United States · United States Congress · 18 October 1989
Consumer Awareness and Trademark Protection Act of 1989 - Amends the Trademark Act of 1946 to prohibit the importation, selling, or distribution in the United States of foreign-made items (and their wrappings) which bear a trademark that is identical (or substantially similar) to one owned by a U.S. citizen who has registered it with the Patent and Trademark Office, unless such person consents to the importation or sale. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to exclude such items from entry into Federal customs territory if the trademark owner files a copy of the trademark registration certificate with the Secretary. Authorizes such trademark owner to bring an action to enjoin such importation or sale.
United States · United States Congress · 18 October 1989
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit an individual income tax deduction of premiums paid or incurred by the taxpayer for a life insurance contract having as its exclusive beneficiary the trust of disabled members of the taxpayer's family. Sets forth qualifying criteria for such contracts and for their beneficiary trusts.
United States · United States Congress · 18 October 1989
Approves the location of a commemorative work to honor women who served in the armed forces of the United States in Vietnam during the Vietnam era on certain Federal land in the District of Columbia.
United States · United States Congress · 17 October 1989
Newsprint Recycling Incentives Act of 1989 - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to require producers or importers of newsprint to recycle, through methods specified under this Act, an amount of newsprint equal to at least the amount determined by multiplying the amount of newsprint produced or imported annually by such individuals by the recycling percentage established by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Authorizes such individuals to comply with this Act by: (1) recycling (through deinking) newsprint; (2) purchasing recycled newsprint to combine with shipments of virgin newsprint; or (3) purchasing recycling credits under this Act. Directs the Administrator to establish a recycling percentage that is two points higher than the existing recycling rate for newsprint. Provides for increases in such percentage of two points annually until 1999. Requires the Administrator to promulgate regulations to allow newsprint producers or importers to create or purchase recycling credits. Provides that such regulations shall require: (1) producers and importers to keep specified records; (2) producers of recycled newsprint to notify EPA of capacity to recycle old newsprint; (3) importers of recycled newsprint to notify the U.S. Customs Service of the amount of newsprint being imported and to have certifications of the accuracy of such amount from the trade representative of the country shipping such newsprint to the United States; and (4) producers and importers to report to the Administrator on the amount of recycled newsprint produced or imported annually and the number of credits purchased from, or sold to, other producers or importers. Directs the Administrator to report to the Congress on such regulations and to include: (1) a discussion of the effects of such regulations on the newsprint and newspaper industry and the environment; and (2) an evaluation of the level of the recycling percentage and whether such percentage should be increased in future years. Requires an updated report to be submitted with ten years of this Act's enactment. Applies recycling requirements to persons who produce or import more than ten tons of newsprint annually. Sets the recycling percentage at 20 percent if the Administrator fails to promulgate such regulations. Prescribes civil penalties for violations of this Act. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 12 October 1989
Amends the Education of the Handicapped Act to provide that, in exceptional circumstances, the recovery of costs incurred in providing an appropriate education for a child may be included in any award of damages recovered against a State in certain actions, including Federal actions, brought as procedural safeguards for the free and appropriate education of handicapped children.
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 1989
Food Contamination Prevention Act - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to promulgate regulations: (1) prohibiting the transportation in commerce of hazardous, medical, recyclable, and terminal waste in any refrigerated or other vehicle designed for transporting perishable food or in any vehicle that is also used to transport any food, food additive, drug, cosmetic, or device, or any package containing such items; (2) establishing health and safety standards for the transportation in commerce of recyclable and reusable waste in vehicles that are also used to transport any food, food additive, drug, cosmetic, or device, or any package containing such items; (3) requiring any vehicle used to transport solid waste to be labeled in a manner that identifies the vehicle as a dedicated or nondedicated waste vehicle and that identifies the class of waste transported by such vehicle; (4) requiring each solid waste management facility to institute a program to ensure that all nondedicated waste vehicles that are used to transport solid waste are kept free from contaminants through the use of reasonably available current technology; and (5) establishing criteria for three classes of nonhazardous solid waste (reusable, recyclable, and terminal as defined in this Act). Prescribes criminal penalties for violation of such regulations.
United States · United States Congress · 5 October 1989
Declares that: (1) Antarctica is a global ecological commons and should be managed under a new agreement among the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Parties or a protocol to the Convention on the Regulation of Antarctic Mineral Resource Activities which should for an indefinite period establish Antarctica as a region closed to commercial minerals development and related activities; (2) under such new agreement, information about minerals or other resources in Antarctica should be obtained under strictly controlled arrangements and should be openly shared in the international scientific community; (3) the Convention is not adequate to protect the environment of Antarctica and could stimulate commercial exploitation; (4) pending the negotiations and entry into force of a new agreement or protocol ensuring the full protection of Antarctica as a global ecological commons, the President should not present the Convention to the Senate for advice and consent to ratification; (5) the United States should support the interim measures presently in force among nations signatory to the Convention; and (6) the negotiation of such a new agreement or protocol should be a major item on the agenda of the pending XV Antarctic Treaty Consultative meeting opening on October 9, 1989.
United States · United States Congress · 4 October 1989
Requires the Director of the Peace Corps to establish a Peace Corps Professional Consultant Program for Poland and Hungary to recruit individuals with certain professional or specialized technical skills to serve as Peace Corps volunteers in such countries. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1990 through 1994.
United States · United States Congress · 2 October 1989
Federal Housing Administration Safety and Soundness Act of 1989 - Amends the Department of Housing and Urban Development Act to establish within the Department of Housing and Urban Development: (1) a division of Mortgage Supervision within the Federal Housing Administration; and (2) a Director of Mortgagee Supervision. Amends the National Housing Act with regard to: (1) minimum mortgagor payments; and (2) limitations on principal mortgage obligations.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 1989
Employee Health and Safety Whistleblower Protection Act - Sets forth uniform Federal procedures to protect employees, former employees, and applicants for employment who engage in whistleblowing with respect to employer activities which endanger employee or public health and safety. Prohibits employers from discharging or discriminating against any employee who: (1) discloses (or demonstrates an intent to disclose) an activity, policy, or practice that the employee believes is a violation of Federal health or safety law; (2) initiates, assists, or participates (or demonstrates an intent to do so in a proceeding with respect to an activity, policy, or practice that the employee believes is a violation of Federal health or safety law, or with respect to consideration of enactment, adoption, promulgation, issuance, or amendment of such a law, or with respect to administration or enforcement of such a law or of this Act; or (3) refuses to participate in an activity, policy, or practice that violates Federal health or safety law or that the employee reasonably believes poses a bona fide danger to the health or safety of the employee, other employees, or the public (and the employee promptly reported such danger to a representative of the employer). Voids as contrary to public policy any waiver or modification of employee rights under this Act, except under certain settlements or dispute resolutions. Makes this Act inapplicable to employees who, acting without consent from the employer, deliberately cause a violation of Federal laws. Sets forth procedures for remedy of violations under this Act. Provides that the statute of limitations for filing a complaint pursuant to this Act or an existing Federal whistleblower protection law shall be 180 days after the later of the date: (1) an alleged violation occurs; (2) the discharge or other discrimination has taken effect; or (3) the employee first learns or reasonably should have learned of the violation. Provides for filing complaints with the Secretary of Labor (the Secretary). Directs the Secretary to create or designate an identifiable office or unit within the Department of Labor to investigate such complaints and to issue orders providing relief where appropriate. Provides for administrative law hearings upon request when such orders are not issued, or are questioned. Allows the Secretary or complainant to petition any U.S. district court to enforce an order. Requires the investigation office, if it determines that there is reasonable cause to believe that a violation of this Act has occurred, to intervene on behalf of the complainant in proceedings under this Act. Provides for an administrative appeal procedure. Makes the decision of the administrative law judge the final order of the Secretary (subject to specified judicial review), unless there is a petition or order for review by the Secretary within a specified period. Directs the Secretary to issue a final order after such review within a specified period. Sets forth provisions for remedies. Provides for orders of abatement, reinstatement (with compensation and restoration of lost pay, benefits, and privileges), consequential damages, double damages for willful and wanton violations, equitable relief, and legal cost payments. Provides for judicial review of orders. Provides for settlements or alternative dispute resolutions. Requires employers to post specified information about this Act. Sets forth provisions for enforcement of orders under this Act by the parties in U.S. district court. Provides for complaint referral by directing the Secretary to send copies of final orders (including settlement orders) to each Federal agency with jurisdiction over the activity, policy, or practice alleged in the complaint. Directs such agency to take appropriate action and report on such action to the Secretary, the parties, and the relevant congressional committees. Provides that such provisions do not limit any Federal agency authority under any other law. Declares that rights and remedies under this Act: (1) are in addition to any other rights and remedies provided under a contract or State law; and (2) supersede existing Federal whistleblower protection laws with respect to any discharge or discrimination based on employee conduct protected by this Act. Provides that the enforcement and administration procedures of this Act supersede those of any existing Federal whistleblower protection laws in such respects.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 1989
Amends the Rail Passenger Service Act to repeal an exemption from specified communicable disease control requirements of the Public Health Service Act for waste disposal from railroads operating in intercity rail passenger service.
