United States · United States Congress · 5 October 1988
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) the President should oppose any restrictions on European Community imports of nongrain feed ingredients, including corn gluten feed, and should support the current duty-free binding on such products; (2) the President should oppose any European Community proposals which would violate the intent of the existing duty-free binding in the General Agreements on Tariffs and Trade for corn gluten feed and corn byproducts; and (3) if unilateral action is taken by the European Community to inhibit the importation of corn gluten, the United States should restrict imports from the Community of at least the aggregate value of the reduced U.S. export products.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 1988
Foreign Ownership Disclosure Act of 1988 - Requires any foreign person who holds or acquires a significant interest in a United States property or a controlling interest in a U.S. business enterprise to register such interest with the Secretary of Commerce. Specifies the information required to be contained in such registration. Requires that any changes in such information be disclosed in an amended registration within a limited period of time. Sets forth penalties for the failure to comply with such registration requirements. Defines a "significant interest" in U.S. property as more than five percent of the total equity or ownership interests in assets or real property having a market value or gross sales in excess of specified amounts. Defines a "controlling interest" in a U.S. business enterprise as more than 25 percent of the total equity or ownership interests in a business enterprise having assets or gross sales in excess of specified amounts. Directs the Secretary to submit an annual report to the President and the Congress, concerning: (1) the extent and effects of foreign investment in the United States; and (2) the effectiveness and efficiency of the registration and reporting requirements of this Act. Directs the Secretary to compile a registry of foreign investments in the United States. Limits access to the information in such registry.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 1988
Amends the Small Business Act to apply the same interest rate ceilings in connection with disaster loans to both small business concerns and small agricultural cooperatives unable to obtain credit elsewhere (thus lowering the current interest rate on disaster loans to such cooperatives).
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 1988
Declares that the Congress urges the Administration to refrain from submitting any proposal in the GATT negotiations that would consider maritime transportation activity as being within the scope of "trade in services" and to reject any proposals made by foreign nations which are similar or which would lead to a contraction of the merchant marine.
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 1988
Prohibits the Secretary of Transportation from issuing regulations under the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act that characterize anhydrous ammonia as a poisonous gas.
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 1988
Indoor Air Quality Act of 1988 - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish a national research, development, and demonstration program to assure the quality of indoor air, including coordinating and accelerating efforts related to the causes, detection, and correction of contaminated air. Requires such program to include information collection and dissemination, cooperative research, grants, studies, development of techniques, facility construction, and conferences. Requires that research focus on human health effects and the identification of types and levels of contaminants likely to cause harm, including the development of methodology and techniques for detection and control. Authorizes the Administrator to assist technology demonstration activities based on a technology's potential to cost-effectively control sources of contaminants which pose the greatest risk. Limits Federal funding to 75 percent of costs. Directs the Administrator to periodically publish general reports on the findings of such demonstration activities and provide such reports to the Indoor Air Clearinghouse. Requires the Administrator to publish and furnish the Indoor Air Clearinghouse with bulletins assessing technologies and management practices for the control and measurement of indoor air contaminants. Directs the Administrator to: (1) develop protocols for the measurement of radon gas in child care facilities; and (2) disseminate information concerning techniques for measuring and reducing radon levels in child care facilities and characteristics of child care facilities with high radon risks. Authorizes the Administrator to: (1) provide States with devices and the use of EPA laboratories for testing child care facilities for radon; and (2) undertake diagnostic and remedial efforts to reduce radon levels in nonresidential child care facilities. Requires the Administrator to conduct a study and report to the Congress within three years of this Act's enactment on the appropriateness, feasibility, and implications of considering human exposure to indoor air pollutants in developing ambient air quality standards and national emissions standards for hazardous air pollutants under the Clean Air Act. Directs the Administrator to conduct and report to the Congress within two years of this Act's enactment on a national assessment of the seriousness and extent of indoor air contamination in buildings owned by local educational agencies. Directs the Administrator to report to the Congress by the beginning of FY 1989 on activities conducted under this Act. Requires the Administrator to publish and biennially revise a list of contaminants known to occur in indoor air. Provides for additions to such list upon application of a State Governor. Requires the Administrator to publish advisory materials addressing the human health effects of listed contaminants which describe the properties, effects, risks, and concentrations of such contaminants. Directs the Indoor Air Panel of the EPA Science Advisory Board to assist in the listing and advisories. Requires that such advisories be updated every five years. Directs the Administrator to develop and publish a national indoor air quality response plan describing actions to be taken pursuant to existing statutory authority to reduce listed indoor air contaminants to safe levels. Requires that such plans include the dissemination of information, education programs, and the provision of technical assistance. Requires that the response plan identify the contaminant, the basis for the action, the nature of the response, the responsible Federal authority, the necessary financial resources, and situations where existing statutory authority or technology is inadequate to address contamination problems. Requires the Administrator of the General Services Administration (GSA) to prepare a response plan to reduce listed indoor air contaminants to safe levels in Federal buildings. Exempts certain Federal buildings for national security, demolition, or special use purposes. Requires response plans to be submitted to the Congress on a biennial basis. Directs the GSA to reserve 0.5 percent of funds appropriated for the construction of new Federal buildings for the design and construction of air contaminant reduction measures and report upon the completion of each Federal building on the use made of reserved funds. Requires that any new EPA headquarters be designed and operated as a model to demonstrate principles and practices for the protection of indoor air quality. Authorizes grants to States for the development of management strategies and indoor air quality assessment and response programs similar to those of the Federal program. Directs the Administrator to establish an Office of Indoor Air Quality within EPA's Office of Air and Radiation to implement agency responsibilities under this Act. Establishes a Council on Indoor Air Quality to coordinate Federal activities and advise the President. Requires the Council to report to the Congress on a biennial basis. Directs the Administrator and the Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), within six months of this Act's enactment, to define their respective responsibilities and planned actions to address radon hazards. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress on actions taken to implement such MOU within two years of this Act's enactment. Directs the Administrator to establish a national indoor air quality clearinghouse which shall operate a toll-free line on indoor air quality. Requires the Director of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health to implement a Building Assessment Demonstration Program to support the development of methods for assessing indoor air contamination in non-residential, non-industrial buildings and to provide building owners and occupants with assistance and guidance in reducing indoor air contamination. Authorizes building owners or occupants, or representatives of employees working in a building, to submit building assessment proposals which shall be selected or denied on the basis of specified considerations, including the apparent seriousness and extent of building air contamination. Sets forth reporting requirements. Directs the Administrator to make grants to institutions of higher learning to establish and operate five regional radon training centers to provide instruction on radon diagnosis and mitigation and disseminate information on radon. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1989 through 1993.
