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Official portrait of Rep. Gray, William H., III [D-PA-2]

Rep. Gray, William H., III [D-PA-2]

United States · Official source

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2,046 records where Rep. Gray, William H., III [D-PA-2] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years

Resolution· HRESH.Res. 39 (101st)passed

Designating membership on certain standing committees of the House.

United States · United States Congress · 19 January 1989

Designates majority party membership on the following committees of the House of Representatives: (1) Agriculture; (2) Armed Services; (3) Banking, Finance and Urban Affairs; (4) Budget; (5) District of Columbia; (6) Education and Labor; (7) Energy and Commerce; (8) Foreign Affairs; (9) Government Operations; (10) House Administration; (11) Interior and Insular Affairs; (12) Judiciary; (13) Merchant Marine and Fisheries; (14) Post Office and Civil Service; (15) Public Works and Transportation; (16) Science, Space, and Technology; (17) Small Business; and (18) Veterans' Affairs.

Bill· HRH.R. 467 (101st)open

Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1989

Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act - Makes it unlawful for any licensed importer, manufacturer, or dealer to sell, deliver, or transfer a handgun to an unlicensed individual unless: (1) the transferor has notified the chief law enforcement officer for the individual's place of residence about the proposed transfer and either has received a response indicating that such transfer is not prohibited by law or has not received a response indicating otherwise within seven days; (2) the individual has presented to the transferor a statement from the officer indicating that the individual requires a handgun because of a threat to him or his family; or (3) the individual has a State handgun permit that is less than a year old which satisfies the same requirements. Requires any transferor who subsequently receives a report from such officer that receipt or possession of the handgun by the individual violates the law to: (1) furnish information about the transfer and the individual to the chief law enforcement officer of the transferor's place of business and the individual's place of residence; and (2) keep confidential any information received which is not otherwise available to the public, with exceptions. Requires a transferor to retain a copy of the individual's sworn statement for at least a year. Requires the law enforcement officer to destroy any copy of the individual's sworn statement and any record containing information derived from such statement within 30 days, unless such officer determines that the transaction would violate Federal, State, or local law. Provides that this Act shall not apply in any State that requires: (1) a seven-day waiting period for the transfer of a handgun to an unlicensed individual; or (2) a State law enforcement officer to verify an unlicensed individual's eligibility to receive a handgun. Sets penalties for violations of this Act.

Bill· HRH.R. 134 (101st)open

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Amendments of 1987

United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1989

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Amendments of 1987 - Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to authorize the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission to request a head of a Federal agency, department, or unit to appear before the Commission and explain the reason for failing to submit an equal employment opportunity plan. Directs the Commission, after an opportunity for a hearing, to order submission of a plan. Requires the Commission to enforce compliance with such order. Authorizes the Commission to initiate disciplinary action, including the withholding of pay, against any officer or employee responsible for failure to comply with an order. States that equal employment opportunity plans shall include the numerical employment goals established by an agency in its minority recruitment program and that each agency should establish numerical employment goals for the purpose of complying with affirmative action plans.

Bill· HRH.R. 20 (101st)open

Hatch Act Reform Amendments of 1990

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.

Bill· HRH.R. 98 (101st)open

Guam Commonwealth 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.

Bill· HRH.R. 2 (101st)passed

Minimum Wage Restoration Act of 1989

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.)

