United States · United States Congress · 23 September 1988
Amends Federal bankruptcy provisions relating to the adjustment of debts of a municipality to revise rules relating to the treatment of special revenue bonds. Treats as an administrative expense any claim against a debtor municipality if the debtor provides adequate protection of the interest of the holder of a claim secured by a lien on property of the debtor and if the creditor has a claim from a stay of action against such property. Specifies that the filing of a bankruptcy petition does not operate as a stay of application of pledged special revenues to payment of indebtedness secured by such revenues. Specifies that the transfer of property of the debtor to or for the benefit of any holder of a bond or note, on account of such bond or note, may not be avoided. Provides that the holder of a claim payable solely from special revenues of a municipality under applicable nonbankruptcy law shall not be treated as having recourse against the debtor as an unsecured creditor. Provides that special revenues acquired by the debtor after the commencement of the case shall remain subject to any lien resulting from any security agreement entered into by the debtor before the commencement of the case. Specifies that any such lien on special revenues derived from a project or system shall be subject to the necessary operating expenses of such project or system. Specifies that a lease to a municipality shall not be treated as an executory contract or unexpired lease by reason of its being subject to termination in the event the debtor fails to appropriate rent.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 1988
Sanctions Against Iraqi Chemical Weapons Use Act - Sets forth congressional findings concerning Iraq's use of chemical weapons and the treatment of the Kurdish people in Iraq. Prohibits: (1) the sale to Iraq of any license for the export to Iraq of any item on the U.S. Munitions list; (2) the issuance of any license for the export to Iraq of any item on the U.S. Munitions list; (3) the export to Iraq of any goods or technology on the Export Administration Act control list; and (4) the issuance of licenses for the export to Iraq of any chemical that the President determines may be used primarily in the production of chemical weapons or devoted to chemical warfare purposes. Requires the President to impose additional sanctions against Iraq, unless he certifies to the Congress that: (1) Iraq is not using chemical weapons in violation of international law; (2) Iraq has provided reliable assurances that it will not use chemical weapons in the future; and (3) Iraq is willing to allow on-site inspections by the United Nations or other impartial observers, or other reliable means exist to ensure that Iraq is not using chemical weapons. Authorizes the following additional sanctions: (1) prohibiting or restricting the importation of oil, petroleum products, or other goods from Iraq; (2) prohibiting or restricting the export to Iraq of agricultural commodities and other goods and technology under authority of the Export Administration Act; (3) denying Government credits, guarantees of credits, and other assistance to Iraq; (4) opposing any loan or financial or technical assistance to Iraq by international financial institutions; or (5) downgrading or suspending diplomatic relations with Iraq. Specifies that contract sanctity shall apply for contracts signed before September 15, 1988. Requires the President to report to the Congress periodically on any such actions taken. Allows the President to lift any sanctions imposed pursuant to this Act if the President determines and certifies to the Congress that Iraq: (1) is not using chemical weapons; (2) has provided reliable assurances that it will not use chemical weapons in the future; and (3) is willing to allow on-site inspections by the United Nations or other impartial observers, or other means exist to ensure that Iraq is not using chemical weapons. Urges Turkey to cooperate with any United Nations or other appropriate investigation of Iraqi use of chemical weapons. Commends Turkey for its humanitarian decision to accept Kurdish refugees. Calls upon the President to: (1) bring before the United Nations the matter of Iraq's use of poison gas against its own nationals; and (2) demand that appropriate and effective measures be taken against Iraq for its repeated use of chemical weapons. Calls upon the President to seek multinational cooperation in: (1) imposing sanctions and otherwise bringing pressure on Iraq in order to obtain a cessation of Iraq's use of chemical weapons; and (2) obtaining Iraqi respect for the internationally recognized human rights of the Kurdish minority in Iraq. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the United States should cooperate with and participate in multilateral efforts to assist Kurdish refugees who are in need of medical treatment and other humanitarian aid. States that it is the policy of the United States to prohibit the export of goods and technology to Iraq that would significantly contribute to its military potential. Urges the President to review any proposed export to Iraq of goods or technology valued at over $50,000,000.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 1988
Defense Consultant Registration and Reform Act of 1988 - Prohibits defense agencies from awarding a contract for advisory and assistance services to any consultant unless: (1) such consultant complies with the registration requirements of this Act; and (2) the contracting officer has reviewed the registration information and determined that such consultant does not have a conflict of interest that could be prejudicial to the United States. Prohibits defense agencies from awarding a contract to any person submitting a bid to such agencies unless such person certifies that each consultant that has assisted in the preparation of such bid has complied with the registration requirements of this Act. Requires each consultant who has submitted a bid or who has been retained in connection with the preparation of a bid for a Department of Defense (DOD) contract to register with the DOD Office of Standards of Conduct. Requires such consultants to update the registered information upon submitting a bid or being retained for the preparation of a bid for another DOD contract. Sets forth the information to be included in the registration. Directs the DOD Inspector General to monitor the compliance of consultants with the registration requirements of this Act and to report annually to the House and Senate Committees on Armed Services on the extent of such compliance. Provides that any consultant who intentionally fails to comply with such registration requirements shall be subject to suspension and debarment proceedings. Provides that this Act shall not apply to contracts which, as determined by the Secretary of Defense, involve: (1) sensitive foreign intelligence or counterintelligence activities; (2) sensitive law enforcement investigations; or (3) special access programs.
United States · United States Congress · 14 September 1988
Congratulates Israel and Egypt for a decade of peace based upon the Camp David accords. Calls upon other Arab states and Palestinians to join in the peace process, renounce the state of war and acts of violence, and enter into direct negotiations with Israel to achieve a lasting peace.
United States · United States Congress · 11 August 1988
Health Waste Anti-Dumping Act of 1988 - Amends the Federal criminal code to establish criminal penalties for knowingly and without lawful authority dumping any health care facility waste: (1) upon the high seas or any waters within the admiralty and maritime jurisdiction of the United States; or (2) in any other place within the United States if interstate or foreign commerce is affected. Provides for forfeiture of property of violators. Includes wastes of veterinary services and laboratory services under the prohibition.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1988
Information Dissemination and Research Accountability Act - Establishes in the National Library of Medicine a National Center for Research Accountability to assist in eliminating duplication of effort in Federal research proposals involving live animals. Directs the President to appoint as members of the Center 20 experts in the biomedical information sciences who are currently employed by a Federal agency in a capacity that qualifies them to make determinations as to whether research proposals involving live animals are duplicative of other research efforts. Sets forth provisions for a Director of the Center. Prohibits Federal agencies from carrying out or funding any research proposal involving live animals unless the proposal is submitted to the Center following agency approval. Prohibits Federal funding of any proposal the Center determines would duplicate other research completed or in process. Authorizes the Center to contract with private entities to assist in conducting comprehensive full-text literature searches. Directs the President to establish rules to preclude any conflict of interest in the awarding of these contracts. Directs the Center to report annually to the President and the Congress. Provides for modernization of biomedical information storage and dissemination by the National Library of Medicine. Directs the Library to: (1) acquire, in full-text form, all biomedical information owned or available for use by Federal agencies (except information already in the Library or classified for national security reasons); (2) transcribe and store in full-text all such information acquired by the Library after January 1, 1960; (3) make available to medical libraries, through modern technologies, all full-text biomedical information in its collection; (4) support, by grants and contracts, the creation of new information for teaching and demonstrations, including audiovisual aids and computer graphics technologies; (5) make available such new information to research and teaching institutions, at cost; and (6) increase the number of persons trained in modern methods of biomedical information storage and dissemination technologies by making available stipends, awards, and grants to persons engaged in such training. Provides that the cost to those requesting biomedical or teaching and demonstration information shall include the Federal expenses incurred in acquiring and making it available. Authorizes the Library to award contracts to the private-sector data recording industry to improve: (1) the development of technologies for storage and dissemination of full-text biomedical information; and (2) dissemination of such information to medical libraries for research use. Requires the Library to report annually to the Congress on its progress. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1988
Designates July 27, 1989, as National Korean War Veterans Recognition Day and expresses the gratitude of the Congress and the Nation for the contributions made by the Korean War veterans.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1988
Expresses the sense of the Congress that India should allow Sikhs full access to the Golden Temple and remove all military presence from the shrine. Urges the Government of India to use restraint in resolving the dispute with the Sikh people in the Punjab. Calls for a political solution to restore home rule in the Punjab, with religious freedom and human rights guarantees.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 1988
Condemns the Romanian Government's systematic violation of human rights. Protests the planned program of destruction of traditional settlements in violation of human rights, minority cultural rights, and property rights. Urges institutional reforms by the Romanian Government to comply with international agreements, including the Helsinki Final Act of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Urges continued presidential and Secretary of State action to bring about reforms. Urges the President not to consider providing any special benefit for Romania until a thorough human rights reform is instituted, including substantial actual improvement in the right of emigration, the rights of national minorities, and freedom of religion.