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 1988
Amends the Federal criminal code to prescribe penalties for the unauthorized use of the name Visiting Nurse Association or Visiting Nurse Service or of the name or insignia of the Visiting Nurse Association of America.
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 1988
Radon Reduction Incentives Act of 1988 - Treats amounts paid for home improvements necessary to mitigate measured harmful levels of radon gas exposure as medical care expenses for purposes of the medical care expense income tax deduction.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 1988
Defense Consultant Registration and Reform Act of 1988 - Prohibits defense agencies from awarding a contract for advisory and assistance services to any consultant unless: (1) such consultant complies with the registration requirements of this Act; and (2) the contracting officer has reviewed the registration information and determined that such consultant does not have a conflict of interest that could be prejudicial to the United States. Prohibits defense agencies from awarding a contract to any person submitting a bid to such agencies unless such person certifies that each consultant that has assisted in the preparation of such bid has complied with the registration requirements of this Act. Requires each consultant who has submitted a bid or who has been retained in connection with the preparation of a bid for a Department of Defense (DOD) contract to register with the DOD Office of Standards of Conduct. Requires such consultants to update the registered information upon submitting a bid or being retained for the preparation of a bid for another DOD contract. Sets forth the information to be included in the registration. Directs the DOD Inspector General to monitor the compliance of consultants with the registration requirements of this Act and to report annually to the House and Senate Committees on Armed Services on the extent of such compliance. Provides that any consultant who intentionally fails to comply with such registration requirements shall be subject to suspension and debarment proceedings. Provides that this Act shall not apply to contracts which, as determined by the Secretary of Defense, involve: (1) sensitive foreign intelligence or counterintelligence activities; (2) sensitive law enforcement investigations; or (3) special access programs.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 1988
Amends rule I of the Rules of the House of Representatives to require the Speaker of the House to implement closed caption broadcasting of floor proceedings for hearing-impaired individuals.
United States · United States Congress · 16 September 1988
Federal Crop Insurance Commission Act of 1988 - States that the purpose of this Act is to: (1) ensure the review of the Federal crop insurance program; and (2) recommend changes necessary to lessen or eliminate the need for additional disaster payment programs in order to reduce Federal costs and provide farmers with equitable and predictable natural disaster protection. Establishes the Commission for the Improvement of the Federal Crop Insurance Program. Sets forth membership and operating provisions. Directs the Commission to: (1) determine why crop insurance program participation is lower than anticipated; (2) identify States and commodities with low participation; and (3) recommend program improvements. Sets forth particular areas to be examined, including: (1) program insurance coverage; (2) use of crop field information; (3)related government subsidies; (4) sales commission rates; (5) claims adjustment services; (6) information collection; (7) compliance efforts; and (8) premium pools. Requires the Commission to submit: (1) an interim report to the appropriate congressional committees by April 1, 1989; (2) a final report to such committees by July 1, 1989; and (3) monthly reports to such committees from the period beginning July 1, 1989, through December 31, 1990. Terminates the Commission as of December 31, 1990, except that the Secretary of Agriculture may extend the Commission's life beyond such date. Directs the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation to make specified FY 1989 funds available to the Commission.
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 1988
Egg Research and Consumer Information Act Amendments of 1988 - Amends the Egg Research and Consumer Information Act Amendments of 1988 to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to limit fiscal year assessment collection and administrative cost incurred by the Egg Board. Eliminates egg producer assessment refunds subject to a two-year delay of any refund referendum.
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 1988
Amends rule XXIV and rule I of the Rules of the House of Representatives to require the rendering of the Pledge of Allegiance in the House at the start of each legislative day.
United States · United States Congress · 8 September 1988
Commodity Exchange Option Reform Amendments of 1988 - Amends the Commodity Exchange Act to state that the Commodity Futures Trading Commission shall have exclusive jurisdiction to designate a board of trade for any put, call, or option. Repeals the provision regarding Commission submission of certain contract market designation applications for Securities and Exchange Commission review.
United States · United States Congress · 11 August 1988
Requires the display of the National League of Families POW/MIA flag at each U.S. diplomatic or consular post until the President determines that there has been the fullest possible accounting of the Americans who are imprisoned, missing, or unaccounted for as a result of the conflict in Southeast Asia.
United States · United States Congress · 11 August 1988
States that the U.S. delegation to the United Nations Environment Program working group meeting in Geneva, Switzerland, for the purpose of drafting a global convention on the transboundary movement of hazardous waste should support inclusion in the convention of: (1) a global ban on all transboundary movements of hazardous waste; (2) a definition of hazardous waste that includes all wastes potentially adversely affecting human health; (3) provisions fostering environmentally sound technologies; and (4) a requirement that the ban apply even if the receiving country is not a party to the convention.
United States · United States Congress · 10 August 1988
Degradable Plastics Act of 1988 - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to issue rules, within two years of this Act's enactment, requiring that plastic articles which are produced, distributed, or sold in a State be made of naturally degradable material which will begin reduction to environmentally benign subunits within a specified period of time after being discarded that is not to exceed 180 days and complete such reduction within a specified period of time that is not to exceed two years. Provides that this Act does not preclude States or localities from adopting more stringent rules. Imposes civil and criminal penalties against persons who violate such rules. Requires producers of plastic articles to make records regarding the development and production of such articles available to the Administrator for inspection and copying. Makes the rules issued pursuant to this Act inapplicable to any plastic article produced before the end of the five-year period beginning after the issuance of such rules.
United States · United States Congress · 10 August 1988
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) South Korea, Japan, and the European Economic Community should reduce their trade surpluses with the United States; (2) the President should enter into bilateral trade negotiations with such countries to reduce such surpluses; (3) the President should set a specified minimum target for increases in U.S. agricultural exports when negotiating such reductions; and (4) in reaching the minimum target for such exports, the United States should increase by a specified amount beef and wheat exports to such countries.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1988
Requires the Administrator of Veterans Affairs to conduct pilot programs during FY 1989, 1990, and 1991 under which the Administrator provides payments for, and otherwise facilitates the provision of, assistive monkeys to certain veterans who have service-connected disabilities and are quadriplegic. Provides funding for the cost of developing and training such monkeys. Requires the Administrator to: (1) evaluate the costs, benefits, and effectiveness of such pilot program; and (2) report to the House and Senate Veterans' Affairs Committees the results of such evaluation and the Administrator's estimate of financial savings (if any) to veterans with such monkeys due to reduced costs for the retaining of attendants for such veterans.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1988
Amends the Federal criminal code to provide penalties for the disclosure by Federal employees of information: (1) that is related to a specific procurement, if sealed bids have been solicited or competitive proposals have been requested and the award of a contract has not yet been made; or (2) that is related to a specific plan or program for a procurement, in relation to which neither sealed bids have been solicited nor competitive proposals requested; and that, taken alone or together with other information, would reasonably be expected to afford a prospective competitor an advantage over other prospective competitors.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1988
Designates July 27, 1989, as National Korean War Veterans Recognition Day and expresses the gratitude of the Congress and the Nation for the contributions made by the Korean War veterans.
