United States · United States Congress · 9 September 1987
Amends rule XV of the Rules of the House of Representatives to prohibit the House from passing or adopting any bill or joint resolution, or conference report thereon, making appropriations, providing revenue, or increasing the statutory limit on the public debt except by a rollcall vote.
United States · United States Congress · 7 August 1987
AFDC Employment and Training Reorganization Act of 1987 - Title I: Two-Tier System under AFDC program - Amends part A (Aid to Families with Dependent Children) (AFDC) of title IV of the Social Security Act to establish a two-tier system under which a family applying for or receiving AFDC benefits is assigned to the first tier if it is not a two-parent family and includes a child under six months of age and to the second tier if the family does not qualify for tier-one. Exempts first tier families from this Act's registration, employment, and training requirements. Exempts caretaker relatives, and authorizes the exemption of adolescents, in tier-two families who do not have a high school diploma or its equivalent from such requirements if they participate in a program providing a high-school education or its equivalent. Requires a State plan to deny assistance to an individual under age 18 who is not and has never been married and who is responsible for the care of a dependent child (or is pregnant), unless such individual lives with a parent. Makes such requirement inapplicable if: (1) such individual has no parent who is living and whose whereabouts are known; (2) the health and safety of the child or individual would be jeopardized if such individual lived with the parent; or (3) such individual has not lived at home for at least one year prior to the child's birth or making a claim for AFDC payments. Title II: Comprehensive Employment and Training Program - Requires AFDC applicants and recipients to register with a State agency for employment counseling, training, and assignment. Authorizes AFDC recipients to refuse employment which results in a net loss in their income. Directs each State to: (1) establish a single intake and registration process for AFDC applicants and recipients; and (2) arrange for the participation of AFDC recipients in one or more of the work-related programs established under title IV of the Act or other Federal law, while coordinating such programs to enhance the availability and efficiency of services provided. Authorizes each State to: (1) make an assessment as to whether immediate employment is a realistic possibility or whether training or education is needed to prepare registered applicants and recipients for employment; (2) provide applicants and recipients with counseling regarding their prospects and needs; (3) require AFDC applicants to undertake an immediate program of job search; and (4) develop an employment plan for each AFDC recipient. Requires States to provide AFDC recipients who are assigned to employment, training, or education programs, and applicants who are required to participate in job search, with child care and transportation services, otherwise such applicants and recipients need not participate in such programs. Sets the Federal share of AFDC employment, training, and education costs in excess of FY 1987 costs at 50 percent. Establishes participation standards which require State AFDC employment, training, and education programs to include a specified annual percentage (increasing from 15 percent in FY 1988 to 70 percent in FY 1996 and thereafter) of a State's mandatory AFDC population. Requires 80 percent of such population within the ages of 16 and 18 to be attending school on a full-time basis by FY 1990. Reduces Federal funding for States which fall short of such participation standards. Authorizes appropriations for AFDC employment, training, and education programs. Expresses the congressional intent that such funding be increased after FY 1988 if and to the extent such programs prove successful in reducing welfare dependency. Ensures that each State receive at least as much funds for such programs in FY 1988 and 1989 as it did in FY 1987. Provides that after FY 1989 50 percent of such funds shall be allotted on the basis of a State's share of the total participating AFDC population and 50 percent on the basis of the relative success of each State in placing high-priority AFDC applicants and recipients (high school dropouts, unwed mothers with children under age three, and AFDC recipients under age 22) in school or jobs for six months or more. Requires Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and Guam to each implement a coordinated program of activities affording individuals the opportunity to achieve self-sufficiency through employment. Authorizes appropriations for such programs for each fiscal year after 1987. Makes this Act's registration, employment, and training requirements inapplicable to such territories. Establishes, in the Office of Family Assistance, an Office of Work Programs headed by a Director responsible for overseeing the operation and effectiveness of this Act's employment and training programs. Sets forth recordkeeping and reporting requirements. Authorizes States to add the cash value of food stamps to AFDC payments which are divided by the greater of the Federal or State minimum wage in determining the number of hours a community work experience program participant who is a recipient of such benefits may be required to work. Title III: Certificate System for Child Care - Authorizes States to establish a program providing certificates for child care to families: (1) whose income is less than 150 percent of the Federal poverty level; (2) which have received AFDC benefits within the past three months, but are no longer eligible for such aid because of increased earnings; and (3) which are paying for from ten to 90 percent of the cost of such child care. Limits the applicability of such certificates to the child care necessary to permit their recipients' employment or search for employment. Provides for Federal reimbursement of program costs as though they were costs incurred in providing child care to individuals assigned to an AFDC employment, training, and education program. Requires providers participating in the child care certificate program to be licensed or certified by the State, but certain providers shall be given two years to comply with State licensing or certification requirements. Requires States to disseminate information regarding child care and the certificate program to parents, the public, and child care providers. Limits the certification program's administrative expenses to eight percent of the program costs which are subject to Federal reimbursement. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to withhold Federal payments for certificate program costs upon a State's substantial failure to comply with program requirements. Sets forth reporting requirements. Title IV: Child Support Enforcement Amendments - Amends part D (Child Support and Establishment of Paternity) of title IV of the Social Security Act to direct States to establish binding guidelines for child support award amounts. (Currently, such guidelines need not be binding). Creates a rebuttable presumption that the child support award resulting from the application of such guidelines in a judicial or administrative child support proceeding is correct. Requires States to review and update all child support orders at least once every two years to ensure that they continue to comply with child support award guidelines. Amends part A (General Provisions) of title XI of the Act to authorize up to ten States to carry out demonstration projects which require absent parents who owe child support, but whose income is insufficient to pay such support to participate in an employment or training program. Amends part D of title IV of the Act to require that the names and social security numbers of the father and mother of every child born in a State be recorded on such child's birth certificate. Requires States to adopt certain procedures with regard to paternity determinations and the standard of proof in paternity cases. Takes a State's paternity determinations into account in computing the State child support collection incentive payment. Requires each State to adopt procedures: (1) requiring employers to disclose certain information to the State child support enforcement agency regarding any employee who is under court order to pay child support; and (2) making certain legislation regarding the interstate enforcement of child support effective in the State. Provides that when the State in which the custodial parent resides requests the State in which the absent parent resides to modify a support order, the latter State shall not have jurisdiction to modify any other aspect of the order. Requires that by October 1992 every State have in effect an operational child support management information system. Reduces the Federal share of the costs for such systems. Requires the withholding of child support payments from the non-custodial parent's wages upon the issuance or modification of a child support order unless both parents agree in writing to an alternative arrangement or the parent paying child support posts a bond equal to six months of child support. Requires that the Parent Locator Service and the State agency administering the State child and spousal support plan be given access to all employment security information which is in the possession or control of any Federal or interstate telecommunications network or is available through any other data exchange method, and is to be used for child support enforcement purposes. Directs the Secretary to develop and publish standards within one year of this Act's enactment for the amount of time a State may take to complete each of several actions in child support cases. Penalizes States which fail to comply with such standards. Makes this title's amendments effective one year after this Act's enactment. Directs the Comptroller General to evaluate State implementation of this title's amendments and report to the President and the Congress regarding such evaluation within four years of this Act's enactment. Title V: State Demonstration