United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1988
Child Protection and Obscenity Enforcement Act of 1988 - Title I: Child Pornography - Amends the Federal criminal code to make it illegal to use a computer to transport information in interstate or foreign commerce concerning the visual depiction of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct (child pornography). Establishes criminal penalties for buying, selling, or transferring the custody of a minor: (1) knowing that, as a consequence of the sale or transfer, the minor will be used in child pornography; or (2) with the intent to promote child pornography. States that such sale or transfer must involve: (1) the minor or other actor traveling in interstate or foreign commerce; (2) communications in interstate or foreign commerce; or (3) conduct in a territory or possession of the United States. Requires any person who produces a book, magazine, periodical, film, videotape, or other matter which contains any visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct (which is shipped or intended for shipment in interstate or foreign commerce, or contains material shipped in interstate or foreign commerce) to maintain certain records regarding the performers portrayed in such conduct. Directs the Attorney General to issue regulations regarding the maintenance and availability of such records. Includes the sexual exploitation of children as a predicate offense to the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) statute. Title II: Obscenity - Makes it a Federal criminal offense to receive or possess, with the intent to distribute, obscene matter which has been transported in interstate or foreign commerce. Makes it a Federal criminal offense to knowingly use a facility or means of commerce to sell or distribute obscene matter in interstate or foreign commerce. Establishes a rebuttable presumption, with respect to Federal criminal offenses involving obscene matter, that obscene matter produced in one State (or outside the United States) which is subsequently located in another State (or in the United States) was transported, shipped, or carried in interstate (or foreign) commerce. Establishes criminal and civil forfeiture procedures with respect to Federal offenses involving obscene material and child pornography. Includes communications by means of cable or subscription television within the prohibition against broadcasting obscene language. Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to modify the penalty provisions of such Act with respect to obscene telephone communications. Amends the Federal criminal code to establish criminal penalties for the possession or sale of obscene matter on Federal property. Adds obscenity offenses to the list of crimes for which the Government may obtain wiretaps.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1988
Community Housing Partnership Act - Title I: Housing Education and Organizational Support Grants for Community Based Housing Projects - Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to provide housing education and organizational support grants directly to nonprofit organizations or indirectly to States and cities to assist such organizations. Authorizes permanent appropriations beginning with FY 1989. Title II: Community Housing and Partnership Grants - Authorizes the Secretary to provide community partnership grants directly to nonprofit organizations or indirectly to States and cities to assist such organizations. Divides appropriations among: (1) urban community housing partnership grants (60 percent); (2) State community housing partnership grants (30 percent); and (3) direct community housing partnership grants (ten percent). Sets forth the following eligible activities: (1) technical assistance and site control loans; (2) seed-money loans; (3) matching grants or loans; and (4) program-wide technical and management assistance for nonprofit sponsors. Sets forth rental project and home ownership eligibility provisions, including: (1) occupancy by lower income families; (2) profit limitations; (3) funding coordination; (4) tax treatment; and (5) affirmative action requirements. Authorizes permanent appropriations beginning with FY 1989. Title III: General Provisions - Defines specified terms for purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1988
Amends the Internal Revenue Code with respect to the excise tax on diesel and aviation fuels. Prohibits imposition of the tax on the sale of these fuels to any purchaser (or purchaser for resale to a second purchaser) for use on a farm for farming purposes. (Although fuel sold for these purposes is tax-exempt under current law, provisions of the Revenue Act of 1987 require purchasers to pay the tax and subsequently apply for a refund based on nontaxable uses of the fuel.)
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1988
Farmer Fuel Tax Relief Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to prohibit imposition of the excise tax on the sale of diesel or aviation fuel to any purchaser (or purchaser for resale to a second purchaser) for use on a farm for farming purposes. (Although fuel sold for these purposes is tax-exempt under current law, provisions of the Revenue Act of 1987 require purchasers to pay the tax and subsequently apply for a refund based on nontaxable uses of the fuel.) Permits wholesale distributors of gasoline who have registered with the Secretary of the Treasury and posted the required bond to pay the gasoline tax (in lieu of the person otherwise liable for the tax.) Prohibits imposition of the gasoline tax on the sale or removal of gasoline by any person (or for resale to a second person) for use on a farm for farming purposes. Requires that the reduced gasoline tax rate (3.4 cents instead of 9.1 cents) be applied with respect to gasoline used to produce gasohol after the time of the relevant removal or sale.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1988
Amends the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969 to provide for a presumption of disability due to pneumoconiosis with respect to certain coal miners whose claims were filed during a specified period under the Black Lung Benefits Program.
United States · United States Congress · 22 December 1987
Financial Services Competitive Enhancement Act - Amends the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 to allow bank holding companies to own shares of certain "qualified securities affiliates." Defines a "qualified securities affiliate" to mean any company which: (1) is a broker or dealer under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and (2) engages only in activities permitted by this Act. Allows any qualified securities affiliate to: (1) buy, sell, deal in, or underwrite asset-backed securities, municipal securities, and securities in which a national bank may deal or underwrite; (2) buy, sell, underwrite, deal in, or distribute commercial paper and long-term corporate debt; and (3) organize, sponsor, operate, or control any investment company. Directs the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to disapprove the acquisition of a qualified securities affiliate by a bank holding company if the acquisition would result in the affiliation of a large bank or bank holding company (one having assets of more than $30,000,000,000) with a large investment banking organization (one having assets of more than $15,000,000,000). Establishes criteria for bank holding company funding of qualified securities affiliates. Establishes capital adequacy criteria to be used by the Board in determining whether a bank holding company meets acquisition guidelines. Establishes restrictions on inter-affiliate transactions, including prohibiting a bank or insured institution from: (1) extending credit to a securities affiliate; and (2) purchasing the assets of a securities affiliate. Amends the Bank Service Corporation Act to allow bank service corporations to engage in any securities activity in which a qualified securities affiliate may engage. Establishes restrictions on inter-affiliate transactions. Amends the Banking Act of 1933 to allow member banks (banks which are members of a Federal Reserve bank) to become affiliates of: (1) a qualified securities affiliate: or (2) a bank service corporation. Permits member banks having assets of less than $500,000,000 to own or control subsidiaries which engage in "authorized securities activities." Defines "authorized securities activities" to include buying, selling, dealing in, or underwriting municipal securities and securities issued by investment companies. Amends the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 and the Bank Service Corporation Act to establish expedited procedures for bank holding companies and bank service corporations seeking approval to engage in nonbanking activities.
