United States · United States Congress · 28 June 1989
Innocent Landowner Defense Amendment of 1989 - Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act to create a rebuttable presumption that a defendant who has acquired real property has made all appropriate inquiry into previous ownership and uses of the property if he establishes that, immediately prior to or at the time of acquisition, he obtained a Phase I Environmental Audit (i.e., an investigation of the property, conducted by environmental professionals, to determine the obviousness of the presence or likely presence of a release or threatened release of hazardous substances including a review of specified records of the previous ownership and use of such property). Specifies that no such presumption shall arise: (1) unless the defendant has maintained a compilation of the information reviewed in the course of the Audit; and (2) if the Audit discloses the presence or likely presence of a release or threatened release of hazardous substances on the property to be acquired, unless the defendant has taken reasonable steps to confirm the absence of such release or threatened release.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1989
Christopher Columbus Coin and Fellowship Act - Title I: Christopher Columbus Quincentenary Coins - Christopher Columbus Quincentenary Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue not more than a specified number of five dollar gold coins, one dollar silver coins, and half dollar clad coins emblematic of the quincentary of the discovery of America. Sets forth certain features of such coins and provides for their design, issuance, and sale. Terminates the minting of such coins after June 30, 1993. Requires the Secretary to deposit surcharges from the sale of such coins in the Christopher Columbus Fellowship Fund for use by the Christopher Columbus Fellowship Foundation. Declares that no law governing procurement or public contracts shall be applicable to the procurement of goods and services necessary for carrying out this Act, except that this provision shall not relieve any person from complying with any law relating to equal employment opportunity. Title II: Christopher Columbus Fellowship Foundation - Christopher Columbus Fellowship Act - Establishes the Christopher Columbus Fellowship Foundation to award fellowships to outstanding individuals to encourage new discoveries in all fields of endeavor for the benefit of mankind. Establishes the Christopher Columbus Fellowship Fund. Directs the Foundation to report to the President and to the Congress annually on its operations.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1989
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow married individuals filing separate returns to pay supplemental medicare premiums which in the aggregate are not less than the aggregate limitation on annual premiums which would otherwise apply.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1989
Constitutional Amendment - Declares that the Congress and the States shall have power to prohibit the act of desecration of the U.S. flag and to set criminal penalties for that act.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1989
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that individuals throughout the United States should observe Independence Day, July 4, 1989, as Take Pride in the Flag Day to celebrate the 213th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the 201st anniversary of the ratification of the U.S. Constitution.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1989
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives with respect to its concern over the Supreme Court's decision in Texas v. Johnson and its commitment to preserving the honor and integrity of the flag. Condemns all actions intended to desecrate the flag. Urges the American people to continue to display proudly the U.S. flag.
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 1989
Court of Veterans Appeals Judges Retirement Act - Title I: Judges Retirement and Survivor Annuity Program - Amends Federal veterans' benefits provisions concerning the U.S. Court of Veterans Appeals (Court) to outline the age and service requirements for full retirement benefits. Requires a judge who is unable to perform the duties of office due to permanent disability to retire. Provides that a judge serving for less than ten years who retires due to permanent disability shall receive retired pay of one-half of the rate of pay in effect at retirement. Requires an election to retire under such retirement provisions to be made while the judge is still an active judge. Prohibits revocation of such an election after the retired pay begins to accrue. Requires such election to be in writing and sent to the chief judge or, in the case of the chief judge, to the Director of the Office of Personnel Management. Outlines provisions concerning: (1) forfeiture of rights to retired pay while accepting employment with the United States; (2) the lack of an annuity payable under civil service retirement laws, as well as the lack of a deduction from retired pay for the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund; and (3) notice to the President in writing when a judge is unable to perform the duties of office due to a permanent disability. Allows an individual who has elected to receive retired pay under these provisions to revoke such election at any time before the first day on which retired pay would begin to accrue. Requires notice of such revocation to be in writing and sent to the Director of OPM. Outlines the ramifications of such revocation (basically, reinclusion under Federal civil service retirement provisions). Requires the Director of OPM to begin withholding one percent of the salary of a judge under this Act after proper notice of the election