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 1988
Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to include estuaries and estuarine zones within the pollutant discharge permit program. Requires that ocean and estuary pollutant discharge guidelines take into account the need for a proposed discharge.
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 1988
Women's Business Ownership Act of 1988 - Title I: Congressional Findings and Purposes - Sets forth congressional findings and purposes with respect to small businesses owned and controlled by women. Title II: Demonstration Projects - Amends the Small Business Act to direct the Small Business Administration (SBA) to provide financial assistance to private organizations to conduct demonstration projects giving financial, management, and marketing assistance to small businesses, including start-up businesses, owned and controlled by women. Describes application criteria. Requires the SBA to report to the congressional Small Business Committees on the projects. Terminates authority for this pilot program on October 1, 1991. Authorizes appropriations. Title III: Procurement Assistance - Amends the Small Business Act to include small business concerns owned and operated by women as a discrete group for purposes of Government contracts and subcontracts and procurement programs. (Current law governing these programs refers expressly only to small business concerns and small business concerns owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals as groups targeted for assistance.) Instructs the Director of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization of each Federal agency to designate a Women-in-Business Specialist to be responsible for programs designed to assist concerns owned and controlled by women. Directs Federal agencies, in their procurement activities, to engage in affirmative action to identify and solicit offers from small businesses owned and controlled by either women or socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. Title IV: Access to Capital - Amends the Consumer Credit Protection Act to prohibit the Federal Reserve Board, except under limited circumstances, from exempting from such Act's provisions any class of transactions that are primarily for personal, family, or household purposes, or business or commercial loans made available by a financial institution. Limits to five years any exemption authorized under the circumstances specified in this Act, unless a subsequent determination is made that the exemption remains appropriate. Requires lenders to keep records relating to loans and to provide written notice to applicants of their right to receive notice of reasons for a loan denial. Authorizes the SBA to establish a certified loan program for lenders that display knowledge and proficiency with respect to SBA regulations and programs. Directs the SBA to encourage small business loans of $50,000 or less under both this new program and the preferred lenders program in FY 1989 through 1991 by permitting participating lenders to: (1) use their own forms without regard to SBA paperwork; and (2) retain one-half of the loan guarantee fee. Requires SBA reporting to specified congressional committees in connection with the certified loan program. Directs the Federal Reserve Board, the Comptroller of the Currency, the Department of Commerce, and the SBA jointly to study levels of availability of and demand for debt and equity capital by small businesses, as well as innovative financing techniques to meet any unmet demand. Requires reporting to the congressional Small Business Committees. Title V: National Women's Business Council - Establishes the National Women's Business Council to review the status of women-owned businesses nationwide and to develop detailed multiyear plans in connection with both private and public sector actions to assist and promote such businesses. Requires annual reporting to both the President and the Congress. Title VI: Statistical Data and Effect on Other Programs - Directs: (1) the Bureau of Labor Statistics to include in its census reports on women-owned businesses specified information on sole proprietorships, partnerships, and corporations; (2) the Bureau of the Census to include in its Business Census data the number of corporations that are 51 percent or more owned by women; (3) the SBA's Office of the Chief Counsel for Advocacy to report on the most cost-effective and accurate ways to gather and present the statistics required in these census reports; and (4) Federal agencies to report to the Office of Federal Procurement Policy the number of first-time contract recipients that are small businesses owned and controlled either by women or by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. Requires the President's annual Report on Small Business and Competition to include in separate detail information relevant to small businesses owned and controlled either by women or by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals.
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 1988
Egg Producers' Financial Protection Act of 1988 - Amends the Packers and Stockyards Act, 1921 to establish a statutory trust for the benefit of unpaid egg producers or egg handlers from the inventories of, and proceeds from, such eggs or egg products held by egg purchasers with an average annual value of eggs (by purchase or production arrangement) greater than $50,000. States that a dishonored payment instrument shall not be considered as payment. Provides that an unpaid producer or handler shall lose such trust benefit if he or she fails to give written notice of nonpayment or dishonored payment to the purchaser within specified time periods and by filing such notice with the Secretary of Agriculture. Includes egg purchase and production activities under the enforcement provisions of such Act. Includes egg purchasers under the recordkeeping provisions of such Act. States that the Secretary may only exercise jurisdiction over egg producers in prompt payment or unreasonable or discriminatory practices proceedings in order to avoid impairment of the Secretary's jurisdiction. Authorizes the Secretary to seek injunctive relief in egg payment disputes. Provides administrative enforcement authority for egg trust and prompt payment provisions under such Act. Requires a purchaser to pay a producer or handler in full within 14 days of the transfer of possession of such eggs. States that a payment delay or attempted delay shall be considered an "unfair practice" violation under such Act. States that the amendments made by this Act shall not be construed to: (1) affect the Secretary's authority with respect to live poultry or poultry products; or (2) affect the Federal Trade Commission's authority to prevent unfair competition or practices in commerce.
