United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1989
Provides for the establishment of categories of aliens who are subject to persecution in the Soviet Union or in Indochina (Vietnam, Cambodia, or Laos) and therefore admissible as refugees into the United States. Deems Jews and Evangelical Christians in the Soviet Union as such a category. Provides for the adjustment of status to refugee status for certain Soviet and Indochinese parolees residing in the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1989
Live Performing Arts Labor Relations Amendments - Amends the National Labor Relations Act to exclude specified types of employers and performers in the live performing arts from coverage under unfair labor practice provisions: (1) prohibiting specified contracts or agreements between employers and labor organizations; and (2) prohibiting specified actions of labor organizations to force or require cessation of dealings with others, joining of labor or employer organizations, or recognition of or negotiation with labor organizations not certified as representative. Permits such employers to: (1) agree with a labor organization to make membership in it a condition of performing arts employment; and (2) make agreements with a labor organization covering performing artists even if its majority status has not yet been established. Defines "employer" to include purchasers of live musical performance services. Defines "employee" to include independent contractors engaged to perform live musical services.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1989
Employee Educational Assistance Act of 1989 - Repeals provisions of the Internal Revenue Code that: (1) terminated the income tax exclusion of amounts paid under employee educational assistance programs as of tax year 1989; and (2) deny benefits in connection with graduate work.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1989
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to disallow an income tax deduction for business expenses incurred as removal or liability costs resulting from a spill or other discharge of oil being transported by or for the taxpayer from a vessel onto waters subject to the Clean Water Act. Excludes discharges caused by an act of God, an act of war, negligence on the part of the U.S. Government, or an act or omission of a third party. Applies this deduction denial retroactively with respect to amounts incurred in taxable years 1989 and thereafter.
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 1989
Childless Veterans Assistance Act of 1989 - Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide procreative services and reimbursement for adoption expenses to veterans (or their spouses) with a service-connected inability to procreate. Prohibits the Secretary from reimbursing a veteran for adoption expenses: (1) until after the adoption is final; (2) that are paid to or for the veteran under any other program administered by the Federal Government or by a State or local government; or (3) in an amount greater than $2,000 per child or $4,000 total per veteran.
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 1989
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish a new test for determining whether an employee health plan meets the new (section 89) nondiscrimination requirements for coverage and benefits. Considers a plan as meeting the requirements if: (1) it does not contain eligibility provisions that discriminate in favor of highly compensated employees; (2) the taxable benefit of any highly compensated employee is limited to 133 percent of the premium made available to 90 percent of the employees who are not in this category; and (3) the employer maintains at least one qualified plan that consists primarily of core health benefits and does not require employee weekly contributions of more than $10 per week ($25 for family coverage) (indexed for inflation), and at least 90 percent of all employees who are not highly paid employees are eligible to participate in such a plan. Revises the definition of "highly compensated employee." Increases from 17 1/2 hours to 25 hours per week the threshold number of work hours triggering requirements with respect to part-time employees. Adjusts benefits and requirements in connection with employees who work less than 30 hours per week. Applies the requirements separately in connection with employees covered by a collective bargaining agreement. Permits an employer to disregard leased employees in connection with requirements if specified conditions are met. Imposes a 34 percent tax on employers in connection with amounts paid or incurred during any taxable year under a specified employee benefit plan that does not meet enumerated general criteria, including that it be in writing, be maintained exclusively for the benefit of employees, and provide for employee notice about benefits. Repeals nondiscrimination provisions as applied to group-term life insurance. Amends the Technical and Miscellaneous Revenue Act of 1988 to delay application of the requirements with respect to retired employees. Requires employers to report to highly compensated employees amounts of taxable fringe benefits. Imposes a penalty for failure to report.
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 1989
Authorizes the Raoul Wallenberg Tribute Committee to establish a work to honor Raoul Wallenberg on Federal land in the District of Columbia or its environs. Prohibits the United States from paying any expense of the establishment of the work.