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 1989
Designates November 11, 1989, as Washington Centennial Day in recognition of the economic, social, and historic contributions of the State of Washington to the United States over the past century.
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 1989
Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, in any case in which there has been either a disallowance of a veterans benefits claim or a partially awarded claim, to provide to the claimant a written statement setting forth notice of procedural rights of the claimant and the rationale for the disallowance. Requires that such statement: (1) be provided at each procedural stage relating to the disposition of a claim; (2) include a summary of the evidence supporting the disallowance or the partial award; (3) be in such forms as the Secretary prescribes by regulation; (4) include a description of each subsequent procedural stage before the Department of Veterans Affairs; (5) include a description of all rights of the claimant expressly provided for in the veterans' benefits code, the claimant's right to a hearing, to reconsideration, to appeal, and to representation, and any specific procedures necessary to obtain the various forms of review available for consideration of the claim; and (6) include such other information as the Secretary determines would be useful and practical to assist the claimant in obtaining full consideration of the claim. Adds parallel requirements with respect to the Chairman of the Board of Veterans' Appeals.
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 1989
Expresses the sense of the Congress that a National Environmental Institute should be established that should: (1) coordinate the environmental research and education efforts of the United States; (2) include a national college of the environment; (3) educate public policymakers in environmental protection; (4) sponsor public awareness campaigns and educational programs for school children; and (5) be the home of the National Environmental Data Bank.
United States · United States Congress · 21 September 1989
Requires the Director of the Office of Personnel Management to report to the Congress on a plan to subject General Schedule employees to a locality pay system by October 1, 1990, to ensure that employees working in high-cost areas are compensated at basic pay rates commensurate with the costs of living in such areas. Requires such report to include: (1) the number of employees likely to receive locality pay and the implementation costs during the first three years of such plan; (2) any benefits resulting from such plan; (3) a description of which aspects of the plan may be implemented under existing law; and (4) proposals for any legal action which may be necessary.
United States · United States Congress · 20 September 1989
Support for East European Democracy (SEED) Act of 1989 - Title I: United States Policy in Eastern Europe - Expresses the sense of the Congress that the United States should implement, beginning in FY 1989, a program to support East European democracies by providing assistance to Eastern European countries which have taken substantive steps toward institutionalizing political democracy and economic pluralism. Designates support for East European democracy activities as SEED. Title II: Enterprise Funds in Poland and Hungary - Authorizes the President to designate two private, nonprofit organizations as the Polish-American Enterprise Fund and the Hungarian-American Enterprise Fund to promote development of the Polish and Hungarian private sectors. Requires the President to contribute to such Funds a specified amount of unobligated Department of Defense (DOD) funds. Allocates such funds and earmarks a specified amount for private agricultural development in Poland. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize appropriations for FY 1991 and 1992 for the Funds. Requires the President to designate an executive agency to contribute such monies to the Funds. Permits the agency to use a specified amount of such monies for carrying out functions under this title. Makes certain commodities eligible for assistance programs under the Agricultural Act of 1949 and the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954 available to the Funds to generate local currencies. Authorizes grants to be made to the Funds only if the Funds are in compliance with this title. Provides for annual audits of the Funds. Requires the Funds to ensure that: (1) each recipient of Fund assistance keeps separate accounts and financial records; and (2) the funds have access to such records for audit purposes. Directs each Fund to publish annual reports. Title III: Labor Market Transition - Requires the Secretary of Labor to provide technical assistance to Poland and Hungary for the implementation of labor market reform and to facilitate adjustment during the period of economic transition and reform. Authorizes the Secretary to transfer a specified amount from Department of Labor funds to provide such assistance. Title IV: Environmental Initiatives - Authorizes the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to: (1) undertake environmental protection activities in Poland and Hungary; and (2) use specified amounts of funds made available for FY 1990 through 1992 under the Clean Water Act and other authorizing statutes to carry out such activities. Requires the Administrator to cooperate with Polish officials and experts to: (1) establish an air quality monitoring network in the Krakow metropolitan area; and (2) improve water quality and the availability of drinking water in such area. Directs the Administrator to work with U.S. and Hungarian officials and private parties to establish and support a center in Budapest, Hungary, for facilitating cooperative environmental activities between government experts and U.S. and Eastern and Western European organizations. Title V: Diminishing the Burden of Bilateral and Multilateral Debt - Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the debt payments owed by Poland to the United States which are payable during FY 1993 and 1994 should be rescheduled and made a part of the principal payment due in FY 1995; and (2) the President should urge all members of the Paris Club creditor governments to adopt a similar debt rescheduling program for Poland. Requires the President to take all appropriate actions to explore and encourage innovative approaches to the reduction of debt of Eastern European countries which have taken substantive steps toward political democracy and economic pluralism. Urges the President to exercise all available authorities to undertake the discounted sale of U.S. debt obligations to private purchasers to facilitate debt-for-equity swaps under which such privatized debt is exchanged for an equity interest in an Eastern European enterprise which is involved in SEED activities. Title VI: "Take-Off" Telecommunications Grant to Poland - Makes available a specified amount of unobligated FY 1990 DOD funds for a grant to the Polish Government for modernizing Poland's telephone and telecommunications infrastructure by means of competitively bid contracts to U.S. corporations. Title VII: Facilitating Voluntary Action - Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should encourage monetary and food contributions from U.S. civic, religious, school, and youth organizations. Declares that the President should draw upon all available authorities, use resources of the National Guard and DOD, and request additional authorities, as necessary, to transport nonfinancial contributions to Poland. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should encourage the establishment of sister institution programs between U.S. and East European schools, universities, cities, and specified organizations. Title VIII: Policy Coordination and "SEED" Information System - Requires the President to designate a Coordinator of SEED activities within the Department of State. Directs the President to take steps to establish a SEED information center to serve as a clearinghouse for information relating to business needs and opportunities in, and voluntary assistance to, Eastern Europe. Requires such center to encourage economically sound proposals to the Funds and other finance sources for the development of private enterprise in Eastern Europe. Provides that such center shall be based in Washington, Warsaw, and Budapest. Title IX: Trade and Assistance Benefits and Investment Treaties - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to remove Poland from the list of countries ineligible for designations as beneficiary developing countries. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should immediately take steps to designate Poland and Hungary as beneficiary countries for purposes of the Generalized System of Preferences provided for in such Act. Requires the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) to support projects in Poland and Hungary to enhance the nongovernmental sector and reduce state involvement in the economy. Provides that OPIC's authorities with respect to Poland and Hungary shall remain in effect until September 30, 1992. Makes Poland and Hungary eligible for U.S. Export-Import Bank programs until such date. Expresses the sense of the Congress that upon enactment by the Hungarian Government of an emigration statute fulfilling criteria of the Jackson-Vanik amendment to the Trade Act of 1974, the President should take steps to certify Hungary as eligible for permanent most-favored-nation trade status. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should explore the feasibility of negotiating bilateral investment treaties with Poland and Hungary. Title X: Scientific, Educational, and Cultural Exchanges - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1990 and 1991 to implement the 1987 U.S.