United States · United States Congress · 13 October 1987
Department of Veterans Affairs Act - Redesignates the Veterans Administration (VA) as the Department of Veterans Affairs (the Department), an executive department within the executive branch of the Government. Provides that the Department shall be headed by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, to be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Designates as other principal officers of the Department the Deputy Secretary, the Chief Medical Director, and the Chief Benefits Director. Provides for the temporary continuation of service of the current Administrator, Deputy Administrator, Chief Medical Director, and Chief Benefits Director of Veterans Affairs. Establishes within the Department eight Assistant Secretaries, each of whom shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, to perform such functions as the Secretary may prescribe. Directs the Secretary to assign to one such Assistant Secretary all functions regarding the National Cemetery System and the State cemetery grant program. Outlines functions which the Secretary shall assign to the Assistant Secretaries. Provides for the temporary continuation of the performance of such functions by present personnel until such functions are assigned to an individual appointed as Assistant Secretary under this Act. Redesignates the current VA's Department of Medicine and Surgery as the Veterans Health Services Administration of the Department. Redesignates the VA's current Department of Veterans Benefits as the Veterans Benefits Administration of the Department, whose primary function shall be to administer nonmedical programs which provide assistance to veterans, their dependents, and their survivors. Establishes within the Department the Office of the General Counsel. Redesignates the current Office of Inspector General of the VA as the Office of Inspector General of the Department. Provides that any references to departments or positions under the current VA system shall be considered to be references to such departments and positions of the Department as modified under this Act. Provides continuing effect of all legal documents, suits, actions, and property and resources of the current VA. Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, after appropriate congressional consultation, to prepare and submit to the Congress proposed legislation containing technical and conforming amendments to reflect the changes made under this Act. Requires such legislation to be submitted no later than six months after the enactment of this Act. Provides that any spending authority of the Department is subject to available amounts as provided in appropriation Acts.
United States · United States Congress · 13 October 1987
Amends the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972 and the Federal Water Pollution Control Act of 1977 to prohibit the dumping of medical wastes into the ocean and navigable waters. Establishes a maximum fine for violations at least twice as high as that imposed for dumping other kinds of waste. Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to regulate the generation, transportation, treatment, storage, and disposal of medical waste as necessary to protect human health and the environment. Excludes waste already regulated as hazardous. Requires persons handling such waste to submit information and permit inspection of handling facilities, including providing samples. Establishes civil penalties for violations.
United States · United States Congress · 8 October 1987
Authorizes the Indian American Forum for Political Education to establish a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi in the District of Columbia and its environs. Prohibits the United States from paying any expense of establishing the memorial.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1987
Directs the Administrator of General Services to convey to the Museum of the American Indian the Old United States Custom House in New York, New York. Subjects the conveyance to the following conditions: (1) the property shall be used by the Museum solely as a museum to preserve the customs and history of North, South, and Central American Indians; (2) the Museum shall maintain the historic architectural character of the property; (3) the Museum shall give the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation a reasonable opportunity to comment on proposed renovations or alterations; and (4) the Museum shall obtain the approval of the Administrator before commencing any renovation or alteration. Provides that all right, title, and interest in the property shall revert to the United States if: (1) the Museum at 3753 Broadway in New York City does not operate as a branch of the Museum to be established at the property; (2) the Museum does not continuously use such property solely as a North, South, and Central American Indian museum and maintain its historic architectural character; (3) the Museum does not maintain such property in a manner that ensures that adequate services are provided to the U.S. courts on the fifth and sixth floors; or (4) the Museum interferes with the occupancy of such property by the courts. Prohibits the Museum from using such property as security for any obligation. Reserves to the United States: (1) air and development rights associated with such property; and (2) the right to occupy the fifth and sixth floors of the property for use by U.S. courts until the Administrator provides suitable permanent accommodations for such courts at the Foley Square Courthouse Annex. Requires the Museum to submit a plan detailing any proposed renovation or alteration of the property to the Administrator, who shall approve such action unless it would not preserve the property's historic architectural character.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 1987
Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to provide that, notwithstanding the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act) and the subsequent sequestration order issued by the President (under such Act), FY 1987 dairy expenditure reductions shall be implemented through a reduction in the price received by milk producers rather than through a reduction in Commodity Credit Corporation payments for dairy product purchases. States that such reductions shall be no greater than needed to equal the reduction in milk support expenditures required by such order.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 1987
Amends rule XXI of the Rules of the House of Representatives to prohibit consideration of bills or resolutions making appropriations under the jurisdiction of more than one subcommittee of the Appropriations Committee for periods after November 30 of a fiscal year, unless a 60 percent majority of the House votes to waive or suspend this provision.
United States · United States Congress · 21 September 1987
Requires U.S. coins to be redesigned, at the discretion of the Secretary of the Treasury, over the next six years. Requires the reverse side of the first coin redesigned to commemorate the bicentennial of the U.S. Constitution for a two-year period. Requires that any profits from the sale of uncirculated and proof sets of U.S. coins be deposited in the Treasury and used solely to reduce the national debt.
