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United States · Official source
221 records where Rep. Konnyu, Ernest L. [R-CA-12] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 1988
Designates October 14, 1988, as National Day of Remembrance for Political Prisoners in Iran.
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 1988
Expresses the sense of the Congress that both the Democratic and Republican presidential candidates should publicly support making specified appropriated amounts available for obligation for the space station program, and should endorse its continued funding.
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 1988
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Postmaster General should provide and sell a postage stamp to commemorate the 450th anniversary of the discovery of Alta California by Portuguese explorer John Rodrigues Cabrillo. Declares that the stamp should be provided and sold in 1992 and sold for such period as the Postmaster General determines.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 1988
Designates October 5, 1988, as Raoul Wallenberg Recognition Day.
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 1988
Constitutional Amendment - Proclaims the English language to be the official language of the United States. Prohibits the United States or any State from requiring the use of any other language. States that this article shall not prohibit any law, program, or policy to: (1) provide educational instruction in a language other than English for the purpose of making students proficient in English; (2) teach a foreign language to students who are already proficient in English; (3) protect public health and safety; or (4) allow translators for litigants, defendants, or witnesses. Authorizes the Congress and the States to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.
United States · United States Congress · 14 September 1988
Congratulates Israel and Egypt for a decade of peace based upon the Camp David accords. Calls upon other Arab states and Palestinians to join in the peace process, renounce the state of war and acts of violence, and enter into direct negotiations with Israel to achieve a lasting peace.
United States · United States Congress · 9 September 1988
Designates October 15, 1988, as National Fire Fighters Day.
United States · United States Congress · 11 August 1988
Prohibits the obligation or expenditure of Federal funds to pay compensation to Iran for the downing of Iran Air Flight 655 until the President certifies to the Congress that: (1) the Iranian Government is not a military or terrorist threat to the United States; (2) no American hostages are being held in Lebanon; (3) the Iranian Government has paid compensation to the families of American citizens killed in truck-bombings in Lebanon during 1983 and 1984; (4) the Iranian Government has issued a formal apology to the United States for holding certain Americans as hostages from 1979 to 1981; and (5) the Iranian Government has made a good-faith effort to end the Iran-Iraq war.
United States · United States Congress · 11 August 1988
Constitutional Amendment - Requires each committee of the Congress to be appointed so that the voting strength of each political party on that committee reflects the relative voting strength of that political party in the relevant House.
United States · United States Congress · 11 August 1988
Amends the Rules of the House of Representatives to add rule LI to establish a Public Review Board. Sets forth requirements for the six members of the Board. Prohibits more than three members from being of the same political party. Prohibits a member from being: (1) a Member or ex-Member of Congress; (2) a relative of a Member of Congress; (3) an officer or employee of any government; or (4) a registered lobbyist or foreign agent within the previous five years. Authorizes the Board to: (1) recommend to the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct such actions as it deems appropriate to establish or enforce standards of official conduct for House Members, officers, and employees; (2) investigate any alleged violation of the Code of Official Conduct and recommend to the Committee any action deemed appropriate; and (3) report to the appropriate Federal or State authorities, with the approval of the House, any substantial evidence of a violation of any law which may have been disclosed in an investigation. Requires an affirmative vote of a majority of the members of the Board before the Board makes any report or recommendation or undertakes an investigation. Sets forth administrative procedures for the Board in response to written complaints. Adds rule LII, which establishes the position of Inspector General of the House of Representatives. Describes the duties of the Inspector General, to include: (1) providing policy direction for the financial operations of the House; (2) recommending policies to promote efficiency in the administration of, and the prevention and detection of fraud and abuse in, House operations; (3) notifying the Board of any evidence of fraud or violations of standards of official conduct; (4) notifying the Board of evidence of fraud or other deficiencies with respect to House financial operations; and (5) preparing an annual report on its activities. Amends rule X and rule XLIV to revise the duties of the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct to conform to provisions under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 10 August 1988
States the sense of the Congress that the President or the Congress should immediately abrogate the Panama Canal Treaties of 1977 and the Treaty Concerning the Permanent Neutrality and Operation of the Panama Canal and that the Congress should repeal the Panama Canal Act of 1979.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 1988
Condemns the Romanian Government's systematic violation of human rights. Protests the planned program of destruction of traditional settlements in violation of human rights, minority cultural rights, and property rights. Urges institutional reforms by the Romanian Government to comply with international agreements, including the Helsinki Final Act of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Urges continued presidential and Secretary of State action to bring about reforms. Urges the President not to consider providing any special benefit for Romania until a thorough human rights reform is instituted, including substantial actual improvement in the right of emigration, the rights of national minorities, and freedom of religion.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 1988
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the current income tax deduction for residential mortgage interest should not be changed.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 1988