to receive retirement coverage under this Act. Requires withheld amounts to be credited to the Court of Veterans Appeals Judges Retirement Fund. Allows a judge to deposit into such Fund amounts for up to 15 years of service prior to the date on which contributions may be made under this Act. Authorizes a judge to become a participant in the annuity program by filing a written notice of such election under this Act while in office in a manner prescribed by the Court. Provides for a deduction of 3.5 percent of the judge's pay to provide coverage for the annuity. Requires amounts so withheld to be deposited into the Fund. Requires a judge to deposit into the Fund, for annuity coverage, 3.5 percent of the judge's pay or other compensation for service as a Member of Congress or any other civilian Federal service. Allows such payments for prior years of service to be made in installments. Provides that if the service of a judge who makes an election to be covered under the annuity provisions is terminated, or if any judge ceases to be married after making the election and revokes the election, the amount in the judge's individual account shall be returned to the judge. Allows an annuity to be paid to the surviving spouse and dependent child of a judge under this Act if the judge dies after having rendered at least five years of civilian service and has made payments into the Fund for at least five years. Terminates the annuity to the surviving spouse upon his or her death or remarriage before age 55. Terminates the annuity payable to the child at the child's death. Recomputes the annuity payable to the child at the child's death. Recomputes the annuity payable to a dependent child after the death of a surviving spouse and after the death of another dependent child. Terminates any annuity payments if a judge making an election to be covered for annuity purposes dies before having rendered at least five years of civilian service or dies without a survivor entitled to such benefits. Provides, in such case, that the full amount of deposits made by the judge before his or her death, plus interest, shall be returned to the persons surviving on the date that title to the payment arises, in a specified order of priority. Provides for payment of the unpaid remaining annuity of a survivor or dependent upon the termination (other than by death) of the annuity of any individual based upon the service of a judge, in a specified order of preference. Provides for alternative measures to be taken for the payment of annuities to minors or mentally incompetent persons. Outlines administrative provisions concerning the time and amounts of annuity payments (determined on the basis of a judge's average annual pay). Requires the years of service for determining the amount of a surviving spouse's annuity rights to include years of service as a judge of the Court, as a Member of Congress, and as a member of the armed forces (within a specified limit) and any other Federal civilian service. Requires a judge making an election to provide an annuity under this Act to waive all benefits under the civil service retirement laws. Requires annuity payments to be increased whenever a judge's salary is increased as long as the deceased judge rendered some portion of his or her final 18 months as a judge of the Court. Establishes in the Treasury the Court of Veterans Appeals Retirement Fund. Requires the chief judge of the Court to submit to the President an annual estimate of the expenditures and appropriations necessary for maintenance and operation of the Fund. Provides for periodic examinations of the Fund by an actuary. Requires deposits into the Fund as necessary to reduce to zero its unfunded liability. Title II: Provisions Relating to Establishment of Court of Veterans Appeals - Directs the Secretary to transfer to the Court such funds as the chief judge of the Court certifies to be required for the initial startup and operational costs of the Court, until funds for the operation of the Court are first appropriated. Requires that, upon appropriation, the chief judge must reimburse the Secretary the total sum transferred to the Court. Provides for facilities for the Court to be provided through the Administrator of General Services. Extends the date by which an appeal must be filed with the Court with regard to Board of Veterans Appeals decisions made before the Court commences operations. Provides for interim rules and employment authority of the Court. Title III: Technical Corrections - Makes technical corrections to current Federal law concerning the Board of Veterans Appeals. Title IV: Miscellaneous Provisions - Excludes certain noncareer appointments and competitive service-excepted positions in the Department of Veterans Affairs from a requirement prohibiting political affiliation or activity from being taken into account in connection with the appointment of personnel to certain positions. Provides for an acting chief judge of the Court in the event of a vacancy. Authorizes the Court to procure the services of experts and consultants.
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 1989
Emergency Chinese Adjustment of Status Facilitation Act of 1989 - Waives the two-year home country residence requirement for nationals of the People's Republic of China in the United States on a student (J) visa. Continues the legal status of nonimmigrant nationals of the People's Republic of China in the United States for adjustment or change of status purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 1989
Social Security Notch Adjustment Act - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act to establish a new alternative formula for computing the primary insurance amount (used in calculating the amount of OASDI benefits to which an individual is entitled) of workers born after 1916 and before 1927.
