United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1989
Emergency Refugee Act of 1989 - Authorizes additional FY 1989 refugee admissions from the Soviet Union, Eastern Europe, Vietnam, the Near East, and East Asia First Asylum countries. Transfers unused FY 1989 State legalization impact assistance grant (SLIAG) funds to cover specified costs related to such admissions. Authorizes additional SLIAG FY 1990 and 1991 appropriations. Authorizes FY 1990 and 1991 appropriations for anti-discrimination in employment activities. Authorizes SLIAG funds to be used for: (1) employment training and educational outreach programs for legalized aliens; and (2) State enforcement of anti-discrimination activities. Establishes an administrative appeals process for States applying for SLIAG assistance. Gives education priority under such grants to basic citizenship skills (English language and United States history and government).
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1989
Acid Deposition Control Act of 1989 - Title I: Stationary Sources - Amends the Clean Air Act to require each Governor to submit to the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency for approval a two-phased plan establishing emission limitations and compliance schedules for sulfur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen emissions from fossil fuel fired electric utility steam generating units in the State. Requires reductions in sulfur dioxide emissions by 1994 (phase I) and reductions in oxides of nitrogen and further reductions in sulfur dioxide by 1998 (phase II). Directs each Governor to submit to the Administrator for approval an emissions limitations plan for such units, other than electric utilities' units, requiring both sulfur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen emissions reductions by 1998. Requires the Administrator to conduct and update an annual inventory of sulfur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen emissions from stationary sources. Directs the Administrator to identify the total statewide potential reductions in such emissions and to transmit such information to the State. Requires each Governor to submit to the Administrator a plan for establishing emission limitations from stationary sources of industrial process emissions to achieve such State's potential reductions by 1998. Requires the Administrator to study and report to the Congress by June 30, 1994, on the reductions achieved during phase I, granting the Congress an opportunity to legislate by the start of 1995 against the implementation of phase II. Grants States an opportunity to modify disapproved plans. Establishes emissions standards and Administrator-promulgated plans for States without an approved plan. Requires units in such States to submit a compliance plan and schedule to the Administrator. Directs the Administrator to impose fees on the generation and importation of electric energy if a utility is eligible for Federal subsidies to cover rate increases attributable to emission reduction requirements. Limits such fee to a maximum of 1/2 mill per kilowatt hour and makes it inapplicable to the generation of electric energy within the United States by hydroelectric or nuclear power. Prohibits the application of such fees after December 31, 1997. Prescribes civil penalties for violations in connection with such fees. Establishes the Acid Deposition Control Fund to provide for subsidies to electric utilities to cover rate increases attributable to emission reduction requirements. Prohibits the payments of subsidies to any utility, unless the State's Governor has assured that such rate increases are: (1) equivalent for residential electric utility ratepayers throughout the State; and (2) made level over the period during which such requirements are in effect. Prohibits costs for any technological system of emission reduction from being attributed to such requirements, unless such system meets specified conditions. Authorizes the Administrator to provide financial assistance to the owners or operators of stationary sources to promote the use of innovative technologies to control sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and other emissions from fossil fuels covered under the Clean Air Act. Sets forth eligibility and evaluation requirements. Allows State plans to provide for the use of innovative technology if contingent emission limitations are included in such plans. Authorizes the Administrator to impose fees on the generation of electric energy in such States to promote the use of innovative technologies. Prescribes civil penalties for violations in connection with such fees. Directs the Administrator to revise standards for emissions of nitrogen oxides for electric utility steam generating units burning bituminous or subbituminous coal. Requires the Administrator to promulgate standards for such emissions from nonelectric utility units which are new sources over a certain capacity. Title II: Emissions from Mobile Sources - Establishes emission standards for: (1) oxides of nitrogen from passenger cars and trucks manufactured after model year 1990; and (2) hydrocarbons from trucks manufactured after model year 1991. Directs the Administrator to promulgate regulations setting a maximum percentage for the sulfur content of motor vehicle diesel fuel. Prohibits any manufacturer or processor of diesel fuel from selling or introducing into commerce any fuel not in compliance with such regulations after January 1, 1991. Directs the Administrator to promulgate regulations to require the use of either hydrocarbon control technology by motor vehicles manufactured after model year 1991, or gasoline vapor recovery of hydrocarbon emissions emanating from the fueling of motor vehicles, or both.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1989
International Financial Security Act of 1989 - Amends the Export Administration Act to state congressional findings that loans and other transfers of capital to the Soviet Union and its allies increase the ability of those countries to obtain sensitive goods and technology and to more easily divert funds to purposes inimical to U.S. interests. Declares that it is U.S. policy to use export controls to: (1) restrict the export of capital, the extension of credit, or the transfer of financial resources to destinations or persons abroad in order to promote the national security, including antiterrorism, the foreign policy interests of the United States, the advancement of emigration of Soviet Jews and other ethnic minorities, and human rights policies of the Soviet Union and other East Bloc countries; and (2) restrict the export of goods and technology where such export will likely support terrorism against U.S. citizens or benefit terrorists or countries supporting international terrorism. Authorizes the President to restrict the export or transfer of: (1) goods and technology if such export will likely support terrorism against U.S. citizens or benefit terrorists or countries supporting international terrorism; and (2) money or other financial assets to the governments of Warsaw Pact countries or countries supporting international terrorism. Provides for negotiations with other countries to obtain their cooperation with such export controls on capital, goods, and technology. Requires export license applications for the export of capital to be submitted to the Secretary of the Treasury, who shall make all determinations with respect to such application. Requires the annual report on the administration of the Export Administration Act of 1979 to include a report on actions taken to carry out export controls on capital. Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act to require that any notice of a change in control of an insured bank include the nationality of the person or persons making the acquisition. Sets forth criminal penalties for violation of any change in control requirement. Requires Federal banking agencies to disapprove any proposed acquisition which would result in the ownership or control of an insured bank by a Warsaw Pact country or a national agency or instrumentality of any such country. Requires federally-insured banks to include in reports of condition and reports to shareholders, and make available to the public, information concerning the number and amount of each untied loan made to any Warsaw Pact country.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1989
Waste Reduction Act - Makes it the national policy to reduce or prevent pollution at its source whenever feasible. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish an office within the EPA which will be independent of the EPA's single-medium program offices and have the authority to review and advise such offices on their activities to promote a multi-media approach to source reduction. Directs the Administrator to develop and implement a strategy to promote source reduction. Identifies several review, coordination, outreach, and organizational actions that the Administrator must take as part of such strategy. Requires the Administrator to: (1) make matching grants to States for programs promoting the use of source reduction techniques by businesses; and (2) establish a Source Reduction Clearinghouse to compile information generated by States receiving grants on management, technical, and operational approaches to source reduction. Requires that such information be made available to the public. Requires filings of annual toxic chemical release forms required under the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 to include toxic chemical source reduction and recycling reports for toxic chemicals which are the subject of such filings. Includes in such reports information, on a facility-by-facility basis, as to: (1) the amounts and disposition of each toxic chemical; (2) the source reduction practices used with respect to such chemicals; (3) measurements of changes from past to anticipated levels of chemical reduction and recycling; and (4) the techniques used to identify source reduction opportunities. Makes such information available to the public. Directs the Administrator to report to the Congress within one year of this Act's enactment and biennially thereafter on the results of actions taken to implement source reduction strategies. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1989