Declares it to be the policy of the United States to enhance its security and that of the democratic countries of Central America by assisting in the achievement of: (1) democracy in Nicaragua; (2) an end to Soviet, Cuban, and other Communist bloc military or security assistance to Nicaragua; (3) an end to Nicaraguan aggression and subversion against other countries in Central America; and (4) the reduction of the military and security forces of Nicaragua. Requires the President to report bimonthly to the Congress concerning: (1) Nicaraguan violations of certain Central American peace agreements; and (2) the receipt by Nicaragua of Soviet, Cuban, Communist bloc, and other foreign military or security assistance. Authorizes the President to transfer to the Agency for International Development from specified Department of Defense appropriations accounts a specified amount of funds to provide humanitarian assistance, civic action, and nonmilitary training to the Nicaraguan democratic resistance and to strengthen resistance human rights programs. Sets forth specific requirements for the transportation of such assistance, including the indemnification of leased aircraft and the provision of passive air defense equipment for such aircraft. Authorizes the President to transfer a specified amount of funds from Defense Department appropriations accounts to departments and agencies he may designate to be held in escrow to provide additional assistance (including lethal assistance) for the Nicaraguan democratic resistance. Prohibits making such funds available for such additional assistance unless the President certifies to the Congress that: (1) no definitive ceasefire is in place that was agreed to by the Government of Nicaragua and the Nicaraguan democratic resistance; (2) the failure to achieve such a ceasefire results from the lack of good faith efforts by the Government of Nicaragua to comply with certain Central American peace agreements; and (3) the Nicaraguan democratic resistance has engaged in good faith efforts to achieve such a ceasefire. Suspends any lethal assistance being provided after such a certification is made during any time an agreed ceasefire is in place in Nicaragua. Provides that the general authorities and limitations of specified Acts shall be deemed to have been met for the transfer and the use of funds as provided in this Act. Declares that the Congress encourages the President to submit proposals for bilateral and multilateral action to: (1) provide additional economic assistance to the democratic countries of Central America; (2) facilitate the ability of Central American economies to grow through the development of their infrastructure, expansion of exports, and the strengthening of increased investment opportunities; (3) provide a more realistic plan to assist Central American countries in managing their foreign debt; and (4) develop these initiatives in concert with Western Europe, Japan, and other democratic allies. Provides that if the Government of Nicaragua and the Nicaraguan democratic resistance sign a comprehensive final peace agreement: (1) the President shall terminate the trade embargo imposed against Nicaragua; and (2) a specified amount of funds shall be made available to provide assistance for the relocation and reintegration into Nicaraguan civil society of members of the Nicaraguan democratic resistance. Authorizes the President to provide additional economic incentives to Nicaragua if, after 180 days after such final agreement is signed, the President certifies to the Congress that the Government of Nicaragua is continuing to comply with that agreement. Specifies such economic incentives as: (1) designating Nicaragua as a beneficiary country for purposes of the Caribbean Economic Recovery Act; (2) designating Nicaragua as a beneficiary developing country for purposes of the generalized system of preferences; and (3) authorizing loan assistance to Nicaragua under the Export-Import Bank Act of 1945.
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 1988
Women's Business Ownership Act of 1988 - Title I: Congressional Findings and Purposes - Sets forth congressional findings and purposes with respect to small businesses owned and controlled by women. Title II: Demonstration Projects - Amends the Small Business Act to direct the Small Business Administration (SBA) to provide financial assistance to private organizations to conduct demonstration projects giving financial, management, and marketing assistance to small businesses, including start-up businesses, owned and controlled by women. Describes application criteria. Requires the SBA to report to the congressional Small Business Committees on the projects. Terminates authority for this pilot program on October 1, 1991. Authorizes appropriations. Title III: Procurement Assistance - Amends the Small Business Act to include small business concerns owned and operated by women as a discrete group for purposes of Government contracts and subcontracts and procurement programs. (Current law governing these programs refers expressly only to small business concerns and small business concerns owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals as groups targeted for assistance.) Instructs the Director of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization of each Federal agency to designate a Women-in-Business Specialist to be responsible for programs designed to assist concerns owned and controlled by women. Directs Federal agencies, in their procurement activities, to engage in affirmative action to identify and solicit offers from small businesses owned and controlled by either women or socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. Title IV: Access to Capital - Amends the Consumer Credit Protection Act to prohibit the Federal Reserve Board, except under limited circumstances, from exempting from such Act's provisions any class of transactions that are primarily for personal, family, or household purposes, or business or commercial loans made available by a financial institution. Limits to five years any exemption authorized under the circumstances specified in this Act, unless a subsequent determination is made that the exemption remains appropriate. Requires lenders to keep records relating to loans and to provide written notice to applicants of their right to receive notice of reasons for a loan denial. Authorizes the SBA to establish a certified loan program for lenders that display knowledge and proficiency with respect to SBA regulations and programs. Directs the SBA to encourage small business loans of $50,000 or less under both this new program and the preferred lenders program in FY 1989 through 1991 by permitting participating lenders to: (1) use their own forms without regard to SBA paperwork; and (2) retain one-half of the loan guarantee fee. Requires SBA reporting to specified congressional committees in connection with the certified loan program. Directs the Federal Reserve Board, the Comptroller of the Currency, the Department of Commerce, and the SBA jointly to study levels of availability of and demand for debt and equity capital by small businesses, as well as innovative financing techniques to meet any unmet demand. Requires reporting to the congressional Small Business Committees. Title V: National Women's Business Council - Establishes the National Women's Business Council to review the status of women-owned businesses nationwide and to develop detailed multiyear plans in connection with both private and public sector actions to assist and promote such businesses. Requires annual reporting to both the President and the Congress. Title VI: Statistical Data and Effect on Other Programs - Directs: (1) the Bureau of Labor Statistics to include in its census reports on women-owned businesses specified information on sole proprietorships, partnerships, and corporations; (2) the Bureau of the Census to include in its Business Census data the number of corporations that are 51 percent or more owned by women; (3) the SBA's Office of the Chief Counsel for Advocacy to report on the most cost-effective and accurate ways to gather and present the statistics required in these census reports; and (4) Federal agencies to report to the Office of Federal Procurement Policy the number of first-time contract recipients that are small businesses owned and controlled either by women or by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. Requires the President's annual Report on Small Business and Competition to include in separate detail information relevant to small businesses owned and controlled either by women or by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals.