Programs - Requires States that wish to conduct demonstration programs which include Federal, federally-assisted, or non-Federal public programs designed to alleviate poverty to submit filings regarding such demonstrations to an Interagency Low-Income Opportunity Board which shall select and approve those demonstrations judged worthy of implementation. Sets forth policy goals to be considered by the Board in selecting and evaluating such demonstrations. Directs that special consideration be given to demonstration programs designed to: (1) improve methods of helping welfare recipients achieve economic independence; (2) coordinate employment and training programs currently supported by Federal or State funds; (3) establish paternity and obtain child support orders in AFDC cases for which paternity was not established when the case was opened; (4) facilitate efforts by nongovernmental organizations to help welfare clients achieve economic independence. Requires a Governor or his designee to submit a filing which describes in detail the demonstration program to be conducted, including: (1) employment-related activities required of individuals receiving assistance under the demonstration and the circumstances in which they will not be required to participate in such activities; (2) procedures for determining the initial and continuing eligibility of, and benefits for, individuals and families; (3) a budget setting forth the amounts and sources of funding for the demonstration. Requires each Federal department or agency with responsibility for a program which is included in the demonstration program to make an estimate of Funding which, but for the demonstration, would be available for such programs so that the Chairman may compare State budgetary assumptions with such estimate. Provides that when the amount of Federal funds necessary to carry out the demonstration is less than the amount contained in the budget by reason of the effectiveness of the demonstration in achieving the objectives of this title, the State may use excess Federal funds to improve the demonstration or otherwise benefit individuals and families included in the demonstration. Provides that those within a class eligible to participate in a demonstration shall only be eligible for benefits under a program included in such demonstration. Requires the Board to conduct interim evaluations of, and have States submit annual reports on, demonstrations. Authorizes the submittal of demonstration changes for congressional approval if such changes improve the likelihood of accomplishing this title's objectives and participant benefits are not thereby reduced. Authorizes State Governors or the Chairman of the Board to terminate the demonstration (upon giving the Chairman or Governor at least three months advance notice) if the interests of the Federal Government, the State, or the participating individuals would be better served by returning to the separate conduct of the included programs. Requires a Governor, within six months of the completion of a demonstration, to submit a final report on such demonstration to the Board. Directs the Chairman to report annually to the Congress on demonstrations. Directs the Board, after selecting and approving demonstration programs in accordance with criteria it establishes, to prepare a single demonstration proposal containing all information pertinent to the programs selected. Provides that the proposal shall be submitted to the Congress and become effective unless the Congress passes legislation modifying or rejecting the proposal within 60 days after its submission by the Board. Title VI: Evaluation of Employment and Training Programs and State Demonstration Programs - Directs the Secretary to convene an Interagency Panel within three months of this Act's enactment which shall design, implement, and monitor a series of studies assessing the methods and effects of the programs initiated under titles II and V of this Act. Requires the Panel to select an advisory board of not more than 12 members, within six months of this Act's enactment, to provide the Panel with advice and counsel on all aspects of its operation. Requires the Panel to ensure that a study of child care during the welfare-to-work transition period is conducted during the first three years of its operation. Sets forth Panel reporting requirements. Authorizes appropriations for the Panel. Title VII: Miscellaneous and Related Provisions - Authorizes the Secretary to approve a five-year demonstration project testing Washington State's Family Independence Program as an alternative to the AFDC program.
United States · United States Congress · 7 August 1987
Mississippi River National Heritage Corridor Act of 1987 - Establishes the Mississippi River National Heritage Corridor, which includes Arkansas, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Tennessee, and Wisconsin. Establishes the Mississippi River National Heritage Corridor Commission to prepare within two years a plan which includes an inventory and an assessment of the natural, economic, and historic resources of the Corridor. Requires the Commission to assist States within the Corridor and political subdivisions to preserve the values of the Corridor. Requires the Commission to collect and disseminate information related to the Corridor. Directs the Commission to assist in the development of the Great River Road. Requires the Commission to report biennially to the Secretary of the Interior and the chief executive officer of a Corridor State on the activities of the Commission. Directs the Secretary to assist and review the Commission in its work. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1989 through 1991.
United States · United States Congress · 7 August 1987
Provides that when any bill or joint resolution making continuing appropriations is agreed to by both Houses of the Congress in the same form, the Clerk of the House of Representatives shall enroll the provisions in such bill or joint resolution as separate bills or joint resolutions (for item veto purposes). Requires the enrollment as part of one separate bill or joint resolution of: (1) all the provisions within the jurisdiction of a subcommittee of the Committee on Appropriations; (2) all the provisions within the jurisdiction of the Committee on Appropriations; (3) all the provisions within the jurisdiction of any other House committee; and (4) all the provisions for which jurisdiction cannot be determined.
United States · United States Congress · 7 August 1987
Requires a 60 percent majority vote of the Senate and the House of Representatives for passage of a bill or joint resolution making continuing appropriations for a fiscal year. Makes this Act applicable to bills or joint resolutions agreed to by the Congress during the two-calendar-year period beginning with the date of enactment.
United States · United States Congress · 7 August 1987
Designates January 14, 1988, the 60th anniversary of the release of the first sound cartoon, "Steamboat Willie," as "Steamboat Willie" Recognition Day.
United States · United States Congress · 6 August 1987
Directs the Secretary of Defense, within 180 days after the enactment of this Act, to establish standards for inventory accounting systems used by contractors of the Department of Defense (DOD), giving due considerations to the advisory committee established under this Act. Directs the Secretary, within 30 days after the enactment of this Act, to establish an advisory committee to make recommendations on the standards required to be established by the Secretary earlier under this Act. Requires the advisory committee to develop recommendations on minimum standards for the acceptability of inventory accounting systems, addressing specified inventory and accounting questions. Directs the Secretary, within 180 days after the enactment of this Act, to submit to the Senate and House Armed Services Committees a report describing the recommendations of the advisory committee and the actions taken by the Secretary on the recommendations. Directs the Secretary to require defense contractors to certify, within 180 days after the establishment of the above-described standards, that their inventory accounting systems are in compliance with applicable laws and regulations, with the standard adopted under this Act, and with the contractor's disclosed accounting practices.
United States · United States Congress · 6 August 1987
Designates the period beginning September 15 and ending October 15 each year as National Hispanic Heritage Month. (Current law designates the week including September 15 and 16 each year as National Hispanic Heritage Week.)
United States · United States Congress · 6 August 1987
Line-Item Rescission Act of 1987 - Amends the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974 to allow the President to transmit to both Houses of the Congress, for expedited consideration, one or more special messages proposing to rescind all or part of any item of budget authority provided in an appropriation bill. Sets forth required contents of such special message. Requires that such special message be transmitted on the same calendar day the President approves the appropriation bill and be accompanied by a draft bill or joint resolution that would, if enacted, rescind the budget authority proposed to be rescinded. Sets forth House and Senate procedures for the expedited consideration of such a proposal. Requires the item of budget authority proposed to be rescinded to be made available for obligation unless both Houses adopt the bill rescinding such item within 60 days.
United States · United States Congress · 6 August 1987
Establishes the Commission on Review of House Ethics to examine the effectiveness of: (1) financial disclosure provisions of the Ethics in Government Act; (2) the Code of Official Conduct (rule XLIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives) and (3) the Committee on Official Conduct in carrying out its responsibilities respecting alleged ethics violations by Members of the House. Requires a report to the House not later than the close of the 120th day beginning after the date of adoption of this resolution. Terminates the Commission the day after the submission of such report.