United States · United States Congress · 18 December 1987
Requires the Secretary of Commerce to ensure that during any decennial census: (1) no member of the armed forces, civilian employee of the Department of Defense, or dependent of such member or employee, is excluded based on such member or employee being assigned to a post outside the United States; and (2) any alien not lawfully admitted for permanent residence is not included.
United States · United States Congress · 17 December 1987
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 1930. Makes the new formula effective beginning January 1987, but provides retroactive benefits of up to $1,000 for months prior to January 1987. Excludes the earnings an individual who was born before 1917 earns in or after the year he or she reaches age 70 from the calculation of benefits payable to such individual after 1985.
United States · United States Congress · 17 December 1987
Deplores the Soviet Government's active persecution of religious believers in the Ukraine and its forcible liquidation of the Ukrainian Orthodox and Ukrainian Catholic Churches. Sends greetings to the Ukrainian people on the Millennium of Christianity in the Ukraine. Urges the President, the Secretary of State, the U.S. delegation to the United Nations, and the U.S. delegation to the Vienna Review Meeting of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe to continue to speak out forcefully against violations of religious liberty everywhere and, specifically, in the Ukraine. Calls upon the Soviet Government to release all those imprisoned for their religious beliefs. Discourages U.S. officials from attending the commemoration of the Millennium in the Soviet Union so long as individuals remain imprisoned for their religious beliefs and the Ukrainian Catholic and Ukrainian Orthodox churches remain outlawed. Urges the U.S. Government to call on the Soviet Government to ban its prohibition of the Ukrainian Orthodox and Ukrainian Catholic Churches.
United States · United States Congress · 10 December 1987
Amends Federal veterans' benefits provisions to direct the American Battle Monuments Commission to establish a memorial and museum on Federal land in the District of Columbia or its immediate area to honor World War II veterans and to commemorate U.S. participation in that conflict. Directs the Commission to plan, design, construct, and oversee the operation of the memorial and museum. Establishes the World War II Memorial and Museum Advisory Board to: (1) promote the establishment of the memorial and museum and encourage the donation of private funds for construction and maintenance; and (2) recommend the site and select the design for the memorial and museum, subject to the approval of the Commission. Authorizes the Commission to solicit private contributions for such memorial and museum. Authorizes Federal funding, in addition to such private funds, for preparation, planning, establishment, construction, and maintenance of the memorial and museum. Authorizes assistance from specified Federal departments and agencies. Authorizes Federal property to be transferred to the Commission, or authorizes the Commission to purchase suitable property within the District of Columbia for the establishment of such memorial and museum.
United States · United States Congress · 9 December 1987
Expresses the sense of the Congress that railroad retirement benefits are exempt from reduction under the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act) and that supplemental annuities payable under the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 and sequestered under a specified presidential order should be restored.
United States · United States Congress · 8 December 1987
Amends the Internal Revenue Code with respect to the targeted jobs income tax credit. Extends the credit to employees who begin work in 1989 through 1991. (Current law terminates the credit for employees who begin work after December 31, 1988.) Includes as a targeted group individuals aged 65 or older who are members of economically disadvantaged families. Revises the minimum employment period requirement for purposes of this credit.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 1987
Dwight David Eisenhower Commemorative Coin Act of 1987 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue not more than a specified number of one dollar silver coins in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the birth of Dwight David Eisenhower. Sets forth certain features of such coins and provides for their design, issuance, and sale. Terminates the minting of the coins after December 31, 1990. Requires the Secretary to deposit in the Treasury all surcharges received from the sale of the coins, to be used to reduce the national debt.
United States · United States Congress · 17 November 1987
Sugar Supply Stabilization Act of 1987 - Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 and the Agricultural Act of 1949 with respect to price support levels for crops of sugar beets and sugarcane. Reduces the sugar support price progressively over crop years from 18 cents per pound in 1986 to 12 cents per pound in 1991 and thereafter. Increases the annual import quota applicable to sugars, syrups, and molasses derived from sugarcane or sugar beets by 500,000 tons per year for 1989 through 1992. Repeals provisions of the Food Security Act of 1985 that authorize the President to take certain actions to prevent sugar loan forfeitures. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to conduct a study and report to specified congressional committees concerning means of reducing the difference between the loan rate and the market stabilization price by using alternative methods for determining transportation differentials, regional loan rates, and the market stabilization price of sugar.
United States · United States Congress · 10 November 1987
Directs the Secretary of Commerce to adjust census figures as necessary so that illegal aliens shall not be counted for purposes of the apportionment of Representatives in the Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 4 November 1987
Export-Import Bank Amendments of 1987 - Amends the Export-Import Bank Act of 1945 to require the Export-Import Bank to: (1) estimate an allowance for loan losses; and (2) deduct the amount of such allowance from revenues and assets in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Requires the Bank to include in its annual report to the Congress on its operations the aggregate amount of allowances for loan losses and a description of the method used in determining the amount of such allowances. Specifies that in providing for loan loss allowances or reporting on such allowances, no reference shall be made and no information disclosed with respect to any particular loan or country.