United States · United States Congress · 12 April 1989
Recycling Act - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to require all paper and paper products procured by Federal and State agencies and certain businesses under contract with Federal agencies to be composed of the highest percentage practicable of recovered materials. Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to prepare guidelines for the implementation of such requirement. Requires each procuring agency that enters into a construction contract to give preference to the contractor that proposes to use the highest percentage of recovered materials in carrying out such contract, provided that such materials are of a reasonable price. Directs the Administrator to prepare guidelines to include minimum content standards for at least five items used in construction contracts that can be produced with recovered materials. Requires the Administrator to issue annual guidelines that specify standards for five additional items that may or may not be used in such contracts. Requires each Federal agency with office facilities of more than 35 office workers to carry out a recovery program of newsprint and corrugated and high-grade paper. Requires such materials to be separated at the source of generation, separately collected, sold for the purpose of recycling or used by the Government. Authorizes funds received from such sales to be retained by the agency that generated the sold item. Prohibits any State or municipality from receiving any form of Federal assistance in connection with facilities for the processing, separation, resource recovery, or reduction of solid waste unless the Administrator certifies that such State or municipality has implemented and met the targets for a program: (1) for the collection, separation, and processing of recyclable materials which provides for graduated increases in the amount of waste stream to be made available to markets for recovered materials; and (2) that requires preferences for the procurement of goods containing recovered materials. Sets forth additional requirements for State solid waste disposal plans, including: (1) the separation, collection, and recycling of tires, lead-acid batteries, and major household appliances; and (2) the separation, collection, and safe disposal of household hazardous wastes. Authorizes the Administrator to provide low-interest loans or loan guarantees for constructing and operating facilities and equipment for the collection, separation, or processing of recyclable materials. Permits the Administrator to provide technical assistance and grants to State and local governments for recycling and waste reduction programs. Authorizes appropriations. Requires all paper and paper products, effective five years after this Act's enactment, to contain the minimum percentage of recovered materials specified by the Administrator under the Solid Waste Disposal Act. Extends the date by which the Secretary of Commerce is required to take actions regarding the development of markets for recovered materials. Requires the Secretary, no later than six months after this Act's enactment, to develop a program to promote the selling of recyclable solid waste from the United States in international markets. Requires manufacturers of plastic items or packaging to label such items to indicate the type of plastic used in such materials. Prohibits any plastic, effective one year after the promulgation of regulations regarding this section, from containing, or being manufactured in a process that uses, chlorofluorocarbons. Directs the EPA Inspector General to report annually to the Congress on compliance with this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 12 April 1989
Municipal Solid Waste Reduction Act of 1989 - Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish a waste reduction information clearinghouse in the EPA Office of Solid Waste. Makes such information available to the public. Directs the Administrator to implement a public education program about municipal solid waste reduction and the ways in which reduction can alleviate waste management and disposal problems. Requires the Administrator to publish lists of: (1) the 50 most toxic constituents of the municipal waste stream arising during the recycling, treatment, disposal, or other management of such waste stream; and (2) the 50 categories of waste that are the largest contributors by volume to such stream. Directs the Administrator, acting through the Assistant Administrator for the Office of Solid Waste, to initiate studies of five of the elements on each list. Outlines the requirements of such studies, including: (1) a determination of the risks to human health and the environment involved in managing such constituents or waste categories in the waste stream; (2) a determination of strategies for reducing the quantity or toxicity of such constituents or waste categories; and (3) an examination of the economic costs and benefits associated with such reduction. Requires the President to establish a commission to study methods for labeling products and packaging to help reduce waste. Requires such study to be submitted to the President and the Congress and to be made available to the public. Terminates the Commission after submission of the study. Directs the Administrator to implement a grant program for research and development on redesigning consumer products for the purpose of reducing the volume or toxicity of waste. Requires grant recipients to report to the Administrator on the use of such grants and the success in redesigning products. Limits the amount of each grant to $50,000. Prohibits the Administrator from obligating or spending more than $5,000,000 in a fiscal year for such program. Requires the head of each executive department to: (1) review purchases of goods to determine where substitute goods could be purchased to achieve waste reduction; (2) encourage waste reduction in the practices of the department; and (3) report annually to the Administrator on waste reduction activities. Directs the Administrator to report annually to the Congress on waste reduction activities in such departments.
United States · United States Congress · 12 April 1989
Community Housing Partnership Act - Title I: Housing Education and Organizational Support Grants for Community Based Housing Projects - Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to provide housing education and organizational support grants directly to nonprofit organizations or indirectly to States and cities to assist such organizations. Authorizes permanent appropriations beginning with FY 1989. Title II: Community Housing and Partnership Grants - Authorizes the Secretary to provide community partnership grants directly to nonprofit organizations or indirectly to States and cities to assist such organizations. Divides appropriations among: (1) urban community housing partnership grants; (2) State community housing partnership grants; and (3) direct community housing partnership grants. Sets forth the following eligible activities: (1) technical assistance and site control loans; (2) seed-money loans; (3) matching grants or loans; and (4) technical and management assistance for nonprofit sponsors. Sets forth rental project and home ownership eligibility provisions, including: (1) occupancy by lower income families; (2) profit limitations; (3) funding coordination; (4) tax treatment; and (5) affirmative action requirements. Authorizes permanent appropriations beginning with FY 1989. Title III: General Provisions - Defines specified terms for purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 11 April 1989
Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to increase the eligibility for outpatient medical services to all veterans currently eligible for hospital care. (Currently, the eligibility for outpatient medical services is limited to veterans: (1) for a service-connected disability; or (2) for a disability for a veteran who has a service-connected disability rated at 50 percent or more.) Eliminates the authority of the Secretary to: (1) furnish home health services in connection with such outpatient care; and (2) contract for the provision of outpatient medical services with facilities that are not Department of Veterans Affairs facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1989