Research and Experimental Credit Extension and Reform Act of 1989 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the income tax credit for qualified research expenditures by repealing the provisions that would terminate the credit for expenses incurred or paid after 1989. Revises the method for computing: (1) base period research expenses, adding a factor reflecting the gross national product growth rate; and (2) the tax credit, adding an alternative computation component. Applies the credit to in-house research expenses that the taxpayer pays or incurs for the principal purpose of using the research results in the active conduct of a future trade or business.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1989
Eliminates post-1968 service in the National Guard as a prerequisite to civil service retirement credit for former National Guard technicians. Amends the National Guard Technicians Act of 1968 to eliminate post-1968 service as a prerequisite for National Guard technicians for receipt of credit in the determination of length of Federal civil service for purposes of leave, Federal employees' death and disability compensation, group life and health insurance, severance pay, tenure, and status. Sets forth rules for applying provisions of this Act to affected individuals.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1989
Expresses disapproval of the refusal of the U.S.S.R. to recognize the sovereignty of the Baltic Republics. Designates June 14, 1989, as Baltic Freedom Day. Authorizes and requests the President to call upon the Soviet Union, the Federal Republic of Germany, and the Democratic Republic of Germany to renounce the acquisition or absorption of the Baltic Republics by the Soviet Union as a result of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1989
Television Broadcasting to Cuba Act - Directs the United States Information Agency (USIA) to provide television broadcasting to Cuba. Requires that any such television broadcasting be in accordance with all Voice of America standards. Requires the Director of the USIA to establish a Television Marti Service to be responsible for all television broadcasts to Cuba. Requires that all broadcasting by such Service avoid interference with any domestic television broadcasting. Amends the Radio Broadcasting to Cuba Act to rename the Advisory Board for Radio Broadcasting to Cuba as the Advisory Board for Broadcasting to Cuba. Specifies that such Board shall be responsible for both Radio Marti and Television Marti. Authorizes assistance to the USIA from other Government agencies to carry out the requirements of this Act. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1990 and 1991.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1989
Nuclear Decommissioning Reserve Fund Act of 1989 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) decrease from 34 percent to 15 percent the rate of the tax imposed on the income of any Nuclear Decommissioning Reserve Fund; and (2) remove restrictions on permitted investments of Fund monies.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1989
Designates September 15, 1989, as National POW/MIA Recognition Day. Recognizes the National League of Families POW/MIA flag as the official symbol of the United States' commitment to resolving the fates of Americans still prisoner or missing in action in Southeast Asia.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1989
Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery and Enforcement Act of 1989 - Title I: Purpose - Specifies the purposes of this Act, including regulatory reform, the establishment of an independent insurance agency to provide deposit insurance, and the provision of improved supervision and enhanced enforcement powers. Title II: Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Authorities and Responsibilities - Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act to authorize the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) to insure deposits held at savings associations as well as commercial banks. Increases the membership of the FDIC's Board of Directors from three to five members. Specifies that the additional two members shall be the Chairman of the Federal Home Loan Bank System and a citizen appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Revises certain definitions for the purposes of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act. Specifies that the term "insured deposit" shall include any liability which constituted an "insured account" within the meaning of the National Housing Act prior to the enactment of this Act, provided certain conditions are met. Specifies that the Federal Home Loan Bank System (FHLBS) shall be considered the appropriate Federal banking agency in the case of a savings association or a savings and loan holding company. Includes within the definition of "savings association" any institution that was supervised by the Federal Savings and Loan Insurance Corporation (FSLIC) prior to the enactment of this Act, a Federal savings and loan association or Federal savings bank, or a building and loan, savings and loan, homestead association, or a cooperative bank organized and operated under State law, or a corporation that the FDIC considers to be operating substantially in the same manner as a savings and loan association. Provides that every FSLIC insured savings association shall continue to be insured by the FDIC without application or approval. Provides that whenever a financial institution files an application or notice for membership with, or to commence or resume business with, the appropriate Federal banking agency, such agency must provide such application to the FDIC for comment. Requires such agency to take the FDIC's comment into account in deciding whether to grant the application. Provides that certain State financial institutions shall continue as insured institutions. Allows any Federal savings association authorized to do business by the FHLBS to become an insured financial institution upon the filing of an application with the FDIC together with a certificate issued by the FHLBS, unless insurance is denied by the FDIC. Sets forth procedures for the FDIC to evaluate such an application. Specifies the factors to be considered in granting or denying insurance coverage. Requires the FDIC to notify the FHLBS if such insurance coverage is denied, and to give specific reasons in writing for such denial. Requires every noninsured financial institution which becomes insured by the FDIC to pay any entrance fee prescribed by FDIC regulations. Requires that such fee be credited to either the Bank Insurance Fund (BIF) or the Savings Associations Insurance Fund (SAIF) depending on which fund the institution joins. Prohibits any insured financial institution from participating in any type of conversion transaction which would result in a change of membership from one such fund to the other without the approval of the FDIC. Places a five-year moratorium on the approval of such conversion transactions, except in limited circumstances. Requires financial institutions which participate in such conversion transactions to pay specified entrance and exit fees. Provides that whenever the FDIC incurs a loss in connection with the default of an insured financial institution, or in connection with providing assistance to an insured financial institution in danger of default, any other commonly-controlled insured financial institution shall be liable to the FDIC and on request shall reimburse the FDIC for any such loss. Specifies the method of calculating such liability. Sets forth procedures for imposing and collecting such liability. Limits the rights of any third parties in such proceedings. Provides that for a five-year period no BIF members shall be held liable for the default of a SAIF member and no SAIF members shall be held liable for the default of a BIF member. Defines "commonly-controlled" for purposes of determining such liability. Adds as a factor to be considered by the FDIC in evaluating applications for insurance coverage the risk presented to the Deposit Insurance Fund (DIF), the BIF, and the SAIF. Allows the FDIC, after reaching agreement with the other Federal banking agencies, to require insured financial institutions to file additional reports for insurance purposes. Requires the FDIC to set the assessment rate for insured financial institutions annually. Specifies that the annual assessment rate for BIF members shall be determined independently from the annual assessment rate for SAIF members. Prescribes the assessment rates for BIF members for 1989, 1990, and 1991 onward. Prescribes the