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 1988
Independent Procurement Corps Act of 1988 - Title I: Independent Procurement Corps - Establishes as an agency in the executive branch the Independent Procurement Corps, to be headed by a Director appointed by the President. Outlines provisions concerning requirements for staffing, education, training, and pay. Outlines duties of the Corps, including the following: (1) receiving information, analysis, and advice from officers of the armed forces with regard to the need and justification for major defense systems; (2) consulting with such officers about such need and justification but having the final authority over which systems are to be researched, developed, and produced; (3) carrying out functions and relevant acquisition regulations of the Department of Defense (DOD) relating to the research, development, and production of major systems; (4) operating as the sole negotiator with representatives of the private sector doing business with DOD; and (5) determining funding priorities and submitting to the President each fiscal year an appropriations request reflecting those priorities. Provides Corps personnel limitations, prohibiting a person from serving as Director if such person has been employed by a defense contractor or has served as an officer of the armed forces during the five years preceding nomination as Director. Prohibits a former Director from accepting compensation for five years after leaving office from any company under contract with DOD during the period such person served as Director. Provides similar three-year limitations for staff members of the Corps. Requires the Director to submit to the President, the Congress, and the Secretary of Defense annual reports on the activities of the Corps. Provides that the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition shall be the chief liaison between DOD and the Corps for purposes of communicating the views of the Department on acquisition matters relating to major systems. Terminates certain duties of the Under Secretary that are transferred to the Corps under this Act. Title II: Inspector General for Defense Procurement - Establishes the Office of the Inspector General for Defense Procurement as an independent office in the executive branch. Places at the head of the Office an Inspector General for Defense Procurement, to be appointed by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate and removable from office by the President. Requires the Inspector General to appoint: (1) an Assistant Inspector General for Auditing, who shall be responsible for auditing the programs and operations of the Independent Procurement Corps; and (2) an Assistant Inspector General for Investigations, who shall be responsible for supervising the performance of investigative activities relating to such programs and operations. Outlines the duties and responsibilities of the Inspector General, including: (1) to conduct audits and investigations relating to the programs and operations of the Corps; (2) to review existing and proposed legislation and regulations relating to such programs and to make recommendations to improve the economy and efficiency of such programs and operations; (3) to provide and recommend policy for such programs and operations; (4) to recommend policies for the Corps and other Federal agencies and other entities with respect to the improvement of such programs and operations and the prevention and detection of fraud or abuse in such programs; (5) to keep the President, the Secretary of Defense, the Director of the Corps, and the Congress informed concerning fraud and other serious problems and deficiencies relating to the administration of programs and operations of the Corps, to recommend solutions to such problems, and to report on progress made in implementing such corrective action; (6) to investigate fraud, waste, and abuse uncovered as a result of audits; (7) to develop policy, monitor performance, and provide guidance with respect to all Corps activities relating to criminal investigation programs; (8) to monitor and evaluate the adherence of Corps auditors to proper audit review principles, policy, and procedure; and (9) to develop policy, evaluate performance, and monitor actions taken by the Corps in response to contract audits, reviews, and audits conducted by the Comptroller General of the United States. Requires the Inspector General to coordinate all activities required under this Act with the Comptroller General. Directs the Inspector General to report to the Attorney General whenever he or she has reasonable grounds to believe there has been a violation of Federal criminal law (and to the Secretary of the military department concerned, for alleged violations of the Uniform Code of Military Justice). Requires the Inspector General to ensure that his or her duties are carried out in a manner that avoids compromising or endangering the national security. Directs the Inspector General to submit semiannual activity reports to the President, the Secretary of Defense, the Director of the Corps, and the Senate and House Armed Services Committees (the defense committees) and to make such reports public. Requires the Inspector General to report immediately to such entities whenever he or she becomes aware of particularly serious or flagrant problems, abuses, or deficiencies relating to the administration of programs and operations of the Corps. Limits disclosure of such information to the public. Outlines other administrative and procedural powers granted to the Inspector General in carrying out this Act (such as the authority to have access to records and information, to issue subpoenas to summon witnesses, and to select and employ such officers and employees as necessary). Requires the Director, Corps personnel, the military departments, the defense agencies, and the Secretary to furnish the Inspector General such information and assistance as requested as part of an investigation, audit, or inspection under the provisions of this Act. Directs the Inspector General to report to the President, the Secretary, the Director, and the defense committees whenever information is refused or not provided. Directs the Administrator of General Services to provide the Office with all appropriate space and support. Authorizes the Inspector General to receive and investigate complaints or information from an employee of the Corps concerning violations of law, mismanagement of funds, waste, abuse, or substantial and specific danger to the public health and safety. Prohibits the Inspector General from disclosing the identity of any such employee, unless such disclosure is unavoidable during the course of the investigation. Prohibits reprisals against any employee for making a complaint or disclosing information to the Inspector General. Provides personnel limitations for the Office, prohibiting a person from serving as Inspector General if such person has been employed by a defense contractor or was a member of the armed forces during the five years preceding nomination as Inspector General. Prohibits a former Inspector General from accepting compensation for five years after serving in such position from any company under contract with DOD during the period such person served as Inspector General. Provides similar three-year limitations for employees of the Office. Prohibits any member of the armed forces, active or reserve, from being appointed to the Office under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 1988
Expresses U.S. support for the restoration of full and genuine democracy in Chile. Condemns Chilean violence. Urges the Chilean Government to create a climate of freedom and fair competition before the upcoming plebiscite by guaranteeing termination of states of exception, registration of voters, access to the media, freedom of assembly, access by international visitors to polling places, and the public tabulation of ballots.