United States · United States Congress · 13 October 1987
Omnibus Taxpayers' Bill of Rights Act - Requires the Secretary of the Treasury (Secretary) to prepare a statement setting forth in nontechnical terms: (1) the rights and obligations of a taxpayer and of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) during a tax audit; (2) the procedures by which a taxpayer may appeal adverse decisions, prosecute refund claims, and file complaints; and (3) the procedures that the IRS may use in enforcing revenue laws. Directs the Secretary to transmit drafts of such statement to specified congressional committees and to distribute the final statement to all taxpayers receiving annual tax filing forms from the IRS. Requires the IRS, upon taxpayer request, to conduct any interview regarding the determination or collection of any tax at a reasonable time and place convenient to the taxpayer and to the IRS, and to permit the taxpayer, at his or her own expense, to record the interview. Authorizes the IRS interviewer to record such interview if the taxpayer has been given prior notice and is provided, upon request and payment of reproduction costs, with a transcript of the recording. Requires the interviewer to explain to the taxpayer the audit process, including the taxpayer's rights with respect to the process. Requires the Secretary to abate any penalty or interest imposed on any deficiency attributable to erroneous advice in writing given to a taxpayer by an IRS officer or employee in response to such taxpayer's specific inquiry. Authorizes the IRS Ombudsman, upon application filed by a taxpayer, to issue a Taxpayer Assistance Order if, in the determination of the Ombudsman: (1) the taxpayer is suffering or is about to suffer from an unusual or irreparable loss as a result of the manner in which the internal revenue laws are being administered by the Secretary; and (2) the Secretary has failed to carry out any of his or her duties or has violated any provision of law. Allows the terms of a Taxpayer Assistance Order to require the Secretary to release property of the taxpayer levied upon or to cease or refrain from certain actions. Requires the Secretary to obey any Taxpayer Assistance Order issued by the Ombudsman. Directs the Secretary, within 90 days of this Act's enactment, to issue regulations with respect to Taxpayer Assistance Orders, including provisions to assure full, fair, and impartial due process for affected taxpayers. Amends the Inspector General Act of 1978 and other Federal law to establish within the Department of the Treasury an Office of Inspector General. Transfers to such Office the existing audit and investigation units of the Department. Sets forth criteria with respect to: (1) the authority of the Inspector General to conduct an investigation; and (2) the authority of the Secretary in cases of audits or investigations requiring access to information of a sensitive or confidential nature. Allows the Secretary to prohibit investigations under specified circumstances. Restricts disclosure by the Inspector General of tax returns and return information. Prohibits records of tax enforcement results from being used to evaluate certain IRS personnel or to impose or suggest production quotas. Requires district directors to certify compliance with this mandate on a monthly basis. Requires the Secretary to certify that a rule proposed by the IRS is substantially the only alternative that meets the mandate of the relevant statute in order for the rule to be considered an interpretative rule (and thereby not subject to analyses under the Regulatory Flexibility Act). Amends the Regulatory Flexibility Act to require regulatory flexibility analyses to include consideration of both the direct and indirect beneficial and negative effects of a proposed or final rule. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to direct the Secretary, with limited exceptions, to send a preliminary letter of deficiency to a taxpayer prior to the mailing of a deficiency notice. Specifies required contents for tax due notices and deficiency notices, including the basis of the deficiency and a breakdown of the total amount into tax, interest, and penalty. Directs the Secretary, within 90 days of this Act's enactment, to issue regulations requiring all IRS personnel to explain and support their position in assessing any penalties or additions to tax. Requires the Comptroller General to study IRS procedures with respect to such assessments and to present findings to specified congressional committees no later than December 31, 1988. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into a binding agreement with a taxpayer under which the taxpayer may pay tax liability in installments if the Secretary determines that such an agreement will facilitate collection of the liability. Permits the Secretary, after proper notice and a hearing, to modify or annul the agreement upon the finding that the financial condition of the affected taxpayer has significantly changed. Renders such an agreement nonbinding if the taxpayer fails to pay any installment or any other tax liability when due. Extends from ten to 30 days the period between the required notice to a person who neglects or refuses to pay tax liability and a levy on such person's salary, wages, or other property. Specifies information that must be incorporated in such notice, including possible alternative actions and the appropriate appeals procedures. Adds to the circumstances triggering termination of such a levy: (1) an agreement between the taxpayer and the Secretary for payment of the liability; and (2) the Secretary's determination that the taxpayer's financial condition precludes enforceability of the liability. Revises the list of property exempt from levy to: (1) increase the exempt amount permitted for certain personal effects, the property of a business, and wages; (2) add an exemption for certain deposits in qualified institutions; and (3) provide an express exemption, except under limited circumstances specified in this Act, for the taxpayer's principal residence, a motor vehicle used by the taxpayer as the primary means of transportation to work, and any tangible personal property essential to the operation of the taxpayer's business in cases when a levy would prevent the taxpayer from carrying on such business. Prohibits a levy on any property when levy and sales expenses would exceed either the liability for which the levy is made or the fair market value of the levied property. Permits the Secretary to demand surrender of bank accounts only after 21 days in escrow have passed since service of the notice of levy on the accounts. Sets forth situations in which the Secretary must release a levy. Applies to jeopardy levies the administrative and judicial review procedures currently applicable to jeopardy assessments. Permits a taxpayer to bring a civil action against the United States in the Tax Court for judicial review of jeopardy levies and assessments. (Under current law an action for judicial review of jeopardy assessments may be filed only in district court.) Increases the time during which a taxpayer may petition for such review. Describes the jurisdictional requirements to be applied to such actions. Allows an administrative appeal of tax liens. Grants to the Tax Court exclusive jurisdiction to enjoin premature assessments if the taxpayer has filed a timely petition for review. Provides for review of such injunctive orders by the U.S. Court of Appeals. Grants to the Tax Court jurisdiction to enforce payment by the Secretary of refunds of overpayment and interest to taxpayers. Places on the Secretary the burden of proof of justifying any failure to refund, credit, or offset relevant amounts with respect to a taxpayer. Entitles a prevailing taxpayer to: (1) an interest rate of 120 percent of the overpayment rate with respect to refunds; and (2) reasonable litigation costs. Grants to the Tax Court jurisdiction to: (1) review jeopardy assessment sales of assets; and (2) redetermine interest under certain circumstances when a taxpayer claims an overpayment of the interest. Vests in the Tax Court original jurisdiction over any civil action against the Secretary for the recovery of any tax, additions to tax, and penalties with respect to income, estate, gift, and certain excise taxes. Authorizes an award of reasonable litigation costs to the prevailing party in proceedings by taxpayers before the Internal Revenue Service. Permits a taxpayer to bring a civil action in district court for actual damages resulting from the failure of any Federal officer or employee to release a tax lien on the taxpayer's property. Permits a civil cause of action in district court for damages resulting from the careless, reckless, or intentional disregard of internal revenue laws by any Federal officer or employee. Denies damage awards in cases of contributory negligence. Authorizes a damage award, to a $10,000 maximum, to the United States in cases of frivolous or groundless claims by a taxpayer. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to prescribe criminal penalties for: (1) any investigation or surveillance authorized or conducted by an officer or employee of the United States in connection with Federal tax laws that inquires into the beliefs, associations, or activities of any individual or organization; or (2) the maintenance of any records containing information derived from such an investigation. Establishes in the Internal Revenue Service the Office for Taxpayers Services, under the supervision of an Assistant Commissioner of Internal Revenue. Directs this Assistant Commissioner to: (1) be responsible for telephone, walk-in, and educational services, and for the design and production of tax and information forms; and (2) prepare annually, for presentation to specified congressional committees, a joint report (with the Chief Problem Resolution Officer for the IRS) on the quality of taxpayer services.