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 1988
Computer Virus Eradication Act of 1988 - Amends the Federal criminal code to impose penalties upon individuals who knowingly: (1) insert into a computer program information or commands which will result in a loss to users of such program; or (2) provide such program to others who do not know of such insertion. Permits an individual who has suffered a loss as a result of such a computer program to seek redress in a civil action.
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 1988
Resolves that the Congress should implement policies under which: (1) the Bell operating companies would be permitted to provide information services, conduct research, design and market software, and design, manufacture, and market telecommunications equipment and customer premises equipment; and (2) statutory safeguards would ensure that these Bell activities would not harm telephone service customers or competition in the information services or manufacturing industries and would prevent cross subsidies between regulated and unregulated service offerings.
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 1988
Business and Citizen School Volunteers of America Act of 1988 - Directs the Secretary of Education (the Secretary) to make grants to eligible partnerships to assist such partnerships in preparing, expanding, and carrying out programs designed to use volunteers in elementary and secondary schools. (Defines eligible partnership as a volunteer program development agreement between: (1) an elementary or secondary school, State educational agency (SEA), and/or local educational agency (LEA); and (2) a government agency, nonprofit organization, institution of higher education, or business concern.) Sets forth priorities in the grant approval process. Sets forth types of programs for which such grants may be made. Directs the Secretary, when issuing rules for such grants program, to consult with nonprofit organizations that operate nationwide and that have as primary purposes assisting: (1) elementary and secondary schools in organizing, promoting, and using school volunteers; and (2) older Americans, employees of business concerns, educators, and students in becoming school volunteers. Sets forth grant eligibility and application requirements. Requires annual reports by: (1) grant recipients to the Secretary; and (2) the Secretary to specified congressional officers. Directs the Secretary to establish a National Center for Leadership in School Volunteer and Partnership Programs, through grants to or contracts with a nonprofit organization described in this Act. Requires the Center to: (1) train volunteers; (2) provide technical assistance to an eligible partnership in developing or improving a volunteer program; (3) conduct an annual survey of volunteer programs; and (4) evaluate volunteer programs. Requires that at least 20 percent of funds under this Act in any fiscal year be used for Center activities. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1989 through 1993 to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 12 July 1988
President's Pro-Life Act of 1988 - Prohibits the use of Federal funds for abortions, except when continuing the pregnancy would endanger the mother's life.
United States · United States Congress · 12 July 1988
Prohibits the proposed sale of F/A-18C/D aircraft, Cluster bomb units, and Sidewinder, Sparrow, Harpoon, and Maverick missiles to Kuwait.
United States · United States Congress · 7 July 1988
States that the United States should not negotiate compensation or reparation payments to Iran or any party in Iran in connection with the shooting down of Iran Air Flight 655 unless and until the Government of Iran negotiates compensation or reparation payments for attacks by Iranian military forces on civilian shipping and U.S. armed forces in the Persian Gulf.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 1988
Designates the week of February 5 through February 11, 1989, as National Burn Awareness Week.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 1988
Declares that all parties seeking a settlement of the conflict in Cambodia, including the United States, should have among their highest priorities the restoration of an independent Cambodia and the protection of the Cambodian people from a return to power by the Khmer Rouge. Calls on Vietnam to withdraw its forces from Cambodia and deny haven to the Khmer Rouge. Declares that the United States and the international community should use all means available to prevent a return to power of Pol Pot. Calls on the President to seek inclusion, in United Nations resolutions relating to Cambodia, the principle that those responsible for acts of genocide and human rights violations shall not return to power in Cambodia upon the withdrawal of foreign occupation forces. Encourages support of non-Communist Cambodian forces. Declares that the United States, in consultation with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, should consider whether a Cambodian settlement could be facilitated by an international conference on Cambodia and international peacekeeping forces.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 1988
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Government of Nicaragua should: (1) fulfill its pledge in the Esquipulas II agreement to grant a general amnesty to all political prisoners; (2) cease inhumane torture and holding prisoners incommunicado; (3) end random arrests for purposes of political intimidation; (4) allow human rights observers in all parts of prison facilities; (5) compensate former political prisoners; and (6) cease human rights violations.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 1988
Amends the Federal judicial code to make funds from the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund available to assist State and local governments in financing construction, expansion, maintenance, and operation of penal facilities. Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to add a parallel provision with respect to the Customs Forfeiture Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 1988
Designates November 18, 1988, as National Philanthropy Day.
