United States · United States Congress · 27 July 1987
Marine Science, Technology and Policy Development Act of 1987 - Amends the National Sea Grant College Program Act to declare the need for a national ocean strategy and to revise definitions under such Act. Expands coverage of the Act to include Great Lakes resources. (Current law covers ocean and coastal resources.) Authorizes the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere to make grants and enter into contracts to carry out a sea grant strategic research plan. Requires the Under Secretary to develop and publish the plan every three years. Requires the plan to identify and describe a limited number of priority areas for strategic marine research. Requires consultation with Federal agencies, representatives of sea grant colleges, programs, and consortia, and other public and private interested parties. Requires the plan to be submitted to specified congressional committees. Describes the priority areas on which the plan is required to concentrate, including: (1) critical resource and environmental areas of national, international, or global scope where adequate funding is otherwise precluded under other provisions of the National Sea Grant College Program Act; and (2) areas where sustained programmatic research and technology transfer can be utilized. Describes graduate, post-graduate, Federal, congressional, and postdoctoral fellowships which the Under Secretary is required or permitted to support. Adds to the duties of the sea grant review panel the responsibility of giving advice with respect to applications, proposals, performance, grants, and contracts awarded under the sea grant strategic research plan. Makes changes regarding membership and terms of the panel. Authorizes the Under Secretary to provide annual grants to certain sea grant colleges, sea grant regional consortiums, or institutions of higher education having a sea grant program to improve and support curriculum offerings at the graduate level, support graduate students through scholarships and fellowships, and increase multidisciplinary research, all with regard to marine resource management. Limits the amount of any grant to any such institution in any year. Requires each institution receiving a grant to report annually and upon termination of the grant to the Under Secretary regarding the results of the activities to which the institution applied the grant. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1988 through 1990. Amends provisions of the Sea Grant Program Improvement Act of 1976 relating to the purposes of the Sea Grant International program to authorize grants and contracts to enhance international research, promote marine activities with foreign universities, encourage technology transfer, promote foreign data exchanges, or enhance regional collaboration regarding marine research between foreign nations and the United States. Permits the following organizations to apply for and receive financial assistance under this provision: (1) any sea grant college, sea grant program, and sea grant regional consortium; and (2) any institution of higher education, laboratory, or institution which is located within a State. Requires the Under Secretary, before approving an application under this provision, to consult with the Secretary of State.
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 1987
Home Equity Loan Consumer Protection Act of 1987 - Amends the Truth in Lending Act to impose additional disclosure requirements for any open end credit plan secured by a consumer's dwelling. Specifies the information to be disclosed as information regarding annual interest rates, finance charge conditions, fees, changes in variable interest rates, and a statement that in the event of any default the consumer risks loss of the dwelling. Imposes additional disclosure requirements for advertisements of open end credit plans secured by consumers' dwellings. Requires such advertisements to disclose a statement of any minimum or fixed amount which could be imposed, periodic rates expressed as annual percentage rates, and any other term which the Federal Reserve Board may by regulation require. Prohibits the use of advertisements for any home equity loan which refer to such loan as "free money" or as a "loan at prime." Requires the Federal Reserve Board to develop and prepare a pamphlet for distribution to consumers which contains: (1) a general description of open end credit plans secured by consumer dwellings and the terms and conditions on which such loans are generally extended; and (2) a discussion of the potential advantages and disadvantages of such plans.
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 1987
Tropical Forest Protection Act of 1987 - Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to conduct a review of the appropriate literature to determine which tropical forests and wetlands are likely to be unsuitable for agriculture and could, with assistance from multilateral development banks and public and private donors, be established as reserves for scientific research, tourism, indigenous people, and nonconsumptive uses and to analyze the likelihood that conserving tropical forests and wetlands can be achieved without such assistance. Authorizes the Secretary to consult with other U.S. officials, agencies, and appropriate nongovernmental organizations in conducting such review and analysis. Requires the Secretary to make determinations concerning the maximizing of in-country support for protection and management of tropical forests and wetlands. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress concerning such review, analysis, and determinations. Requires the Secretary to instruct the U.S. Executive Director of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (World Bank) to initiate discussions and make proposals to the executive directors and management of the World Bank. Specifies that such proposals shall include: (1) a three-year pilot environmental structural adjustment lending program; and (2) a three year pilot exchange program whereby any country with outstanding debts held by the Bank may establish long-term conservation easements to protect tropical forests and wetlands in exchange for the World Bank suspending or rescheduling such debts. Requires the U.S. Executive Director to prepare annual reports while such three-year pilot programs are in effect and a final report describing the results of the programs. Requires the dissemination of such results to all multilateral development banks and all private lending institutions with outstanding loans to tropical nations in order to provide such banks with information about exchanges of debt for conservation easements as an alternative to forgiveness of any such debt. Requires the Secretary to conduct an analysis of the programs and policies of the International Monetary Fund to assess the potential for adapting the pilot programs of the World Bank to the operation of the Fund. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress concerning such study and analysis.
