United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1988
Employer Reversion Moratorium Act of 1988 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 to prohibit distributions to an employer, before October 1, 1989, of plan assets in connection with any single-employer defined benefit plan termination announced on or after March 9, 1988. Makes plan fiduciaries jointly and severally liable for breach of fiduciary duty unless assets distributed upon plan termination are either distributed to plan participants and beneficiaries or paid into a trust whose terms provide for final disposition in accordance with applicable law in effect on October 1, 1989. Requires the dissolution of such a trust and the distribution of its assets during the month of October 1989.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1988
Job Enhancement for Families Act - Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions governing the earned income tax credit to: (1) increase from $5,714 to $7,143 the amount of earned income subject to the credit; and (2) increase the credit percentage incrementally from 14 percent to 35 percent, adjusted annually for inflation, as the number of the taxpayer's dependent children increases from one to four or more.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1988
Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to extend to November 8, 1989, the effective date for maintaining evidence of financial responsibility for owners and operators of underground storage tanks. Prohibits the first suspension of such financial responsibility requirement for a class or category of tanks from exceeding 360 days. (Such suspension is currently authorized for up to 180 days if the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency makes certain determinations.) Requires the Administrator to assist States in establishing: (1) State assurance funds to enable underground storage tank owners and operators to meet the financial requirements of the Act; and (2) programs to encourage private insurance providers to offer insurance coverage to such owners and operators.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1988
Recommends that the Department of Energy: (1) work more closely with other nations in the field of magnetic fusion research; (2) foster collaborative research in fusion materials to maximize the environmental advantages of fusion energy; and (3) continue to pursue an agreement with other nations to jointly design the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1988
Calls upon the President to: (1) maintain U.S. military and humanitarian assistance to the Afghan resistance until the Soviet Union withdraws its forces from Afghanistan; and (2) ensure that any political solution to the war in Afghanistan guarantees the self-determination of the Afghan people.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1988
Repeals a provision of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987 which includes employee tips within the wages on which employer social security taxes are based.
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 · 24 February 1988
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt from the excise tax on diesel and aviation fuels any sales of fuel for exclusive State or local governmental use. (Under current law, the Secretary of the Treasury is authorized to issue regulations exempting such sales.) Prohibits the Secretary from requiring reporting or registration in connection with this tax exemption and exempt sales.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1988
Amends the Federal judicial code to provide that volunteer public safety personnel (firefighters or members of a rescue squad or ambulance crew) shall be excused from jury service upon individual request.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1988
Expresses disapproval of the refusal of the U.S.S.R. to recognize the sovereignty of the Baltic Republics. Designates June 14, 1988, as Baltic Freedom Day. Authorizes and requests the President to submit the issue of the Baltic Republics to the United Nations.
United States · United States Congress · 18 February 1988
Oyster Disease Research Assistance Act - Directs the Chief Scientist of the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration to establish an oyster disease research program, including: (1) identification of certain oyster diseases; (2) identification of priority research categories; (3) support for research in priority categories; and (4) a process for making the results of the research available to interested persons. Permits eligible institutions to apply for research grants. Sets forth the factors the Chief Scientist must consider in deciding whether to award assistance. Establishes the Oyster Research Program Advisory Committee to advise the Chief Scientist regarding matters related to carrying out this Act. Requires representation on the Committee from specified geographic areas. Directs the Chief Scientist to consult with the Department of the Interior, the National Science Foundation, the National Institutes of Health, and the Food and Drug Administration with respect to the identification of priority oyster diseases, the identification of priority research categories, and matters covered by the biennial review required by this Act. Directs the Chief Scientist to undertake a biennial review of the program. Sets forth reporting requirements. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1989 through 1998.
United States · United States Congress · 18 February 1988
Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to carry out a program under which the Secretary of a military department may guarantee compensation of any person who leases a rental unit to a member of the armed forces following any breach of lease or rental unit damage done by the member. Directs the Secretary of each military department to carry out such program. Authorizes the Secretary of the military department concerned to enter into an agreement with any person who leases rental units to military personnel. Outlines terms to be included in such agreement, including liability limits of the Secretary concerned, and the Secretary's right to be subrogated to the rights of the lessor for compensation for breach of lease or rental unit damage. Authorizes the Secretary concerned who has compensated an owner for rental breach or unit damage to withhold from a member's pay an amount equal to the amount paid by the Secretary to the lessor as compensation for the breach or damage.