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 1989
Space Transportation Services Purchase Act of 1989 - Requires the Federal Government to purchase space transportation services from commercial providers, unless on a case-by-case basis: (1) the Secretary of Defense certifies to the National Space Council that national security reasons require otherwise; (2) the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration certifies to the Council that the unique capabilities of the space shuttle are required; or (3) the Secretary of Transportation finds that the services required are unavailable at a reasonable cost from commercial providers. Requires the Federal Government to acquire only space transportation vehicles manufactured in the United States of primarily U.S.-made components, and only as required under this Act or by NASA for conducting research and development on space transportation technology. Requires contracts to provide space transportation services to be awarded through the competitive bidding process among U.S. persons. Requires other activities of the Government relating to: (1) commercial payloads on the space shuttle; (2) grants for space transportation services; (3) expenditures for international activities or organizations using space transportation services; and (4) studies on future space transportation services.
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 1989
Southeast Interstate Low-Level Radioactive Waste Compact Amendments Consent Act of 1989 - Grants congressional approval to amendments made by the party States to the Southeast Interstate Low-Level Radioactive Waste Management Compact which provide for: (1) withdrawal from the Compact; and (2) the maximum length of time a party State is required to operate a regional facility.
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 1989
Living Wage Act of 1990 - Title I: Earned Income Tax Credit - Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions governing the earned income tax credit to: (1) increase from $5,714 to $7,000 the amount of earned income subject to the credit; (2) increase the basic credit from 14 percent to 15 percent; and (3) add additional credits to apply to not more than four children of five percent for each dependent school age child between age six and age 16 and ten percent for each preschool age child. Reduces the amount of the credit for taxpayers with adjusted gross income over $40,000. Indexes amounts relating to the credit beginning in 1992. Disallows application of the nonrefundable dependent care income tax credit with respect to a taxpayer's dependents under age 13, unless the child is physically or mentally incapable of self-care. Permits the credit with respect to handicapped children under age 15 only if the taxpayer elects not to include the child within the framework of the earned income credit. Repeals provisions of the Family Support Act of 1988 that revise the way in which the earned income credit is treated in the context of needs analysis for purposes of State plans for aid and services to needy families with children under title IV of the Social Security Act. Title II: Federal Minimum Wage - Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (the Act) to increase the minimum wage per hour from $3.35 in 1989 to: (1) $3.65 in 1990; (2) $3.95 in 1991; and (3) $4.25 in 1992 and thereafter. Increases the tip credit under the Act from 40 percent to 50 percent. (The tip credit deems the amount paid to a tipped employee, for minimum wage purposes, to be increased by an amount determined by the employer, but not by an amount in excess of the specified percentage of the applicable minimum wage rate). Increases the small business exemption by revising the definition of an enterprise engaged in commerce, for purposes of coverage under the Act ("the enterprise test"). Exempts from such coverage enterprises whose annual gross volume of sales or business is less than $500,000 (currently $362,500), effective in 1990. Requires employers who were covered in 1988, but who are exempt under the new threshold, to continue to pay the $3.35 per hour minimum wage. Authorizes employers, in lieu of the minimum wage, to pay a newly hired employee not less than $3.35 an hour and thereafter not less than 80 percent of the increased minimum wage. Applies the rights and protections of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to employees in the House of Representatives, employees under the Architect of the Capitol, and employing authorities of the House of Representatives. Authorizes employers to employ any employee for periods of not more than ten hours in excess of the 40-hour maximum without paying overtime if during such periods the employee is receiving remedial education.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 1989
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Committees on Energy and Commerce and Ways and Means should review the Medicare Catastrophic Coverage Act of 1988 and hold hearings in the process of such review.