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 1988
Independent Procurement Corps Act of 1988 - Title I: Independent Procurement Corps - Establishes as an agency in the executive branch the Independent Procurement Corps, to be headed by a Director appointed by the President. Outlines provisions concerning requirements for staffing, education, training, and pay. Outlines duties of the Corps, including the following: (1) receiving information, analysis, and advice from officers of the armed forces with regard to the need and justification for major defense systems; (2) consulting with such officers about such need and justification but having the final authority over which systems are to be researched, developed, and produced; (3) carrying out functions and relevant acquisition regulations of the Department of Defense (DOD) relating to the research, development, and production of major systems; (4) operating as the sole negotiator with representatives of the private sector doing business with DOD; and (5) determining funding priorities and submitting to the President each fiscal year an appropriations request reflecting those priorities. Provides Corps personnel limitations, prohibiting a person from serving as Director if such person has been employed by a defense contractor or has served as an officer of the armed forces during the five years preceding nomination as Director. Prohibits a former Director from accepting compensation for five years after leaving office from any company under contract with DOD during the period such person served as Director. Provides similar three-year limitations for staff members of the Corps. Requires the Director to submit to the President, the Congress, and the Secretary of Defense annual reports on the activities of the Corps. Provides that the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition shall be the chief liaison between DOD and the Corps for purposes of communicating the views of the Department on acquisition matters relating to major systems. Terminates certain duties of the Under Secretary that are transferred to the Corps under this Act. Title II: Inspector General for Defense Procurement - Establishes the Office of the Inspector General for Defense Procurement as an independent office in the executive branch. Places at the head of the Office an Inspector General for Defense Procurement, to be appointed by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate and removable from office by the President. Requires the Inspector General to appoint: (1) an Assistant Inspector General for Auditing, who shall be responsible for auditing the programs and operations of the Independent Procurement Corps; and (2) an Assistant Inspector General for Investigations, who shall be responsible for supervising the performance of investigative activities relating to such programs and operations. Outlines the duties and responsibilities of the Inspector General, including: (1) to conduct audits and investigations relating to the programs and operations of the Corps; (2) to review existing and proposed legislation and regulations relating to such programs and to make recommendations to improve the economy and efficiency of such programs and operations; (3) to provide and recommend policy for such programs and operations; (4) to recommend policies for the Corps and other Federal agencies and other entities with respect to the improvement of such programs and operations and the prevention and detection of fraud or abuse in such programs; (5) to keep the President, the Secretary of Defense, the Director of the Corps, and the Congress informed concerning fraud and other serious problems and deficiencies relating to the administration of programs and operations of the Corps, to recommend solutions to such problems, and to report on progress made in implementing such corrective action; (6) to investigate fraud, waste, and abuse uncovered as a result of audits; (7) to develop policy, monitor performance, and provide guidance with respect to all Corps activities relating to criminal investigation programs; (8) to monitor and evaluate the adherence of Corps auditors to proper audit review principles, policy, and procedure; and (9) to develop policy, evaluate performance, and monitor actions taken by the Corps in response to contract audits, reviews, and audits conducted by the Comptroller General of the United States. Requires the Inspector General to coordinate all activities required under this Act with the Comptroller General. Directs the Inspector General to report to the Attorney General whenever he or she has reasonable grounds to believe there has been a violation of Federal criminal law (and to the Secretary of the military department concerned, for alleged violations of the Uniform Code of Military Justice). Requires the Inspector General to ensure that his or her duties are carried out in a manner that avoids compromising or endangering the national security. Directs the Inspector General to submit semiannual activity reports to the President, the Secretary of Defense, the Director of the Corps, and the Senate and House Armed Services Committees (the defense committees) and to make such reports public. Requires the Inspector General to report immediately to such entities whenever he or she becomes aware of particularly serious or flagrant problems, abuses, or deficiencies relating to the administration of programs and operations of the Corps. Limits disclosure of such information to the public. Outlines other administrative and procedural powers granted to the Inspector General in carrying out this Act (such as the authority to have access to records and information, to issue subpoenas to summon witnesses, and to select and employ such officers and employees as necessary). Requires the Director, Corps personnel, the military departments, the defense agencies, and the Secretary to furnish the Inspector General such information and assistance as requested as part of an investigation, audit, or inspection under the provisions of this Act. Directs the Inspector General to report to the President, the Secretary, the Director, and the defense committees whenever information is refused or not provided. Directs the Administrator of General Services to provide the Office with all appropriate space and support. Authorizes the Inspector General to receive and investigate complaints or information from an employee of the Corps concerning violations of law, mismanagement of funds, waste, abuse, or substantial and specific danger to the public health and safety. Prohibits the Inspector General from disclosing the identity of any such employee, unless such disclosure is unavoidable during the course of the investigation. Prohibits reprisals against any employee for making a complaint or disclosing information to the Inspector General. Provides personnel limitations for the Office, prohibiting a person from serving as Inspector General if such person has been employed by a defense contractor or was a member of the armed forces during the five years preceding nomination as Inspector General. Prohibits a former Inspector General from accepting compensation for five years after serving in such position from any company under contract with DOD during the period such person served as Inspector General. Provides similar three-year limitations for employees of the Office. Prohibits any member of the armed forces, active or reserve, from being appointed to the Office under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 1988
Amends Federal veterans' benefits provisions to provide for the tolling of the ten-year delimiting period for educational and rehabilitative assistance to veterans when an alcohol or drug dependence or abuse condition exists and the veteran is under recognized treatment for such condition. Outlines limits to the extension of such delimiting period. Makes similar extensions of such tolling period for alcohol or drug dependence or abuse conditions recognized and treated in connection with the following programs: (1) rehabilitation for veterans with service-connected disabilities; (2) educational assistance for post-Vietnam era veterans; (3) educational assistance for Vietnam-era veterans; and (4) educational assistance for veterans' survivors and dependents. Outlines limits to the extension of the delimiting period in each case.
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 1988
Amends the Export Administration Act of 1979 to prohibit the export of petroleum products (from Alaska and from the rest of the United States) that are domestically produced by oil refineries owned by non-U.S. citizens. Sets forth specified exceptions.