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1987
Steel Import Stabilization Extension Act of 1987 - Amends the Steel Import Stabilization Act to define "voluntary restraint agreement (VRA) country" to mean a foreign country or customs union that is a party to a bilateral arrangement with the United States concerning steel imports. Defines "non-VRA country" to mean a foreign country or customs union that is not a party to such an arrangement with the United States and whose exports of steel products to the United States: (1) have been increasing since 1984; or (2) are subsidized or dumped, or both. Requires the U.S. Trade Representative to decide which foreign countries and customs unions are "non-VRA countries." Directs the President to negotiate with VRA countries to extend, through September 30, 1992, existing bilateral steel arrangements with such countries in order to implement the national policy for the U.S. steel industry. Directs the President to negotiate and enter into similar arrangements with non-VRA countries. Sets forth time requirements with respect to negotiations with non-VRA countries. Authorizes the President, if such VRA countries and non-VRA countries refuse to negotiate in good faith, to impose, through September 30, 1992, such quantitative restrictions as may be necessary to ensure that annual imports of steel products from such countries do not exceed levels set forth in any applicable bilateral arrangement or levels consistent with U.S. national policy. Requires the President to report annually to the House Committee on Ways and Means and the Senate Committee on Finance on implementation of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1987
Tort Liability Reform Act of 1987 - Amends the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure to provide certain limitations and procedures with regard to tort actions seeking recovery for damages exceeding $10,000 against the United States. Requires a pretrial hearing to be held within 30 to 60 days after the filing of an action. Directs the hearing official (special master) to: (1) evaluate the nature and the merit of the pending claim; (2) set a timetable for expediting the action; and (3) report to the court. Requires that future damages awards exceeding $100,000 be made by periodic payments. Requires that damage awards be offset by any amount received as compensation for the same injury from other sources. States that for any claim to which this Act applies: (1) a defendant may be jointly and severally liable for damages for economic losses; and (2) a defendant shall be liable only for that portion of an award for noneconomic losses for which he is individually responsible (unless the defendant acted deliberately to pursue a common plan or design with another person). Allows any defendant held jointly and severally liable to bring an action for indemnity or contribution against any person with whom they are jointly liable. Makes any attorney whose conduct is calculated for delay, or is found to be in bad faith, subject to pecuniary sanctions by the court.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1987
Anti-Tree Spiking Act - Amends the Federal criminal code to provide criminal penalties for: (1) spiking timber; (2) teaching another to spike timber knowing that such technique will be unlawfully employed; or (3) traveling in interstate or foreign commerce (or using any facility of interstate or foreign commerce) to organize or participate in a violation of this Act. Authorizes the Attorney General to pay for information concerning violations of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1987
National Security and Classified Information Protection Act of 1987 - Amends the Federal criminal code to make the knowing disclosure of classified information to an unauthorized person by present and former Federal officials and employees a criminal offense.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 1987
Clean Air Act Amendments of 1987 - Title I: Provisions Relating Primarily to Stationary Sources - Amends the Clean Air Act to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to classify areas which fail to attain the national ambient air quality standard for ozone by the end of 1987 into three categories: (1) Moderate Health Endangerment Area; (2) Serious Health Endangerment Area; and (3) Severe Health Endangerment Area, based on the percentage by which such area exceeds the national standard. Requires each State to submit to the Administrator a revised State implementation plan for each classified area, requiring attainment within three years for Moderate areas, five years for Serious areas, and ten years for Severe areas. Requires revised plans to include a specified percentage reduction in emissions for each year before the applicable attainment date. Requires such plans to permit the use of clean fuels as a reasonably available control measure. Directs the Administrator to audit annually such plans to assure adequacy and compliance. Requires implementation plans for Serious and Severe areas to contain a permit program which covers the construction and operation of certain new or modified emissions units. Requires emission offsets by the time such units enter operation. Requires such plans to contain a motor vehicle inspection and maintenance program to reduce in-use emissions of volatile organic compounds and oxides of nitrogen from motor vehicles, including direct inspection of vehicle emission control system components. Permits an alternative to such program in Serious areas if it will achieve equivalent reductions. Requires Severe area plans to establish a schedule for an annual increase in the percentage of new motor vehicles registered in the area which are low emission vehicles capable of using low emission fuel. Requires owners or operators of 15 or more new vehicles to own or operate low emission vehicles. Sets emissions standards for such vehicles. Establishes a per ton fee on emissions from certain stationary sources in severe areas. Requires certain sources to use catalytic control technology for emissions reductions if they burn fuel other than a clean fuel and emit above a certain tonnage of an air pollutant. Permits an alternate emission technology which is at least as effective. Requires hydrocarbon vapor recovery when fueling a motor vehicle with gasoline after 1989. Prohibits the awarding of highway funds if an area is not in compliance with the applicable implementation plan. Requires emission offsets at a ratio of five to one for new or modified source permit approval for noncomplying areas. Reclassifies noncomplying areas into the next, more stringent category, requiring previously Severe areas to meet the five to one emission offset requirements. Establishes an ozone transport region comprising coastal States on the east coast between Maine and Virginia, including the District of Columbia. Authorizes the creation of additional regions, as necessary. Directs the Administrator to establish an ozone transport commission for each region. Requires each State within a region to submit to the Administrator a revised implementation plan which requires compliance with emission levels as if the region were classified as a Serious Health Endangerment Area for ozone. Exempts regions within a State that contribute no more than two percent of the ozone concentrations or precursors in Serious or Severe regions. Exempts States that contribute no more than five percent to the ozone problem in Serious or Severe areas. Permits States or subdivisions to petition the Administrator for the inclusion of another State within an ozone transport region. Requires the Administrator to develop criteria for determining transboundary pollution for ozone. Directs the Administrator to establish standards to reduce evaporative emissions of volatile organic compounds from commercial and consumer solvents, architectural coatings, pesticide applications, traffic coatings, and military specification coatings. Directs the Administrator to classify areas failing to attain the national ambient air quality standard for carbon monoxide, creating a regulatory scheme parallel to that established for ozone, omitting low emission fuel and ozone transport region provisions. Requires the Administrator to publish a list of the 12 categories of uncontrolled stationary sources making the most significant contribution to the formation of ozone air pollution, including sources emitting ten tons or more per year or volatile organic compounds and/or oxides of nitrogen. Establishes a schedule for such categorization, but requires emitters of such pollutants in the requisite amounts to pay a per ton fee if guidelines for their category are not in place by 1991. Establishes criminal penalties for violations. Authorizes the Administrator to impose gasoline and diesel fuel sales fees in Severe areas. Requires the use of such fees for grants to States and local governments for the implementation of transportation control measures for ozone and carbon monoxide. Limits grants to 50 percent of costs. Title II: Provisions Relating Primarily to Mobile Sources - Amends the Clean Air Act to establish carbon monoxide emissions standards for motor vehicles and motor vehicle engines during and after model year 1992. Establishes emissions standards for hydrocarbons and oxides of nitrogen. Directs the Administrator to promulgate emissions standards for internal combustion engines used in any vehicle or machine manufactured after 1989. Requires such standards to be proportional to those for motor vehicle engines of comparable horsepower. Prohibits the sale of leaded gas after 1989. Requires the Administrator to establish a standard for gasoline volatility after 1989. Requires new light-duty motor vehicles after model year 1990 to be equipped with onboard evaporative emissions control systems. Permits only ten percent of vehicles in a sample to fail motor vehicle testing in order for such model to retain certification. Requires each vehicle and engine to comply with the applicable emission standard (current law permits averaging). Directs the Administrator to add an idle test to the Federal Test Procedure for light-duty vehicles manufactured during or after model year 1990. Requires the Administrator to take information from State vehicle emission control and inspection programs when making determinations of nonconformity. Prohibits the sale of components intended to render inoperative vehicle pollution control devices. Requires the Administrator to take into account the number and gravity of violations when assessing civil penalties. Title III: General Provisions - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1988 through 1992.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 1987