assessment rates for SAIF members through 1990, for 1991 through 1993, and for 1994 onward. Allows the FDIC to raise or lower such assessment rates under specified circumstances. Limits any increase in the assessment rate to 50 percent over the annual assessment rate of the prior year. Specifies that such assessments shall be paid semiannually. Allows assessment credits to BIF members and SAIF members for years in which the ratio of the net worth of such funds to the value of insured deposits reaches a certain level. Specifies that such a credit shall be applied to the assessment becoming due for the next semiannual assessment period. Extends the provisions of the Change in Bank Control Act to savings associations as well as banks. Includes as an additional corporate power of the FDIC the authority to define any terms used in the Federal Deposit Insurance Act that are not specifically defined and to interpret the definitions of any terms that are not defined. Grants the FDIC the same authority to examine insured savings associations and to insure the deposits held at savings associations as it presently has with respect to insured banks. Establishes two insurance funds (the Bank Insurance Fund (BIF) and the Savings Associations Insurance Fund (SAIF)) to be used by the FDIC to carry out the insurance purposes of this Act. Specifies that such funds are both to be operated and administered by the FDIC. Requires such funds to be separately maintained and not commingled. Specifies that the BIF shall consist of the assets of the Permanent Insurance Fund and all amounts assessed of BIF members. Specifies that the SAIF shall consists of all amounts assessed of SAIF members (which are not required for the Financing Corporation or the Resolution Funding Corporation pursuant to this Act) and of funds provided by the Secretary of the Treasury according to a specific schedule for FY 1991 through 1999. Authorizes the Secretary to provide additional amounts for such fund if the minimum net worth of the fund falls below a certain level. Authorizes appropriations for such funds. Authorizes the FDIC to borrow funds for the use of the SAIF. Provides that such borrowings shall be a direct liability of the SAIF and shall be subject to certain limitations. Revises and defines the authorities and duties of the FDIC as the receiver or conservator for insured Federal financial institutions and for insured State financial institutions. Specifies that all insurance payments made on account of a closed bank or insured branch of a foreign bank shall be made only from the Bank Insurance Fund and all payments made on account of a closed savings association shall be made only from the Savings Association Insurance Fund. Provides that when the FDIC pays insurance to a depositor, the FDIC shall be subrogated to the depositor's claim against the financial institution. (Such right of subrogation now applies only to national banks.) Revises and defines the authorities and duties of the FDIC in the establishment of bridge banks in cases of failed or failing financial institutions. Authorizes the FDIC to use such bridge banks in the case of failed or failing financial institutions as well as banks. Increases from one to three the number of times a bridge bank may be granted a one-year extension of its corporate existence. Revises procedures for the termination and dissolution of bridge banks. Sets forth the method and procedures for the valuation and determination of claims by third persons against financial institutions in default. Establishes the FSLIC Resolution Fund (Fund). Specifies that such Fund shall be managed by the FDIC and shall be separately maintained and not commingled. Transfers to such Fund the reserves and assets, debts, obligations, contracts, and other liabilities of the FSLIC existing on the date of the dissolution of the FSLIC. Provides that such Fund shall be funded by: (1) income generated on the assets transferred to it; (2) proceeds of the resolution of insolvent thrift institutions which became insolvent prior to December 31, 1988 (to the extent such funds are not required by the Resolution Funding Corporation); (3) the proceeds from borrowings by the Financing Corporation; and (4) assessments on SAIF members levied prior to December 31, 1991, and not required by the Financing Corporation or the Resolution Trust Corporation. Provides for additional funding by the Secretary of the Treasury from appropriated funds in the event such other funds are insufficient. Limits any judgment resulting from a civil action against the FSLIC or the FDIC to the assets of such Fund. Dissolves such Fund upon the satisfaction of all debts and liabilities and the sale of all assets acquired in case resolutions. Requires that any funds remaining in such Fund be covered into the Treasury. Requires that any funds held in either the BIF or the SAIF must be invested in U.S. Government obligations or in obligations guaranteed by the U.S. Government. Requires that the funds from the BIF and the SAIF be invested separately and not commingled. Allows the FDIC to request a 90-day stay of any legal proceedings to which it becomes a party due to its acquisition of any asset or in the exercise of certain authorities. Requires the FDIC, in determining whether to provide assistance to financial institutions, to consider: (1) the immediate and long-term obligations of the FDIC with respect to such assistance; and (2) the Federal tax revenues which would be foregone. Provides that transfers of assets or liabilities associated with any trust business may be effected by the FDIC in connection with any asset purchase transaction without any further State or Federal approval. Revises provisions relating to certain agreements against the interests of the FDIC. Specifies that the Board of Directors of the FDIC may act by a 75 percent vote (current law requires a unanimous vote) in order to override a State's objection to an assisted interstate acquisition of an insured financial institution in default having $500,000,000 or more in assets. Revises certain rules relating to the interstate acquisitions of banks. Establishes separate rules relating to the interstate acquisitions of savings associations. Increases the borrowing authority of the FDIC from $3,000,000,000 to $5,000,000,000. Makes such borrowing authority subject to the approval of the Secretary of the Treasury. Limits any State or local tax penalties to which the FDIC may be subjected when acting as a receiver or conservator of a financial institution. Limits the borrowing of both the BIF and the SAIF to 50 percent of net worth or $10,000,000,000, whichever is less. Requires the FDIC to report to the Congress annually regarding its operations, activities, budget, receipts, and expenditures. (Current law requires an annual report regarding only the FDIC's operations.) Requires the FDIC to make quarterly reports to the Secretary of the Treasury and to the Office of Management and Budget with respect to the FDIC's financial operating plans and forecasts. Requires signs displayed by insured financial institutions to represent whether an institution is a BIF member or a SAIF member. Makes all insured financial institutions subject to the Bank Merger Act. Makes the FHLBS the responsible agency with respect to mergers where the acquiring, assuming, or resulting institution is to be a savings association. Provides that all insured State financial institutions, other than State member banks or district banks, would be subject to the requirement of prior FDIC consent to the reduction of capital. Requires any insured savings association which establishes or controls a new company or elects to conduct any new activity to notify the FDIC and the FHLBS. Requires such a savings association to deduct its investments in, and loans to, such company from its own capital for purposes of determining capital adequacy if the company is engaged in activities not permissible for a national bank. Grants the FDIC and the FHLBS certain enforcement powers with respect to any company controlled by an insured savings association. Authorizes the FDIC to determine activities which are incompatible with deposit insurance. Revises the statement of the policy of nondiscrimination against State nonmember banks under the Federal Deposit Insurance Act to include State savings associations. Eliminates the requirement of nondiscrimination on account of an institution having capital stock of less than the amount required for Federal Reserve membership. Title III: Savings Association Supervision Improvements - Amends the Home Owners' Loan Act of 1933 to specify the duties and responsibilities of the FHLBS with respect to the examination, supervision, and regulation of savings associations. States that such authorities are intended to encourage savings associations to maintain their role of providing credit for housing in a manner consistent with principles of safe and sound operation. Requires the FHLBS to prescribe accounting and disclosure standards for all savings associations. Provides that such standards shall incorporate generally accepted accounting principles to the same degree such principles are used to determine compliance with the rules and regulations of other Federal banking agencies. Requires that the rules, regulations, and policies of the FHLBS governing the operation of savings associations shall be no less stringent than those of the Comptroller of the Currency. Transfers specified provisions of the National Housing Act to