United States · United States Congress · 7 August 1987
AFDC Employment and Training Reorganization Act of 1987 - Title I: Two-Tier System under AFDC program - Amends part A (Aid to Families with Dependent Children) (AFDC) of title IV of the Social Security Act to establish a two-tier system under which a family applying for or receiving AFDC benefits is assigned to the first tier if it is not a two-parent family and includes a child under six months of age and to the second tier if the family does not qualify for tier-one. Exempts first tier families from this Act's registration, employment, and training requirements. Exempts caretaker relatives, and authorizes the exemption of adolescents, in tier-two families who do not have a high school diploma or its equivalent from such requirements if they participate in a program providing a high-school education or its equivalent. Requires a State plan to deny assistance to an individual under age 18 who is not and has never been married and who is responsible for the care of a dependent child (or is pregnant), unless such individual lives with a parent. Makes such requirement inapplicable if: (1) such individual has no parent who is living and whose whereabouts are known; (2) the health and safety of the child or individual would be jeopardized if such individual lived with the parent; or (3) such individual has not lived at home for at least one year prior to the child's birth or making a claim for AFDC payments. Title II: Comprehensive Employment and Training Program - Requires AFDC applicants and recipients to register with a State agency for employment counseling, training, and assignment. Authorizes AFDC recipients to refuse employment which results in a net loss in their income. Directs each State to: (1) establish a single intake and registration process for AFDC applicants and recipients; and (2) arrange for the participation of AFDC recipients in one or more of the work-related programs established under title IV of the Act or other Federal law, while coordinating such programs to enhance the availability and efficiency of services provided. Authorizes each State to: (1) make an assessment as to whether immediate employment is a realistic possibility or whether training or education is needed to prepare registered applicants and recipients for employment; (2) provide applicants and recipients with counseling regarding their prospects and needs; (3) require AFDC applicants to undertake an immediate program of job search; and (4) develop an employment plan for each AFDC recipient. Requires States to provide AFDC recipients who are assigned to employment, training, or education programs, and applicants who are required to participate in job search, with child care and transportation services, otherwise such applicants and recipients need not participate in such programs. Sets the Federal share of AFDC employment, training, and education costs in excess of FY 1987 costs at 50 percent. Establishes participation standards which require State AFDC employment, training, and education programs to include a specified annual percentage (increasing from 15 percent in FY 1988 to 70 percent in FY 1996 and thereafter) of a State's mandatory AFDC population. Requires 80 percent of such population within the ages of 16 and 18 to be attending school on a full-time basis by FY 1990. Reduces Federal funding for States which fall short of such participation standards. Authorizes appropriations for AFDC employment, training, and education programs. Expresses the congressional intent that such funding be increased after FY 1988 if and to the extent such programs prove successful in reducing welfare dependency. Ensures that each State receive at least as much funds for such programs in FY 1988 and 1989 as it did in FY 1987. Provides that after FY 1989 50 percent of such funds shall be allotted on the basis of a State's share of the total participating AFDC population and 50 percent on the basis of the relative success of each State in placing high-priority AFDC applicants and recipients (high school dropouts, unwed mothers with children under age three, and AFDC recipients under age 22) in school or jobs for six months or more. Requires Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and Guam to each implement a coordinated program of activities affording individuals the opportunity to achieve self-sufficiency through employment. Authorizes appropriations for such programs for each fiscal year after 1987. Makes this Act's registration, employment, and training requirements inapplicable to such territories. Establishes, in the Office of Family Assistance, an Office of Work Programs headed by a Director responsible for overseeing the operation and effectiveness of this Act's employment and training programs. Sets forth recordkeeping and reporting requirements. Authorizes States to add the cash value of food stamps to AFDC payments which are divided by the greater of the Federal or State minimum wage in determining the number of hours a community work experience program participant who is a recipient of such benefits may be required to work. Title III: Certificate System for Child Care - Authorizes States to establish a program providing certificates for child care to families: (1) whose income is less than 150 percent of the Federal poverty level; (2) which have received AFDC benefits within the past three months, but are no longer eligible for such aid because of increased earnings; and (3) which are paying for from ten to 90 percent of the cost of such child care. Limits the applicability of such certificates to the child care necessary to permit their recipients' employment or search for employment. Provides for Federal reimbursement of program costs as though they were costs incurred in providing child care to individuals assigned to an AFDC employment, training, and education program. Requires providers participating in the child care certificate program to be licensed or certified by the State, but certain providers shall be given two years to comply with State licensing or certification requirements. Requires States to disseminate information regarding child care and the certificate program to parents, the public, and child care providers. Limits the certification program's administrative expenses to eight percent of the program costs which are subject to Federal reimbursement. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to withhold Federal payments for certificate program costs upon a State's substantial failure to comply with program requirements. Sets forth reporting requirements. Title IV: Child Support Enforcement Amendments - Amends part D (Child Support and Establishment of Paternity) of title IV of the Social Security Act to direct States to establish binding guidelines for child support award amounts. (Currently, such guidelines need not be binding). Creates a rebuttable presumption that the child support award resulting from the application of such guidelines in a judicial or administrative child support proceeding is correct. Requires States to review and update all child support orders at least once every two years to ensure that they continue to comply with child support award guidelines. Amends part A (General Provisions) of title XI of the Act to authorize up to ten States to carry out demonstration projects which require absent parents who owe child support, but whose income is insufficient to pay such support to participate in an employment or training program. Amends part D of title IV of the Act to require that the names and social security numbers of the father and mother of every child born in a State be recorded on such child's birth certificate. Requires States to adopt certain procedures with regard to paternity determinations and the standard of proof in paternity cases. Takes a State's paternity determinations into account in computing the State child support collection incentive payment. Requires each State to adopt