United States · United States Congress · 17 February 1988
Amends the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 1988 to increase from $1,500,000,000 to $4,000,000,000 the maximum amount authorized to be transferred by the Secretary of Defense between working capital funds of the Department of Defense (DOD) and appropriations made available under such Act for military functions of DOD. Requires the Secretary, in determining the proper amounts to be so transferred, to ensure that an appropriate portion of such authority is used to transfer to operation and maintenance accounts of DOD for FY 1988 sufficient funds for depot maintenance activities and civilian personnel pay. Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Years 1988 and 1989 to increase from $2,000,000,000 to $4,000,000,000 the amount authorized under such Act to effect such transfers.
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 1988
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an individual taxpayer a refundable income tax credit, in an amount based on adjusted gross income (minimum credit of $150), for each dependent below the age of compulsory school attendance in the State where the taxpayer resides. Sets the maximum credit amount as the total employee tax withheld from the taxpayer's wages during the year under the Federal Insurance Contributions Act. Disallows application of the nonrefundable dependent care income tax credit with respect to a taxpayer's dependents under age 15, unless the child is physically or mentally incapable of self-care.
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1988
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to increase by $3,000 for each year from 1990 through 1994 the amount of outside income which beneficiaries who have attained retirement age may earn without incurring a reduction in benefits. Removes such income limitation thereafter. Accelerates the effective dates of increases in the delayed retirement credit rate for individuals who work beyond retirement age.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1988
Amends the Internal Revenue Code with respect to the Boat Safety Account in the Aquatic Resources Trust Fund to: (1) authorize transfers into the account of motorboat fuel taxes received before October 1, 1999 (current law provides authorization until October 1, 1988); (2) increase from $45,000,000 to $60,000,000 the amount permissible in the Account without triggering a prohibition of Highway Trust Fund transfers into the Account for FY 1988 and thereafter; and (3) extend from April 1, 1989, to October 1, 1999, the date before which expenditures may be made from the Account for recreational boating safety programs. Grants the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating liquidating contract authority with respect to State recreational boating safety programs in an amount equal to one-half (currently two-thirds) of the amount of motorboat fuel taxes transferred to the Account in FY 1988 and thereafter. Increases from one-third to one-half the portion of such funds available for Coast Guard services in connection with recreational boating safety services. Prohibits fiscal year expenditures for Coast Guard expenses from exceeding those for State boating safety programs generally. Amends Federal law to permit a State to use contributions of funds, materials, lands, and services to carry out certain fish restoration and management projects in lieu of paying its share of the activity.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1988
Long-Term Health Care Amendments of 1988 - Title I: Medicare Long-term Care Benefits - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to add a new part C entitled "Long-Term Care Benefit Program." (Redesignates the current part C as part D.) Provides coverage for the home health services and nursing care required by individuals who are eligible for part A (Hospital Insurance) benefits. Sets forth the formula for determining the long-term care deductible for a calendar year, increasing the size of such deductible as an individual's income exceeds $10,000. Conditions payment of long-term care providers on: (1) such providers making written requests for payment within three years of furnishing service; and (2) a physician's certification that the beneficiary needs or needed nursing facility care or home health services, and that home health services are or were furnished while the individual is or was under a physician's care. Prohibits physicians who have a significant ownership interest in, or a significant financial or contractual relationship with, a home health agency from performing such a certification of the agency, unless it is a sole community home health agency. Pays providers the lesser of the reasonable cost or the customary charges for part C services. Prohibits part C payments: (1) to Federal providers; and (2) for services for which an individual is entitled to be paid under part A of the Medicare program. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the hospital insurance tax rates and contribution and benefit base and reduce the old age, survivors and disability insurance tax rates for taxable years beginning with 1989. Includes nursing care furnished under the supervision of a registered or licensed professional nurse as well as care provided in a skilled nursing or intermediate care facility within the scope of nursing facility care. Requires the Board of Directors of the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund to provide for a separate accounting of the additional taxes deposited into such fund by reason of this Act and the disbursements from such fund for part C benefits. Makes Medicare the primary payor where part C benefits are also covered under employment-related group health plans. Title II: Incentives for Individuals to Purchase Long-Term Care Insurance - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow individuals to deduct certain qualified long-term care insurance premiums they have paid on behalf of eligible beneficiaries. Defines a "qualified long-term care insurance policy" as a policy certified by the Secretary of Health and Human Services and providing coverage for diagnostic, preventive, therapeutic, rehabilitative, maintenance, or personal care services provided in a setting other than a hospital acute care unit. Excludes from gross income any distribution from an individual retirement plan if: (1) the payee has attained age 59 1/2 on or before the date of the distribution; and (2) the distribution is used to pay premiums for any qualified long-term care insurance policy for the payee or a spouse meeting the same 59 1/2 year age requirement. Excludes from the gross income of an individual otherwise taxable amounts derived from the whole or partial surrender, cancellation, or exchange of any life insurance policy if: (1) the individual is age 65 or older on the date of the transaction; and (2) the amounts in question are used to pay premiums for any qualified long-term care insurance policy for the individual or a spouse meeting the same 65-year age requirement. Title III: Incentives for Employers to Provide Group Long-Term Care - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that a trust forming part of a pension plan shall not be treated as a nonqualified trust merely because such plan covers qualified long-term health care of employees or retired employees.