United States · United States Congress · 13 October 1987
Department of Veterans Affairs Act - Redesignates the Veterans Administration (VA) as the Department of Veterans Affairs (the Department), an executive department within the executive branch of the Government. Provides that the Department shall be headed by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, to be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Designates as other principal officers of the Department the Deputy Secretary, the Chief Medical Director, and the Chief Benefits Director. Provides for the temporary continuation of service of the current Administrator, Deputy Administrator, Chief Medical Director, and Chief Benefits Director of Veterans Affairs. Establishes within the Department eight Assistant Secretaries, each of whom shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, to perform such functions as the Secretary may prescribe. Directs the Secretary to assign to one such Assistant Secretary all functions regarding the National Cemetery System and the State cemetery grant program. Outlines functions which the Secretary shall assign to the Assistant Secretaries. Provides for the temporary continuation of the performance of such functions by present personnel until such functions are assigned to an individual appointed as Assistant Secretary under this Act. Redesignates the current VA's Department of Medicine and Surgery as the Veterans Health Services Administration of the Department. Redesignates the VA's current Department of Veterans Benefits as the Veterans Benefits Administration of the Department, whose primary function shall be to administer nonmedical programs which provide assistance to veterans, their dependents, and their survivors. Establishes within the Department the Office of the General Counsel. Redesignates the current Office of Inspector General of the VA as the Office of Inspector General of the Department. Provides that any references to departments or positions under the current VA system shall be considered to be references to such departments and positions of the Department as modified under this Act. Provides continuing effect of all legal documents, suits, actions, and property and resources of the current VA. Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, after appropriate congressional consultation, to prepare and submit to the Congress proposed legislation containing technical and conforming amendments to reflect the changes made under this Act. Requires such legislation to be submitted no later than six months after the enactment of this Act. Provides that any spending authority of the Department is subject to available amounts as provided in appropriation Acts.
United States · United States Congress · 9 October 1987
Veterans' Employment and Training Act of 1987 - Amends Federal veterans' benefits provisions to require the administrative head of the employment service in each State to assign local veterans' employment representatives (LVERs) to the staffs of local employment service offices. Outlines various functions to be performed by such LVERs in service to veterans in such employment area, including: (1) maintaining ties with the local community in order to keep business leaders aware of the availability of qualified veterans for employment; (2) encouraging business owners and labor unions to hire qualified veterans; (3) promoting, facilitating, and monitoring the participation of veterans in Federal and federally-funded employment and training programs; (4) working closely with Veterans Administration (VA) personnel engaged in providing counseling and rehabilitative services to veterans in identifying qualified disabled veterans who need employment; (5) assisting in securing and maintaining current information regarding available employment and training opportunities; and (6) assisting Federal and State agencies to obtain prosthetic and sensory aids and devices which enhance the employability of disabled veterans. Requires each LVER to be administratively responsible to his or her local employment service manager and provide periodic reports to such manager and to the Director for Veterans' Employment and Training regarding compliance with Federal law and regulations in the provision of such services to veterans. Directs the Secretary of Labor, acting through the Assistant Secretary of Labor for Veterans' Employment and Training, to make available during each fiscal year for use in each State an amount sufficient to support a specified number of LVERs, depending upon the number of eligible veterans residing in such local employment area, and on the number of eligible veterans residing in such State at the end of the previous fiscal year. Outlines a method for determining the number of LVERs to be so supported in each State. Outlines requirements for the proper registration of an individual for assistance with a local employment office during a program year. Amends general veterans' administrative provisions to require the Secretary, through the Assistant Secretary, to: (1) carry out all provisions under the Secretary's jurisdiction for the provision of employment and training services to eligible veterans; (2) encourage the entering into of cooperative agreements with private industry and business concerns in order to make maximum use of available resources; (3) ensure that maximum effectiveness and efficiency are achieved in the provision of services and assistance to eligible veterans; (4) ensure that job placement activities are carried out in coordination and cooperation with appropriate State public employment service officials; (5) monitor and supervise the distribution and use of funds provided for States for veterans' assistance purposes; (6) monitor the appointment of disabled veterans' outreach specialists and the assignment of LVERs in order to assure compliance with specified Federal provisions; and (7) promote, facilitate, and monitor participation of qualified veterans and eligible persons in employment and training opportunities under the Job Training Partnership Act and other Federal and federally-funded employment and training programs. Outlines administrative provisions concerning the distribution of funds and the terms and conditions of grants to States for the above purposes. Directs the Secretary to assign to each region for which the Secretary operates a regional office a representative of the Veterans' Employment and Training Service (who shall be an eligible veteran) to serve as the Regional Administrator for Veterans' Employment and Training in such region. Outlines responsibilities of such Regional Administrator relating to the employment of qualified veterans in such region. Establishes in the Department of Labor the position of Deputy Assistant Secretary of Labor for Veterans' Employment and Training within the Senior Executive Service. Requires such appointment no later than the beginning of program year 1989. Revises certain administrative provisions to provide for the budgeting of the National Veterans' Employment and Training Service Institute. Directs the Secretary, no later than December 1 annually, to report to the appropriate congressional committees on the provision of employment and training services to meet the needs of veterans. Specifies general contents of such report. Adds certain specified monitoring responsibilities to those required at the State level for the Directors for Veterans' Employment. Directs the Secretary, through the Assistant Secretary, to establish and make available necessary funds to operate a National Veterans' Employment and Training Service Institute (the Institute) for the training of disabled veterans' outreach program specialists, LVERs, State Directors and Assistant State Directors for Veterans' Employment and Training, and other personnel involved in the provision of employment, job-training, counseling, placement, and related services to veterans. Adds representatives of the Secretary of Education, the Postmaster General, and the Director of the ACTION Agency to those required to be represented on the Secretary of Labor's Committee on Veterans' Employment. Authorizes the Secretary, in appointing a State Director or Assistant Director for Veterans' Employment and Training, to waive the required State residency requirement if the Secretary finds that there is no qualified veteran available who meets such requirement.