United States · United States Congress · 7 July 1988
Makes the legal defense of discretionary function provided under specified Federal law and the legal doctrine of foreseeability of damages inapplicable to any legal or administrative proceeding for damages arising out of U.S. violation of occupational safety or health standards or U.S. negligence at any workplace owned or operated by or under contract with the United States. Prohibits the foreseeability doctrine from being used to limit the amount or kind of damages otherwise available to the plaintiff. Establishes a National Registry of Government Litigants, within the U.S. Claims Court, to collect and maintain data regarding claims against the United States predicated (in whole or in part) upon U.S. violation of safety and health standards. Allows any person seeking damages from the United States on the basis (in whole or part) of harm resulting from U.S. violation of safety and health standards to file a notice of such fact with the U.S. Claims Court, within 30 days after commencement of such action (whether administrative or judicial in character). Directs the chief judge of the U.S. Claims Court to report annually to the Congress on the number of, and relevant facts and common characteristics underlying, such notices filed within the Registry.
United States · United States Congress · 7 July 1988
Amends the Great Lakes Shoreline Mapping Act of 1987 to authorize appropriations for FY 1989 instead of FY 1988 for preparing maps of the shoreline of the Great Lakes.
United States · United States Congress · 6 July 1988
Urges the Government of Singapore to: (1) release all political prisoners; (2) respect the rights of lawyers; (3) investigate mistreatment of political detainees; and (4) respect the rights of Singaporeans to openly criticize Government policies and speak freely with representatives of human rights organizations, foreign diplomats, and the media. Commends the State Department and the U.S. Embassy in Singapore for monitoring human rights in Singapore. Calls upon the Secretary of State to: (1) urge the Singaporean Government to release persons imprisoned without trial for the peaceful expression of their beliefs; and (2) communicate to the Government of Singapore that contacts between Singaporean citizens and U.S. Embassy officials are an essential aspect of U.S. foreign policy.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 1988
Amends the International Claims Settlement Act of 1949 to provide for the vesting in such officer or agency as the President may designate of a portion of Vietnamese property (other than property of private persons) in which transactions were prohibited as of April 30, 1975, under specified regulations. Requires that the property vested shall be a portion of property which, when liquidated, will render: (1) an amount necessary to pay all certified awards made by the Foreign Claims Settlement Commission of the United States for claims against Vietnam; and (2) an amount equal to five percent of the total of such certified awards to pay the costs of the Commission and the Department of the Treasury. Requires the designee of the President to liquidate the vested property as expeditiously as possible. Requires that the proceeds from such liquidation be covered over into the Claims Fund established for Vietnamese claims. Provides that upon full payment of such certified awards, the United States shall succeed to all of the rights against Vietnam which form the basis of such awards. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to require the recipients of such awards to provide release to the U.S. Government of all claims against the U.S. Government or Vietnam arising from the expropriations that are the basis of such awards. Directs the Secretary of State, in developing the U.S. position for balancing of claims in future negotiations with Vietnam, to give full credit to Vietnam upon the establishment of formal diplomatic relations between Vietnam and the United States for the property vested under the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 1988
Department of Defense Acquisition Reorganization Act of 1988 - Establishes within the Department of Defense a Defense Acquisition Agency. Provides that the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition shall be the head of such Agency. Specifies that the Agency shall be responsible for all functions of the Department of Defense (including the military departments) relating to acquisition of property and services (including construction). Terminates the procurement authority of the Secretary of the Army, the Secretary of the Navy, and the Secretary of the Air Force. Establishes in the Department of Defense a Defense Acquisition Corps (DAC) to be headed by the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition. Requires the Secretary to make appointments to the DAC from the best-qualified civilian applicants and military personnel. Directs the Secretary to establish by regulation a personnel system for civilian personnel within the DAC. Outlines information to be included in such regulations. Allows the Secretary to exempt civilian personnel of the DAC from any otherwise applicable competitive service requirements. Authorizes the Secretary to establish by regulation a merit pay system for such members of the DAC as the Secretary deems appropriate. Provides for the assignment of members of the DAC. Requires the Secretary, not later than one year after the enactment of this Act, to: (1) review existing acquisition-related positions in the military departments to determine which positions should be included in the DAC; and (2) make appointments to such positions. Directs the Secretary of Defense to review each major defense acquisition program before such program proceeds into the stages of: (1) initial research and development; (2) full-scale development; and (3) production. Sets forth evaluations to be included in each review. Prohibits the Secretary or the Secretary of a military department from obligating or expending funds with respect to a stage of a major defense acquisition program unless the Secretary of Defense approves such program at the beginning of such stage. Directs the Secretary of Defense to establish and operate a Defense Acquisition University which includes all existing acquisition-related defense schools.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 1988
Amends the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) to require a showing of proof by a preponderance of the evidence for a U.S. district court to issue orders to prevent and restrain violations of prohibited racketeering activities. Revises the civil action requirements for persons aggrieved by RICO violations. Permits governments as well as persons to bring such an action. Provides for the recovery of treble damages upon proof by a preponderance of the evidence: (1) where a government entity has been injured as a result of such violations; or (2) for persons injured by such violations, if a criminal conviction of the defendant is obtained. Allows a person aggrieved by a RICO violation to recover, upon proof by a preponderance of the evidence, punitive damages under certain circumstances. Lists factors to be considered in determining the amount of punitive damages, including: (1) the degree of culpability of the defendant; (2) any history of similar conduct by the defendant; and (3) the number of persons victimized. Provides for the recovery of punitive damages, upon proof by a preponderance of the evidence, for persons who suffer bodily injury as a result of a RICO violation that includes a crime of violence as a predicate act. Sets a statute of limitations for such actions of: (1) four years after the cause of action accrues; (2) four years after the conduct causing the injury terminates; (3) two years after the date of the criminal conviction (required for a treble damage cause of action); or (4) six years after the cause of action accrues if such action is brought by a specified official for the Federal Government or a State or local government. Provides an affirmative defense where the defendant acted in good faith and in reliance upon an official, directly applicable regulatory action, approval, or interpretation of law by an authorized Federal or State agency in writing or by operation of law. Provides that an action under this Act shall not abate on the death of the plaintiff or defendant and shall be enforceable against a receiver in bankruptcy. States that in a civil action which does not allege a crime of violence as a predicate act: (1) the term "racketeer" shall not be used in referring to any party; (2) "racketeering activity" shall be referred to as "unlawful activity"; and (3) "pattern of racketeering activity" shall be referred to as "pattern of unlawful activity." Describes offenses which are predicate acts constituting crimes of violence for purposes of a civil action alleging such crime. Amends the criminal penalties section of the RICO statute to provide for life imprisonment if the violation of such statute is predicated on an offense for which the maximum penalty includes life in prison. Sets forth additional predicate offenses. Provides for universal service of process. States that nothing in RICO shall be construed to confer jurisdiction on a State or local unit of government.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1988
