United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1989
Low Cholesterol Consumer Education Act - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish and publish in proposed form standards regarding dietary fat and cholesterol. Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to set forth labeling requirements with regard to foods which: (1) have a label which includes a statement about vegetable oil or cholesterol content; or (2) contain a vegetable oil.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1989
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the excise tax on cigarettes from: (1) $8 to $20.50 per thousand for small cigarettes; and (2) $16.80 to $43.05 per thousand for large ones.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1989
Research and Experimental Credit Extension and Reform Act of 1989 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the income tax credit for qualified research expenditures by repealing the provisions that would terminate the credit for expenses incurred or paid after 1989. Revises the method for computing: (1) base period research expenses, adding a factor reflecting the gross national product growth rate; and (2) the tax credit, adding an alternative computation component. Applies the credit to in-house research expenses that the taxpayer pays or incurs for the principal purpose of using the research results in the active conduct of a future trade or business.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1989
Martin Luther King, Jr., Federal Holiday Commission Extension Act - Makes permanent the Martin Luther King, Jr. Federal Holiday Commission. (Current law terminates the Commission on April 20, 1989.) Makes the term of Commission members one year, except for Coretta Scott King (life term) and members of the family surviving Martin Luther King, Jr. (at the discretion of the family). Amends existing requirements to make the Commission's report on its activities reflect the most recent observance of the holiday. Replaces provisions requiring all expenditures of the Commission to be from donated funds with provisions authorizing appropriations for each fiscal year. Makes payment of expenses for Commission members and staff salary subject to the availability of funds.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1989
Amends the National Labor Relations Act to make it an unfair labor practice for an employer to hire, or threaten to hire, permanent replacement workers during the first ten weeks of any strike (or to enter into agreements for such purposes).
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1989
Eliminates post-1968 service in the National Guard as a prerequisite to civil service retirement credit for former National Guard technicians. Amends the National Guard Technicians Act of 1968 to eliminate post-1968 service as a prerequisite for National Guard technicians for receipt of credit in the determination of length of Federal civil service for purposes of leave, Federal employees' death and disability compensation, group life and health insurance, severance pay, tenure, and status. Sets forth rules for applying provisions of this Act to affected individuals.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1989
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the number of refugees admitted into the United States and the related resettlement program appropriations should be increased; and (2) the Department of Justice should reestablish the presumption that Jews and other religious minorities emigrating from the Soviet Union qualify for refugee admission status.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1989
Cable Rate Disclosure Act of 1989 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require each cable television operator to submit to the Federal Communications Commission a report describing its services and rates. Requires subsequent reports, to be made available for public inspection, whenever the operator implements a change in rates or services. Directs the FCC to use these reports to publish a monthly statistical summary that includes national, regional, and State average rates for various services.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1989
Eliminates the deposit requirement for certain survivor benefits under the civil service retirement systems. Directs the Comptroller General to report to the Congress on ways to maintain the long-term value of survivor benefits under such systems.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1989
Amends the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 to reduce from 250 to 25 tons the maximum number of tons of coal that may be removed without specific regulatory approval. Establishes criminal penalties (including fines, imprisonment, and forfeiture) for surface coal mining operations conducted without a permit.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1989
Expresses disapproval of the refusal of the U.S.S.R. to recognize the sovereignty of the Baltic Republics. Designates June 14, 1989, as Baltic Freedom Day. Authorizes and requests the President to call upon the Soviet Union, the Federal Republic of Germany, and the Democratic Republic of Germany to renounce the acquisition or absorption of the Baltic Republics by the Soviet Union as a result of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1989
Designates September 15, 1989, as National POW/MIA Recognition Day. Recognizes the National League of Families POW/MIA flag as the official symbol of the United States' commitment to resolving the fates of Americans still prisoner or missing in action in Southeast Asia.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1989
Illegal Dumping Prevention Act of 1989 - Amends the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972 to authorize the seizure and forfeiture of vessels illegally dumping wastes into ocean waters.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1989
Immigration Exclusion and Deportation Amendments of 1989 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to make only the following classes of aliens ineligible to receive visas for admission into the United States: (1) any alien with a communicable disease of public health significance; (2) any alien with a record of recent physical or mental disorder that poses a threat to property or safety; (3) any alien with a drug addiction; (4) any alien convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude, with specified exceptions; (5) any alien convicted of specified drug violations or involved in drug trafficking; (6) any alien who has engaged in prostitution, or procurement of prostitutes, within ten years of the date of application for U.S. entry; (7) any alien likely to be a security risk; (8) any alien who has engaged in terrorist activity or likely to engage in such activity; (9) any alien whose entry would endanger the lives or property of U.S. citizens living abroad; (10) any alien whose entry would convey the impression of U.S. support for a government or group that the United States does not recognize or support, or whose entry would have a serious negative effect on U.S. diplomatic relations; (11) any alien who participated in Nazi persecutions; (12) any alien who is likely to become a public charge, with admission on bond at the discretion of the Attorney General; (13) any alien seeking to enter the United States for the purpose of performing skilled or unskilled labor, with specified exceptions (teaching, postgraduate research, and science or arts), or in situations of insufficient U.S. workers; (14) any alien who is a graduate of a medical school not accredited by a body approved for such purpose by the Secretary of Education, with certain exceptions; (15) any excluded or deported alien who seeks readmission within five years of the event, unless such readmission is consented to by the Attorney General; (16) any alien seeking to enter the United States by fraud or the willful misrepresentation of a material fact; (17) any stowaway alien; (18) any alien who aids any other alien in illegal entry; (19) any immigrant not in possession of a valid immigrant visa and passport at the time of admission; (20) any nonimmigrant without a valid passport authorizing the alien to return to the country from which he or she came or without a valid nonimmigrant visa or border crossing card (provides for a Guam visa waiver for up to 15-day pleasure or business entries); and (21) any alien ineligible for U.S. citizenship, including a person who left or remained outside the United States to avoid U.S. military service in time of war or national emergency. Repeals the ideological grounds for exclusion. Directs the Attorney General and the Secretary of State to jointly develop guidelines for the review of exclusion lists and other mechanisms used to screen alien visa applicants. Requires the Attorney General and the Secretary to report jointly to the appropriate committees regarding the development of such guidelines (within one year) and the results of the review of such alien lists (within two years). Makes deportable by the Attorney General only those aliens within one of the following classes: (1) any alien who at the time of entry was within one or more of the classes of aliens excludable by then existing law; (2) any alien entering the United States without inspection or at a time and place other than as designated by the Attorney General; (3) any alien admitted as a nonimmigrant who has failed to maintain such status; (4) any alien admitted as a temporary agricultural worker (H-2A visa) whose status has been terminated (with family hardship exceptions); (5) any alien who within five years of entry knowingly and for gain has aided another alien to illegally enter the United States; (6) any alien admitted as an additional special agricultural worker who fails to show the necessary number of seasonal work days; (7) any alien who gained U.S. entry through marriage fraud; (8) any alien convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude committed within five years from the date of entry and who is either sentenced or confined for a term of one year or longer; (9) any alien who at any time after entry is convicted of two or more crimes involving moral turpitude; (10) any alien who at any time after entry is convicted of a violation of certain drug laws; (11) any alien who is a drug abuser or addict; (12) any alien who at any time after entry is convicted under weapons-possession laws; (13) any alien who at any time is convicted on any of various specified loyalty laws (e.g. sabotage, treason and sedition, selective service, etc.); (14) any alien who fails to comply with alien registration laws or foreign agent registration laws; (15) any alien convicted of fraud or misuse of visas or other entry documents; (16) any alien engaging in activity which endangers the public safety or national security, including terrorist activity; (17) any alien who within five years after entry has become a public charge; (18) any alien who participated in Nazi persecutions; (19) any alien whose presence could endanger the lives or property of U.S. citizens living abroad; or (20) any alien whose presence could convey the impression of U.S. support for a government or group that the United States does not recognize or support, or whose presence could have a serious negative effect on U.S. diplomatic relations.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1989