the Home Owners Loan Act of 1933. Makes certain conforming name changes and certain technical amendments. Requires the FDIC to be appointed the receiver of insured State savings associations under certain circumstances. Requires insured State savings associations, as well as Federal savings associations, to abide by the rules of the FHLBS when converting from mutual to stock form or from stock to mutual form. Requires the FHLBS to establish for all savings associations capital standards that are no less stringent than those applied to national banks. Allows such capital standards to include goodwill as a component of capital. Specifies that in determining capital adequacy, any investments in, and loans to, a subsidiary engaged solely in mortgage banking activities shall not be deducted from the capital of savings associations. Requires that such capital standards must be fully implemented no later than June 1, 1991. Repeals specified provisions of the Home Owners' Loan Act of 1933 and the National Housing Act which provide capital forbearance to certain insured savings associations. Allows those savings associations operating under a capital forbearance plan previously approved pursuant to such provisions to continue to operate under such plans, provided such associations continue to adhere to such plans and continue to submit required reports. Provides that the expense of the examination of savings associations or their affiliates shall be assessed by the FHLBS upon savings associations in proportion to their assets or resources. Specifies procedures for making such assessments and remedies in cases where an affiliate refuses to pay examination costs, permit examination, or provide required information. Transfers provisions of the National Housing Act concerning the regulation of savings and loan holding companies to the Home Owners' Loan Act of 1933. Makes certain technical amendments to such provisions. Imposes certain sanctions upon savings associations that fail to achieve or maintain qualified thrift lender status. Requires such a savings association to convert its charter to a bank charter within three years unless it requalifies within one year. Prohibits such a savings association from engaging in certain activities until such conversion is complete. Treats a holding company which controls such a savings association as a bank holding company for all purposes of the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956. Charges an insurance fund exit fee upon such a conversion. Makes applicable to savings associations certain provisions of the Federal Reserve Act relating to transactions with affiliates and loans and extensions of credit to directors and controlling persons. Prohibits any savings association from carrying on any sale, plan, or practices or any advertising in violation of regulations promulgated by the FHLBS. Title IV: Dissolution and Transfer of Functions, Personnel, and Property of Federal Savings and Loan Insurance Corporation - Terminates the Federal Savings and Loan Insurance Corporation (FSLIC) 60 days after the enactment of this Act. Provides that all insurance and receivership functions previously performed by the FSLIC shall be performed by either the FDIC or the Resolution Trust Corporation. Provides for the continuation and enforcement of all rules, regulations, and orders of the FSLIC. Provides for the transfer of the personnel and property of the FSLIC to the FDIC and FHLBS. Requires the FSLIC to submit a written report of a final accounting of its finances and operations to the Secretary of the Treasury, the Office of Management and Budget, and the Congress immediately prior to its dissolution. Title V: Financing For Thrift Resolutions - Subtitle A: Resolution Trust Corporation - Establishes the Resolution Trust Corporation (RTC). Specifies the purposes of the RTC as: (1) carrying out a program to manage and resolve cases involving institutions insured by the FSLIC for which a receiver or conservator has been appointed or is appointed within three years following the enactment of this Act; (2) managing the assets of the Federal Asset Disposition Association (FADA); and (3) performing other authorized functions. Provides that the RTC shall have the same case resolution and financial assistance rights and powers as the FDIC. Specifies that the RTC shall not have the authority to obligate the FDIC or its funds and shall be subject to the same limitations as the FDIC in connection with providing assistance to, or liquidating or otherwise resolving cases involving, insured institutions. Establishes the Oversight Board of the RTC which shall consist of the Secretary of the Treasury, the Chairman of the Federal Reserve Board, and the Attorney General. Authorizes the Oversight Board to select a chief executive officer for the RTC. Specifies the corporate powers of the RTC. Specifies special powers of the RTC with respect to receiverships, conservatorships, and oversight of the institutions for which it is responsible. Requires the RTC to convert the FADA to a corporation or other business entity and to sell, wind down, or dissolve such corporation or entity within 180 days after the enactment of this Act. Authorizes the RTC to issue capital certificates to the Resolution Funding Corporation. Sets forth requirements and limitations concerning such capital certificates. Exempts the RTC from Federal, State, municipal, and local taxation, except taxes on real estate held by the RTC. Authorizes the RTC to remove any legal proceeding to which it may be a party from a State court to the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. Provides that any guarantees issued by the FSLIC after January 1, 1989, and before the enactment of this Act shall be converted into obligations, entitlements, and instruments of the RTC. Authorizes the RTC to borrow funds from the Treasury, on terms fixed by the Secretary of the Treasury, up to an aggregate of $5,000,000,000 outstanding at any one time. Subtitle B: Resolution Funding Corporation - Establishes the Resolution Funding Corporation (RFC). Specifies the purpose of the RFC as providing the RTC with the funds necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act. Establishes a directorate to manage the RFC which shall consist of: (1) the director of the Office of Finance of Federal Home Loan Banks; and (2) two members selected from the presidents of the Federal Home Loan Banks. Sets forth administrative provisions concerning the management of the RFC. Sets forth the powers and duties of the RFC. Provides for the capitalization of the RFC by the purchase of capital stock by Federal Home Loan Banks. Specifies the amounts each Federal Home Loan Bank shall invest in the capitalization of the RFC. Provides for additional sources of funds for the RFC. Limits the amount of bonds or similar obligations which the RFC may issue to $50,000,000,000. Provides that the RFC shall pay any interest due on such obligations from proceeds received by the RTC from the liquidation of financial institutions under its management. Provides that the proceeds of obligations issued by the RFC shall be invested in capital certificates issued by the RTC. Grants tax-exempt status to any obligations of the RFC. Terminates the RFC after the date by which all capital certificates purchased by the RFC in the RTC have been retired. Title VI: Thrift Acquisition Enhancement Provisions - Amends the Bank Holding Company Act to allow bank holding companies to acquire any savings association with the approval of the Federal Reserve Board beginning two years after the enactment of this Act. Prohibits the Federal Reserve Board from imposing any restrictions on transactions between a savings association and its holding company affiliates other than those restrictions presently imposed under the Federal Reserve Act. Amends the National Housing Act to allow a savings and loan holding company to hold up to five percent of the voting shares of an unaffiliated savings association or savings and loan holding company. Permits multiple savings and loan holding companies to acquire up to five percent of the voting shares of any non-subsidiary company. Title VII: Federal Home Loan Bank Act System Reforms - Subtitle A: Federal Home Loan Bank Act Amendments - Amends the Federal Home Loan Bank Act to abolish the Federal Home Loan Bank Board (FHLBB) and transfer all power and authority vested in the FHLBB to the Chairman of the Federal Home Loan Bank System (FHLBS). Provides that the FHLBS shall be a bureau of the Department of the Treasury. Provides that the Chairman of the FHLBS shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Specifies that the Chairman of the FHLBB shall become the Chairman of the FHLBS. Sets forth administrative provisions concerning employees of the FHLBS. Provides that the FHLBS shall have and may exercise all functions which the FHLBB and the FSLIC exercised and which are not expressly transferred or consolidated into the FDIC or the RTC. Sets forth the procedures and requirements for the election of the Board of Directors of the Federal Home Loan Banks. Authorizes Federal Home Loan Banks to make loans to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, subject to the concurrence of the Chairman of the FHLBS, for the use of the SAIF. Requires the senior supervisory employee of each Federal Home Loan Bank to report to the chief supervisory official of the FHLBS. Provides that such senior supervisory employee may be removed for cause by the Chairman