United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1987
Declares that the Congress applauds the recent initiative by the heads of state of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras and congratulates them on the significant contribution made by such initiative toward ending armed conflict and reinforcing democracy in Central America. Declares that the Congress supports such initiative and looks forward to the summit meeting in Guatemala as the next phase in this effort of the Central American heads of state to forge a lasting peace in Central America.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 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 with tax forms sent by the IRS. Amends the Inspector General Act of 1978 and other Federal law to establish within the Department of the Treasury (Department) an Office of Inspector General (Inspector). Transfers to such Office the existing audit and investigation units of the Department. Prohibits the Inspector from reviewing: (1) monetary, fiscal, and tax policy; and (2) the exercise of legal judgment in the investigation and litigation of cases. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) withhold from the Inspector requested information that the Secretary determines will jeopardize the success of an ongoing investigation or litigation, confidential sources, or the national security; and (2) prohibit the Inspector from undertaking or continuing an audit or investigation under limited circumstances described in this Act. Requires the IRS, upon taxpayer request, to conduct any interview regarding a deficiency assessment 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 interview to warn the taxpayer that: (1) he or she has a right to remain silent; (2) any statement the taxpayer makes may be used against him or her; and (3) he or she has the right to the presence of an attorney, certified public accountant, enrolled agent, or enrolled actuary. Permits a waiver of such rights if voluntarily and knowingly made. Amends Federal law to require the Comptroller General (Comptroller) of the General Accounting Office to: (1) conduct audits of the IRS with respect to the efficiency, uniformity, and equity of the internal revenue laws (current law specifies no particular focus for such audits); and (2) conduct special audits or investigations of internal revenue law administration upon the request of any congressional committee or Member of Congress. Requires the Comptroller's annual report to the Congress to include specified findings concerning IRS management, efficiency, procedures, and structure. Divests of its finality a vote of the Joint Committee on Taxation to disapprove a Comptroller General audit of the IRS. Designates such vote as a recommendation to disapprove an audit and makes such recommendation subject to congressional approval. Prohibits evaluations of IRS personnel based on revenue collected from taxpayers as a result of audits or investigations involving such personnel. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to prescribe criminal penalties for: (1) any investigation 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. Creates a civil cause of action in Federal court (regardless of the amount in controversy) for any taxpayer aggrieved by such prohibited investigation or recordkeeping. Authorizes both equitable remedies and awards of damages, including punitive damages, litigation costs and reasonable attorney fees, in such cases. 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. 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. Authorizes the Secretary, in certain cases, to enter into a binding agreement with a taxpayer under which such taxpayer may pay tax liability in installments. Requires the Secretary to offer in writing to enter such an agreement with any individual: (1) whose tax liability is $20,000 or less; and (2) who has not been delinquent in installment tax payments under similar agreements during a specified period. Permits the Secretary, after proper notice and a hearing, to modify or annul such an agreement upon the finding that the financial condition of the affected taxpayer has significantly changed. Requires the Secretary to abate in full any deficiency, including penalty or interest, completely attributable to erroneous advice in writing given to a taxpayer by an IRS officer or employee in response to such taxpayer's specific inquiry. Directs IRS officers and employees, when giving oral advice to a person, to inform such person that the contents of such communication are not binding on the IRS. 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. Allows an administrative appeal of tax liens. Revises the criteria according to which the Secretary determines a minimum sale price for property seized by levy and subject to a tax sale. Prohibits the Secretary from authorizing a class audit of taxpayers in a particular business or trade until each group member is given proper notice and the opportunity either to file an amended return or to challenge the Secretary's findings at a hearing. Places upon the IRS the burden of proof on all issues in all administrative and judicial proceedings between the IRS and a taxpayer. Applies the rulemaking provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act to all IRS rules and regulations prescribed by the Secretary.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1987
Authorizes the President, on behalf of the Congress, to present a gold medal to Mrs. Jesse Owens in recognition of the late Jesse Owens' athletic achievements and humanitarian contributions to public service, civil rights, and international goodwill. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to sell bronze duplicates of the medal.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1987
Requires that the rate of pay for Members of Congress, Federal officials, and Federal judges be determined as if the recommendations of the President on January 5, 1987, relating to such pay rates had been disapproved.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1987
Designates June 14, 1987, as Baltic Freedom Day. Expresses disapproval of the refusal of the U.S.S.R. to recognize the sovereignty of the Baltic Republics.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1987
Pornography Victims Protection Act of 1987 - Amends the Federal criminal code with respect to the prohibition against the sexual exploitation of children to add as a condition triggering Federal penalties that the person concerned know that a minor was transported in interstate or foreign commerce for the purpose of producing pornography. Makes it a criminal offense for any person to coerce, intimidate, or fraudulently induce an individual 18 years or older to engage in any sexually explicit conduct for the purposes of producing any visual depiction of such conduct. Grants the U.S. district courts jurisdiction to prevent and restrain violations of this Act. Authorizes the Attorney General or any person threatened with loss or damage by such conduct to institute a civil suit. Provides for treble damages for a victim who suffers physical injury, emotional distress, or property damage. Imposes civil penalties for violation of the prohibition against sexual exploitation of children.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1987
Employee Polygraph Protection Act - Prohibits any employer from using any lie detector test or examination in the work place, for both pre-employment testing and testing in the course of employment. Requires the Secretary of Labor to prepare and have printed notices setting forth this prohibition. Requires employers to post these notices. Provides penalties for violations of this Act. Exempts Federal, State, and local employees from the Act's coverage.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1987
Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1987 - Amends title IX (Prohibition of Sex Discrimination) of the Education Amendments of 1972 to define the phrase "program or activity" and the term "program" to mean all of the operations of the following entities, any part of which is extended Federal financial assistance: (1) a department, agency, special purpose district, or other instrumentality of a State or local government; (2) a State or local government agency which distributes such assistance and the agency or department to which such assistance is extended; (3) a college, university, or other postsecondary institution, or public system of higher education; (4) a local educational agency, system of vocational education, or other school system; and (5) a corporation, partnership, or other private organization. States that such terms do not include any operation of an entity which is controlled by a religious organization. Amends the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, and the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to define the phrase "program or activity" to mean all of the activities of the aforementioned entities.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1987
Syndicated Television Music Copyright Reform Act of 1987 - Amends the copyright law to require that any conveyance of performance rights in an audiovisual work to nonnetwork commercial television include the right to perform in synchronization any accompanying copyrighted music. Entitles the music copyright holder to an interest in any compensation received for the audiovisual work performance rights.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1987
Retiree Benefits Security Act of 1987 - Amends Federal bankruptcy law to apply provisions governing the rejection of collective bargaining agreements in reorganization cases to collective bargaining agreement provisions relating to benefits for retired employees. Provides that bankruptcy claims for retiree benefits and claims arising under any collective bargaining agreement or rejection thereof shall not be limited to one year's compensation. Designates the labor organization which is the recognized exclusive collective bargaining representative in a collective bargaining agreement as the authorized representative of persons receiving retirement benefits under such agreement in bankruptcy proceedings. Directs the court to appoint a committee of retirees to serve as such representative if the labor organization elects not to serve or if the recipients of retiree benefits are not covered by a collective bargaining agreement. Requires the debtor in possession or trustee in a reorganization case to pay and not modify any retiree benefits under any program established or maintained by the debtor prior to filing a bankruptcy petition. Allows modification of such benefits: (1) by court order; or (2) as agreed to by the trustee and the authorized representative of benefit recipients. Treats such payments as administrative expenses. Permits the court to order a modification in retiree benefit payments only if: (1) with respect to benefits covered by a collective bargaining agreement, such agreement is rejected in bankruptcy; and (2) with respect to benefits whether covered or not, the court finds that modifications are necessary to permit the reorganization of the debtor and assure that all creditors, the debtor, and all affected parties are treated fairly and equitably and that the balance of equities clearly favors the modification sought by the trustee. Permits the court, before issuing a final order, to authorize the trustee to implement interim changes in benefits not provided by a collective bargaining agreement, if essential to the continuation of the debtor's business, or in order to avoid irreparable damage to the estate. Provides that any retiree benefits paid between the filing of a petition and confirmation of a plan shall not be deducted from amounts calculated for claims for unpaid future retiree benefits or for any benefits not provided due to modifications, unless otherwise agreed by the debtor and the authorized representative. Requires a reorganization plan to place all claimants for retiree benefits in a separate class consisting only of such claimants. Requires that a plan, to be fair and equitable with respect to such claimants: (1) provide that each claim holder of such class receive property of a value equal to the allowed amount of such claim; or (2) provide that each claim holder of such class receive such value as found by the court to represent the minimum reduction in retiree benefits consistent with the ability of the debtor to provide such benefits after plan confirmation. Provides for the retroactive application of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1987
Nuclear Waste Policy Reform Amendments Act of 1987 - Amends the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 to prohibit the Secretary of Energy from implementing nuclear waste disposal activities with respect to more than one repository. Declares that any such activities commenced (or decisions made by the Secretary) before the date of enactment of this Act shall be rescinded or terminated. Prohibits the Nuclear Regulatory Commission from authorizing the construction of more than one repository under such Act. Provides that if the Secretary does not meet the January 31, 1998, deadline for high-level radioactive waste disposal then the Secretary must cease all repository activities until: (1) the Nuclear Waste Repository Review Commission (established by this Act) submits a certain report to the Congress; and (2) the Congress specifically authorizes the continuation of such repository activities (thus imposing a moratorium on repository development). Removes the deadlines by which the Secretary and the President must submit candidate site nominations for second repository site characterizations. Prohibits the Secretary from nominating or recommending any crystalline rock site for site characterization for a repository. Removes the volume limitation placed upon a first repository. Establishes the Nuclear Waste Repository Review Commission (if a repository moratorium takes effect) to: (1) review scientific data regarding repository suitability; and (2) compare the use of repositories for radioactive waste disposal with alternative technologies for the permanent isolation of such waste. Requires the Review Commission to report to the Congress by a certain date regarding its activities and recommendations. Authorizes appropriations. Terminates such Commission upon submission of its report. Sets deadlines for draft revisions of the Secretary's mission plan under such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1987
Broadcast License Renewal Act of 1987 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to declare it to be the policy of the United States that, with respect to the grant or renewal of a broadcast license, the licensee has the responsibility to: (1) broadcast material responsive to matters of concern to residents of its service area; and (2) operate in compliance with provisions of such Act and Federal Communications Commission regulations. Directs the Commission to: (1) grant an application for license renewal if the applicant has met such responsibilities in the preceding license term; or (2) deny renewal or grant limited renewal if the applicant failed to meet such responsibilities. Prohibits the Commission, in evaluating a licensee's performance in broadcasting material responsive to matters of public concern, from establishing or applying any requirement with respect to the broadcast of any specific subject or material. Directs the Commission to accept the licensee's judgment if found to be reasonable and made in good faith. Prohibits the Commission, in determining whether to renew a license, from considering whether the public interest, convenience, and necessity might be served by granting a license to a competing applicant. Directs the Commission to conduct an inquiry and prescribe any necessary regulations concerning any additional information that licensees should be required to maintain and make available to the public regarding the licensee's responsibility to broadcast material responsive to matters of public concern. Makes it unlawful for a license applicant and any other person, while a license application is pending, to effectuate an agreement whereby the other person withdraws or withholds an informal objection or a petition to deny in exchange for the payment of any thing of value by, or on behalf of, the applicant.