Wetlands No Net Loss Act of 1989 - Requires the Secretary of the Interior to designate a nonprofit organization as a Wetlands Preservation Trust if such organization: (1) is established for the purpose of acquiring ownership interests in wetlands, former wetlands, and related property and for restoring, creating, or preserving wetlands; and (2) meets, and submits an application in accordance with, the Secretary's requirements. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to create special rules for contributions of land to such Trusts. Applies the 50 percent limitation on charitable contribution deductions to contributions of wetlands to such Trusts. Permits a ten-year carryover for excess contributions. Extends the deadline for the exchange of property held for productive use or investment if such contributions are made as part of such exchanges. Permits the carryover of unused deductions on a taxpayer's last return if such taxpayer dies before the close of the last taxable year for which such deductions could have been allowed. Authorizes the Secretary, acting through the Office of Wetlands Identification and Preservation, to make grants to States from the Wetlands Preservation Account for the implementation of State Wetlands Conservation Plans. Outlines requirements of such Plans. Prohibits the Secretary from approving any Plan that: (1) excludes any area of State wetlands solely on the basis of that area being less than a minimum size; or (2) excludes from Plan administration areas of wetlands the preservation of which is significant for achieving the purposes of this Act. Amends the Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956 to require the Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to establish the Office of Wetlands Identification and Preservation within the Service. Requires the Director, acting through the Office, to: (1) identify all U.S. wetlands and associated uplands which are suitable for preservation; (2) produce and make available to the public maps of such lands; and (3) carry out title III of the Emergency Wetland Resources Act of 1986 (State and Federal Wetland Acquisition). Authorizes the Director, acting through the Office, to enter into agreements with private persons to carry out wetlands preservation. Permits such agreements to provide for: (1) the transfer of wetlands to Trusts; and (2) technical assistance to owners of wetlands who enter into such preservation agreements. Establishes the Wetlands Preservation Account. Requires at least 60 percent of Account funds to be available for grants to States. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to deposit into such Account amounts received in the form of: (1) criminal penalties for certain permit violations of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act; and (2) civil and administrative penalties under such Act. Directs the Secretary to transfer annually to the Account $300,000,000 from the Land and Water Conservation Fund. Authorizes appropriations. Requires the head of each executive agency to: (1) complete an inventory of all wetlands and associated uplands owned or managed by the agency; and (2) implement a plan for the protection of wetlands included in the inventory. Requires such agencies to submit such plans to the head of the Office and the Secretary of the Interior. Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to transfer the authority to issue permits for discharge of dredge and fill material from the Secretary of the Army to the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Office. Revises provisions regarding reporting requirements. Repeals a provision requiring the submission of comments on permit applications. Prohibits the Secretary of the Army from authorizing any dredging of wetlands under the Rivers and Harbors Appropriations Act of 1899 without the prior approval of the Secretary of the Interior. Requires the Director of the Office of Technology Assessment to study and report to the Congress on: (1) incentives under Federal and State laws for the protection and management of wetlands; (2) potential modifications to existing Federal laws to improve their effectiveness in creating such incentives and to increase the permanence of such protection; and (3) ways in which the Federal Government may encourage State and local governments to create additional incentives for the protection and management of wetlands by private individuals.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1989
Missing Service Personnel Act of 1989 - Requires the responsible uniformed service commander, after receiving notice that a person under his command is missing, to conduct an informal investigation to determine such person's whereabouts and, if appropriate, to place such person in a missing status. Requires the commander, if a person has been placed in such status, to notify the officer holding general court-martial authority over such person (or, in the case of a missing civilian, the Secretary concerned), who shall convene a board of initial inquiry within 45 days. Requires such board to: (1) investigate evidence relating to the disappearance of such person; (2) recommend whether to continue such person in a missing status or make a finding that such person has deserted, is absent without leave, or is dead; and (3) report its recommendations and findings. Provides for the convening of a board of further inquiry, if a board of initial inquiry recommends that such person be continued in a missing status, within one year of such recommendation. Requires such board to analyze any information which has become available since the board of initial inquiry issued its report, to determine whether such person should be continued in a missing status or declared dead, and to report its findings. Directs the Secretary concerned, upon the written request of a member of the immediate family of a missing person who, before the date of the enactment of this Act, was determined by the Secretary to be dead, to: (1) convene a board of further inquiry to determine whether such finding of death should be upheld or such person should be placed in a missing status; and (2) report its findings. Requires the Secretary, within three years after a board of further inquiry recommends a missing status for any person, to reconvene such board to review such status. Specifies the composition of such boards. Directs the Secretary to invite each member of the immediate family of the missing person to the meetings of a board of initial inquiry unless attendance would place such member in danger. Requires the Secretary to: (1) invite family members of missing persons to meetings of boards of further inquiry; (2) schedule such meetings at convenient locations and times; (3) provide such family members with reasonable notice of such meetings; and (4) open such meetings to the general public. Authorizes each board to hold meetings, take testimony, receive evidence, and secure directly from any U.S. department or agency any information necessary to carry out its duties. Provides for the appointment of counsel by the officer or Secretary concerned to represent the missing person. Requires that, if a board determines that a missing person is dead, it shall include in its report a detailed description of the location and date of death, whether the body has been recovered, and whether a licensed practitioner of forensic medicine determined that the body recovered is that of the missing person. Prohibits any such board from declaring a missing person dead unless: (1) evidence other than the passage of a period of less than 50 years suggests that such person is dead; (2) no evidence which reasonably suggests that such person is alive is in the possession of the Government; (3) representatives of the Government have made a complete search of the area where such person was last seen (unless the United States is not granted access to such area); and (4) Government representatives have checked the records of the government or entity having control over the area where such person was last seen (unless the Government is not granted access to such records). Provides for judicial review of determinations of death upon the filing of a written petition by any member of the missing person's immediate family. Directs the Secretary of the uniformed service in which a missing person serves to make certain that such person's personnel file contains all information in the possession of Federal departments and agencies pertaining to the disappearance or whereabouts of such person. Requires the Secretary to make certain that, if classified information is withheld, such file contains: (1) a notice that the information exists; and (2) a notice of the date of the most recent review of the classification status of the information. Sets forth penalties for knowingly withholding information pertaining to the disappearance or whereabouts of a missing person from that person's personnel file. Requires the Secretary concerned to make the contents of such file available to a member of the immediate family of such person upon written request.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1989
National Presidential Debate Act of 1989 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to require as a condition of eligibility to receive payments from the Presidential Election Campaign Fund that presidential candidates agree to participate in at least four debates of at least 90 minutes each, through a nonpartisan nonprofit entity, three of which must be in September and October preceding the relevant election. Requires a corresponding agreement by vice-presidential candidates, but for a minimum of only one debate.
