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United States · Official source
3,703 records where Rep. Dwyer, Bernard J. [D-NJ-6] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1989
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit an individual income tax deduction for amounts spent to make the taxpayer's principal residence more accessible to and usable by handicapped individuals and elderly individuals.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1989
Child Development and Education Act of 1989 - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1990 through 1994, if appropriations under specified provisions of the Head Start Act equal or exceed specified amounts in the relevant fiscal years. Allocates the aggregate amount appropriated for this Act, one-third each to carry out: (1) the expanded program under the Head Start Act, as amended by title I of this Act; (2) the School-Based Child Care and Development program under the new title VIII of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, as amended by title II of this Act; and (3) the Infant and Toddler Child Care Act, as added by title III of this Act. Title I: Expanded Head Start - Amends the Head Start Act to provide for child care services throughout the year for children who participate or are eligible to participate in Head Start programs. Authorizes Head Start programs to provide child care services. Extends through FY 1994 the authorization of appropriations for Head Start programs. Authorizes Head Start programs to use additional funds under this Act (if the parents are working or attending a job training or educational program) for: (1) full-working-day (at least ten hours) child care services throughout the year to children participating in Head Start programs; and (2) part-day and full-working-day child care services throughout the year to children eligible to participate in Head Start programs. Allows the use of up to 50 percent of such funds to provide Head Start services to children: (1) who are otherwise ineligible under specified provisions; (2) whose family income is greater than the poverty line but less than 150 percent of the lower living standard income level (LLSIL); and (3) whose parents are working or attending a job training or educational program. Requires payment of sliding scale fees for a portion of such services from parents whose income exceeds the LLSIL or whose children receive such services under the expanded eligibility provisions. Title II: School-Based Child Care and Development - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to establish a new title VIII program of grants to States for school-based child care or early childhood development programs. Requires local educational agencies (LEAs) to use such funds to expand or establish a school-based child care or early childhood development programs that meet specified requirements. Mandates provision of such programs: (1) at no cost to families with income not more than 100 percent of the LLSIL; and (2) on an income-based fee schedule to families with income not more than 150 percent of the LLSIL. Requires the early childhood development program to include four-year-olds from such families to the extent such no-cost services are not available under the Head Start Act. Requires the before- and after-school care program to cover such families where: (1) the parent or parents work or are in education or training programs; and (2) the children attend early childhood development programs or regular kindergarten, elementary, or secondary school classes. Requires inclusion of private school children. Sets forth standards for such early childhood development programs, including requirements for adequate and nutritious meals and snacks, and, if practicable, health and social services. Sets forth program requirements for State educational agencies which wish to participate in the program to make specified assurances, including commitment to participate in a State interagency task force on child care. Requires each State to distribute at least 90 percent of grant payments from the Secretary of Education to eligible LEAs. Title III: Infant and Toddler Child Care - Infant and Toddler Child Care Act - Establishes a program of grants to States for infant and toddler child care programs. Makes eligible for such programs children under three whose family income does not exceed 150 percent of the LLSIL and who: (1) reside with one or more parents, each of whom is working, seeking employment, or attending a job training or educational program; or (2) are receiving, or need to receive, protective services and reside with a parent or parents not described in clause (1). Requires an appropriate State agency to act as the lead agency for such program. Requires a State advisory committee on child care and local advisory councils for such program. Requires that providers provide services to a reasonable mix of children, including those from different socioeconomic backgrounds and those with handicapping conditions. Requires States to use at least 75 percent of their allotment to provide child care services to eligible children on a sliding fee scale basis, using specified funding methods and giving priority to children whose families have very low income (and who pay no fee). Requires program funds to be distributed: (1) to a variety of types of child care providers, including center-based, group home, and family providers; and (2) equitably among rural and urban areas. Requires provision of child care services through contracts or grants to eligible providers or through grants to local governments that agree to contract with eligible providers. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make planning grants to States under specified conditions. Makes a State ineligible for assistance under this title five years after the Secretary establishes minimum child care standards, unless the State demonstrates that all child care providers in the State required to be licensed and regulated: (1) are so licensed and regulated; (2) satisfy the minimum standards; and (3) are subject to the enforcement provisions referred to in the State plan. Requires each participating State to establish a State advisory committee on child care. Requires such committees to review State licensing authority and to report to the Governor. Sets forth requirements for State-funded resource and referral programs. Requires participating States to require, within two years, that all employed or self-employed individuals who provide licensed or regulated child care services in the State complete annually at least 15 hours of training in specified areas. Directs States to make grants and contracts with various entities for training and technical assistance for child care providers. Directs States to provide scholarship assistance to: (1) individuals who seek a nationally recognized child development associate credential for child care, and whose income does not exceed the poverty line by more than 50 percent; and (2) caregivers who seek to obtain the required annual training and whose income does not exceed the poverty line. Directs the State lead agency to establish a clearinghouse for training materials. Directs States to use a portion of program funds for various activities to encourage businesses (especially small businesses) to support or provide child care services to a reasonable mix of children of employees and nonemployees. Requires consultation with a business task force and the State economic development agency. Establishes the position of the Administrator of Child Care in the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Requires the Administrator to: (1) coordinate all HHS activities relating to child care with similar activities of other Federal agencies; (2) annually collect and publish State child care standards; (3) evaluate activities funded under this title; (4) act as a clearinghouse for materials related to areas of required annual training and to studies of salaries for child care employees; and (5) provide technical assistance to States. Sets forth Federal enforcement provisions. Sets the Federal share of program costs at 80 percent (85 percent if a State makes a required demonstration of compliance throughout a fiscal year). Prohibits States from requiring any private provider of child care to contribute to the State share. Establishes the National Advisory Committee on Child Care Standards. Requires the Committee to: (1) review Federal policies with respect to child care services; (2) submit to the Secretary proposed minimum standards; and (3) develop and make available model requirements for resource and referral agencies. Sets forth guidelines for minimum child care standards. Terminates the Committee 90 days after the Secretary establishes such standards. Makes applicable to this title specified provisions of the Head Start Act relating to nondiscrimination and restrictions on sectarian activities. Provides for preservation of parental rights and responsibilities.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1989
Social Security Work Incentives Act of 1989 - Title I: Disabled and Working Status under Title II of the Social Security Act - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act to reduce monthly disability benefits by 50 percent of a beneficiary's monthly earnings in excess of $85. Limits the total amount by which an individual's OASDI disability benefits may be reduced if such individual is also eligible for benefits provided under title XVI (Supplemental Security Income) (SSI) of the Act to individuals who perform substantial gainful activity despite severe medical impairment. Prohibits deductions from disability-based child insurance benefits for the recovery of prior overpayments resulting from a failure to reduce such benefits on the basis of earnings. Extends to current OASDI disability beneficiaries the rule preventing reductions in the primary insurance amount for prior recipients. Continues an individual's entitlement to disability benefits while such individual is under disabled and working status, meaning that such individual is earning enough to be considered engaged in substantial gainful activity, but would otherwise continue to satisfy eligibility requirements. Sets a four-year limit on the Medicare hospital insurance eligibility (under part A of title XVIII of the Act) of individuals who owe their eligibility to their disabled and working status under the OASDI program. Amends the Medicare program to authorize such individuals to enroll for hospital insurance benefits upon the termination of such four-year limit. Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Act to cover Medicare cost-sharing amounts for individuals of disabled and working status who are entitled to enroll for Medicare hospital insurance benefits and whose income and resources do not exceed 300 percent of the Federal poverty level and the SSI resource eligibility limit, respectively. Requires States to collect a coinsurance percentage from such individuals pursuant to a sliding scale which increases such percentage from 0 to 100 percent in reasonable increments as incomes move from 150 to 300 percent of the Federal poverty level. Extends to all recipients of disability-based child's insurance benefits the rule permitting continued entitlement to Medicaid benefits of individuals who would remain eligible for SSI benefits but for their receipt of such child's insurance benefits. Title II: Amendments Relating to the Disabled and Working Status Program Under Title XVI of the Social Security Act - Amends the SSI program to exclude spousal income in determining a disabled and working individual's eligibility for SSI and Medicaid benefits. Excludes from such an individual's income, for SSI eligibility determinations: (1) earned income necessary for the costs of attendant care services; and (2) if such individual receives a State supplementary payment, impairment-related work expenses. Provides Medicaid coverage to individuals who become ineligible for SSI benefits by reason of a cost of living increase in OASDI benefits. Precludes the attainment of age 65 from serving as a basis for the termination of Medicaid eligibility under the SSI program. Includes State supplementary payments in determining a disabled and working individual's eligibility for SSI and Medicaid benefits. Treats royalties from the publication of an individual's work and scholarships which have not been excluded from income as earned income in determining the SSI and Medicaid eligibility of a disabled and working individual.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1989