of the FHLBS. Changes the name of the Federal Savings and Loan Advisory Council to the Thrift Advisory Council. Abolishes the Federal Savings and Loan Insurance Corporation Industry Advisory Committee. Subtitle B: Conforming Amendments - Makes specified conforming amendments to the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Act, the Deficiency Appropriation Act of 1936, the Housing Act of 1948, and the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act). Title VIII: Bank Conservation Act Amendments - Amends the Bank Conservation Act to revise provisions concerning the appointment of the FDIC as the conservator of a bank. Specifies the conditions under which the FDIC may be appointed as a conservator. Allows an affected bank to seek judicial review of the appointment of a conservator, except in cases where the bank has consented to the appointment of a conservator or the bank's deposit insurance has been terminated. Specifies that the Comptroller of the Currency shall have the exclusive power and jurisdiction to appoint a conservator for the bank. Requires the Comptroller to consult with the FDIC when examining and supervising an ongoing bank for which the FDIC has been appointed conservator, as long as the bank continues operations as an ongoing national bank. Revises provisions concerning the termination of a bank conservatorship. Revises the powers and duties of a conservator. Revises provisions concerning the liability of a conservator for acts performed pursuant to the conservatorship. Specifies that a conservator may be held liable only for acts which are found to be grossly negligent. Allows the Comptroller to indemnify the conservator. Title IX: Regulatory Authority and Criminal Enhancements - Enforcement Powers Improvement Act of 1989 - Subtitle A: Regulation of Financial Institutions - Makes technical amendments to the Federal Deposit Insurance Act with respect to a Federal banking agency's authority to impose sanctions on an "institution-related party" who participates in the affairs of an insured financial institution (both banks and savings associations.) Reduces from 120 days to 60 days the prior notice the FDIC must give of its intention to terminate a financial institution's deposit insurance. Reduces the period during which deposit insurance is continued in such cases from two years to a period of six months to two years at the discretion of the FDIC. Allows the FDIC to temporarily suspend deposit insurance upon a finding that an insured financial institution has no tangible shareholders' equity that qualifies under the capital guidelines or regulations of the appropriate Federal banking agency. Allows the appropriate Federal banking agency to issue cease and desist orders to require affirmative action to correct conditions resulting from certain violations or practices, including making restitution or reimbursement, providing indemnification, rescinding contracts, disposing of loans, or assets, restricting growth of the institution, or providing guarantees against loss. Allows such an order to limit the activities or functions of the financial institution of any institution-related party. Specifies that the FHLBS may exercise cease and desist authority with respect to savings and loan holding companies, any subsidiary of a savings and loan holding company, any service corporation of a savings association, and any subsidiary of any such service corporation. Revises the temporary cease and desist authority of the Federal banking regulatory agencies to delete the requirement that the agency must show a "substantial" dissipation of assets or a "serious" weakening of the condition of the financial institution. Provides that such a temporary order may place limitations on the activities or functions of the financial institution or prohibitions or restrictions on the growth of the institution or any institution-related party. Allows the use of such temporary cease and desist authority when a financial institution's records are so incomplete or inaccurate that the appropriate banking agency cannot determine the financial condition of the institution. Provides that such an order may require the institution to take such action necessary to restore the records to a complete and accurate state. Revises rules concerning the suspension or removal of any financial institution-related party. Deletes the requirement that the regulatory agency must show activity which results in "substantial" financial loss or other damage to the financial institution. Specifies the types of activity to be considered, including activity at any business institution or another financial institution other than the institution in question. (Current law provides for different standards depending on whether the activity took place at another institution or at the particular institution from which removal is sought.) Allows the temporary removal of an institution-related party pending a permanent removal if necessary for the protection of the institution or depositors. Provides that any institution-related party suspended or removed by such an order shall also be suspended or removed or prohibited from participation in the conduct of the affairs of any: (1) insured financial institution; (2) bank holding company or subsidiary; (3) Edge Act corporation; (4) service corporation or subsidiary; (5) savings and loan holding company or subsidiary; (6) federally-insured credit union; and (7) institution chartered under the Farm Credit Act of 1971. Exempts such a person from such industry-wide prohibitions if the appropriate Federal regulatory agency gives prior written approval. Specifies that such authority to proceed against any institution-related party shall not be affected by the resignation, termination of employment, or other separation of such person from an insured financial institution. Increases from $1,000 per day to $25,000 per day the civil penalty for the violation of a cease and desist order or an order for the suspension or removal of an institution-related party. Allows a penalty of up to $1,000,000 per day for violations made with reckless disregard for the safety and soundness of the financial institution. Imposes a $25,000 per day civil penalty (up to $1,000,000 per day in cases of reckless disregard for the safety and soundness of the financial institution) for a violation of: (1) any law or regulation relating to financial institutions; (2) any written condition imposed by the appropriate Federal banking agency in connection with the grant of any application or other request; or (3) any fiduciary duty. Imposes such penalty for any practice which results in a loss to the financial institution or pecuniary gain to the institution-related party. Imposes criminal penalties upon any person who participates in the affairs of any federally regulated financial institution, holding company, or subsidiary after having been suspended, removed from office, or prohibited from participating in the affairs of a financial institution by an order of the appropriate Federal banking regulatory agency. (Current law imposes criminal penalties only for participation in the affairs of the institution from which the person was prohibited, removed, or suspended.) Authorizes the Federal banking agencies to pay rewards for information which leads to a recovery which exceeds $50,000 in criminal fines, restitution, civil penalties, or forfeitures. Limits such a reward to the lesser of 25 percent of the recovery or $100,000. Prohibits a federally-insured financial institution from discharging or discriminating against any employee who provides information to any regulatory authority or to the Department of Justice regarding a possible violation of any law or regulation by the financial institution or its officers, directors or employees. Establishes a civil cause of action for any employee or former employee who believes he has been discharged or discriminated against in violation of such prohibition. Authorizes the FDIC to recommend that the FHLBS take any enforcement actions authorized with respect to any savings association. Requires the FDIC to take such action if the FHLBS does not take such enforcement actions. Increases from $100 per day to a maximum of $1,000,000 per day the penalty for unauthorized participation in the affairs of a financial institution by any person who has been convicted of any criminal offense involving dishonesty or a breach of trust. Makes both the depository institution and the individual involved subject to such penalty. (Current law makes only the depository institution subject to such penalty.) Imposes criminal penalties for the knowing violation of such prohibition, in addition to such civil penalty. Increases from $1,000 per day to $25,000 per day the civil penalty for specified violations of the Federal Reserve Act. Allows a penalty of up to $1,000,000 per day for any such violations made with reckless disregard for the safety and soundness of the financial institution. Amends the Bank Holding Company Act to increase the criminal and civil penalties for violations of such Act. Specifies that both criminal and civil penalties shall be cumulative. Increases the civil penalties for violations of the prohibitions against tying arrangements between subsidiaries of a bank holding company from $1,000 per day to $25,000 per day. Allows a penalty of up to $1,000,000 per day for violations made with reckless disregard for the safety and soundness of the financial institution. Makes similar increases