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 1989
Workers' Political Rights Act of 1989 - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to include political committees among those entities to which contributions by national banks, corporations, or labor organizations are restricted. Provides that communications to its members and their families and the establishment of, and solicitation of contributions for, a separate segregated political fund by a labor organization shall not be considered to be prohibited political contributions or expenditures only if such organization provides to employees it represents written notification of the following information: (1) that no employee is required to join the labor organization, and if the collective bargaining agreement purports to require membership in, or the payment of any amounts to, such organization, the employee instead may pay an agency fee to such organization; (2) the amount of the agency fee for the current year and the amount of union membership dues, initiation fees, and assessments for the current year; (3) that employees who choose to join the union will be subject to the labor organization's reasonable internal rules, regulations, and discipline; (4) that employees who resign from such organization may do so without being subject to internal union discipline for any post-resignation conduct; (5) that the amount of the agency fee for the current year is limited to the employee's pro rata cost of the labor organization's exclusive representation services to the collective bargaining unit; (6) that a procedure is in place to determine those costs which are chargeable to agency fee payors and such procedures are fully explained; and (7) that due regard is given to the fact that the labor organization holds a fiduciary position of trust with respect to the employees it represents and that the rights of employees to associate freely are not infringed any more than necessary for such organization to defray its reasonable costs of providing exclusive representation services. Requires a labor organization which does not provide employees with such notification to finance those political activities which are not considered contributions or expenditures with funds collected for its separate, segregated political fund.
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 1989
Designates the Department of Veterans Affairs outpatient clinic located at 1900 Mason Avenue, Daytona Beach, Florida, as the William V. Chappell, Jr., Veterans' Outpatient Clinic.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1989
Authorizes the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate to present a bronze medal to individuals: (1) who were members of the armed forces and were present in Hawaii on December 7, 1941; and (2) who participated in combat operations that day against Japanese military forces attacking Hawaii. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to strike such medals. Authorizes the Secretary to provide for the sale of bronze duplicates of the medal. Authorizes appropriations which are to be reimbursed out of the proceeds from sales of the medals.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1989
Aviation Research Grant Act of 1989 - Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to authorize the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration to make grants to colleges, universities, and nonprofit research organizations to: (1) conduct aviation research; and (2) establish research centers for the long-term growth of civil aviation. Directs the Administrator to report annually to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology and the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation regarding the research grant program. Amends the Airport and Airway Improvement Act of 1982 to make a specified percentage of funds under the Airport and Airway Trust Fund available for such grants.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 1989
Fair Housing for Americans of All Ages Act of 1989 - Amends the Fair Housing Act to repeal the prohibitions with respect to familial status-based discrimination. Directs the United States Commission on Civil Rights to: (1) conduct a study of familial status-based housing discrimination; and (2) report the results of such study to the Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 1989
Designates the outpatient clinic of the Department of Veterans Affairs in Brick Township, New Jersey, as the James J. Howard Veterans' Outpatient Clinic.
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 1989
Oil Spill Tax Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code relating to trade or business expenses to disallow the deduction for oil and hazardous substances cleanup costs if the Secretary of the Treasury receives notification from the relevant authority that the taxpayer has failed to comply with specified Federal environmental law. Disallows such deduction where it can be shown that the oil or hazardous substance discharge was the result of willful negligence or willful misconduct. Reduces the tax attributes of the taxpayer by the amount disallowed. Disallows a deduction for losses resulting from any oil or hazardous substance discharge if the cleanup costs of such discharge are disallowed as a deduction. Sets forth time limits for: (1) the Secretary to assess any deficiency attributable to the notification of noncompliance with Federal environmental law; and (2) the taxpayer to file a claim for credit or refund attributable to receipt of such notification. Establishes an account in the Treasury to consist of the increase in revenues resulting under this Act. Makes such amounts available for: (1) the revolving fund under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act for expenses related to removal of discharged oil; or (2) the Hazardous Substance Superfund. Directs the Secretary to report to specified congressional committees on the decrease of Federal revenues because of the allowance of the deduction for oil and hazardous substances cleanup costs. Requires the Secretary to report annually to such committees on the amount expended on environmental cleanup costs and the amount accruing to the Treasury by reason of the disallowance of such deduction.
