, the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954, the Peace Corps Act, or the Export-Import Bank Act to any country which the Secretary determines: (1) has repeatedly provided support for international terrorism; or (2) grants sanctuary from prosecution to any individual or group which has committed an act of international terrorism. Authorizes the President to waive such prohibition upon making specified certifications. Prohibits rescinding a determination that a country supports international terrorism, unless the Secretary of State, at least 90 days before the rescission would take effect, certifies to the Congress that: (1) the country has not provided support for international terrorism for the preceding six months; and (2) the country has made explicit assurances that it will not support international terrorism in the future. Amends the Arms Export Control Act and the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to require the President to notify the Congress of third country transfers of items: (1) sold under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program; (2) exported pursuant to a munitions license; or (3) provided under the Military Assistance Program (MAP). Directs the President to include in required quarterly reports to the Congress concerning military exports a listing of all defense articles or defense services transferred by the Department of Defense to other agencies of the U.S. Government. Prohibits the transfer of any munitions item by the U.S. Government to any foreign country, group, or person under the authority of a presidential determination that such a transfer is important to the national security of the United States as a significant anticipated intelligence activity, unless the President notifies certain congressional committees of such a transfer in accordance with the procedures set forth in the National Security Act of 1947 for the reporting of any intelligence activities. Revises requirements for reporting the use of foreign assistance funds where it is inadvisable to specify the nature of the use of such funds to require that such a report be transmitted to the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives rather than to the Speaker of the House. Amends the Hostage Act to specify that the President may not use any means otherwise prohibited by law in attempting to cause the release of U.S. citizens imprisoned by foreign governments. (Current law specifies that the President may not use any means amounting to acts of war.)
![Official portrait of Rep. Coleman, Ronald D. [D-TX-16]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/c000621_200.jpg)