United States · United States Congress · 18 February 1987
Amends the Tax Reform Act of 1986 to repeal provisions which increase the current year liability test for estimated tax payments from 80 percent to 90 percent. Provides that the Internal Revenue Code shall be applied and administered as if such section has not been enacted.
United States · United States Congress · 18 February 1987
Economic Dislocation and Worker Adjustment Assistance Act - Amends title III (Employment and Training Assistance for Dislocated Workers) of the Job Training Partnership Act to establish a Dislocated Worker Unit in the Department of Labor, which shall be responsible for the administration and supervision of the programs established under such title. Sets forth provisions for State delivery of dislocated worker services. Requires State Governors to submit to the Secretary of Labor, on a biennial basis, a State plan describing in detail the programs and activities that will be assisted with funds provided under such title. Requires the Governor to create or designate an identifiable State dislocated worker unit or office with the capability to respond rapidly, on site, to plant closings and mass layoffs. Requires the State unit to make appropriate training and reemployment assistance available to eligible dislocated workers through the use of rapid response teams or through service delivery offices or other appropriate organizations. Sets forth other requirements for the State plan and the State unit. Permits funds allocated to States under this Act to be used to: (1) provide plant-specific adjustment assistance; (2) deliver, coordinate, and integrate normal labor market services; (3) identify and correct the basic educational deficiencies of dislocated workers; (4) provide vocational and on-the-job training; (5) provide income support; and (6) for FY 1988 and 1989, continue to provide any program,activity, or service that was provided under title III before the enactment of this Act. Directs the Secretary of Labor, from funds appropriated for title III, to reserve 30 percent for demonstration, exemplary, and model programs and to allocate 70 percent among the States on the basis of: (1) number of unemployed individuals; (2) excess number of unemployed individuals; and (3) number of individuals who have been unemployed for 15 weeks or more. (Provides that 25 percent of such 70 percent allotment be made on the basis of number of workers displaced by plant closings or mass layoffs in the most recent period for which satisfactory data are available.) Directs the Secretary to promulgate standards for the conduct and evaluation of programs under title III, including a standard to encourage the establishment of worker adjustment committees. Prohibits States from providing more than 50 percent of the operating cost of such committees. Sets forth provisions for State tripartite advisory committees, made up of representatives of labor, business, and public or private nonprofit agencies. Requires such committees to review the programs and activities conducted under title III and the biennial State plans. Establishes a National Tripartite Advisory Committee, composed of representatives of business, labor, and public or private nonprofit agencies. Directs the Committee to review programs under title III and report annually to the Secretary and the Congress. Directs the Secretary to provide for an annual evaluation of the title III program, which measures success in placing dislocated workers in unsubsidized employment. Directs the Secretary to submit to the Congress a report on the activities of the Dislocated Worker Unit, as part of the annual report of the Department of Labor. Sets forth provisions for demonstration, exemplary, and model programs. Provides that, from amounts reserved for such programs: (1) up to 20 percent shall be available for grants for training loan demonstration programs; (2) up to 20 percent shall be available for grants for public works employment demonstration programs; and (3) the remaining percent, which shall be at least 70 percent, shall be available for providing training, retraining, job search assistance, placement, relocation assistance, and other aid to individuals who are affected by mass layoffs, natural disasters, and Federal Government actions (such as relocation of Federal facilities), or who reside in areas of high unemployment. Provides for a dislocated workers training loan demonstration program. Directs the Secretary to allocate amounts reserved for such program among communities having the largest number of dislocated workers. Provides for such programs in at least five but not more than ten such communities. Authorizes the Secretary to either directly conduct such demonstration programs or to enter into agreements with State dislocated workers units or State or local for agreements for dislocated workers direct loan funds. public agencies or nonprofit private organizations. Sets forth provisions Provides that such loans, up to $5,000 per worker, may be used for: (1) vocational and and on-the-job training; (2) basic education and literacy instruction; (3) relocation expenses; and (4) child care services. Requires the Secretary to provide for evaluation of the direct loan approach and to report to the Congress by October 1, 1989. Provides for a public works employment demonstration program. Directs the Secretary to allocate amounts reserved for such program among cities and counties: (1) which are geographically diverse; (2) which represent urban and rural areas; and (3) for which the unemployment rate for the last six months exceeded the national average by at least two percent. Provides for such programs in at least five but not more than ten cities or countries. Makes an individual eligible to participate in such public works employment demonstration projects if the individual: (1) is an eligible dislocated worker who has been unemployed for at least 15 weeks; (2) has been unemployed or without steady employment for two years; or (3) is a recipient of aid to families with dependent children for at least two years. Requires each participant to be tested for basic reading and writing competence by the private industry council prior to employment by an assisted job project. Provides for counseling and instruction to be given to those who fail such tests. Requires each participant to have received a secondary school diploma or its equivalent, or maintain satisfactory progress toward such a diploma. Requires the private industry council to select the job projects to be assisted. Limits such employment to 32 hours per week. Sets wages at the higher of: (1) the minimum wage; or (2) the amount received in welfare or unemployment compensation, plus ten percent. Directs the private industry council for the area in which the demonstration is conducted to establish job clubs to assist eligible participants with the preparation of resumes, the development of interviewing techniques, and evaluation of individual job search activities. Directs the private industry councils to select projects which are designed to develop marketable skills and show potential for assisting participants to find jobs in the private sector. Directs the Secretary to evaluate such employment demonstration program and report to the Congress by October 1, 1989. Sets forth provisions for labor-management notification and consultation in the event of plant closings and mass layoffs. Prohibits employers from ordering a plant closing or mass layoffs until the end of a specified period after the employer notifies: (1) the employees' representative or if none, each