procedures: (1) requiring employers to disclose certain information to the State child support enforcement agency regarding any employee who is under court order to pay child support; and (2) making certain legislation regarding the interstate enforcement of child support effective in the State. Provides that when the State in which the custodial parent resides requests the State in which the absent parent resides to modify a support order, the latter State shall not have jurisdiction to modify any other aspect of the order. Requires that by October 1992 every State have in effect an operational child support management information system. Reduces the Federal share of the costs for such systems. Requires the withholding of child support payments from the non-custodial parent's wages upon the issuance or modification of a child support order unless both parents agree in writing to an alternative arrangement or the parent paying child support posts a bond equal to six months of child support. Requires that the Parent Locator Service and the State agency administering the State child and spousal support plan be given access to all employment security information which is in the possession or control of any Federal or interstate telecommunications network or is available through any other data exchange method, and is to be used for child support enforcement purposes. Directs the Secretary to develop and publish standards within one year of this Act's enactment for the amount of time a State may take to complete each of several actions in child support cases. Penalizes States which fail to comply with such standards. Makes this title's amendments effective one year after this Act's enactment. Directs the Comptroller General to evaluate State implementation of this title's amendments and report to the President and the Congress regarding such evaluation within four years of this Act's enactment. Title V: State Demonstration Programs - Requires States that wish to conduct demonstration programs which include Federal, federally-assisted, or non-Federal public programs designed to alleviate poverty to submit filings regarding such demonstrations to an Interagency Low-Income Opportunity Board which shall select and approve those demonstrations judged worthy of implementation. Sets forth policy goals to be considered by the Board in selecting and evaluating such demonstrations. Directs that special consideration be given to demonstration programs designed to: (1) improve methods of helping welfare recipients achieve economic independence; (2) coordinate employment and training programs currently supported by Federal or State funds; (3) establish paternity and obtain child support orders in AFDC cases for which paternity was not established when the case was opened; (4) facilitate efforts by nongovernmental organizations to help welfare clients achieve economic independence. Requires a Governor or his designee to submit a filing which describes in detail the demonstration program to be conducted, including: (1) employment-related activities required of individuals receiving assistance under the demonstration and the circumstances in which they will not be required to participate in such activities; (2) procedures for determining the initial and continuing eligibility of, and benefits for, individuals and families; (3) a budget setting forth the amounts and sources of funding for the demonstration. Requires each Federal department or agency with responsibility for a program which is included in the demonstration program to make an estimate of Funding which, but for the demonstration, would be available for such programs so that the Chairman may compare State budgetary assumptions with such estimate. Provides that when the amount of Federal funds necessary to carry out the demonstration is less than the amount contained in the budget by reason of the effectiveness of the demonstration in achieving the objectives of this title, the State may use excess Federal funds to improve the demonstration or otherwise benefit individuals and families included in the demonstration. Provides that those within a class eligible to participate in a demonstration shall only be eligible for benefits under a program included in such demonstration. Requires the Board to conduct interim evaluations of, and have States submit annual reports on, demonstrations. Authorizes the submittal of demonstration changes for congressional approval if such changes improve the likelihood of accomplishing this title's objectives and participant benefits are not thereby reduced. Authorizes State Governors or the Chairman of the Board to terminate the demonstration (upon giving the Chairman or Governor at least three months advance notice) if the interests of the Federal Government, the State, or the participating individuals would be better served by returning to the separate conduct of the included programs. Requires a Governor, within six months of the completion of a demonstration, to submit a final report on such demonstration to the Board. Directs the Chairman to report annually to the Congress on demonstrations. Directs the Board, after selecting and approving demonstration programs in accordance with criteria it establishes, to prepare a single demonstration proposal containing all information pertinent to the programs selected. Provides that the proposal shall be submitted to the Congress and become effective unless the Congress passes legislation modifying or rejecting the proposal within 60 days after its submission by the Board. Title VI: Evaluation of Employment and Training Programs and State Demonstration Programs - Directs the Secretary to convene an Interagency Panel within three months of this Act's enactment which shall design, implement, and monitor a series of studies assessing the methods and effects of the programs initiated under titles II and V of this Act. Requires the Panel to select an advisory board of not more than 12 members, within six months of this Act's enactment, to provide the Panel with advice and counsel on all aspects of its operation. Requires the Panel to ensure that a study of child care during the welfare-to-work transition period is conducted during the first three years of its operation. Sets forth Panel reporting requirements. Authorizes appropriations for the Panel. Title VII: Miscellaneous and Related Provisions - Authorizes the Secretary to approve a five-year demonstration project testing Washington State's Family Independence Program as an alternative to the AFDC program.
United States · United States Congress · 7 August 1987
Provides that when any bill or joint resolution making continuing appropriations is agreed to by both Houses of the Congress in the same form, the Clerk of the House of Representatives shall enroll the provisions in such bill or joint resolution as separate bills or joint resolutions (for item veto purposes). Requires the enrollment as part of one separate bill or joint resolution of: (1) all the provisions within the jurisdiction of a subcommittee of the Committee on Appropriations; (2) all the provisions within the jurisdiction of the Committee on Appropriations; (3) all the provisions within the jurisdiction of any other House committee; and (4) all the provisions for which jurisdiction cannot be determined.
United States · United States Congress · 6 August 1987
Lottery Advertising Clarification Act of 1987 - Amends the Federal criminal code to allow the advertising in interstate commerce of lotteries, gift enterprises, and similar schemes offering prizes dependent upon lot or chance, if the lottery, gift enterprise, or similar scheme is legal in the State in which it is conducted. (Current law refers only to State-conducted lotteries.) Amends Postal Service provisions of law to provide for the mailing of such advertisements and materials. Includes as a punishable offense the unauthorized television broadcasting (currently, only radio broadcasting) of lottery information.