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 1987
Amends the Head Start Act to prohibit the Secretary of Health and Human Services from excluding from eligibility to receive discretionary payments any Head Start agency that then serves less than one-third of the children eligible to participate in its Head Start program.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 1987
Taxpayers' Right to Know Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to require the Secretary of the Treasury to include on the first page of instruction booklets for filing individual income tax returns a pie-shaped graph depicting the relative sizes of the following categories of Federal outlay for the immediately preceding fiscal year: (1) defense, veterans, and foreign affairs; (2) Social Security, medicare, and other retirement; (3) physical, human, and community development; (4) social programs; (5) law enforcement and general government; and (6) interest on the debt. Requires a corresponding pie-shaped graph illustrating income from: (1) Social Security, medicare, unemployment, and other retirement taxes; (2) personal income taxes; (3) corporate income taxes; (4) borrowing to cover the deficit; and (5) excise, customs, estate, gift, and miscellaneous taxes. Requires specified footnotes to the graph depicting major outlay categories.
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 1987
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit a partnership, S corporation, or personal service corporation, unless it is part of a tiered structure, to elect to have a taxable year other than the required one, but generally only if the deferral period of the taxable year elected is three months or less. (Current law requires partnerships, S corporations, and personal service corporations, in most cases, to conform their taxable years to the calendar years used by their owners.) Subjects the principals of a partnership or S corporation electing to change taxable years to additional estimated tax requirements to offset any tax deferral resulting from such election. Imposes deduction limitations on a personal service corporation that changes taxable years. Provides that an election with respect to taxable year shall be made by the partnership, S corporation, or personal service corporation and shall be binding on all partners and shareholders. Sets forth the formula for determining the additional tax requirement when a taxpayer: (1) is a partner or shareholder in at least one such entity during any applicable election years of the entity that end within the taxpayer's taxable year; and (2) has an aggregate deferred tax exceeding $200 with respect to the entity. Describes payment procedures. Requires the inclusion of specified information on returns filed by partnerships and S corporations that elect to use a non-required taxable year. Limits the tax deduction permitted to a personal service corporation for amounts paid or incurred with respect to employee-owners when such a corporation: (1) elects to have a taxable year other than the required one; and (2) fails to meet certain minimum distribution requirements regarding non-dividend amounts paid to owners.
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 1987
Amends the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973 to eliminate chronological age requirements with respect to mentally retarded individuals for purposes of eligibility to receive foster grandparent services.