affected employee; and (2) the State dislocated workers unit and the chief administrative officer of the local government. Prohibits an employer from ordering a plant closing or mass layoff unless the employer has met and consulted in good faith with representatives of the affected employees and the local government. Gives the employer the duty of disclosing relevant information during such consultation. Provides for protective orders to protect such information from disclosure to competitors. Makes employers who fail to notify or consult with the affected employees or their representatives liable for back pay and the cost of related benefits. Makes employers who fail to notify the State dislocated worker unit or notify and consult with the local government liable for a specified amount for each day of the violation. Makes employees or representatives of affected employees or local governments liable for violations of protective orders for the amount of financial loss suffered by the employer. Defines "employer" as any business enterprise in any State that employs: (1) 50 or more full-time employees; or (2) 50 or more employees who in the aggregate work at least 2,000 hours per week (exclusive of overtime). Defines "plant closing or mass layoff" as an employment loss for 50 or more employees of an employer at any site during any 30-day period. Expresses the sense of the Congress that employers who are not required to comply with such notice and consultation requirements should provide notice to, consult with, and disclose information to their employees about proposals to close a plant or permanently reduce its workforce. Authorizes appropriations for title III for FY 1988 and each succeeding fiscal year.
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 1987
Amends Federal veterans' benefits provisions to extend indefinitely (currently ends on June 30, 1988) the required date of entry into the armed forces for eligibility for basic educational assistance entitlement for veterans (both of active-duty and Selected Reserve duty) of the All-Volunteer Force.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1987
Eliminates provisions of Federal law which restrict premium pay to the minimum rate of basic pay for GS-10 for Federal employees in a position in which: (1) the hours of duty cannot be controlled administratively; (2) a substantial amount of irregular, unscheduled overtime is required; and (3) the employee is generally responsible for recognizing circumstances which require the employee to remain on duty.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1987
Great Lakes Emergency Shoreline Protection Act - Establishes a federally guaranteed loan program for the protection from shoreline erosion of improvements to residential real property contiguous with the Great Lakes. Sets forth conditions for loan eligibility and State subsidies. Sets forth related authorities of the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, including authority to establish limitations on interest rates on eligible loans, to make foreclosures, and transfer guarantees. Directs the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, to: (1) develop minimum standards for shoreline erosion protection; and (2) report to the Congress on damage from subsurface water seepage. Requires the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development and the Secretary of the Army to submit to the Congress a single report on the effectiveness of the shoreline protection program. Authorizes FY 1987 through 1992 appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1987
Utility Ratepayer Refund Act of 1987 - Repeals provisions of the Tax Reform Act of 1986 which extend the normalization requirements to the treatment of excess deferred tax reserves of public utility companies.
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1987
Expresses the sense of the Congress with respect to the discrimination in and denial of health insurance coverage for adopted children. Calls upon State legislatures to enact legislation that requires health insurance contracts to cover adopted children on the same basis as other dependents.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1987
H.U.D. Income Verification Act of 1987 - Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to require Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) program applicants or participants to: (1) disclose their social security or employer identification numbers; and (2) consent to wage information verification. Amends the Social Security Act to provide HUD with access to State employment records. Requires Federal, State, local, or public housing administering agencies to independently verify such information before terminating or reducing any housing benefits. Establishes criminal and civil penalties for misuse of such information.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1987
Designates August 12, 1988, as National Civil Rights Day and requests the President to issue a proclamation calling for the ringing of church bells during a moment of silence.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1987
Special Educational Needs Act of 1987 - Chapter 1: Financial Assistance to Meet Special Educational Needs of Children - Replaces chapter 1 (Financial Assistance to Meet Special Educational Needs of Disadvantaged Children) of the Education Consolidation and Improvement Act of 1981 and title I (Financial Assistance to Meet Special Educational Needs of Children) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. Provides for assistance to improve the educational opportunities of educationally deprived children. Part A: Basic Programs Operated by Local Education Agencies - Subpart 1: Allocations - Directs the Secretary of Education to determine criteria for allocation of basic grants to territories. Sets forth a special formula for Puerto Rico. Sets forth a formula for allocation of basic grants to local educational agencies on the basis of number of children in specified categories to be counted and the average per pupil expenditure (within limits) in a State. Provides that the categories of children to be counted are as follows: (1) number of children aged five to 17, inclusive, in the school district from families below the poverty level; (2) number of such children from families above the poverty level; and (3) number of such children living in institutions for neglected or delinquent children, or being supported in foster homes with public funds. Sets forth provisions for a program for Indian children. Directs the Secretary to make payments to State educational agencies for grants made on the basis of entitlements created under such basic grants provisons during the period of FY 1988 through 1993. Provides for additional grants for local education agencies in counties with especially high concentrations of children from low-income families. Reserves specified funds for such purpose. Subpart 2: Basic Program Requirements - Requires local educational agencies to use funds received under this chapter only for programs and projects designed to meet the special educational needs of educationally deprived children. Sets forth authorized uses of such funds. Sets forth provisions for innovation projects and for program improvement. Sets forth local educational agency application requirements. States that eligible school attendance areas are those having high concentrations of children from low-income families. Sets forth procedures for designation of such areas. Requires a local educational agency to use funds received under this chapter for educationally deprived