COCOM Reform Act of 1987 - Requires the President to annually review the extent to which each Coordinating Committee (COCOM) participating country is complying with COCOM prohibitions against the transfer of sensitive technology to communist countries. Requires the President to designate a participating country as a noncomplying country if he determines such country is not satisfactorily complying with such prohibition. Requires the President to determine whether a noncomplying country has taken appropriate action to bring such country into compliance with such prohibition. Directs the President to terminate the noncompliance designation if the determination is affirmative. Prohibits the importation of products from a participating country that has been designated as a noncomplying country for a specified period. Authorizes the President to require such noncomplying country, as a condition of terminating such import restrictions, to provide restitution to the United States for damage incurred to U.S. interests as a result of violations of the COCOM technology transfer prohibitions.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 1987
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the President should direct the appropriate agencies to establish a systematic method for encouraging, screening, and processing Soviet defectors and prisoners of war in Afghanistan; (2) Soviet defectors and prisoners of war who request political asylum should be granted such asylum and transported to the United States; (3) the President should seek to establish a framework under which Soviet defectors would be helped in adapting to American life; and (4) the President should direct the appropriate agencies to broadcast into the Soviet Union and Afghanistan information concerning the Soviet Union's actions in Afghanistan and the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 1987
Multilateral Export Control Sanctions Act of 1987 - Requires the President to impose trade sanctions, for a period of one year, against Toshiba Corporation and Kongsberg Vaapenfabrik. Sets forth specified exceptions to such sanctions. Authorizes the President to limit the scope of sanctions against foreign companies that violate Coordinating Committee regulations. Requires the President to report to the Congress with respect to sanctions applied against Toshiba Corporation and Kongsberg Vaapenfabrik. Requires the President, for a one year period, to impose trade sanctions, and to notify the Congress of such action, in cases where: (1) a foreign person has violated the export control laws of a member country of the Coordinating Committee; and (2) such violation has resulted in the enhancement of Soviet and East bloc weapon technology. Sets forth specified exceptions and limitations with respect to such sanctions. Sets forth provisions relating to cases where the President has discretion in imposing such sanctions. Requires the President to annually submit a report to the Congress estimating the additional U.S. defense expenditures arising from illegal technology transfers. Requires the President to seek, in negotiations with members of the Coordinating Committee and with other countries, improved cooperation with U.S. national security export and control efforts. Sets forth provisions relating to compensation from foreign companies or individuals who divert critical U.S. technology to controlled countries. Provides for the recovery of civil damages for national security violations.
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 1987
Tropical Forest Protection Act of 1987 - Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to conduct a review of the appropriate literature to determine which tropical forests and wetlands are likely to be unsuitable for agriculture and could, with assistance from multilateral development banks and public and private donors, be established as reserves for scientific research, tourism, indigenous people, and nonconsumptive uses and to analyze the likelihood that conserving tropical forests and wetlands can be achieved without such assistance. Authorizes the Secretary to consult with other U.S. officials, agencies, and appropriate nongovernmental organizations in conducting such review and analysis. Requires the Secretary to make determinations concerning the maximizing of in-country support for protection and management of tropical forests and wetlands. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress concerning such review, analysis, and determinations. Requires the Secretary to instruct the U.S. Executive Director of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (World Bank) to initiate discussions and make proposals to the executive directors and management of the World Bank. Specifies that such proposals shall include: (1) a three-year pilot environmental structural adjustment lending program; and (2) a three year pilot exchange program whereby any country with outstanding debts held by the Bank may establish long-term conservation easements to protect tropical forests and wetlands in exchange for the World Bank suspending or rescheduling such debts. Requires the U.S. Executive Director to prepare annual reports while such three-year pilot programs are in effect and a final report describing the results of the programs. Requires the dissemination of such results to all multilateral development banks and all private lending institutions with outstanding loans to tropical nations in order to provide such banks with information about exchanges of debt for conservation easements as an alternative to forgiveness of any such debt. Requires the Secretary to conduct an analysis of the programs and policies of the International Monetary Fund to assess the potential for adapting the pilot programs of the World Bank to the operation of the Fund. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress concerning such study and analysis.
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 1987
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make available to an employer a credit against income tax liability for expenses paid or incurred during the taxable year to acquire, construct, rehabilitate, or expand an on-site day care facility operated by the employer for the care of enrollees, at least 30 percent of whom must be dependents of the employer's employees. Limits the amount of the credit based on the number of enrollees who may be cared for in the facility at one time. Provides for recapture of the credit if the facility ceases operation or changes ownership. Describes how the credit would function with respect to controlled groups of corporations, multiple employers, and partnerships. Sets out rules to govern the pass-through of credit when applicable. Limits use of the personal tax credit for employment-related day care expenses to taxpayers having adjusted gross incomes of $50,000 or less.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 1987
Amends rule XXI of the Rules of the House of Representatives to provide that no appropriation shall be reported in any joint resolution continuing appropriations, or amendment thereto, for any expenditure not previously authorized by law, except to continue appropriations for public works and objects which are already in progress. Declares that this provision shall only be applicable for FY 1989 or any subsequent fiscal year. Makes it out of order in the House to consider any joint resolution continuing appropriations, or amendment thereto, which covers a period of more than 90 calendar days. Declares that an item of appropriation set forth in any joint resolution continuing appropriations shall not be for an amount exceeding 90 percent of the amount that represents a continuation of the rate of appropriation for such item under current law. Prohibits any provision of this Act from being waived other than by a two-thirds vote of the Members present and voting.
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 1987
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit a partnership, S corporation, or personal service corporation, unless it is part of a tiered structure, to elect to have a taxable year other than the required one, but generally only if the deferral period of the taxable year elected is three months or less. (Current law requires partnerships, S corporations, and personal service corporations, in most cases, to conform their taxable years to the calendar years used by their owners.) Subjects the principals of a partnership or S corporation electing to change taxable years to additional estimated tax requirements to offset any tax deferral resulting from such election. Imposes deduction limitations on a personal service corporation that changes taxable years. Provides that an election with respect to taxable year shall be made by the partnership, S corporation, or personal service corporation and shall be binding on all partners and shareholders. Sets forth the formula for determining the additional tax requirement when a taxpayer: (1) is a partner or shareholder in at least one such entity during any applicable election years of the entity that end within the taxpayer's taxable year; and (2) has an aggregate deferred tax exceeding $200 with respect to the entity. Describes payment procedures. Requires the inclusion of specified information on returns filed by partnerships and S corporations that elect to use a non-required taxable year. Limits the tax deduction permitted to a personal service corporation for amounts paid or incurred with respect to employee-owners when such a corporation: (1) elects to have a taxable year other than the required one; and (2) fails to meet certain minimum distribution requirements regarding non-dividend amounts paid to owners.