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 1988
Directs the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the Veterans Administration (VA) to develop minimum standard criteria for the treatment and diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to be applied uniformly to all VA medical centers. Directs the CMD, no later than three years after the enactment of this Act, to prescribe and publish such criteria in a mental health program guide. Outlines factors to be considered by the CMD when developing such criteria. Directs the CMD to develop criteria for the education, training, and evaluation of personnel whose duties include the counseling and treatment of veterans suffering from PTSD to be applied uniformly at all VA medical centers. Directs the CMD, no later than three years from the enactment of this Act, to prescribe and publish such criteria in a mental health program guide. Requires the CMD, in establishing such criteria, to consult with the Special Committee on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, established under the Veterans' Health Care Act of 1984. Directs the CMD to establish, at each VA medical center, a PTSD treatment team which shall be responsible for the counseling and treatment of veterans suffering from such disorder. Directs the Administrator of Veterans Affairs to hire such additional personnel as necessary to establish such teams at each medical center. Authorizes appropriations to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 12 July 1988
Drought Assistance Act of 1988 - Title I: Emergency Livestock Assistance - Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to add a new title VI which may be cited as the "Emergency Livestock Feed Assistance Act of 1988." Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to provide emergency feed assistance in any State, county, or area of a State where disease or other natural disaster has created a livestock emergency. States that the Governor of a State or a county committee may request the Secretary to make a livestock emergency determination and to provide assistance. Authorizes the Secretary to make such determination on his own initiative. Requires the Secretary to make such determination within 30 days of request and to notify the requesting party of any proposed action. States that producers in counties eligible for the emergency feed or emergency feed assistance programs in 1988 shall maintain such eligibility and be eligible for assistance under this title. Directs the Secretary to determine such counties' eligibility for assistance under this title. States that an eligible producer may receive assistance as follows: (1) assistance to offset inadequate feed stocks resulting from on-farm losses; and (2) assistance to maintain foundation herds if the producer does not have, and is unable to obtain through normal channels without undue cost, necessary feed stocks. Sets forth the following assistance programs available under this title: (1) Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) feed donations and reduced price sales; (2) partial reimbursement of feed purchase expenses; and (3) partial reimbursement of transportation and handling costs for such CCC feed, for hay, and for transporting livestock to and from available grazing areas (not to exceed $24 a head). Permits the Secretary to: (1) make in-kind payments; and (2) provide assistance through feed dealers or manufacturers. Authorizes the Secretary to provide the following additional assistance if necessary: (1) CCC feed donations for stranded and unidentified livestock, including transportation costs; (2) water assistance; and (3) CCC catalog commodities in lots appropriate to family farmers. Limits total assistance under this title for each livestock disaster to any one person to $50,000. Subjects each person (including individual members of a cooperative producer association) to the overall payment limitation ($100,000) under this Act. Prohibits a person from receiving assistance under this title for lost feed production due to the 1988 drought to the extent that such person receives production disaster payments under this Act. Subjects persons who misuse such assistance to a civil penalty equal to the market value of the involved fee, and a fine of up to $1000 or imprisonment for up to one year, or both. Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to repeal the Secretary's authority to reduce 1989 milk price supports (50-cents per hundredweight). Title II: Disaster Payment - Provides that, for producers of the 1988 crops of wheat, feed grains, upland cotton, extra long staple cotton, or rice who participated in the production adjustment program under the Agricultural Act of 1949, the Secretary shall make disaster payments to those producers who have suffered at least 35 percent production losses due to the 1988 drought or related condition. States that such payments shall be made at a rate equal to 65 percent of the established price for deficiencies below 65 percent. Exempts such producers from advance deficiency repayments for up to 35 percent of crop losses. Permits eligible producers who had elected not to receive such payments prior to enactment of this Act to change their decision. Provides similar disaster payments to producers who did not participate in such production adjustment program. Bases payments on the basic county loan rate (or comparable price). Provides similar disaster payments to producers of the 1988 crops of peanuts, tobacco, sugar beets, and sugarcane. Bases payments for peanuts and tobacco on the basic county loan rate (or comparable price), and for sugar beets and sugarcane on 1988 price support levels. Provides for prevented planting credit. Sets forth special payment provisions for peanuts, including deficiency payments based on quota and additional peanuts. Provides similar disaster payments to producers of the 1988 soybean and nonprogram crops. Bases payments on a specified percentage of the average market price received in three of the last five years (excluding high and low years). Provides for prevented planting credit. Reduces payments to producers with Federal crop insurance under a specified crop-type determination. Authorizes the Secretary to transfer CCC funds during FY 1988 to the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service to carry out the provisions of this title. Directs the Secretary, within 15 days after enactment of this Act, to announce the terms by which producers may prove their yield on crops harvested for silage or other forage uses. Directs the Secretary to make disaster payments under this title in the form of cash, commodities, or commodity certificates. Limits individuals to $100,000 in disaster payments. Limits a person to $100,000 of combined assistance for crop disaster assistance and livestock disaster assistance. Permits a person to elect which form of assistance to receive. Prohibits a person from receiving disaster payments attributable to 1988 drought-caused crop losses to the extent that such person receives livestock emergency benefits for such lost production under the Agricultural Act of 1949. Title III: General Provisions - Subtitle A: Commodity Stock Adjustment - Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to authorize the Secretary, if an acreage limitation program is in effect for 1989 and 1990, to permit producers to plant soybeans or sunflowers on between ten percent and 35 percent of permitted crop acreage. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Secretary should provide export assistance for cottonseeds and sunflower seeds if such crop prices are adversely affected by soybean and sunflower plantings under this title. Directs the Secretary to permit producers to designate any portion of their 1989 or 1990 farm acreage base for oats if the feed grain acreage base for such years is less than 12.5 percent. Expresses the sense of the Congress that, with respect to the 1989 and 1990 feed grain crops, if such crops' acreage limitation percentage exceeds 12.5 percent the Secretary should establish the lowest possible oats acreage limitation if market imbalances for barley and oats exist. Provides that, effective for the 1988 marketing year for wheat and feed grains, producers may repay specified commodity loans without additional interest or other specified charges if the producer reserve program trigger level has been met. Provides that, if during the 1988 marketing year the Secretary permits producers to place wheat and feed grains into the producer reserve, no storage payments nor interest forgiveness shall be permitted on such stored commodities during the marketing year. Subtitle B: Disaster Credit and Forbearance - Directs the Secretary to ensure, to the maximum extent practicable, that Farmers Home Administration direct operating loans for 1989 crop production are made available to producers suffering major losses resulting from the 1988 drought or related condition. Directs the Secretary to make available in FY 1989 specified operating loan guarantees, in addition to existing purposes for such guarantees, to refinance and reamortize 1988 operating debt resulting from major farming or ranching losses resulting from the drought or related condition. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Secretary should exercise forbearance in debt collection and encourage similar actions by commercial lenders and expedited loan restructuring with respect to producers suffering major drought losses. Subtitle C: Conservation and Water Assistance - Provides that with respect to a producer who harvested hay during the 1988 crop year on conservation reserve program acreage, such producer's rental payments shall not be reduced to the extent that he or she shares the cost of carrying out practices designed to enhance soil, water, and wildlife conservation on such land (or in the vicinity of such land) in accordance with a Soil Conservation Service approved plan. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) undertake water-problem related projects, including research, grants, technical assistance, loans, and extension services; (2) cooperate with other Federal agencies, State or local units, or public or private entities; and (3) accept funds from non-Federal sources to carry out such activities. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle D: Rural Businesses - Directs the Secretary to make rural industrialization loans or loan guarantees during FY 1989 to assist rural businesses (including cooperatives) adversely affected by the 1988 drought or related condition. Requires any such loan to meet applicable Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act eligibility requirements. Directs the Secretary, within 90 days of enactment of this Act, to conduct a survey of agriculture-related rural businesses to determine the adverse effects of the 1988 drought and report to the appropriate congressional committees.
United States · United States Congress · 12 July 1988
Prohibits the Federal Communications Commission from adopting revisions of the rules and policies in the proceeding "Policy and Rules Concerning Rates for Dominant Carrier," CC Docket 87-313, unless the changes expressly provide for: (1) the proper functioning of the long-term support mechanisms for the carrier common line rates administered by the National Exchange Carrier Association; (2) the maintenance of uniform nationwide long distance rates by dominant interexchange carriers; and (3) the use of an industry-wide rate of return to determine costs for access tariffs and to calculate the Universal Service Fund. Requires the FCC to report to the Congress the compliance of revisions with these conditions. Postpones effectiveness of any rule or policy revisions until 60 days have elapsed during which both Houses of the Congress are in session.