in the civil penalty for refusal to permit examination of a national bank or affiliate and in the general civil penalty authority of the Comptroller of the Currency. Amends the Change in Bank Control Act to increase the civil penalties for violations of such Act from $10,000 per day to $25,000 per day. Allows a penalty of up to $1,000,000 per day for violations made with reckless disregard for the safety and soundness of the financial institution. Deletes the requirement that such a violation must be "willful." Sets forth procedures for the assessment and collection of such penalties. Amends the Bank Protection Act of 1968 to repeal requirements for insured financial institutions to submit reports with respect to security devices and procedures. Increases to $25,000 per day the penalty for national banks, State nonmember banks, Federal Reserve member banks, and bank holding companies which violate reporting requirements. Allows a penalty of up to $1,000,000 per day for violations made with reckless disregard for the safety and soundness of the financial institution. Revises such requirements to prohibit submission of any false, misleading, or incomplete reports or information. (Current law provides penalties only for failure to make required reports.) Subtitle B: Regulation by the Federal Home Loan Bank System - Specifies that the FHLBS shall have examination and supervision authority with respect to Federal savings associations. Requires savings associations to make reports of condition to the FHLBS. Imposes civil penalties of $25,000 per day for failure to submit such reports and for submitting false, misleading, or incomplete reports or information. Allows a penalty of up to $1,000,000 per day for violations of such reporting requirements from reckless disregard for the safety and soundness of a savings association. Increases the civil and criminal penalties for violations of the Savings and Loan Holding Company Act to conform with the penalties for Bank Holding Company Act violations. Provides that all ongoing litigation in which the FHLBB or the FSLIC are parties shall be pursued by either the FHLBS or the FDIC. Authorizes the FHLBS to continue certain pending enforcement actions initiated by the FHLBB or the FSLIC prior to the effective date of this Act. Subtitle C: Credit Unions - Amends the Federal Credit Union Act to revise the enforcement authority of the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) to conform to the enforcement authorities of the other Federal banking regulatory agencies. Increases the penalties for violations of such Act to conform to the penalties for violations of other banking laws. Subtitle D: Right to Financial Privacy Act - Amends the Right to Financial Privacy Act to specify that the exceptions to the requirements of such Act apply to supervisory agencies of any financial institution, holding company, or any subsidiary of a financial institution or holding company. Specifies that such exceptions extend to: (1) any supervisory agency of financial records or information in the exercise of its supervisory regulatory or monetary functions, including conservatorship or receivership functions; (2) the Federal Reserve or any Federal Reserve bank in the exercise of its authority to extend credit to depository institutions and others; and (3) the RTC in the exercise of its conservatorship, receivership, or liquidation functions. Prohibits a financial institution which has been served a grand jury subpoena relating to possible crimes against financial institutions or regulatory agencies from notifying any customer whose records are sought or any other party about the existence or contents of any subpoena or any information that has been furnished to the grand jury in response to that subpoena. Impose criminal penalties for violations of such prohibition. Subtitle E: Criminal Enhancements - Amends the Federal criminal code to increase the criminal penalties and impose civil penalties for: (1) financial institution bribery; (2) financial institution misapplication and embezzlement; (3) false entries on the books of financial institutions; (4) fraud on a deposit insurer; (5) false statements or overvaluations concerning financial institutions; and (6) financial institution fraud. Sets forth procedures for the imposition of civil penalties and the collection of any such penalties. Specifies that all criminal and civil penalties shall be cumulative. Increases the statute of limitations pertaining to such crimes from five years to ten years. Provides for civil forfeiture and criminal forfeiture of any property derived from proceeds traceable to specified crimes affecting federally insured financial institutions. Amends the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure to allow the disclosure of certain matters occurring before a grand jury to certain Government attorneys to assist in the enforcement of Federal criminal or civil law. Allows certain other disclosures when permitted by a court. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1989 to the Department of Justice for investigations and prosecutions involving financial institution crimes. Title X: Study of Federal Deposit Insurance and Banking Regulation - Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to study and report to the Congress on the Federal deposit insurance system, including an appropriate structure for the offering of competitive products and services to consumers consistent with standards of safety and soundness. Title XI: Miscellaneous Provisions - Amends the Federal Credit Union Act to delete the requirement that every credit union maintain with the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund (NCUSIF) a deposit equal to one percent of the credit union's insured shares. Authorizes the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) to assess an additional insurance premium if the operating level of the NCUSIF falls below a minimum level. Allows a credit union to expense the one percent deposit over an eight-year period. Requires the Comptroller of the Currency, subject to the approval of the Secretary of the Treasury, to fix the compensation of the employees of the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. Directs the Comptroller to seek to maintain comparability with the compensation at the other Federal banking regulatory agencies.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1989
Federal Law Enforcement Officers Death Penalty Act of 1989 - Amends the Federal criminal code to subject any person who is found guilty of the first degree murder of a Federal law enforcement officer, or certain other Federal officials or employees, to the penalty of death. Establishes procedures for the imposition of the death penalty in such cases. Provides that no person who was less than 18 years of age at the time of the offense may be sentenced to death. Sets forth mitigating and aggravating factors to be considered by the jury in determining whether the death sentence will be imposed. Requires the Government to serve notice upon the defendant a reasonable time before trial or acceptance of a plea that it intends to seek the death penalty, as well as notice of the aggravating factors upon which it will rely. Provides that no presentence report shall be prepared in such cases. Requires a separate sentencing hearing before a jury or the court (upon motion by the defendant) when the defendant is convicted and the Government has filed notice that it intends to seek the death penalty. Allows the Government and the defendant to present any information relevant to a mitigating or aggravating factor without regard to the rules of evidence, but permits information to be excluded where its probative value is substantially outweighed by the danger of creating unfair prejudice, confusing the issues, or misleading the jury. Conditions imposition of the death penalty on a unanimous finding by the jury or, if there is no jury, the court, that: (1) the aggravating factors found to exist sufficiently outweigh any mitigating factor found to exist; or (2) in the absence of a mitigating factor, the aggravating factors alone are sufficient to justify a sentence of death. Specifies that: (1) the jury or the court, regardless of its findings with respect to aggravating and mitigating factors, is never required to impose a death sentence; and (2) the jury shall be so instructed. Requires the court to instruct the jury not to consider the race, color, national origin, creed, or sex of the defendant in its consideration of the death sentence. Directs the court to impose the death sentence upon a finding that such sentence is justified. Establishes procedures for appeal from a death sentence. Requires the court of appeals, upon consideration of the record and the information and procedures of the sentencing hearing, and any special finding, to affirm the decision if: (1) the sentence was not imposed under influence of passion, prejudice, or arbitrariness; and (2) the information supports the special finding of the existence of an aggravating factor. Requires the court to provide a written explanation of its determination. Establishes procedures for the implementation of the death sentence.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1989
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through 1992 the period during which qualified mortgage bonds and mortgage credit certificates may be issued. (Under current law, authority for these programs is due to expire as of 1990.)