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 1987
Administrative Procedure Reform Act of 1987 - Amends the Administrative Procedure Act to include among information required to be made available to the public detailed descriptions of agency standards and principles which govern discretionary decisions. Removes discretionary authority of Federal agencies in rulemaking proceedings with respect to publishing rules. Requires agencies to give interested persons an opportunity for oral presentation in rulemaking proceedings. Provides that a substantive rule shall not become effective less than 30 days after: (1) the required publication or service of the rule is made; and (2) the agency issuing the rule submits the rule to the chairman and ranking minority member of each congressional committee having legislative jurisdiction over that agency. Declares that such provision does not apply: (1) to a substantive rule which grants or recognizes an exemption or relieves a restriction; (2) to statements of policy; or (3) when there is an imminent threat to public health or safety, a description of which is included in the publication of the rule. Removes from adjudication proceedings the consideration of time and public interest with respect to public participation. Prohibits the presiding employee in such proceedings from consulting with the agency unless all parties are notified. Permits a person submitting data to receive or retain a copy of such data in nonpublic investigatory proceedings. (Currently, such a person may for good cause be limited to inspecting an official transcript of his testimony). Requires agencies to obtain search warrants when necessary to determine if a rule has been violated. Requires employees presiding at hearings to receive evidence in accordance with the Federal Rules of Evidence. Removes exceptions when presiding employees make or recommend initial decisions. Requires all employee decisions to be consistent with prior agency decisions and include a statement of certification that all pertinent material has been reviewed. Prohibits an agency from imposing a sanction on a person unless such person has been notified in writing of the factual and legal basis and has been granted 30 days to correct the violation. Grants any person charged with violation of an agency rule or order the opportunity to cross-examine adverse witnesses and to examine and rebut all evidence. Declares that any party adversely affected by an agency action has a right to submit such action to judicial review and that administrative remedies need not be exhausted before judicial review. Authorizes a reviewing court to conduct a trial de novo.
United States · United States Congress · 20 July 1987
Retiree Benefit Protection Act of 1987 - Amends Federal bankruptcy provisions to provide a definition of retiree benefits covered by provisions relating to reorganization plans. Defines "retiree benefits" as benefits provided to retirees or their dependents (by insurance or otherwise) for medical, surgical, or hospital care; benefits provided in the event of sickness, accident, or disability; or a benefit (having no cash-value during life and not to exceed $50,000) payable in the event of death. Authorizes the allowance of administrative expenses for committees serving as the authorized representatives of retirees in a reorganization case. Amends provisions relating to the priority of expenses and claims in a bankruptcy proceeding that provide that retiree benefits will be given fifth priority to the extent that the aggregate amount represents $1,500 for each former employee entitled to such benefits. Makes technical and conforming amendments regarding collective bargaining agreements. Requires a trustee in a reorganization case to pay any retiree benefit to the extent such retiree benefit may be paid without impairing any secured claim. Sets forth the procedures a trustee must follow and the standards that must be satisfied in order for the trustee to modify or terminate retiree benefits. Provides that the bankruptcy court must approve any such modification or termination of retiree benefits. Permits the placement of retiree benefit claims in one or more separate classes in the plan of reorganization. Provides that a reorganization plan must provide for the aggregate treatment of retiree benefit claims rather than specify treatment on an individual basis. Specifies that a reorganization plan shall be approved by a class of claims for retiree benefits if approved by at least two-thirds of the number of the allowed claims of such class. Provides that in cases where claims for retiree benefits are not placed in a separate class, then for approval purposes the amount of each allowed claim for a retiree benefit in a class shall be considered to be a pro rata share of the aggregate amount of all allowed claims for retiree benefits in such class. Provides that any payments made for retiree benefits prior to confirmation of a reorganization plan shall be credited against the amount to be provided for retiree benefits under the plan. Provides that in judicial districts where a U.S. Trustee has not yet been appointed, the bankruptcy court shall perform the functions of a trustee.
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 1987
Amends Federal provisions relating to cemeteries and memorials to remove the per-State limitation on the receipt of grant funds used for the establishment, expansion, and improvement of veterans' cemeteries. Authorizes the Administrator of Veterans Affairs (the Administrator) to make contributions to local authorities for the construction of traffic controls, road improvements, or other devices on land adjacent to a national cemetery if the Administrator determines that such a contribution is necessary for safe ingress and egress to or from such cemetery. Authorizes the Administrator to provide an approved grave liner for the interment of remains in cemeteries within the National Cemetery System and in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia. Authorizes the Administrator to provide for flat grave markers in the case of gravesites of cremated remains that are interred in the ground. Authorizes the Administrator to also provide for flat grave markers in the case of graves on land transferred to the Department of Memorial Affairs from the Department of Medicine and Surgery of the Veterans Administration for the expansion of a cemetery at the Clement A. Zablocki Veterans' Administration Medical Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Establishes in the Treasury the Foreign Currency Fluctuations, American Battle Monuments Commission, Account. States that account funds shall be used by the American Battle Monuments Commission (the Commission) to eliminate operating losses due to fluctuations in currency exchange rates of foreign countries which occur after a budget request for the Commission is submitted to the Congress. Requires any limits applicable to appropriations available to the Commission to be adjusted to take into account any such foreign currency fluctuations. Authorizes funds originally transferred from such Account to be transferred back to that Account if foreign currency fluctuations necessitate such action. Requires unobligated balances of funds appropriated to the Commission for a fiscal year to be transferred into the Account within a specified time and to be merged with and available for the same period and purposes as that Account. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to report to the Congress annually on funds made available under this provision. Authorizes appropriations to the Account.
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 1987
Veterans' Compensation Amendments of 1987 - Title I: Rate Increases - Increases the rates of veterans' disability compensation, additional compensation for dependents, and the clothing allowance for certain disabled veterans. Increases the rates of dependency and indemnity compensation for surviving spouses and children of veterans who have died as a result of service-connected disabilities, as well as the rates of supplemental dependency and indemnity compensation for certain surviving children. Title II: Improved Benefits for Former Prisoners of War - Amends Federal veterans' benefits provisions to: (1) redefine "former prisoner of war" to include persons held by other than an enemy government during a war; and (2) allow a presumption of service-connection for peripheral neuropathy due to trauma, a spastic colon, or peptic or duodenal ulcers suffered by a former prisoner of war which become manifest to a degree of ten percent or more after active military service. Decreases from six months to 90 days the period of internment required for former prisoners of war to become eligible for dental care benefits. Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions - Directs the Administrator of Veterans Affairs to pay benefits to the surviving spouse and children of certain deceased veterans rated totally disabled at their time of death and for a specified period preceding death. Requires such benefits to be provided in the same manner as if the veteran's death was service-connected. Prohibits the payment of any such benefits to a surviving spouse unless: (1) the marriage to the veteran occurred before the expiration of 15 years after the veteran's discharge or release from active duty; (2) the surviving spouse was married to the veteran for one year or more; or (3) a child was born of the marriage. Requires any benefits to be paid under this provision to be offset by any money received from a cause of action for damages arising from the death of the veteran as described above. Provides that persons found eligible for benefits as a result of this Act shall also be deemed eligible for dependency and indemnity compensation under current Federal law. Directs the Administrator to continue to maintain and operate separately the Veterans Administration Insurance Centers located in St. Paul, Minnesota, and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Prohibits the Administrator from taking any action to consolidate such centers. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the bridge currently being constructed across the Ohio River between the cities of Weirton, West Virginia, and Steubenville, Ohio, would serve as an appropriate and fitting memorial to veterans.
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 1987
Prohibits the Department of Defense (DOD) from purchasing any product manufactured or assembled by Toshiba America, Incorporated, or Toshiba Corporation for the purpose of resale of such product in a military exchange store or in any other resale activity operated by DOD.
United States · United States Congress · 9 July 1987
Urges the administration to continue to reject efforts by Canadian negotiators to: (1) have the U.S. cabotage trades, including the transport of energy resources, opened to Canadian vessels; and (2) eliminate the ad valorem duty on vessel repairs performed in Canadian shipyards.