United States · United States Congress · 31 May 1989
Amends the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988 to remove discretion from the courts and thus make mandatory the denial of all Federal benefits for a fixed term after a conviction for distribution or possession of a controlled substance.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1989
Provides for veterans' readjustment appointments in the Federal Government at the GS-11 level. Includes as veterans eligible for such appointments (currently, only Vietnam veterans are eligible) veterans who have more than 14 years of education and who are entitled to disability compensation or whose discharge or release from active duty was for a disability incurred or aggravated in the line of duty. Grants such veterans preference over other eligible veterans for such appointments. Includes as other eligible veterans those veterans whose last discharge or release from active duty occurred within the four-year period immediately preceding an appointment under such provisions. States that the "last discharge or release" from active duty shall not include a discharge or release of less than 90 days of continuous service except for a service-connected disability, for a pre-existing medical condition which the Secretary of Veterans Affairs determines is not service-connected, or for hardship.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1989
Older Americans' Freedom to Work Act of 1989 - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to remove the limitation on the amount of outside income which beneficiaries who have attained retirement age may earn without incurring a reduction in benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 1989
Dire Emergency Veterans Medical Care Supplemental Appropriations Act for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1989 - Makes emergency supplemental appropriations to the Department of Veterans Affairs for FY 1989 for veterans' medical care.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 1989
Head Start Expansion Amendments of 1989 - Title I: Amendments to the Head Start Act - Amends the Head Start Act to define "full-working-day" as at least ten hours per day. Authorizes Head Start programs to provide child care services. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1990 through 1994: (1) Head Start services other than child care services; and (2) if the appropriation for such other services equals or exceeds such authorization, a new program of child care services. Authorizes the use of a portion of a State's allotment to enable Head Start programs to provide child care services Monday through Friday throughout the year so that eligible children receive full-day Head Start services (including child care), if such child care is necessary for parents to work or attend a job training or educational program. Title II: Amendments to the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for a one-year delay in indexing (for inflation) income tax rates and personal exemptions.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1989
Constitutional Amendment - Requires the Congress and the President, prior to each fiscal year, to agree on an estimate of total receipts (except those derived from borrowing) for that fiscal year by enactment of a joint single subject resolution. Prohibits outlays for that year (except those for repayment of debt principal) from exceeding this amount unless the Congress, by a three-fifths roll call vote of each House, authorizes a specific excess of outlays over receipts. Requires a three-fifths roll call vote of each House to increase the public debt. Directs the President to submit a balanced budget to the Congress. Requires the approval of a majority of the total membership of each House by roll call vote before any bill to increase revenue may become law. Waives these provisions when a declaration of war is in effect.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 1989
Science, Engineering, and Mathematics Educator Award Act - Requires the Director of the National Science Foundation to establish a Science, Engineering, and Mathematics Educator Award program. Provides that each award shall be for three years. Provides that academic institutions shall nominate science faculty members with significant commitments to undergraduate education. Requires a merit review process with certain selection criteria for such awards. Earmarks a majority of awards for traditional sciences. Requires consideration of proposals focusing: (1) on science education for all Americans or for traditionally underrepresented groups; and (2) on projects combining science and the humanities, or several institutions, or involving industry. Encourages award recipients to develop curricular materials with a broad impact on undergraduate science education. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1990 and subsequent fiscal years.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 1989
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the Soviet Union should be held responsible for any use of chemical warfare by the Afghan regime against the mujahideen and should remove the potential for chemical warfare in Afghanistan; and (2) any such use may be cause for the United States to reduce or terminate diplomatic initiatives and economic cooperation with the Soviet Union.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1989
De Soto Trail Commission Act of 1989 - Title I: De Soto Expedition Trail Commission - Establishes in the Department of the Interior the De Soto Expedition Trail Commission to assist with the establishment of a commemorative highway route of the De Soto expedition through the States of Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas. Authorizes appropriations. Title II: Highway Route of the De Soto Expedition - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to designate a vehicular route as the Highway Route of the De Soto Expedition. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1989
Precludes veterans entitled to benefits under the All Volunteer Force Educational Assistance Program from receiving other veterans' educational assistance. Terminates other veterans' educational assistance as of June 30, 1993.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1989
Prohibits the U.S. Government from giving its approval to the manufacturing license agreement involving the export of technology relating to the design, development, and production of the FSX aircraft in Japan.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 1989
Prohibits the United States from making any voluntary or assessed contributions to the United Nations or any of its affiliated organizations if such entity grants full membership as a state to any organization or group that does not have the internationally recognized attributes of statehood.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 1989