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 · 2 February 1988
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt from the gasoline excise tax any sale of gasoline to a State or local government (or to a purchaser for resale to such government) for its exclusive use.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1988
Commends the President, Secretary of State, and Administrator of the Agency for International Development for their response to the drought and food emergency in Ethiopia and other nations of sub-Saharan Africa, and urges them to continue efforts to preclude the onset of famine and to ensure the timely delivery of medical and other emergency relief supplies. Declares that: (1) the Government response to these food emergencies should include initiatives to prevent the dislocation of large numbers of persons across national borders and/or into relief camps; and (2) the plight of the refugees or displaced should be addressed by emphasizing the provision of basic human needs, such as food, water, and shelter.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1988
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Congress should freeze the Federal budget for FY 1989. States that discretionary programs in the Federal budget for FY 1989 should be frozen at FY 1988 levels.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1988
Directs the Secretary of Defense, on a quarterly basis, to adjust the rates of pay for members of the armed forces stationed overseas in order to offset the effects of foreign currency fluctuations against the value of the U.S. dollar. Excludes from such adjustment the pay of members serving unaccompanied tours of duty overseas whose dependents are residing in the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1988
Amends the Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary, and Related Agencies Appropriation Act, 1988 with respect to funds appropriated to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Repeals a prohibition against using such funds to repeal, modify, review, or extend waivers in connection with FCC rules governing the common ownership of a daily newspaper and a television station whose primary field strength contour encompasses the same community.
United States · United States Congress · 22 December 1987
Amends Federal law to prohibit the Secretary of Transportation from approving State highway safety programs that do not provide for a uniform system for handicapped parking to promote safety. Details the criteria for such a system. Reduces by two percent the amounts that would otherwise be apportioned to a State if it fails either to obtain approval for such a system or to implement it.
United States · United States Congress · 21 December 1987
Directs the Secretary of the Army to set aside an appropriate area within Arlington National Cemetery for the unmarked burial of cremated remains of persons entitled to burial in such cemetery.
United States · United States Congress · 18 December 1987
Worker's Option Act of 1988 - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act to phase out, by 1993, the limitation on the amount of outside income which beneficiaries who have attained retirement age may earn without incurring a reduction in benefits. Increases the delayed retirement credit rate for individuals who work beyond retirement age. Phases out the recomputation of an individual's primary insurance amount when such individual has wages or self-employment income after entitlement to old-age or disability insurance benefits. Charges off an individual's excess earnings by eliminating such individual's entitlement to retroactive OASDI benefits for months preceding such individual's attainment of retirement age. Authorizes the appropriation of revenues received by reason of this Act's amendments to the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund from 1989 through 1993.
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 · 16 December 1987
Directs the Secretary of Defense, during each six-month period beginning on July 1, 1988, to reduce U.S. troops in any NATO-member country, Japan, South Korea, or any other country that participates with the United States in a common defense alliance, in order to offset additional Department of Defense costs resulting from negative currency fluctuations during such six-month period, unless such country reimburses the United States for such costs.
![Official portrait of Rep. Davis, Jack [R-IL-4]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/d000106_200.jpg)