United States · United States Congress · 7 October 1987
Amends Federal veterans' benefits provisions to authorize the Administrator of Veterans Affairs (the Administrator) to establish, at any Veterans Administration (VA) medical center at which significant medical or scientific research is carried out, a nonprofit research corporation to carry out and administer funding for approved research at such center. Requires any such nonprofit research corporation (NRC) to comply only with those Federal laws, rules, and regulations that apply generally to private nonprofit corporations. Requires the Administrator to dissolve such corporation if, at the end of the three-year period following its establishment, it is not recognized as a non-taxable entity under Internal Revenue Code regulations. Outlines administrative provisions concerning such NRCs, including the creation of a board of directors, general powers, and State laws applicable to such NRCs. Empowers the Inspector General of the VA with the right to examine the records of each NRC. Requires each NRC to submit annual reports to the Administrator on its activities. Requires each NRC board member and each VA employee involved in NRC functions to submit to the Administrator an annual statement certifying awareness of Federal conflict of interest regulations. Prohibits any NRC from being established after September 30, 1990. Amends Federal veterans' benefits provisions to authorize the Administrator to enter into agreements for the recruitment and retention of registered nurses at those VA medical centers with a significant shortage of registered nurses. Provides that any such agreement entered into will require the registered nurse to agree to serve in the VA for a period of time of not less than two nor more than four years. Authorizes the Administrator to pay incentive pay at specified rates for nurses consenting to enter into such agreements. Requires repayment to the VA by any registered nurse receiving such incentive pay and failing to complete the agreed-upon period of service. Allows the Administrator to authorize the use of the official seal and other symbols of the VA by any person who makes a significant gift or contribution to the Administrator for the support of special recreational activities which further the rehabilitation of disabled veterans. Prohibits any appropriation for a major medical facility project unless both the Senate and the House Veterans' Affairs Committees have adopted a resolution approving such project and setting forth the estimated cost of such project. Authorizes the Chief Medical Director of the VA's Department of Medicine and Surgery to waive certain license requirements for the appointment of a practical or vocational nurse or physical therapist if: (1) such person is to be employed in a research position having no direct responsibility for patient-care services; or (2) such person is to be employed in a country other than the United States and the licensure or registration of such person is in the country in which the person is to serve. Authorizes the Director to waive a required internship for employment as a psychologist if the position is a research or academic position with no responsibility for direct patient-care services. Authorizes the Administrator to make additional personnel appointments of pharmacists and occupational therapists within the VA for the care and treatment of veterans. Authorizes special pay for such medical personnel who agree to serve for a specified period of time. Authorizes the Veterans' Canteen Service to operate child day care centers at VA medical facilities for the care of the children of VA employees. Authorizes the Service to establish reasonable charges for the provision of such care. Requires the Administrator to assign suitable employees to the operation of such day care centers. Requires the Administrator, when entering into a contract which would convert an activity formerly performed by Federal employees into an activity performed by a Government contractor, to receive responsible bids from at least two financially autonomous bidders before such a contract may be awarded. Establishes an income limit for determining a veteran's eligibility for VA domiciliary care.