Title I: Water Resources Authority of the Geological Survey - Geological Survey Water Resources Organic Act - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Geological Survey, to undertake research, investigations, appraisals, surveys, and related activities regarding the Nation's water resources. Authorizes the Secretary to cooperate with other government agencies and to perform such activities on a reimbursable basis, as specified. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1990 through 1992. Title II: Ground Water Research - National Ground Water Research Act of 1989 - Directs the President to coordinate groundwater related activities conducted by Federal agencies. Requires the President to assist States in the conduct of such activities, including disseminating information. Directs the President to establish an Interagency Ground Water Research Committee to coordinate research, development, demonstration, technology transfer, training, and information dissemination activities related to groundwater conducted by the Federal agencies, including establishing priorities. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to prepare a report assessing groundwater quality and quantity information systems and data collection and monitoring. Requires the Secretary to submit such report to the Congress with biennial updates. Directs the Secretary to conduct a national groundwater assessment program to assist State and local governments in managing groundwater resources and designing monitoring programs, including recommending protocols to assist such governments in meeting their data collection responsibilities under specified Federal environmental statutes. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish and coordinate a research, development, and demonstration program for the protection and management of groundwater resources, including surveys, the development of cost-effective prevention, detection, and mitigation techniques, and the provision of technical assistance. Sets forth demonstration project selection criteria and procedures, based upon the seriousness of the contaminant addressed and a project's applicability to other locations and circumstances. Requires that such project be monitored and evaluated by the Administrator. Authorizes the Administrator to pay the costs of such evaluation, but limits Federal cost sharing for the project in general. Directs the Administrator to conduct and publish a risk assessment analysis for significant groundwater contaminants according to a standard format and prescribed schedule. Directs the Secretary and the Administrator each to establish a technical assistance program to serve other Federal and governmental agencies, including conducting research, surveys, training, and technology transfer. Directs the Secretary to establish and maintain a National Groundwater Information Clearinghouse. Directs the Administrator to establish a media-specific research committee for groundwater resources. Directs the Science Advisory Board established by the Environmental Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 1978 to review and report to the Congress on EPA's groundwater research programs. Authorizes the Administrator to establish and maintain research fellowships. Directs the Administrator to make grants for groundwater research institutes which are to be located in areas making significant use of groundwater. Requires that funds be equitably distributed throughout the United States and that one of the institutes be the National Center for Ground Water Research, a consortium between Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, and Rice Universities. Limits the Federal share to 50 percent of costs and earmarks funds for technology transfer. Requires the Administrator to review and evaluate such institutes and subjects the institute's research to peer review. Directs the Secretary and the Secretary of the Army to consider the impact on groundwater when evaluating new water resource projects. Authorizes modifications in existing projects to protect groundwater. Requires the Administrator, in cooperation with New Jersey and relevant local governments, to study and report on: (1) the feasibility of removing volatile groundwater contaminants in the New Jersey coastal plain by induced air phase transport; and (2) the problem of trace metal leaching by corrosive groundwater in such coastal plain. Directs the Administrator, in cooperation with California and relevant local agencies, to study and report on the feasibility of groundwater replenishment with treated wastewater and of the potential of groundwater contamination through exfiltration of sewage from sewer systems of publicly owned treatment works. Directs the Administrator, in cooperation with New York State and relevant local governments, to study and report on the pollution of the Buffalo River by contaminated groundwater in Erie County. Directs the Administrator, in cooperation with the Secretary of the Army, to conduct a research and demonstration program at the Lake Okeechobee ecosystem, Florida, on the relationship between ground and surface water quality and the management and control of aquatic plants. Requires that methods developed be adaptable to other circumstances and be made available to State and local governments. Requires the solicitation of information from other sources, such as scientists and management personnel. Requires the Administrator and the Secretary each to report to the Congress on such program and demonstration project, authorizing other Federal agencies to utilize such report. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the President to report annually to the Congress on groundwater generally and groundwater programs conducted pursuant to this Act. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1989 through 1991. Title III: Agricultural Production and Water Use - Agricultural Ground Water Management Act of 1989 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to investigate and report to the Congress on the relationship between agricultural practices and water use and quality, including current and projected status and efforts. Requires the Administrator and the Secretary to conduct a joint study of the impact on groundwater and agricultural interests of proposals to dredge from the Hudson River sediments which contain PCBs and dispose of such sediments on land. Directs the Secretary to establish an Agricultural Nitrogen Best Management Practices Task Force to report to the Secretary and the Congress on agricultural best management practices, systems, and technologies for reducing or mitigating any negative effects of agricultural nitrogen on water quality. Authorizes appropriations for three fiscal years. Title IV: Ground Water Radium Contamination - Authorizes the Administrator to assist local governments in demonstrating mitigation of radium contamination in groundwater where such groundwater is used as a source of public drinking water in small communities and the contamination exceeds the level established under the Safe Drinking Water Act. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1990 through 1992 for such program.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1989
Directs the Secretary of Transportation to issue regulations for the selection of the safest routes for non-nuclear hazardous materials transportation. Mandates that such regulations prescribe a risks-analysis formula for each proposed route and for risks presented by transported materials, especially toxic gases and vaporous liquids. Prescribes the contents of such regulations.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1989
Hazardous Materials Transportation Safety Amendments of 1989 - Title I: General Provisions - Amends the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act to authorize appropriations for FY 1990 and 1991. Amends the Surface Transportation Act of 1982 to direct the Secretary of Transportation to make grants to States and political subdivisions for the designation of: (1) hazardous materials transportation routes; and (2) hazardous materials parking sites. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1990 through 1992. Amends the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act to require registered carriers of hazardous materials to maintain records of the routes followed in the transportation of certain hazardous materials and to prepare an annual registration statement. Prescribes registration fee guidelines. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to finance the Hazardous Materials Transportation Emergency Response Trust Fund (established by this Act) by raising the excise tax on: (1) gasoline; (2) diesel and special motor fuels; (3) aviation fuels; and (4) fuels used in commercial transportation on inland waterways. Establishes the Hazardous Materials Transportation Emergency Response Trust Fund in the Treasury. Amends the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act to direct the Secretary to make grants to the States to assist in the training and equipment needs of emergency personnel responding to hazardous material transportation incidents. Authorizes appropriations to fund such grants for FY 1990 through 1994 out of the Hazardous Materials Transportation Emergency Response Trust Fund. Outlines the emergency response information regulations to be promulgated by the Secretary within one year of the date of enactment of this Act. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress within 270 days after the date of enactment of this Act regarding specified aspects of hazardous materials transportation safety. Directs the Secretary to establish information dissemination procedures regarding enforcement actions pertaining to violations of the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act. Makes any person who commits a violation of this Act liable to the United States for a civil penalty (currently such violation must be knowingly committed). Establishes a minimum civil penalty of $500 for each such violation. Directs the Secretary to promulgate regulations within 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act requiring the transportation of hazardous materials in intrastate commerce to be covered by the same Federal regulations that pertain to interstate transportation of such materials. Directs the Secretary to provide technical and financial assistance regarding hazardous materials transportation safety to State, regional, and local government entities. Requires the Secretary to: (1) conduct a hazardous materials flow study and to report results to the Congress; and (2) conduct a risk analysis regarding the transportation of high level nuclear waste and spent nuclear fuel to geologic repository sites and monitored retrievable storage sites, and report the results to the Congress and the Secretary of Energy. Title II: Rail Transportation - Amends the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act to direct the Secretary to issue regulations regarding emergency response procedures for rail carriers in accident or emergency situations involving the transportation and storage of hazardous materials. Prohibits railroad tank cars built before November 6, 1971, from being used in commercial hazardous materials transportation unless they meet all safety and design requirements imposed by the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to enter into a contract with the National Academy of Sciences for a study of railroad tank car design, and to report results to the Congress. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1989
Federal Employees' Political Activities Act of 1989 - Prohibits an employee from using or attempting to use official authority or influence to interfere with or affect the result of any election. Prohibits an employee from using or attempting to use official authority to intimidate, threaten, coerce, command, or influence: (1) any individual for the purpose of interfering with the right of any individual to vote as the individual may choose, or of causing any individual to vote, or not to vote, for any candidate or measure in any election; (2) any person to give or withhold any political contribution; or (3) any person to engage, or not to engage, in any form of political activity. Prohibits an employee from using, attempting to use, or permitting the use of any official information, unless such information is available to the general public. Prohibits an employee from: (1) giving or offering to give a political contribution to any individual either to vote or to refrain from voting, or to vote for or against any candidate or measure, in any election; (2) soliciting, accepting, or receiving a political contribution to vote or refrain from voting, or to vote for or against any candidate or measure, in any election; or (3) giving or handing over a political contribution to a superior of the employee. Prohibits an employee from soliciting, accepting, or receiving, or from being in any manner concerned with soliciting, accepting, or receiving, a political contribution: (1) from another employee (or a member of another employee's immediate family) with respect to whom the employee is a superior; or (2) in any room or building occupied in the discharge of official duties by a Federal employee or official or an individual receiving salary or compensation from the Treasury. Prohibits an employee from soliciting, accepting, or receiving a political contribution from, or giving a political contribution to, any person who: (1) has, or is seeking to obtain, contractual or other business or financial relations with the employing agency; (2) conducts operations or activities which are regulated by that agency; or (3) has interests which may be substantially affected by the performance of the employee's official duties. Directs the Special Counsel of the Merit Systems Protection Board to prescribe regulations which exempt employees from such prohibitions. Prohibits an employee from engaging in political activity: (1) while on duty; (2) in any room or building occupied in the discharge of official duties by a Federal employee or official; (3) while wearing a uniform or official insignia identifying the office or position of the employee; or (4) while using any vehicle owned or leased by the Government. Exempts certain high level political appointees from such prohibitions if the costs associated with the political activity are not paid for by money derived from the Treasury. Authorizes leave without pay or accrued annual leave to an employee who is a candidate, upon request, to allow such employee to engage in activities relating to that candidacy. Declares that such request may be denied if the exigencies of the public business so require. Declares that such employee may be required to take leave without pay or accrued annual leave in order to be a candidate if activities relating to the candidacy interfere with the employee's performance of duties. Applies this Act to postal employees and employees of the Postal Rate Commission.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1989