United States · United States Congress · 6 August 1987
Federal Financial Management Improvement and Public Accountability Act - Establishes: (1) the Office of the Chief Financial Officer of the United States in the Executive Office of the President; (2) an Assistant Secretary for Financial Management in each executive department; and (3) a Controller in each executive agency. Requires officers to be appointed to such positions by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Requires the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to: (1) provide central direction and monitoring of the executive agencies in the management of their financial activities; (2) ensure that the President and the Congress are fully informed of the Government's financial management condition; (3) maintain the central accounting and reporting records of the Government; (4) use an accrual method of accounting to prepare an annual report of the consolidated financial position of the Federal Government; (5) publish and distribute copies of such report to the Congress, State Governors, and the general public; (6) prepare the budget of the Government for each fiscal year and a budget forecast for the five succeeding fiscal years using the cash basis method of accounting and an accrual method of accounting; and (7) review the performance indicators developed by agency heads to evaluate programs under which an agency expends $25,000,000 in a single fiscal year. Directs the Comptroller General to: (1) prescribe the manner in which generally accepted accounting principles may be applied in preparing required reports and budgets under this Act; (2) audit the annual report of the CFO and performance indicators developed by heads of executive agencies; and (3) report to the President and the Congress on the results of such audits. Requires each Assistant Secretary and Controller to: (1) maintain a strategic financial management plan for the department or agency; (2) participate in the appointment, development, and evaluation of financial managers of such department or agency; and (3) produce consolidated financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Requires the budget of each department and agency to contain a line item for its Assistant Secretary or Controller based on its strategic financial management plan. Establishes in the executive branch the Federal Finance Council, which shall consist of the CFO and the Assistant Secretaries, as an advisory body on financial management objectives, information requirements, plans, operations, and activities. Directs the President to transfer to the Office of the CFO: (1) such functions of the executive agencies as the President determines are properly related to the functions of the Office; and (2) such personnel, property, and records of such agencies as are related to the transferred functions.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1987
National Security and Classified Information Protection Act of 1987 - Amends the Federal criminal code to make the knowing disclosure of classified information to an unauthorized person by present and former Federal officials and employees a criminal offense.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 1987
National Superconductor Manufacturing and Processing Technology Act of 1987 - Establishes a National Superconductor Manufacturing and Processing Technology Initiative (the Initiative), to be implemented by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, the Department of Energy, the National Science Foundation, and the National Bureau of Standards. Requires such agencies, with the advice and assistance of a Coordinating Council, to coordinate their efforts to implement the Initiative. Establishes a Superconductivity Manufacturing and Processing Technology Coordinating Council (the Coordinating Council). Directs the Coordinating Council to: (1) serve as a forum for coordination of Federal activities with respect to superconductivity manufacturing and processing technology research and development; (2) work with the agencies charged with implementing the Initiative, and with other Government agencies, private organizations, private industry, and universities, to formulate superconductivity applications research and development priorities, strategies, and agendas; (3) advise the agencies charged with implementing the Initiative with respect to the establishment and management of the superconductivity programs of such agencies; and (4) establish a private sector advisory body, drawn from members of the National Commission on Superconductivity, to comment on the priorities, strategies, agendas, and the Initiative activities. Requires the Coordinating Council, within one year after enactment of this Act and annually thereafter, to submit to the Congress a long-range plan of activities for the Initiative. Requires the agencies implementing the Initiative to: (1) encourage industry (including small business), government, and universities to develop processing, fabrication, manufacturing, and other appropriate technologies for applying and commercializing scientific advances in superconductivity technology; (2) develop team approaches to overcome key technological hurdles, and seek collaborative arrangements of industry and others, such as the National Laboratories, independent research organizations, and universities; (3) use Federal resources and facilities, including the Department of Energy National Laboratories, Engineering Research Centers, and Science and Technology Centers, for designation as superconductivity centers seeking private sector involvement in the form of consortia and collaborative efforts; (4) work closely with the private sector to ensure significant input into the Initiative and that the Initiative is responsive to its needs; (5) provide grants and contracts to individual firms and collaborative team efforts of industry, or of industry in combination with universities and independent research organizations, for superconductivity research; and (6) facilitate Government, academic, and private sector efforts to transfer information on superconductivity science and technology advances made in the United States and in foreign countries. Directs the President to appoint a National Commission on Superconductivity (Commission) to review all major policy issues regarding U.S. applications of recent research advances in superconductors in order to assist the Congress in devising a national strategy to assure U.S. leadership in superconducting technologies. Makes the National Critical Materials Council the coordinating body of the Commission. Requires the Commission, within six months after the enactment of this Act, to report to the President and the Congress with recommendations regarding methods of enhancing the research, development, and implementation of improved superconductor technologies in all major applications. Sets forth the scope of the Commission's review in preparing its report. Disbands the Commission upon submission of its report and recommendations. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1988 through 1992 for carrying out this Act to: (1) the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency; (2) the National Science Foundation; (3) the Department of Energy; and (4) the National Bureau of Standards.
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 1987
Title I: Temporary Extension of Public Debt Limit - Increases the public debt limit (until September 30, 1987) to $2,358,000,000,000. Title II: Budget Process Reform - Amends the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974 to increase the permissible maximum deficit amounts for FY 1987 through 1990. Extends for one year the expiration date of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act). Title III: Economic Summit - Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President, together with the bipartisan leadership of the Senate and House of Representatives, should convene a domestic economic summit conference to address the dangerous economic situation which is created by large deficits and the ineffectual budget process. Directs the conference to report its recommendations for solutions to budgetary issues and budget process reforms to the Congress and the President.
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 1987
Declares that the Congress: (1) is concerned over the political and economic conditions of ethnic Albanians in Yugoslavia and over the failure of the Yugoslav Government to protect their political and economic rights; (2) urges such Government to act to ensure that human rights as contained in the Helsinki Accords and the Concluding Document of Madrid are respected; and (3) calls upon such Government to review the cases of ethnic Albanians imprisoned on political charges and to release all of those who have not used or advocated violence.
United States · United States Congress · 9 July 1987
Urges the administration to continue to reject efforts by Canadian negotiators to: (1) have the U.S. cabotage trades, including the transport of energy resources, opened to Canadian vessels; and (2) eliminate the ad valorem duty on vessel repairs performed in Canadian shipyards.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 1987
Satellite Home Viewer Copyright Act of 1987 - Amends the copyright law to require statutory licensing of secondary transmissions of a primary transmission made by a superstation if such secondary transmission is made by a satellite carrier to the public (or to a distributor to the public) for private viewing for a charge. Prohibits the carrier from altering such transmission or discriminating against a distributor. Requires the satellite carrier to deposit semiannually with the Register of Copyrights both royalty fees and a statement of account. Requires distribution of such fees to copyright owners according to the accounting and specified procedures. Requires the Copyright Royalty Tribunal to conduct a proceeding to determine distribution if a controversy exists. Requires voluntary negotiation of fees or fees set by compulsory arbitration if no voluntary agreement is filed with the Copyright Office. Authorizes judicial review of decisions of the Tribunal concerning the adoption or rejection of the arbitration. Terminates this Act on December 31, 1995.