Integrity in Post Employment Act of 1989 - Amends the Federal criminal code to revise provisions regarding former officers or employees of the executive branch, any independent agency, or the District of Columbia attempting to influence the Government or the District. Makes it unlawful, within one year after employment or service has ceased, for: (1) former senior officials to lobby their former employing agency; (2) former top level officials (Cabinet Secretaries and Deputy Secretaries) to lobby the executive or independent agency in which the person served during the one-year period before the termination of such service; and (3) former top level officials of the legislative or judicial branch to lobby the entity of the branch in which the person served during the one-year period before the termination of such service. Prohibits any senior or top level official (including the President), within 18 months after employment has ceased, from: (1) representing the interests of a foreign entity before any department, agency, or commission of the United States or either House of the Congress, with intent to influence; or (2) aiding or advising a foreign entity with intent to influence a decision of such an agency or the Congress. Prohibits any person from acting as an agent and communicating on behalf of such former officials and Members of Congress. Includes as exceptions to such prohibitions: (1) any person who is engaging solely in the solicitation or collection of funds and contributions within the United States to be used only for medical assistance, food, or clothing to relieve human suffering; or (2) any person who is providing a statement based on that person's special knowledge, provided that no compensation is received for such statement other than that regularly provided by law for witnesses. Increases the criminal and civil penalties for violations of this Act. Prohibits the partner of a Member, officer, or employee of the legislative branch in a partnership for the provision of professional services from acting as an agent or attorney for, or otherwise representing, any other person other than the United States in lobbying activities before any department, agency, court or commission of the United States, or the House of the Congress in which the individual serves or is employed in connection with a matter in which the United States is a party or has a direct and substantial interest, and in which such individual participates or has participated personally and substantially. Provides for the imposition of penalties upon any Member of Congress who: (1) affiliates with a firm, partnership, association, or corporation for the purpose of providing professional services for compensation; (2) permits the use of the Member's name by such firm, partnership, association, or corporation; or (3) practices a profession for compensation. Imposes criminal penalties upon Members of Congress who accept honoraria. Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to prohibit Members of Congress from converting excess campaign funds to their own use. Applies independent counsel provisions to Members of Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1989
Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions governing the income tax deduction for the health insurance costs of self-employed individuals to: (1) make the deduction permanent (under current law it will expire after tax year 1989); and (2) phase in an increase in the allowable deduction, reaching 100 percent for taxable years beginning in 1994 and thereafter.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1989
Federal Prison Improvement Act of 1989 - Requires the President to direct the Attorney General and the heads of specified Federal departments and agencies jointly to identify and propose Federal facilities, property, and land to be used for emergency confinement facilities. Directs the Bureau of Prisons to: (1) identify specific categories of prisoners who could be reassigned from current Federal correctional facilities or who could be sentenced initially to emergency confinement facilities; (2) review and recommend the technology and programs necessary to establish, staff, and operate emergency confinement facilities; and (3) develop a five-year prison construction plan to eliminate the need for emergency confinement facilities. Requires the President to submit to the Congress a report including: recommendations, the five-year plan, and implementing legislation.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1989
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Bankruptcy Court and all involved parties should facilitate the prompt restoration of Eastern Airlines to full operations through appropriate action which may include appointment of a trustee, pending the sale of the company.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1989
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend the targeted jobs income tax credit through 1992 (under current law the credit will expire after December 31, 1989). Amends the Economic Recovery Tax Act of 1981 to authorize appropriations through FY 1992 in connection with the targeted jobs credit. Raises from 23 to 25 years the age limitation with respect to economically disadvantaged youth targeted for credit purposes. Adds as a targeted group under the credit economically disadvantaged individuals who have completed a qualified drug rehabilitation program.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1989
Amends the Federal criminal code to provide enhanced criminal penalties for kidnapping children. Provides a minimum sentence of ten years' imprisonment (life imprisonment if any listed aggravating conduct exists) for such violation. States that persons sentenced under this Act shall not be granted a probationary or suspended sentence, and shall not be eligible for parole during the first five years (20 years if the offender engaged in any listed aggravating conduct) of such imprisonment. Includes as aggravating conduct: (1) selling the victim of such offense; (2) sexually abusing such victim; (3) using such victim for pornography; or (4) intentionally harming such victim physically to a life-threatening extent.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1989
Amends accounting provisions of the Internal Revenue Code to permit licensed used automobile dealers to use the installment method in connection with retail sales of any automobile that is more than three years old at the time of the sale if: (1) the sales price is $6,000 or less; and (2) the installment obligation arises solely from the sale in question and has a term of 36 months or less.