Anti-Terrorism and Arms Export Amendments Act of 1989 - Amends the Arms Export Control Act to prohibit the Government or U.S. persons from exporting or providing munitions items to, or facilitating (through loans, credits, guarantees, or other financial assistance) the acquisition of munitions by, any country, or any individual or group in a country, which, as determined by the Secretary of State, has repeatedly provided support for acts of international terrorism. Permits the rescission of a determination of the Secretary only after the President makes specified certifications to the Congress concerning the country involved. Authorizes the President to waive such prohibition with respect to transactions determined to be vital to national security after consulting with, and reporting to, the Congress. Exempts from such prohibition transactions subject to reporting requirements of the National Security Act of 1947. Authorizes additional waivers pursuant to authority under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 in exceptional circumstances where time is of the essence and the President consults with and submits a report to the Congress at least 24 hours prior to granting such a waiver. Sets forth criminal and civil penalties for violations of this Act. Requires the Director of the U.S. Arms Control and Disarmament Agency, in making decisions concerning the issuance of export licenses, to consider whether the export of an article will support international terrorism. Requires the Director's evaluation of an arms sale submitted to the Congress to include an evaluation of whether the sale would support international terrorism. Amends the Export Administration Act of 1979 to require a validated license for the export of goods or technology to a country if the Secretary determines that: (1) such country has repeatedly provided support for acts of international terrorism; and (2) such exports could contribute to the military potential of such country or would enhance the ability of such country to support acts of international terrorism. Removes the $1,000,000 threshold for notification to the Congress of the issuance of an export license. Revises the President's authority to rescind the Secretary's determination. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to prohibit the provision of any assistance under such Act, the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954, the Peace Corps Act, or the Export-Import Bank Act to any country which the Secretary determines has repeatedly provided support for acts of international terrorism. Authorizes the President to: (1) rescind such a determination only after making specified certifications to the Congress concerning the country involved; and (2) waive such prohibition for national security interests or humanitarian reasons only after consulting with, and reporting to, the Congress. Requires the President, in order to rescind a determination by the Secretary that a country supports international terrorism, to certify to the Congress that: (1) there has been a fundamental change in the leadership and policies of the government concerned and such government is not supporting acts of international terrorism and has provided assurances not to do so in the future; or (2) the government concerned has not provided any support for international terrorism during the preceding six-month period and has provided assurances that it will not support acts of international terrorism in the future. Amends the Arms Export Control Act to specify that any presidential designation to place a defense item on the munitions list shall be final and conclusive and shall not be subject to judicial review. Directs the President to include in required quarterly reports to the Congress concerning military exports a listing of: (1) all consents granted to third-party transfers of defense articles or defense services exceeding $1,000,000 in value; and (2) munitions items exceeding $250,000 in value transferred by the Department of Defense to other agencies of the U.S. Government, excluding items transferred for use within the United States or for intelligence activities subject to other reporting requirements under the National Security Act of 1947. Revises requirements for reporting the use of foreign assistance funds where it is inadvisable to specify the nature of the use of such funds to require that such a report be transmitted to the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives rather than to the Speaker of the House. Amends the Hostage Act to specify that the President may not use any means otherwise prohibited by law in attempting to cause the release of U.S. citizens imprisoned by foreign governments. (Current law specifies that the President may not use any means amounting to acts of war.) Specifies that the use by any government of armed force in the exercise of individual or collective self-defense in accordance with applicable international agreements and customary international law shall not be considered an act of international terrorism for purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1989
Guam Commonwealth Act - Title I: Political Relationship - Creates the Commonwealth of Guam. Grants the people of Guam the right of full self-government through adoption of a Constitution, consistent with U.S. sovereignty over Guam and the supremacy of U.S. law applicable to Guam, and within specified guidelines. Recognizes the right of self-determination of the people of Guam. Directs the U.S. Government, through additional federally-funded programs, to promote preservation of the Chamorro culture, enhanced economic, social, and educational opportunities for Chamorros, and training of Chamorros for employment. Provides that nothing in this Act or the Constitution of Guam shall impair the U.S. citizenship of the residents of Guam or their descendants or their rights and privileges as U.S. citizens under the 14th amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Directs Guam to establish a land trust for the benefit of the indigenous Chamorro people and to establish residency requirements under the Constitution of Guam for voting and holding elective office. Allows this Act to be modified only with the mutual consent of the Governments of the United States and Guam. Title II: Applicability of Federal Law - Makes specified provisions of, and amendments to, the U.S. Constitution applicable to Guam, in addition to those portions which currently apply. Makes Federal laws, rules, or regulations passed after the date of this Act inapplicable unless mutually consented to by the Governments of the United States and Guam. Creates the Joint Commission on the Applicability of Federal Law. Specifies its duties, including: (1) participating in consultations between the Governments of the United States and Guam; (2) studying existing statutes and regulations affecting the U.S.-Guam relationship; (3) reviewing policies and procedures of Federal agencies relating to such relationship; (4) compiling data; (5) drafting modifications in existing laws, regulations, policies, and procedures and obtaining such modifications by negotiation and mediation concerning issues such as land claims and war claims; and (6) seeking to obtain maximum economic development and political autonomy for Guam, consistent with U.S. security interests. Provides that the United States will bear the cost of the work of the Commission. Authorizes the President or his designee to delegate to the Governor of Guam total or partial performance of functions now vested in Federal administrative agencies. Title III: Foreign Affairs and Defense - Grants the United States responsibility for authority with respect to matters relating to foreign affairs and defense that affect Guam. Provides for U.S. consultation with Guam in advance of negotiations toward any treaties or international or executive agreements affecting Guam, and with respect to proposals to increase or decrease Department of Defense activities within Guam. Prohibits the establishment of military security zones or the stationing of foreign military personnel on the Island of Guam without the approval of the Government of Guam except in time of declared war, or the establishment of military bases without consultation with the Governor. Provides for U.S. assistance to Guam in the establishment of offices in the United States and abroad, in becoming a member or participant in appropriate regional and international organizations, and in obtaining from other countries favorable treatment for exports. Prohibits the United States from utilizing the Island of Guam or the water surrounding it for the dumping or storage of nuclear waste or hazardous chemicals. Provides for the clean up by the United States of chemical dump sites used by the military in the past. Requires the United States to compensate any person injured as a result of hazardous materials stored, used, or disposed of by the U.S. Government in Guam or its waters. Title IV: Courts - Specifies provisions governing the relations between U.S. courts and the local courts of Guam, the jurisdiction of the District Court of Guam, and the applicable district court rules. Provides for the appointment of a judge for the District Court of Guam, a U.S. attorney, and a U.S. marshal for Guam. Title V: Trade - Establishes a Guam-United States free trade area, under which neither party may impose duties, quotas, or other restrictions on each other's products, nor shall the United States treat products of Guam as having originated in any other country. Defines "products of Guam" to mean articles that contain at least 30 percent value added in Guam, and specifies costs included in value added. Authorizes Guam to impose, increase, reduce, or eliminate duties and other restrictions on: (1) products that originate outside the customs territory of the United States and that are imported into Guam; and (2) exports from Guam, whether or not products of Guam. Requires the Governor of Guam to certify that the origin of "products of Guam" is, in fact, Guam, and provides for customs inspections of products brought into the United States. Title VI: Taxation - Makes U.S. income tax laws applicable to Guam. Deems such laws to impose a separate tax, payable to the Government of Guam, to be known as the Guam Commonwealth income tax. Grants the Governor the same administrative and enforcement powers and remedies with regard to such tax (pursuant to the laws of Guam) as the Secretary of the Treasury and other executive branch officials have with respect to U.S. income tax. Sets forth similar enforcement authority with respect to criminal violations, tax liens, and suits to recover erroneously or illegally assessed taxes. Grants the District Court of Guam exclusive jurisdiction over all judicial proceedings in Guam, both criminal and civil, with respect to such tax. Allows the Government of Guam to provide for the rebate or reduction of taxes in order to assist new industries or economic development. Grants Guam the power to determine the nature and amount of taxes imposed upon the income and property of persons within its jurisdiction. Repeals applicable U.S. tax laws one year after Guam has enacted a replacement comprehensive local income tax. Exempts all bonds or other obligations issued by Guam from taxation by Federal, State, or local governments of the United States. Title VII: Immigration - Applies the Immigration and Nationality Act and pertinent Federal regulations to Guam for two years from enactment of this Act. Directs Guam to enact a comprehensive law on immigration to become effective at the end of the two-year period. Provides that such law shall not impair the free movement of U.S. citizens to and from Guam, include the authority to naturalize aliens for U.S. citizenship, or alter the Governor's authority to issue U.S. passports. Authorizes U.S. consular officials to issue visas for travel only to Guam for any alien seeking to enter Guam as a non-immigrant in order to encourage investors and tourists to come to Guam. Title VIII: Labor - Grants preference to qualified residents of Guam in all Federal civil