United States · United States Congress · 11 July 1988
Amends the Water Resources Research Act of 1984 to reauthorize the grant program for water resources research and technology institutes on a dollar-for-dollar matching basis for FY 1989 through 1993. Requires that such funds be used only for the reimbursement of direct cost expenditures incurred for the conduct of the water resources research program. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to conduct an evaluation of each institute every five years to determine if it qualifies for further support. (Currently the Secretary must make such determination every four years.) Extends the authorization of appropriations for the grant program from FY 1989 through 1993. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1989 through 1993 only for the reimbursement of the direct cost expenses of additional research by institutes which focuses on water problems and issues of a regional or interstate nature beyond those of concern only to a single State and which related to specific program priorities identified jointly by the Secretary and the institutes. Requires such funds when appropriated to be matched on a not less than dollar-for-dollar basis by non-Federal sources. Extends the authorization of appropriations from FY 1989 through 1993 for the matching grant research program concerning any aspect of a water resource-related problem which the Secretary deems to be in the national interest. Authorizes appropriations to extend the technology grant program from FY 1989 through 1993.
United States · United States Congress · 7 July 1988
Directs the Federal Communications Commission to establish and implement a telecommunications relay system to increase access to Federal departments and agencies for users of Telecommunications Devices for the Deaf (TDDs). Requires the system and its associated plans to include: (1) expansion of the existing relay system to a prescribed minimum service level; (2) accessibility of TDDs in Federal agencies; (3) publication of a TDD directory of Government access numbers; (4) adoption and display of logos identifying TDD stations; and (5) support for the development of cost-reducing technologies. Directs the FCC to complete its existing inquiry concerning an interstate relay system for TDD users. Requires that the Congress install TDDs and assure their accessibility in congressional offices as soon as practicable. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 7 July 1988
Student Default Initiative Act of 1988 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) to lower the maximum amount of a Pell Grant for academic years 1990-1991 and 1991-1992. Eliminates provisions authorizing adjustments in Pell Grant payments when appropriations are insufficient. Authorizes the Secretary of Education (the Secretary), when appropriations are insufficient, to draw funds from subsequent year appropriations for Pell Grants, up to ten percent of such preceding fiscal year's appropriations. Revises provisions relating to the period of eligibility for Pell Grants to limit such period to the full-time equivalent of: (1) the number of academic years that the undergraduate degree normally requires, plus one academic year; or (2) six academic years in the case of a degree or certificate program normally requiring more than four academic years. Requires that insurance program agreements to qualify loans for Guaranteed Student Loan (GSL) interest subsidies provide that the lender must promptly notify the borrower (and that the guaranty agency must notify, upon request of such institution, the last institution the student was attending prior to the beginning of repayment) of: (1) any sale or other transfer of the loan to another holder; and (2) such holder's address and phone number. Makes such notification requirements applicable if: (1) the borrower is in the grace period or in repayment status; and (2) the sale or transfer results in the student's being required to make payments, or to direct other matters related to the loan, to a person other than the person to whom such payments where made or such matters were directed before the sale or transfer. Requires such GSL interest subsidy insurance program agreements to require the guaranty agency to provide preclaims assistance for default prevention. Requires guaranty agencies, in order to inform eligible institutions of the loan status of their former students, to notify such institutions and furnish information on any such students who are in default of the repayment of any loan under the GSL program or who have entered repayment on such a loan after such a default. Revises loan consolidation eligibility standards to include delinquent or defaulted borrowers who will reenter repayment through loan consolidation (if they also meet other conditions for consolidation). Sets forth additional requirements with respect to disbursement of student loans. Requires multiple disbursement of student loans under the GSL program. Requires that any such loan for $1,000 or more for an enrollment period ending more than 180 days or six months after the disbursement date, be disbursed in two or more installments, none of which exceeds one-half of the loan. Requires a minimum interval between the first and second installments. Requires such interval to be at least one-half of the enrollment period, except as necessary to permit disbursement of the second installment at the beginning of the second semester, quarter, or similar division of such enrollment period. Sets forth requirements for the initial disbursement. Requires that the first installment of the proceeds of any GSL program loan to a new student borrower entering the first undergraduate year: (1) be disbursed by check or other negotiable instrument that is payable to and requires the endorsement or other certification by such student (in the manner required under specified GSL provisions for the insurance program agreements to qualify loans for interest subsidies); (2) not be negotiated by the institution until 15 days after the beginning of the enrollment period; and (3) not be negotiated at the end of the enrollment period unless the student continues to be enrolled in good standing at the institution and has received specified loan counseling at an entrance interview conducted by the institution. Prohibits disbursement of loans to any other student more than 30 days before the beginning of the enrollment period. Sets forth requirements for methods of multiple disbursement. Requires the lender or escrow agent to withhold a second or succeeding installment if the borrower has ceased to be enrolled on at least a half-time basis, unless notified by the institution that the disbursement is necessary to cover costs already earned by the institution. Requires the institution to withhold and return to the lender or escrow agent any portion of an installment which exceeds the amount for which the student is eligible. Provides that all loans issued for the same enrollment period shall be considered a single loan for specified purposes. Excludes from such additional disbursement requirements parent (PLUS) loans, consolidation loans, and loans to cover study at an institution outside the United States. Provides for transmittal of institutional disbursement schedules to lenders. Applies such additional disbursement requirements to the GSL and Federally insured student loan (FISL) programs. Directs the Secretary, guaranty agency, eligible lender, or subsequent holder to disclose to credit bureau organizations any information concerning the date a delinquency began and the repayment status of any loan that has been delinquent for 90 days. Requires that the borrower be informed that such organizations will be notified of such delinquency. Requires eligible lenders to include in required disclosures to borrowers before disbursement and before repayment: (1) an explanation of the availability of deferments; and (2) a statement that the borrower should notify the lender of the reasons for any failure to make a payment when it is due. Directs the Secretary to promulgate guidelines for eligible institutions to use to encourage student loan repayment in accordance with GSL program provisions as amended by this Act. Requires such guidelines to include: (1) an explicit delineation of legal restrictions and requirements relating to disclosure of borrower records to third parties, the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, and any other applicable Federal law; and (2) a model program, including sample letters and telephone contact scripts, in a format for easy copying by institutions. Sets forth requirements for default reduction agreements. Directs the Secretary, within three months of enactment of this Act, to submit to specified congressional committees a plan to establish a comprehensive schedule of program reviews for all eligible institutions, guaranty agencies, and lenders participating in the loan programs authorized under title IV (Student Assistance) of HEA. Requires that such plan be designed to accomplish all such reviews within five years, with priority attention to agencies and institutions experiencing difficulties administering such programs. Requires such plan to include estimates of budgetary and personnel requirements for carrying out such reviews. Prohibits the Secretary from implementing any such plan until 30 days after its submission to such committees. Directs the Secretary, at the end of each fiscal year, to report to such committees on implementation and proposed modifications of the plan. Directs the Secretary, by September 30, 1990, and annually thereafter, to send the Congress an annual default report, including: (1) the annual default rate for each guaranty agency, eligible lender, and higher education institution participating in the GSL program; (2) the annual dollars in default for each such institution, agency, and lender; and (3) the average national cumulative default rate. Directs the Secretary, within 90 days of the publication of each such report, to initiate program reviews at those institutions that fall in the top five percent of: (1) all institutions ranked by annual default rates (excluding institutions with less than 25 GSL program loans outstanding); or (2) all institutions ranked by annual dollars in default (excluding institutions whose annual