Bill· HRH.R. 21 (101st)referred

Anti-Apartheid Act Amendments of 1989

United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1989

Anti-Apartheid Act Amendments of 1989 - Title I: Sanctions Against Investment in, and Exports to, South Africa and Other Measures (Except Import Restrictions) to End Apartheid - Part A: Amendments to the Comprehensive Anti-Apartheid Act of 1986 and Other Laws - Amends the Comprehensive Anti-Apartheid Act of 1986 to prohibit any investments in South Africa by U.S. persons. Makes exceptions to such prohibition for: (1) investments in a business enterprise 90 percent owned and controlled by South Africans economically and politically disadvantaged by apartheid; and (2) investments made by certain individuals during any period and to the extent that such investments are considered South African emigrant non-resident assets and subject to transfer or disposition restrictions. Authorizes a person to apply for, and the President to grant for good cause, a waiver of such prohibition for up to 180 days. Requires U.S. controlled South African entities that are subject to the investment prohibition and that employ more than 24 South Africans economically and politically disadvantaged by apartheid to: (1) notify employees and employee organizations not less than 90 days prior to termination of the U.S. investment in such entity; and (2) enter into good faith negotiations with representative trade unions regarding the terms of such termination. Prohibits the exportation or reexportation to South Africa of any goods or technology subject to U.S. jurisdiction. Prohibits any such exportation or reexportation by any person subject to U.S. jurisdiction. Exempts from such prohibition publications, donations of food, clothing, and medical supplies, commercial sales of agricultural commodities and products, and goods and technology for use in the gathering or dissemination of information by news media organizations subject to U.S. jurisdiction. Makes such prohibitions inapplicable to: (1) any goods that are the direct product of technology of U.S. origin under a written agreement entered into on or before April 20, 1988, and that are exported within one year of the enactment of this Act; (2) economic assistance or human rights programs for disadvantaged South Africans, South African blacks or other nonwhite South Africans, or victims of apartheid in South Africa; and (3) contributions to charitable organizations engaged in social welfare, public health, religious, educational, or emergency relief activities in South Africa. Repeals specified provisions of the Comprehensive Anti-Apartheid Act of 1986 that: (1) prohibit certain exports to, imports from, and investments in South Africa; (2) set forth U.S. policy toward the recruitment and training of black South Africans; and (3) prohibit U.S. intercession with any foreign government regarding export activities of certain U.S. nationals in South Africa who are not implementing the Code of Conduct. Revises the definition of "loans" for purposes of such Act to prohibit short-term trade financing, sales on open account, and rescheduling of existing loans. Adds other definitions for purposes of such Act. Prohibits any U.S. agency or entity involved in intelligence activities from engaging in any form of cooperation with the Government of South Africa (specifically including the authorities administering Namibia so long as Namibia is illegally occupied). Prohibits any U.S. agency or entity from engaging in any form of cooperation with the armed forces of South Africa. Prohibits funds made available by the Congress from being obligated or expended for any expense related to any prohibited cooperation. States that the President should not: (1) assign or detail any member of the U.S. armed forces to serve as a defense or military attache in South Africa; or (2) accredit any individual to serve as a defense or military attache at a South African diplomatic mission in the United States. Repeals provisions of the Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1987 concerning restrictions on intelligence agency cooperation with South Africa. Prohibits the Secretary of Energy from authorizing any person to engage, directly or indirectly, in the production of special nuclear materials in South Africa. States that South Africa's granting of independence to Namibia is a major policy goal of the United States. Includes such granting of independence as one of several actions South Africa must take to have U.S. sanctions terminated. Revises penalty provisions of the Comprehensive Anti-Apartheid Act of 1986. Establishes within the Department of State a Coordinator of South Africa Sanctions who shall be responsible to the Secretary of State for matters pertaining to the implementation of sanctions against South Africa. Directs the Coordinator to place emphasis on activities related to strategically important trade in oil, coal, computers, specialized machinery and arms, and to financial credits. Sets forth the responsibilities of the Secretary of State in leading and coordinating the activities of other agencies in implementing and enforcing the Comprehensive Anti-Apartheid Act of 1986 and in monitoring other nations' economic relations with South Africa. Requires the Secretary to report annually to the Congress on actions to monitor and enforce such Act and on economic relations between South Africa and each of its trading partners. Establishes an Inter-Agency Coordinating Committee on South Africa to coordinate and monitor the implementation of such Act. Revises provisions of such Act regarding the Code of Conduct and expanded participation in the South African economy. Requires Federal agencies to make efforts to assist businesses more than 90 percent (currently, 50 percent) owned by black or nonwhite South Africans. Amends the Export Import Bank Act of 1945 to require the Bank to insure or participate in the extension of credit to businesses more than 90 percent owned (currently, majority owned) and controlled by black or nonwhite South Africans. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to permit the use of a specified amount of funds authorized for economic development assistance for assistance to disadvantaged South Africans. Specifies that such assistance may include scholarships, the promotion of the participation of disadvantaged South Africans in trade unions and private enterprise, alternative education and community development programs, and training and other assistance (including legal aid) for South African journalists. Lists major trade union federations in South Africa and Namibia as examples of recipients of U.S. assistance to the labor movement. Earmarks a specified amount of such funds for refugee education and assistance for South Africans and Namibians. Prohibits any U.S. person from providing transport to South Africa of a commercial quantity of crude oil or refined petroleum products. Includes in such prohibition transport on a vessel of U.S. registry or on a vessel owned by a U.S. person. Prohibits the Secretary of the Interior from issuing any mineral lease to any national of the United States which is controlled by any foreign person who purchases, acquires, owns, or holds any investment in South Africa or who exports crude oil or refined petroleum products to South Africa. Authorizes the President to waive such prohibitions under specified conditions. Part B: Policy Statements; Reports; Studies; and Other Miscellaneous Provisions - Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should: (1) direct the Attorney General to conduct an antitrust investigation of the South African controlled international diamond cartel; (2) direct the Secretary of Commerce and the Commissioner of Customs to study the feasibility of identifying at the port of entry the national origin of diamonds entering the United States; and (3) ensure effective and rigorous enforcement of a prohibition on the importation into the United States of uncut South African diamonds by taking specified measures. Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the President should close two of South Africa's consulates general, eliminate all honorary consuls of South Africa in the United States, and forbid expansion of South Africa's embassy staff; and (2) approval of temporary U.S. visas should be granted on a case-by-case basis after considering South Africa's record of allowing its citizens, including apartheid opponents, to travel to the United States. Requires the President to study and report to the Congress on measures to reduce South Africa's foreign exchange earnings from gold. Directs the Secretary of State to report to the Congress on South Africa's involvement in international terrorism. Title II: Sanctions Against South African Imports Into the United States - Prohibits the importation into the United States of any article from South Africa, except: (1) strategic minerals which the President certifies to the Congress are essential for military or economic purposes and are not available from alternative reliable suppliers or through improved manufacturing processes, conservation, recycling, and economical substitution; and (2) publications. Specifies that such prohibition includes: (1) krugerrands or any gold coin minted in South Africa or offered for sale by the Government of South Africa; (2) uranium hexafluoride that has been manufactured from South African uranium or uranium oxide; and (3) fish or seafood which are products of South Africa. Exempts from such prohibition any imports from business enterprises in South Africa that are wholly-owned by persons economically or politically disadvantaged by apartheid. Requires the President to confer with other industrialized democracies in order to reach cooperative agreements to impose sanctions against South Africa to bring about the dismantling of apartheid. Requires the President to report to the Congress concerning such efforts. Requires (currently, encourages) the President to seek United Nations Security Council adoption of the same sanctions against South Africa as are imposed by the United States. Requires (currently, authorizes) the President to impose penalties against foreign persons taking significant commercial advantage of U.S. sanctions against South Africa or comparable sanctions of other industrialized democracies. Includes as such a penalty the restriction of such a person from contracting with U.S. Government entities. Allows the President to waive such penalties for foreign persons of an industrialized democracy that is a party to a cooperative agreement to impose sanctions against South Africa. Requires the President to revoke such waiver if the industrialized democracy is not adequately enforcing the measures provided for under the agreement. Requires that information concerning the extent to which import restrictions are being enforced by other industrialized democracies be included in the Secretary of State's annual report to the Congress. Sets forth provisions pertaining to committee referral in the House of Representatives of joint resolutions pertaining to import restrictions. Requires the President, through the Secretary of Commerce, to submit periodic reports to the Congress setting forth the average amounts of imports of coal or any strategic and critical material entering the United States from each member and observer country of the Council for Mutual Economic Assistance. Requires the President to report annually to the Congress on the program to reduce U.S. dependence on strategic minerals from South Africa. Requires the President to confer with the governments of the African "frontline" States on measures to prevent the circumvention of the import restrictions on South African products imposed under the authority of this Act. Title III: General Provisions - Makes conforming amendments and sets forth the effective date of this Act.