children identified as having the greatest need for special assistance. Sets forth provisions for assessment of educational need. Provides for continued eligibility during the same school year for educationally deprived children who transfer to ineligible areas or schools. Permits local educational agencies to skip eligible children who are receiving services of the same nature and scope from non-Federal sources. Provides for eligibility of children of limited English proficiency and handicapped children under specified conditions. Provides that a child who was previously identified as being in greatest need of assistance but is no longer, and who continues to be educationally deprived, may participate in the program for two additional years. Provides for eligibility for children transferred from a State operated program for neglected and delinquent children. Permits the local education agency to carry out a schoolwide project to upgrade the entire educational program of a school in the case of any school serving an eligible attendance area in which not less than 75 percent of the children are from low-income families. Sets forth requirements for designation of such schools, approval of the plan, operation of the project, and use of funds. Sets forth accountability provisions for continuation of such schoolwide project. Sets forth provisions for parental involvement. Sets forth provisions for participation of children enrolled in private schools. Sets forth various fiscal requirements, including maintenance of effort. Requires that Federal funds supplement, not supplant, regular non-Federal funds. Permits a local educational agency to receive funds under this chapter only if State and local funds will be used in the district of such agency to provide services in project areas which, taken as a whole, are at least comparable to services being provided in areas in such district which are not receiving such funds. Permits exclusion of certain special State and local program funds for purposes of such requirements. Prohibits any State from taking into consideration payments under this chapter in determining the eligibility of any local educational agency for State aid, or the amount of State aid, with respect to free public education of children. Requires local and State evaluations of chapter 1 programs. Requires schools which show a decline in achievement of children served under this chapter in any two consecutive years to submit a detailed plan of improvement to the local educational agency. Requires the local educational agency to: (1) review such plan and provide technical assistance for program improvement at such school; and (2) if achievement continues to decline for two additional years, notify the State educational agency which shall then provide technical assistance for program improvement. Part B: Even Start Programs Operated by Local Educational Agencies - Provides for grants to integrate early childhood education and adult education for parents. Provides, within specified limits, that such grants shall be made to each State in the same proportion as grants are allocated under part A. Reserves a specified amount for migrant programs. Provides that funds made available to local educational agencies under this part shall be used to provide family-centered education programs to help parents become full partners in the education of their children and to assist children in reaching their full potential as learners. Sets forth program elements. Provides that funds under this part may be used for not more than 80 percent of the total cost of the program in the first year of funding, 60 percent in the second year, 40 percent in the third year, and 20 percent in the fourth and any subsequent year. Provides that additional funds may be obtained from any available source, including part A of this chapter. Makes eligible for participation in this program families that include: (1) a parent who is eligible for participation in an adult basic education program under the Adult Education Act; and (2) a child aged one to seven, inclusive, who resides in a school attendance area designated for participation in part A programs. Set forth local application requirements. Requires each State educational agency to appoint a review panel that will award grants on the basis of proposals which meet specified criteria. Provides that grants may be awarded for up to four years. Requires the Secretary to: (1) provide for the annual independent evaluation of programs under this part; and (2) submit to the Congress an annual review and summary of the results of such evaluations. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1988 through 1993 for purposes of this part. Part C: Secondary School Programs for Basic Skills Improvement and Dropout Prevention - Provides for grants to States for local educational agencies with high concentrations of low-income children to improve the achievement of educationally deprived children and potential dropouts enrolled in secondary schools and such children who have already dropped out of school. Provides, within limits, that such grants will be made to each State in the same proportion as grants to States are allocated under part A. Provides that only local educational agencies in counties which meet certain requirements with respect to concentrations of low-income children shall be eligible to receive grants under this part. Sets forth authorized uses of funds under this part. Makes eligible for program participation secondary school students who meet part A requirements as educationally deprived children having the greatest need for special assistance, and students who are dropouts or potential dropouts. Sets forth local application requirements and the selection process for award of grants. Provides that such grants may be awarded for up to three years. Requires such programs to meet certain fiscal and evaluation requirements. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1988 through 1993 for purposes of this part. Part D: Programs Operated by State Agencies - Subpart 1: Programs for Migratory Children - Entitles a State educational agency or a combination of such agencies, upon application, to receive a grant for any fiscal year under this part to establish or improve, either directly or through local educational agencies, programs of education for children of migratory agricultural workers or migratory fishermen. Sets forth a formula for determining the amount of such grants on the basis of average per pupil expenditure and numbers of full-time and part-time residents who are migratory children aged three to 21, inclusive. Sets forth a special formula for Puerto Rico. Sets forth program requirements for approval of applications. Sets forth a provision for by-passing a State under certain conditions. Sets forth provisions for coordination of migrant education activities. Reserves specified funds for such purpose. Subpart 2: Programs for Handicapped Children - Makes a State agency which is directly responsible for providing free public education for handicapped children eligible to receive a grant under this subpart for any fiscal year. Sets forth a formula for determining the amount of such grant based on average per pupil expenditure and the number of handicapped children operated or supported by the State agency, including schools providing special education for handicapped children under contract or other arrangement with the State agency. Sets forth a special formula for Puerto Rico. Provides for the counting of children transferring from State to local programs under specified conditions. Sets forth program requirements. Subpart 3: Programs for Neglected and Delinquent Children - Entitles a State agency which is directly responsible for providing free public education for children in institutions for neglected or delinquent children or in adult correctional institutions to receive a grant under this subpart for any fiscal year. Sets forth a formula for determining the amount of such grant based on average per pupil expenditure and the number of such neglected or delinquent children in average daily attendance at schools for such children operated or supported by the State agency, including schools providing education for such children under contract or other arrangement with such agency. Sets forth a special formula for Puerto Rico. Sets forth program requirements. Makes such grants available for projects up to three years. Requires annual program evaluations. Reserves specified amounts for transition services. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to State and local educational agencies to support projects to facilitate the transition of children from State-operated institutions for neglected and delinquent children into locally operated programs and into a regular school program. Requires that such grants be used to provide special educational services for such children in schools other than State-operated institutions. Subpart 4: General Provision for State-Operated Programs - Authorizes appropriations for each fiscal year for purposes of each of subparts 1, 2, and 3 of this part, in an amount equal to not more than one percent of the amount appropriated for such year for such subparts for payments to specified territories of the United States. Part E: Payments - Sets forth payment methods for this chapter. Sets forth the amount of payments to local education agencies. Provides for adjustments in allocations to States where necessitated by the amount of appropriations. Provides for payments for State administration. Sets a limitation on grants to Puerto Rico under this chapter. Provides that no entitlement authority or authority to enter into grants, contracts, or other financial assistance agreements under this chapter shall be effective except to the extent or in such amounts as are provided in advance in appropriation Acts. Part F: General Provisions - Subpart 1: Federal Administration - Authorizes the Secretary to issue necessary regulations. Provides that programs under this chapter may not be required to follow anyone instructional model. Requires that proposed regulations be reviewed by regional panels of Federal, State, and local administrators. Sets forth provisions for the availability of appropriations. Sets forth provisions for the withholding of payments to States. Provides for judicial review of such withholding. Directs the Secretary to develop national standards for local evaluation of programs under this chapter. Directs the Secretary to report biennially to the appropriate congressional committees on State and local evaluation results based on specified data. Directs the Secretary to conduct a national longitudinal study of eligible children participating in programs under this chapter. Requires a follow-up of the initial survey. Requires a final report on the study to be submitted to the appropriate congressional committees by January 1, 1997, and an interim report by January 1, 1993. Directs the Secretary to prepare and distribute a policy manual for this chapter. Directs the Secretary to respond within 30 days to inquiries of State or local educational agencies with respect to this chapter. Directs the Secretary to continue, establish, and expend technical assistance centers to provide assistance to State and local educational agencies with respect to programs under this chapter. Provides for Federal dissemination of exemplary programs through the National Diffusion Network. Directs the Secretary to provide for review of State and local administration of programs under this chapter. Authorizes the Secretary to make small grants for applied research on promising educational models for serving educationally deprived children under this chapter. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1988 through 1993 for Federal evaluation, technical assistance, and research activities related to this chapter and for authorized studies. Subpart 2: State Administration - Sets forth provisions relating to State rulemaking. Directs each State educational agency to keep such records and provide such information to the Secretary as may be required for fiscal audit and program evaluation. Provides that, under certain conditions, public school personnel paid entirely by funds made available under this chapter may be assigned limited supervisory duties. Subpart 3: Definitions - Sets forth definitions for purposes of this chapter. Chapter 2: Miscellaneous Provisions - Repeals chapter 1 (Financial Assistance to Meet Special Educational Needs of Disadvantaged Children) of the Education Consolidation and Improvement Act of 1981 and title I (Financial Assistance to Meet Special Educational Needs of Children) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. Sets forth transition provisions.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1987
Ground Water Protection Act of 1987 - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to establish criteria for groundwater quality, including an analysis of the contaminants and the risks they pose to human and environmental health. Sets a timetable for the establishment of such criteria. Requires the Administrator to appoint an advisory panel. Requires each State to establish numerical standards for contaminants found in the ambient groundwater. Permits separate standards for special systems. Requires each State to use Federal criteria in establishing such standards. Requires each State to assess the groundwater resources and to develop a management strategy and monitoring program for such resources. Requires the Director of the U.S. Geological Survey to make grants to States for such assessments. Directs the Administrator to make grants to assist States in meeting the other requirements of this Act. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1987
Self-Sufficiency for the Poor Act of 1987 - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to require the President to use the foreign currencies paid by the government of a developing country (pursuant to the low interest loan program established by this Act) to make grants to intermediaries that provide credit and other assistance directly to the poorest people in that country for locally chosen self-help investment activities and small-scale private enterprise activities. Sets forth the types of assistance that may be provided by such intermediaries, including limited amounts of credit for individuals, training, and grants for small-scale projects. Describes the types of locally chosen self-help investment activities and small scale enterprises to be supported by such grants. Provides that organizations that have demonstrated effectiveness in providing assistance to the poorest people are eligible for such grants. Requires the local currencies to be disbursed as grants to the intermediaries as quickly as possible. Provides for the administration of the grants. Authorizes the President, in order to provide such grants, to use economic assistance funds to provide economic assistance to developing countries on a loan basis. Requires that a specified minimum amount of the economic assistance funds shall be used for such loans each year. Sets forth the terms of the loans. Provides for notification of the Congress of the reprogramming of economic assistance funds for such loans.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1987