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1989
Authorizes the President to present a gold medal, on behalf of the Congress, to each of the following individuals in recognition of their contributions to this Nation's cultural heritage: (1) Frank Capra; (2) James Stewart; and (3) Fred Zinnemann. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to design a different gold medal for each such individual. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary to strike and sell bronze duplicates of such medals at a price sufficient to cover the costs of such duplicates and the gold medals. Requires the appropriations to be reimbursed out of the sales proceeds. Designates all such medals as National Medals.
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1989
Tropical Forest Protection Act of 1989 - Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to instruct the U.S. executive directors of specified multilateral development banks to promote the preservation of tropical forests or other endangered ecosystems and species in debtor developing countries by enabling such countries, through debt reduction or restructuring, to buy back private debt at discount rates in the secondary market if such countries: (1) convert an agreed upon amount of debt to local currency for use in "debt-for-nature swap" programs for the protection of such forests, ecosystems, or species; or (2) demonstrate a commitment to the protection of such forests in the form of such swaps for set asides or conservation easements. Directs the Secretary to instruct such directors to consult with one another to promote debt suspension in such countries as long as environmental protection commitments are maintained. Requires the Secretary to instruct the U.S. executive director to the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development to initiate discussions with other directors and management of the Bank and propose a three-year environmental sector lending program for countries with such commitments to: (1) reduce the future need for lending for reforestation and restoration of environmentally degraded areas; and (2) be based on the estimated long-term economic return expected from the sustainable use and protection of tropical forests and the benefits from maintenance of biological diversity and climate stabilization. Directs the Secretary to instruct such directors to promote policies which: (1) assist in strengthening nongovernmental organizations in such countries by providing technical assistance and support for environmental protection activities; and (2) encourage international collaboration for information exchange and project enhancement with environmental protection organizations.
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1989
Healthy Birth Act of 1989 - Amends title V (Maternal and Child Health Services) of the Social Security Act to increase authorized appropriations for such program. Sets aside certain appropriated amounts for comprehensive State infant mortality initiatives and Federal activities in coordination with such initiatives. Prohibits Federal assistance for such a State initiative unless the State provides assurances that it will: (1) establish a toll-free telephone information and referral system for maternal and child health services; (2) provide technical assistance and public awareness activities regarding the maternal and child health handbook to be disseminated by the Secretary of Health and Human Services; (3) develop and expand maternal and child health home visiting programs; (4) establish a "one-stop shopping," client-centered program under which pregnant women and mothers can apply for a wide range of Government programs in a coordinated manner at a location at which social and health-related services are made available to pregnant women and infants; (5) evaluate the impact of such initiative; and (6) be able to continue such initiative without Federal assistance within five years of the first receipt of such assistance. Directs the Secretary to use a specified portion of set-aside amounts to: (1) provide technical assistance to State initiatives; (2) disseminate a maternal and child health handbook to all pregnant women and new parents; (3) establish a nationwide, toll-free telephone information and referral system for maternal and child health services; (4) develop a model, coordinated application and eligibility determination system for use by States under the Medicaid program (title XIX of the Act) and the special supplemental food program for women, infants, and children; (5) improve the integration and coordination of Federal programs serving pregnant women and children; and (6) monitor and evaluate State infant mortality initiatives. Requires the Secretary to give priority to the initiatives of States demonstrating the greatest need and an ability to implement such initiatives, while recognizing the need for an equitable distribution of assistance among the States.
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1989
Emergency Phone System Equal Access Act - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require that any telecommunication system that is operated by a provider of public safety services, used to provide public safety emergency answering services, and manufactured, imported, or installed in the United States more than one year after the enactment of this Act be readily accessible to hearing- and speech-impaired individuals.
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1989
Declares that: (1) it is the sense of the House of Representatives that child survival and development programs are to be commended; (2) the House of Representatives reaffirms its goal of improvement of the survival rates, health, and development of people in all countries and urges the President to adopt this as a major priority; (3) the President is urged to propose to the Secretary General of the United Nations that he establish an independent advisory commission with regard to programs in primary health care, nutrition, basic education, and environment by members of the Grand Alliance for Children; and (4) the House of Representatives endorses the call for a World Summit on Children as an opportunity to attain specified goals, including the goals of Universal Childhood Immunization by 1990 and Health for All by the year 2000.