-Polish science and technology agreement. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the United States should expand its participation in educational and cultural exchanges with Poland and Hungary. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should take actions to establish binational Fulbright commissions in Poland and Hungary. Title XI: Medical Assistance - Authorizes additional appropriations for FY 1990 and 1991 to carry out the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 and to be available only for the provision of medical supplies and hospital equipment to Poland and the training of Polish medical personnel. Title XII: Support for Democratic Institutions - Directs the National Endowment for Democracy to implement a program of seminars on local governmental processes and administration if such seminars are requested by the Polish Government. Authorizes additional appropriations for FY 1990 and 1991 under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 for the support of democratic institutions in Poland and Hungary. Title XIII: Peace Corps - Transfers specified FY 1990 DOD funds to the Peace Corps for establishing programs in Hungary and Poland. Title XIV: Food Aid - Sets forth the strategy of the food assistance program. Requires the President to promote a comprehensive multilateral food assistance program for Poland. Allocates specified amounts for such assistance in FY 1989 and 1990. Declares the readiness of the Congress to act promptly on authority and appropriations requests so that the United States may call on the European Community to increase food assistance to Poland on a matching basis. Makes Poland and Hungary eligible for programs under the Agricultural Act of 1949 and the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954. Makes such eligibility effective until September 30, 1992. Title XV: Multilateral Action - Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should consult with the European Community, Japan, and other members of the Paris Club to establish a comprehensive, multiyear program for Poland and Hungary to facilitate enduring economic recoveries and to institutionalize political democracy and economic pluralism. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the United States, if Poland initiates steps to dismantle state controls and subsidies and inaugurates a plan of economic stabilization, should advocate action on the following goals in multilateral negotiations with regard to Poland: (1) a Paris Club agreement on a two year deferral of all government-to-government debt repayments; (2) a multilateral currency stabilization loan; (3) an International Monetary Fund loan; and (4) a World Bank loan to assist in the relocation of workers from state firms to the private sector. Title XVI: Program Action and Reporting - Requires the President to report to the Speaker of the House and the President pro tempore of the Senate on SEED activities.
United States · United States Congress · 20 September 1989
Directs the Administrator of the Agency for International Development to establish a program of scholarship assistance for students from Poland and Hungary to study in the United States. Authorizes the Administrator to make grants to States to help provide such scholarship assistance for undergraduate and training programs in study areas related to the critical developmental needs of such students' respective countries. Provides for private sector participation in such program. Provides for forgiveness of such scholarship assistance if the student recipient promptly returns to his or her respective country for a certain period. Requires that funding for such program be derived from funds available to carry out specified provisions of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 relating to the economic support fund.
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 1989
Designates the period of September 16 through October 9, 1989, as Coastweeks '89, recognizing the importance of coastal zones. Designates September 16, 1989, as National Estuaries Day and September 23, 1989, as National Beach Cleanup Day.
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 1989
Applauds the actions of the Government of the Hungarian People's Republic and the Hungarian people that have allowed thousands of citizens of the German Democratic Republic to seek freedom in the West.
United States · United States Congress · 14 September 1989
Homebuyers and Renters Relief Act of 1989 - Title I: Tax Exclusion for Distributions for First-Time Home Purchase - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income certain retirement plan (individual retirement accounts, defined contribution plans) distributions used for a first-time home purchase. Title II: Rental Housing Production - Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to make repayable advances to public and private sector project sponsors for rental housing construction and rehabilitation. Establishes in the Treasury the Rental Housing Production Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 13 September 1989
Farm Animal and Research Facilities Protection Act of 1989 - Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to make it unlawful to disrupt or damage a farm animal facility, its animals, or property. Sets forth penalties for violations of this Act. Allows the Secretary of Agriculture to investigate such offenses. Grants U.S. district courts jurisdiction in such cases. Provides for a private right of action.
United States · United States Congress · 13 September 1989
Amends part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to require that Medicare coverage denial notices provided to nonparticipating physicians and their patients include an explanation of such denial.
United States · United States Congress · 13 September 1989
Solid Waste Transportation Act - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to require each State to prepare a plan for the management of solid waste generated in the State. Specifies that such plan shall cover a 20-year period and require the State to: (1) identify the amount of solid waste by waste type that is expected to be generated in the State or accepted from another State for disposal in the next 20 years; (2) establish a process to assure the availability of facilities with adequate capacity to treat or dispose of such waste in a manner protective of human health and the environment; and (3) identify the volumes of waste planned to be reduced through source reduction and recycling. Authorizes such plan to include provisions for disposal outside the State of solid waste generated in the State only if the State determines that it does not have, and cannot develop within a reasonable period of time, the landfill or other capacity to handle the disposal of such waste in the State. Requires, in such case, that the plan provide for the establishment of such enforcement mechanisms as necessary to prevent the out-of-State disposal of waste in amounts in excess of those provided for in the plan. Requires States to submit such plans to the Administrator for approval. Specifies that, upon approval of a State plan, the State: (1) may not dispose waste outside of the State, or treat or dispose solid waste in the State, in a manner other than in accordance with such plan; and (2) shall establish a permit program and issue permits to facilities in compliance with such plan and State law. Prohibits the transportation of solid waste for treatment or disposal, following the establishment of a permit program, at any facility that has not been issued a permit. Authorizes any State that has an approved plan to restrict the acceptance of solid waste originating in other States, including a prohibition on medical waste, if such State justifies such restriction on the basis of lack of capacity to handle the disposal of solid waste generated in such State. Sets forth recordkeeping requirements. Authorizes the Environmental Protection Agency or a State to: (1) require any person who generates, transports, or handles solid waste to furnish information and grant access to all records relating to such waste; (2) enter at reasonable times any solid waste facility and inspect and obtain samples of any such waste or any container or label for such waste. Sets penalties for States that fail to submit, or fail to have approved, a plan for solid waste disposal.
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 1989
Authorizes to be appropriated for FY 1990, in addition to sums already authorized, a certain amount to the National Cancer Institute for breast cancer research other than research which involves treatment or clinical trials.
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 1989
Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to provide reduced rates of interest under the Guaranteed Student Loan (Stafford Loan) program to individuals who enter the teaching profession.
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 1989
Designates October 27, 1989, as National Hostage Awareness Day in recognition of the 42d birthday of Terry Anderson and his fifth year in captivity. States that efforts should be made to have such date declared International Hostage Day by the United Nations. States that all Federal and international agencies should increase efforts to secure the release of the remaining hostages in Lebanon. Calls for prayer on such date for the release of all U.S. and foreign hostages in Lebanon.
United States · United States Congress · 11 September 1989
Commends and expresses support for President Barco and the Government and people of Colombia for standing up to the drug traffickers. Urges the administration to continue to make available whatever equipment, training, intelligence, and financial assistance that Colombia needs to overcome the activities of the drug traffickers.