United States · United States Congress · 1 July 1987
Regulatory Fairness Act - Amends the Federal Power Act to direct the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to order a public utility to refund (with interest) those amounts determined by the Commission to be in excess of just and reasonable rates or charges.
United States · United States Congress · 1 July 1987
National Commission on Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome Act - Establishes a National Commission on Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome to study and make recommendations regarding: (1) national policy and priorities with respect to acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) including research, testing for the AIDS virus, confidentiality of test results, treatment and care of AIDS sufferers, prevention of the transmission of AIDS, and education about AIDS; (2) the appropriate roles of Federal, State, and local governments, and of the private sector regarding such national policy and priorities; and (3) guidelines for the coordination of AIDS activities with international organizations. Directs the Commission to hold hearings and to submit interim and final reports to the President and to the Congress. Directs the Administrator of Veterans Affairs to assist the Commission by preparing: (1) a detailed compilation and synopsis of national and international medical research on AIDS; and (2) a detailed report on activities of the Veterans Administration relevant to the duties of the Commission. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1988. Terminates the Commission 30 days after submission of its final report. Authorizes the President to extend the life of the Commission for a period not to exceed two years.
United States · United States Congress · 1 July 1987
Prohibits the Secretary of Defense or the Secretary of a military department (the Secretaries) from entering into an overseas contract if such contract contains any provision which allows for the payment of contractor employee severance pay greater than the prevailing severance pay in the United States. Prohibits the Secretaries from entering into an overseas contract for the provision of banking services if such contract contains any provision which allows the contractor to be reimbursed by the Secretary for: (1) losses arising from uncollectible checks and loans made by authorized bank employees; and (2) any reasonable costs incurred in the collection of delinquent loans and dishonored checks.
United States · United States Congress · 1 July 1987
Directs the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration to: (1) conduct a study of methods of screening persons and property to be carried in air transportation in order to detect dangerous weapons, explosives, and incendiary devices; and (2) report to the Congress on the study results.
United States · United States Congress · 1 July 1987
Product Liability Reform Act of 1987 - Preempts inconsistent State law, within limitations contained in this Act. Subjects the seller of a defective product unreasonably dangerous to a user or consumer to strict liability for physical damage caused by the product when: (1) the seller is engaged in the business of selling such a product; and (2) the product reaches the user or consumer without substantial alteration in its condition. Denies liability in instances when the harm results: (1) more from the user's negligence than from the negligence of the product seller; (2) from an unreasonable misuse of the product even if foreseeable and feasibly preventable; and (3) from a defect that could not have been discovered and eliminated given the technology at the time the product was made. Prohibits the application of the doctrine of joint and several liability to product liability actions, except in cases when persons acting in concert are the proximate cause of the injury. Sets a limitation on the amount of noneconomic damages that can be recovered. Permits an award of punitive damages in a product liability action only when: (1) it is shown that the person subject to liability acted with flagrant indifference to consumer safety; and (2) compensatory damages are awarded. Prohibits an award of punitive damages against a manufacturer or seller of a drug or medical device if the drug or device was subject to premarket approval by the Secretary of Health and Human Services or if the drug is generally recognized as safe and effective pursuant to conditions established in regulations of the Secretary. Permits structured settlements and periodic payment of damages awarded for future economic loss. Requires that damage awards be offset by amounts received as compensation for the same injury from specified collateral sources. Establishes a contingency fee schedule to govern compensation for plaintiffs' attorneys. Imposes a two-year statute of limitations on product liability actions, commencing upon the discovery of harm. Establishes a ten-year statute of repose for product liability actions, with a longer period applicable in certain cases. Directs the Attorney General to provide to the Congress, within one year of this Act's enactment, recommendations to encourage and accommodate the creation, adoption, and use of alternative dispute resolution techniques in civil disputes filed in Federal courts.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 1987
Drug Traffickers Death Penalty Act of 1987 - Amends the Controlled Substances Act to provide for the imposition of the death penalty or a sentence of life imprisonment for: (1) the murder of a law enforcement officer during the course of a Controlled Substances Act violation; (2) certain violations involving ten or more kilograms of heroin, cocaine (including cocaine freebase), phencyclidine, or a controlled substance analogue; or (3) second or subsequent violations involving one or more kilogram of such controlled substances.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 1987
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the administration should oppose the implementation of the European Community directive which will limit U.S. access to such Community's agricultural markets; (2) if the European Community denies U.S. meat imports based on unsubstantiated standards or standards not applied to all Community members, the administration should adopt countermeasures; and (3) the administration should communicate to the Community that the United States views the directive as inconsistent with such Community's obligations under the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade.
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 1987
Telecommunications Employees' Protection Act of 1987 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to establish certain reemployment rights for employees who have lost employment as a consequence of the divestiture of the Bell system. Requires, to the extent that the dominant long distance common carrier (AT&T), the regional common carriers, the Bell operating companies, or their respective subsidiaries and affiliates (all of which shall be called the "telecommunications companies") continue to need the work of eligible protected positions performed, that such work be performed by employees of such companies. Requires the telecommunications companies (after any appropriate seniority, layoff and recall, or force adjustment provisions in applicable collective bargaining agreements have been satisfied) to afford to eligible protected employees the first right of hire for any eligible protected positions for which they are qualified by training and experience over any persons who have not theretofore been employees of such companies. Defines eligible protected employee as one who on December 31, 1983, was serving in an eligible position as an employee of one of the telecommunications companies, and who has been or is laid off or terminated for other than cause. Requires the telecommunications companies to credit eligible protected employees as possessing the training and experience they would normally have acquired in their former position had they not been laid off or terminated since December 31, 1983. Makes service credit the basis of selection if training and experience are substantially equal. Provides that, upon rehire, an eligible protected employee shall be subject to any seniority, layoff and recall, or force adjustment provisions contained in any applicable collective bargaining agreements. Requires the monthly listing of eligible protected positions in an available and accessible manner. Requires the telecommunications company which laid off or terminated them to pay moving expenses and certain reimbursement payments to eligible protected employees who must relocate in order to fill eligible protected positions. Provides for a certain base wage upon rehiring of an eligible protected employee. Provides for civil enforcement of this Act in a U.S. district court.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1987
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the President and the Secretary of State should express to the Soviets: (1) U.S. opposition to the Soviet Union's treatment of Leonid Brailovsky and all those who have applied to emigrate from the Soviet Union; (2) the U.S. desire that the Soviets allow Leonid Brailovsky and his family to emigrate to the United States; and (3) the U.S. desire that the Soviet Union cease the harassment of Soviet Jews and Christians seeking to emigrate.
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 1987
Amends rule XXI of Rules of the House of Representatives to prohibit any appropriation from being reported in any joint resolution continuing appropriations, or from being in order as an amendment thereto, for any expenditure not previously authorized by law, except to continue appropriations for public works and objects which are already in progress. Prohibits any provision which changes existing laws from being reported in any joint resolution continuing appropriations except germane provisions which retrench expenditures by the reduction of money covered by the bill, which may include those recommended to the Committee on Appropriations by direction of any legislative committee having jurisdiction over the subject matter. Prohibits an amendment to a joint resolution continuing appropriations from being in order if changing existing law. Declares that, except as provided by this Act, no amendment shall be in order during consideration of a joint resolution continuing appropriations proposing a limitation not specifically contained or authorized in existing law for the period of the limitation. Sets forth floor procedure for consideration of an acceptable joint resolution continuing appropriations. Prohibits the House from considering any joint resolution continuing appropriations, or amendments thereto, which covers a period of more than 90 calendar days. Prohibits any item of appropriation set forth in any joint resolution continuing appropriations from exceeding the lesser of the amount set forth for such item in the House-passed or Senate-passed general appropriation bill for the fiscal year. Declares that if there is no House-passed or Senate-passed bill containing such item, then such item shall be at the rate at which it would have been assuming the continuation of current law. Prohibits the waiver of any provision of this resolution except by two-thirds vote of the Members present and voting. Declares this resolution applicable with respect to joint resolutions continuing appropriations for FY 1989 or any subsequent fiscal year.