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1989
Urges the Government of Iran to uphold the human rights of all its nationals, including members of the Baha'i faith, and to extend the rights guaranteed by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Calls upon the President to continue to: (1) emphasize human rights improvements as an important factor in the development of relations between the U.S. and Iranian Governments; (2) cooperate with other governments to initiate and support actions by the United Nations and its agencies to promote the protection of the religious rights of the Baha'is; and (3) 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 · 4 April 1989
Employee Pension Protection Act of 1989 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to revise fiduciary standards applicable to pension plan assets to account for duties with respect to assets of terminated plans. Establishes fiduciary standards to apply to employer reversions upon plan termination, requiring an employer to establish and maintain a complete replacement plan or a substantial replacement plan in connection with the termination. Prescribes requirements to govern both types of plans. Links the establishment of either of these new plans to the amount of any employer reversion, requiring the new plans to have assets sufficient to pay all liabilities to participants and their beneficiaries. Considers any plan fiduciary or sponsor to be jointly and severally liable for violation of ERISA if requirements regarding complete replacement or substantial replacement plans upon plan termination are not met at any time during the five-year period beginning on the date of final distribution of assets from the terminated plan. Describes fiduciary duties to govern the distribution of plan assets to participants and beneficiaries upon plan termination in cases when the employer does not set up a replacement or substantial replacement plan. Institutes fiduciary duties with respect to distributions of plan assets upon termination in direct trustee-to-trustee transfers to individual retirement plans. Directs the Secretary of Labor to prescribe reporting requirements in connection with these transfers.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1989
Used Oil Recycling Act of 1989 - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to prohibit the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency from listing or identifying as a hazardous waste any: (1) recycled oil; (2) used oil transferred to a person who certifies that such oil will be rerefined, processed, or reclaimed for a beneficial purpose or stored less than 12 months prior to such transfer; and (3) used oil which has been removed from the engine of a light duty motor vehicle or household appliance by the owner, transferred to a service station dealer, and stored by the dealer for less than 12 months. Requires the Administrator to determine whether to list as a hazardous waste used oil which is a solid waste and does not satisfy the above-listed criteria. Directs the Administrator to establish management standards for the storage, testing, transportation, treatment, exportation and importation, and processing of used oil. Requires such standards to be designed to protect human health and the environment by encouraging and expanding reliance on recycling of used oil. Exempts generators of used oil from recordkeeping or reporting requirements if such generators: (1) enter into an agreement for delivery of such oil to a recycling facility whose owner or operator certifies compliance with such standards or recycles such oil; (2) do not mix the oil with any hazardous wastes; and (3) maintain necessary records relating to the oil. Prohibits mixing used oil with any hazardous waste identified under such Act except where: (1) such mixing involves an identified hazardous waste and the resulting mixture does not exhibit a characteristic identified in such Act; and (2) the used oil mixture is burned to recover useful energy such that protection of human health and the environment is assured. Deems owners or operators of facilities which process used oil for fuel to have permits for recycling activities if in compliance with management standards. Directs the Administrator to conduct inspections of such facilities to determine compliance with such standards. Requires the Administrator to implement educational programs to inform the public about the environmental and safety hazards associated with improper handling of used oil and the benefits of used oil recycling. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Administrator to promulgate regulations concerning the procurement of used oil fuel by Federal agencies subject to the requirements of the Solid Waste Disposal Act.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1989
Emergency Refugee Act of 1989 - Authorizes additional FY 1989 refugee admissions from the Soviet Union, Eastern Europe, Vietnam, the Near East, and East Asia First Asylum countries. Transfers unused FY 1989 State legalization impact assistance grant (SLIAG) funds to cover specified costs related to such admissions. Authorizes additional SLIAG FY 1990 and 1991 appropriations. Authorizes FY 1990 and 1991 appropriations for anti-discrimination in employment activities. Authorizes SLIAG funds to be used for: (1) employment training and educational outreach programs for legalized aliens; and (2) State enforcement of anti-discrimination activities. Establishes an administrative appeals process for States applying for SLIAG assistance. Gives education priority under such grants to basic citizenship skills (English language and United States history and government).
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1989
Trauma Care Systems Planning and Development Act of 1989 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to create a new title on trauma care. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants and enter into cooperative agreements and contracts with respect to trauma care to: (1) conduct and support research, training, evaluations, and demonstration projects; (2) foster development of trauma care systems; (3) collect and disseminate information; (4) provide technical assistance to State and local agencies; and (5) sponsor workshops and conferences. Directs the Secretary to establish the Advisory Council on Trauma Care Systems. Declares that, notwithstanding provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, the Council shall continue in existence until otherwise provided by law. Directs the Secretary to make an allotment for each State for each fiscal year for developing, implementing, and monitoring the modifications to the trauma-care component of the State plan for the provision of emergency medical services. Requires non-Federal matching contributions (in cash or in kind) in specified ratios for fiscal years after the first fiscal year of payments. States that such component of the State plan will be modified with regard to: (1) trauma care regions, centers, and systems; (2) triage and transport of children; (3) accreditation and evaluation; (4) data reporting and analysis systems; (5) procedures for paramedical personnel to assess the severity of injuries; (6) transportation and transfer policies; (7) public education; (8) coordination and cooperation; and (9) other matters. Requires States to adopt guidelines for the designation of trauma centers, and for triage, transfer, and transportation policies, equivalent to the applicable guidelines developed by the American College of Surgeons and by the American College of Emergency Physicians. Authorizes the Secretary, after public notice and an opportunity for comment, to waive the requirement of adoption of such guidelines. Mandates that States: (1) require each trauma center to provide certain information to the State emergency medical system annually; (2) submit to the Secretary, at least annually, the information it receives from its data reporting and analysis system; and (3) identify and submit to the Secretary a list of rural areas lacking certain emergency medical services. Sets forth restrictions on the use of State allotments. Requires an annual report from each State to the Secretary. Sets forth a formula for determination of the amount of allotments. Provides for: (1) repayment and offset for failure to use funds as agreed; (2) criminal penalties for certain false statements; (3) technical assistance and provision of supplies and services by the Secretary in lieu of grant funds; and (4) a report by the Secretary to the Congress. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1990 through 1992. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct studies to: (1) identify programs established by States in order to reimburse trauma care centers and other health care providers for the uncompensated provision of health care; and (2) determine the adequacy and appropriateness of the reimbursements provided to trauma centers and ambulance service providers under title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1989