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
Title I: Repeal of Certain Provisions in Medicare Catastrophic Coverage Act of 1988 - Medicare Catastrophic Coverage Amendments of 1989 - Repeals provisions of the Medicare Catastrophic Coverage Act of 1988 (the Act) establishing a Supplemental Medicare Premium and providing Medicare coverage (title XVIII of the Social Security Act) of prescription drugs and insulin, home intravenous drug therapy services, screening mammographies, and in-home care for chronically dependent individuals. Amends the Medicare program to increase the limit on Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) out-of-pocket expenses incurred by beneficiaries for 1990. Gears future adjustments of such limit to changes in expenses of the Medicare trust funds. Modifies the Act's premium financing mechanisms. Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require States to establish the family income eligibility level for Medicaid coverage of Medicare cost-sharing amounts at at least 85 percent of the Federal poverty level. (Currently, States must phase-in such coverage for all families whose income is below the Federal poverty level.) Requires Medicaid coverage of prescription drugs for individuals who are at least 65 years old and whose income does not exceed 150 percent of the Federal poverty level. Directs the Boards of Trustees of the Medicare trust funds to include in their reports to the Congress in April 1990 an analysis, performed by the Secretary of the Treasury, of options to strengthen the long-term solvency of such trust funds. Title II: Tax Provisions Related to Long-Term Care Insurance - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat certain long-term care insurance which the Secretary certifies is providing coverage to each covered person who is age 50 or older for at least one year for diagnostic, preventive, therapeutic, rehabilitation, maintenance, or personal care services provided in a setting other than the acute care unit of a hospital as accident or health insurance when taxing issuers of such insurance (hereafter referred to as qualified long-term care insurance). Provides that for the purpose of determining whether a tax exclusion applies to an employee's receipt of benefits from qualified long-term care insurance such benefits shall be considered to be for personal injury or sickness, and medical care. Excludes from taxation: (1) the portion of distributions from individual retirement plans which is used during the year to pay the premiums for qualified long-term care coverage of individuals who are age 59 1/2 or older on the date of distribution; and (2) amounts received when an individual who has attained age 65 surrenders, cancels, or exchanges a life insurance contract and used during such year to pay the premiums for qualified long-term care insurance.
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1989
Holloway-Schulze Toddler Tax Credit Act of 1989 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow the custodial parent a refundable income tax credit for each dependent child under the age of six (five in 1990 through 1993). Establishes the credit amount as the lesser of $1,000 or 12 percent of income below $10,000 for a single qualified dependent. Limits application of the credit to two eligible dependents. Reduces the credit for taxpayers earning more than $10,000. Makes this credit and the employment-related dependent care credit mutually exclusive. Applies phase-in amounts for tax years beginning in 1990 through 1993. Indexes post-1994 credit amounts. Provides for advance toddler tax credit payments by employers to employees who provide certification of eligibility. Requires taxpayers to file information returns to reflect these payments. Reduces the amount of the employment-related dependent care credit for taxpayers with adjusted gross income above $50,000. Disallows application of the credit with respect to a taxpayer's dependent under age 13 who is physically and mentally capable of self-care. Repeals the income tax exclusion applied in connection with amounts furnished to an employee in accordance with an employer dependent care assistance program.
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 1989
Oilspill Bill - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to disallow any income tax deduction for oil or hazardous substances cleanup costs, including related legal expenses, unless: (1) the Secretary of the Treasury receives certification from the relevant authority that the taxpayer has made a good faith effort to comply with specified Federal environmental law; or (2) the discharge was 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. Prohibits any loss resulting from disallowance of such a deduction from being offset by the net operating loss deduction. Transfers the revenue resulting from the disallowance to an account made available for subsequent transfer to: (1) the revolving fund under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act for expenses related to removal of discharged oil; or (2) the Hazardous Substance Superfund. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to: (1) report to specified congressional committees an estimate of the decrease in Federal revenues between January 1, 1970, and December 31, 1988, by reason of the allowance of applicable cleanup costs; and (2) report annually to the same committees the amount expended on environmental cleanup costs and the amount accruing to the new cleanup account.