Corporate Community Investment and Jobs Preservation Act of 1987 - Requires each corporation involved in a proposed merger to file a community impact statement if: (1) a premerger notification is required under the Clayton Act; and (2) the merger will result in a loss of jobs in any jurisdiction for more than 100 employees of an establishment of one of the corporations involved. Requires such statement to include: (1) the number of jobs to be reduced; (2) the reasons for such reduction; (3) any alternative to such reduction; (4) a plan to minimize the effects of such reduction on the remaining employees and on the local government of the affected area; (5) the nature of the business of the corporation establishment at which the reduction will occur; and (6) the economic circumstances of such corporation, including the profitability of the operation of the affected establishment and any plan for future investments, employment, and production at such establishment. Requires the statement to be submitted to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the Department of Justice, the employees of each corporation involved and representatives of their labor unions, and the local governments of the areas where establishments of such corporations are located on the same day that the premerger notification is filed under the Clayton Act. Directs the FTC, if it receives a request within a specified period from such a local government or from ten percent of the employees of one of the corporations, to hold public hearings on and investigate the statement to determine: (1) the economic reasons for any proposed reduction in employment; (2) the estimated economic losses to employees of the establishment where the reduction will occur, the local government having jurisdiction over such establishment, and persons in the geographic area of such establishment; and (3) recommendations of any local government, any employee labor union, or any other person respecting the proposed merger. Directs the FTC to publish a report containing the findings of the investigation and recommendations as to whether legal action should be taken to halt the merger. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to disallow a tax deduction for interest on obligations issued to finance a corporate merger that the FTC finds will adversely affect employment in any jurisdiction.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1987
Prohibits the trustee in a bankruptcy case from rejecting any executory or other contract that provides for hospitalization or health benefits for current or former employees of the debtor.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1987
Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to limit the maximum monthly assessments under any system of access charges for telephones established by the Federal Communications Commission.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1987
Disapproves the proposed rescission (R87-70) of budget authority for Veterans Administration medical care. Requires the amount of such budget authority proposed for rescission to instead be made available for obligation no later than the date of enactment of this joint resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1987
Amends the Federal Railroad Safety Act of 1970 to direct the Secretary of Transportation to issue regulations which require that trains be operated by persons licensed under such Act. Requires such regulations to: (1) establish minimum licensing standards; and (2) ensure that the license applicant has not been reported to the National Driver Register because of a motor vehicle-related conviction under the National Driver Register Act of 1982 for driving under the influence, reckless driving, or other traffic violations. Entitles individuals who are denied a license because their names appear on the Register to an administrative hearing to determine whether such license has been properly denied. Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to prohibit the issuance of an airman's certificate to an individual who has been reported to the Register because of a motor vehicle-related conviction. Mandates the revocation of an airman's certificate of any individual who has been reported to the Register because of such conviction. Amends the National Driver Register Act of 1982 to direct the Secretary of Transportation, for airman certification purposes, to provide the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration with information regarding the motor vehicle driving record of any individual.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1987
Constitutional Amendment - Declares that the right to life is the paramount and most fundamental right of a person. Defines "person" to include the unborn for the purpose of the right to life guarantee. States that nothing in this article shall prohibit a law allowing medical procedures required to prevent the death of either the pregnant woman or the unborn offspring.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1987
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) no Medicare (title XVIII of the Social Security Act) physician payment methodology should be implemented which is based on hospital discharge classifications or requires mandatory assignment; and (2) no drastic change in the Medicare physician payment methodology should be undertaken without the receipt of reports required by legislation enacted in the 99th Congress and a detailed analysis of the long-range impact of such change on the provision of health care.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1987
Veterans' Administration Adjudication Procedure and Judicial Review Act - Title I: Adjudication Procedures - Codifies, for Veterans Administration (VA) adjudication purposes, the burden of proof and reasonable doubt standards currently provided for by VA regulation. States that a claimant has the burden of submitting sufficient evidence to justify a claim, and that if an approximate balance of positive and negative evidence exists regarding the merits of a claim, the VA is to resolve such doubt in favor of the claimant. States that VA subpoenas may be served either by personal delivery or by registered or certified mail. Requires the chairman of the Board of Veterans' Appeals to submit an annual report to the appropriate congressional committees concerning the Board's current handling of cases and projections for the subsequent fiscal year. Requires the Board to: (1) provide notice to a claimant and an opportunity for a hearing before a decision may be based on "additional official information" received after a Board decision has previously been made; and (2) make its decision exclusively on evidence and material of record in the proceeding. Removes the requirement that new material sufficient to allow the Board to reopen a previously disallowed claim be in the form of official reports. Provides that the Board's discretionary authority to reopen a claim will not be diminished by a judicial decision following an appeal as provided for by this Act. Requires the Board to mail to the claimant notice of its decision and the reasons for such decision. Provides that, upon the request of a claimant, the Board shall provide an independent advisory medical opinion when there exists substantial medical disagreement with respect to a material issue in a veteran's appeal. Sets forth new procedural rules for adjudication hearings regarding: (1) oaths, affirmations, and