Recycling Information Clearinghouse Act of 1989 - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to require the Environmental Protection Agency to establish a clearinghouse for information about the recycling of municipal solid waste, to be administered by the Office of Solid Waste. Requires that the information collected and disseminated to the public by such clearinghouse include: (1) an annual estimate of the volume and rate of recycling of materials from the municipal solid waste stream; (2) an annual estimate of the balance of trade in recycled materials and products; (3) economic data comparing the costs and benefits of recycling various materials from the municipal solid waste stream; (4) a catalog of State and local laws that encourage or require the recycling of materials from the municipal solid waste stream; (5) a list of all purchases of recycled materials or products by the Federal Government, organized by agency and the type of recycled materials or products purchased; (6) a register announcing all solicitations by Federal agencies for the purchase of recycled materials or products; (7) information about state-of-the-art recycling methods, programs, or technologies; and (8) a register of all potential purchasers of recycled materials. Requires that a toll-free telephone hotline be established and made available to those seeking information from the clearinghouse. Provides that, to the extent feasible, such information should be computerized to facilitate its analysis and retrieval. Makes a State ineligible for solid waste disposal assistance after December 31, 1990, unless the State maintains and publicizes a register of potential purchasers of recycled materials known to the State solid waste planning authorities. Requires such register to be periodically updated and submitted to the clearinghouse. Authorizes appropriations for such clearinghouse.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1989
Declares it to be the policy of the United States that Federal records, books, and publications of enduring value be produced on acid-free permanent papers. Makes recommendations relating to such papers to Federal agencies and to American publishers. Recommends that the Secretary of State make known such national policy to foreign governments and appropriate international agencies. Directs the Librarian of Congress, the Archivist of the United States, the Director of the National Library of Medicine, and the Administrator of the National Agricultural Library to monitor progress in implementing such policy.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1989
Designates the week beginning September 1, 1989, as World War II Remembrance Week in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the outbreak of that War.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1989
Medicare Catastrophic Coverage Revision Act of 1989 - Delays, for one year, the implementation of the Medicare Catastrophic Coverage Act of 1988, except for provisions of such Act expanding benefits under part A (Hospital Insurance) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1989
International Security and Satellite Monitoring Act of 1989 - Establishes the Commission on International Security and Satellite Monitoring. Requires the Commission to: (1) study areas in which the sharing of information collected by civilian remote-sensing satellites could increase international security and stability, including environmental monitoring, disaster preparedness, drug trafficking, and weapons monitoring; (2) review the status of U.S. civilian remote-sensing programs to recommend development of a coordinated policy; and (3) determine how a revised open skies policy could enhance the national security strategy of the United States. Sets forth specific factors for the Commission to consider in conducting such study. Requires the Commission to transmit a report to the President and to the Congress containing a detailed statement of its findings, conclusions, and recommendations. Terminates the Commission two years after this Act's enactment. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1989
Title I: Statehood Centennial Coin - Statehood Centennial Commemorative Coin Act of 1989 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue not more than a specified number of one-dollar silver coins and five-dollar palladium coins in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the statehood of Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Washington, and Wyoming. Sets forth certain features of such coins and provides for their design, issuance, and sale. Requires the Secretary to provide a specified amount of all surcharges to the Documents West exhibition program with the remaining amount of surcharges to be deposited in the Treasury to be used to reduce the national debt. Requires the Secretary to obtain silver for the one-dollar coins only from stockpiles established under the Strategic and Critical Materials Stock Piling Act. Requires the Secretary to obtain palladium for the five-dollar coins by purchase of palladium mined and refined in the United States. Grants the Comptroller General the right to examine records and other data of the Idaho Centennial Commission. Title II: Silver Proof Sets - Silver Coin Proof Set Act - Authorizes the Secretary to mint and issue silver coin proof sets. Sets forth certain specified features of such coins and provides for their sale to the public. Requires the Secretary to obtain silver for such coins by purchase from stockpiles established under the Strategic and Critical Materials Stock Piling Act and from Treasury stocks on hand.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1989
High Definition Television Research and Development Act of 1989 - Directs the Secretary of Commerce, acting through the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology, to provide assistance for the creation and support of joint research and development ventures to speed commercialization of high definition television products and services and to establish technology-sharing and technology transfer procedures. Directs the Secretary to: (1) publish notice that the National Institute is prepared to accept applications for assistance; and (2) negotiate a Memorandum stating the activities and responsibilities of each member of any joint venture selected for assistance. Requires each joint venture to submit an annual report and operating plan to the Secretary, the appropriate congressional committees, and the Comptroller General of the United States defining the goals, financial reporting requirements, and technology transfer agreements to be established in such joint venture. Treats all intellectual properties, trade secrets, and technical data developed by a joint venture receiving such assistance as if they are inventions made with Federal assistance for purposes of patent rights to such information. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1990 through 1994.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1989
Authorizes appropriations for the Maritime Administration for FY 1990 for: (1) operating-differential subsidies; (2) research and development; (3) manpower, education, and training; (4) operating programs; and (5) national security support capabilities, including the National Defense Reserve Fleet and the Ready Reserve Force. Amends the Merchant Marine Act, 1936 to revise Federal provisions relating to the making of student incentive payments to individuals enrolled in State maritime academies. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to submit to the Congress a study on providing training opportunities for State, regional, and Federal maritime academy students that will produce licensed graduate officers. Amends the Merchant Marine Act, 1936 to set the cap on annual payments to regional maritime academies which meet certain requirements at $200,000. Amends the Merchant Ship Sales Act of 1946 to limit the purposes for which the Secretary of Transportation may enter into a contract for maintenance of the National Defense Reserve Fleet, including the Ready Reserve Force.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1989