default rate is less than the average national cumulative default rate of all institutions). Excluding institutions whose annual default rate is less than the average national cumulative default rate of all institutions). Excludes from such rankings, for purposes of identifying institutions required to participate in a default reduction agreement, any institutions which are engaged in such agreements or for which waivers have been granted. Sets forth the required contents of program reviews. Directs the Secretary, within 30 days of completion of the program review, to enter into a negotiated default reduction agreement with the institution, based on review findings. Sets forth conditions which the default reduction agreement may include. Allows waivers of the required default reduction agreement for an institution, if the Secretary determines that compliance with such requirement will not lead to a significant reduction of the institution's annual default rate or annual dollars in default. Limits the duration of such an agreement to three years, and requires at least one evaluation by the Department of Education during such time. Provides for termination of the agreement if, during an interim evaluation, it is determined that the institution no longer would be subject to program review. Directs the Secretary to assess the institution's compliance with the agreement upon its expiration. Provides for an exemption from the requirement of subsequent agreements for up to three years if an institution has fully complied with its most recent agreement and remains in the top five percent of all institutions in annual default rates or annual dollars in default. Directs the Secretary to initiate a limitation, suspension, or termination proceeding with respect to an institution's eligibility to participate in HEA title IV (Student Assistance) programs if it refuses to enter into, or fails substantially to comply with, a default reduction agreement. Prohibits the Secretary from initiating any such proceeding solely on the basis of the default rate of the borrowers who attended any institution (whether or not that institution has been the subject of a program review or default reduction agreement). Directs the Secretary annually to expend specified amounts from the student loan insurance fund for default reduction management activities (in addition to other appropriations made for such purposes). Sets forth activities for which such funds may be used. Directs the Secretary: (1) to submit a plan, to accompany the President's budget for each fiscal year, detailing fund expenditures; and (2) at the conclusion of each fiscal year, to report findings and activities relating to such expenditure of funds to specified congressional committees. Requires that a specified amount of such funds be used to carry out certain HEA provisions for training in financial aid and student support services. Increases and extends through FY 1991 the authorization of appropriations to carry out such training provisions. Makes eligible institutions (in addition to lenders and guaranty agencies) liable under certain civil penalty provisions of part B (the GSL program) of title IV of HEA. Applies such penalties also to repeated violations of such part or regulations prescribed under it (provides that multiple instances of the same servicing error or omission shall not be considered "repeated violations" unless they are not corrected after the lender, institution, or agency knows or should, in the exercise of reasonable care, know that the error or omission is in violation of such provisions). Provides that a lender or guaranty agency shall not be relieved of civil liability because of its cure of the violation, correction of a failure, or its notification of a person who received a substantial misrepresentation of the actual nature of the financial charges involved, if the remedy is made after the Department of Education discovers such violation, failure, or misrepresentation. Authorizes the Secretary, in approving or disapproving an accrediting agency whose accreditation of an institution of higher education will be a condition of the institution's eligibility under the GSL program, to take into account the extent to which such agency: (1) reviews the academic programs and performance of institutions for which a program review is required under default reduction provisions of this Act; and (2) performs inspections and reviews of such institutions, with particular attention to dropout rates and job placement rates as indicators of inadequate counseling and instructional programs and causes of such default rates. Prohibits an institution from being certified or recertified as eligible for the GSL program or other title IV (Student Assistance) programs of HEA if it: (1) has had its accreditation withdrawn, revoked, or otherwise terminated for cause during the preceding 24 months; or (2) has withdrawn from accreditation voluntarily under a show cause or suspension order during such period. Makes such prohibition inapplicable to an institution: (1) whose accreditation has been restored by the same accrediting agency that had accredited it prior to the withdrawal, revocation, or termination; or (2) which has demonstrated its academic integrity to the Secretary's satisfaction, in accordance with specified HEA provisions. Sets forth a restriction on need analysis for parents who are not enrolled in a postsecondary degree or certificate program, under provisions for determining family contributions for dependent students and for independent students with dependents. Authorizes student financial administrators to adjust the cost of attendance for independent students with dependents to include costs of food and shelter for dependent care when such students' income is less than a standard maintenance authority (by providing that such a determination is within the administrators' discretionary power to make necessary adjustments). Revises general need analysis provisions for student assistance programs under HEA to exclude from the term "assets" the net value of: (1) the family's principal place of residence; (2) a family farm on which the family resides; or (3) a small business substantially owned and managed by a member or members of the family. Directs the Secretary, within 60 days after enactment of this Act, to submit to the Congress such recommendations for changes to parts A (Grants to Students in Attendance at Institutions of Higher Education) and F (Need Analysis) of title IV of HEA as may be necessary to achieve an equitable assessment of income and assets after the exclusions of the home, family farm, and small business from the assets. Provides that such changes may include changes in the assets protection allowances, asset conversion rates, and other factors used in the determination of expected family contribution. Sets forth a definition of academic year (current law requires that such term be defined by the Secretary by regulation). Sets forth circumstances under which such term can be defined on a credit hour or clock hour basis. Permits waivers of other criteria regarding length of a course if an eligible institution offering a combination correspondence/residential training program: (1) satisfies all requirements otherwise imposed by the Secretary and the institution's accrediting agency; and (2) has courses which meet the minimum standards, either by clock or credit hours, required for participation in any loan or grant program under title IV of HEA. Revises provisions for admission of students on the basis of their ability to benefit from education or training. Requires that such students meet all of specified criteria (currently they must only meet some of such criteria) in order to remain eligible for student assistance programs under title IV of HEA. Deems tuition and fees "unearned," for refund policy purposes, in proportion to the fraction of the enrollment period remaining at the time the student withdraws. Provides that the institution shall be treated as earning initial administrative expenses at the beginning of such enrollment period, in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary. Requires institutions, under student aid program participating agreements and upon notification from the guarantee agency of a students default, to withhold academic transcripts of student borrowers in default of any HEA title IV loan unless this: (1) will prevent the borrower from obtaining employment and repaying the loan; or (2) would be unjust or improper due to extraordinary circumstances. Prohibits institutions, under student aid program participation agreements, from: (1) using any independent contractor or anyone other than a salaried employee of the institution to conduct any canvassing, surveying, promotion, or similar activities; (2) using any contractor or anyone other than a salaried employee of the institution to make final determinations that an individual meets the institution's admissions requirements or the criteria of eligibility for financial aid; or (3) paying any commission, bonus, or other incentive to any person making such final determination. Authorizes the Secretary to prescribe regulations for the limitation, suspension, or termination of eligibility of an individual or organization to administer any aspect of an institution's student assistance program. Limits such suspensions to 60 days, unless the organization and the Secretary agree to an extension, or unless limitation or termination proceedings are initiated. Directs the Secretary to conduct a study and make recommendations relating to the appropriate actions to take in the event that one or more guaranty agencies become insolvent. Sets forth types of standards, procedures, and steps which the Secretary must examine and make recommendations upon. Directs the Secretary to complete such study within six months after enactment of this Act, and file a report, with recommendations, with specified congressional committees. Prohibits the Secretary from issuing regulations concerning the determination of guaranty agency insolvency and the remedies for such insolvency unless the Congress provides such specific authority upon receipt and consideration of such study. Makes a technical amendment to the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985. Sets forth clerical and technical amendments to HEA.