United States · United States Congress · 5 October 1987
Airline Safety Rating System Act - Directs the Secretary of Transportation, within one year after enactment of this resolution, to develop a system of airline safety indicators in order to establish a means of measuring consistently over time information related to air carrier safety. Requires such indicators to include: (1) unsafe occurrences in aircraft operations; (2) air carrier compliance with safety regulations; (3) deferred maintenance; (4) mechanical problems; (5) maintenance quality and expenditures; (6) pilot training and experience; (7) overall management ability and operation philosophy; (8) labor-management problems; and (9) the financial condition of covered air carriers. Directs the Secretary, in developing such indicators, to: (1) examine the Department of Transportation's own data bases in light of the necessary requirements, making needed adjustments; (2) devise new data collection requirements; and (3) develop a means of standardizing the data so that meaningful comparisons can be made among different covered air carriers. Requires the Secretary to use developed indicators to compile data on the operations safety of covered air carriers and provide written information to the public semiannually which will allow passengers to make an informed choice about air travel based on safety factors.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1987
Federal Employees' Political Activities Act of 1987- Prohibits an employee from using or attempting to use official authority or influence to interfere with or affect the result of any election. Prohibits an employee from using or attempting to use official authority to intimidate, threaten, coerce, command, or influence: (1) any individual for the purpose of interfering with the right of any individual to vote as the individual may choose, or of causing any individual to vote, or not to vote, for any candidate or measure in any election; (2) any person to give or withhold any political contribution; or (3) any person to engage, or not to engage, in any form of political activity. Prohibits an employee from using or attempting to use, or permitting the use of, any official information unless such information is available to the general public. Prohibits an employee from: (1) giving or offering to give a political contribution to any individual either to vote or refrain from voting, or to vote for or against any candidate or measure, in any election; (2) soliciting, accepting, or receiving a political contribution to vote or refrain from voting, or to vote for or against any candidate or measure, in any election; or (3) giving or handing over a political contribution to a superior of the employee. Prohibits an employee from soliciting, accepting, or receiving, or from being in any manner concerned with soliciting, accepting, or receiving, a political contribution: (1) from another employee (or a member of another employee's immediate family) with respect to whom the employee is a superior; or (2) in any room or building occupied in the discharge of official duties by a Federal employee or official or an individual receiving salary or compensation from the Treasury. Prohibits an employee from soliciting, accepting, or receiving a political contribution from, or giving a political contribution to, any person who: (1) has, or is seeking to obtain, contractual or other business or financial relations with the employing agency; (2) conducts operations or activities which are regulated by that agency; or (3) has interests which may be substantially affected by the performance of the employees' official duties. Directs the Special Counsel of the Merit Systems Protection Board to prescribe regulations which exempt employees from such prohibitions. Prohibits an employee from engaging in political activity: (1) while on duty; (2) in any room or building occupied in the discharge of official duties by a Federal employee or official; (3) while wearing a uniform or official insignia identifying the office or position of the employee; or (4) while using any vehicle owned or leased by the Government. Exempts certain high level political appointees from such prohibitions if the costs associated with the political activity are not paid for by money derived from the Treasury. Describes such a political appointee as one: (1) whose duties and responsibilities continue outside normal duty hours and while away from the normal duty post; (2) who is paid from an appropriation for the Executive Office of the President; (3) whose position is located within the United States; and (4) who determines policies to be pursued by the United States in its relations with foreign powers or in the nationwide administration of Federal laws. Authorizes leave without pay or accrued annual leave to an employee who is a candidate, upon request, to allow such employee to engage in activities relating to that candidacy. Declares that such request may be denied if the exigencies of the public business so require. Declares that such employee may be required to take leave without pay or accrued annual leave in order to be a candidate if activities relating to the candidacy interfere with the employee's performance of duties. Directs the Special Counsel to prescribe rules and regulations to implement this Act. Applies this Act to postal employees and employees of the Postal Rate Commission.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 1987
Opportunities for Employment Preparation Act of 1987 - Amends the Job Training Partnership Act (the Act) to establish a program of targeted assistance for severely economically disadvantaged individuals. Defines "severely economically disadvantaged" as individuals who have received benefits under Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) provisions of the Social Security Act for two years or more, who have been unemployed or without steady employment for two years or more, and who are not eligible under title III (Employment and Training Assistance for Dislocated Workers) of the Act. Requires the job training program in each service delivery area to establish a feeder system using community-based organizations to conduct outreach and provide preemployment services to severely economically disadvantaged individuals. Requires such outreach and feeder system to include: (1) skills assessment; (2) registration with the Bureau of Employment Security; (3) preemployment training, including an eight-week internship; (4) employment training, including vocational, adult, and community college and other postsecondary programs; and (5) on-the-job and other employment preparation activities available under the Act. Requires preemployment services to include: (1) educational preparation and basic skills development to increase literacy and computational skills; (2) programs to strengthen attitude and motivation for work; (3) guidance and counseling to assist with occupational choice and selection of employment preparation programs; (4) counseling, referral and follow-up for those experiencing personal or family problems; and (5) parenting and home and family living skills, including nutrition and health education, targeted to teenage parents. Requires supportive services, including child care and transportation assistance, to be given to program participants. Provides that program participants will not lose any other Federal benefits because of program participation. Requires State plans to include descriptions of coordination of other programs with such targeted assistance program.
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 1987
Declares that the Congress: (1) expresses its solidarity with the citizens of Iran and extends its wish that the people of Iran will soon enjoy an end to the Iran-Iraq war and to internal repression; (2) supports an official U. S. policy of completely halting the shipment of arms to the Government of Iran; (3) urges the President to cooperate with the United Nations to bring about an end to government-sponsored torture in Iranian prisons and to pressure Iran to permit inspection of Iranian prisons by an international delegation; and (4) expresses support for all efforts made through the U.N. Security Council to pressure the Khomeini Government to end the Iran-Iraq war.
United States · United States Congress · 16 September 1987
Lower Income Homeownership Refinancing Act - Amends the National Housing Act to direct the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development periodically to review lower income homeownership assistance contracts to determine whether a mortgage, loan, or credit advance should be refinanced. Directs the Secretary to provide specified financial assistance to encourage such refinancing. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 7 August 1987
Centers of Excellence in Geriatric Research and Training Act of 1987 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Director of the National Institute on Aging to enter into cooperative agreements with and make grants to public and private nonprofit entities to pay costs of development or expansion of centers of excellence in geriatric research and training. Requires each such center to use the facilities of a single institution or be formed from a consortium. Requires centers to conduct research into the aging processes and into diagnosis and treatment related to aging, advanced training programs, programs to develop individuals capable of conducting research, and educational and training activities for students of the health professions. Requires centers to place primary emphasis on training physicians to train other physicians and students in geriatrics. Requires the Director to conduct an evaluation and report annually to the Congress. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1988 through 1990.