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 1987
Declares that the Congress joins with the President in challenging Soviet General Secretary Gorbachev to open the Brandenburg Gate and tear down the Berlin Wall.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1987
Great Lakes Water Relief and Economic Protection Act of 1987 - Directs the Secretary of the Army to: (1) increase the rate of diversion of water from Lake Michigan at Chicago, Illinois, whenever the water level exceeds a specified elevation on a monthly average; (2) maximize the rate of flow of water through the Black Rock Lock; and (3) implement such other measures as are formally agreed to by the Governments of Canada and the United States. Declares that any adjustment in rates of diversion of water at Lake Michigan at Chicago shall: (1) be accomplished incrementally; (2) take into consideration the effects of the adjustment on the Illinois Waterway; (3) be implemented by the State of Illinois and the Metropolitan Sanitary District of Greater Chicago under the direct control and supervision of the Secretary of the Army; (4) not be included in the State of Illinois' accounting of diversion of water from Lake Michigan under any decree of the Supreme Court; (5) not result in a rate of diversion from Lake Michigan in excess of 10,000 cubic feet per second; and (6) be controlled and stopped or reduced as directed by the Secretary whenever bankful conditions at certain flood warning stations are predicted, and as necessary to maintain safe navigation conditions. Sets forth exceptions for the Secretary to reduce the rate of diversion of water below any rate required by this Act. Directs the Secretary to reimburse a State for any costs incurred in implementing water diversion adjustments. Requires the Secretary to establish a monitoring program to assess the impact of lake level control measures on receiving and discharging waterways. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should seek negotiations with Canada regarding matters relating to the maintenance of water levels of the Great Lakes. Declares that water diverted under this Act shall not be used for any permanent economic, resource, public, or private development except as expressly authorized under the Water Resources Development Act of 1986. Provides that neither such Act nor this Act shall limit the incidental use of diverted water.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1987
Federal Fiscal Procedures Improvement Act of 1987 - Title I: Two-Year Budget Cycle - Amends the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Act of 1974 to revise the Federal and congressional budget processes by establishing a two-year budgeting cycle. Amends the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act) to provide enforceable deficit targets for odd-numbered fiscal years. Defines a two-fiscal-year budget period as the period of two consecutive fiscal years beginning on October 1 of any odd-numbered year. Sets forth a revised timetable for a biennial budget. Requires the Congress, by September 30 of each odd-numbered year, to complete action on the concurrent resolution on the budget, all regular appropriation bills, and the reconciliation bill or resolution for the two-fiscal-year budget period beginning on October 1 of that year. Requires the President, by the following January 15th, to transmit to the Congress any revisions the President may desire in such budget. Requires the Director of the Congressional Budget Office, by the following March 31, to transmit to the Committees on the Budget of the House and the Senate, any revisions of the Office's fiscal policy report needed due to the President's revisions or changing economic conditions. Requires each Congress, by the last day of the second session, to complete action on bills and resolutions authorizing new budget authority for the two-fiscal-year budget period beginning on October 1 of the succeeding odd-numbered calendar year. Makes it out of order in the House or the Senate, unless waived or suspended by a three-fifths vote, to consider any regular appropriation bill for a budget period until the Committee on Appropriations of that House has reported all of the regular appropriation bills. Requires all regular appropriation bills to be reported to the House by June 1 and passed by the House by June 15 of each odd-numbered year. Requires all regular appropriation bills to be reported by the Senate by June 30 and passed by the Senate by July 31 of each odd-numbered year. Permits a change in budget accounts of the President's budget or estimates of outlays and proposed budget authority only in consultation with the House and Senate Appropriations and Budget Committees and the committees having jurisdiction over the affected programs and activities. Sets forth technical and conforming amendments. Title II: Procedures for Expedited Rescissions - Sets forth procedures for the expedited consideration by the Congress of rescission bills submitted by the President. Title III: Budgetary Treatment of Credit Transactions of the United States Government - Establishes procedures for the budgetary treatment and financing of Federal direct loan and loan guarantee programs. Defines "subsidy" as: (1) the difference between the face value of a direct loan and the estimated proceeds from the sale of the loan in the investment securities markets; and (2) the estimated net cost to the Government to reinsure a loan guarantee with a private insurer. Makes any direct loan obligation of a Federal agency an obligation of the Federal Credit Revolving Fund. Requires each agency to include in its budget proposal for a fiscal year: (1) the planned level of new direct loan obligations; and (2) the estimated subsidy associated with such obligations. Prohibits an agency from making a direct loan obligation unless: (1) funds have been appropriated for the loan subsidy; or (2) the use of funds otherwise available to the agency for the subsidy has been limited. Provides that the subsidy amount shall constitute the obligation of the agency and the difference between such amount and the face value of the loan shall constitute the obligation of the Fund. Requires the subsidy to be paid as the loan is disbursed. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to sell direct loans to the private sector. Makes any loan guarantee commitment of a Federal agency a commitment of the Fund. Requires each agency to include in its budget proposal for a fiscal year: (1) the level of new loan guarantee commitments; and (2) the estimated subsidy associated with such commitments. Prohibits an agency from making a loan guarantee commitment unless: (1) funds have been appropriated for the guarantee subsidy; or (2) the use of funds otherwise available to the agency for the subsidy has been limited. Provides that the subsidy amount shall constitute the obligation of the agency. Requires the subsidy to be paid to the Fund when the underlying loan agreement is executed. Directs the Secretary to purchase reinsurance of loan guarantees from private insurers. Establishes the Fund within the Department of the Treasury to serve as a central revolving fund and financing mechanism for all new Federal direct loans and loan guarantees. Directs the Secretary to receive into the Fund: (1) subsidy payments from Federal agencies; (2) payments due the Government for direct loans; (3) proceeds from the sale of direct loans and from the sale of any collateral received as the result of defaults on direct or guaranteed loans; and (4) fees due the Government for loan guarantees. Sets forth the Secretary's duties in managing the Fund, which include: (1) disbursing direct loans to borrowers according to agency loan agreements; (2) making claim payments for guaranteed loans in default that have not been reinsured; (3) identifying separately the credit activity of each agency; (4) requiring uniform reporting by agencies on loan performance, borrower characteristics, and debt collection efforts; and (5) estimating the subsidy amount for each direct loan and loan guarantee. Requires the head of each agency authorized to make or guarantee loans to: (1) request annual appropriations for the subsidized portions of agency loans; (2) conduct loan programs within the lower of appropriations limitations for such programs or annual appropriations available to cover subsidy costs; and (3) pay to the Fund all relevant loan collections. Provides for the budgetary treatment of direct loan and loan guarantee subsidies as agency obligations and of financing requirements of credit programs exceeding agency subsidies as Fund obligations. Authorizes the Secretary to use the proceeds of the sale of any securities issued under the Second Liberty Bond Act to: (1) finance direct loans to the extent not covered by agency subsidy payments and direct loan sales; and (2) pay claims, resulting from federally-guaranteed loans, in excess of Fund reserves. Authorizes the appropriation of funds necessary to liquidate debt incurred by the Fund due to operating losses. Authorizes appropriations to agencies for subsidies associated with proposed direct loan obligations and proposed loan guarantee commitments. Includes as "deposit insurance agencies" the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Federal Savings and Loan Insurance Corporation, the National Credit Union Administration, and the Securities and Exchange Commission. Provides that: (1) obligations of deposit insurance agencies to make direct loans to the public or to assume loan assets shall remain obligations