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 1989
World War I Veterans' Service Pension Act - Directs the Administrator (effective March 1989, Secretary) of Veterans Affairs to pay a monthly pension of $150 to each veteran of World War I who meets specified service requirements. Requires such veteran, if receiving another pension administered by the Veterans Administration (effective March 1989, Department of Veterans Affairs) (VA), to elect which pension he will receive. Provides for the payment of a monthly pension of $100 to surviving spouses of World War I veterans who meet certain marriage requirements. Requires such surviving spouses to choose between pensions if they are currently receiving another pension through the VA.
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 1989
Constitutional Amendment - Provides for a four-year term of office for Members of the House of Representatives. Limits Representatives to two consecutive four-year terms and Senators to two consecutive six-year terms.
United States · United States Congress · 12 April 1989
Child Care Assistance Act - Title I: Amendments to the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 - Subtitle A: Young Child Tax Credit - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish a new refundable tax credit, the Young Child Tax Credit. Allows families with incomes not exceeding $10,000 the credit of 12 percent of their earned income for one of their children under age five, plus six percent for each of up to two additional children under age five. Sets the maximum credit at $1,000 per year for one qualifying child, $1,500 for two, and $2,000 for three or more. Phases out the credit by reducing it by ten percent of so much of the adjusted gross income (or, if greater, the earned income) as exceeds $10,000. Allows advance payments of the credit. Subtitle B: Incentives for Employer Provided Child Care - Establishes a new business-related tax credit, the Dependent Care Assistance Program Credit. Allows the credit to employers for ten percent of their expenditures for payment or provision of services under a qualified dependent care assistance program for their employees. Directs the Secretary of Labor to: (1) study barriers to employers providing child care services for their employees; and (2) report within 540 days to specified congressional committees on such study, with recommendations on removal of barriers and on incentives for employers to provide such services. Title II: Block Grants to States for Activities Relating to Dependent Care Services - Amends the State Dependent Care Development Grants Act to increase the authorization of appropriations for FY 1990 and to extend it through FY 1992, for grants to States for planning and development of dependent care programs. Revises and expands the authorized uses of allotments of such block grants to States. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to report annually to specified congressional committees on State programs carried out with such block grants. Requires States to submit such reports on their use of grants as the Secretary may require. Changes the short title of such Act to the State Dependent Care Block Grants Act. Title III: Child Care Liability Risk Retention Group - Authorizes any State to assist in the establishment and operation of a child care liability risk retention group (i.e. a corporation or other limited liability association whose members are child care providers licensed or accredited pursuant to State or local law or standards, and which otherwise satisfies specified criteria for risk retention groups). Sets forth State application requirements. Requires State plans to: (1) identify the lead agency designated and responsible for the administration of funds under this part; (2) provide that all participants in the child care liability risk retention group are child care providers who are licensed or accredited pursuant to State or local law or standards; (3) provide for maximum membership of family-based child care providers in the group; (4) provide that the State shall use at least the amount allotted to establish or maintain a liability risk retention group for child care providers; and (5) specify how any such liability risk retention group will continue to be financed after FY 1992, including by contributions by the State or by members of such pool. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to review and approve State plans and to monitor State compliance with requirements of this title. Provides for suspension of payments upon a finding of noncompliance. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1990 to carry out this title and to remain available for assistance to States for FY 1990 through 1992. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to reserve specified portions of such funds for payments to specified U.S. territories and for administrative costs. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to allot the remainder to States on the basis of the number of children under 13 years of age. Permits a portion of such allotments to be used for State administrative costs. Sets forth provisions relating to entitlement, method, and State spending of allotment payments. Title IV: Revolving Loan Fund - Provides assistance for State-established revolving loan funds to enable family-based child care providers to meet accreditation or licensing standards. Requires each applicant State to establish a revolving loan fund, along with specified procedures and guidelines. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1990, to remain available for assistance to States for FY 1990 through 1992. Directs the Secretary to make allotments to States through a formula based on the number of children under 12 years of age.
![Official portrait of Rep. James, Craig T. [R-FL-4]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/j000047_200.jpg)