United States · United States Congress · 6 September 1989
Drug Paraphernalia Control Act of 1989 - Establishes criminal penalties for the possession, sale, delivery, manufacture, or advertisement of drug paraphernalia. Defines "drug paraphernalia" and sets forth guidelines for determining whether an object falls within such definition. Provides for enhanced penalties for delivery of drug paraphernalia to a minor. Includes drug paraphernalia within the civil forfeiture provisions of the Controlled Substances Act. Directs the Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to establish within the DEA a task force to monitor enforcement of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 September 1989
Animal Welfare Improvements Act of 1989 - Amends the Animal Welfare Act to authorize: (1) citizen suits to compel enforcement of such Act; and (2) suits by animal research facilities injured by reason of violations of such Act. Precludes recovery by such facilities if such injury leads to the conviction of any person for a violation of any Federal regulation relating to the handling, care, treatment, or transportation of animals by any research facility. Specifies courts having jurisdiction to enforce, prevent, and restrain violations of such Act. Makes it unlawful to: (1) intentionally cause the loss of any animal from a research facility, except temporarily, for the purpose of documenting violations of Federal regulations relating to the handling, care, treatment, or transportation of animals by such facility; (2) damage or steal any equipment or property of a research facility; or (3) break and enter any research facility with intent to destroy material or equipment or to obtain unauthorized possession of records, data, materials, equipment, or animals. Provides for fines of up to $5,000 for each such violation. Specifies that, if as a result of such a violation documentation is obtained showing that a violation of any Federal regulation relating to the handling, care, treatment, or transportation of animals by a research facility has occurred, such person shall not be subject to the fine and such facility shall pay costs of the trial or proceedings. Requires the U.S. district courts or the U.S. Magistrate, as the case may be, to determine the reasonable costs of: (1) replacing materials, data, equipment, or animals, and records that may have been damaged or cannot be returned in connection with such violation; and (2) repeating any experimentation that may have been interrupted or invalidated as a result of such violation. Requires any person convicted of such violation to be ordered to make restitution to the facility involved unless documentation is obtained showing that a violation of any Federal regulation relating to the handling, care, treatment, or transportation of animals by such facility has occurred, in which case the facility shall pay litigation costs. Prohibits specified acts relating to farm animals, including theft, vandalism, and trespassing on a farm animal facility if such action disrupts or damages business. Establishes criminal penalties of up to $10,000 and three years imprisonment for such acts. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to conduct an investigation, at the request of such a facility or on his own initiative, to determine whether a violation has occurred. Authorizes the Secretary to obtain the assistance of Federal, State, or local government agencies to conduct such investigation. Grants specified courts jurisdiction to enforce, prevent, and restrain violations. Authorizes parties injured in their business or property to recover damages and costs from the person who violated such Act. Requires specified Federal officials and animal welfare organization officers to jointly study and report to the Congress on the extent and effect of the use of animals by research facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1989
Veterans Health Professionals Educational Amendments of 1989 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to institute a Reserve member stipend program under the Armed Forces Educational Assistance Program. Requires an individual, in order to be eligible for such assistance, to be accepted or enrolled as a full-time student at a qualifying educational institution in a course of education or training approved by the Secretary and that leads toward completion of a degree in a health profession involving direct patient care or care incident to such direct patient care. Prohibits the Secretary from approving the application of an individual applying for such assistance unless the individual is entitled to benefits under the Reserve GI Bill program and the individual achieved a certain qualifying score on the Armed Forces Qualification Test. Authorizes the Secretary to pay a qualifying individual $400 monthly under such program. Requires a period of obligated service as a full-time employee of the Department of Veterans Affairs from a participating individual in return for such assistance. Makes such an individual liable to the United States for failure to serve in the Department at a health-care facility for the agreed upon period. Increases the reserve member stipend amount whenever there is a general Federal pay increase.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1989
Older Workers Benefit Protection Act - Amends the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (ADEA) to specify that it prohibits discrimination against older workers in all employee benefits except when age-based reductions in employee benefit plans are justified by significant cost considerations. Declares that, as used in ADEA, the phrase "compensation, terms, conditions, or privileges of employment" encompasses all employee benefits, including those provided under a bona fide employee benefit plan. Requires that the actual amount of payment made or cost incurred on behalf of an older worker be no less than that made or incurred on behalf of a younger worker, for each benefit or benefit package, in order for an employee benefit plan not to violate ADEA. Places on the employer, employment agency, or labor organization the burden of proving, in any civil enforcement proceeding brought under ADEA, that specified actions are lawful. Requires a seniority system or employee benefit plan to comply with ADEA regardless of the date of adoption of such system or plan. Applies this Act to all actions or proceedings under ADEA that were brought after June 23, 1989, or that were pending on such date (which is the date on which the Supreme Court issued the decision in Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio v. Betts).
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1989
Yosemite National Park Centennial Medal Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to strike and sell not more than 750,000 gold, silver, and bronze medals in commemoration of the centennial of Yosemite National Park, California, in 1990. Requires that all sales of such medals include a surcharge of $35 per medal for the gold medals, $7 per medal for the silver medals, and $2 per medal for the bronze medals. Requires that all surcharges be paid to an endowment fund for the benefit of the Park to be administered by the National Park Foundation. Requires that the interest from the fund be paid to the Secretary of the Interior to fund special supplemental projects relating to back country trail development and rehabilitation and the preservation of Sequoia groves within the boundaries of the Park. Requires the Secretaries to enter into a memorandum agreement to allow: (1) the Secretary of the Treasury to deliver medals to the Secretary of the Interior; and (2) the Secretary of the Interior to provide for the sale of the medals in National Park facilities. Grants the Comptroller General the right to examine all records of the National Park Foundation which are related to such medals. Provides that no medals may be struck after December 31, 1991.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1989
National Energy Policy Act of 1989 - Establishes as national goals: (1) that the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere be reduced from 1988 levels by at least 20 percent by the year 2000 through a mix of Federal and State energy policies; and (2) the establishment of an international global agreement on the atmosphere by 1992. Title I: National Energy Plan - Requires the Secretary of Energy (the Secretary) to transmit to the Congress a "least cost national energy plan" with forecasts, priorities, inventories, and targets for meeting such national goals. Sets forth the plan's contents. Mandates revision and resubmission of the Plan to the Congress every two years. Title II: Office of Climate Protection - Establishes the Office of Climate Protection which shall be responsible for: (1) participation by the Department of Energy in various domestic and international agencies involved in global climate change analysis; and (2) the monitoring of U.S. energy policies for atmospheric and global warming effects, with annual reports on such effects. Title III: Energy Efficiency - Subtitle A - Directs the Secretary to: (1) assign a high priority to energy efficiency in departmental programs, buildings, and equipment; and (2) submit to the Congress evaluation reports regarding the policy options necessary to produce a two to four percent annual decrease in the energy use per unit of gross national product through the year 2005. Mandates that the President's budget requests for FY 1991 through 1993 include the Secretary's recommendations of amounts to be set aside for innovative energy efficiency research and development. Authorizes appropriations for energy efficiency research and development programs for FY 1991 through 1993. Requires the Secretary to issue a general request for proposals dealing with energy efficiency technologies. Sets forth guidelines for Federal financial assistance for such proposals. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary to establish and provide financial assistance to joint research and development ventures with specialized private firms and investors in order to establish at least five regional centers for energy-intensive industries. Requires such industries to conduct research and development on common industrial processes to improve energy efficiency and reduce production and emission of carbon dioxide and trace gases into the atmosphere. Authorizes appropriations for such centers and requires the industries for which the centers are established to contribute matching funds starting in 1992. Directs the Secretary to establish a Federal Energy Analysis Team to analyze and make recommendations regarding energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy in Federal buildings. Sets guidelines for the Federal building energy conservation program to be implemented by the Secretary and Federal agencies. Amends the National Energy Conservation Policy Act to repeal the prohibition against the supply or installation by a public utility of a residential energy conservation measure for residential customers. Requires the Secretary to promulgate guidelines for regulations to be formulated and implemented by State governments requiring the assignment of an energy efficiency rating to residential buildings. Directs the Secretary to establish a technical and managerial support program for State and local governments adopting energy efficiency rating systems or building codes. Adds incandescent and fluorescent lamps to the list of covered consumer products to which energy efficiency standards apply. Requires the Secretary to: (1) prescribe energy conservation standards and test procedures for such projects by January 1, 1990; and (2) establish energy efficiency labels for windows. Subtitle B - Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to direct the State regulatory authorities, nonregulated electric utilities, and nonregulated gas utilities to hold public hearings regarding the implementation of Federal standards concerning utility rates based upon least cost investment. Directs the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to prescribe rules encouraging the achievement of qualifying conservation. Mandates that such rules: (1) require that electric utilities offer to purchase qualifying conservation from qualifying cogeneration or small power production facilities; and (2) provide for the verification of conservation achievement. Prescribes rate guidelines for such electric utilities purchases. Title IV: Energy Research and Development Priorities - Directs the Secretary to establish priorities for energy research and development programs using prescribed criteria. Title V: State Energy Conservation Program - Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to mandate that State energy conservation programs which receive Federal assistance include as a goal reduction of ten percent or more in the total amount of energy consumed in such State in the year 2000 from the projected energy consumption for such State in that year. Adds to Federal assistance eligibility prerequisites for proposed State energy conservation plans, including an emergency planning program for energy supply disruption. Repeals the National Energy Extension Service Act. Cites optional State energy conservation programs. Repeals the mandate for supplemental State energy conservation plans. Authorizes appropriations for energy conservation programs for FY 1991 through 1993. Establishes a State Energy Advisory Board to: (1) recommend and advise on the programs under this Act; (2) serve as liaison between the States and the Department of Energy on energy efficiency; and (3) report annually to the Secretary and the Congress on the status of State energy conservation programs. Authorizes the use of loan programs and performance contracting for the non-Federal share of energy conservation project costs under the grant program. Amends the Energy Conservation and Production Act regarding limitations upon Federal weatherization assistance for low-income persons. Lists conditions under which the Secretary is authorized to approve a State application for a waiver of: (1) the requirement that at least 40 percent of Federal weatherization assistance be used for weatherization materials; and (2) the limitations placed upon expenditures per dwelling unit for weatherization measures. Title VI: Renewable Energy - Subtitle A - Solar Development Initiative Act of 1989 - Directs the Secretary of Energy to develop a complementary solar and renewable energy research program which: (1) has near-term commercial applications; and (2) enhances the international competitiveness of the solar and renewable energy industries. Requires the Secretary to include funding for such program in the FY 1991 budget. Directs the Secretary of Energy to establish an information dissemination program for Federal procurement and loan officers regarding the application of solar heating and cooling technology in Federal buildings. Declares that it is the sense of the Congress that the renewable energy technologies programs established by the Secretary of Commerce should be funded in FY 1991 through 1993 through the Department of Energy at a specified minimum level. Amends the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act to direct the President to take into account, when determining whether to designate a beneficiary country, the degree to which it undertakes self-help measures to promote energy self-sufficiency using locally available renewable energy resources. Mandates that the design for new Federal facilities for specified agencies include consideration of energy systems using solar energy or other renewable energy forms. Amends the Export-Import Bank Act of 1945 to mandate that a specified minimum percentage of loan authority be available only for solar and renewable energy loans. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize the Overseas Private Investment Corporation to include among its special projects incentives, grants, and studies for renewable energy and other small business activities. Prohibits the use of administrative funds for such projects. Amends the Small Business Act to: (1) repeal provisions regarding loans to small business concerns for solar energy and energy conservation measures; (2) mandate that a certain percentage of loan authority be used only for small business energy measures; and (3) direct the Administrator of the Small Business Administration to give due consideration to the export potential of solar and renewable energy loan guarantees in an annual report to the Congress. Subtitle B - Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Technology Competitiveness Act of 1989 - Sets forth specified national goals for the current wind, photovoltaics, and solar thermal energy programs. Requires the President's budget requests for FY 1991 to contain the recommendations of the Secretary of Energy for specified Department of Energy research and development programs for 1995, including biofuels energy systems, solar buildings energy systems, ocean energy systems, and geothermal energy. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1991 through 1993 for: (1) the wind energy research program; (2) the photovoltaic energy systems program; (3) the solar thermal energy systems program; (4) the biofuels energy systems program; (5) the solar buildings energy systems program; (6) the ocean energy systems program; and (7) the geothermal program. Requires the Secretary to submit an options analysis to the Congress regarding the accelerated commercialization of specified renewable energy technologies. Directs the Secretary to establish joint research and development ventures in specified energy technologies, and to report to the Congress on the implementation of such plans. Directs the Secretary to establish the following advisory bodies: (1) Advisory Committee on Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Technology; (2) Advisory Subcommittee on Photovoltaic Energy Technology; (3) Advisory Subcommittee on Wind Energy Technology; (4) Advisory Subcommittee on Solar Thermal Energy Technology; (5) Advisory Subcommittee on Energy Performance in Factory-Made Housing; (6) Advisory Subcommittee on Advanced District Cooling Technology; and (7) Advisory Subcommittee on Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Technology Exports. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1991 through 1993 for such joint ventures. Requires the Committee on Renewable Energy, Commerce and Trade to promote renewable energy technology exports. Authorizes appropriations for such Committee activities for FY 1991 through 1993. Requires the Secretary to make annual reports to the Congress regarding the research programs and ventures under this Act. Requires each annual submission of the National Energy Policy Plan to be accompanied by a three-year strategic plan for energy technology research, development, and demonstration, including energy conservation and renewable energy technologies. Subtitle C - Directs the Secretary of Energy to implement a research program regarding: (1) fuel cell use of methane gas generated from biomass forms; (2) technologies using renewable energy sources (such as wind and solar energy) to produce hydrogen for fuel cell use; and (3) fuel cell technology for electric power production as backup spinning reserve components to renewable power systems in rural and isolated areas. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to, and enter into contracts with, private research laboratories. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress regarding the fuel cell research program. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1991. Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to include industries using fuel cell technology under the Renewable Energy Industry Development Act. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to prepare Federal guidelines, within 180 days after enactment of this Act, for cities and municipalities specifying environmental and safety standards for use of fuel cell technology. Directs the Secretary of Commerce, within the same period of time, to report to the Congress an assessment of the export market potential for integrated systems of fuel cells with renewable power technologies. Subtitle D - Hydrogen Research and Development Act - Directs the Secretary of Energy to prepare and submit to specified congressional committees a comprehensive five-year program management plan for a research and development program designed to permit the development of a domestic hydrogen fuel production capability within the shortest practicable time. Requires the Secretary to send the Congress annual plan descriptions, including any necessary plan modifications. Directs the Secretary to establish such program within the Department of Energy. Requires that the areas to be addressed in such program include production, liquefaction, transmission, distribution, storage, and utilization. Requires priority to be given to production techniques that use renewable energy sources as their primary energy sources. Directs the Secretary to conduct demonstrations to evaluate technical and nontechnical parameters to determine commercial applicability of hydrogen technology and to prepare a comprehensive large-scale hydrogen demonstration technology plan. Requires the Secretary to prepare a comprehensive technology application plan which shall include: (1) the potential applications for the use of hydrogen; (2) technical market and economic readiness assessments for such potential applications; (3) an assessment of Government actions needed to develop such application; and (4) an analysis of the impact of such applications on domestic energy supplies. Requires the Secretary to consult with other Federal agencies and departments in carrying out this program. Requires the establishment of a Hydrogen Technical Advisory Panel of the Energy Research Advisory Board to advise the Secretary on the conduct of the hydrogen program. Requires the Panel to submit an annual report on the program to the Energy Research Advisory Board, which shall subsequently report to the Secretary. Authorizes appropriations to carry out this title for FY 1991 through 1996. Directs the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to prepare and submit to specified congressional committees a comprehensive five-year program management plan for a research and development program for the development of a domestic hydrogen-fueled aircraft capability within the shortest practicable time. Requires the Administrator to transmit to the Congress an annual plan description, including any necessary modifications with respect to the plan. Requires the Administrator to establish such program within NASA and to prepare and transmit to the Congress a comprehensive flight demonstration plan which shall confirm the technical feasibility, economic viability, and safety of liquid hydrogen as a fuel for commercial transport aircraft. Provides that the research and development program under this title shall include, at a minimum, the development of the systems associated with the production, transportation, storage, and handling of liquid hydrogen for commercial aircraft application. Provides that the Administrator shall consult with other Federal agencies and departments in carrying out the program. Establishes a Hydrogen-Fueled Aircraft Advisory Committee to advise the Administrator on the programs established by this title. Requires the Committee to report annually to the Administrator on its activities and on the status of such programs. Authorizes appropriations to carry out this title for FY 1992 through 1996. Title VII: Advanced Civilian Reactor Programs - Directs the Secretary to implement, according to certain guidelines, a research, development, and demonstration program for the generation of commercial electric power from nuclear fission. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1992 through 1994. Requires the Secretary to submit an annual comprehensive report to the Congress regarding the progress of reactor designs which meet the guidelines set out for such demonstration program. Title VIII: Fusion - Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress regarding international collaboration in research, development, and demonstration in technology for the production of electricity from magnetic and inertial confinement fusion. Title IX: Coal - Requires the Secretary, within nine months after the date of enactment of this Act, to provide the Congress with a comprehensive review of clean coal technologies to be developed in federally funded projects under the Department of Energy's Clean Coal Technology Program. Directs the Secretary to establish and implement: (1) research and development programs demonstrating techniques for carbon dioxide recovery and disposal from motor vehicles, electric utility power operations, and industrial manufacturing processes; and (2) a comprehensive program in the fundamental physics and chemistry of coal combustion. Directs the Secretary to support research to improve the efficiency of coal-generated electricity and industrial processes, giving priority to those projects with the greatest potential for reducing the generation of carbon dioxide. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1991 through 1993. Title X: Natural Gas - Directs the Secretary to enter into cooperative agreements with and to provide financial assistance to municipal governments to demonstrate the feasibility of using natural gas as a fuel for urban area mass transit. Sets as a prerequisite to such agreements that the participating municipal government provide at least 25 percent of the demonstration costs. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1991 through 1993. Requires the Secretary to submit a feasibility report to the Congress within nine months after the date of enactment of this Act pertaining to the use of natural gas in diesel-powered vehicles to facilitate compliance with emissions requirements. Directs the Secretary to implement a program promoting the development and commercialization of natural gas use in motor vehicle fleets by providing for the purchase and construction of alternative fuel vehicles and associated refueling equipment. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1991 through 1993. Directs the Secretary to implement a technician training program to convert conventional fuel vehicles to natural gas. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1991 through 1993. Directs the Secretary to enter into cooperative financial assistance agreements with the Gas Research Institute to perform research and development to improve natural gas vehicle technology. Directs the Secretary to implement a research, development, and demonstration program (including joint research and development ventures) on nonconventional natural gas recovery techniques, as well as improved techniques for recovering gas from discovered reservoirs. Directs the Secretary to enter into cooperative agreements with, and provide financial assistance to, certain parties to construct and demonstrate high efficiency heat engines. Authorizes appropriations. Requires the Secretary to transmit a biennially updated research and priorities list to certain congressional committees. Title XI: Natural Resource Policy - Subtitle A: General - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a study of the ecological and environmental resources that would be affected by a global climate change. Directs such Secretary and the Secretary of Agriculture to consider the relative impact on global warming of all Federal forest land management programs, including timber sales and reforestation. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture, in cooperation with the Secretary of the Interior, to report to the President and the Congress on the feasibility of a national forestation initiative. Requires the Secretary of Energy to submit to the Congress a study regarding the potential for reducing carbon dioxide emissions through targeted urban tree plantings designed to reduce air conditioning needs in buildings. Subtitle B: Tongass Timber Reform Act - Amends the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act to repeal the ongoing appropriations for timber utilization in the Tongass National Forest, Alaska. Repeals the requirement for identifying lands unsuitable for timber production in such Forest. Repeals the reporting requirement on the adequacy of the timber supply from Forest lands. Requires the biennial report on such Forest to include the impact of timber management on subsistence resources, wildlife, fisheries habitats, biological diversity, the old growth rain forest ecosystem, and other specified items. Requires the southeast Alaska commercial fishing industry to be included, for cooperation and consultation, in a study of the Forest timber supply and demand. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to terminate specified long-term timber sale contracts, and to revise the Tongass National Forest Land Management Plan of 1979 in a manner that fully protects long-term environmental and recreational concerns. Requires the Secretary to report to certain congressional committees regarding the status of such Forest Plan revision schedule. Imposes a moratorium on timber sales and harvest until the Forest Plan is completely revised and ready for implementation. Title XII: Basic Science Initiatives - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1991 through 1993 to specified Federal agencies to conduct certain climatological and ecological research. Title XIII: Development Assistance - Directs the Secretary of State, in conjunction with the Administrator of the Agency for International Development and other specified officials, to report to the Congress on the status of forest resources in tropical countries, including a forest plan with goals for each tropical country. Requires the Administrator to: (1) ensure that all financial support activities supported by U.S. bilateral foreign assistance are consistent with such plan; and (2) take into account each country's measure of success in meeting plan goals when allocating development assistance monies. Prescribes guidelines under which the Secretaries of State and of the Treasury are directed to promote multilateral tropical forestry programs and to report to the Congress regarding the progress made by each of the multilateral development banks, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Program, the United Nations Development Program, and the International Tropical Timber Organization. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to promulgate regulations within one year after the date of enactment of this Act requiring wood and products containing imported wood to bear a label disclosing the names of such wood and the countries of origin. Requires such Secretary to promulgate regulations prohibiting the importation of wood and wood products containing wood from: (1) tropical forest countries that have not achieved the forest plan goals; (2) countries that import wood or products containing wood harvested in tropical countries that have not achieved forest plan goals; and (3) countries that permit transit of wood or products containing wood harvested in tropical countries that have not achieved forest plan goals. Requires the Secretary to report annually to the Congress on the status of import controls with respect to tropical forest countries that have not achieved the forest plan goals. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize the President to assist developing countries with research and development programs aimed at energy efficiency and energy transmission facilities in rural areas. Prohibits assistance for large-scale production of energy from fossil fuels. Prescribes guidelines under which the President is directed to provide support to aid-receiving countries with emphasis upon end use energy efficiency, least-cost energy planning, and energy conservation. Requires the President to report annually to the Congress regarding the bilateral energy program, including the progress made in reducing greenhouse gas emission. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to instruct the U.S. Executive Director of each multilateral development bank to: (1) vigorously promote the adoption by each bank of an energy conservation and efficiency program containing specified components; and (2) oppose, except in certain instances, financial or technical assistance to any borrowing country if a least-cost energy plan prioritizing energy conservation, end use energy efficiency, and renewable energy sources is not in place. Directs the Secretary of State to instruct the Ambassador to the United Nations to: (1) vigorously encourage the United Nations Development Program implementing energy conservation and efficiency programs for recipient countries; and (2) oppose the adoption of country programs for any country for which a least-cost energy planning program giving priority to energy conservation, end use energy efficiency, and renewable energy sources is not in place. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury and the Secretary of State to report annually to the Congress regarding the progress of the multilateral development banks and the United Nations Development Program in implementing energy conservation measures. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to modify the loan terms on up to one-half of the sovereign debt owed the United States by developing countries as a condition of adopting forest and energy conservation programs. Directs the Secretary to promulgate regulations implementing such environmental conservation and debt reduction program within one year after the enactment of this Act. Directs the Secretary to encourage the adoption of joint initiatives of debt reduction and conversion by the public and private sectors in member countries of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. Directs the Administrator of the Agency for International Development to report biennially to the Congress regarding the status of energy conservation and efficiency for each country receiving Federal development assistance monies. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to: (1) instruct the U.S. Executive Director to notify the staff of each multilateral development bank that future Federal contributions will be conditioned upon the successful implementation of a specified energy efficiency program; and (2) report annually to the Congress on the progress made by each multilateral development bank in implementing the energy efficiency program. Requires the Administrator of the Agency for International Development to report to the Congress regarding the options and strategies for the use of bilateral and multilateral development assistance programs sponsored by the United States to control emissions of certain greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Title XIV: International Activities - Declares that it is the policy of the United States that the Secretary of State shall convene an international meeting in the United States by the end of 1992 to adopt a global climate protection convention with measures at least as stringent as those in this Act. Sets forth a percentage reduction schedule for emissions of specified gases. Directs the Secretary of State to: (1) initiate negotiations for the adoption of a binding multilateral agreement requiring specified reductions of nitrogen oxide emissions by 1998; (2) request and, if necessary, convene the parties to the Montreal protocol on substances that deplete the ozone layer for possible control measures reassessment; and (3) convene an international meeting to exchange information regarding nuclear safety issues, including nuclear waste disposal. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to instruct the U.S. Executive Directors of multilateral development banks to promote lending policies which emphasize specified aspects of energy conservation, renewable energy sources, including measures for international energy cooperation, and world population reduction. Directs the Administrator of the Agency for International Development to take specified measures concerning: (1) biological diversity conservation; (2) renewable energy resources and conservation; (3) assistance to developing countries in the use of agricultural and industrial chemicals; and (4) a report to the Congress on Agency practices regarding the overseas use of renewable energy technologies. Declares U.S. policy with respect to domestic and international efforts to deal with the greenhouse effect. Requests the President to take steps to establish a long-term study of the greenhouse effect, beginning with a one-year cooperative international research program started during or before 1991. Names the year of such program the International Year of the Greenhouse Effect. Title XV: Moderating World Population Growth - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1991 through 1993 for international population and family planning assistance. Prohibits the use of such funds for: (1) involuntary sterilization; (2) abortion; or (3) the coercion of any person to accept family planning services.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1989
Department of Housing and Urban Development Accountability Act of 1989 - Requires the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to provide for the following in the housing assistance selection process: (1) publication in the Federal Register of selection criteria and assistance availability; (2) documentation of selection decisions, including individual program documentation standards published in the Federal Register; and (3) specified applicant disclosure. Requires: (1) the Secretary to report to the Congress regarding such activities and a related consultant fee limitation plan; and (2) the Inspector General of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to include in his semiannual reports an assessment of compliance with the requirements of this Act. Prohibits during any housing assistance selection process: (1) an applicant from soliciting or obtaining any covered selection information from any HUD officer or employee; or (2) a HUD officer or employee from knowingly disclosing such information to any person other than a person authorized by the Secretary to receive it. Sets forth administrative, civil, and criminal penalties for disclosure violations. Directs the Secretary to consider any applicable low-income tax credit in establishing assisted housing owner profit levels.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1989
Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require the Federal Communications Commission to ensure that interstate and intrastate telecommunications relay services are available to hearing-impaired and speech-impaired individuals in the United States. Requires each common carrier to provide such telecommunications relay services individually, through designees, or in concert with other carriers within two years after enactment of this Act. Directs the Commission to prescribe regulations to implement this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1989
School Completion and Incentives Act - Directs the Secretary of Education to make matching grants to each State for planning and carrying out a program to increase the high school completion rate. Requires States to assure that, under such program, requirements for obtaining a high school diploma or its equivalent will not be lowered. Requires that at least 40 percent of a State's grant funds be used for grants to individual schools that have: (1) a dropout rate above the State average; (2) an aggregate achievement rate below the State average; or (3) a student enrollment of which 30 percent of the students come from families below the official poverty line. Directs the Secretary to publish an application notice for such grants by January 1, 1991. Requires grant recipient annual reports by local educational agencies and individual schools to the State, and by the States to the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to develop, from information in such reports, an information base on dropout prevention programs. Directs the Secretary, at least once every three years, to publish the high school completion rate for each State, with the first such publication to be made by January 1, 1995. Authorizes appropriations for: (1) planning grants for such programs, for FY 1991 and 1992; and (2) grants to carry out such programs, for FY 1993 through 1999. Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to revise provisions relating to programs for basic skills improvement and dropout prevention and reentry. Adds assistance to elementary school programs for such purposes (current law includes only secondary school programs). Requires each State educational agency and local educational agency that conducts a specified evaluation pursuant to such provisions to report the evaluation results to the National Diffusion Network. Increases the amounts authorized to be appropriated for such programs for FY 1990 through 1993.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1989
Escrow Account Statement Act - Amends the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act of 1974 to mandate that an escrow servicer or lender that has established an escrow account in connection with a federally related mortgage loan submit to the borrower statements which clearly itemize: (1) at the opening or closing of the account, the charges which are reasonably anticipated to be paid from the account; and (2) annually, the amounts actually paid from such account as well as the annual balance. Establishes a civil penalty for failure to submit such itemized statements. Prohibits a lender from imposing preparation fees for escrow account statements.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1989
Adult Literacy and Employability Act of 1989 - Title I: Literacy Coordination - Establishes a Joint Presidential-Congressional Task Force on Adult Literacy. Requires the Task Force to report to the Council for Literacy Coordination established by this Act. Terminates the Task Force six months after its last member is appointed. Authorizes appropriations for the Task Force for FY 1990. Establishes the Cabinet Council for Literacy Coordination (the Council). Requires the Council to report annually to the Congress and the President. Authorizes appropriations for the Council for FY 1990 through 1993. Amends the Department of Education Organization Act to establish in the Department of Education an Office of Adult Literacy, to be administered by a Director of such Office. Requires the Director to: (1) coordinate the administration of literacy programs within the Department; and (2) work with the Cabinet Council for Literacy to coordinate related activities. Establishes the National Center for Adult Literacy as a nonprofit corporation which will not be an agency or establishment of the Federal Government. Divides the Center into a research institute, a technical assistance and training institute, and a policy analysis institute. Requires an annual report to the Congress. Authorizes appropriations for the Center for FY 1990 through 1994. Directs the Chairperson of the Council to make grants to States for a network of State or regional adult literacy resource centers. Authorizes appropriations for such grants for FY 1990 through 1992 and succeeding fiscal years. Requires each State that receives adult literacy assistance under an applicable Federal program to: (1) establish a State advisory board on literacy; and (2) submit a State literacy coordination plan. Requires the State Governor to report annually to the Council. Title II: Investment in Literacy - Amends the Adult Education Act (AEA) to increase and extend through FY 1995 the authorization of appropriations for AEA programs. Revises allotment provisions. Requires limitations on the use of funds to: (1) eliminate a cap on high school equivalency certificate programs; and (2) require that a specified amount be used to support adult education and literacy services provided by community-based organizations and nonprofit volunteer agencies. Includes among projects for which State must expand a portion of their AEA allotments: (1) development and expansion of innovative programs; and (2) support for statewide volunteer technical assistance activities. Eliminates certain maintenance of effort requirements. Authorizes the Chairperson of the Council to make matching challenge grants to State for investment in adult literacy instruction staff training and educational technology. Allows States, for purposes of matching such grants, to reserve specified portions of funds for FY 1990 through 1995 under specified Federal laws. Requires that States receiving such grants make available federally-assisted adult literacy program equipment, facilities, or training services, when not in program use or when surplus capacity exists, to other adult literacy programs (without charge or in certain circumstances at cost). Authorizes appropriations for such challenge grants for FY 1990 and succeeding fiscal years. Establishes a Literacy Leader Training Fund. Directs the Secretary of Education (the Secretary), through the Office of Adult Literacy, to make scholarship grants from the Fund to individuals pursuing careers in adult education, instruction, management, research, or innovation, for education or research to expand their expertise. Authorizes appropriations for such purposes for FY 1990 and succeeding fiscal years. Amends the Library Services and Construction Act (LSCA) to establish a library literacy demonstration program. Directs the Secretary to make grants to State and local public libraries for model innovative programs for delivery of adult literacy services, including development of technology-based centers. Requires that a peer review panel advise on grant criteria and application review, and that an expert in library literacy activities administer such program in the Department of Education. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1990 through 1994 for such library literacy demonstration program. Extends through FY 1994 the authorization of appropriations for other LSCA library literacy programs. Title III: Family Literacy - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to direct the Secretary to carry out through the Office of Adult Literacy the Secretary's functions under the Even Start program (which integrates early childhood education and adult education for parents). Title IV: Workplace Literacy - Amends the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) to provide for workplace literacy skills and programs. Revises State education coordination and grant programs to provide financial assistance for any State education, labor, or economic development agency (or consortia) to enhance provision of statewide workplace literacy training and education through cooperative agreements between appropriate agencies and organizations. Requires that at least 75 percent of funds for such activities be used to improve program quality by means such as application of learning technology, model program development, and investment in staff training and services targeted at participants lacking workplace skills. Revises general program requirements for the service delivery system to require private industry councils to give priority to participant placements with businesses and industries that have a workplace literacy program or are willing to develop one with other public and private agencies. Makes individuals lacking workplace literacy skills eligible for adult and youth training program services. Requires, beginning in program year 1990, that at least 40 percent of adult program participants in each service delivery area (SDA) be in need of and be offered basic training through an individual workplace literacy plan. Requires assessment and testing of each potential participant's workplace literacy skills and employment skills. Allows participants who have been placed in employment to continue workplace literacy training until they have achieved their goal or for at least two years, whichever is earlier. Requires SDAs to provide such training for such duration to participants who need and would benefit from it. Allows such training to include workplace literacy training and English-as-a-second-language. Requires such activities to be described in an individualized workplace literacy plan for each participant, including goals based on participant needs. Requires that eligible dislocated workers lacking workplace literacy be offered basic skills training for at least a two-year period from the date of entry into the program. Establishes a Workplace Literacy Demonstration Program. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to make grants for joint ventures of business, industry, or labor (or consortia) cooperating with State, County, or local governments or private industry councils (or consortia) to provide large-scale model development approaches to improving the basic workplace skills of the workforce. Requires the use of such funds for: (1) basic skills training; (2) specific program offerings; (3) assessments of individual and workplace skill needs; (4) program evaluations; and (5) technology-based learning environments. Sets forth matching requirements for grantees. Requires independent evaluation of such programs. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1990 through 1995 for such programs.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1989
Municipal and Industrial Water Conservation Act of 1989 - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to establish an Office of Water Conservation to perform specified duties, including: (1) the support of programs to reduce water use and loss in municipal, industrial, commercial, institutional, and residential sectors; (2) the support of dissemination of model water conservation programs; and (3) the promotion of least-cost approaches to water planning and regional approaches to management of water and sewer systems. Calls for intergovernmental coordination in water conservation efforts. Requires the Office to provide technical assistance to States, Indian tribes, utilities, local governments, and others in efforts to implement water conservation policies. Requires regular consultations with major water resources development agencies to target limited resources. Requires the Office to develop a series of model water conservation programs with policy options for States, Indian tribes, water utilities, and municipalities. Allows such water users to request feasibility studies of their current and potential water conservation activities. Allocates the costs of such studies, allowing smaller studies to be conducted at full Federal cost. Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (as amended by the Water Quality Act of 1987) to require the Administrator to make capitalization grants to State water pollution control revolving funds for conducting municipal and industrial water conservation activities which will reduce operating and capital costs of and needs for waste water treatment facilities. Directs the Office to provide, upon request, technical assistance to businesses and institutions for water efficiency campaigns, plumbing system leak-detection, water use audits, and other water conservation measures. Requires the development of model water conservation programs for businesses and institutions and studies, upon request, of their programs. Directs the Administrator to establish a National Clearinghouse on Water Conservation to collect and disseminate, free of charge, information on water conservation technologies and practices. Establishes the Advisory Council on Water Conservation to make recommendations to the Administrator on activities under this Act. Requires the President's Council on Environmental Quality to require, by rulemaking authority, the consideration of water conservation activities in all relevant environmental impact studies conducted under specified provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. Authorizes appropriations through FY 1994 to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1989
Clean Ocean Act of 1989 - Requires the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to conduct a study to assess the effectiveness of planning and equipment of State and local governments and private organizations to respond to discharges of oil or hazardous substances into navigable waters. Requires the Secretary to submit to the Congress a report containing recommendations based on such study and recommendations for establishing a nationwide computerized inventory of oil spill and hazardous substance removal equipment and experts. Requires the Secretary to issue regulations which revise the National Contingency Plan. Requires owners and operators of oil vessels or facilities to establish response teams and supply such teams with equipment to minimize damages from the discharge of oil or a hazardous substance into navigable waters. Authorizes the appropriate head of an agency to charge a fee for: (1) conducting any review or periodic drill of a response team; or (2) performing certification inspections of such teams equipment. Sets forth civil penalties for violations of regulations issued under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1989
Title I: Combined Sewer and Storm Water System Overflow Control - Estuarine Zone and Marine Waters Combined Sewer Overflow Control Act - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to issue regulations setting forth permit requirements for discharges from combined storm water and sanitary sewer overflows into the estuarine zone and marine waters. Directs the Administrator, in determining the content of such regulations, to take into account; (1) the expected composition, frequency, and volume of each discharge; (2) the anticipated effect of each discharge on the environment, economy, and aesthetic and recreational values of the receiving waters; and (3) the need for a flexible approach in minimizing such discharges. Authorizes the Administrator to issue permits after 1999 for such discharges only if the permittee has taken reasonable efforts to eliminate dry weather discharges and to minimize wet weather discharges. Requires the Administrator to provide technical assistance to State and local governments issued permits under this Act. Directs permittees, as a condition for permit issuance or renewal, to budget and expend an amount of funds for: (1) identifying all discharges of overflows into the estuarine zone and marine waters; (2) implementing technology-based limitations of such discharges; and (3) eliminating such discharges. Waives such requirement if the Administrator determines that the permittee or the State in which such permittee is located has begun to implement a plan that will result in the cessation of dry weather discharges and minimization of wet weather discharges by the year 2000. Makes funds available to permittees to address water quality problems resulting from such discharges. Directs the Administrator to report to the Congress on: (1) the feasibility and cost of establishing a technological clearinghouse to make available to States and local governments information on, and assistance in, controlling and ceasing discharges of overflows from combined storm water and sanitary sewers into the estuarine zone and marine waters; and (2) the major components of discharges which contribute significantly to floating debris and debris which washes up on shores and ways to eliminate the introduction of such debris into combined storm water and sanitary sewer systems. Authorizes appropriations. Title II: National Estuary Program Amendment - National Estuary Program Amendment Act - Requires the Administrator to: (1) identify estuaries where overflow discharges from combined storm water and sanitary sewer systems constitute a major source of pollution; (2) urge that the management conference for each estuary develop a priority action plan to address such overflows; and (3) report to the Congress on the extent of such discharges and the anticipated Federal cost of addressing the problem. Title III: Marine Pollution Discharge Abatement - Marine Discharge Abatement Act - Prohibits the issuance or renewal of permits for pollutant discharges into estuaries, estuarine zones, the territorial sea, the waters of the contiguous zone, or the oceans unless: (1) the need for the discharge has been demonstrated by the applicant and the Administrator has determined there is no environmentally sound alternative; (2) the permittee establishes an on-going monitoring program for each discharge; and (3) the applicant agrees to include within the permit a provision to allow the Administrator to modify or terminate such permit if such action is in the public interest and necessary to prevent the degradation of such waters. Directs the Administrator and the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere to review existing guidelines and to promulgate guidelines necessary to prevent the degradation of such waters. Prohibits the waiver of such requirements for permit issuances or renewals.
![Official portrait of Rep. Dwyer, Bernard J. [D-NJ-6]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/d000586_200.jpg)