Repeals provisions of the Internal Revenue Code that limit the deductibility of contributions to individual retirement plans by active participants in employer-maintained retirement plans.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1989
Oil Pollution Liability and Compensation Act of 1989 - Title I: Oil Pollution Liability and Compensation - Imposes joint, several, and strict liability for specified removal costs and damages upon the party responsible for a vessel or facility from which oil is either discharged into certain waters, or which poses a substantial threat of such a discharge. Exempts from such liability certain discharges permitted under Federal, State, and local law. Defines conditions under which a mobile offshore drilling unit will be treated as either a tanker or as a facility for purposes of determining responsibility or excess liability. Sets forth defenses to liability under this Act. Sets forth limits to liability under this Act, with specified exceptions. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to establish by regulation a maximum liability limit. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress from time to time regarding liability adjustments. Declares that the responsible party or his guarantor shall be liable to the claimant for interest on the amount paid in satisfaction of a claim for a specified period. Defines circumstances under which liability for injury to natural resources shall be to either: (1) the United States; (2) the affected State; or (3) a foreign government. Sets forth recovery and indemnification procedures. Sets forth the uses of the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund (the Fund) including: (1) payment of removal costs and administrative expenses; and (2) contributions to the International Fund. Sets forth defenses to liability for such Fund and a specified maximum amount which may be paid from the Fund. Confers rights of subrogation upon the United States for payment of any claim by the Fund. Sets forth a claims procedure for removal costs or damages. Requires the Secretary to designate the source of a discharge and to immediately notify the responsible party or guarantor of such designation. Grants subrogation rights to any person (including the Fund) who pays compensation under this Act to any claimant for costs or damages. Requires the party responsible for certain vessels over 300 gross tons to establish and maintain evidence of financial responsibility to meet maximum liability limits. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to withhold or revoke the clearance of any vessel which fails to certify such financial responsibility. Sets forth circumstances under which such vessels may be denied entry into U.S. ports or waters or have their oil cargo seized. Imposes a civil penalty for failure to comply with the financial responsibility requirement. Restricts judicial review of any regulation promulgated under this Act to the Circuit Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia. Grants the district courts original jurisdiction over all actions arising under this Act. Sets forth a limitation period for actions for removal costs, damages, or contribution. Title II: Conforming Amendments - Sets forth conforming amendments to certain related statutes. Title III: Implementation of International Conventions - States that during any period in which the Civil Liability Convention and the Fund Convention are in force with respect to the United States, owner liability for pollution damage arising from a ship-related incident shall be determined according to such Conventions. Grants recognition to the International Oil Pollution Compensation Fund as a legal person under Federal law, and deems the Director of such Fund to have irrevocably appointed the Secretary of State as the Fund's agent for service of process for legal proceedings involving the Fund within the United States. Exempts such Fund and its assets from all direct taxation in the United States. Provides that certain required contributions with respect to oil received in the United States shall be paid to the International Fund from the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund. Grants recognition to any final judgment of a court of any country which is a party to either the Civil Liability Convention or the Fund Convention. Sets forth the financial responsibility requirements of shipowners whose vessels are subject to the Civil Liability Convention. Imposes specified sanctions and civil penalties upon persons violating the financial responsibility requirements. Waives all U.S. defenses based upon sovereign immunity with respect to any controversy arising under the Civil Liability Convention or the Fund Convention relating to any ship owned by the United States and used for commercial purposes. Authorizes the Secretary to prescribe regulations to implement this Act and all Federal obligations under the specified Oil Pollution Conventions.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1989
Acid Deposition Control Act of 1989 - Title I: Stationary Sources - Amends the Clean Air Act to require each Governor to submit to the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency for approval a two-phased plan establishing emission limitations and compliance schedules for sulfur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen emissions from fossil fuel fired electric utility steam generating units in the State. Requires reductions in sulfur dioxide emissions by 1994 (phase I) and reductions in oxides of nitrogen and further reductions in sulfur dioxide by 1998 (phase II). Directs each Governor to submit to the Administrator for approval an emissions limitations plan for such units, other than electric utilities' units, requiring both sulfur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen emissions reductions by 1998. Requires the Administrator to conduct and update an annual inventory of sulfur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen emissions from stationary sources. Directs the Administrator to identify the total statewide potential reductions in such emissions and to transmit such information to the State. Requires each Governor to submit to the Administrator a plan for establishing emission limitations from stationary sources of industrial process emissions to achieve such State's potential reductions by 1998. Requires the Administrator to study and report to the Congress by June 30, 1994, on the reductions achieved during phase I, granting the Congress an opportunity to legislate by the start of 1995 against the implementation of phase II. Grants States an opportunity to modify disapproved plans. Establishes emissions standards and Administrator-promulgated plans for States without an approved plan. Requires units in such States to submit a compliance plan and schedule to the Administrator. Directs the Administrator to impose fees on the generation and importation of electric energy if a utility is eligible for Federal subsidies to cover rate increases attributable to emission reduction requirements. Limits such fee to a maximum of 1/2 mill per kilowatt hour and makes it inapplicable to the generation of electric energy within the United States by hydroelectric or nuclear power. Prohibits the application of such fees after December 31, 1997. Prescribes civil penalties for violations in connection with such fees. Establishes the Acid Deposition Control Fund to provide for subsidies to electric utilities to cover rate increases attributable to emission reduction requirements. Prohibits the payments of subsidies to any utility, unless the State's Governor has assured that such rate increases are: (1) equivalent for residential electric utility ratepayers throughout the State; and (2) made level over the period during which such