service vacancies occurring in Guam. Grants Guam the authority to enact and enforce all laws regulating or affecting employment in Guam. Provides that all pertinent U.S. laws regulating employment on Guam on the effective date of this Act shall remain applicable until replaced by duly enacted law of the Guam Legislature. Title IX: Transportation and Telecommunications - Precludes application of any U.S. law barring the U.S. registration and use of any foreign-built vessel within the waters around Guam for any purpose. Exempts from the coastwise laws of the United States any shipment of fish or fish products from Guam to any U.S. coastwise destination. Directs the Commission periodically to examine the applicability of such laws and to recommend termination of their applicability upon determining that such laws constrain Guam's economic development. Authorizes the Governor of Guam to sponsor any qualified air service carrier to come to Guam, subject to presidential consultation concerning U.S. foreign policy and security interests. Exempts Guam from all bilateral treaties between the United States and foreign states with respect to scheduling and technical specifications of aircraft, other than safety requirements. Provides that Guam shall remain an "eligible point" for purposes of being ensured essential air transportation to and from the United States. Defines Guam as "domestic" for Federal Communications Commission rate setting purposes. Title X: Land, Natural Resources and Utilities - Grants the Government of Guam the power of eminent domain. Grants Guam jurisdiction over all natural resources of the seabed, subsoil, tidelands, and adjacent territorial waters of the Island of Guam. Sets limits on U.S. acquisition of real property on Guam. Exempts Guam from Federal regulations governing the transfer or sale of excess Federal real property. Provides for the transfer of all excess Federal property to Guam, with specified exceptions. Provides for access and use by the residents of Guam of certain retained Federal property, subject to military security requirements. Authorizes the granting of easements on such property to the Government of Guam in specified circumstances. Directs the United States to transfer ownership of island utilities to Guam. Title XI: United States Financial Assistance - Provides for the return of U.S. revenues from taxes and fees collected in Guam or from its residents or products to the Government of Guam. Makes U.S. laws providing Federal benefits and financial assistance which are applicable to the States likewise applicable to Guam on an equal basis. Directs the Governor of Guam, in preparing an annual budget, to identify the costs and benefits to Guam brought about by its role as one of the principal U.S. military bases. Requires the Governor to submit such information to the Guam Legislature and the Office of Management and Budget for use in reviewing the Governor's request for appropriations for the annual Federal payment to Guam, which request the Governor shall submit to the President for transmission to the Congress each year. Provides for assistance to aid Guam's transition to a Commonwealth, including: (1) U.S. financing of the costs of institutional changes connected with the change in Guam's political relationship with the United States; (2) help in meeting the capital needs of Guam necessary for long-term, self-sustaining development; and (3) establishing an economic development fund to assist expansion of the private sector. Title XII: Technical Amendments and Interpretation - Makes technical and conforming amendments. Calls for this Act to be interpreted liberally to accomplish its purpose of providing for complete, internal self-government for Guam. Requires this Act to be submitted to the registered voters of Guam for ratification after being passed by the Congress. Repeals the Organic Act of Guam.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1989
Central American Studies and Temporary Relief Act of 1989 - Title I: General Accounting Office Investigation and Report - Directs the Comptroller General to: (1) begin an investigation concerning displaced nationals of El Salvador and Nicaragua; and (2) report to the Speaker of the House and to the President of the Senate within two years of initiating such investigation. Requires determinations to be made, with respect to displaced Salvadorans and Nicaraguans living in El Salvador, Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala, Belize, Costa Rica, or Mexico, of: (1) the number and location of such persons; (2) their place of origin in El Salvador or Nicaragua and the period of, and reason for, their displacement; (3) their current living conditions, with particular attention to questions of personal safety and the availability of food and medical assistance; (4) current efforts to provide such necessities; (5) the impact of wars in El Salvador and Nicaragua; and (6) the impact of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 on Nicaragua and El Salvador; and (7) the impact of the 1986 El Salvador earthquake. Requires assessments to be made, in the case of Salvadorans and Nicaraguans returned from the United States to their country, of: (1) their conditions upon return, with particular attention to any human rights violations; and (2) the extent to which these persons have become displaced persons in their country. Requires the investigation, with respect to Salvadorans and Nicaraguans unlawfully in the United States, to: (1) compare the situation in El Salvador and Nicaragua with previous cases of administrative grants of extended voluntary departure under the immigration laws; (2) describe U.S. policies respecting the treatment of other aliens in the United States in similar circumstances; (3) describe the policies of all other countries in which Salvadorans or Nicaraguans have sought refuge as those policies concern the return of such persons to their country; and (4) assess their conditions in the United States. Title II: Congressional Review - Provides for the referral of such report to the appropriate congressional committees in accordance with the rules of each House for committee hearings (within 90 days of continuous session after the referral of such report) and committee reports (within 270 days of continuous session after the referral of such report). Title III: Temporary Stay of Deportation - Prohibits the Attorney General from detaining or deporting specified nationals of Nicaragua or El Salvador until completion of the Comptroller General's report. Sets conditions on such stay of deportation.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1989
Enterprise Zone Improvements Act of 1989 - Title I: Housing and Community Development Provisions - Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1987 to require each Federal agency that provides special assistance to enterprise zones or that waives or modifies rules within such zones to report to the Congress and to the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development identifying its actions. Broadens the scope of funding sources for State and local government actions required in connection with tax relief and regulatory simplification in enterprise zones. Directs Federal agencies to seek to provide special assistance to enterprise zones, including expedited processing, priority funding, program set-asides, and technical assistance. Authorizes all Federal agencies to waive or modify rules within enterprise zones. (Under current law, only the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development and, in some cases, the Secretary of Agriculture may do so.) Adds the promotion of affordable housing and law enforcement as objectives justifying waiver or modification of Federal agency rules in an enterprise zone. Title II: Federal Income Tax Incentives - Subtitle A: Credits for Employers and Employees - Allows employers located in enterprise zones a nonrefundable income tax credit for qualified increased employment expenditures and employment of the disadvantaged. Sets the credit amount at ten percent of the increase in payroll plus a specified percentage of wages paid to certain disadvantaged workers through the first 20 years of the enterprise zone designation. Allows a nonrefundable income tax credit to enterprise zone employees for five percent of wages earned. Phases out both credits in the last four years of the enterprise zone designation. Subtitle B: Credits for Investment in Tangible Property in Enterprise Zones - Allows businesses an additional investment tax credit for investments made in certain enterprise zone construction property. Limits the credit to ten percent for new property, including rental property. Requires the recapture of credit amounts upon the early disposition of the property. Subtitle C: Nonrecognition of Qualified Enterprise Zone Capital Gain Where Acquisition of Enterprise Zone Business Property - Provides for the nonrecognition of capital gain on the sale of enterprise zone property if, within one year after the sale, the taxpayer acquires qualified replacement property (generally defined as property related to an enterprise zone or to a business within a zone). Subtitle D: Deduction for Purchase of Enterprise Stock - Allows a taxpayer to deduct up to $100,000 of the aggregate amount paid for the purchase of enterprise stock on its original issue by a qualified issuer. Treats any gain from the disposition of the stock as ordinary income. Subtitle E: Rules Relating to Private Activity Bonds - Declares that: (1) limitations on the cost recovery deductions for property financed with tax-exempt bonds shall not apply to enterprise zone property; and (2) the termination of the small issue exemption shall not apply to bonds whose proceeds are used to finance facilities in enterprise zones. Subtitle F: Ordinary Loss Deduction for Securities of Enterprise Zone Business Which Become Worthless - Permits an ordinary loss deduction for securities of enterprise zone business that become worthless during the taxable year. Subtitle G: Increase in Research Credit for Research Conducted in Enterprise Zones - Increases from 20 percent to 37 1/2 percent the tax credit for increasing research conducted in enterprise zones. Subtitle H: Sense of the Congress with Respect to Tax Simplification - Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Secretary of the Treasury should simplify the administration and enforcement of any provision of the Internal Revenue Code affected by this Act. Subtitle I: Regulations - Directs the Secretary to issue regulations to carry out the provisions of this Act not later than six months after enactment. Title III: Establishment of Foreign-Trade Zones in Enterprise Zones - Requires the Foreign-Trade Zone Board to consider on a priority basis and to expedite the processing of applications for the establishment of foreign-trade zones within enterprise zones. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to give priority to, and expedite applications for, the establishment of ports of entry necessary to establish such zones.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1989
Veal Calf Protection Act - Prohibits certain practices in the raising of calves for veal. Describes the practices as the confining of calves in small crates and the feeding of calves with diets deficient in solid foods. Fixes penalties and permits civil actions with respect to prohibited acts.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1989
Fair Labor Standards Amendments of 1989 - Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (the Act) to increase the minimum wage per hour from $3.35 in 1989 to: (1) $3.85 in 1990; (2) $4.25 in 1991; and (3) $4.65 in 1992 and thereafter. Provides for biennial adjustments of the minimum wage beginning in 1994. Directs the Minimum Wage Review Board (established by this Act), during the 90-day period beginning January 1, 1994, to review current economic data on wages, prices, and other economic indicators and determine how the minimum wage rate should be adjusted. Directs the Board, by October 1, 1994, to transmit to the Congress a recommendation of the rate that should be placed in effect on January 1, 1995, including an estimate of the economic effects of doing so. Directs the Board to conduct such reviews and transmit such recommendations biennially. Establishes the Minimum Wage Review Board, composed of five members appointed by the President and certain congressional officers. Increases the small business exemption by revising the definition of an enterprise engaged in commerce for purposes of coverage under the Act ("the enterprise test"). Exempts from such coverage retail or service establishments whose annual gross volume of sales or business is less than $500,000 (currently $362,500), effective in 1989. Requires employers who were covered in 1988, but who are exempt under the new threshold, to continue to pay the $3.35 per hour minimum wage. Increases the tip credit under the Act from 40 percent to 45 percent for 1990 and to 50 percent for 1991 and thereafter. (The tip credit deems the amount paid to a tipped employee, for minimum wage purposes, to be increased by an amount determined by the employer, but not by an amount in excess of the specified percentage of the applicable minimum wage rate.)