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1989
Makes the legal defense of discretionary function provided under specified Federal law inapplicable to any legal or administrative proceeding for damages arising out of U.S. violation of occupational safety or health standards or U.S. negligence at any workplace owned or operated by or under contract with the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1989
Health Care Savings Account Act of 1989 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employees and employers, including self-employed individuals, a 60 percent tax credit for contributions to a health care savings account for the benefit of the employee or self-employed individual. Limits total contributions to an account to the aggregate amount of hospital insurance tax paid with respect to the account beneficiary. Describes conditions that must be met by the account. Excludes from the gross income of the beneficiary any account contributions made by an employer. Exempts an account from taxation (except for the tax on unrelated business income of a charitable organization) unless the distributee engages in specified transactions in connection with it. Excludes from gross income any account distributions used to pay the eligible medical expenses of the beneficiary or qualifying spouse. Imposes a ten percent surtax on account distributions used for other than health care purposes or made before the distributee is aged 65 or older. Imposes penalty taxes in connection with: (1) excess contributions or prohibited transactions associated with an account; (2) distributions from an account that reduces a distributee's account level below a specified amount; and (3) failure to effect spousal rollover of an account upon the spouse's death. Imposes penalties for failure to make required reports concerning an account. Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to reduce the Medicare benefits of a health care savings account beneficiary by 60 percent of the maximum amount of Medicare-related expenditures that could be reasonably underwritten (by an insurance company) for the average Medicare beneficiary, given certain assumptions. Establishes special rules for individuals who cannot obtain insurance to cover their added deductible at the standard premium rates. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish rules in connection with recalculations of deductibles when a qualifying spouse becomes eligible for Medicare. Establishes catastrophic health care expense protection for certain individuals who qualify for Medicare and have met specified contribution requirements with respect to one or more health care savings accounts. Describes conditions under which a qualifying spouse becomes eligible for this protection.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1989
Denies most-favored-nation treatment for products from India. Authorizes the President to restore such treatment if he determines, and certifies to the Congress at least 30 days prior to the time such restoration takes effect, that: (1) there are no jailed prisoners who have not been charged with a specific crime and given a fair trail; (2) internationally-recognized human rights groups are being allowed to visit such prisoners; and (3) India has taken steps to curb human rights abuses.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1989
United States Coinage Reform Act of 1989 - Requires that one dollar coins be gold colored, be at least 90 percent copper, and be fabricated in the United States from natural deposits located in the United States. Redesigns the obverse side of the dollar coin to symbolize the 500th anniversary of the discovery of the New World by Christopher Columbus. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to place such coins into circulation within 18 months and to cease production of one dollar notes, except as required from time to time to satisfy the needs of collectors, within 18 months after the first of such coins are placed in circulation. Directs the Secretary to conduct a study and report to the Congress on the advisability of phasing out production of the one-cent and 50-cent coins and of rounding cash sales to the nearest five cents. Requires that the seigniorage from the production of such dollar coins be used to offset the reverse seigniorage resulting from the destruction of Susan B. Anthony dollar coins.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1989
National Cooperative Innovation and Commercialization Act of 1989 - Establishes legal and other procedures and standards regarding cooperative innovation agreements, including procedures by which firms may seek agreement approval from an authorizing agency and thereby obtain exemption from criminal antitrust actions or civil antitrust damage actions. Defines "cooperative innovation arrangement" (arrangement) to include activities such as the making or performance of a contract for the purpose of manufacturing, producing, marketing, or otherwise commercializing products, processes, or information developed jointly. Precludes any arrangement approved under this Act by the authorizing agency from being deemed illegal per se under the Federal antitrust laws or similar State laws. Establishes a procedure for submission and approval of written applications for arrangements. Specifies required disclosures to be made in such applications. Provides for publication of notice by the authorizing agency in the Federal Register and for review of such applications. Sets forth criteria for: (1) approval of applications by the authorizing agency, including requirements that the arrangement will not possess substantial market power in any relevant market and that its duration will not exceed specified limits; and (2) defining relevant markets. Makes injunctive relief the exclusive remedy in any criminal or civil action under the antitrust laws while the authorizing agency's approval is in effect. Establishes procedures for investigation and review of the approved arrangement during any time in which an approval is in effect. Sets time limits for duration of approval and procedures for submitting applications for renewal. Makes information submitted in connection with applications for approval or petitions for revocation exempt from disclosure and confidential, with exceptions. Provides for judicial review of action by the authorizing agency. Provides for the payment of costs, including a reasonable attorney's fee, to the substantially prevailing party in any Federal antitrust or similar State law action based on conduct that results from any approved arrangement. Disclaims any intent to repeal, supersede, or modify the National Cooperative Research Act of 1984.
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1989
Postal Reorganization Act Amendments of 1989 - Declares that the receipts and disbursements of the Postal Service Fund: (1) shall not be included in the totals of the Federal budget or the congressional budget; (2) shall be exempt from Federal budget limitations on expenditures and net lending; and (3) shall be exempt from any sequestration order under the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act) and shall not be counted for purposes of calculating the Federal deficit.
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1989
Current Level Enhanced Rescission Act of 1989 - Amends the Impoundment Control Act of 1974 to include in any special message the President sends to the Congress in connection with a proposed rescission of budget authority amendatory language to enable the affected programs to continue to function lawfully at the proposed new budget level. Amends the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974 to authorize the President, on the same day the President approves any appropriation bill, to transmit to the Senate and the House of Representatives one or more special messages proposing to rescind amounts of budget authority included in the bill. Limits: (1) the amounts subject to rescission (the proposal may not reduce a program below its previous fiscal year level); and (2) each special message to one item of budget authority. Prescribes procedures to govern the expedited treatment of such messages in the Senate and the House of Representatives. Makes any proposed rescission amount available for obligation unless both Houses of Congress agree to the bill or joint resolution accompanying the related special message within 60 days of its transmission.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1989
Designates July 27, 1989, as National Korean War Veterans Recognition Day and expresses the gratitude of the Congress and the Nation for the contributions made by the Korean War veterans.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1989
States the sense of the Congress that the President or the Congress should immediately abrogate the Panama Canal Treaties of 1977 and the Treaty Concerning the Permanent Neutrality and Operation of the Panama Canal and that the Congress should repeal the Panama Canal Act of 1979.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1989
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Soviet Union should: (1) continue to abide by the agreement governing the withdrawal of its armed forces from Afghanistan; (2) give all necessary aid and information to assist in the removal of mines deployed in Afghanistan by Soviet and allied Afghan armed forces; (3) provide all funds, equipment, and personnel necessary for such removal; and (4) set aside funds to provide medical care and assistance to those Afghan people injured as a result of, and to pay claims for property damage caused by, mines which were not removed.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1989
Extends regards to the people of France on the occasion of the bicentennial of Bastille Day. Urges the people of the United States to observe the bicentennial on July 14, 1989. Finds that France and the United States remain committed to the principles of the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen and the Bill of Rights.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1989
National Observance Advisory Act - Establishes the President's Advisory Commission on National Observances to: (1) establish criteria for recommending to the President that a proposed national observance be approved or disapproved; (2) review proposals for national observances submitted in accordance with procedures published by the Commission; and (3) issue recommendations to the President concerning each proposal reviewed.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1989
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an income tax deduction for interest on any indebtedness incurred to pay the educational expenses of the taxpayer, spouse, or dependent. (Under current law, such a loan must be secured by an interest in real property.)