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 1987
Requests and authorizes the President to conduct a White House conference on Child Abuse not earlier than September 1, 1989, and not later than September 30, 1991. Requires the conference to be planned and conducted under the direction of the Advisory Board on Child Abuse and Neglect. Provides for the cooperation of Federal departments and agencies. Requires the final report of the Conference to include a statement of a comprehensive coherent national policy on children, youth, and families. Requires the Board and the Secretary of Health and Human Services to submit their recommendations following the report. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1987
Amends the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 to direct the Secretary of Commerce to make grants to any coastal State to implement a coastal erosion and flood control assistance program if the Secretary: (1) finds that the coastal State imposes a 30-year erosion setback; (2) finds that the State has or is making progress in developing a management program approved under specified provisions of such Coastal Zone Act; and (3) approves the coastal erosion and flood control program of the State under this Act. Authorizes a coastal State to apply to the Secretary for approval of its coastal erosion and flood control assistance program. Specifies requirements for a program and circumstances in which the Secretary may suspend approval of a program. Establishes the Coastal Erosion and Flood Control Assistance Fund for making grants under provisions of this Act and administration of such provisions. Sets forth reporting requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1987
Hazardous Waste Reduction Act - Requires filings of the annual toxic chemical release forms required under the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 to include a toxic chemical waste reduction and recycling report for each listed toxic chemical for the preceding calendar year. Requires such report to include information on a facility-by-facility basis as to the amounts and disposition of each toxic chemical, including levels of waste reduction and recycling achieved and expected. Requires that toxic chemical waste reduction practices be delineated according to set categories, such as equipment, redesign, and substitution of raw materials. Requires the inclusion of a production index for each toxic chemical waste and a list of techniques used to identify waste reduction opportunities. Provides protection for trade secrets. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish a central receiving facility at EPA for the storage and retrieval of waste management program information. Requires the Administrator to collect, coordinate, and consolidate data collection requirements under environmental statutes. Requires all such information to be compiled into a data base organized on an industry-by-industry basis according to Standard Industrial Classifications and on a waste stream basis. Directs the Administrator to establish a Waste Reduction and Recycling Clearinghouse Program to include information on approaches to waste reduction and recycling and information from States receiving grants for technical assistance programs. Requires the Clearinghouse to be actively involved in technology transfer and the development of waste reduction technologies. Requires the Administrator to make matching grants to States for innovative waste reduction programs. Requires such programs to make specific and targeted technical assistance available to businesses as well as for funding experts and research and providing training. Directs the Administrator to report annually to the Congress on the waste reduction information gathered pursuant to this Act. Requires such report to include a profile of waste reduction levels on an industry-by-industry basis and identify priorities as to industries, pollutants, and research. Establishes the Office of Waste Reduction within EPA to collect waste reduction plans and information from other EPA offices on an industry-by-industry basis, administer the clearinghouse and State grants programs, and carry out other related responsibilities including improving EPA's ability to evaluate multi-media waste management practices and the potential for waste reduction through information collection and retrieval. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1987
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through 1992 the period during which qualified mortgage bonds may be issued. (Under current law, authority to issue these bonds expires as of 1989.)
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1987
Depositor Protection Act of 1987 - Prohibits a bankruptcy trustee from avoiding as a preferential transfer certain withdrawal transactions made by depositors or investors from accounts with certain financial institutions which issue savings obligations or accept deposits in the ordinary course of business. Applies such prohibition to bankruptcy cases filed on or after March 9, 1983.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 1987
Declares that the Congress recognizes and supports efforts to develop the National Purple Heart Museum in Enfield, Connecticut, and encourages the people of the United States to participate in the development of such museum.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1987
Directs the Secretary of Transportation to provide certain emergency relief funds to pay the reconstruction or repair expenses of a certain collapsed bridge over the Schoharie Creek in New York State (including certain accident investigation expenses and expenses incurred in detouring traffic around the bridge site). Cites conditions under which such funds will not be available.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1987
Amends Federal veterans' benefits provisions to direct (current law authorizes) the Administrator of Veterans Affairs to pay travel expenses of certain veterans and their eligible dependents to or from a Veterans Administration facility or other authorized place in connection with rehabilitation, counseling, or medical treatment or care. Defines those veterans entitled to such payment, including: (1) those veterans financially unable to meet such travel costs; and (2) those veterans unable to bear the cost of special transportation necessitated due to a medical disability. Limits such payments in the case of travel by a privately-owned vehicle to the cost of similar public transportation for such travel. Limits such payment to the actual cost incurred for such travel.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1987
Federal Accounting Practices Review Commission Act of 1987 - Title I: Title, Statement of Findings, Purpose and Limitations - Declares the reasons for, and purposes of, this Act. Title II: Establishment, Duties, and Membership - Establishes the Federal Accounting Practices Review Commission to: (1) examine and describe the financial management practices of the Federal Government; (2) formulate a financial accounting and management system for Federal agencies; (3) prepare a plan for implementation of such system; and (4) recommend an ongoing method for determining and updating generally accepted accounting principles for the Government. Title III: Administration - Sets forth the administrative staffing, procedures, and powers of the Commission. Requires the Commission to submit a final report to the President and the Congress not later than 18 months after the date of completion of appointments of members to the Commission. Terminates the Commission 30 days after submission of such report. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1987