United States · United States Congress · 6 August 1987
Immigration Act of 1987 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to revise numerical limitations for immigrant admissions with respect to family reunification immigrants and independent immigrants. Directs the Attorney General and the Secretaries of State, Labor, and Health and Human Services, every five years, beginning two years after this Act becomes effective, to prepare jointly and to submit to the President and to specified congressional committees a report discussing the need to revise these numerical limitations. Lists factors to be considered in preparing the report. Requires the President within 60 days of receiving the report to transmit to the Congress a certification as to whether the numerical limitations should be changed and, if so, what they should be. Deems the numerical limitations certified by the President to be valid for the subsequent five fiscal years unless the Congress acts through a joint resolution to prohibit their effect. Prescribes the expedited parliamentary procedure to be followed in the House of Representatives and in the Senate in considering such a joint resolution. Revises the preference visa allocation system for immigrant admissions with respect to family reunification immigrants to: (1) increase the percentage of visas available to qualified spouses and unmarried minor children of permanent resident aliens; and (2) decrease the percentage available to qualified children and siblings of U.S. citizens. Revises the preference and nonpreference visa allocation system for independent immigrants to set fiscal year numerical limitations on visas available to aliens who are professionals holding doctoral degrees, aliens of exceptional ability, or skilled workers. Establishes a point system applicable to nonpreference aliens under which credit for visa qualification assessment is based on such eligibility criteria as: (1) country of origin (with preference for countries adversely affected by immigration reforms enacted in 1965); (2) work skills and employability; (3) education and literacy; and (4) age. Sets forth the formula for determining the appropriate allocation preference system to be applied to natives of any single foreign state with respect to which the maximum number of visas will be made available. Revises the labor certification procedure used with regard to excludable aliens and reduces the scope of its applicability to certain preference immigrants. Provides for judicial review in U.S. district court of the Secretary of Labor's decisions with respect to exclusions related to labor certification. Permits a waiver of the offer of employment requirement for immigrant admission purposes when the Attorney General deems the waiver to be in the national interest. Directs the Secretary of Labor to study and report to the Congress, within six months of this Act's enactment, on means for streamlining the labor certification process used in the immigration context. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 6 August 1987
Defense Contractor Profits Review Act - States as a policy of the Congress that firms contracting with the Federal Government to provide goods and services for the national defense should receive a reasonable profit, and that such goods and services should be procured in an economical and effective manner. States as a purpose of this Act to provide the Federal Government with the information needed to determine the reasonableness of defense contractor profits. Amends Federal defense procurement provisions to outline action to be taken by the head of a defense agency if it is determined that a defense contractor has made excessive profits. Requires such agency head to first give such defense contractor 45 days to respond before making a determination that such contractor made excessive profits. Requires any defense contractor covered under this Act, no later than 120 days after the end of such contractor's annual financial reporting period, to provide the Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) with a profits information report. Requires such profits information report to include specified information and also to distinguish between such contractor's business with the Federal Government and such contractor's other business. Requires the DCAA to review each such report in order to determine if any contractor has made excessive profits. States that the head of an agency and the DCAA shall have access to all information of a defense contractor that is required in order to make such determinations. Requires the confidentiality of any such information received. Authorizes review of such information by the Comptroller General, as well as access to any such information. Directs the head of an agency to require that compliance with such information disclosure provisions is a condition of each contract entered into between such agency and a defense contractor. Requires the head of the agency, at least once every three years, to conduct a study of profits made by defense contractors under contracts made with such agency, including a comparison of the profits made by such contractor from defense agencies as compared to profits made by such contractor from other businesses. Directs the head of the agency, no later than December 31 annually, to report to the President, the Congress, and the Comptroller General concerning any such profit studies. Directs the head of the agency to prescribe regulations to carry out this Act. Defines terms as used under this Act, and requires such regulations to be prescribed no later than 120 days after the enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 August 1987
Comprehensive Alzheimer's Assistance, Research, and Education Act of 1987 (CARE) - Title I: Public Health Service Programs with Respect to Alzheimer's Disease - Repeals provisions of the Public Health Service Act relating to Alzheimer's disease (Alzheimer's) and creates, in title III (relating to the general powers and duties of the Public Health Service) of the Act a new part K on Alzheimer's. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants and enter into cooperative agreements to assist grantees in establishing and maintaining, with respect to Alzheimer's and related disorders, centers for: (1) conducting basic and clinical research, training, and dissemination of clinical information; (2) demonstrating advanced diagnostic, prevention, treatment, and management methods; (3) conducting programs of community education; and (4) maximizing research. Specifies purposes for which grant funds may and may not be used. Limits support for a center to five years, with extensions by the Secretary of up to five years if recommended by a technical and scientific peer review group. Directs the Secretary, in carrying out these provisions, to consult with the directors of specified National Institutes of Health. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1988 through 1990. Authorizes the Secretary, acting through the Director of the National Institutes of Health and the Director of the National Institute of Mental Health, to make grants and enter into contracts to enable grantees to conduct basic and clinical research regarding Alzheimer's and related disorders. Directs the Secretary, in carrying out these provisions, to consult with the directors of specified National Institutes of Health. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1988 through 1990. Authorizes the Secretary, acting through the Director of the National Institute of Mental Health, to make grants and enter into contracts to enable grantees to conduct research and demonstration projects with respect to teaching the families of individuals with Alzheimer's or related disorders methods for providing appropriate care and managing stress. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1988 through 1990. Authorizes the Secretary, acting through the Commissioner on Aging, to make grants and enter into contracts to enable grantees to conduct demonstration projects with respect to teaching the families of individuals with Alzheimer's or related disorders methods for providing appropriate care and managing stress. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1988 through 1990. Authorizes the Secretary, acting through the Director of the National Institute on Aging, to make grants and enter into contracts to enable grantees to conduct long-term care research with respect to Alzheimer's disease and related disorders and with respect to the coordination of long-term care services. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1988 through 1990. Authorizes the Secretary, acting through the Director of the National Center for Health Services Research, to make grants and enter into contracts to enable grantees to conduct research with respect to developing methods for improving the delivery of supportive services to individuals with Alzheimer's disease or related disorders and with respect to the coordination of long-term care services. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1988 through 1990. Directs the Secretary to develop a plan for a research program for the study of Alzheimer's and related disorders. Specifies elements for which the plan must provide. Requires research under the plan to be carried out through the National Institutes of Health. Directs the Secretary to submit the plan to the President and the Congress. Directs the Secretary to make grants to States to plan, establish, and operate programs to provide specified services regarding Alzheimer's or related disorders. Specifies purposes for which grant funds may not be used. Limits grants to three years, subject to annual evaluation by the Secretary. Limits the amount of a grant and its portion of the costs of the program for which it is made. Directs the Secretary to annually evaluate the grant programs. Authorizes the Secretary to contract with private entities to conduct the evaluation. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1988 through 1990. Directs the Secretary, acting through the Administrator of the Alcohol, Drug Abuse, and Mental Health Administration, to require, as a condition of receiving funds under provisions of part B (Alcohol and Drug Abuse and Mental Health Services Block Grant) of the Public Health Service Act, that a State must agree that activities carried out under a specified provision will include increased provision of mental health services related to Alzheimer's and related disorders. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1988 through 1990. Authorizes the Secretary, acting through the Director of the National Institute on Aging, to make grants to assist grantees in providing training programs and continuing education programs, regarding Alzheimer's or related disorders, to health care professionals, health care paraprofessionals, and family caregivers. Specifies eligible types of grant recipients. Directs the Secretary to ensure that grants are equitably geographically distributed. Authorizes the Secretary, acting through the Director of the National Institute on Aging, to make grants to the Alzheimer's centers established by this Act to assist in developing curricula for such training programs and continuing education programs. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1988 through 1990. Directs the Secretary, acting through the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration, to initiate a study regarding specified health manpower needs related to Alzheimer's disease, related disorders, and other disorders requiring long-term care services. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1988 through 1990. Directs the Secretary to establish a National Alzheimer's Disease Education Program for: (1) promoting the coordination of health care financing, service, research, education, and training programs; (2) collecting, through the Clearinghouse on Alzheimer's Disease, information on research and treatment programs; (3) making such information available to specified groups and to the general public; and (4) providing technical assistance to States and public and private organizations. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1988 through 1990. Title II: Improvement of Services Under Medicare and Medicaid Programs - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to review the levels of reimbursement provided under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act for home health services, extended care services, and inpatient hospital services relating to an advanced stage of Alzheimer's or a related disorder and adjust the levels to accurately reflect the reasonable amount required to provide adequately for services furnished. Requires each State plan approved under title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to report to the Secretary on how the levels of reimbursement under the plan for home health services, nursing facility services, inpatient hospital services, and community-based care take into account special needs regarding an advanced stage of Alzheimer's or a related disorder. Directs the Secretary to modify contracts with utilization and quality control peer review organizations under part B (Peer Review) of title XI of the Social Security Act to ensure that the organizations conduct adequate and representative quality of care reviews on patients who require intensive home health services or extended care services. Requires States, as a condition of approval of a State plan under Medicaid, to provide assurances that the State is providing for the conduct of adequate and representative quality of care reviews on patients who require intensive home health services, nursing facility services, or other long-term care services. Directs the Secretary to review and report to the Congress regarding whether specified types of facilities participating under the Medicare or Medicaid program limit or restrict the services they provide to individuals with Alzheimer's or a related disorder. Directs the Secretary to provide for research and demonstration projects concerning methods of improving the delivery of health care services to Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries with Alzheimer's disease or a related disorder. Specifies projects to be included. Directs the Secretary to provide for an evaluation of the research and demonstration projects and submit a report to the Congress. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1988 through 1990. Requires funds, to the extent that research and demonstration projects relate to Medicare beneficiaries, to be appropriated from the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund. Authorizes the Secretary to waive compliance with the requirements of part B (Peer Review) of title XI, title XVIII (Medicare), and title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act as necessary to conduct these research and demonstration projects.
United States · United States Congress · 6 August 1987
Amends Federal veterans' benefits provisions to authorize the Administrator of Veterans Affairs to provide medical services to a veteran (and, if necessary, to a veteran's spouse) to the extent necessary to overcome the effects of a service-connected disability of the veteran which impairs or prevents the ability of the veteran and his or her spouse to conceive a child. Excludes certain procedures and services from those permitted as part of such medical services provided (such as artificial insemination and the use of surrogate mothers).
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1987
Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions relating to the income tax deduction for the health insurance costs of self-employed individuals to: (1) increase from 25 percent to 100 percent the allowable deduction; and (2) make the deduction permanent (under current law it will expire after tax year 1989).
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 1987
Requires the suspension of U.S. escort services for reflagged Kuwaiti tankers in the Persian Gulf and the revocation of the certificates of documentation issued for such reflagged tankers unless the Government of Kuwait agrees to allow the United States to base mine-sweeping helicopters in Kuwait and provides assurances that it is willing to provide whatever cooperation is necessary to ensure the safety and security of U.S. armed forces involved in the escort operation and the success of the escort operation.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 1987
Amends rule XV of the Rules of the House of Representatives to allow the Speaker of the House to reduce the period of time in which certain rollcall votes may be taken by electronic device.
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 1987
Home Equity Loan Consumer Protection Act of 1987 - Amends the Truth in Lending Act to impose additional disclosure requirements for any open end credit plan secured by a consumer's dwelling. Specifies the information to be disclosed as information regarding annual interest rates, finance charge conditions, fees, changes in variable interest rates, and a statement that in the event of any default the consumer risks loss of the dwelling. Imposes additional disclosure requirements for advertisements of open end credit plans secured by consumers' dwellings. Requires such advertisements to disclose a statement of any minimum or fixed amount which could be imposed, periodic rates expressed as annual percentage rates, and any other term which the Federal Reserve Board may by regulation require. Prohibits the use of advertisements for any home equity loan which refer to such loan as "free money" or as a "loan at prime." Requires the Federal Reserve Board to develop and prepare a pamphlet for distribution to consumers which contains: (1) a general description of open end credit plans secured by consumer dwellings and the terms and conditions on which such loans are generally extended; and (2) a discussion of the potential advantages and disadvantages of such plans.
![Official portrait of Rep. Kanjorski, Paul E. [D-PA-11]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/k000008_200.jpg)