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1989
Protect Medicare 90 Concurrent Resolution - Expresses the sense of the Congress that Medicare (title XVIII of the Social Security Act) hospital payments for FY 1990 should not be reduced below levels set by current law for such fiscal year.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1989
Domestic Energy Security Act of 1989 - Title I: National Energy Security Tax Credits - Amends the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) to establish a crude oil and natural gas exploration and development tax credit. Allows a 20 percent credit for qualified investments. Establishes a marginal production income tax credit for producers who maintain economically unproductive oil wells. Applies the credit to domestic crude that is: (1) from stripper well property; (2) heavy oil; (3) oil recovered through a tertiary recovery method; or (4) harsh environment oil (produced from Arctic areas or in submerged lands). Fixes the credit at 20 percent of the qualified cost (determined in accordance with a formula set forth in this Act) of each barrel produced by the producer during the taxable year. Title II: Additional Exploration and Production Incentives - Amends the IRC to treat certain geological and geophysical costs and surface casing costs as intangible drilling and development costs that a taxpayer may elect to capitalize or to deduct for income tax purposes. Permits a percentage depletion income tax deduction for proven oil and gas wells that have been transferred to a new owner. Exempts oil and gas wells from application of the net income limitation on percentage depletion. Increases from 65 percent to 100 percent the taxable income limitation on the percentage depletion deduction for oil and gas property. Extends the income tax credit for producing fuel from a nonconventional source to qualified fuels from wells or facilities in service before January 1, 1998. (The change represents a seven-year extension of the credit.) Affirms natural gas found in tight sands formations as a qualified fuel with respect to the credit, without exceptions. Title III: Amendments to the Alternative Minimum Tax - Repeals provisions that identify intangible drilling costs as a tax preference item for purposes of determining alternative minimum tax liability and corporate preference reductions. Title IV: Miscellaneous Tax and Administrative Amendments - Declares Revenue Ruling 77-176 (and other rulings that reach similar results) to be inapplicable with respect to the income tax treatment of mineral sharing arrangements. (The Revenue Ruling addresses situations in which a driller receives from a lessee an operating interest in oil and gas property as consideration for drilling a well on the leased tract.) Revises provisions governing the time when economic performance occurs for the purpose of income tax deductions or credits in connection with removal of offshore oil or gas production facilities. Specifies expressly the types of oil and gas exploration and development costs that are exempt from the required application of uniform cost capitalization rules.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1989
Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions relating to the income tax deduction for the health insurance costs of self-employed individuals to: (1) increase from 25 percent to 100 percent the allowable deduction; and (2) make the deduction permanent (under current law it will expire after tax year 1989).
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1989
Repeals provisions of the Tax Reform Act of 1986 that place limitations on: (1) individual retirement account (IRA) deductions for active participants in certain pension plans; and (2) nondeductible contributions to individual retirement plans. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit a nonworking or the lesser-earning spouse filing a joint income tax return to include the spouse's compensation in calculations made to determine the maximum amount permitted as a deduction for qualified retirement contributions (thus permitting such a taxpayer to deduct up to $2,000).
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1989
Repeals provisions of the Tax Reform Act of 1986 that establish nondiscrimination requirements for coverage and benefits under certain statutory employee benefit plans. (The consequence is the repeal of section 89 of the Internal Revenue Code.)
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1989
Forgotten Widows and Survivor Benefits Improvements Act of 1989 - Amends armed forces annuity payment provisions to provide that $165 a month shall be the minimum benefit payable to a surviving spouse eligible for such annuity. Provides that any amount in excess of $165 of an annuity payment shall be considered income. Provides the same monthly annuity to certain widows and widowers of persons who became entitled to retired or retainer pay before their death before a certain date, or who chose not to provide their spouse with an annuity and died before a certain date. Prohibits a monthly annuity from being reduced to less than $165 a month when such annuity is reduced because there is no longer a dependent child or because the widow or widower attains age 62.
United States · United States Congress · 20 January 1989
Repeals a provision of the Internal Revenue Code that disallows the income tax deduction of 25 percent of the health insurance costs of self-employed individuals after tax year 1989 (thus extending the deduction indefinitely).
United States · United States Congress · 20 January 1989
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 13, unless the child is physically or mentally incapable of self-care.
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 1989
United States Coast Guard Bicentennial Medal Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to design, strike, and sell a medal in commemoration of the bicentennial of the U.S. Coast Guard in 1990. Requires the design of the medal to be selected by the Secretary of the Treasury after consultation with the Secretary of Transportation and the Commission of Fine Arts.
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 1989
Amends Federal law to require the reverse side of the first coin redesigned to commemorate the bicentennial of the U.S. Constitution for a two-year period. Provides that the design on the obverse side of U.S. coins shall contain the likenesses of those displayed on current coins and shall be considered for redesign. Requires any such obverse redesigns to conform to the inscription requirements of current law. Requires U.S. coins to be redesigned, at the discretion of the Secretary of the Treasury, over the next six years. Requires the Secretary, in selecting new designs, to consider specified constitutional concepts. Requires the designs to be selected by the Secretary upon consultation with the United States Commission of Fine Arts. Requires that any profits from the sale of uncirculated and proof sets of U.S. coins be deposited in the Treasury and used solely to reduce the national debt.
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 1989
Condemns the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan. Holds the Soviet-backed Afghan regime responsible for continuing human rights abuses. Calls for: (1) a halt to the placement of lethal weapons in the Afghan countryside; (2) the withdrawal of all Soviet forces from Afghanistan by February 15, 1989; (3) restoration of a freely chosen Afghan Government; (4) close scrutiny by the international community of human rights abuses in Afghanistan; and (5) continued support of the Afghan people through the provision of material if Soviet forces are not withdrawn.
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 1989
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Federal excise taxes on gasoline and diesel fuel should not be increased as a means of reducing the Federal deficit.
![Official portrait of Rep. Dreier, David [R-CA-26]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/d000492_200.jpg)