Bill· HRH.R. 17 (101st)referred

Universal Voter Registration Act of 1989

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.

Bill· HRH.R. 81 (101st)referred

Hunger Emergency Assistance and Relief Trust Act of 1989

United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1989

Hunger Emergency Assistance and Relief Trust Act of 1989 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow individuals to designate on their income tax returns a contribution of all or part of their tax refunds to the Hunger Emergency Assistance and Relief Trust. Establishes in the Treasury the Hunger Emergency Assistance and Relief Trust (trust fund) to distribute hunger relief funds to qualified nonprofit hunger relief services organizations. Appropriates to the trust fund amounts equal to those designated on tax returns. Describes standards and procedures for the distribution of trust fund monies. Specifies a number of restrictions with respect to the activities of recipient organizations, including limitations on administrative expenses. Requires the Hunger Commission to submit to specified congressional committees an annual report detailing trust fund expenditures. Establishes a Hunger Commission to administer the distribution of funds to qualified hunger relief services organizations on a matching grant basis. Permits a maximum award of $100,000 to any single qualified organization in any fiscal year. Requires that: (1) at least 50 percent of amounts received into the trust fund in any year be paid to qualified organizations; and (2) monies in the trust fund be distributed within 180 days of their receipt there. Authorizes appropriations.

Bill· HRH.R. 14 (101st)referred

Federal Election Campaign Amendments of 1989

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.

Bill· HRH.R. 19 (101st)referred

Small Contribution Tax Credit Reform Act of 1989

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.

Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 31 (101st)referred

Making emergency supplemental appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1989, for urgently needed assistance for the homeless as authorized in the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act.

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.

Resolution· HRESH.Res. 33 (101st)referred

To establish the Select Committee on Children, Youth, and Families.

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.

Resolution· HRESH.Res. 9 (101st)passed

Designating membership on certain standing committees of the House.

United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1989

Designates majority party membership on the following committees of the House of Representatives: (1) Appropriations; (2) Rules; (3) Standards of Official Conduct; and (4) Ways and Means.

Resolution· HRESH.Res. 1 (101st)passed

Electing officers of the House of Representatives.

United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1989

Elects the following officers of the House of Representatives: (1) Donnald K. Anderson, of California, as Clerk; (2) Jack Russ, of Maryland, as Sergeant at Arms; (3) James T. Molloy, of New York, as Doorkeeper; (4) Robert V. Rota, of Pennsylvania, as Postmaster; and (5) Reverend James David Ford, of Virginia, as Chaplain.

Resolution· HRESH.Res. 10 (101st)passed

Designating chairmen of certain standing committees of the House.

United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1989

Designates chairpersons of the Committees of the House of Representatives as follows: (1) E de la Garza, the Committee on Agriculture; (2) Les Aspin, the Committee on Armed Services; (3) Henry B. Gonzalez, the Committee on Banking, Finance and Urban Affairs; (4) Leon E. Panetta, the Committee on the Budget; (5) Ronald V. Dellums, the Committee on the District of Columbia; (6) Augustus F. Hawkins, the Committee on Education and Labor; (7) John D. Dingell, the Committee on Energy and Commerce; (8) Dante B. Fascell, the Committee on Foreign Affairs; (9) John Conyers, Jr., the Committee on Government Operations; (10) Frank Annunzio, the Committee on House Administration; (11) Morris K. Udall, the Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs; (12) Jack Brooks, the Committee on the Judiciary; (13) Walter B. Jones, the Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries; (14) William D. Ford, the Committee on Post Office and Civil Service; (15) Glenn M. Anderson, the Committee on Public Works and Transportation; (16) Robert A. Roe, the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology; (17) John J. LaFalce, the Committee on Small Business; and (18) G. V. (Sonny) Montgomery, the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 385 (100th)referred

A concurrent resolution expressing the sense of the Congress that the Amateur Basketball Association United States of America and the United States Olympic Committee should promote the adoption of rules that would make all basketball players eligible to compete in the Olympic games and that the United States Olympic Committee should promote the adoption of rules that would make all athletes eligible to compete in the Olympic games.

United States · United States Congress · 4 October 1988

Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the Amateur Basketball Association United States of America and the U.S. Olympic Committee should promote the adoption of rules that would make all basketball players eligible to compete in the Olympic games; and (2) the U.S. Olympic Committee should promote the elimination of the distinction between amateur and professional athletes in all sports for purposes of eligibility to compete in the Olympic games.

Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 383 (100th)reported

A concurrent resolution expressing the sense of the Congress regarding the restoration of democracy to Haiti and on conditions for the resumption of United States assistance to that country.

United States · United States Congress · 3 October 1988

Links resumption of U.S. assistance to the Government of Haiti to actions by the Haitian Government to: (1) embark upon a credible transition to democracy; (2) strictly observe human and civil rights and institute a judicial process to investigate and prosecute violations of human rights; (3) reform a corrupt bureaucracy; (4) promote economic development that will benefit the Haitian people; (5) improve cooperation with the United States in dealing with narcotics trafficking through Haiti and to take steps to halt the involvement of the Haitian military in the transshipment of illicit drugs; and (6) demonstrate the willingness of the Haitian armed forces to submit to legally constituted civil authority and to respect and abide by the Haitian Constitution. States that: (1) there will be no resumption of regularized and sustained government-to-government assistance until the election of a civilian government pursuant to free, fair, and open elections; and (2) the appropriate executive branch officials should consult with the Congress before any kind of assistance is made available by the United States to the Government of Haiti. Declares support for the people of Haiti and their desire for democratic government and economic development. Urges the appropriate committees of the Congress to conduct hearings to determine appropriate and necessary legislative actions to promote free, fair, and open elections leading to civilian government in Haiti. States that the appropriate executive branch officials should examine ways that the United States can work with its allies and appropriate international organizations to develop a consistent and sustainable multilateral policy toward Haiti.

Bill· HRH.R. 5373 (100th)referred

Indoor Air Quality Act of 1988

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.

Bill· HRH.R. 5368 (100th)referred

A bill to amend the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize international disaster assistance for Jamaica to assist in alleviating the human suffering caused by Hurricane Gilbert.

United States · United States Congress · 23 September 1988

Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize the President to furnish disaster assistance to Jamaica to alleviate the suffering caused by Hurricane Gilbert. Authorizes appropriations. Requires that a certain amount of such appropriations be transferred to the Peace Corps for disaster relief programs in Jamaica under the Peace Corps Act.

Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 371 (100th)open

A concurrent resolution concerning the United States response to the atrocities reportedly carried out in Burundi in August.

United States · United States Congress · 22 September 1988

Urges the Government of Burundi to maintain and increase its efforts toward national reconciliation. Condemns the recent violence against Burundi citizens. Urges the President and Secretary of State to: (1) pursue bilateral and multilateral initiatives to press for nonviolent national reconciliation in Burundi, reduction of the risk of cross-border violence, and continued advancement in Burundi's economic reform program; (2) undertake a comprehensive reassessment of the bilateral relationship between the United States and Burundi and to consider the suspension of U.S. assistance unless specified conditions related to the violence against Burundi citizens are met within six months; and (3) suspend U.S. aid and oppose future World Bank aid to Burundi if, after one year, there has not been substantial progress in the internal reform of Burundi's military and civil administration and the reversal of patterns of ethnic discrimination against the majority Hutu.

Bill· HRH.R. 5214 (100th)referred

Low-Income Housing Revitalization Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 August 1988

Low-Income Housing Revitalization Act - Amends Internal Revenue Code (IRC) provisions relating to the low-income housing credit to: (1) increase the credit from four percent to nine percent with respect to new buildings that are federally subsidized; (2) reallocate unused credit amounts among other States for their housing credit agencies; and (3) permit carryover to the succeeding year of a housing credit amount, if it is reasonably likely that the building will be put into service then. Extends the low-income housing credit through 1991. Amends IRC accounting provisions to exempt low-income housing credit activities from limitations on passive losses. Revises the accelerated cost recovery system in connection with low-income residential rental property to reduce the applicable recovery period from 27.5 to 20 years. Disallows an income tax deduction for any expense relating to residential rental units that violate State or local building, health, or safety codes and are not brought into compliance. Requires the regulatory agency that notifies a taxpayer of the substandard conditions to file an information return with respect to affected taxpayers. Excludes deductions for business expenses, interest on indebtedness, and taxes from calculations to determine the passive loss limitation in connection with rental real estate activity relating to a qualified low-income housing project in which a noncorporate taxpayer actively or materially participates.

Bill· HRH.R. 5193 (100th)referred

Degradable Plastics Act of 1988

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.