Designates April 16, 1989, the 87th birthday of Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, as Education Day, U.S.A. Calls on heads of state of the world to join the President of the United States in this tribute by signing scrolls of honor commemorating the 40th anniversary of Schneerson's leadership of the Lubavitch movement. Welcomes the cooperation of the Department of State in extending the good office of the U.S. missions to the Lubavitcher emissaries.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1989
Requires the Architect of the Capitol to establish and implement a voluntary program for recycling paper disposed of in the operation of the House of Representatives.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1989
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. Requires Federal agencies to conduct annual reviews of their programs for consistency with the conservation of biological diversity pursuant to this Act and to report the results of such reviews to the President, the Council on Environmental Quality, and the Congress. Sets forth requirements for programs found to be inconsistent with this Act. 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. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to review and comment on the adequacy of each environmental impact statement prepared under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 in assessing biological diversity impacts. Establishes a National Center for Biological Diversity and Conservation 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. Establishes an Interagency Working Committee on Biological Diversity responsible for preparing a coordinated Federal strategy (Strategy) for conservation of biological diversity. Dissolves the Committee two years after this Act's enactment. Sets forth the required contents of such strategy and 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 or where the grant is provided for research. Directs each agency 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) oversee the implementation of the Strategy; (2) advise the Interagency Committee and Federal agencies in the preparation and implementation of the Strategy; (3) assist in the coordination of interaction between Interagency Committee agencies and the Center; (4) assist in the evaluation of the impacts of proposed Federal activities on biological diversity; (5) assist in the review of Federal programs for consistency with the conservation of biological diversity and the adequacy of such programs in environmental research and training; and (6) 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 1990 through 1992.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1989
Lower Income Housing Fair Rent Act of 1988 - Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to exclude from the definition of income for purposes of rent and assistance payments all income earned by family members except the income of the two highest-earning family members.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1989
Caribbean Regional Development Act of 1989 - Declares it to be the policy of the United States in providing development and other economic assistance to the Caribbean to: (1) help the poor to participate in the development of their societies; (2) support development that is environmentally sustainable; (3) promote Caribbean self-reliance; (4) increase food security; (5) promote the diversification of industrial and agricultural production; (6) advance the process of regional economic integration; (7) support national programs of economic adjustment that promote the policies of this Act; (8) support employment generation while avoiding the displacement of traditional lines of small-scale production; (9) preserve and reinforce traditional Caribbean culture and social values; (10) consult with the intended beneficiaries of U.S. economic assistance; and (11) sustain the policies set forth in this Act, with adequate funding, for a minimum of ten years. Requires that priority in providing development assistance to the Caribbean shall be given to supporting indigenous Caribbean institutions (including farmers' unions, cooperatives, trade unions and other labor organizations, women's groups, and community organizations) that represent, work with, and benefit the poor. States that for purposes of determining the eligibility of any Caribbean country for development assistance, the per capita income of that country shall be deemed to be no greater than the per capita income for the Caribbean as a whole. Specifies that Economic Support Fund assistance (ESF) shall be used for assistance for those nations in the Caribbean that are experiencing a scarcity of foreign exchange. Provides that to the extent that such assistance is used to finance commodity imports, priority in the use of such assistance shall be given to the purchase of: (1) critical commodity imports by small- and medium-sized industries, farms, and cooperatives that have limited access to foreign exchange; and (2) key consumer goods in critically short supply. Provides that preference in the purchase of commodity imports purchased with ESF funds or with local currencies shall be given to commodities within the Caribbean region. Specifies that in providing assistance to the Caribbean area priority in the allocation of funds provided for development assistance and through the ESF and in the allocation of local currencies shall be given to: (1) food self-sufficiency; (2) integrated rural development; (3) community-based agro-industries; (4) financial resources for small- and medium-sized farm and manufacturing enterprises; (5) expansion of tourism; (6) regional integration; (7) upgrading technical and managerial skills; (8) enhancing the natural resource base; and (9) private sector development. Prohibits the provision of any assistance under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (except for international narcotics control assistance) for: (1) any government of any country in the Caribbean that does not enforce internationally recognized worker rights; and (2) a Caribbean country if the provision of that assistance would be inconsistent with promoting respect for international recognized worker rights. Authorizes such assistance if that government is taking steps to implement laws that demonstrate significant advancement in providing internationally recognized worker rights throughout the country. Authorizes any person to file a petition with the Assistant Secretary of State for Human Rights and Humanitarian Affairs requesting that such assistance be terminated. Sets forth procedures for the Assistant Secretary to follow in making a determination of such request. Prohibits the Agency for International Development (AID) from providing any assistance, directly or indirectly, for the use of any chemical or other substance in the Caribbean if such use; (1) is not permitted under the public health laws of that nation; or (2) would not be permitted in the United States under U.S. public health laws. Specifies that in the provision of development assistance to the Caribbean, AID shall place emphasis on ensuring the active participation of Caribbean women in the development process. Requires AID to: (1) consult with Caribbean organizations that work with the poor in all stages of the design and implementation of assistance policies; and (2) monitor socioeconomic conditions in the Caribbean and the effect of economic assistance programs and policies on those conditions. Requires the Office of Technology Assessment to conduct an evaluation of and report to the Congress on the performance of AID in carrying out this Act. Requires the Administrator of AID to report annually to the Congress concerning AID's efforts to implement the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1989
Condemns the death threats issued by the Ayatollah Khomeini against Salman Rushdie and other persons associated with distribution of The Satanic Verses . Calls for repudiation of such threats and the immediate withdrawal of any monetary reward or martyrdom for the murder of Rushdie. Commends the European Community member States for condemning the threats and withdrawing their senior diplomats from Iran. Applauds President Bush for his statement of outrage against the Iranian Government's actions. Asks that the President direct Federal agencies to cooperate with State and local law enforcement authorities to protect commercial establishments that display and distribute The Satanic Verses .