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 1988
Condemns the use of chemical weapons by Iraq and calls upon Iraq to halt the use of such weapons. Commends the President for his prompt condemnation of Iraq's recent chemical weapons attack on civilians. Urges the President to: (1) seek allied cooperation to tighten controls on the export of chemical compounds to countries seeking to develop a chemical weapons capability; (2) make appropriate diplomatic efforts to prevent Iran from developing or using chemical weapons; and (3) intensify American efforts at the Geneva Conference on Disarmament and in bilateral discussions with the Soviet Union to achieve an arms control agreement banning the production, use, and transfer of chemical weapons.
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 1988
Expresses the grave concern of the Congress regarding the apparent discriminatory treatment of Federal Express by the Government of Japan. Urges Japan to honor its obligations under the 1985 Memorandum of Understanding and allow Federal Express to compete in the U.S.-Japan market with maximum flexibility.
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 1988
Expresses the sense of the Congress urging Government agencies to avoid actions that would reduce amateur radio frequency allocations used for emergency communications and encouraging support for the Amateur Radio Service in its emergency communications efforts.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1988
Requires that the ocean dumping of dredged material from the San Francisco Bay or its connecting or tributary waters take place beyond the edge of the Continental Shelf.
United States · United States Congress · 2 June 1988
Urges the Government of Iran to uphold the human rights of all its nationals, including members of the Baha'i faith, and to restore fully the rights guaranteed by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Calls upon the President to: (1) monitor and report on developments affecting the Baha'i minority in Iran and in other countries; (2) cooperate with other governments in continuing to make appeals to Iran concerning the situation of the Baha'is; (3) initiate and support efforts in the United Nations and its agencies on behalf of the Baha'is; and (4) provide, and urge others to provide, for refugee and humanitarian assistance for those Baha'is fleeing their homelands to escape religious repression.
United States · United States Congress · 26 May 1988
Designates the week of October 24 through October 30, 1988, as Drug-Free America Week.
United States · United States Congress · 26 May 1988
Designates February 1989 as America Loves Its Kids Month.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1988
Declares that the Congress recognizes the heroic acts of civilian construction workers who participated in the defense of Wake Island during its invasion by Japan between December 8 and December 23, 1941.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1988
Congressional and Judicial Equal Employment Opportunity Act of 1988 - Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to require that personnel actions affecting employees or applicants in the legislative and judicial branches of the Government be free from any discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, handicap, or age. Allows Members of Congress to take into consideration an individual's domicile and political affiliation. Establishes within the judicial branch an Employment Review Board. Provides that members of the board be appointed from the retired judges of the Supreme Court and Courts of Appeals. Authorizes an aggrieved individual to file a written complaint with the Board. Establishes procedures for the Board to investigate, settle, hear, and determine the claims alleged. Provides that if a violation is found an order for relief may compel the defendant to: (1) employ or reinstate such individual on such terms and conditions as may be appropriate, except that the Board may not compel any committee or Member of Congress to employ or reinstate, or modify the terms and conditions of employment of, any individual; (2) pay compensatory damages; and (3) pay fees and allowances of witnesses and reasonable attorneys' fees. Authorizes the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit to review, enjoin, set aside, suspend, modify, or enforce orders of the Board. Requires members of the Board to submit written reports to the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct of the House of Representatives and the Senate Select Committee on Ethics describing complaints during the reporting period involved.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1988
Expresses the sense of the Congress that Federal departments and agencies should use the most recent population data in determining the amount of benefit received by State, county, or local government.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1988
Biotechnology Science Coordination and Competitiveness Act of 1988 - Establishes the National Biotechnology Policy Commission to evaluate Government, as well as non-confidential privately funded, biotechnology activities, including both basic and applied research and the development of related commercial industries and products. Directs the Commission, beginning in 1990, to submit to the President and to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives biannual reports containing recommendations in connection with specified biotechnology-related topics. Mandates that these reports be published and made available to the public.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1988
Defense Savings Act - Directs the Secretary of Defense to: (1) close or realign military installations as recommended by the Commission on Base Realignment and Closure in the report transmitted to the Secretary pursuant to the charter establishing such Commission; and (2) initiate all such closures and realignments no later than September 30, 1991, and complete all such closures and realignments no later than September 30, 1995. Outlines certain conditions to such closures or realignments, including timely notice to the Congress of the Secretary's decision to accept and implement all of the closures and realignments recommended by the Commission. Terminates the authority of the Secretary to carry out any closure or realignment as of October 1, 1995. Directs the Commission, no later than December 31, 1988, to transmit its report to the Secretary and to the appropriate congressional committees with a certification that it has identified all the military installations to be closed or realigned by reviewing all military installations inside the United States. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) carry out appropriate action to implement any such closure or realignment; (2) provide appropriate economic adjustment and community planning assistance to communities affected by any such closure or realignment; (3) carry out appropriate activities for the purpose of environmental restoration; (4) sell or exchange any real property under the control of the Department of Defense and located at such an installation; and (5) deposit funds received from any such sale or exchange into the Department of Defense Base Closure Account. Outlines administrative procedures in connection with the sale or transfer of property in connection with a closure or realignment to a Federal, State, or local government entity. Requires the Secretary to include specified information concerning such closures or realignments as part of each annual request to the Congress for authorization of appropriations. Requires the Secretary to conduct a study of actions planned with respect to military installations outside the United States which may affect the recommendations of the Commission and to report the findings and conclusions to the Commission and to the appropriate committees of the Congress no later than September 15, 1988. Requires the Secretary to notify the Congress in writing when a decision is made to carry out a construction project to facilitate a closure or realignment and the amount required for such project is greater than the maximum amount for a minor construction project. Establishes in the Treasury the Department of Defense Base Closure Account and authorizes appropriations to be transferred to such Account. Requires the Secretary, no later than 60 days after the end of each fiscal year in which the Secretary carries out activities under this Act, to report to the appropriate congressional committees on the amount and nature of deposits into, and expenditures from, the Account during such fiscal year. Requires another report from the Secretary, no later than 60 days after the termination of the authority of the Secretary to carry out an alignment or closure under this Act, concerning funds used and remaining in such Account.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 1988
Bounty Hunter Act of 1988 - Amends the Comprehensive Crime Control Act of 1984 to increase the maximum reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction under Federal law of any individual for the unlawful sale, or possession for sale, of a controlled substance or a controlled substance analogue. Provides for the payment of incentive rewards to States to encourage the establishment of programs to pay similar rewards for violations of State laws. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to retire all circulating $100 U.S. notes and issue new $100 U.S. notes. Requires the Secretary to provide for a ten-day exchange period. Requires the name, address, and social security number of any individual who exchanges $100 notes having a value of $5,000 or more to be recorded and forwarded to the Department of the Treasury for use in criminal investigations or prosecutions.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 1988
Designates January 20, 1989, as National Skiing Day.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1988
Cooperative Child Care Act for Responsible Efforts - Title I: Grants for Small Businesses - Directs the Administrator of the Small Business Administration to make grants of up to $250,000 each to eligible applicants to provide employee child care. Sets out eligibility requirements. Limits the number of grants to eight each fiscal year, half of which must be made to businesses in metropolitan areas having populations of at least 500,000. Directs the Administrator to present an evaluation of the grant projects to specified congressional committees no later than March 31, 1992. Authorizes appropriations. Title II: Tax Incentives for Small Businesses - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit small businesses a ten percent investment tax credit in connection with certain depreciable property used as part of an on-site child care facility owned and operated by the employer for the care of enrollees, at least 50 percent of whom must be dependents of the employer's employees. Provides for recapture of the credit amount if the facility ceases to be a qualified child care center. Limits eligibility for the credit to small businesses having average annual gross receipts of $5,000,000 or less for the preceding three-year period. Permits the same small businesses a ten percent tax credit for expenses paid or incurred to operate such a facility. Title III: National Advisory Commission on Public and Private Cooperative Child Care Efforts - Establishes the National Advisory Commission on Public and Private Cooperative Child Care Efforts to study and report to specified congressional committees and to persons appointing Commission members concerning ways to promote coordination between Federal programs and American businesses in providing quality child care to working parents. Terminates the Commission 30 days following the submission of its required report. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1988
Recycling Information Clearinghouse Act of 1988 - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to require the Environmental Protection Agency to establish a clearinghouse for information about the recycling of municipal solid waste, to be administered by the Office of Solid Waste. Requires that the information collected and disseminated to the public by such clearinghouse include: (1) an annual estimate of the volume and rate of recycling of materials from the municipal solid waste stream; (2) an annual estimate of the balance of trade in recycled materials and products; (3) economic data comparing the costs and benefits of recycling various materials from the municipal solid waste stream; (4) a catalog of State and local laws that encourage or require the recycling of materials from the municipal solid waste stream; (5) a list of all purchases of recycled materials or products by the Federal Government, organized by agency and the type of recycled materials or products purchased; (6) a register announcing all solicitations by Federal agencies for the purchase of recycled materials or products; and (7) information about state-of-the-art recycling methods, programs, or technologies. Requires that a toll-free telephone hotline be established and made available to those seeking information from the clearinghouse. Provides that, to the extent feasible, such information should be computerized to facilitate its analysis and retrieval. Authorizes appropriations for such clearinghouse.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1988
Designates November 7, 1988, as The Memorial Day for Victims of Communism.