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 1987
Nuclear Waste Policy Amendments Act of 1987 - Title I: The Nuclear Waste Policy Review Commission - Establishes in the legislative branch the Nuclear Waste Policy Review Commission to advise the Congress regarding the safe disposition of radioactive waste after a review and evaluation of the current status of radioactive waste disposal. Requires the Commission to report its findings and recommendations to the Congress within 12 months after enactment of this Act. Terminates the Commission within 30 days after submission of its report. Authorizes appropriations. Prohibits the Secretary of Energy from expending any funds to conduct specified activities regarding nuclear waste sites (including any environmental assessment preparation) until six months after submission of such report. Title II: The Office of the Nuclear Waste Negotiator - Establishes within the Executive Office of the President the Office of the Nuclear Waste Negotiator, headed by the Nuclear Waste Negotiator who shall be appointed by, and hold office at the pleasure of, the President (with the advice and consent of the Senate). Requires the Negotiator to find a State or Indian tribe willing to host a repository. Requires the Negotiator to consult with the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission when reviewing a repository site recommendation. Requires the Secretaries of Defense, of Energy, and of the Interior to recommend to the Negotiator repository sites on Federal lands within 180 days after the enactment of this Act. Declares that the issuance of a repository construction authorization shall be considered a major Federal action under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (thus requiring the Secretary of Energy to prepare a final environmental impact statement). Sets forth alternative termination dates for the Office. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 1987
Amends Federal law relating to veterans' educational assistance to authorize the Administrator of Veterans Affairs to approve the pursuit of flight training by an individual entitled to basic educational assistance under specified conditions, including: (1) that such training is necessary for the attainment of the individual's vocational objective; (2) that the individual possesses a valid private pilot's license and meets all medical requirements necessary for a commercial pilot's license; and (3) that the flight school courses are approved by the Federal Aviation Administration and the State. Sets forth the amount of assistance and other conditions for such flight training. Authorizes the Administrator to provide the same such assistance, under the same conditions, for members of the Selected Reserve of the armed forces found to be entitled to such basic educational assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 1987
Title I: Trade and Technology Policy - Subtitle A: Department of Industry and Technology - Part I: General Provisions - Economic Competitiveness, International Trade, and Technology Development Act of 1987 - Sets forth congressional findings with respect to U.S. international competitiveness. Part II: Establishment and Organization - Establishes the Department of Industry and Technology (Department) as an executive department which shall be administered by a Secretary of Industry and Technology (Secretary). Provides for the appointment by the President of the Secretary and a Deputy Secretary of Industry and Technology. Sets forth the functions of the Secretary, including: (1) to seek and promote new opportunities for U.S. products in the world marketplace; (2) to assist U.S. businesses in developing export markets; and (3) to develop programs to promote U.S. international economic and technology policy. Establishes within the Department the Office of Under Secretary for Industry. Provides that such office shall be administered by the Under Secretary of Industry and Technology for Industry. Declares that such office shall be composed of: (1) the Office of Economic Analysis; (2) the Office of Trade Development; (3) the United States and Foreign Commercial Service; (4) the Office of Economic Development; (5) the Bureau of the Census; (6) the Minority Business Development Agency; (7) the Office of Small Business Trade Remedy Assistance; (8) the Office of the Chief Economist; and (9) the Office of Strategic Resources. Provides for the establishment of such offices and the transfer to such offices of specified functions of the Department of Commerce and the United States International Trade Commission. Establishes within the Department the Office of the Under Secretary for Technology. Provides that such office shall be administered by the Under Secretary of Industry and Technology for Technology. Declares that such office shall be composed of: (1) the Advanced Civilian Technology Agency; (2) the Office of Technology Information; (3) the Patent and Trademark Office; (4) the National Bureau of Standards; and (5) the Office of Communications and Information. Provides for the establishment of such offices and the transfer to such offices of specified functions of the Department of Commerce. Establishes within the Office of Technology Information the National Technical Information Service and the Office of International Technology Monitoring. Establishes within the Department the United States Travel and Tourism Administration and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Requires the appointment within the Department of two additional Assistant Secretaries of Industry and Technology, a General Counsel, and an Inspector General. Part III: Advanced Civilian Technology Agency - Establishes within the Department the Advanced Civilian Technology Agency. Provides that such Agency shall be administered by an Administrator. Sets forth the functions of such Agency. Establishes within such Agency the National Advanced Civilian Technology Advisory Board to provide advice on agency activities and programs to the Secretary, the Under Secretary of Industry and Technology for Technology, and the Administrator. Authorizes the Secretary, through the Administrator, to make grants and enter into contracts and cooperative agreements with research and development organizations to support long-term projects for: (1) research and development of new or advanced technology for the private sector of the U.S. economy; and (2) research concerning the commercial adaptation of such technology. Sets forth requirements with respect to such grants and contracts. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1989 through 1991. Part IV: Transfers to the Department - Transfers functions of the Department of Commerce and of the Trade Remedy Assistance Office of the International Trade Commission to the Secretary. Part V: Administrative Provisions - Sets forth administrative provisions dealing with: (1) Department of Industry and Technology personnel; (2) the power of the Secretary to delegate functions; (3) the succession of officers within the Department; (4) the authority of the Secretary to reorganize the Department; (5) the authority of the Secretary to issue rules and regulations; (6) the establishment of a working capital fund for the Department; and (7) other administrative matters. Requires the Secretary to submit a report to the President for transmission to the Congress. Sets forth conforming amendments. Subtitle B: Trade Functions - Part I: General Provisions - Establishes as an independent agency the United States Trade Administration (Administration) which shall be headed by the United States Trade Representative (USTR). Provides for the appointment of four Deputy USTRs. Establishes within the Administration the Office of Trade Enforcement Programs. Provides that such Office shall be headed by the Director of Trade Enforcement Programs. Provides for the appointment of a General Counsel and a Chief Textile Negotiator for the Administration. Establishes within the Executive Office of the President the Office of Trade Policy Coordination. Provides that such office shall be headed by the USTR. Sets forth the functions of the Administration. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the USTR shall: (1) be the senior representative on any body that the President may establish for providing the President advice on international trade; and (2) be included as a participant in all international economic summits. Transfers the Office of the USTR, including all functions performed by the USTR, to the USTR appointed under the Administration. Transfers all functions of the Secretary of Commerce relating to trade to the USTR. Part II: Administrative Provisions - Sets forth provisions dealing with: (1) personnel issues; (2) the power of the USTR to delegate functions; (3) succession of officers within the Administration; (4) the authority of the USTR to reorganize the Administration; (5) the authority of the USTR to issue rules and regulations; (6) the establishment of a working capital fund for the Administration; and (7) other administrative matters. Requires the USTR to submit a report to the President for transmission to the Congress. Subtitle C: Economic Policy Council - Directs the President to establish the Economic Policy Council (Council) within the Executive Office of the President. Declares that the Council shall advise the President on national and international economic policies. Subtitle D: Transitional, Savings, and Conforming Provisions - Sets forth transitional, savings, and conforming provisions relating to changes made by this Act. Terminates the Department of Commerce and the Office of the USTR in the Executive Office of the President. Authorizes appropriations. Title II: Interagency Committees and Commissions - Subtitle A: Council on Economic Competitiveness - Part I: Establishment of Council - Establishes as an independent agency the Council on Economic Competitiveness. Sets forth the duties of the Council, including to: (1) collect and provide information concerning U.S. economic competitiveness; (2) serve as a clearinghouse that identifies and monitors Federal, State, and local programs devised to increase U.S. competitiveness; and (3) report annually to the President and the Congress on the ability of the United States to be internationally competitive. Provides that the principal administrative officer of the Council shall be an Executive Director, who shall be appointed by such Council. Sets forth the powers of the Council. Requires the Council, at the request of the President or the leaders of the House or Senate, to consult with the President on issues related to U.S. economic competitiveness. Authorizes the Council to convene industry sector competitiveness subcouncils which shall encourage U.S. industries to become competitive. Requires the Council to monitor the effect of international trade and foreign activities in science and technology on U.S. industries. Requires the Council to transmit a report to the Congress and to the President containing Council recommendations for changes in Federal policy necessary to implement competitiveness policies. Requires the Council to transmit annually to the President and to the Congress a report setting forth the goals to achieve a more competitive U.S. economy. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1988. Part II: Budget Impact on Competition - Requires the President to include in the annual Federal budget submitted to the Congress for FY 1989 through 1992 an analysis by the Office of Management and Budget of the budget's impact on the economic competitiveness of U.S. business and the U.S. balance of payments, including projections, based upon the best information available at the time, for Government borrowing, domestic savings, private domestic investment, the merchandise trade and current accounts, and foreign indebtedness. Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to require that a similar analysis, prepared after consultation with the Director of the Congressional Budget Office, be included in the report of the Committee on the Budget of each House of Congress which accompanies each concurrent resolution on the budget for FY 1989 through 1992. Subtitle B: National Trade Data Bank - Establishes the National Trade Data Committee. Sets forth the functions of the Committee, including to: (1) formulate and implement an economic and trade information policy to assure the timely collection of data on trends in international economics and trade; (2) direct the Secretary of Commerce to establish a National Trade Data Bank to provide the private sector and Government officials with economic and trade data for policymaking and export promotion; (3) formulate policies to encourage international organizations and foreign countries to adopt systems to report foreign trade statistics; and (4) present recommendations to the Congress concerning changes needed to improve the accuracy of U.S. trade information. Requires the Secretary of Commerce, after receiving instructions from the Committee, to establish and manage the Data Bank. Subtitle C: Financial Acquisitions Review - Financial Acquisitions Review Act of 1987 - Sets forth congressional findings with respect to U.S. financial institutions conducting business in foreign countries. Establishes the Interagency Financial Acquisitions Review Board (Board) as an independent agency. Requires the Board to review any proposed foreign acquisition of a U.S. business that provides financial services. Sets forth the powers of the Board. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle D: Commission on United States Trade in the 1990's - Establishes the Commission on United States Trade in the 1990's. Requires the Commission to study and make recommendations concerning U.S. international trade and export practices. Terminates the Commission on January 1, 1989. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1988 and 1989. Subtitle E: Studies - Requires the Secretary of Commerce to conduct annually a study to: (1) identify U.S. barriers to U.S. exports; (2) estimate the increased value of U.S. export that would result from the elimination of such barriers; and (3) examine national security concerns with respect to such barriers. Requires the Secretary of Commerce to submit an annual report to the Congress on such study. Requires the Secretary of Commerce to conduct a study to determine the labor and physical resource needs of: (1) the U.S. economy; (2) critical technologies; and (3) emerging technologies. Requires the Secretary of Commerce to conduct a study to determine the relationship between the manufacturing base and other commercial activity, especially in the area of services of high technology. Requires the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to conduct an annual study to determine the impact on the domestic and foreign competitiveness of U.S. firms caused by the financial and regulatory systems (including antitrust laws) of those foreign countries which engage in practices that constitute barriers to trade or distortions of trade. Subtitle F: Interagency Coordinating Committee on Federal Participation in Sematech - Interagency Coordinating Committee on Federal Participation in Sematech Act of 1987 - Establishes the Interagency Coordinating Committee on Federal Participation in Sematech and an Advisory Council on Federal Participation in Sematech. Defines "Sematech" as a consortium of United States semiconductor manufacturers, materials manufacturers, equipment manufacturers, academic institutions, and Federal agencies, established for the purpose of: (1) conducting research concerning advanced semiconductor manufacturing techniques; and (2) developing techniques to adapt manufacturing expertise to a variety of semiconductor products. Requires the Committee, within 90 days after enactment of this Act, to report to the Congress its recommendations about whether the Federal Government should participate in Sematech. Specifies the contents of a favorable report. Outlines the duties of the Committee should a majority vote to support Federal participation. Requires the provision of grants and other financial assistance to Sematech in such an event, but limits the Federal share of costs to 50 percent. Makes the Committee a liaison between Federal agencies and private participants in Sematech. Directs the Committee to require Sematech to submit annual reports and provide for biennial audits. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1988 through 1992. Subtitle G: State Job Bank Systems; Pension Study - Amends the Job Training Partnership Act to require the Secretary of Labor to make funds available through the United States Employment Service for the development of State job bank systems. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1988. Requires the Secretary of Labor to commence a study of the feasibility of providing portability for pensions and health benefits for dislocated workers. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle H: Committee on Symmetrical Access to Technological Research - Establishes the Committee on Symmetrical Access to Technological Research. Sets forth the functions of the Committee, including to: (1) study the general concept of symmetrical access, which is the availability of equally valued technological knowledge and research across countries; (2) construct a description of the degree of symmetrical access between the United States and its major trading partners; and (3) recommend negotiating goals for the U.S. Trade Representative to follow in negotiations with foreign countries which are designed to increase symmetrical access between the United States and such countries.
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 1987
Title I: Temporary Extension of Public Debt Limit - Increases the public debt limit (until September 30, 1987) to $2,358,000,000,000. Title II: Budget Process Reform - Amends the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974 to increase the permissible maximum deficit amounts for FY 1987 through 1990. Extends for one year the expiration date of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act). Title III: Economic Summit - Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President, together with the bipartisan leadership of the Senate and House of Representatives, should convene a domestic economic summit conference to address the dangerous economic situation which is created by large deficits and the ineffectual budget process. Directs the conference to report its recommendations for solutions to budgetary issues and budget process reforms to the Congress and the President.