United States · United States Congress · 7 July 1988
Recyclable Materials Science and Technology Development Act of 1988 - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to study and report to the Congress concerning: (1) means to increase the use of degradable materials in manufactured goods; (2) technologies for recycling nondurable consumer products; and (3) ways to expand the marketing of recycled products. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to study and report to the Congress concerning the feasibility of recycling nondegradable medical supplies and of substituting degradable for nondegradable materials in medical equipment and supplies. Directs the Secretary of Defense to study and report to the Congress on the national defense and security implications of requiring the use of degradable materials in defense items. Instructs the Secretary of Agriculture to initiate a pilot project to develop and demonstrate viable technology for composting municipal waste and sewage sludge. Prescribes required features of the project. Requires the Secretary to report project results to the Congress. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to appoint a Director of Recycling Research and Information to: (1) make grants to support research into innovative recycling technology; and (2) gather and disseminate information on recycling technology. Describes possible research grant activities. Authorizes appropriations. Prohibits, effective five years after this Act's enactment, the production, manufacture, distribution, sale, or delivery of nonrecycled consumer goods, fast food in nondegradable containers, and packaging for specified purposes that contains any material that is not naturally degradable. Establishes both civil and criminal penalties for violations. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency and the Secretary of Commerce jointly to issue regulations to govern the designation of goods and materials for noncompliance purposes. Prescribes criteria with respect to these regulations, including exemptions. Directs the Secretary to publish and periodically update lists of items and materials affected by the prohibition on activities involving nonrecyclable items.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 1988
Requires a certain percentage of Federal fleets of passenger automobiles and light-duty trucks to be alternative fuel vehicles by specified deadlines if such vehicles are being operated in an area designated under the Clean Air Act as an area of serious health endangerment for ozone and/or carbon monoxide. Requires the Administrator of the General Services Administration and the Secretary of Defense, with concurrence of the Secretary of Energy, to issue regulations ensuring that such vehicles shall: (1) be supplied with alcohol, natural gas, or electricity in the primary area of operation; and (2) be operated exclusively on such fuel (except when it is impracticable to obtain it). Mandates that funds appropriated to implement this Act be expended first in those areas determined by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (the Administrator) to have the most severe air pollution problems. Requires alcohol or natural gas fuels to be offered for sale to the public at Federal facilities except in certain circumstances. Mandates that the funds appropriated for alternative fuel vehicle acquisition apply only to the portion of costs which exceeds the cost for comparable conventional fuel vehicles. Directs the Secretary of Energy to ensure that the cost to any Federal agency receiving an alternative fuel vehicle under this Act shall not exceed the cost to such agency of a comparable conventional fueled vehicle. Mandates that gasoline powered Federal vehicles, with specified exceptions, which are operated in an area designated as seriously endangering health because of carbon monoxide, and which are not dual energy (or natural gas dual energy), be operated exclusively with fuel which blends oxygenates with gasoline at their primary fueling facility. Requires the Administrator to report to the Congress the results of a comprehensive analysis of the public health risk associated with the use of significant amounts of alcohol or natural gas transportation fuels as compared to diesel and gasoline fuels. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1990. Sets forth criteria for alternative fuel vehicles. Authorizes appropriatons for FY 1993 through 1996.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 1988
Revises conflict-of-interest provisions concerning Department of Defense procurement to prohibit former Department officers and employees and former or retired members of the armed services who participated in decisionmaking responsibilities concerning defense contractors from accepting compensation from such contractors for a two-year period following separation from the Department. (Present law imposes such prohibitions only on those officials who performed procurement functions for a majority of working days or who participated in negotiations of contracts or claims in excess of $10,000,000.) Imposes criminal penalties for violations of such prohibition. (Present law provides only civil penalties.) Imposes criminal penalties upon any person who knowingly offers or provides such compensation to a former defense procurement official. (Present law imposes only civil penalties.) Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to exempt from such requirements certain persons appointed to sensitive civilian procurement executive positions. Specifies that such an exemption shall be made with the concurrence of the Director of the Office of Government Ethics. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress concerning any such exemptions. Requires the Secretary to provide each defense procurement official separated from service a written notice containing: (1) an explanation of the provisions of this Act; and (2) the name of each contractor from whom such person is prohibited from accepting compensation. Specifies that the provisions of this Act shall not apply to contracts for less than $100,000 or to contractors who did less than $100,000 worth of business with the Department in the preceding fiscal year. Allows any person who is considering the propriety of accepting compensation from a defense contractor to apply to the Director of the Office of Government Ethics for advice on the applicability of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 1988
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that Federal law governing the taxation of State and local government bonds should not be changed in order to increase Federal revenues.
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 1988
Directs the American Battle Monuments Commission to restore, operate, and maintain the Pacific War Memorial and other historical and memorial sites on Corregidor in the Republic of the Philippines. Specifies that the Commission may do so only after an agreement has been entered into between the United States and the Republic of the Philippines. Requires the Commission to carry out the purposes of this Act with private funds, except to the extent funds were appropriated pursuant to authorizations under this Act. Authorizes the Commission to solicit private contributions. Establishes a fund in the Treasury for the deposit of such contributions. Authorizes appropriations.
![Official portrait of Rep. Jontz, Jim [D-IN-5]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/j000265_200.jpg)