Anti-Drug Abuse Amendments Act of 1988 - Title I: Chemical Diversion and Trafficking, Clandestine Laboratories and Manufacturing of Controlled Substances - Subtitle A: Chemical Diversion and Trafficking - Chemical Diversion and Trafficking Act of 1988 - Amends the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) to establish recordkeeping and reporting requirements for persons who manufacture, distribute, import, or export a listed precursor or essential chemical. Prohibits transactions involving these items unless the recipient provides both a certificate of lawful use and proper identification. Requires the Attorney General to report annually, not later than December 31, on the number and types of these certificates during the preceding fiscal year, along with an analysis of the law enforcement effectiveness of their issuance. Includes confidentiality provisions with respect to records, authorizing an aggrieved person to bring a civil action against violators. Authorizes the Attorney General to prescribe necessary regulations to govern reporting and recordkeeping. Lists criteria to be met by any such regulations, including a one-year limitation on any regulation's effectiveness. Amends the Controlled Substances Import and Export Act to require importers and exporters of listed chemicals to notify the Attorney General of importations or exportations within 15 days before the transaction in question. Provides for exceptions with respect to transactions with regular business customers of the regulated person, if the relationship is reported to the Attorney General. Authorizes the Attorney General to order the suspension of a transaction. Requires written notice justifying such an order. Entitles the affected regulated person to a hearing, if requested. Imposes criminal penalties upon persons who knowingly or intentionally import or export a listed chemical with intent to manufacture a controlled substance or with reasonable cause to believe that the chemical will be used for such a purpose. Applies civil penalties to persons who fail to meet notification requirements, unless the failure is intentional, in which case criminal penalties apply. Lists the precursor chemicals and essential chemicals regulated under this Act. Describes transactions exempted from reporting and recordkeeping requirements, including certain lawful distributions in the usual course of business between agents or employees of a single regulated person and transactions involving listed chemicals contained in a drug lawfully marketable under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Amends the Controlled Substances Act to apply criminal penalties to persons who knowingly or intentionally: (1) possess a listed chemical with intent to manufacture a controlled substance; (2) possess or distribute a chemical having reasonable cause to believe that it will be used for such a purpose; (3) distribute a listed chemical unlawfully; or (4) possess listed chemicals with knowledge that recordkeeping or reporting requirements have not been met and fail to remedy the violation. Authorizes as an additional penalty an injunction preventing any person convicted of a felony violation of controlled substances laws regarding listed chemicals from engaging in any regulated transaction involving a listed chemical for up to ten years. Amends sections of the Controlled Substances Act that describe prohibited acts and penalties to account expressly for new violations instituted in this subtitle. Grants the Attorney General subpoena power with respect to precursor and essential chemicals. Subjects all listed precursor and essential chemicals, drug manufacturing equipment, tableting and encapsulating machines, and gelatin capsules that have been imported, exported, manufactured, possessed, or distributed in violation of such Act (as well as all conveyances and equipment) to forfeiture to the United States. Subtitle B: Task Force on Clandestine Drug Laboratories - Joint Federal Task Force on Clandestine Drug Laboratories Establishment Act of 1988 - Establishes the Joint Federal Task Force on Clandestine Drug Laboratories to implement a program for the cleanup and disposal of hazardous wastes produced by clandestine drug laboratories. Directs the Task Force to transmit reports to the President and to each House of the Congress on the program and its progress. Subtitle C: Criminal Penalty for Endangering Human Life While Manufacturing a Controlled Substance - Amends the CSA to establish crminal penalties for creating a substantial risk of harm to human life while manufacturing (or attempting to manufacture) a controlled substance, except as authorized by such Act. Title II: Asset Forfeiture Amendments - Asset Forfeiture Amendments Act of 1988 - Amends the Federal judicial code to require annual Comptroller General audits of the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund. Directs the Attorney General to deposit in the Treasury at the end of each fiscal year up to $5,000,000 of Fund amounts in excess of its obligations. Repeals provisions authorizing transfers of excess Fund monies to the Building and Facilities Account of the Federal Prison System. Authorizes the Attorney General to exempt certain contract services from specified advertising and procurement requirements if necessary to maintain the security and confidentiality of an investigation. Decreases the percentage of program related use required in connection with automatic data processing equipment purchased or leased with Fund monies. Amends the Controlled Substances Act to exempt conveyances from forfeiture for drug abuse violations, to the extent of the interest of an owner who did not know of or consent to the relevant unlawful act or omission. Directs the Attorney General to assure that equitable sharing principles are applied with respect to property transferred to a State or local law enforcement agency that participated directly in the seizure or forfeiture. Instructs the Attorney General and the Secretary of the Treasury to develop and maintain a joint plan to coordinate and consolidate post-seizure administration of property seized under controlled substances laws. Sets forth procedures governing the seizure, return, and civil forfeiture of property under the CSA. Title III: State and Local Assistance - State and Local Law Enforcement Assistance Act of 1988 - Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to earmark five percent of funds appropriated to the Bureau of Justice Statistics for grants to States and to local governments to improve the accuracy and completeness of criminal history information. Transfers responsibility for the appointment of the Director of the Bureau of Justice Assistance (Bureau) from the Attorney General to the President, requiring the advice and consent of the Senate. Authorizes the Bureau to make grants to States for the purpose of developing and implementing antiterrorism plans for deep draft ports, international airports, and other facilities. Revises application requirements for drug law enforcement grants to States to require certification that the State is undertaking specified types of activities to reduce the demand for controlled substances. Adds provisions to: (1) govern State distribution of funds to local governments under formula grants for drug law enforcement programs; and (2) permit local governments to apply directly to the Bureau Director for grants. Describes application procedures, the review process, allocation and distribution criteria, and recordkeeping and reporting requirements in connection with these grants. Decreases the Federal percentage of expenditures under the grants. Revises the allocation of funds for discretionary grants to public agencies and private nonprofit organizations for drug law enforcement programs. Authorizes discretionary grants to States and local governments for a special discretionary fund to finance drug law enforcement officer incentives, training, and recruitment programs. Earmarks amounts for these grants. Authorizes FY 1989 through 1992 appropriations for the Bureau of Justice Statistics, the National Institute of Justice, the Bureau of Justice Assistance, and for grants to States and local governments for criminal justice facility construction under a pilot program. Increases the FY 1989 authorization for grants to States and local governments for drug law enforcement programs and authorizes FY 1990 through 1992 appropriations for such grants. Includes programs for alcohol-dependent offenders and provision of automated fingerprint identification systems among activities authorized under the block grant program of the Bureau of Justice Assistance. Title IV: Drug Enforcement Enhancement Act of 1988 - Drug Enforcement Enhancement Act of 1988 - Authorizes appropriations to DOJ for the Drug Enforcement Administration for FY 1988 and 1989 and for Organized Crime Drug Enforcement and the Immigration and Naturalization Service for FY 1989. Title V: Common Carrier Operation Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs - Presumes an individual operating a common carrier to be under the influence of alcohol with a blood content of or above .10 percent. Title VI: Money Laundering - Money Laundering Prosecution Improvements Act of 1988 - Amends the Federal criminal code to authorize expressly the Internal Revenue Service and the U.S. Postal Service to investigate certain violations concerning the laundering of monetary instruments and monetary transactions in property derived from various unlawful activities. Excludes monetary transactions involving bona fide attorney fees from consideration as unlawful activity for particular racketeering law purposes. Revises the definition of "monetary instrument" for money laundering purposes. Establishes criminal penalties for knowingly conducting or attempting to conduct a financial transaction involving proceeds of specified unlawful activity with intent either to evade or defeat tax or to make fraudulent and false statements. Amends the Right to Financial Privacy Act of 1978 to permit the transfer of financial records from an agency to the Attorney General upon certification by an agency official that the records are relevant to a violation of Federal criminal law. Permits use of such records for criminal investigative or prosecutional purposes only. Title VII: Drug Czar - Establishes in the Executive Office of the President the Office of Anti-Drug Operations and Policy. Requires the Director of the Office to serve as the principal director and coordinator of U.S. operations and policy on drug control and abuse. Requires the Director to submit to the Congress at specified intervals a National and International Drug Control Strategy, including a complete list of goals and priorities, and an assessment of how budget priorities reflect and implement such strategy. Terminates the National Drug Enforcement Policy Board 90 days after the appointment of the Director. Provides for the transfer of all records and property of the Board to the Office. Repeals certain provisions of the Comprehensive Crime Control Act of 1984 and the Drug Abuse Prevention, Treatment, and Rehabilitation Act. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1989. Provides for a coordinated budget submission for Federal drug control and enforcement agencies. Title VIII: Postal Inspection Service Drug Enforcement Authority - Amends the Federal criminal code to permit certain Postal Service personnel to carry firearms and make seizures of property under specified circumstances. Amends the Controlled Substances Act to allow the Postal Service to carry out the Attorney General's civil forfeiture activities with respect to controlled substances and related articles and conveyances. Directs that proceeds of forfeitures conducted by the Postal Service be deposited in the Postal Service Fund. Title IX: Benefits for Drug Enforcement Agents Overseas - Authorizes the payment of benefits to overseas personnel out of DOJ appropriations. Requires the Attorney General to report to the Congress within 120 days on the implementation of this section. Title X: Drug Aftercare Enhancement - Amends the Contract Services for Drug Dependent Federal Offenders Act of 1978 to increase amounts authorized for FY 1988 and 1989 for the drug aftercare program of the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts. Title XI: Study of Alternative Judicial System - Directs the Attorney General to study the feasibility of prosecuting Federal drug-related offenses in a manner alternative or supplemental to the current criminal justice system and to report the results to the Congress within 180 days of enactment of this Act. Title XII: Increased Penalties for Crack Violations - Amends the CSA to provide for increased penalties for possession of certain mixtures or substances containing a cocaine base Title XIII: Sense of Congress With Respect to Legalization of Drugs - Expresses the sense of the Congress opposing any proposal to legalize illicit drugs. Title XIV: User Accountability - Makes individuals convicted of certain drug offenses ineligible for Federal benefits. Title XV: Interdiction of Supply of Firearms to Drug Traffickers - Amends the Federal criminal code to establish penalties for: (1) travelling from one State to another and acquiring or transferring a firearm with the intent to violate controlled substance laws; or (2) transferring a firearm with the knowledge that it will be used to commit a violent crime or a drug trafficking crime. Title XVI: National Training Center for Prison Drug Rehabilitation Program Personnel - Requires the Director of the National Institute of Corrections to establish and operate a national training center for training Federal, State, and local prison officials to conduct drug rehabilitation programs for criminals convicted of drug-related crimes and for drug-dependent criminals. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1989 through 1991.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1988
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act to prohibit the payment of OASDI benefits to individuals who have been deported pursuant to the Immigration and Nationality Act because of activities conducted under the direction of or in association with the Nazi government of Germany or its allies.
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 1988
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Secretary of the Treasury should not regulate the donation of articles intended to relieve human suffering in Nicaragua, except as authorized for the President under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 1988
International Narcotics Control Act of 1988 - Title I: Latin American Regional Anti-Narcotics Force - Expresses the sense of the Congress concerning the need for a Latin American regional anti-narcotics force. Instructs the President to direct the U.S. representative to the Organization of American States (OAS) to consult with other member nations on the feasibility of establishing a Latin American regional anti-narcotics force and developing a comprehensive regional strategy for dealing with narcotics production and trafficking. Directs the President to call for a meeting of heads of state of member nations, if there is a positive response within OAS, to conclude an agreement for: (1) the establishment of such a force, with appropriate member contributions of personnel, training, equipment, and financial resources; and (2) the development of such a strategy. Requires the President to direct the Secretary of Defense to provide appropriate assistance for the force. Authorizes appropriations. Requires the President to notify specified congressional committees not less than 15 days before obligating funds authorized under this title. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Assistant Secretary of State for International Narcotics Matters (Assistant Secretary) should: (1) seek the establishment of a regional anti-narcotics training center in the Caribbean; and (2) contribute funds or other resources and seek contributions from other countries to such a center. Urges the President to seek the establishment of other regional anti-narcotics forces. Title II: Foreign Assistance Programs - Subtitle A: Authorizations and Earmarkings of Assistance - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (FAA) to authorize FY 1989 appropriations for narcotics international control assistance to other countries and to international organizations. Sets a minimum expenditure level for the testing and use of safe, effective herbicides for aerial eradication of coca. Makes available a portion of FY 1989 grant military assistance funds to arm, for defensive purposes, extant aircraft used in narcotic control eradication or interdiction efforts. Applies the standard 15 days' notice requirement to specified congressional committees in connection with this reprogramming. Earmarks amounts from funds for international military education and training to be used solely for: (1) education and training involving equipment used in narcotics interdiction and eradication efforts in Latin America and the Caribbean; and (2) the expenses of deploying Department of Defense mobile training teams in a requesting country to conduct training in military-related skills to improve its tactical operations in narcotics interdiction. Limits this assistance to foreign law enforcement agencies or other units organized expressly for narcotics enforcement and to countries that meet criteria set out in this title. Waives provisions that would prohibit the use of grant military assistance funds to procure weapons or ammunition for foreign law enforcement entities when they are organized specifically for narcotics enforcement in countries meeting the criteria of this title. Directs the President to report to the Congress within 15 days before funds are obligated for this type of assistance. Describes required report contents. Provides for human rights reporting with respect to countries authorized to receive assistance. Earmarks an amount to be available solely for assistance for countries in Latin America or the Caribbean. Directs the President to reallocate funds withheld from countries failing to take adequate steps to halt illicit drug production or trafficking for use by countries that have met their illicit drug eradication targets or have otherwise taken significant steps to halt illicit drug production or trafficking. Prescribes conditions to govern transfers among international narcotics control assistance funds and reprogramming of security assistance resulting from these reallocations. Authorizes supplemental FY 1989 appropriations for activities to increase awareness of the effects of illicit narcotic production and trafficking on source and transit countries. Subtitle B: Provisions Relating to Specific Countries - Urges the Assistant Secretary for International Narcotics Matters to pay greater attention, and provide more narcotics control assistance, to those countries that are drug-transit countries (but not major ones) cooperating with U.S. international narcotics control efforts. Earmarks a minimum FY 1989 amount to be available for their assistance. Permits security assistance to Bolivia for FY 1989 only if the President certifies to the Congress that the Government of Bolivia has enacted specified types of legislation to eradicate illicit coca production. Sets nonwaivable conditions that the Government of Bolivia must meet before the President may make the certification necessary to obligate and expend FY 1989 U.S. assistance funds suspended because of major illicit drug activities (certification). Requires that project agreement documents for projects in Bolivia contain a clause calling for suspension of FY 1989 development assistance if the Government of Bolivia fails to keep project areas free of illicit coca cultivation. Deletes a provision of the Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 1988 that earmarked funds for narcotics interdiction and control programs for Bolivia. Directs the President, in making FY 1989 determinations with respect to the certification necessary for assistance to Peru, to give foremost consideration to whether the Government of Peru made substantial progress in meeting its coca eradication targets during the previous year. Describes conditions that must be met before FY 1989 funds may be made available for the Agency for International Development's project in the Upper Huallaga Valley of Peru. Limits FY 1989 international narcotics control assistance made available for Mexico. Withholds a portion of these funds until the President reports to the Congress the Mexican Government's compliance with conditions relating to the murder and torture of Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents. Directs the President, in making FY 1989 determinations with respect to the certification necessary for assistance to Mexico, to consider the Mexican Government's response to U.S. proposals to establish and implement a joint U.S.