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 1987
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Federal excise taxes on gasoline and diesel fuel should not be increased as a means of reducing the Federal deficit.
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 1987
Amends the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS) to include otherwise eligible persons who are also entitled to Medicare benefits. Provides for payment under the CHAMPUS program of health care expenses to the extent that such expenses are not payable under Medicare or any other insurance or health plan. Requires a person claiming a benefit under this Act to certify the costs of all charges.
United States · United States Congress · 9 July 1987
Agricultural Prompt Payment Act of 1987 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to pay interest on any payment to a producer, rancher, or farmer under the Agricultural Act of 1949 or the conservation acreage reserve program when such a payment is not made within ten days of its due date. Directs the Secretary to include a required payment date in each contract entered into after this Act's enactment with respect to the affected programs.
United States · United States Congress · 9 July 1987
Urges the administration to continue to reject efforts by Canadian negotiators to: (1) have the U.S. cabotage trades, including the transport of energy resources, opened to Canadian vessels; and (2) eliminate the ad valorem duty on vessel repairs performed in Canadian shipyards.
United States · United States Congress · 1 July 1987
National Commission on Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome Act - Establishes a National Commission on Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome to study and make recommendations regarding: (1) national policy and priorities with respect to acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) including research, testing for the AIDS virus, confidentiality of test results, treatment and care of AIDS sufferers, prevention of the transmission of AIDS, and education about AIDS; (2) the appropriate roles of Federal, State, and local governments, and of the private sector regarding such national policy and priorities; and (3) guidelines for the coordination of AIDS activities with international organizations. Directs the Commission to hold hearings and to submit interim and final reports to the President and to the Congress. Directs the Administrator of Veterans Affairs to assist the Commission by preparing: (1) a detailed compilation and synopsis of national and international medical research on AIDS; and (2) a detailed report on activities of the Veterans Administration relevant to the duties of the Commission. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1988. Terminates the Commission 30 days after submission of its final report. Authorizes the President to extend the life of the Commission for a period not to exceed two years.
United States · United States Congress · 1 July 1987
Nuclear Waste Policy Commission Act of 1987 - Prohibits any expenditures from the Nuclear Waste Fund (or any other source) for site-specific activities until the Nuclear Waste Policy Review Commission (established by this Act) has submitted a specified report to the Congress, and the Congress authorizes the resumption of such activities after reviewing the report. Establishes the Nuclear Waste Policy Review Commission and makes it responsible to the Congress. States that the Commission's function shall be to examine the Nation's progress in the disposal of high-level radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel and to make recommendations to the Congress. Details the scope of the Commission's review. Outlines the manner in which the Commission shall administer its affairs. Requires the Commission to submit a comprehensive report to the Congress within 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act. Authorizes appropriations to implement this Act for FY 1988 through 1990.
United States · United States Congress · 1 July 1987
Prohibits the Secretary of Defense or the Secretary of a military department (the Secretaries) from entering into an overseas contract if such contract contains any provision which allows for the payment of contractor employee severance pay greater than the prevailing severance pay in the United States. Prohibits the Secretaries from entering into an overseas contract for the provision of banking services if such contract contains any provision which allows the contractor to be reimbursed by the Secretary for: (1) losses arising from uncollectible checks and loans made by authorized bank employees; and (2) any reasonable costs incurred in the collection of delinquent loans and dishonored checks.
United States · United States Congress · 1 July 1987
Directs the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration to: (1) conduct a study of methods of screening persons and property to be carried in air transportation in order to detect dangerous weapons, explosives, and incendiary devices; and (2) report to the Congress on the study results.