witness examination; (2) admissibility of evidence; (3) procedural rights of claimants; (4) disqualification of a hearing officer; (5) the record of the proceedings and the claimant's right to examine and obtain a copy of such record; and (6) the exclusiveness of veterans' adjudication procedures and rights prescribed by the Administrator. Requires the Administrator to provide at each stage of the appeal proceedings written notice to a claimant of the claimant's procedural rights. Directs the Administrator to conduct a study of two alternative claims resolution methods: one, a new intermediate-level adjudication process; the other, an enhanced schedule of formal Appeals Board hearings. Directs the Administrator to report to the Congress on such studies. Title II: Veterans Administration Rule Making - Includes the VA's rulemaking procedures under the relevant provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act. Title III: Judicial Review - Provides for judicial review of VA decisions in the Federal court system. States, with regard to jurisdiction: (1) the definition of final decision; (2) that judicial review of a final decision in a claim for benefits may be obtained in a civil action brought within 180 days of the Board's mailing of notice of its decision, and that such action shall be brought in Federal district court; (3) that the VA shall file the various materials constituting the record in a case together with its answer to the claimant's complaint; (4) that the court may render a decision on the pleadings; and (5) that the judicial review procedures established under this Act shall not apply to insurance and home loans. States, with regard to the reviewing court's scope of review, that such court: (1) shall decide questions of law and interpret constitutional, statutory, and regulatory provisions, but that questions of fact (unless unsupported by substantial evidence) will not be subject to a trial de novo; and (2) in reviewing a final decision of the VA which is adverse to a party solely because such party failed to comply with VA procedures, may only review questions concerning such procedures. Sets out provisions regarding remand, survival of actions, and appellate review. Title IV: Attorneys' Fees - Authorizes the Administrator to allow attorneys' fees above the present $10 maximum if the appealing party's claim is allowed by the VA after an initial denial. States that such fee shall be the lesser of: (1) the fee agreed upon by the party and attorney; (2) $500, unless the Administrator approves a greater amount; or (3) if the party and attorney have entered into a contingent-fee agreement, not more than 25 percent of the total of any past-due benefits awarded on the basis of such party's claim. Provides for the approval of attorneys' fees in successful veterans' claims brought before a court as provided for under this Act. States that such fees shall be determined by such court, and in contingent-fee agreements such fees shall not exceed 25 percent of the total of any past-due benefits awarded on the basis of such claim. Authorizes attorneys' fees of up to $750 in certain unsuccessful veterans' claims. Prohibits the VA from authorizing payment to a claimant's attorney based on past-due benefits unless such benefits are owed as of the date of the VA's or a court's award. States that such provisions regarding attorneys' fees shall only apply to claims for benefits under the laws administered by the VA and shall not apply in cases in which the VA is the plaintiff or in which other attorneys' fees statutes are otherwise controlling. Title V: Effective Dates - Sets forth the effective dates for this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1987
Minimum Wage Inflation Adjustment Act of 1987 - Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to increase the minimum wage by increments to $4.35 starting January 1, 1989.
United States · United States Congress · 20 January 1987
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that if an employer does not operate an on-premises eating facility, 50 percent of the employer's share of an off-premises meal furnished to an employee shall be treated as a de minimis fringe benefit (not includible in the employee's income) provided that: (1) the employer pays no more than one-third of the cost of the meal; (2) a maximum of one meal per working day is provided; (3) the meal is furnished during normal business hours; and (4) the employer's share is furnished in kind and not in cash.
United States · United States Congress · 20 January 1987
Amends titles II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) and XVI (Supplemental Security Income) of the Social Security Act to treat multiple sclerosis victims as permanently disabled and eligible for disability benefits under such titles regardless of their ability to engage in substantial gainful activity.
United States · United States Congress · 8 January 1987
Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Procedure Amendments of 1987 - Amends the Clayton Act to eliminate the 15-day waiting period (and thus require a 30-day waiting period) following notification of a proposed acquisition in the case of a cash tender offer. Requires the 30-day acquisition waiting period to be extended for an additional 30 days (or 60 days if, after the acquisition, the U.S. assets or probable annual U.S. sales of the acquiring person would exceed $1,000,000,000) if the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or the Attorney General requires submission of additional information or documentary material concerning the proposed acquisition. Extends premerger notification requirements to any situation where any voting securities or assets of a person with annual net sales or total assets of $100,000,000 or more are being acquired by any person with total assets or annual net sales exceeding $1,000,000 (currently, $10,000,000). Includes within the definition of an acquiring person for purposes of such notification and waiting period requirements two or more separate persons acting in concert. Directs the FTC to require that a premerger notification disclose: (1) whether the acquiring person intends to sell or close any facility or to terminate or alter any operation as a result of the acquisition; (2) the number of jobs likely to be lost as a result of such acquisition over each of the subsequent five years; (3) the revenue to government entities likely to be lost over each of the subsequent five years; (4) the aggregate liabilities and equities the acquiring person has before, and is likely to have after, such acquisition; and (5) each asset of the person to be acquired that is likely to be used in any way to obtain credit or financing to carry out the acquisition. Directs the Assistant Attorney General and the FTC to make such economic impact statement available to the public immediately after such a notification is filed.
United States · United States Congress · 8 January 1987
Amends the Temporary Emergency Food Assistance Act of 1983 to require the Secretary of Agriculture to make excess cheese acquired by the Commodity Credit Corporation available free, upon a showing of need, to a requesting State.
United States · United States Congress · 8 January 1987
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an income tax deduction for interest paid or incurred on a qualified educational loan. Defines "qualified educational loan" as any indebtedness incurred to pay the educational expenses of the taxpayer or the taxpayer's spouse or dependent. (Present law requires that such a loan be secured by an interest in real property.)