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 1988
Drug-Free America Act of 1988 - Amends the Controlled Substances Act to establish criteria for the imposition of the death penalty when, during the course of a continuing criminal enterprise drug offense, an individual knowingly causes the death of another. Requires the Government, for such offense, to serve notice upon the defendant a reasonable time before trial or acceptance of a plea, disclosing that it intends to seek the death penalty and the aggravating factors upon which it will rely. Requires a separate sentencing hearing before a jury, or the court upon motion by the defendant, when the defendant is found guilty or pleads guilty to such offense. Allows the defendant and the Government to present any information relevant to sentencing without regard to the rules of evidence, but permits information to be excluded if its probative value is substantially outweighed by the danger of unfair prejudice, confusion of the issues, or misleading of the jury. Directs the court, or the jury by unanimous vote, to impose the death penalty upon finding that such sentence is justified based on consideration of both aggravating and mitigating factors. Sets forth some mitigating factors to be considered by the jury or the court when imposing its sentence. Includes as aggravating factors: (1) the intentional nature of the act which resulted in the victim's death; (2) previous convictions for offenses for which life imprisonment or death is authorized; and (3) the especially heinous, cruel, or depraved nature of the offense. Requires the court to instruct the jury not to consider the race, color, national origin, creed, or sex of the defendant in its consideration of the sentence. Allows the court to impose a sentence of life imprisonment without the possibility of parole for such offenses when the death penalty is not imposed. Establishes procedures for appeal from a death sentence. Requires the Court of Appeals, upon consideration of the record and the information and procedures of the sentencing hearing, to affirm the decision if: (1) the sentence was not imposed under the influence of passion, prejudice, or arbitrariness; and (2) the information supports the finding of aggravating factors or the absence of mitigating factors. Requires the court to provide a written explanation of its determination. Provides increased criminal penalties for the possession of a mixture or substance which contains cocaine base (crack). Establishes recordkeeping and reporting requirements for the manufacture, distribution, importation, and exportation of listed precursor and essential chemicals. Prohibits the distribution of such chemicals unless the recipient provides a certification of lawful use and proper identification. Establishes exemptions from such requirements: (1) for the distribution of such chemicals between agents or employees within a single facility; (2) for the delivery of such chemicals to or by common carriers; (3) if the Attorney General determines that such requirements are not necessary for the enforcement of this Act; and (4) if products containing such chemicals are lawfully marketed under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Establishes an import-export permit requirement for listed precursors and a declaration requirement for listed essential chemicals. Includes as precursor chemicals: (1) N-Acetylanthranilic acid; (2) Anthranilic acid; (3) Ergotamine tartrate; (4) Ergonovine maleate; (5) Phenylacetic acid; (6) Ephedrine; (7) Pseudoephedrine; (8) Benzyl cyanide; (9) Benzyl chloride; and (10) Piperidine. Includes as essential chemicals: (1) Potassium permanganate; (2) Acetic anhydride; (3) Acetone; and (4) Ethyl ether. Establishes a mechanism and criteria for adding or deleting chemicals from such lists. Prohibits the transfer of commercial tableting and encapsulating machines unless a certification of lawful use and proper identification are provided. Establishes reporting requirements for such transfers. Establishes criminal penalties for the unlawful: (1) possession, manufacture, distribution, sale, importation, or exportation of a precursor or essential chemical; and (2) possession, manufacture, distribution, or importation of drug manufacturing equipment, tableting or encapsulating machines, and gelatin capsules. Subjects all listed precursor and essential chemicals, drug manufacturing equipment, tableting and encapsulating machines, and gelatin capsules which have been imported, exported, manufactured, possessed, or distributed in violation of such Act (as well as all conveyances and equipment) to forfeiture to the United States. Directs the Attorney General to maintain an active program, both domestic and international, to curtail the diversion of precursor and essential chemicals. Grants the Attorney General subpoena power with respect to precursor and essential chemicals. Provides additional civil penalties for certain Controlled Substances Act violations involving heroin or cocaine. States that individuals who have been convicted of violations involving a controlled substance, or of criminal violations regarding certain reporting or recordkeeping requirements, shall be ineligible for any license or permit issued under the authority of the United States for a specified period of time. Provides that any permit or license held at the time of the conviction shall be revoked. Amends the Public Health Service Act to require States receiving Alcohol and Drug Abuse and Mental Health Services Block Grants to make grants for demonstration projects which provide treatment services to expectant mothers. Establishes in the Executive Office of the President the Office of the Director of National Drug Control Policy to be headed by a Director, who shall be responsible for: (1) developing, reviewing, implementing, and enforcing U.S. policy with respect to drug control and abuse; (2) directing and coordinating U.S. efforts to halt the importation, manufacture, distribution, and use of illicit drugs; and (3) preparing a National and International Drug Control Strategy. Terminates the National Drug Enforcement Policy Board 90 days after the appointment of the Director. Makes conforming amendments to the Comprehensive Crime Control Act of 1984 and the Drug Abuse Prevention, Treatment, and Rehabilitation Act. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1988 through 1996. Makes supplemental appropriations for Coast Guard drug enforcement activities. Authorizes Coast Guard vessels and aircraft to fire at or into vessels which are liable to seizure or examination that do not bring-to after being ordered to do so by an authorized vessel or aircraft. Grants the commanding officer of the authorized vessel or aircraft immunity for such actions. Allows the Commandant of the Coast Guard to indemnify members or employees of the Coast Guard against any claim arising out of an act committed within the scope of their official drug enforcement duties. Amends the Controlled Substances Act to extend jurisdiction over possession offenses to U.S. vessels and aircraft (and vessels and aircraft subject to the operation of the law of the United States). Subjects any U.S. citizen or resident on board any vessel to Federal criminal penalties for manufacturing, possessing, or distributing a controlled substance. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the suppression of international narcotics trafficking is a major security objective of the United States and the most important national security objective within the Western Hemisphere. Allows the Secretary of Defense to provide equipment to, or assign members of the armed forces to assist, foreign governments in the enforcement of drug laws. Provides for the assignment of members of the armed forces to assist Federal agencies in drug interdiction activities. Requires the Secretary to prepare a plan to implement such provision. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to evaluate alternatives to the use of deadly force as a means of forcing suspected drug-smuggling aircraft entering the United States to land. Requires the Secretary to submit such recommendations to the Congress in the form of proposed legislation. Directs the Secretary to submit proposed legislation to the Congress relating to special restrictions and inspections for vessels and aircraft arriving from drug-producing countries. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to modify the factors to be considered by the President when determining whether to certify a country as having cooperated with United States drug interdiction programs. Directs the President to consider whether such countries have taken the steps necessary to eliminate the laundering of drug-related profits. Amends Federal law to include electronic fund transfers within the definition of "money instruments." Amends the National Forest System Drug Control Act of 1986 to provide additional law enforcement authority for the Forest Service in dealing with Controlled Substances Act violations by: (1) removing the limitation on the number of Service personnel who may exercise specified law enforcement powers; and (2) permitting the exercise of such powers by Service personnel outside of the boundaries of the National Forest System. Grants the Service authority, with respect to the specified law enforcement powers, to: (1) coordinate investigations and enforcement activities and prepare national and regional strategy plans in coordination with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); and (2) cooperate with the Attorney General in carrying out the seizure and forfeiture provisions of the Controlled Substances Act as such activities relate to the manufacture, distribution, or dispensing of controlled substances within the System. Establishes criminal penalties for polluting Federal lands while manufacturing, distributing, or dispensing a controlled substance. Amends the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970 to grant the Postal Service certain seizure and law enforcement authority with respect to Controlled Substances Act violations. States that all moneys and proceeds from such seizures shall be deposited in the Postal Service Fund (and later withdrawn and paid into the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund). States that any person convicted of a drug-related offense shall be ineligible for any form of student assistance provided under title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965. Requires any person applying for such assistance to file a statement with the institution certifying that the person has not been convicted of a drug-related offense. Requires the Secretary of Education to prescribe methods for verifying such statements. Amends the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1986 to require State educational agencies to distribute funds for State and local programs for drug abuse education and prevention programs on the basis of relative enrollments in public and private, nonprofit schools (currently, on the basis of the relative number of children in the school-age population) within an area. Requires local applications for funds for a three-year period to include a description of: (1) the extent and nature of the current drug and alcohol problem in the schools of the applicant; (2) the applicant's drug and alcohol policy; and (3) how the applicant will monitor program effectiveness. Requires applicants to submit a progress report to State educational agencies for the preceding two years in order to receive funds for the third year. Requires the report to show reasonable progress toward accomplishing program objectives or a modified plan to meet such objectives. Requires States to report annually to the Secretary with specified information on programs funded under this Act. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1988 through 1991 to carry out the provisions of such Act. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1989 to the building and facilities account, Federal Prison System, for the construction, acquisition, remodeling, and equipping of prisons. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the National Institute of Justice should conduct a research project to obtain, on a voluntary basis, and analyze urine samples from individuals who are arrested to determine whether they use controlled substances. Amends the Federal criminal code to make regular drug testing and refrainment from any use of controlled substances mandatory conditions of parole and probation. Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to require Drug Law Enforcement Program grant recipients to provide additional matching funds. Amends the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 to exclude any individual who uses or is addicted to illegal drugs from the definition of an individual with handicaps, for purposes of specified provisions. Amends specified Federal law which prohibits discrimination against Federal employees or applicants for Federal employment to provide that such prohibition shall not be construed to permit or require the employment of an individual who uses illegal drugs.
United States · United States Congress · 19 April 1988
Drug Crime Whistleblower Assistance Act of 1988 - Amends the Comprehensive Crime Control Act of 1984 and the Tariff Act of 1930 to increase the maximum reward (to be paid from the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund or the Customs Forfeiture Fund) for information on controlled substances offenses.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1988
Commercial Space Launch Act Amendments of 1988 - Amends the Commercial Space Launch Act to direct the Secretary of Transportation, in facilitating and encouraging private sector acquisition of U.S. surplus launch property, to take into account the availability of comparable property under reasonable terms from domestic non-Government sources. Revises insurance requirements for persons licensed to provide launch services. Allows such persons, as an alternative to obtaining liability insurance, to demonstrate financial responsibility sufficient to compensate third-party claims arising from death, bodily injury, or loss of or damage to property resulting from licensed activities. Limits this requirement to the lesser of $500,000,000 or the maximum liability insurance available on the world market at a reasonable cost. Sets out corresponding requirements, but at a maximum of $100,000,000, with respect to claims by the United States for loss of or damage to U.S. property. Requires licensees to enter into reciprocal waivers with contractors, subcontractors, and customers involved in launch services, under which each party agrees to be responsible for its own damage and employee injuries. Requires the Secretary to enter into comparable waiver agreements with the same parties, as well as with licensees. Applies these waivers only to the extent claims exceed required insurance coverage. Directs the Secretary to review insurance liability coverage requirements within three years of this Act's enactment and to submit to the Congress a proposed adjustment to conform with altered liability expectations and the worldwide availability of insurance. Mandates the same procedure on an annual basis thereafter. Requires the Secretary to provide for the payment of successful third-party claims against parties subject to this Act to the extent such claims are not compensated by insurance, including self-insurance. Exempts licensees associated with certain satellites under construction on August 15, 1986, from requirements related to liability insurance coverage for claims by the United States. Directs the Secretary to ensure that launches of satellites having a launch date commitment are not preempted from access to launch sites except in cases of imperative national need, to be determined by the Secretary of the Air Force or the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Prohibits delegation of this determination and directs the determining party to submit to the Congress, within seven days of the determination, a full explanation, as well as a schedule for ensuring prompt launching of the preempted satellite. Directs the Secretary to study the process for scheduling launches and to report results to the Congress. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the United States should explore ways and means of developing a dialogue with appropriate foreign governments to produce guidelines for access to launch services by satellite builders and users to assure reasonable and fair international competition in commercial space activities. Directs the Administrator of NASA to report to the Congress on a program to support research into launch systems component technologies to develop higher performance and lower costs for commercial and Government launches.