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1989
National Voter Registration Act of 1989 - Requires each State to establish procedures with respect to presidential and congressional elections to permit voter registration by: (1) application in person simultaneous with application for a motor vehicle driver's license; (2) mail application; and (3) application in person at designated Federal, State, and private sector locations. Declares that this Act does not apply to any State that has no voter registration requirement with respect to presidential and congressional elections. Requires each State to: (1) assure that any eligible applicant who submits his or her application 25 days before the election is registered to vote in the election; (2) require the appropriate State election official to notify each applicant of the disposition of the application; and (3) provide that the name of a voter may not be removed from the official list of eligible voters except by reason of death, criminal conviction, mental incapacity, change in residence, failure to vote in two consecutive elections, or voter request. Requires each State to designate a chief State election official to coordinate State functions under this Act. Provides a private right of action for an individual aggrieved by a violation of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1989
Handgun Registration Act of 1989 - Requires the Attorney General to establish a Federal handgun registration system. Makes such system applicable, within two years of the enactment of this Act, in all States failing to establish a State handgun registration system that substantially complies with Federal requirements mandating that States: (1) set registration requirements; (2) impose specified penalties for serious and non-serious registration violations; (3) define "serious violation" based on the number and caliber of unregistered handguns, previous felony or firearms offense convictions, and accessibility of such handguns; and (4) maintain an easily retrievable record of individuals within the State with handguns and of such handguns. Imposes penalties (including mandatory imprisonment for not less than 15 years) upon any person possessing handguns in violation of the registration requirement. Terminates certain Federal assistance under the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to States which do not establish registration systems.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1989
Act for Better Child Care Services of 1989 - Amends the State Dependent Care Development Grants Act (subchapter D of chapter 8 of subtitle A of title VI of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981) to provide for a Federal program for the improvement of child care and to retitle such Act as the State Child Care Development Grants Act of 1989. Sets forth a formula for allotments to States based on numbers of children under age five, numbers of children eligible for free or reduced price lunches under the school lunch program, and per capita income. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services (the Secretary) to make grants to applicant Indian tribes or tribal organizations for programs and activities under this Act for the benefit of Indian children. Requires the chief executive officer of a State to designate an appropriate State lead agency. Requires the agency to establish several local advisory councils that collectively represent the entire geographical area in the State. Requires States to submit to the Secretary, in order to qualify for assistance under this Act, an application and five-year plan. Requires the plan to set forth procedures designed to ensure that: (1) the parents of children who will receive assisted child care services are permitted to select the eligible child care provider; (2) the State will attempt to place such child with such provider; and (3) each eligible child care provider will provide service to a reasonable mix of children, including those from different socioeconomic backgrounds and those with a handicapping condition. Requires the plan to specify that at least 75 percent of the State allotment will be used to provide qualified child care services to eligible children, on a sliding fee scale basis (according to specified funding methods), with priority given to services to children of families with very low incomes. Requires that at least ten percent of such reserved funds be used to provide for the extension of part-day programs. Requires the plan to make ineligible for assistance under this Act child care providers who are convicted, or who employ as providers of child care services persons convicted of specified Federal and State offenses involving sexual contact with individuals under age 16 or the production or advertisement of child pornography. Sets forth special rules for use of State allotments. Requires that child care services be provided by: (1) contracts with or grants to eligible child care providers for direct services; (2) grants to local governments to contract with direct providers; or (3) child care certificates distributed to parents of eligible children to enable them to purchase such services from such providers. Prohibits financial assistance under this Act from being expended for the construction of any new facility, and sets forth limitations on such assistance for renovation or repair of existing facilities. Authorizes the Secretary to make planning grants, in the first year of their program participation, to States which desire to participate under this Act but cannot fully satisfy the requirements of a State plan without financial assistance. Requires States receiving funds to recognize and assist private nonprofit community-based organizations, public organizations, local governments, or public agencies representing combinations of local governments, as resource and referral agencies for particular areas. Requires resource and referral programs to: (1) identify existing child care services; (2) inform and refer parents to such services; (3) provide for information, training, and technical assistance to existing and potential providers; and (4) provide information on supply of and demand for such services in a community. Requires each participating State to require that all employed or self-employed persons providing licensed or regulated child care complete at least 15 hours per year of specified training. Directs the State to make grants to and enter into contracts with specified entities to provide such training. Requires participating States to provide scholarship assistance to: (1) individuals who seek a nationally recognized child development associate credential for center-based or family child care and whose income is not more than 50 percent above the poverty line; and (2) caregivers who seek to obtain the 15-hour minimum annual training and whose income is not above the poverty line. Requires participating States to carry out activities designed to encourage businesses in the State to support or provide child care services to a reasonable mix of children of employees and nonemployees, including those from different socioeconomic backgrounds. Establishes in the Department of Health and Human Services the position of Administrator of Child Care to: (1) coordinate all Department and other Federal agency activities relating to child care; (2) collect and publish annually State child care standards; (3) evaluate activities founded under this title; (4) act as a clearinghouse for specified matters; and (5) provide technical assistance to States. Establishes Federal enforcement provisions for review of State plans and monitoring of compliance. Sets the Federal share of the aggregate amount to be spent under the State plan at 80 percent, but raises it to 85 percent when the State demonstrates that all child care providers are appropriately licensed and regulated and that those receiving assistance meet certain requirements and minimum standards. Directs the Governor of each participating State to establish a State advisory committee on child care to assist the lead agency. Requires the committee to have a subcommittee on licensing to review the laws applicable to the requirements and policies of each licensing agency. Requires a subcommittee report to the Governor, and requires the Governor, within 60 days of its receipt, to report to the Secretary with comments and a plan for correcting or improving licensing, regulating, and monitoring of child care services and programs. Requires the Secretary to establish a National Advisory Committee on Child Care Standards to: (1) review Federal policies on child care services; (2) submit to the Secretary proposed minimum standards for child care programs; and (3) develop and make available to lead agencies model regulations for resource and referral agencies. Limits the scope of such standards for specified types of child care services and sets forth the administrative procedure for promulgating them. Prohibits financial assistance under this Act for: (1) any sectarian purpose or activity; or (2) any services during the regular grade or high school day, or for which academic credit is given toward graduation, or which supplant or duplicate a public or private school academic program. Prohibits a child care provider from discriminating against any child on the basis of religion when providing child care services in return for a fee paid, reimbursement received, or certificate redeemed in whole or in part with financial assistance provided under this Act. Provides for a review of the operation of a State plan during the five-year period to determine the State's continued eligibility for funds. Makes eligible for services under this Act children: (1) under 13 years of age; (2) whose family income does not exceed 115 percent of the State median income for a family of the same size; and (3) who either reside with a parent or parents who are working, are seeking employment, or are enrolled in a job training or education program, or reside with a parent or parents not thus described and receive or need to receive protective services. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1990 through 1994.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1989
Grants a Federal charter to the 82nd Airborne Division Association, Incorporated.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1989
Universal Voter Registration Act of 1989 - Entitles any eligible individual to register for any Federal election by mail, in person, or at the appropriate polling place on the day of an election. Declares that such individual may register in person at: (1) a designated place for such individual's current address; (2) any Federal, State, county, or municipal agency that serves the public directly; or (3) any private agency that voluntarily agrees to register voters. Provides that if a State maintains a system of voter registration, such State shall allow an individual to register to vote for elections held on the date of Federal elections, in the manner provided by an approved State plan. Requires such plan to include: (1) the voter registration form to be used for mail registration; (2) provisions for distribution of such forms; (3) election day voter registration; (4) voter registration in agencies which serve the public directly and at private agencies that voluntarily agree to register voters; (5) provisions for prompt notification of registration acceptance; (6) provisions to inform registrants about voting places and times; (7) registration confirmation to insure accurate, inclusive, and uniform voter registration lists; (8) provisions with respect to registration challenges; and (9) a description of State efforts to actively increase voter registration. Requires each State to submit to the Federal Election Commission for approval a voter registration form which allows registration in person or by mail. Allows the form to be similar or identical to postcard application forms under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act. Specifies requirements for such form, including that it provide for postage paid return delivery to the appropriate State or local official. Requires agencies subject to this Act to provide for year-round registration services. Requires State and local election officials to provide for the availability of sufficient quantities of registration forms. Requires the chief election official of any State to establish a program to confirm voter registration. Sets forth requirements for such program, including: (1) notification systems concerning deaths and changes of address; (2) non-removal from a voter registration list unless a voter has died, changed residence to another jurisdiction, been convicted of a criminal offense or institutionalized for mental incapacity, or requested removal; and (3) voter registration lists comprising eligible voters, voters whose registration cannot be confirmed and whose eligibility may be challenged on election day, and individuals who have been removed from such list not more than four years before the date of the election. Sets forth provisions for challenging election votes, including the use of an affidavit ballot for the challenged voter. Declares that voter registration requirements shall not apply to any State which: (1) provides for voter registration procedures which meet or exceed the standards for State plans; (2) does not require voter registration; or (3) adopts the Federal postcard application form. Requires individuals who register to vote on an election day to establish their identity, place of residence, and qualifications at the time of such registration. Requires each polling place to provide a means of processing such registrants separately from other voters. Authorizes the Federal Election Commission to administer this Act and to provide advice and technical assistance to States. Requires the Commission to report to the Congress every two years on: (1) the effectiveness of efforts to establish and maintain voter registration procedures; (2) the administration of voter registration programs; and (3) recommendations on national voter registration standards. Declares any order of the Commission under this Act to be reviewable by the appropriate U.S. court of appeals. Provides that the appellee shall not be liable for costs. Directs the Commission to make grants to the chief election official of any State which has an approved plan for establishing voter registration programs. Requires such grants to be made to enable and encourage States to computerize voter registration lists and to undertake alternative methods of voter registration. Authorizes the Commission to establish an advisory council of State and local election officials to advise States about voter registration systems. Requires the Commission to develop a formula for the allocation of funds to States and to allocate or reallocate such funds. Requires a State to submit a plan for voter registration to the Commission within two years of enactment of this Act. Requires the Commission to publish proposed regulations for an implementation plan, or portion thereof, for any State which fails to submit a plan or for any State plan determined not to meet the requirements under this Act. Establishes Federal enforcement procedures and penalties for violations of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1989