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1989
Housing and Community Development Act of 1989 - Title I: National Housing Trust - National Housing Trust Act - Establishes the National Housing Trust in the Department of Housing and Urban Development to assist first-time homebuyers. Establishes in the Treasury the National Housing Trust Fund. Authorizes FY 1990 and 1991 appropriations. Title II: Rental Housing Production - Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1987 to make the rental development grant program permanent. Authorizes FY 1990 and 1991 appropriations. Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to: (1) eliminate area eligibility standards; and (2) revise project selection criteria. Title III: Community Housing Partnership Act - Community Housing Partnership Act - Subtitle A: Housing Education and Organizational Support Grants for Community Based Housing Projects - Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to provide housing education and organizational support grants directly to nonprofit organizations or indirectly to States and cities to assist such organizations. Authorizes FY 1990 and 1991 appropriations. Subtitle B: Community Housing and Partnership Grants - Authorizes the Secretary to provide community partnership grants directly to nonprofit organizations or indirectly to States and cities to assist such organizations. Divides appropriations among: (1) urban community housing partnership grants; (2) State community housing partnership grants; and (3) direct community housing partnership grants. Sets forth the following eligible activities: (1) technical assistance and site control loans; (2) seed-money loans; (3) matching grants or loans; and (4) technical and management assistance for nonprofit sponsors. Sets forth rental project and home ownership eligibility provisions, including: (1) occupancy by lower income families; (2) profit limitations; (3) funding coordination; and (4) affirmative action requirements. Authorizes FY 1990 and 1991 appropriations. Subtitle C: General Provisions - Defines specified terms for purposes of this Act. Title IV: Reauthorizations and Extensions of Housing and Community Development Programs - Subtitle A: Housing Assistance - Part I: Programs Under United States Housing Act of 1937 - Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to increase FY 1990 and 1991 lower income housing budget authority. Authorizes FY 1990 and 1991 appropriations for public housing operating subsidies. Authorizes the use of funds in FY 1990 and 1991 for public housing resident management technical assistance and training. Amends the Housing and Urban-Rural Recovery Act of 1983 to authorize FY 1990 and 1991 appropriations for public housing child care grants. Applies the provisions of this part relating to public housing to Indian housing authorities. Part 2: Other Housing Assistance Programs - Amends the Housing Act of 1959 to authorize FY 1990 and 1991 appropriations for housing for the elderly and the handicapped. Makes specified funds available in FY 1990 and 1991 for housing and services for frail elderly persons (as defined by this Act). Amends the Congregate Housing Services Act of 1978 to authorize FY 1990 and 1991 appropriations for congregate services. Amends the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968 to authorize FY 1990 and 1991 appropriations for housing counseling. Extends and authorizes appropriations through FY 1991 for emergency home ownership counseling. Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1987 to extend the multifamily housing disposition partnership program through FY 1991. Extends and authorizes appropriations through FY 1991 for the Nehemiah housing opportunity grant program. Subtitle B: Rural Housing - Amends the Housing Act of 1949 to extend and authorize appropriations through FY 1991 for the rural housing loan and loan guarantee program. Extends program authority through FY 1991 for: (1) rental assistance payment contracts; (2) supplemental rental assistance contracts; (3) rental housing loans; (4) mutual and self-help housing grants and loans; and (5) rural area classification. Authorizes a deferred mortgage demonstration program. Subtitle C: Community Development and Miscellaneous Programs - Part I: Community and Neighborhood Development and Preservation - Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to: (1) authorize FY 1990 and 1991 appropriations for the community development block grant program; (2) set aside funds for FY 1990 and 1991 for the special discretionary fund; (3) authorize FY 1990 and 1991 property acquisition loan guarantees; and (4) authorize FY 1990 and 1991 appropriations for the urban homesteading program. Amends the Housing Act of 1964 to extend and authorize appropriations through FY 1991 for the rehabilitation loan program. Amends the Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation Act to authorize FY 1990 and 1991 appropriations for the Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation. Amends the Housing and Urban-Rural Recovery Act of 1983 to authorize FY 1990 and 1991 appropriations for the neighborhood development demonstration program. Authorizes Hartford, Connecticut, and Nanticoke and the boroughs of Plymouth and Forty Fort, in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, to retain and use specified urban renewal land disposition proceeds and other community development funds. Part 2: Mortgage Insurance and Secondary Mortgage Market Programs - Amends the National Housing Act to extend authority through FY 1991 for the homeownership for lower income families program, including mortgage insurance authority and housing stimulus authority. Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1987 to authorize Federal Housing Administration mortgage insurance authority through FY 1991. Amends the Federal National Mortgage Association Charter Act to authorize Government National Mortgage Association (GNMA) loan guarantee authority through FY 1991. Part 3: Regulatory and Other Programs - Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1987 to extend and authorize appropriations through FY 1991 for the fair housing initiatives program. Amends the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1970 to authorize FY 1990 and 1991 appropriations for housing research and development. Amends the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act of 1974 to provide for mortgage servicing transfer disclosure. Sets forth related penalty provisions. Requires the General Accounting Office to conduct a study of mortgage transfer activities and report to the appropriate congressional committees. Title V: Homeless Prevention - Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to: (1) obligate FY 1990 funds for section 8 programs; and (2) authorize FY 1990 and 1991 appropriations for the homeless. Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1987 to extend authority for the emergency low-income preservation program, including incentives to extend low-income use. Provides for the preservation of low-income affordability restrictions upon assistance program conversions under such Act. Amends the Housing Act of 1949 to prohibit the prepayment of rural housing loans on contracts entered into after the enactment of this Act. Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to authorize additional FY 1990 and 1991 appropriations for conversions of in rem properties to permanent shelters for the homeless.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1989
Fairness for Adopting Families Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit an individual income tax deduction for qualified adoption expenses. Includes as deductible all reasonable and necessary expenses that do not violate a Federal or State law and that are directly related to a legal adoption of any child if the adoption has been arranged by a State, local, or other nonprofit agency, or through a private placement. Excludes the deduction from the two percent floor on miscellaneous itemized deductions. Excludes from an employee's gross income any amounts paid on behalf of the employee by an employer pursuant to a qualified adoption assistance program. Limits both the deduction and the exclusion to $5,000 ($7,000 in the case of an international adoption). Reduces the amount when the taxpayer's income exceeds $60,000. Permits an employer to treat an adoption assistance program as a statutory employee benefit plan, thus making the employer's contributions to such a program tax deductible as business expenses.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1989
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through 1992 the period during which qualified mortgage bonds and mortgage credit certificates may be issued. (Under current law, authority for these programs is due to expire as of 1990.)