United States · United States Congress · 1 July 1987
Chemical and Biological Weapons Nonproliferation Act - States the findings of the Congress and declares the policy of the United States concerning chemical and biological weapons. Requires the Secretary of Commerce to issue such regulations, licenses, and orders as may be required to control the export of materials, equipment, and technology having significance for the manufacture or use of chemical and biological weapons. Makes subject to the penalties imposed by the Export Administration Act of 1979 any person who violates any regulation, license, or order issued by the Secretary. Requires the Secretary of State to assess the risk of the proliferation of chemical and biological weapons. Specifies particular matters to be considered by such assessment and specifies that such assessment shall give particular attention to the materials, equipment, and technology that have direct significance for the production and use of chemical and biological weapons. Requires the Secretary of State to submit to the Congress a biannual report describing the status of: (1) control of the proliferation of chemical and biological weapons; (2) efforts to prevent the spread of such weapons; and (3) programs to control the export of materials, equipment, and technology having direct significance for the production of chemical and biological weapons. Requires the Secretary of State to establish a Chemical Industry Advisory Group to provide advice to the Secretary concerning such assessment and such biannual report. Requires to Secretary of State to inform the appropriate committees of the Congress of developments of significance to the proliferation and control of chemical and biological weapons.
United States · United States Congress · 1 July 1987
Designates the week beginning November 15, 1987, as African American Education Week. Authorizes and requests the President to issue a proclamation calling upon: (1) the Department of Education and State and local governments to support activities observing such week; (2) schools and communities with African Americans to demonstrate their commitment to the education of African Americans; and (3) community organizations to intensify their support of academic excellence by African Americans.
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 1987
Medicare Long-Term Home Care Catastrophic Protection Act of 1987 - Amends part A (Hospital Insurance) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide part A coverage of long-term home care furnished through home health agencies to chronically ill individuals who are under a physician's care. Requires physicians to establish and periodically review a written plan of long-term home care for each of their patients who receive such coverage. Lists the services which comprise long-term home care. Defines a "chronically ill individual" as an individual who requires assistance with at least two daily living activities or has a similar level of dependency due to cognitive impairment. Holds monthly payments for long-term home care to 75 percent of the average monthly payment under the Medicaid program (title XIX of the Act) for skilled nursing facility services. Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of such Act to cover, under part A of the Medicare program, long-term home care provided to children who: (1) are chronically ill and require assistance with at least two daily living activities; or (2) require a medical device to compensate for the loss of a vital body function and substantial and ongoing nursing care to avert death or further disability. Holds monthly payments for the latter category of children to the amount which would be payable under the Medicaid program if such children were institutionalized. Adds a new title XXI to the Social Security Act entitled "Home Care Quality Assurance." Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to promulgate a home care consumers' bill of rights which includes rights: (1) facilitating consumer participation in the planning and delivery of services; (2) requiring consumer notification regarding services, charges for services, and the termination or reduction of services; (3) protecting consumer dignity, privacy, and property; and (4) ensuring service from properly trained and competent individuals. Requires home health agencies to: (1) satisfy Medicare home care agency requirements; (2) provide consumers with copies of the home care bill of rights; (3) implement grievance review procedures and provide copies of such procedures to consumers; (4) provide consumers with schedules of the services to be provided; (5) have methods for identifying and reviewing a home care consumer's needs and coordinating the provision of services with other home health agencies; (6) ensure that each home care provider whom they employ or have under contract receives training; and (7) evaluate annually and supervise each home care provider whom they employ or have under contract. Conditions coverage of durable medical equipment services on providers: (1) issuing written instructions to and training the home care consumer and staff in the operation of such equipment; and (2) formulating an emergency plan for providing services to the consumer. Directs the Secretary to establish procedures for conducting an equal number of announced and unannounced surveys of a home health agency's compliance with title XXI participation conditions, with more frequent surveys required for agencies with poor compliance records. Authorizes the Secretary to contract with States having survey procedures equivalent to those the Secretary would otherwise apply to conduct such compliance surveys and transmit their results to the Secretary annually. Directs the Secretary to develop procedures for reviewing State surveys, with more frequent review required if peer review organizations (PROs) find at least ten percent of State-surveyed agencies to have serious or chronic quality of care problems. Directs the Secretary to promulgate regulations, within one year of this Act's enactment, pursuant to which PROs shall monitor the provision of home health services, devoting at least 75 percent of their efforts to quality assurance. Requires the inclusion of: (1) both documentary review and personal interviews of home care consumers and providers in the PRO review process; and (2) representatives of home