-Mexico airborne apprehension capability and air surveillance operations. Encourages the Government of Mexico, upon ratification of the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty with the United States, to furnish banking information pursuant to the treaty that would permit the successful U.S. investigation and prosecution of major narco-terrorists who use Mexican financial institutions to launder their profits. Includes Colombia among the countries authorized to have more than six members of the U.S. armed forces assigned to carry out international security assistance programs. Authorizes supplemental FY 1989 appropriations to be used exclusively for defense articles to the Colombian armed forces to support their anti-narcotics efforts. Earmarks amounts to assist Colombia in providing protection against narco-terrorist attacks on judges, other government officials, and members of the press. Requires congressional notification at least 15 days before funds may be obligated. Directs the President, in making determinations with respect to the certification necessary for assistance to Pakistan, to take into account the extent to which the Government of Pakistan is increasing specified anti-narcotics activities. Directs the President to review and report to the Congress by December 31, 1988, on U.S. narcotics raw material policy, determining what options are available to reduce U.S. reliance on licit opium gum from foreign sources. Directs the President to make a certification for FY 1989 with respect to India only if he determines that the Government of India has taken certain actions to curb illicit opium cultivation and production. Requires the President, if certification is made, to include a detailed report on what steps were taken and an estimate of the amount of licit opium still being diverted to the illicit market. Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the U.S. Government should pursue efforts to press the Government of Afghanistan, and work with the Mujahadeen, to reduce heroin production and trafficking in areas under their respective control and to encourage eradication, interdiction, and crop substitution in Afghanistan; and (2) an initiative should be developed which could be put in place as the Mujahadeen and successors to the present Kabul regime begin to exert greater civil authority. Directs the President to: (1) prepare and transmit to the Congress quarterly reports containing determinations with respect to any involvement by the Government of Laos (and other governments in the region) in illicit drug production and trafficking. Describes required report contents, depending on the determinations reached. Prohibits U.S. assistance to Laos and directs the U.S. representative to any multilateral development bank to vote to oppose any loan or other use of funds for the benefit of Laos, if the Government or any senior official of Laos is involved in illicit drug production or trafficking, unless the President certifies to the Congress that overriding vital national interests require the assistance and it would improve the prospects for cooperation with Laos in halting the flow of illegal drugs. Subtitle C: Annual Report and Certification Process - Requires the President's annual report to the Congress pursuant to the FAA to: (1) express in numerical terms the maximum reductions in illicit drug production achievable during the next fiscal year; and (2) describe the U.S. assistance for the preceding fiscal year that was denied to each major illicit drug producing country and each major drug-transit country. Requires certification to include the determination that a government has taken the legal and law enforcement steps necessary to eliminate, to the maximum extent possible, corruption by government officials. Establishes a timetable according to which the Secretary of State must establish numerical standards and other guidelines for determining which countries will be considered as major drug-transit countries for FAA purposes. Requires reports to appropriate congressional committees in connection with these standards and their modifications. Revises the FAA definition of "bilateral narcotics agreement" for purposes of certifications made on or after March 1, 1989. Amends related FAA provisions to permit multilateral agreements as an alternative to bilateral ones. Waives restrictions on FY 1989 U.S. assistance to any major drug-transit country if the President certifies to the Congress that: (1) significant drug-related money laundering is not occurring there with government knowledge or complicity; (2) the country previously was a major illicit drug producing country but has effectively eliminated illicit drug production during each of the preceding two years; and (3) the country is cooperating fully with the United States or has taken adequate steps on its own in satisfying specified anti-narcotics goals. Revises procedures governing congressional review of presidential certifications associated with suspensions of U.S. assistance. Repeals certain amendments to the FAA definition of "United States assistance." Directs the President to report to the Congress annually, rather than biannually, listing each major illicit drug producing country and major drug-transit country. Includes this report in the required midyear report on international narcotics control activities and operations. Subtitle D: Miscellaneous Provisions - Applies the standard reprogramming procedures of the FAA to any transfer by the U.S. Government to a foreign country for narcotics control purposes of any property seized by or otherwise forfeited to the Government in connection with narcotics-related activity. Requires annual reports to the Congress regarding such transfers. Expresses the sense of the Congress that suppression of international narcotics trafficking is among the most important U.S. foreign policy objectives. Directs the President to take all reasonable steps to ensure that assistance under the FAA and the Arms Export Control Act is not provided to or through any individual or entity that the President knows or has reason to believe: (1) has been convicted of a violation of, or a conspiracy to violate, any U.S. or foreign law relating to narcotics, psychotropic drugs, or other controlled substances; or (2) is or has been an illicit trafficker in any such substance. Requires the President to issue regulations, subject to congressional review, specifying steps to be taken in carrying out this provision. Exempts from certain competitive procurement requirements the procurement of property or services for international narcotics control assistance on a case-by-case basis, with the Secretary's approval. Prohibits use of such exemption for procurement including more than 30 percent of funds available each fiscal year for such assistance. Prohibits the use of narcotics control assistance funds to acquire real property for use by foreign military, paramilitary, or law enforcement forces. Authorizes the Export-Import Bank of the United States to guarantee, insure, and extend credit in connection with the sale of defense articles or services if the Secretary determines that the sale is to a democratic government for anti-narcotics purposes. Corrects technical errors in the FAA and in the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1986. Title III: Department of State Activities - Makes the Secretary of State responsible for coordinating all Government assistance to support international efforts to combat illicit narcotics production or trafficking. Requires the Secretary to submit annual reports to the appropriate congressional committees. Describes required report contents. Allows reports to be classified to the extent necessary. Amends the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 to authorize appropriations, without fiscal year limitation, for use in paying rewards for information leading to the arrest or conviction of individuals for certain extraterritorial narcotics-related offenses. Directs the Secretary to revoke the passport and other travel documents of any individual convicted of any violation of a Federal or State law involving controlled substances if the offense is a felony (or of the Bank Secrecy Act or the Money Laundering Act if the Secretary determines that the violation is related to illicit production of or trafficking in a controlled substance) and if, in committing the offense, the individual used a passport or other travel document or otherwise crossed an international border. Allows the Secretary to take such action if the offense involved is a misdemeanor. Sets a ten-year (or, in the case of a misdemeanor, a five-year) period of ineligibility for a passport or other travel document from the date of conviction. Makes an exception for an individual's first conviction for a misdemeanor which involves only possession of a controlled substance. Permits exceptions in emergency circumstances or for humanitarian reasons. Empowers the President, by regulation, to prescribe procedures for indicating an individual's drug law violations on passports, other travel documents, and identification papers used during immigration and customs inspections. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1989 through 1991 for expenses of the Department of State in developing and implementing a machine readable visa system. Directs the Secretary to place greater emphasis on updating extradition treaties and on negotiating mutual legal assistance treaties with major illicit drug producing and drug-transit countries. Requires the Secretary and the Attorney General to jointly develop a model extradition treaty with respect to narcotics-related violations, a model mutual legal assistance treaty, and model comprehensive anti-narcotics legislation. Directs the Secretary to distribute these materials to each U.S. mission abroad and to report to the Congress within six months after enactment of this Act. Expresses the sense of the Congress that Regional Security Officers and other security personnel at U.S. embassies and other civilian posts abroad should be directed to expand their investigative activities with respect to illicit drug use and trafficking by Government personnel and their dependents. Urges the Secretary to permit the assignment of additional DEA agents to U.S. diplomatic missions in foreign countries where illicit narcotics production or trafficking is, or is likely to become, a significant problem. Title IV: Annual Certification Procedures With Respect To Multilateral Development Financing, Trade, and Aviation - Establishes a certification procedure with respect to multilateral development bank (MDB) financing for major illicit drug producing and major drug-transit countries which is separate from the certification procedure applicable to bilateral assistance under the FAA. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury, on March 1 of each year, to instruct the U.S. executive directors of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the International Development Association, the Inter-American Development Bank, and the Asian Development Bank to vote against any loan or other utilization of funds to or for any major illicit drug producing or major drug-transit country, unless the President has certified to the Congress that: (1) during the previous year the country has cooperated fully with the United States, or has taken adequate steps on its own, in satisfying the goals agreed to in an applicable bilateral narcotics agreement with the United States or a multilateral agreement to prevent the illegal transportation, production, use, or sale of controlled substances and drug-related government corruption and money laundering in that country; or (2) the vital national interests of the United States require MDB financing for such country. Requires that the President include in any latter certification: (1) a full and complete description of the vital national interests placed at risk should MDB financing not be provided to such country; and (2) a statement weighing such risk against the risks posed to vital national interests by the failure of such country to combat narcotics. Lists factors to be considered by the President in determining whether such former certification shall be made, including whether actions of the country's government have resulted in maximum reductions in illicit drug production determined to be achievable under the FAA. Provides for congressional disapproval by joint resolution of the President's certifications. Directs the Secretary of State: (1) to establish numerical standards and other guidelines for use each year in determining which countries will be considered to be major drug-transit countries; (2) by September 1 each year, to notify the appropriate congressional committees of the standards to be used; and (3) by October 1 each year, to notify the appropriate committees of the countries likely to be determined to be major drug-transit countries and the countries likely to be determined to be major illicit drug producing countries. Makes conforming amendments to remove certification for MDB financing from the FAA. Amends provisions of the Trade Act of 1974 regarding tariff treatment of products of, and other sanctions against, uncooperative major drug producing or drug transit countries to: (1) change the congressional review period within which the Congress may enact a joint resolution of disapproval of the President's certification from 30 days to 45 days; and (2) revise the criteria for cooperation to include satisfying the goals in agreement with the United States or a multilateral agreement to combat narcotics. Makes such amendments applicable with respect to any such certification made by the President on or after March 1, 1989. Provides that a country which in the previous year was designated as a major drug producing or a major drug-transit country may not be determined to be cooperating fully under such Act unless it has in place a bilateral agreement or a multilateral agreement to combat narcotics. Provides for a waiver of otherwise applicable sanctions if the President certifies to the Congress that vital national interests require that sanctions not be applied. Directs the Secretary of State to establish numerical standards and other guidelines for determining which countries shall be considered to be major drug-transit countries under such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 1988
Condemns the use of chemical weapons by Iraq and calls upon Iraq to halt the use of such weapons. Commends the President for his prompt condemnation of Iraq's recent chemical weapons attack on civilians. Urges the President to: (1) seek allied cooperation to tighten controls on the export of chemical compounds to countries seeking to develop a chemical weapons capability; (2) make appropriate diplomatic efforts to prevent Iran from developing or using chemical weapons; and (3) intensify American efforts at the Geneva Conference on Disarmament and in bilateral discussions with the Soviet Union to achieve an arms control agreement banning the production, use, and transfer of chemical weapons.
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 1988
Requires the President to provide the House of Representatives with specified documents (with respect to the assistance for Central America provided for in Public Law 100-276) concerning: (1) interpretations of such Act by the Legal Advisor of the Department of State or the Office of the General Counsel of the Agency for International Development (AID); (2) standards, procedures, and controls for the accountability of funds which have been adopted by AID pursuant to such Act; (3) the procurement outside of the United States, the receipt, and the end-use of any equipment, supplies, or other goods for the Nicaraguan democratic resistance using the funds made available by such Act; (4) funds made available by such Act for the Verification Commission established by the Sapoa Agreement of March 23, 1988; (5) the selection of, and agreements with, organizations to distribute assistance under such Act for children who are victims of the Nicaraguan civil strife; and (6) compliance with the requirements for the distribution to and use of such assistance by children.
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 1988
Designates August 1, 1988, as Helsinki Human Rights Day. Requests the President to: (1) reassert American commitment to the Helsinki Accords; (2) raise the issue of noncompliance with such Accords with the Soviet Union, Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, the German Democratic Republic, Hungary, Poland, and Romania; (3) convey to all signatories of such Accords that respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms is vital to progress in the ongoing Helsinki process; (4) convey to U.S. allies the importance of unity regarding such Accords; (5) continue his efforts to achieve, before the end of the Vienna meeting, the release of all political prisoners of the Soviet Union, an increase in Soviet emigration, resolution of all family reunification cases, cessation of all radio transmission jamming, and the repeal of laws and practices which undermine human rights; (6) seek the inclusion, in any concluding document agreed to in Vienna, of a mechanism to sustain human rights progress after the Vienna meeting; and (7) convey to signatory states the insistence of the United States for a result at Vienna that will not favor military security at the expense of human rights.
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 1988
Public Safety Officers' Death Benefits Amendments of 1988 - Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to increase from $50,000 to $100,000 the benefits paid to survivors of public safety officers (law enforcement officers and fire fighters) who die as a result of injury sustained in the line of duty. Allows such benefits to be paid to nondependent parents as beneficiaries.
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 1988
Extends best wishes to President Jose Napoleon Duarte of El Salvador. Expresses support for the Government and people of El Salvador and hope that President Duarte will accomplish his ambition of turning the presidency over to an elected successor.