requirements are in effect. Prohibits costs for any technological system of emission reduction from being attributed to such requirements, unless such system meets specified conditions. Authorizes the Administrator to provide financial assistance to the owners or operators of stationary sources to promote the use of innovative technologies to control sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and other emissions from fossil fuels covered under the Clean Air Act. Sets forth eligibility and evaluation requirements. Allows State plans to provide for the use of innovative technology if contingent emission limitations are included in such plans. Authorizes the Administrator to impose fees on the generation of electric energy in such States to promote the use of innovative technologies. Prescribes civil penalties for violations in connection with such fees. Directs the Administrator to revise standards for emissions of nitrogen oxides for electric utility steam generating units burning bituminous or subbituminous coal. Requires the Administrator to promulgate standards for such emissions from nonelectric utility units which are new sources over a certain capacity. Title II: Emissions from Mobile Sources - Establishes emission standards for: (1) oxides of nitrogen from passenger cars and trucks manufactured after model year 1990; and (2) hydrocarbons from trucks manufactured after model year 1991. Directs the Administrator to promulgate regulations setting a maximum percentage for the sulfur content of motor vehicle diesel fuel. Prohibits any manufacturer or processor of diesel fuel from selling or introducing into commerce any fuel not in compliance with such regulations after January 1, 1991. Directs the Administrator to promulgate regulations to require the use of either hydrocarbon control technology by motor vehicles manufactured after model year 1991, or gasoline vapor recovery of hydrocarbon emissions emanating from the fueling of motor vehicles, or both.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1989
National Global Warming Policy Act - Declares that it is U.S. policy to: (1) reduce the generation of greenhouse gases in the United States, with an initial goal of reducing carbon dioxide emissions from 1988 levels by 20 percent by the end of the year 2000; (2) host, in 1989, an international summit meeting on global warming and environmental concerns; (3) encourage, and develop multilateral agreements with, other nations to reduce the generation of such gases; (4) assist in the worldwide protection of tropical rainforests; (5) require Federal agencies to determine the impacts of global warming on their activities and propose greenhouse gas reduction policies; and (6) develop technologies that will provide reliable energy and services while reducing the generation of such gases.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1989
Marine Research Act of 1989 - Amends the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972 to support and implement regional marine research programs to plan, coordinate, and support research, monitoring, and assessment activities concerned with the quality of the marine environment. Directs the Regional Marine Research Oversight Board (Board) to consider proposals for such programs if the chief executive officers of a majority of States in a marine research region submit a proposal identifying the research organizations which will participate in the program and the goals of such program. Requires proposals for such programs to be developed by a Regional Marine Research Organizing Committee consisting of the Director of the Sea Grant Program in each State in the region. Identifies the marine research regions as the Gulf of Maine, Greater New York Bight, Mid-Atlantic Bight, Tropical, Gulf of Mexico, Southern California Bight, North Pacific, Gulf of Alaska and Arctic Seas, Insular Pacific, and Great Lakes Regions. Requires each program to develop and submit to the Board a three-year marine research and assessment plan which: (1) identifies research needs and priorities in the region over the next ten years; (2) inventories all projects regarding the marine environment expected to be conducted in the region; (3) describes each project expected to be assisted by grants made available under this Act; (4) reviews and discusses coordination of research and assessment projects which address issues common to neighboring regions; and (5) lists the equipment and supplies commonly used for projects in the region. Authorizes the Board to make annual administrative, research, and equipment grants to programs which submit applications for such grants. Limits and establishes preferences for such grants. Sets forth reporting requirements. Requires each program to support baseline monitoring of fundamental marine environmental conditions and submit periodic reports on the status of marine environmental quality and resources in the region to the Board. Requires such reports to be made available to the public, State chief executive officers, and local, State, and Federal agencies. Establishes a Regional Marine Research Oversight Board at the Federal level to manage and coordinate the efforts of the programs and report periodically to the Congress on the activities and findings of such programs. Establishes the Regional Marine Research Trust Fund. Authorizes and allocates appropriations from the Fund to carry out this Act. Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act Amendments of 1978 to make moneys from the Offshore Oil Pollution Compensation Fund available for transfer to the Regional Marine Research Trust Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1989
Waste Reduction Act - Makes it the national policy to reduce or prevent pollution at its source whenever feasible. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish an office within the EPA which will be independent of the EPA's single-medium program offices and have the authority to review and advise such offices on their activities to promote a multi-media approach to source reduction. Directs the Administrator to develop and implement a strategy to promote source reduction. Identifies several review, coordination, outreach, and organizational actions that the Administrator must take as part of such strategy. Requires the Administrator to: (1) make matching grants to States for programs promoting the use of source reduction techniques by businesses; and (2) establish a Source Reduction Clearinghouse to compile information generated by States receiving grants on management, technical, and operational approaches to source reduction. Requires that such information be made available to the public. Requires filings of annual toxic chemical release forms required under the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 to include toxic chemical source reduction and recycling reports for toxic chemicals which are the subject of such filings. Includes in such reports information, on a facility-by-facility basis, as to: (1) the amounts and disposition of each toxic chemical; (2) the source reduction practices used with respect to such chemicals; (3) measurements of changes from past to anticipated levels of chemical reduction and recycling; and (4) the techniques used to identify source reduction opportunities. Makes such information available to the public. Directs the Administrator to report to the Congress within one year of this Act's enactment and biennially thereafter on the results of actions taken to implement source reduction strategies. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1989
Student Athlete Right-to-Know Act - Requires institutions of higher education receiving Federal assistance to provide certain information with respect to the graduation rates of student-athletes. (Includes information on fields of study, race, and sex under such requirement.) Requires such institutions to report such information annually to the Secretary of Education and to include it in their letters of intent to prospective students who are candidates for athletic scholarships. Directs the Secretary to compile and publish a report containing such information and to make copies available upon request to individuals and secondary schools.
![Official portrait of Rep. Hochbrueckner, George J. [D-NY-1]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/h000670_200.jpg)