General Aviation Standards Act of 1987 - Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 (relating to aviation accident investigations) to apply such Act, with specified exceptions, to any action for damages for harm arising out of a general aviation accident brought against a general aviation manufacturer, owner, or operator of a general aviation aircraft, or a person who supports or maintains such aircraft. Establishes guidelines for uniform standards of liability of general aviation manufacturers for general aviation accidents. States that all actions for harm arising out of a general aviation accident shall be governed by the principles of comparative responsibility. Establishes, with specified exceptions, a limitation of actions period of 12 years from delivery of aircraft or harm-causing part to the purchaser for general aviation civil liability brought against a general aviation manufacturer. Declares admissible as evidence certain income tax and payroll tax liability for purposes of establishing financial harm arising out of a general aviation accident. Permits the award of punitive damages if a claimant establishes by clear and convincing evidence that the harm suffered was the direct result of conduct manifesting conscious, flagrant indifference to safety. Establishes a two-year limitation of actions period for actions arising out of a general aviation accident. Confers original jurisdiction upon the Federal district courts, concurrently with State courts, for all civil actions for harm arising out of a general aviation accident. Provides procedures for removal from State to Federal district courts of such actions. Declares that this Act supersedes any State law regarding recovery of damages for harm arising out of a general aviation accident. Declares the intent of the Congress that sanctions be strictly enforced for violations of Rule 11 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, including orders to pay to the other party the reasonable costs of legal fees.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1987
Directs the head of each Federal department or agency holding records relating to sightings of U.S. military personnel in Southeast Asia since 1973 to make available to the public, within 30 days after the enactment of this Act, all such records. Provides exceptions to such disclosures for information revealing intelligence sources and methods or the names of such personnel.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1987
Provides for the appointment of a delegation of Members of Congress to participate in ceremonies to be held in New York City in April 1989 commemorating the 200th anniversaries of: (1) the implementation of the Constitution as the form of government of the United States; (2) the inauguration of George Washington as the first President; and (3) the proposal of the Bill of Rights as the first ten amendments to the Constitution. Invites the President to join the delegation in participating in the ceremonies.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1987
Superconductivity Competition Act of 1987 - Directs the President to appoint a National Commission on Commercial and National Defense Applications of Superconductors to report to the Congress and the President on recommendations to enhance the development of improved superconductors and commercial and national defense applications of superconductors. Requires the Commission to address several issues, including: (1) U.S. competitiveness in superconductor development; (2) methods to improve and coordinate information, funding, and applications; (3) private sector incentives to develop superconductors; and (4) the impact on U.S. security of relying on foreign producers.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1987
Amends the Small Business Act to require each Federal agency having substantial procurement or grant-making authority to develop rural area business enterprise development plans. Requires the Secretary of Commerce and the Administrator of the Small Business Administration to establish uniform guidelines for all Federal agencies to use in rural area business development programs. Directs each Federal agency required to develop a rural area business development plan to assist small businesses in rural areas by providing direct assistance, procurement assistance, and management and technical assistance to such small businesses and by providing incentives for greater subcontracting by Federal prime contractors and grant recipients with such small businesses.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1987
Rural Development Reorganization Act of 1987 - Title I: Reorganization of the Department of Agriculture - Renames the Department of Agriculture the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development to establish and maintain a revitalized nationwide rural development program as set forth in the Rural Development Act of 1972, the Rural Development Policy Act of 1980, and this Act. Establishes in such Department a Rural Development Administration headed by an Administrator appointed by the Secretary, with the advice and consent of the Senate. Directs the Secretary to transfer to the Rural Development Administration those agencies, offices, or entities in the Department performing rural development functions. Amends the Agriculture and Food Act of 1981 to expand the number of designated assistance areas from 225 to 450. Establishes within the Rural Development Administration an Office of Advocacy for Rural Development, whose Chief Counsel shall be appointed by the President, with the advice and consent of the Senate. Specifies the functions and duties of such Office. Directs the Comptroller General to investigate and report to the President and the Congress about services, functions, and missions of other Federal departments and agencies which could be transferred to the Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development. Directs the Secretary to report, by geographical areas of the United States, to the Congress: (1) within six months after enactment of this Act on the extent to which rural development offices and activities of the Federal Government were located or relocated to rural areas during FY 1981 through 1986; and (2) within six months after the end of each fiscal year beginning with FY 1987 on the extent to which Federal offices and activities were located or relocated to rural areas. Title II: State Cooperative Agreements and Plans - Authorizes the Administrator, Rural Development Administration, to enter into cooperative agreements with States: (1) to delegate to any State the authority to cooperate in carrying out the provisions of this Act; and (2) to assist States in the development and administration of Federal programs that provide educational opportunities, job training, health services, and other specified benefits to rural residents. Conditions any agreement or financial assistance under this Act upon a State's submission for approval of a comprehensive plan for a State rural development program. Permits the Secretary and other Federal agency heads to enter into agreements with State and local governments to provide educational training, job training, health services, and other benefits to rural residents. Directs the Administrator in cooperation with the Secretary to use the Cooperative State Extension Service to inform rural residents about such programs. Establishes in the National Agricultural Library the National Rural Assistance Information Clearinghouse, which shall distribute information and data about Federal, State, and local programs. Title III: Rural Technology Grants - Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to direct the Secretary to make grants to nonprofit institutions to establish rural technology development centers to seek to improve rural economic conditions. Permits the Secretary to provide employment-related technical assistance to economically distressed rural areas. Title IV: Special Grants - Amends the Rural Development Act to direct the Secretary to make grants to programs assisting displaced farmers. Specifies the kinds of services to be provided. Authorizes appropriations. Title V: Miscellaneous Amendments - Makes conforming amendments to the Community Economic Development Act of 1981 and other Federal law. Title VI: Administrative Provisions - Sets forth administrative provisions. Title VII: Block Grants - Subtitle A: Rural Development Assistance Grant - Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to direct the Rural Development Administration to make grants to States: (1) to provide rural economic development technical assistance, rural community leadership development, and community and areawide rural economic development planning; or (2) for measures designed to facilitate development of private business enterprises. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle B: Rural Infrastructure Block Grant Act - Directs the Secretary, for each fiscal year, to allocate to each State funds for rural infrastructure development according to a congressionally approved formula. Lists factors to be considered in devising such formula. Requires submission of a proposed formula to the agriculture committees of both Houses of Congress. Makes such proposed formula effective after 90 calendar days unless a joint resolution is enacted either disapproving the formula or substituting another formula. Authorizes appropriations. Title VIII: Special Assistant to the President for Rural Policy - Directs the President, within 90 days after enactment of this Act, to appoint a Special Assistant to the President for Rural Policy who shall: (1) systematically review Federal programs affecting rural areas; and (2) assist in the preparation of a comprehensive rural development strategy designed to maximize the effectiveness and increase the responsiveness of Federal programs to rural areas. Requires the Secretary, within one year after enactment of this Act, to transmit the rural development strategy to the congressional agriculture committees and to report annually to such committees on any changes to such strategy. Requires the Special Assistant to use the Office of the President to maximize coordination of Federal programs affecting rural areas. Title IX: Effective Date - Sets forth the effective date of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1987
Project ACCESS - Establishes a two-year demonstration program that will provide a wide array of services to secondary school students in rural sections of the country to encourage entry into and successful completion of postsecondary education programs, career planning, and return to the rural community. Authorizes the Secretary of Education, in accordance with specified provisions of the Higher Education Amendments of 1986, to support development of Project ACCESS Program capability in any or all of the nine Educational Research Laboratories. Sets forth application requirements and services to be incorporated as part of the programming under Project Access. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1988 and 1989 to supplement the contracts now held by the nine regional educational laboratories administered by the Office of Educational Research and Improvement (OERI) for purposes of this program. Subjects this program to ratable reductions. Requires regional educational laboratories wishing to develop and operate a demonstration Project ACCESS Program to request a modification of their existing OERI contracts. Sets forth required contents of such proposed contract modifications. Requires OERI to prepare and submit a report to the Congress on the impact of this demonstration program, including recommendations of the regional laboratories, by November 30, 1988.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1987
Amends the Office of Federal Procurement Policy Act to require the Administrator of the Office of Federal Procurement Policy to provide leadership and coordination with respect to policies affecting procurement programs for rural areas. Directs the Administrator to: (1) coordinate with and advise State and local officials with regard to Federal efforts to encourage procurement in rural areas with the aim of fostering economic development in such areas; (2) establish specific rural area procurement targets for executive agencies consistent with awards or contracts for small business concerns; and (3) encourage the use of set asides or other appropriate methods for meeting procurement targets for rural areas. Requires executive agencies to cooperate with the Administrator's responsibilities for rural area programs.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1987
Makes permanent the income tax credit for qualified research expenditures by repealing the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code that would terminate such credit for expenses incurred or paid after 1988.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1987
Amends the Federal criminal code to make it unlawful for an employer to monitor an employee's work phone call unless a repeating audible warning tone is utilized. Allows any person whose call is monitored in violation of this Act to recover civil damages.
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 1987
University Research Facilities Revitalization Act of 1987 - Directs the National Science Foundation (NSF) to establish and carry out a new university research laboratory modernization program, making awards to institutions of higher education for the repair, renovation, or replacement of such institutions' laboratories and research facilities. Grants awards in response to specific proposals on the basis of the quality of the research and how such research relates to the future research mission of the NSF and the institution. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1988 through 1997.
United States · United States Congress · 31 March 1987
Satellite Television Fair Marketing Act - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to prohibit the encrypting of satellite programming from the Public Broadcasting Service and the Armed Forces Radio and Television Service. Requires anyone who encrypts satellite delivered programming for private viewing to: (1) make it available for private viewing by home satellite antenna users; (2) establish reasonable character and financial criteria for distributors of satellite delivered programming and not discriminate in prices, terms, or conditions among distributors offering similar distribution services; and (3) conduct such encryption according to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) - approved standards designed to comply with specified criteria. Requires the FCC-approved standards to provide the public interest benefits of a universal encryption system permitting decryption by cable television subscribers and home satellite users. Authorizes aggrieved persons to commence civil actions to enforce this Act. Requires the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to conduct a study of pricing and distribution terms of satellite television programming to determine whether the programming market is developing competitively. Authorizes the FTC to establish remedies necessary to produce adequate competition. Requires the FCC to begin a rulemaking proceeding on improving access to network signals for rural Americans.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1987
Federal Credit Reform Act of 1987 - Establishes procedures for the budgetary treatment and financing of Federal direct loan and loan guarantee programs. Defines "subsidy" as: (1) the difference between the face value of a direct loan and the estimated proceeds from the sale of the loan in the investment securities markets; and (2) the estimated net cost to the Government to reinsure a loan guarantee with a private insurer. Makes any direct loan obligation of a Federal agency an obligation of the Federal Credit Revolving Fund. Requires each agency to include in its budget proposal for a fiscal year: (1) the planned level of new direct loan obligations; and (2) the estimated subsidy associated with such obligations. Prohibits an agency from making a direct loan obligation unless: (1) funds have been appropriated for the loan subsidy; or (2) the use of funds otherwise available to the agency for the subsidy has been limited. Provides that the subsidy amount shall constitute the obligation of the agency and the difference between such amount and the face value of the loan shall constitute the obligation of the Fund. Requires the subsidy to be paid as the loan is disbursed. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to sell direct loans to the private sector. Makes any loan guarantee commitment of a Federal agency a commitment of the Fund. Requires each agency to include in its budget proposal for a fiscal year: (1) the level of new loan guarantee commitments; and (2) the estimated subsidy associated with such commitments. Prohibits an agency from making a loan guarantee commitment unless: (1) funds have been appropriated for the guarantee subsidy; or (2) the use of funds otherwise available to the agency for the subsidy has been limited. Provides that the subsidy amount shall constitute the obligation of the agency. Requires the subsidy to be paid to the Fund when the underlying loan agreement is executed. Directs the Secretary to purchase reinsurance of loan guarantees from private insurers. Establishes the Fund within the Department of the Treasury to serve as a central revolving fund and financing mechanism for all new Federal direct loans and loan guarantees. Directs the Secretary to receive into the Fund: (1) subsidy payments from Federal agencies; (2) payments due the Government for direct loans; (3) proceeds from the sale of direct loans and from the sale of any collateral received as the result of defaults on direct or guaranteed loans; and (4) fees due the Government for loan guarantees. Sets forth the Secretary's duties in managing the Fund which include: (1) disbursing direct loans to borrowers according to agency loan agreements; (2) making claim payments for guaranteed loans in default that have not been reinsured; (3) identifying separately the credit activity of each agency; (4) requiring uniform reporting by agencies on loan performance, borrower characteristics, and debt collection efforts; and (5) estimating the subsidy amount for each direct loan and loan guarantee. Requires the head of each agency authorized to make or guarantee loans to: (1) request annual appropriations for the subsidized portions of agency loans; (2) conduct loan programs within the lower of appropriations limitations for such programs or annual appropriations available to cover subsidy costs; and (3) pay to the Fund all relevant loan collections. Provides for the budgetary treatment of direct loan and loan guarantee subsidies as agency obligations and of financing requirements of credit programs exceeding agency subsidies as Fund obligations. Authorizes the Secretary to use the proceeds of the sale of any securities issued under the Second Liberty Bond Act to: (1) finance direct loans to the extent not covered by agency subsidy payments and direct loan sales; and (2) pay claims resulting from federally-guaranteed loans, in excess of Fund reserves. Authorizes the appropriation of funds necessary to liquidate debt incurred by the Fund due to operating losses. Authorizes appropriations to agencies for subsidies associated with proposed direct loan obligations and proposed loan guarantee commitments. Includes as "deposit insurance agencies" the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Federal Savings and Loan Insurance Corporation, the National Credit Union Administration, and the Securities and Exchange Commission. Provides that: (1) obligations of deposit insurance agencies to make direct loans to the public or to assume loan assets shall remain obligations of such agencies; and (2) commitments to guarantee loans shall remain commitments of such agencies. Requires each deposit insurance agency to include in its budget proposal the estimated subsidy costs associated with proposed direct loan obligations and loan guarantee commitments. Requires no appropriations or limitations on the use of funds otherwise available for subsidies. Makes technical and conforming amendments. Prohibits a Federal agency other than the Department of the Treasury from issuing, selling, or guaranteeing an obligation that is ordinarily financed in investment securities markets unless such obligation may be held by only the Secretary. Permits the Secretary to waive such prohibition under specified circumstances. Deems any obligations guaranteed by a Federal agency and financed by the Secretary to be a direct loan of the Fund. Provides that purchases by the Secretary of obligations issued by local public bodies and guaranteed by a Federal agency shall be upon such terms as necessary to avoid an increase in borrowing costs of such bodies. Authorizes such an agency to make payments to the Secretary to offset the Secretary's costs of purchasing such obligations.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1987
Small Business Prompt Payment Act Amendments of 1987 - Revises Federal law to deem the head of a Federal agency to have received an invoice on the later of: (1) the date on which the designated office or employee of an agency actually receives it; or (2) the fifth day after the date on which a property is actually delivered, or final performance of a service is actually completed, unless the contract specifies otherwise. Makes Federal prompt payment provisions applicable to the United States Postal Service. Makes the Postmaster General responsible for issuing procurement regulations, solicitation provisions, and contract clauses. Reduces the 15-day grace period for payment of interest penalties to eight days for solicitations (other than meat products and agricultural commodities) issued before October 1, 1990. Eliminates such grace period for procurement solicitations issued on or after October 1, 1990. Requires an agency to pay a double interest penalty if: (1) the agency owes the interest penalty; (2) the interest penalty is not paid to the business concern on or after the date the penalty is due; (3) the agency does not pay the penalty within ten days after such payment is made; and (4) a written demand is made within 40 days after such payment is made. Requires regulations on interest penalties, in the case of construction contracts, to provide for the payment of interest on: (1) progress payments due for more than seven days, or a longer period if the prevailing practice in private construction contracts is to provide such longer period; and (2) amounts retained during the performance of a contract, if such amounts are not paid by the required payment date. Requires regulations on interest penalties to provide for periodic payments in the case of supply or service contracts upon: (1) the submission of an invoice for supplies delivered or services performed; and (2) acceptance of supplies or services by an authorized employee or certification of performance by such an employee. Requires Government construction contractors to include a payment provision in their agreements with their subcontractors which provides for payment in accordance with prevailing industry standards. Requires the contractor to pay a late payment interest penalty to the subcontractor at the rate applicable between the prime contractor and the Government. Specifies the calculation of time for interest penalties on discount payments. Revises agency reporting requirements on interest penalty payments to include: (1) a description of agency payment practices; and (2) an analysis by the Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization for each of the various Federal agencies on the impact of such payments on small and disadvantaged businesses. Requires the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business Administration to report to the congressional committees on Small Business on current Government compliance with the payment of interest penalties and the impact on small business. Requires the Chief Counsel to monitor the compliance of all agencies and of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget with interest penalty payments. Requires the modification of the Federal acquisition regulation to implement Federal prompt payment provisions.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1987
Defense Savings Act - Establishes the Bipartisan Commission on the Consolidation of Military Bases (the Commission) to: (1) review the military importance of all major military installations; and (2) identify which such installations can be closed or realigned without impairing the security of the United States. Outlines administrative procedures concerning membership, staff, meetings, and powers of the Commission. Directs the Commission, within 180 days after the enactment of this Act, to submit to the President, the Secretary of Defense, and each House of the Congress a final report on the findings and conclusions of the Commission. Terminates the Commission 30 days after the submission of such report. Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to take certain specified action with respect to the implementation of the Commission's recommendations.
![Official portrait of Rep. Houghton, Amo [R-NY-31]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/cd375c1d1b0b554995c377c2856cb497_200.jpg)