United States · United States Congress · 2 June 1988
Urges the Government of Iran to uphold the human rights of all its nationals, including members of the Baha'i faith, and to restore fully the rights guaranteed by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Calls upon the President to: (1) monitor and report on developments affecting the Baha'i minority in Iran and in other countries; (2) cooperate with other governments in continuing to make appeals to Iran concerning the situation of the Baha'is; (3) initiate and support efforts in the United Nations and its agencies on behalf of the Baha'is; and (4) provide, and urge others to provide, for refugee and humanitarian assistance for those Baha'is fleeing their homelands to escape religious repression.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1988
Foreign Aid Insurance Act of 1988 - Requires each executive agency or military department responsible for economic or military assistance to foreign countries to take such actions as may be necessary to ensure that U.S. insurance companies have a fair and open competitive opportunity to provide insurance whenever such insurance is necessary or proper in connection with Government-assisted supplies or activities. Specifies that such actions shall include: (1) including in any contract or solicitation for procurement of such supplies or activities a clause requiring that U.S. insurance companies have a competitive opportunity; (2) certifying to the United States Trade Representative (USTR) that all necessary and practicable actions have been taken to provide U.S. insurance companies with competitive opportunities. Provides that if the USTR determines that any foreign government or country discriminates against U.S. insurance companies in connection with U.S. economic or military assistance, insurance for such activities may be provided only: (1) by U.S. insurance companies; or (2) by insurance companies of foreign countries which have entered into agreements concerning nondiscriminatory treatment of U.S. insurance companies or which have provided assurance of such nondiscriminatory treatment. Provides exceptions to such requirements if: (1) no insurance was reasonably available from a U.S. insurance company; or (2) the USTR certifies to the Congress that negotiations concerning discriminatory treatment of U.S. insurance companies are in progress. Requires the USTR to review the actions of each executive agency and military department required by this Act and to include a report concerning such actions in the USTR's required annual report to the Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 1988
Protests Soviet human rights violations, especially its restrictive emigration regulations. Calls upon: (1) the Soviet Union to release all prisoners of conscience; and (2) the President to stress at the upcoming summit meeting in Moscow the inherent link between respect for human rights and the achievement of lasting peace.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 1988
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Department of Justice should proceed with the apprehension and prosecution of General Noriega of Panama and that pending charges should not be dismissed.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1988
Designates the period of July 25 through July 31, 1988, as National Week of Recognition and Remembrance for Those Who Served in the Korean War. Authorizes and requests the President to urge that the American flag be flown at half staff on July 27, 1988, in honor of those Americans who died as a result of their service in Korea.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1988
Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to relieve labor recruiters and referrers from the requirements of the (alien) employment verification system.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1988
Debt for Development Act of 1988 - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize the use of up to $75,000,000 in loan repayments from developing countries in FY 1989 for development activities in those countries.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 1988
Amends the Merchant Marine Act, 1936 to include in the term "privately owned United States-flag vessels," as used in provisions relating to cargo preference, any U.S. flag vessel designated by the Secretary of Transportation as a great Lakes Exempt Vessel (GLEV) regardless of the number of years the vessel has been documented under U.S. laws. Authorizes the Secretary to designate each of six vessels as a GLEV to enable vessels documented less than three years to engage temporarily in trade within the Great Lakes. Prohibits any vessel engaged primarily in bulk trade from being designated as a GLEV. Prohibits any vessel from retaining its GLEV designation if it has repair, reconditioning, or maintenance work done other than in a U.S. shipyard, subject to waiver by the Secretary to enable a vessel to safely sail from a foreign port. Prohibits any GLEV from serving any other U.S. seaport than the Great Lakes, subject to exception. Prohibits the Secretary from designating a vessel as a GLEV unless it has been approved by the Secretary of Defense as suitable for national defense purposes. Terminates any GLEV designation on December 31, 1990.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 1988
Designates specified land as the Manassas National Battlefield Addition. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to acquire land within the boundaries of the Addition and to administer such lands as part of the Manassas National Battlefield Park, Virginia. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1988
Outer Space Protection Act of 1988 - Reaffirms U.S. policy that activities in space should be devoted to peaceful purposes to benefit mankind. Prohibits the use of funds by the Department of Defense or any other Government agency for: (1) the development, testing, production, or deployment of any weapon system designed to be based in outer space; (2) the testing of any weapon system to determine its capability to damage or destroy any object in outer space; or (3) the launch of any spacecraft that carries weapons capable of inflicting death or injury on people. Urges and requests the President to enter into bilateral negotiations with the Soviet Union concerning weapons systems in outer space. Specifies the purposes of such negotiations as: (1) prohibiting the development, testing, production, and deployment of all weapons based in outer space and the testing of all weapons against objects in outer space; (2) establishing limitations on technologies that could become weapons; (3) determining methods for monitoring compliance with such limitations and with mutually agreed upon prohibitions on weapons in outer space and the testing of antisatellite weapons; and (4) encouraging the effective utilization of the Standing Consultative Commission (established under the 1972 Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty) to resolve disagreements and to develop limitations and verification procedures for new technologies. Urges and requests the President, in the event that such negotiations result in an agreement, to initiate discussions in the United Nations toward an international agreement to prohibit the development, testing, production, and deployment of all weapons in outer space and to prohibit the testing of all antisatellite weapons. Requires the Secretary of Defense to manage the long-term basic research on ballistic missile defense technologies so as to provide the United States with expanded options for responding to any future breakout by the Soviet Union from the 1972 Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty. Specifies that nothing in this Act shall be construed to prohibit the obligation or expenditure of funds for non-weapon military operations in outer space. States that the provisions of this Act relating to bilateral negotiations with the Soviet Union and the prohibition on the use of funds for space weapons shall become inapplicable if: (1) the President certifies to the Congress that the Soviet Union has tested space weapons; or (2) the Soviet Union declares its intention to develop and deploy space weapons.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1988
Defense Savings Act - Directs the Secretary of Defense to: (1) close or realign military installations as recommended by the Commission on Base Realignment and Closure in the report transmitted to the Secretary pursuant to the charter establishing such Commission; and (2) initiate all such closures and realignments no later than September 30, 1991, and complete all such closures and realignments no later than September 30, 1995. Outlines certain conditions to such closures or realignments, including timely notice to the Congress of the Secretary's decision to accept and implement all of the closures and realignments recommended by the Commission. Terminates the authority of the Secretary to carry out any closure or realignment as of October 1, 1995. Directs the Commission, no later than December 31, 1988, to transmit its report to the Secretary and to the appropriate congressional committees with a certification that it has identified all the military installations to be closed or realigned by reviewing all military installations inside the United States. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) carry out appropriate action to implement any such closure or realignment; (2) provide appropriate economic adjustment and community planning assistance to communities affected by any such closure or realignment; (3) carry out appropriate activities for the purpose of environmental restoration; (4) sell or exchange any real property under the control of the Department of Defense and located at such an installation; and (5) deposit funds received from any such sale or exchange into the Department of Defense Base Closure Account. Outlines administrative procedures in connection with the sale or transfer of property in connection with a closure or realignment to a Federal, State, or local government entity. Requires the Secretary to include specified information concerning such closures or realignments as part of each annual request to the Congress for authorization of appropriations. Requires the Secretary to conduct a study of actions planned with respect to military installations outside the United States which may affect the recommendations of the Commission and to report the findings and conclusions to the Commission and to the appropriate committees of the Congress no later than September 15, 1988. Requires the Secretary to notify the Congress in writing when a decision is made to carry out a construction project to facilitate a closure or realignment and the amount required for such project is greater than the maximum amount for a minor construction project. Establishes in the Treasury the Department of Defense Base Closure Account and authorizes appropriations to be transferred to such Account. Requires the Secretary, no later than 60 days after the end of each fiscal year in which the Secretary carries out activities under this Act, to report to the appropriate congressional committees on the amount and nature of deposits into, and expenditures from, the Account during such fiscal year. Requires another report from the Secretary, no later than 60 days after the termination of the authority of the Secretary to carry out an alignment or closure under this Act, concerning funds used and remaining in such Account.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1988
Deceptive Mailings Prevention Act of 1988 - Amends Federal law to declare as nonmailable any mail matter which is designed to resemble a bill, invoice, or statement of account due, but which in fact constitutes a solicitation of donations. Requires such mail matter to bear on its face in conspicuous type that it is a solicitation of donations and that the addressee is under no obligation to make any payment. Declares as nonmailable any mail matter which constitutes a solicitation by a non-governmental entity: (1) for the purchase of products or services which are provided free of charge or at a lower price by the Federal Government, or which are substantially the same as such products or services; (2) for the purchase of products or services and which contains a seal, insignia, trade or brand name, or any other term or symbol which reasonably could be interpreted or construed as implying Federal Government connection, approval, or endorsement; and (3) for the contribution of funds and which contains a seal, insignia, trade or brand name, or any other term which could reasonably be interpreted or construed as implying Federal Government connection, approval, or endorsement. Allows the mailing of such matter if it contains a conspicuous disclaimer that it is not a Government document. Establishes penalties for violations of this Act.
![Official portrait of Rep. Feighan, Edward F. [D-OH-19]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/f000059_200.jpg)