Pay Equity Technical Assistance Act - Directs the Secretary of Labor to develop and implement a continuing program of information dissemination, research, and technical assistance to public and private entities with respect to correction of wage-setting practices, and reduction or elimination of wage disparities, to the extent that they are based on the sex, race, or national origin of the employee, rather than on the work performed and other appropriate factors.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1989
Permanent Housing for Homeless Americans Act of 1989 - Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to provide FY 1990 and 1991 housing assistance for homeless or low-income individuals and families under the following programs: (1) section 8 assistance under the United States Housing Act of 1937; (2) section 8 moderate rehabilitation assistance under the United States Housing Act of 1937; (3) modernization of vacant public housing under the United States Housing Act of 1937; (4) rental rehabilitation under the United States Housing Act of 1937; and (5) funding for the rehabilitation of State and local government in rem properties under the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974. Requires an annual program report to the Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1989
Independent Defense Department Inspector General Act - Establishes the Office of the Defense Inspector General (Office) as an independent establishment within the executive branch. Provides that such office shall be headed by an Inspector General appointed by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Specifies that the Inspector General shall not report to, or be subject to supervision by, the Secretary of Defense. Provides that the Inspector General shall appoint an Assistant Inspector General for Auditing and an Assistant Inspector General for Investigations. Specifies the various duties and responsibilities of the Inspector General, including: (1) providing policy direction for, and conducting and supervising audits and investigations relating to, the programs and operations of the Department of Defense; and (2) being the principal adviser to the Secretary of Defense for matters relating to the prevention and detection of fraud, waste, and abuse in the programs and operations of the Department of Defense. Requires the Inspector General, in carrying out the duties and responsibilities established under this Act, to: (1) give regard to the activities of the Comptroller General with a view toward avoiding duplication and insuring coordination and cooperation; (2) report to the Attorney General whenever reasonable grounds exist to believe there has been a violation of criminal law; and (3) carry out such duties and responsibilities in a manner that avoids compromising or endangering the national security. Requires the Inspector General to prepare semiannual reports concerning the activities of the Office and to furnish such reports to the President, the Secretary of Defense, and the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives. Sets forth administrative provisions concerning: (1) the authorities of the Inspector General to have access to records and documents of the Department of Defense; (2) the obtaining of information and assistance from other Federal agencies; and (3) office space and equipment. Requires the Inspector General to report to the President, the Secretary of Defense, and the Armed Services Committees whenever any requested information or assistance is unreasonably refused. Authorizes the Inspector General to receive and investigate complaints or information from employees of the Department of Defense concerning violations of law, waste, mismanagement, or dangers to public health or safety. Prohibits the Inspector General from disclosing the identity of such an employee without the consent of the employee, unless the Inspector General determines such disclosure is unavoidable during the course of an investigation. Prohibits taking or threatening to take any action against any such employee as a reprisal for making a complaint or disclosing information to the Inspector General. Prohibits any person from serving as Inspector General if he or she has served as an officer of the armed forces or has been employed by a defense contractor during the five-year period prior to nomination. Prohibits any person who has served as Inspector General from accepting compensation from a defense contractor for a period of five years after leaving office. Sets forth similar rules for employees of the Office for periods of three years before and after employment with the Office. Terminates the Office of the Inspector General of the Department of Defense. Transfers all personnel, records, property and assets of such office to the Office established by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1989
Credit Repair Organizations Act - Amends the Consumer Credit Protection Act to prohibit any credit repair organization (any person who provides a service for the purpose of improving a consumer's credit record) from: (1) charging or receiving any money prior to the completion of its services (unless it has obtained a $50,000 surety bond); (2) charging or receiving money solely for the referral of a customer to a retailer if the credit which may be extended to the buyer is upon substantially the same terms as those available to the general public; (3) advising any client to make an untrue or misleading statement; or (4) using any untrue or misleading statement. Requires the organization to provide the consumer with a written disclosure statement which includes a description of: (1) the consumer's rights; (2) the services to be provided by the organization; and (3) the total amount the consumer will be charged. Sets forth contract requirements and the rights of the consumer with regard to cancellation of such contract. Subjects any organization which fails to comply with any provision of this Act to Federal civil liability. Provides for the administrative enforcement of this Act by the Federal Trade Commission, as provided in the Federal Trade Commission Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1989
Designates specified lands in Alaska as the Arctic Coastal Plain Wilderness and a component of the National Wilderness Preservation System.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1989
Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to remove the authority for certain Members of Congress to use excess campaign funds for personal purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1989
Federal Election Campaign Amendments of 1989 - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to provide for voluntary expenditure limitations and partial public financing for House of Representatives general elections. Sets forth eligibility requirements for public financing, including that a candidate: (1) has not and will not make expenditures or accept contributions in excess of specified limitations; (2) will deposit all payments in a separate checking account; (3) will furnish campaign records, evidence of contributions, and other appropriate information to the Federal Election Commission; and (4) will cooperate in any audit and examination conducted by the Commission. Requires eligible candidates to certify to the Commission that: (1) during the period beginning on January 1 of the calendar year preceding the year of a general election, such candidate and the authorized committees of the candidate have received contributions aggregating ten percent of the spending limitation; (2) 80 percent of such contributions have come from individuals residing in the candidate's State; and (3) at least one other candidate has qualified for the ballot. Makes special rules for special elections. Provides that a contribution may not be counted unless: (1) it is made on a written instrument identifying the person making the contribution; (2) it is not considered a contribution by an intermediary or conduit; (3) it is made by an individual and does not exceed the aggregate of $250; and (4) it was received after January 1 of the year preceding the election. Makes special rules for special elections. Prohibits candidates who receive payments from spending more than $40,000 from personal funds during the election cycle. Prohibits such candidates from spending more than $400,000 in the aggregate during the election cycle, or additional expenditures of not more than $150,000 in a primary runoff election. Declares that if independent expenditures which exceed $10,000 are made during an election cycle in opposition to an eligible candidate or for the opponent of a eligible candidate, the eligible candidate may make additional expenditures above the spending limit in an equal amount. Entitles eligible candidates to: (1) matching payments of up to 50 percent of the spending limit in amounts equal to contributions in amounts of $250 or less from individuals, not given through intermediaries or conduits; (2) additional payments when $10,000 or more of independent expenditures are made in the general election in opposition to, or on behalf of an opponent of, such candidate; (3) additional payments if any candidate in the general election receives contributions or makes expenditures in excess of limitations; and (4) reduced rates for mailings made during the general election period. Declares that payments to eligible candidates may only be used to defray expenditures incurred with respect to the general election period. Requires the Commission to certify the eligibility of a candidate to the Secretary of the Treasury for payments under this Act. Directs the Secretary to maintain the House of Representatives Election Campaign Account in the Presidential Election Campaign Fund to make payments of certified amounts. Requires the Commission, after each general election, to audit ten percent of the eligible candidates by random selection. Requires the Commission to audit each eligible candidate after a special election. Provides for candidates to repay the Commission for excess expenditures. Provides for judicial review of Commission actions by the United States District Court for the District of Columbia, and for the Commission to participate in judicial proceedings. Directs the Commission to report to the House of Representatives after each election setting forth: (1) expenditures made by the candidates and their authorized committees; (2) payments made by the Commission; (3) the amounts of any repayments; and (4) the balance in the Presidential Election Campaign Fund and any account maintained in such Fund. Authorizes appropriations. Requires each candidate to file a declaration with the Commission of whether or not such candidate intends to make expenditures in excess of limitations. Requires each candidate who is not an eligible candidate and who receives aggregate contributions or makes aggregate expenditures which would exceed the spending limits to report to the Commission within a specified time schedule. Directs the Commission to notify each eligible candidate about such report and certify to the Secretary any additional payments to which an eligible candidate is entitled. Authorizes the Commission to make its own determinations as to whether or not a candidate has exceeded spending limitations. Requires any person who makes independent expenditures in excess of $5,000 to report to the Commission within 24 hours after making them. Requires the Commission to notify each eligible candidate of such expenditures. Requires, when two or more persons make an independent expenditure in coordination, consultation, or concert with regard to a House election, that each person report to the Commission when such amount exceeds $5,000. Requires each political committee which maintains a separate account for activities in non-Federal elections to file with the Commission reports of funds received into and disbursements made from such account for activities which may influence an election to a Federal office. Describes such activities as: (1) voter registration and get-out-the-vote drives; (2) general public political advertising; and (3) any other activities which require an allocation of costs between a political committee's Federal and non-Federal accounts. Applies the limitations on expenditures by national party committees to general public political advertising which clearly identifies by name an individual who is, or is seeking nomination to be, a candidate in the general election for President, Senator, or Representative. Declares that such limitations do not apply to direct mail communications designed primarily for fundraising purposes which only make incidental reference to Federal candidates. Prohibits a candidate for the House from accepting any contribution from a nonparty multicandidate political committee with respect to an election cycle which exceeds $100,000 ($125,000 if at least two candidates qualify for the primary and the general election). Limits such contributions to $40,000 for any primary runoff election. Prohibits a candidate for Federal office from establishing, maintaining, or controlling a political committee, other than the candidate's authorized committees or a committee of a political party. Provides for the accountability of contributions made by intermediaries or conduits. Describes when an independent expenditure is not an independent expenditure if there is any type of arrangement, coordination, direction, advice, or counseling directly or indirectly between a candidate and the person making the expenditure. Requires, when independent expenditures are made for television broadcast communications, that a statement appear continuously during such broadcast showing the name of the person or committee making such expenditure. Requires any type of general public print communication paid for by independent expenditure to include such a statement, plus a statement that the cost of presenting such statement is not subject to contribution limits. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the amount an individual may designate to the Presidential Election Campaign Fund from $1 to $2 (and in the case of joint returns, from $2 to $4). Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require House candidates, in order to qualify for special broadcast rates, to be clearly identifiable during a substantial portion of the time of broadcast.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1989
Social Security Reorganization Act of 1989 - Title I: Establishment of the Social Security Administration - Amends title VII (Administration) of the Social Security Act to establish as an independent executive agency a Social Security Administration, headed by a Social Security Board. Provides that it shall be the duty of the Administration to administer the programs established by titles II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) and XVI (Supplemental Security Income) of the Social Security Act. Requires the Board to study and make recommendations as to the most effective methods of providing economic security through social insurance and as to legislation and matters of administrative policy. Establishes in the Administration: (1) a Commissioner of Social Security; (2) an Office of Hearings and Appeals, to be headed by a Chief Administrative Law Judge; (3) a Deputy Commissioner of Social Security; (4) a General Counsel; (5) a Chief Actuary; (6) an Office of Policy and Legislation, to be headed by a Director of Policy and Legislation; (7) an Inspector General; and (8) an Office of the Ombudsman, to be headed by a Social Security Ombudsman who shall represent the concerns of the public regarding the OASDI and SSI programs to the Commissioner, the Board, and the President, and conduct studies and surveys of the administrative effectiveness and program policy goals of the agency. Establishes a Citizens' Advisory Committee within the Office of the Ombudsman to prepare and transmit to the Congress a biennial report assessing the administration and objectives of the OASDI and SSI programs. Authorizes the Committee to request, and assist in the preparation of, ombudsman studies and surveys of the agency's administration of the OASDI and SSI programs. Requires the Board to make annual budgetary recommendations relating to the Administration. Requires that appropriations requests by the Administration for staffing and personnel be based upon a comprehensive workforce plan established by the Board. Provides for the apportionment of administrative costs. Requires the annual report of the Board to include a section reflecting the use of budget authority provided to the Administration. Requires that authority for automated data processing procurement and facilities construction be provided in the form of contract authority covering the total cost of such acquisitions. Makes amounts needed for the liquidation of contract authority so provided available from the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund to the extent that such amounts are not needed to meet current obligations for benefit payments. Requires the Board to cause a seal of office to be made and judicial notice taken thereof. Transfers to the Administration functions carried out by the Secretary of Health and Human Services with respect to the programs and activities to be carried out by the Administration under this Act. Abolishes the position of Commissioner of Social Security in the Department of Health and Human Services. Sets forth a beneficiary bill of rights under which: (1) all individuals are required to be treated fairly by the Board, the Commissioner, and the Secretary; (2) the Board, the Commissioner, and the Secretary are prohibited from discriminating on the basis of age, sex, race, creed, color, handicap, national origin, or economic condition; (3) the Commissioner and the Secretary should maintain prompt, professional, and effective service which is accessible and responsive to the community; (4) benefit payments are to be timely and proper; (5) a personal conference with an official or employee of the agency or Department of Health and Human Services is to be accorded to a beneficiary adversely affected by a determination of the Commissioner or the Secretary; and (6) a beneficiary is to receive, with respect to appealable administrative matters, a full, fair, and impartial evidentiary hearing before an administrative law judge. Sets forth effective date and transitional rule provisions. Title II: Conforming Amendments and Rules of Construction - Requires the Secretary and the Board to report to the Congress within 120 days after the beginning of each regular session on their administration under this Act. Requires the Secretary to study and make recommendations on the most effective methods of providing economic security and on the administrative policy for the programs. Directs the Board to appoint, quadrennially, an Advisory Council on the Old-Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance Program and an Advisory Council on Health and Supplementary Medical Insurance to review the relation of the trust funds supporting the OASDI program and the Medicare program and the long-term commitments of those programs. Requires each council to submit a report to the Board for transmittal to the Congress and the Board of Trustees of each trust fund. Title III: Management of the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund, the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund - Amends the OASDI and Medicare (title XVIII of the Act) programs to direct the Managing Trustees of the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund, Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund, and Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund (trust funds) to immediately invest that portion of the trust funds which is not required for current withdrawals. Requires the investment of amounts in the OASDI trust funds to be made in accordance with policies established by the Social Security Board. Prohibits the sale and redemption of trust fund assets or the expenditure of trust fund amounts for purposes other than those specified in titles II and XVIII of the Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1989
Amends the Internal Revenue Code with respect to the corporate income tax exclusion of contributions to the capital of the taxpayer. Includes as a qualifying contribution any amount of money or property received by a regulated public utility (a utility required to provide electric energy, gas, water, or sewage disposal services) that: (1) is a contribution in aid of construction (as defined by regulations to be promulgated by the Secretary of the Treasury); (2) meets certain expenditure requirements; and (3) is not included in the taxpayer's rate base. Excludes amounts paid as customer connection fees.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1989
Child and Family Development Act - Declares that the Congress affirms the right and responsibility of parents to participate in programs involving their children and that nothing in this Act shall be construed to authorize any public agency or private organization or its representative to intervene in any child-rearing decision of the parents. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to carry out a complete study and assessment of child care needs in the United States. Directs the Secretary to take specified factors into consideration and to complete such study and assessment, and transmit the results to the Congress, within 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act. Directs the Secretary to prepare and promulgate a comprehensive plan and program to provide services to meet the Nation's child care needs (including day care, education, health, and nutrition). Sets forth requirements for the plan and program. Directs the Secretary to promptly transmit the plan and program, with recommendations, to the Congress. Requires that a specified minimum period of time after transmittal to the Congress pass before the plan or program or later modifications by the Secretary become effective. Sets forth priorities in the distribution of child care funds by the plan and program. Prohibits the plan and program from affecting levels or sources of funding for the Head Start program and specified programs under the Social Security Act and the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. Requires that such plan and program provide for strengthened developmental programming for children and parent education and required certification of teachers under such Acts. Directs the Secretary to submit an annual report, with recommendations, to the Congress on the administration and operation of this Act and of the plan and program. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1989
Small Contribution Tax Credit Reform Act of 1989 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit an individual a nonrefundable income tax credit for up to $100 ($200 for joint returns) of contributions to congressional candidates. Disallows the credit if the contribution is transmitted through any intermediary group.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1989
Designates the week of November 5 through November 11, 1989, as National Women Veterans Recognition Week.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1989
Designates October 5, 1989, as Raoul Wallenberg Recognition Day.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1989
Authorizes and requests the President to designate May 1989 as Older Americans Month.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1989
Constitutional Amendment - Declares that equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or any State on account of sex.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1989
Designates the week beginning March 6, 1989, as Federal Employees Recognition Week.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1989
Title I: Housing and Urban Development - Makes supplemental FY 1989 appropriations for the following Department of Housing and Urban Development programs for the homeless: (1) assisted housing; (2) emergency shelter grants; (3) supportive housing demonstration projects; and (4) supplemental assistance for facilities to assist the homeless. Makes supplemental FY 1989 appropriations for: (1) the Federal Emergency Management Agency's emergency food and shelter program; and (2) the Department of Veterans Affairs medical care for homeless veterans program. Title II: Health and Human Services - Makes supplemental FY 1989 appropriations for the following Department of Health and Human Services programs for the homeless: (1) health services; (2) community mental health and mental health services demonstration projects; (3) alcohol and drug abuse treatment; and (4) emergency community services block grants.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1989
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that neither the President nor the Congress should impose import fees on the importation of crude oil or refined petroleum products.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1989
Establishes in the House of Representatives the Select Committee on Children, Youth, and Families to conduct a comprehensive study and review of the problems of children, youth, and families.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1989
Establishes in the House of Representatives the Select Committee on Narcotics Abuse and Control to conduct continuing oversight and review of the problems of narcotics, drug, and polydrug abuse and control.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1989
Authorizes and requests the President to designate the last Friday of April each year as National Arbor Day.
United States · United States Congress · 19 October 1988
Designates December 7, 1988, as National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 1988
Older Women's Cancer Prevention Act of 1988 - Amends part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to eliminate the cap on coverage of screening mammography.