of such agencies; and (2) commitments to guarantee loans shall remain commitments of such agencies. Requires each deposit insurance agency to include in its budget proposal the estimated subsidy costs associated with proposed direct loan obligations and loan guarantee commitments. Requires no appropriations or limitations on the use of funds otherwise available for subsidies. Makes technical and conforming amendments. Prohibits a Federal agency other than the Department of the Treasury from issuing, selling, or guaranteeing an obligation that is ordinarily financed in investment securities markets unless such obligation may be held by only the Secretary. Permits the Secretary to waive such prohibition under specified circumstances. Deems any obligation guaranteed by a Federal agency and financed by the Secretary to be a direct loan of the Fund. Provides that purchases by the Secretary of obligations issued by local public bodies and guaranteed by a Federal agency shall be upon such terms as necessary to avoid an increase in borrowing costs of such bodies. Authorizes such an agency to make payments to the Secretary to offset the Secretary's costs of purchasing such obligations. Title IV: Sequestration Procedures - Amends the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act) to revise sequestration procedures. Directs the Comptroller General to submit the General Accounting Office's (GAO) initial and revised sequestration reports for a fiscal year to the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). (Current law requires such reports to be submitted to the President.) Requires the GAO reports to contain the Comptroller General's views concerning the estimates, determinations, and specifications contained in the report submitted by the Directors of OMB and the Congressional Budget Office (CBO). Requires the Director of OMB to issue to the President and the Congress: (1) on September 1 preceding the fiscal year, an initial sequestration report based on the initial GAO report, providing the same items of information as contained in the OMB-CBO report, and explaining any deviations between the estimates, determinations, and specifications included and the views of the Comptroller General in the GAO report; and (2) on October 15, a revised report as necessary in light of the revised GAO report. Requires such revised report to contain the same estimated amounts of budget authority, outlays, spending authority, revenues, obligation limitations, obligated balances, unobligated balances, loan guarantee commitments, and direct loan obligations as contained in the initial report unless a change is required because legislation is enacted, a final regulation is promulgated, or notice of a sale of assets is published after such initial report. Requires the President to issue any necessary initial sequestration order on September 3 (currently, September 1) and the final order on October 17 (currently, October 15). Requires the President's initial and final orders to be in accordance with the initial and revised OMB (currently, GAO) reports. Terminates procedures providing for sequestration from national defense accounts through the termination or modification of existing contracts. Requires the Directors of OMB and CBO and the Comptroller General, by July 25 preceding each fiscal year, to submit to the Temporary Joint Committee on Deficit Reduction a report proposing economic assumptions for specified items for use in preparing sequestration reports for each such fiscal year. Directs the Committee, before September 15, to report a joint resolution which: (1) specifies amounts for economic assumptions, within the range of amounts submitted by the Directors and the Comptroller, to be used by OMB, CBO, and GAO for sequestration reports for the upcoming fiscal year; and (2) directs the President to modify the most recent sequestration order for such fiscal year to implement the amount specified for each economic assumption. Requires each Director or the Comptroller General to use the amounts he or she proposed in preparing sequestration reports if such joint resolution is not enacted. Sets forth rules by which the Directors and the Comptroller General, in preparing sequestration reports for a fiscal year, shall calculate budget outlays resulting from specified items of budgetary resources for an account for purposes of determining budget outlays for non-defense programs for such fiscal year. Requires the Directors, in determining the amount of budget base outlays resulting from obligated balances for defense and non-defense programs for a fiscal year, to use the methodology they used in determining such outlays in the sequestration report for FY 1986. Requires the Directors and the Comptroller General, in preparing initial and final sequestration reports for a fiscal year, to assume that: (1) only those regulations which have been promulgated as final regulations by August 15 (with respect to initial reports) or October 5 (with respect to final reports) will be in effect during such fiscal year; and (2) only those sales of assets by the Government for which a notice has been published in the Federal Register by August 15 (for initial reports) or October 5 (for final reports) will occur during such fiscal year. Requires the Directors and the Comptroller General, in preparing sequestration reports, to: (1) include amounts of budget resources and budget outlays necessary to pay for any adjustments for Federal statutory pay systems or military pay enacted by law; and (2) assume that the percentage of the amounts of budget resources and budget outlays necessary to pay for such adjustments that will be absorbed by all Federal agencies will not exceed the average of the percentage of such amounts absorbed by all agencies for the three most recently completed pay adjustment absorption fiscal years. Requires the budget base, for purposes of determining sequestration reductions for a fiscal year, to be determined assuming the continuation of current law with respect to entitlements funded through annual appropriation Acts and with respect to the Food Stamp Act of 1977. Requires the Comptroller General's report to the Congress on the compliance of the President's sequestration order with sequestration procedures to include information on the compliance of OMB's sequestration reports with such procedures and any recommendations for improving such procedures. Exempts the budget account for Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority interest payments from reduction pursuant to a sequestration order. Restores the provisions of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 as in effect before enactment of this Act if provisions of law are enacted which: (1) establish the Comptroller General as an officer in the executive branch; or (2) establish an independent agency in the executive branch to carry out the functions of the Comptroller General. Requires an affirmative vote of three-fifths of the members of the Senate to sustain an appeal of the ruling of the Chair on a point of order raised under certain sequestration procedures in the Senate. Title V: Miscellaneous Fiscal Reforms - Amends the Congressional Budget Act to make it out of order in the House or the Senate, unless waived or suspended by a three-fifths' vote, to consider any bill or resolution that provides for budget outlays or new budget authority for nondefense discretionary spending in excess of the appropriate allocation of outlays or authority after the Congress has completed action on the concurrent resolution on the budget. Provides for automatic continuing appropriations where a regular appropriations bill does not become law prior to the beginning of two-fiscal-year budget cycle. Lists the categories of projects and activities to be funded under such automatic appropriations, which include: (1) the executive departments; (2) the legislative branch; (3) foreign assistance and related programs; and (4) the government of the District of Columbia. Expresses the sense of the Congress that a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution should be adopted by the Congress and ratified by the States.
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 1987
Constitutional Amendment - Requires the Congress and the President, prior to each fiscal year, to agree, by enactment of a joint resolution, on an estimate of total receipts for that fiscal year. Prohibits outlays for that year from exceeding such estimated receipts unless the Congress, by a three-fifths rollcall vote of each House, provides for a specific excess of outlays over receipts. Requires the Congress, whenever actual outlays exceed actual receipts for any fiscal year, to provide by law for the repayment of such excess in the ensuing fiscal year. Requires a three-fifths rollcall vote of each House to increase the public debt. Directs the President to submit to the Congress a proposed budget for each fiscal year in which total outlays do not exceed total receipts. Requires the approval by a majority of the total membership of each House by rollcall vote before any bill to increase revenue may become law. Waives this article for any fiscal year in which a declaration of war is in effect. Declares that total receipts shall include all receipts of the United States, except those derived from borrowing, and total outlays shall include all outlays of the United States, except those for repayment of debt principal.
![Official portrait of Rep. Davis, Jack [R-IL-4]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/d000106_200.jpg)