Law· HRH.R. 5143 (100th)enacted

District of Columbia Revenue Bond Act of 1988

United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1988

District of Columbia Revenue Bond Act of 1988 - Waives the period of congressional review for certain District of Columbia Acts authorizing the issuance, sale, and delivery of revenue bonds by specified organizations. Makes such Acts effective upon enactment of this Act.

Resolution· HRESH.Res. 505 (100th)passed

A resolution condemning the systematic violation of international recognized human rights by the Government of Romania.

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.

Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 327 (100th)open

A concurrent resolution expressing the sense of the Congress that Nicaragua should fulfill its pledge to proclaim a general amnesty and release all political prisoners in accordance with the Esquipulas II agreement.

United States · United States Congress · 30 June 1988

Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Government of Nicaragua should: (1) fulfill its pledge in the Esquipulas II agreement to grant a general amnesty to all political prisoners; (2) cease inhumane torture and holding prisoners incommunicado; (3) end random arrests for purposes of political intimidation; (4) allow human rights observers in all parts of prison facilities; (5) compensate former political prisoners; and (6) cease human rights violations.

Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 597 (100th)open

Palau Compact of Free Association Implementation Act

United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1988

Palau Compact of Free Association Implementation Act - Authorizes the entry into force of the Compact of Free Association between the United States and Palau (the Compact), subject to specified determinations of approval by the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court of Palau or by referendum. Directs the President to negotiate: (1) an agreement with the Government of Palau to establish an office of public auditor; (2) an agreement regarding responses to an audit by the Comptroller General of the United States or the Secretary of the Interior; (3) agreements for the establishment of an independent office of special prosecutor and for the provision of law enforcement assistance and U.S.-Palau law enforcement cooperation; (5) an agreement providing for the submission by the Palau Government of a national development plan; and (6) agreements for the provision of medical, capital improvement, and further referendum cost assistance. Directs the Secretary to: (1) provide assistance for the development and promulgation of regulations regarding expenditures; and (2) negotiate an agreement guaranteeing purchase by the Federal Financing Bank of Palau Government obligations issued to refinance indebtedness related to the Palau electric power generating and distribution system. Provides funds for construction of medical facilities in Palau and debt assistance to Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Marshall Islands for use of medical facilities prior to implementation of the territories' compacts. Directs the Comptroller General to conduct annual audits of assistance provided to the Federated States of Micronesia and the Marshall Islands. Extends Pell Grant, Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, and College Work-Study assistance to students who are or will be citizens of the Federated States of Micronesia, Palau, or the Marshall Islands. Authorizes the Presidents of the United States and Palau to make agreements regarding compensation for and the transfer of land for defense uses. Directs the United States to provide funds for capital improvements. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish field offices in Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Marshall Islands; and (2) provide sums as may be necessary for a further referendum or other costs of Compact implementation. Authorizes appropriations. Provides for continuing availability of unobligated balances of funds provided to Palau. Directs the Secretary to assist the President of Palau in implementing the requirements of the fiscal procedures and law enforcement assistance agreements and to report annually to the House Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs and the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Provides a 180-day transitional rule for granting of U.S. nonimmigrant status. Amends the Act approving the Compact to provide that the authorizations for transition purposes shall decline over the first through third fiscal years after the Compact's effective date (under current law, FY 1987 through 1989).

Resolution· HRESH.Res. 471 (100th)open

A resolution to condemn the use of chemical weapons by Iraq and urge the President to continue applying diplomatic pressure to prevent their further use, and urge the Administration to step up efforts to achieve an international ban on chemical weapons.

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.

Resolution· HRESH.Res. 473 (100th)open

A resolution directing the President to provide certain documents to the House of Representatives concerning the assistance for Central America provided for in Public Law 100-276, approved April 1, 1988.

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.

Bill· HRH.R. 4692 (100th)open

Agricultural Commodity Embargo Limitation Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 May 1988

Agricultural Commodity Embargo Limitation Act - Provides that the President may not prohibit or restrict the export of U.S. agricultural products to any country unless: (1) a state of war exists between such country and the United States; or (2) the President certifies to the Congress that such country is engaged in military hostilities against the United States, and such certification is in effect.