United States · United States Congress · 30 September 1988
Amends the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972 to prohibit persons from dumping sewage sludge or industrial waste into the ocean without a permit. Prohibits all such dumping after 1992. Imposes dumping fees which increase with the approach of 1993. Requires that 85 percent of such fees be deposited in a trust account for the development of environmentally sound alternatives to ocean dumping or improvement in sewage sludge and industrial waste treatment and storage techniques. Pays the remainder of such fees to the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency for ocean dumping permit, enforcement, research, and monitoring activities. Conditions receipt of an ocean dumping permit upon the entering into of a compliance or enforcement agreement with the Administrator which includes a plan for the phasing-out and cessation of ocean dumping and the implementation of alternatives to such dumping. Waives dumping fees charged against persons who have entered into a compliance agreement. Imposes civil monetary penalties against persons who dump sewage sludge or industrial waste into the ocean after 1992. Requires that 90 percent of such penalties be paid into the trust accounts in 1993, with five percent reductions in such allotment for each succeeding year. Pays the remainder to the Administrator for the activities to which dumping fees are devoted. Sets forth reporting requirements. Requires that fees and penalties not needed for use by the Administrator for permit, enforcement, research, and monitoring activities be used for making capitalization grants to New York and New Jersey for the establishment of a revolving fund to assist specified water pollution control efforts under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. Directs the Administrator to issue orders requiring ocean dumpers to cease such dumping until they enter into a compliance or enforcement agreement and obtain a permit. Authorizes the Administrator to request the Attorney General to commence civil actions against persons who violate such orders or this Act's ocean dumping provisions. Prohibits persons from disposing of sewage sludge at any landfill located on Staten Island, New York. Requires that New York and New Jersey use at least 20 percent of their capitalization grant and contribution associated with such grant within six months of receipt of such grant to assist persons in developing and implementing environmentally sound alternatives to ocean dumping of sewage sludge and industrial waste. Directs the Administrator to report to the Congress, within six months of this Act's enactment, on ocean discharge guidelines established pursuant to the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. Requires the President, in submitting his budget for FY 1990, to include a schedule and an estimate of the resources needed for achieving compliance with such guidelines.
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 1988
Indoor Air Quality Act of 1988 - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish a national research, development, and demonstration program to assure the quality of indoor air, including coordinating and accelerating efforts related to the causes, detection, and correction of contaminated air. Requires such program to include information collection and dissemination, cooperative research, grants, studies, development of techniques, facility construction, and conferences. Requires that research focus on human health effects and the identification of types and levels of contaminants likely to cause harm, including the development of methodology and techniques for detection and control. Authorizes the Administrator to assist technology demonstration activities based on a technology's potential to cost-effectively control sources of contaminants which pose the greatest risk. Limits Federal funding to 75 percent of costs. Directs the Administrator to periodically publish general reports on the findings of such demonstration activities and provide such reports to the Indoor Air Clearinghouse. Requires the Administrator to publish and furnish the Indoor Air Clearinghouse with bulletins assessing technologies and management practices for the control and measurement of indoor air contaminants. Directs the Administrator to: (1) develop protocols for the measurement of radon gas in child care facilities; and (2) disseminate information concerning techniques for measuring and reducing radon levels in child care facilities and characteristics of child care facilities with high radon risks. Authorizes the Administrator to: (1) provide States with devices and the use of EPA laboratories for testing child care facilities for radon; and (2) undertake diagnostic and remedial efforts to reduce radon levels in nonresidential child care facilities. Requires the Administrator to conduct a study and report to the Congress within three years of this Act's enactment on the appropriateness, feasibility, and implications of considering human exposure to indoor air pollutants in developing ambient air quality standards and national emissions standards for hazardous air pollutants under the Clean Air Act. Directs the Administrator to conduct and report to the Congress within two years of this Act's enactment on a national assessment of the seriousness and extent of indoor air contamination in buildings owned by local educational agencies. Directs the Administrator to report to the Congress by the beginning of FY 1989 on activities conducted under this Act. Requires the Administrator to publish and biennially revise a list of contaminants known to occur in indoor air. Provides for additions to such list upon application of a State Governor. Requires the Administrator to publish advisory materials addressing the human health effects of listed contaminants which describe the properties, effects, risks, and concentrations of such contaminants. Directs the Indoor Air Panel of the EPA Science Advisory Board to assist in the listing and advisories. Requires that such advisories be updated every five years. Directs the Administrator to develop and publish a national indoor air quality response plan describing actions to be taken pursuant to existing statutory authority to reduce listed indoor air contaminants to safe levels. Requires that such plans include the dissemination of information, education programs, and the provision of technical assistance. Requires that the response plan identify the contaminant, the basis for the action, the nature of the response, the responsible Federal authority, the necessary financial resources, and situations where existing statutory authority or technology is inadequate to address contamination problems. Requires the Administrator of the General Services Administration (GSA) to prepare a response plan to reduce listed indoor air contaminants to safe levels in Federal buildings. Exempts certain Federal buildings for national security, demolition, or special use purposes. Requires response plans to be submitted to the Congress on a biennial basis. Directs the GSA to reserve 0.5 percent of funds appropriated for the construction of new Federal buildings for the design and construction of air contaminant reduction measures and report upon the completion of each Federal building on the use made of reserved funds. Requires that any new EPA headquarters be designed and operated as a model to demonstrate principles and practices for the protection of indoor air quality. Authorizes grants to States for the development of management strategies and indoor air quality assessment and response programs similar to those of the Federal program. Directs the Administrator to establish an Office of Indoor Air Quality within EPA's Office of Air and Radiation to implement agency responsibilities under this Act. Establishes a Council on Indoor Air Quality to coordinate Federal activities and advise the President. Requires the Council to report to the Congress on a biennial basis. Directs the Administrator and the Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), within six months of this Act's enactment, to define their respective responsibilities and planned actions to address radon hazards. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress on actions taken to implement such MOU within two years of this Act's enactment. Directs the Administrator to establish a national indoor air quality clearinghouse which shall operate a toll-free line on indoor air quality. Requires the Director of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health to implement a Building Assessment Demonstration Program to support the development of methods for assessing indoor air contamination in non-residential, non-industrial buildings and to provide building owners and occupants with assistance and guidance in reducing indoor air contamination. Authorizes building owners or occupants, or representatives of employees working in a building, to submit building assessment proposals which shall be selected or denied on the basis of specified considerations, including the apparent seriousness and extent of building air contamination. Sets forth reporting requirements. Directs the Administrator to make grants to institutions of higher learning to establish and operate five regional radon training centers to provide instruction on radon diagnosis and mitigation and disseminate information on radon. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1989 through 1993.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 1988
Designates October 5, 1988, as Raoul Wallenberg Recognition Day.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 1988
Designates October 30, 1988, as Fire Safety at Home Day: Change Your Clock, Change Your Battery.
United States · United States Congress · 20 September 1988
Requires the Secretary of the Interior to enter into an agreement to permit New Jersey to construct the James J. Howard Marine Sciences Laboratory in the area known as "Officers Row" within the Sandy Hook Unit of the Gateway National Recreation Area.
United States · United States Congress · 16 September 1988
Immigration Nursing Relief Act of 1988 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to grant special immigrant status to an immigrant (and accompanying spouse and children): (1) who entered the United States before January 1, 1988, as a nonimmigrant to perform services as a registered nurse; (2) who is working in such capacity with a valid visa as of the date of enactment of this Act; and (3) with respect to whom a labor certification has been filed prior to the granting of special immigrant status. Sets forth the following conditions for admission of nonimmigrant nurses during the five-year period beginning on April 1, 1989: (1) a professional nursing license from the country where the alien studied nursing or a degree from a U.S. or Canadian nursing school; (2) completion of an appropriate examination or possession of a license in the State of intended employment; (3) such alien's employment will not adversely affect wages and working conditions of similarly employed nurses; (4) a substantial disruption of the hiring health facility's services will occur without the services of such alien; (5) the facility has taken steps toward recruitment and retention of U.S. citizens or immigrant nurses; and (6) there is no ongoing labor dispute or related activity at such facility. Provides for an initial admission period of up to three years, with extensions up to a five-year total (six years under extraordinary circumstances). Directs the Secretary of Labor to provide for the appointment by April 1, 1990, of an advisory group to advise the Secretary: (1) concerning the impact of this Act on the nursing shortage; (2) regarding programs to recruit U.S. citizens or immigrant nurses; and (3) regarding the advisability of extending the provisions of this Act beyond April 1, 1994. Directs the Secretary to conduct a study and report to the Congress by April 1, 1991, regarding the amendments made by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 14 September 1988
Designates November 4 through November 10, 1988, as the Week of Remembrance of Kristallnacht (the Night of Broken Glass).
United States · United States Congress · 9 September 1988
Recognizes the 100th anniversary of the Loyal Order of Moose and commends the accomplishments of its members in providing service in the spirit of voluntarism.
United States · United States Congress · 10 August 1988
Degradable Plastics Act of 1988 - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to issue rules, within two years of this Act's enactment, requiring that plastic articles which are produced, distributed, or sold in a State be made of naturally degradable material which will begin reduction to environmentally benign subunits within a specified period of time after being discarded that is not to exceed 180 days and complete such reduction within a specified period of time that is not to exceed two years. Provides that this Act does not preclude States or localities from adopting more stringent rules. Imposes civil and criminal penalties against persons who violate such rules. Requires producers of plastic articles to make records regarding the development and production of such articles available to the Administrator for inspection and copying. Makes the rules issued pursuant to this Act inapplicable to any plastic article produced before the end of the five-year period beginning after the issuance of such rules.