United States · United States Congress · 14 April 1988
Designates September 15, 1988, as National Drug Abuse Resistance Education Day.
United States · United States Congress · 31 March 1988
National Biological Diversity Conservation and Environmental Research Act - States that the conservation of biological diversity is a national priority. Requires Federal actions to be consistent with such goal. Amends the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 to require that environmental impact statements on proposed Federal actions include any impacts on biological diversity. Directs the President's Council on Environmental Quality to: (1) establish guidelines for consideration of biological diversity in the preparation of environmental impact statements; and (2) identify those biotic communities, species, and populations that appear to be in decline, in imminent danger of loss of viability, or otherwise of special concern. Establishes a National Center for Biological Diversity and Environmental Research (Center) responsible for: (1) coordinating the collection of data pertaining to the national biota and supplementing and disseminating such information; (2) arranging and conducting surveys and supplementary research of the national biota; and (3) enhancing the application of biological data to the conservation of biological diversity. Requires the Center to report annually to the President and the Congress regarding its activities. Establishes an Interagency Working Committee on Biological Diversity responsible for preparing and implementing a coordinated Federal strategy for conservation of biological diversity. Sets forth the required contents of such strategy which must be completed within two years of this Act's enactment. Sets forth reporting requirements. Authorizes each agency represented on the Interagency Committee to provide grants to public agencies, private individuals, and organizations for projects to maintain or restore biological diversity. Requires that such grants be matched on at least an equal basis by the grantee, except when the grantee is a State. Directs each agency, other than the Council on Environmental Quality, represented on the Interagency Committee to: (1) give high priority to research and personnel training directed towards implementation of the Strategy; and (2) assess the adequacy of its environmental research and training programs. Establishes, on a permanent basis, a National Scientific Advisory Committee on Biological Diversity which shall: (1) advise the Interagency Committee in the preparation of the Strategy; (2) assist in the coordination of interaction between the Interagency Committee and the Center; (3) assist in the evaluation of the impacts of proposed Federal activities on biological diversity; (4) review Federal progress toward implementing the Strategy; and (5) serve as a general reference and advisory resource for the Nation in matters relating to conservation of biological diversity. Authorizes appropriations for the activities of the Center and the grant program for FY 1989 through 1991.
United States · United States Congress · 31 March 1988
Designates May 1988 as Take Pride in America Month.
United States · United States Congress · 30 March 1988
Federal Law Enforcement Officers Death Penalty Act of 1988 - Amends the Federal criminal code to subject any person who is found guilty of the first degree murder of a Federal law enforcement officer, or certain other Federal officials or employees, to the penalty of death. Establishes procedures for the imposition of the death penalty in such cases. Provides that no person who was less than 18 years of age may be sentenced to death. Sets forth mitigating and aggravating factors to be considered by the jury in determining whether the death sentence will be imposed. Requires the Government to serve notice upon the defendant a reasonable time before trial or acceptance of a plea that it intends to seek the death penalty, as well as notice of the aggravating factors upon which it will rely. Provides that no presentence report shall be prepared in such cases. Requires a separate sentencing hearing before a jury or the court (upon motion by the defendant) when the defendant is convicted and the Government has filed notice that it intends to seek the death penalty. Allows the Government and the defendant to present any information relevant to a mitigating or aggravating factor without regard to the rules of evidence, but permits information to be excluded where its probative value is substantially outweighed by the danger of creating unfair prejudice, confusing the issues, or misleading the jury. Conditions imposition of the death penalty on a unanimous finding by the jury or, if there is no jury, the court, that: (1) the aggravating factors found to exist sufficiently outweigh any mitigating factor found to exist; or (2) in the absence of a mitigating factor, the aggravating factors alone are sufficient to justify a sentence of death. Requires the court to instruct the jury not to consider the race, color, national origin, creed, or sex of the defendant in its consideration of the death sentence. Directs the court to impose the death sentence upon a finding that such sentence is justified. Establishes procedures for appeal from a death sentence. Requires the court of appeals, upon consideration of the record and the information and procedures of the sentencing hearing, and any special finding, to affirm the decision if: (1) the sentence was not imposed under influence of passion, prejudice, or arbitrariness; and (2) the information supports the special finding of the existence of an aggravating factor. Requires the court to provide a written explanation of its determination. Establishes procedures for the implementation of the death sentence.