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1989
Older Americans Alternative Care Act of 1989 - Title I: Medicare Amendments - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to include periodic chore and respite care services as home health services. Permits home health services to be provided in an adult day care center. Title II: Senior Companion Program - Amends the Domestic Volunteer Service Act to authorize the Director of the Action Agency to make grants or contracts under the National Older Americans Volunteer Program to establish senior companion programs. Authorizes increased appropriations for such programs through FY 1991. Title III: Income Tax Credit for Maintaining Households Which Include Dependents Who Have Attained Age 65 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to authorize an income tax credit for an individual who maintains in his or her home a household for a dependent over age 65.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1989
Commends: (1) Secretary of State Baker's February 8, 1989, statement for focusing world attention upon the humanitarian disaster in Sudan and the urgent need for a ceasefire and peace accord; and (2) the relief activities of the International Committee of the Red Cross, the Agency for International Development, the Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance, and various American, international, and private and voluntary agencies. Deplores the use of food as a weapon by the Government of Sudan and by the Sudanese People's Liberation Army (SPLA) and calls upon each to permit the safe passage of food and emergency relief supplies to civilians in affected areas. Urges the President and Secretary of State to: (1) provide international leadership in pressing for national reconciliation and an end to widespread starvation in Sudan; (2) reassess U.S.-Sudanese relations and U.S. assistance unless the Government of Sudan makes progress in facilitating increased relief to displaced populations and in negotiations for a peace accord; and (3) impress upon the SPLA its responsibility to permit the flow of international relief to civilians and to negotiate with the Government of Sudan for a national peace accord.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1989
Amends the Water Resources Research Act of 1984 to reauthorize the grant program for water resources research and technology institutes on a dollar-for-dollar matching basis for FY 1989 through 1993. Requires that such funds be used only for the reimbursement of direct cost expenditures incurred for the conduct of the water resources research program. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to conduct an evaluation of each institute every five years to determine if it qualifies for further support. (Currently the Secretary must make such determination every four years.) Extends the authorization of appropriations for the grant program from FY 1989 through 1993. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1989 through 1993 only for the reimbursement of the direct cost expenses of additional research by institutes which focus on water problems and issues of a regional or interstate nature beyond those of concern only to a single State and which relates to specific program priorities identified jointly by the Secretary and the institutes. Requires such funds when appropriated to be matched on a not less than dollar-for-dollar basis by non-Federal sources. Extends the authorization of appropriations from FY 1989 through 1993 for the matching grant research program concerning any aspect of a water resource-related problem which the Secretary deems to be in the national interest. Authorizes appropriations to extend the technology grant program from FY 1989 through 1993. Requires rules and regulations issued prior to the date of enactment of the Water Resources Research Act of 1984 to remain in effect until superseded by new rules and regulations promulgated under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1989
Price-Anderson Financial Accountability Amendments of 1989 - Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to authorize the Attorney General to initiate legal suit to recover indemnification payments made by the Federal Government to a contractor for public liability resulting from the contractor's (or subcontractor's or supplier's) gross negligence or willful misconduct. Precludes the Department of Energy from reimbursing such contractor. Denies such contractor eligibility to receive any Federal contract for a five-year period beginning on the date the recovery is awarded. Requires the Secretary of Energy to: (1) define by rule the term "total contract price"; and (2) renegotiate indemnification agreements upon contractor request during a specified period.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1989
Condemns the death sentence issued against British author Salman Rushdie by the Ayatollah Khomeini. Calls for its immediate repudiation and the immediate withdrawal of any reward of money and martyrdom for the murder of Mr. Rushdie.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1989
Global Warming Prevention Act of 1989 - Establishes as national goals: (1) that the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere be reduced from 1988 levels by at least 20 percent by the year 2000 through a mix of Federal and State energy policies; and (2) the establishment of an International Global Agreement on the Atmosphere by 1992. Requires the Secretary of Energy (the Secretary) and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to report to the Congress within two years regarding whether a higher level of carbon dioxide emissions reduction is desirable after 2000, together with any necessary policy actions and their costs and benefits. Title I: National Least-Cost Energy Plan - Requires the Secretary to prepare for the President, and transmit to the Congress, a new National Least-Cost Energy Plan in lieu of other authorized national energy plans. Directs the Secretary to implement such plan immediately. Outlines a program for public involvement in the formulation of the Plan. Directs the Secretary to establish an intervenor funding mechanism based upon certain State models. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1990 through 1992. Requires designated Secretaries to prepare reports for inclusion in the Plan with respect to: (1) all government subsidies for energy-related expenditures; (2) waste reduction options and recycling; (3) tree plantings to offset carbon dioxide emissions; and (4) transportation modes to reduce carbon-dioxide emissions. Amends the Department of Energy Organization Act to repeal the National Energy Policy Plan. Title II: Energy Efficiency - Part A: Energy Efficiency Policy - Directs the Secretary to grant the highest priority to energy efficiency improvements in: (1) energy-consuming devices; (2) federally owned and leased buildings and equipment; (3) federally assisted housing; and (4) the Federal vehicle fleet. Mandates that the President's budget request for FY 1991 through 1994 include recommendations for the increased efficiency of energy-consuming devices. Directs the Secretary to establish an Energy Research Advisory Board Panel on end-use energy technologies. Requires the Panel to report annually to the Energy Research Advisory Board on its assessment of promising energy efficiency research and development opportunities and policies. Requires the Secretary to submit to the Congress: (1) a long-term research and development plan that accelerates by five years the current Department of Energy multiyear program goals for energy efficiency; and (2) an estimate of the funding increase needed to achieve such accelerated goals. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1991 through 1993. Directs the National Institute of Standards and Technology to provide financial assistance in consultation to ten research centers to achieve multiple improvements in energy-intensive industrial and manufacturing processes. Sets forth an operations timetable for such centers. Authorizes appropriations for such centers for FY 1991 through 1993. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish energy efficiency goals resulting in specified primary energy savings for federally owned or leased buildings, as well as federally assisted housing; and (2) include the use of renewable forms of energy within the energy efficiency options for such buildings. Authorizes appropriations for such program for FY 1990 through 1992. Requires the Secretaries of Energy and the Department of Housing and Urban Development to convene a meeting of housing industry members to select a not-for-profit organization to administer a uniform nationwide home energy rating system. Mandates that such organization contract with the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory Center for Building Sciences by a certain deadline. Authorizes appropriations for such organization for FY 1990 through 1993. Mandates that certain institutions which offer federally assisted home mortgage loans take measures to encourage cost-effective energy efficiency improvements based upon a home energy audit and rating scheme. Directs the Secretary to promulgate energy efficiency standards for incandescent and fluorescent lamps and windows. Requires the Secretary to: (1) implement a research, development, and demonstration program on technologies to reduce chlorofluorocarbon use; (2) expand the Department of Energy's existing technology transfer initiative on least-cost electric utility planning; and (3) implement a least-cost gas utility initiative. Requires the Secretary of Transportation to: (1) establish an evaluation program regarding car-pooling arrangements and high-occupancy vehicle lanes; and (2) report to the Congress on nonmotorized transportation alternatives, as well as a fuel-savings mass transportation assistance program for State and local governments. Requires such Secretary to report to the Congress on the use of Highway Trust Fund moneys for non-motorized transportation alternatives and for carbon-dioxide emissions reductions. Directs the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to: (1) take certain prescribed actions to ensure the adoption of least-cost utility planning principles; and (2) detail for the Congress any amendments to the Federal Power Act which are necessary for the Commission to adopt such planning principles. Requires the Secretary of Energy to report to the Congress on the results of a national power survey emphasizing policies and technologies within the electric utility industry which are designed to diminish global warming. Amends the National Energy Conservation Policy Act to repeal the prohibition against the supply or installation by a public utility of a residential energy conservation measure for residential customers. Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to direct the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to prescribe within one year after the date of enactment of this Act rules encouraging the achievement of qualifying efficiency. Mandates that such rules: (1) require that electric utilities offer to purchase qualifying conservation from qualifying cogeneration or small power production facilities; and (2) provide for the verification of conservation achievement. Prescribes rate guidelines for such electric utilities purchases. Establishes Federal standards for least cost supply measures, and requires State regulatory authorities and nonregulated gas and electric utilities to implement such standards. Title III: State Energy Conservation Program - Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to mandate that each State energy conservation plan which receives Federal assistance contain a goal to reduce by ten percent or more the total amount of energy consumed in such State in the year 2000 from the projected energy consumption for such year as of October 1, 1990. Adds to Federal assistance eligibility prerequisites for proposed State energy conservation plans, including an emergency planning program for energy supply disruption. Cites optional State energy conservation programs. Repeals the mandate for supplemental State energy conservation plans. Authorizes appropriations for energy conservation programs (including those for schools and hospitals) for FY 1990 through 1992. Establishes a State Energy Advisory Board to: (1) review and advise on the programs under this Act; (2) serve as liaison between the States and the Department of Energy on energy efficiency; and (3) report annually to the Secretary and the Congress on its activities. Authorizes the use of loan programs and performance contracting for the non-Federal share of energy conservation project costs under the grant program. Amends the Energy Conservation and Production Act to cite conditions under which the Secretary may approve a State application for a waiver of: (1) the requirement that at least 40 percent of Federal weatherization assistance be used for weatherization materials; and (2) the limitations placed upon expenditures per dwelling unit for weatherization measures. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1991 through 1992 for a weatherization research and technical assistance program which shall include the monitoring of indoor air quality in low-income homes. Title IV: Vehicle Energy Efficiency Improvements - Vehicle Energy Efficiency Performance Standards Act of 1989 - Amends the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act to increase the average fuel economy standards for passenger automobiles and light duty trucks for model year 1992 and thereafter according to prescribed guidelines. Exempts manufacturers of fewer than 10,000 light trucks and emergency vehicles from such prescribed standards. Establishes an incentives schedule for manufacturers of passenger automobiles and light trucks. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to assess a tax against any manufacturer who fails to comply with the prescribed average fuel economy standards. Terminates the current civil penalty after model year 1989. Prescribes a fleet average fuel economy schedule for all Federal passenger automobiles and light trucks for model years 1992 and thereafter. Amends the Information and Cost Savings Act to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to consult with the Secretary of Energy before establishing testing and calculation procedures for measuring automobile fuel economy. Revises from mandatory to discretionary the Administrator's authority to require fuel economy tests in conjunction with emissions tests conducted under the Clean Air Act. Directs the Administrator to measure a sampling of production passenger automobiles for each model type and year during the first month of manufacture for sale. Directs the Administrator to review procedures periodically for testing fuel economy. Directs the Administrator to update the booklet containing fuel economy data at least twice a year. Directs the Secretary of Energy to distribute at least 100 booklets each year to each dealer and additional numbers if requested. Cites conditions under which manufacturers of light vehicles with certain increased fuel economies shall be considered to have offered the Government a specified discounted bid. Directs the Secretary, within two years of enactment of this Act, to submit suggestions to the Congress for additional legislation to carry out its purposes and the purposes of the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act. Directs the National Academy of Sciences to report to the Congress on the results of its review of the research and development status of the fuel efficiency and energy consumption reduction of light vehicles, trucks, and passenger vehicles. Directs the Secretary of Energy to make changes in the Department of Energy's transportation research and development program based upon such report. Outlines criteria and procedures for prescribing amended vehicle fuel economy standards. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to prescribe a gas guzzler tax schedule applicable to 1989 and later model year automobiles. Sets forth a tax credit schedule for the purchase of certain fuel efficient passenger vehicles. Title V: Solar and Renewable Resources - Requires the Secretary of Energy to report to the Congress regarding a long-term research, development and demonstration program with policy options necessary to achieve a quadrupling of renewable energy production and use by 2015. Requires the Secretary of Energy to work closely with specified Federal departments regarding the Federal Government's biofuels program, and to report to the Congress on the progress being made in the development of solar and renewable resources. Mandates that the President's budget requests for FY 1990 - FY 1993 include the Secretary of Energy's recommendations for civilian research and development budgets necessary to implement such long-term program. Directs the Secretary to establish an Energy Research Advisory Board Panel on Solar and Renewable Resources and Technologies which shall report annually to the Energy Research Advisory Board regarding the status of the solar and renewable resources program. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1991 through FY 1994 for such program. Mandates that the President's budget request for FY 1991 include the Secretary's recommendations for proof-of-concept or near-commercialization demonstration projects in specified categories. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish and provide financial assistance to a joint research and development venture to develop advanced district cooling technologies applicable in cities with high cooling loads; and (2) appoint members to an Advisory Committee on Advanced District Cooling Technology to assist in the implementation of such joint venture. Authorizes appropriations for such venture. Directs the Secretary of Energy to implement a research program regarding: (1) fuel cell use of methane gas generated from biomass forms; (2) technologies using renewable energy sources (such as wind and solar energy) to produce hydrogen for fuel cell use; and (3) fuel cell technology for electric power production as backup spinning reserve components to renewable power systems in rural and isolated areas. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to, and enter into contracts with, private research laboratories. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress regarding the fuel cell research program. Directs the Secretary to appoint members to an Advisory Committee on Energy Conservation and Renewable Energy Technology Exports to assist in the implementation of such program. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1991 through 1993. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to prepare Federal guidelines for use by cities and municipalities, specifying environmental and safety standards for the use of fuel cell technology. Requires the Secretary of Commerce to report to the Congress regarding the export market potential for integrated fuel cells systems with renewable power technologies. Requires such Secretary to report to the Congress on the activities of the Committee on Renewable Energy, Commerce, and Trade to promote exports of renewable energy technology. Requires each participating member of such Committee to report annually to the Congress on the Committee actions regarding renewable energy technology exports. Requires the Committee to establish a joint government-industry plan to promote the U.S. market share in international trade in renewable energy technologies, including the development of administrative guidelines for Federal export loan programs. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1991 through 1993. Directs the Committee to coordinate, contract with, and assist financially appropriate parties to build and demonstrate the commercial operation of a biomass gasified steam-injected gas turbine of up to 25 megawatts. Authorizes appropriations and requires a report to the Congress. Title VI: Solar Hydrogen Fuels - Directs the Secretary of Energy to prepare and submit to specified congressional committees a comprehensive five-year program management plan for a research and development program designed to permit the development of a domestic hydrogen fuel production capability within the shortest practicable time. Requires the Secretary to send the Congress annual plan descriptions including any necessary plan modifications. Directs the Secretary to establish such program within the Department of Energy. Gives priority to production techniques that use renewable energy sources as their primary energy sources. Directs the Secretary: (1) to conduct demonstrations to evaluate technical and nontechnical parameters to determine commercial applicability of hydrogen technology; and (2) to prepare a comprehensive large-scale hydrogen technology demonstration plan. Establishes a Hydrogen Technical Advisory Panel of the Energy Research Advisory Board to advise the Secretary on the conduct of the hydrogen program. Requires an annual report from the Panel to the Energy Research Advisory Board, which shall subsequently report to the Secretary. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1991 through 1995. Title VII: Natural Gas and Coal - Part A: Natural Gas - Directs the Secretary of Energy to enter into cooperative agreements with and provide financial assistance to appropriate parties to construct and demonstrate the commercial operation of ten intercooled steam-injected gas turbines for generating electricity. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1991 through 1994. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress on the implementation of this program. Directs the Secretary to enter into cooperative agreements with and to provide financial assistance to municipal governments to demonstrate the feasibility of using natural gas as a fuel for urban area mass transit. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1991 through 1993. Requires the Secretary to submit a feasibility report to the Congress within nine months after enactment of this Act pertaining to the use of natural gas in diesel-powered vehicles to facilitate compliance with emissions requirements. Part B: Coal - Requires the Secretary, within nine months, to provide the Congress with a comprehensive review of clean coal technologies to be developed in federally-funded projects under the Department of Energy's clean coal technology program. Directs the Secretary to establish and implement research and development technologies for preventing, reducing, recycling, or offsetting carbon-dioxide emissions from combusted coal. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress on the implementation of such technologies. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1990 through 1992. Title VIII: Forest and Agriculture Policies - Part A: Forest Policies - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture, in cooperation with the Secretary of the Interior, to report to the President and the Congress on the feasibility of a national forestation initiative. Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to require the Secretary of Agriculture to: (1) enter into contracts with ranch and farmland operators to place specified acreage of highly erodible cropland into the conservation reserve during certain crop years; and (2) report to the Congress regarding the potential for offsetting new carbon dioxide emissions through the use of tree plantations. Part B: Agricultural Policies - Mandates that specified Federal agencies conduct a joint study on critical linkages between agricultural production and global climate change. Directs specified Federal agencies to establish an interagency task force to ensure that all satellite and remote sensing information pertinent to agricultural needs and climate modeling are made available to the Department of Agriculture. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to use the "Low-Input Farming Systems Research and Education Program." Authorizes appropriations for FY 1991 through 1995. Part C: Integrated Farming Policies - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to consult with the agriculture community and sustainable agriculture advocates for the purpose of developing an integrated farming research, development, and demonstration program. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1991 through 1993. Directs the Secretary of Energy to establish a national farm ethanol program. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1991 through 1993. Part D: Urban Forestry Conservation Program - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to implement an urban forestry education and accelerated tree planting program for: (1) energy conservation; (2) carbon-dioxide emissions reduction; (3) improved urban air quality; and (4) general environmental benefits. Outlines demonstration projects financed with Federal matching funds. Directs the Secretary to support urban forestry projects at Department of Agriculture stations and at Land Grant Universities. Authorizes appropriations. Part E: Tongass Timber Reform Act - Amends the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act to repeal the ongoing appropriations for timber utilization in the Tongass National Forest, Alaska. Repeals the requirement for identifying lands unsuitable for timber production in such Forest. Repeals the reporting requirement on the adequacy of timber supply from Forest lands. Requires the biennial report on such Forest to include the impact of timber management on subsistence resources, wildlife, and fisheries habitats, biological diversity, the old growth rain forest ecosystem, and other specified items. Requires the southeast Alaska commercial fishing industry to be included for cooperation and consultation in a study of the Forest timber supply and demand. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to terminate specified long-term timber sale contracts, and to revise the Tongass National Forest Land Management Plan of 1979 in a manner that fully protects long-term environmental and recreational concerns. Requires such Secretary to report to certain congressional committees regarding the status of such Forest Plan revision schedule. Imposes a moratorium on timber sales and harvest until the Forest Plan is completely revised and ready for implementation. Title IX: Development Assistance - Directs the Secretary of State, in conjunction with the Administrator of the Agency for International Development and other specified officials, to report to the Congress on the status of forest resources in tropical countries, including a forest and agroforestry plan with goals for each tropical country. Requires: (1) the Administrator to ensure that all activities supported by U.S. bilateral foreign assistance are consistent with such plan; and (2) the Administrator to take into account each country's measure of success in meeting plan goals when allocating development assistance monies. Prescribes guidelines under which the Secretaries of State and of the Treasury and the President must promote multilateral tropical forestry programs, and report to the Congress regarding the progress made by each of the multilateral development banks, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Program, the United Nations Development Program, and the International Tropical Timber Organization. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to promulgate regulations within one year after enactment of this Act requiring wood and products containing imported wood to bear a label disclosing the scientific and common names of such wood and the countries of origin. Directs such Secretary to impose a tropical woods tax upon products containing specified woods. Requires such Secretary to promulgate regulations prohibiting the importation of wood and wood products containing wood from: (1) tropical forest countries that have not achieved the forest plan goals; (2) countries that import wood or products containing wood harvested in tropical countries that have not achieved forest plan goals; and (3) countries that permit transit of wood or products containing wood harvested in tropical countries that have not achieved forest plan goals. Requires the Secretary to report annually to the Congress on the status of import controls with respect to tropical forest countries that have not achieved the forest plan goals. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize the President to assist developing countries with research and development programs aimed at energy efficiency and energy transmission facilities. Prohibits assistance for large-scale production of energy. Prescribes guidelines under which the President is directed to provide support to aid-receiving countries with emphasis upon least-cost energy planning. Requires the President to report annually to the Congress regarding the bilateral energy program, including the progress made in reducing greenhouse gas emission. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to instruct the U.S. Executive Director of each multilateral development bank to: (1) vigorously promote the adoption by each bank of a least-cost energy planning program containing specified components; and (2) oppose, except in certain instances, financial or technical assistance to any borrowing country if a least-cost energy plan is not in place. Directs the Secretary of State to instruct the Ambassador to the United Nations to: (1) vigorously encourage the United Nations Development Program implementing energy conservation and efficiency programs for recipient countries; and (2) oppose the adoption of country programs for any country for which a least-cost energy planning program giving priority to energy conservation, end use energy efficiency, and renewable energy sources is not in place. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury and the Secretary of State to report annually to the Congress regarding the progress of the multilateral development banks and the United Nations Development Program in implementing energy conservation measures. Declares that it is the policy of the United States that its economic assistance programs to developing countries should encourage least-cost, sustainable transportation policies and practices based on a diverse mix of motorized and nonmotorized transport modes which minimize fuel needs and reduce carbon-dioxide emissions. Directs the Administrator of the Agency for International Development to: (1) implement a study of the Agency's transportation-related programs and of the multilateral development bank policies regarding their transportation-related lending practices to recipient countries; and (2) redirect part of the Agency's resources to provide nonmotorized low-cost vehicles that can be sustained in the long term. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to instruct the U.S. Executive Director of each multilateral development bank to increase the emphasis on nonmotorized, low-cost and energy efficient alternatives to private motor vehicles. Directs the Peace Corps to encourage the use of nonmotorized transport technologies in the projects it undertakes. Specifies non-motorized transportation policies to be promoted by the U.S. Government in implementing its development assistance programs. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to modify the loan terms on up to one-half of the sovereign debt owed the United States by developing countries as a condition of adopting forest and energy conservation programs. Directs the Secretary to promulgate regulations implementing such environmental conservation and debt reduction program within one year after the enactment of this Act. Directs the Administrator of the Agency for International Development to report biennially to the Congress regarding the status of energy conservation and efficiency for each country receiving Federal development assistance monies. Requires the Administrator of the Agency for International Development to report to the Congress regarding the options and strategies for the use of bilateral and multilateral development assistance programs sponsored by the United States to control emissions of certain greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Title X: International Activities - Directs the Secretary of State to convene an international meeting in the United States by the end of 1992 to adopt a global climate protection agreement with measures at least as stringent as those in this Act. Sets forth a percentage reductions schedule for emissions of specified gases. Directs the Secretary of State to: (1) initiate negotiations for the adoption of a binding multilateral agreement requiring specified reductions of nitrogen oxide emissions by 1998; (2) request and, if necessary, convene the parties to the Montreal protocol on substances that deplete the ozone layer for possible control measures reassessment; and (3) convene an international meeting to exchange information regarding energy efficiency and solar/renewable energy resources that are environmentally sustainable. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to instruct the U.S. Executive Directors of multilateral development banks to promote lending policies which emphasize specified aspects of energy conservation, renewable energy source, greenhouse gas emissions, and least-cost non-motorized transportation systems. Directs the Administrator of the Agency for International Development to take specified measures concerning: (1) biological diversity conservation; (2) renewable energy resources and conservation; and (3) assistance to developing countries in the use of agricultural and industrial chemicals. Declares U.S. policy with respect to domestic and international efforts to deal with the greenhouse effect. Requests the President to take steps to establish a long-term study of the greenhouse effect, beginning with a one-year cooperative international research program started during or before 1991. Names the year of such program the "International Year of the Greenhouse Effect." Directs the Environmental Protection Agency to develop and implement programs with respect to: (1) chlorofluorocarbon replacement; (2) methane control; (3) energy efficiency; and (4) alternative energy sources. Authorizes appropriations. Title XI: World Population Growth -Declares it is the policy of the United States that family planning services should be made available to all persons requesting them. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1991 through 1995 for international population and family planning assistance. Prohibits the use of such funds for: (1) involuntary sterilization or abortion; or (2) the coercion of any person to accept family planning services. Requests the President to initiate an international conference on population, and to seek an international agreement on population growth. Establishes a National Commission on Population, Environment, and Natural Resources to prepare reports and convene conferences. Terminates such Commission three years after the enactment of this Act. Mandates that multilateral development banks adopt guidelines promoting lending strategies which emphasize the maintenance of sustainable world population levels. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1991 through 1993. Title XII: Recyclable Materials - Directs the Secretary of Commerce and the Secretary of Health and Human Services to report to the Congress the results of a study regarding degradable materials and recycling methodologies. Requires the Secretary of Defense to report to the Congress the results of a study regarding the national security implications of requiring the use of degradable materials in items procured by the Department of Defense, and of requiring the Department to comply with specified prohibitions against the use of nondegradable materials. Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency biennially to submit an updated report to the President and the Congress regarding Federal, State, and local policies and practices in recycling government wastes and procuring recyclable materials. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to report to the Congress the results of a pilot project to develop and demonstrate a viable technology for composting municipal waste and sewage sludge. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to appoint a Director of Recycling Research and Information to: (1) make grants for recycling research and development; (2) establish a national database information clearinghouse for recyclable materials; (3) report annually to the Congress regarding the status of recyclable wastes; and (4) make grants for scientific research on the use of plastic materials as part of a recycling program. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1991 through 1994. Sets forth civil and criminal penalties for offenses involving the production, manufacturing, distribution or selling of specified nonrecycled consumer goods which have been proscribed by the Secretary of Commerce under regulations jointly issued with the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. Requires the Secretary of Commerce periodically to update the list of proscribed nonrecycled consumer goods.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1989
Scenic Byways Study Act of 1989 - Declares it to be the policy of the United States to identify, protect, and enhance scenic and historic roads. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to: (1) transmit to the Congress a nationwide, long-term plan for promoting, designating, protecting, and enhancing scenic and historic roads, including an analysis of available studies on a national scenic byways program, guidelines for administration of such a program, and forecasts of significant changes in traffic volumes, safety consequences, and environmental and economic impacts; (2) assemble for the Congress available information on economic activity associated with scenic and recreational travel; (3) conduct a study and make recommendations regarding economic impacts of promoting scenic byways as tourist attractions, techniques for incorporating scenic byways into tourism development and marketing programs, and alternative means to inform the public about scenic byways; and (4) conduct case studies of, and report on, States with existing scenic byway programs. Requires the Secretary to consult with the States on studies under this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to conduct national and regional conferences to ensure public involvement. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1989
Federal Retirees Fairness Act - Requires Federal agencies to ensure that employee personnel files include information of all Federal employment for retirement purposes within 180 days after an employee begins service with an agency. Requires an agency, if an employee gives at least four months' to one year's notice of intent to retire, to: (1) inform such employee (or, if deceased, the employee's survivors) of any retirement counseling and applicable services; and (2) begin processing disability retirement applications not later than 30 days after the date of the application. Sets forth a schedule for processing applications for retirement deduction refunds and death benefits. Requires the Office of Personnel Management to compile quarterly information on the number of retirement applications submitted by agencies and their timeliness and accuracy. Requires the agency retirement counselor to conduct seminars at least twice a year.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1989
Provides for all Federal civilian and military retirees to receive the full cost-of-living adjustment in annuities payable under Federal retirement systems for FY 1990. (Includes benefits payable under the Civil Service Retirement and Disability System, military retirement and survivor benefit programs, the Foreign Service Retirement and Disability System, the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System, and railroad retirement programs.)
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1989
Amends Federal law to extend the immediate retirement provisions applicable to Federal law enforcement officers to: (1) revenue officers for the Internal Revenue Service; (2) customs inspectors for the U.S. Customs Service; (3) customs canine enforcement officers for the U.S. Customs Service; and (4) inspectors for the Immigration and Naturalization Service.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1989
Low Income Housing Preservation Act of 1989 - Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to make grants to States to purchase and maintain eligible low-income housing. Authorizes FY 1989 through 1991 appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1989
United States Coinage Reform Act of 1989 - Requires that one dollar coins be gold colored, be at least 90 percent copper, and be fabricated in the United States from natural deposits located in the United States. Redesigns the obverse side of the dollar coin to symbolize the 500th anniversary of the discovery of the New World by Christopher Columbus. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to place such coins into circulation within 18 months and to cease production of one dollar notes, except as required from time to time to satisfy the needs of collectors, within 18 months after the first of such coins are placed in circulation. Directs the Secretary to conduct a study and report to the Congress on the advisability of phasing out production of the one-cent and 50-cent coins and of rounding cash sales to the nearest five cents. Requires that the seigniorage from the production of such dollar coins be used to offset the reverse seigniorage resulting from the destruction of Susan B. Anthony dollar coins.
![Official portrait of Rep. Kostmayer, Peter H. [D-PA-8]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/k000319_200.jpg)