care providers and consumers in PRO membership. Requires the Secretary to establish a Consumer Board to oversee the review activities of PROs. Directs the Board to report to the Secretary and the State's chief executive on October 1 of each year regarding such review activities. Requires the Secretary to develop methods for monitoring continuity in the provision of health care and outcome-orientated criteria for monitoring the quality of home care. Requires that PROs: (1) establish and operate statewide toll-free hotlines for receiving home care questions and complaints; and (2) assist consumers in resolving home care quality problems. Directs Consumer Boards and PROs to cooperate with State and local officials in educating consumers regarding quality assurance programs and the assistance available for consumers with quality assurance problems. Requires the Secretary to issue regulations which impose sanctions against agencies and providers failing to comply with this Act. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress on January 1 of each year regarding the availability, adequacy, and use of sanctions. Requires the Secretary to develop incentives to contractor compliance with title XXI participation conditions, including an annual directory of home care agencies having a consistent record of compliance with such conditions. Directs the Secretary to: (1) encourage States to develop home care provider licensing and certification policies; and (2) issue a biennial report on State implementation of such policies. Establishes a Home Care Quality Assurance Council with which the Secretary must consult in implementing and administering title XXI of the Social Security Act. Directs the Secretary to award grants for home care agency and provider training programs and to furnish States and home health agencies and providers with training materials. Directs the Secretary to: (1) conduct, and issue a report regarding, studies on home care quality assurance measures; and (2) report to the Congress on January 1 of each year regarding the nature and performance during the preceding fiscal year of the home care quality assurance system. Authorizes appropriations from the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund to carry out title XXI. Directs the Secretary to issue regulations by 1988 for implementing title XXI. Permits disabled individuals to purchase part A (Hospital Insurance) Medicare coverage during the 24-month waiting period preceding their entitlement to such coverage. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to subject all of an individual's wages and self-employment income to the Hospital Insurance tax.
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 1987
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an income tax deduction for charitable contributions of agricultural products to assist victims of a drought, flood, or other natural disaster. Sets the amount of the deduction at the wholesale market value of the donated product.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1987
Steel Revitalization Act of 1987 - Sets forth quotas on the aggregate quantity of articles that may be imported within all steel categories and within each steel category for quota years 1989 through 1997 (corresponding to FY 1990 through 1998). Limits the aggregate quantity of such articles for any year to a specified percentage of the domestic consumption. Sets forth a foreign country limitation with respect to the importation of such steel articles. Requires the Secretary of Commerce to determine the domestic consumption and compute the quantitative restriction for such articles in a steel category for each year. Requires the Secretary to: (1) monitor the domestic production in, the exportation from, and the importation into, the United States of articles in a steel category; and (2) notify the Secretary of the Treasury of such determinations and computations. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to auction rights to enter quantities of articles within the steel categories during each quota year. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to deposit auction monies into the Steel Revitalization Fund. Requires the President, before quota year 1989, to negotiate with foreign countries for an orderly transition from voluntary steel restraint agreements to the quantitative restrictions imposed under this Act. Permits any domestic steel product manufacturer to submit, for the Secretary's approval, a restructuring plan that will enable such manufacturer to compete on an international basis. Authorizes the Secretary to provide financial assistance to steel manufacturers with approved restructuring plans. Authorizes the Secretary to establish a plan review advisory council to review and provide advice regarding restructuring plans. Establishes the Steel Revitalization Fund within the Treasury. Terminates the quantitative restrictions imposed under this Act on September 30, 1998.
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 1987
Major Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Amendments of 1987 - Amends the Disaster Relief Act of 1974 to make eligible for assistance for the repair, restoration, reconstruction, and replacement of damaged facilities special purpose local governments such as levee districts, irrigation districts, and reclamation districts. Declares that the Federal share of such assistance shall not be less than 75 percent (currently, such assistance can not exceed 100 percent). Requires the President to issue rules which provide for the recognition of differences existing among urban, suburban, and rural lands to facilitate adequate removal of debris and wreckage from large lots. Declares the Federal share of assistance for debris removal to be 75 percent. Provides for temporary housing assistance for up to 18 months after the date of a major disaster. Authorizes the President to extend such period for an additional 18 months due to extraordinary circumstances. Declares the Federal share of such assistance to be 100 percent of eligible costs. Provides that temporary housing assistance may not be used for reconstruction or rehabilitation of damaged property when the cost of such assistance exceeds the cost of other applicable types of housing. Sets forth notification requirements for the President when persons apply for temporary housing assistance, including: (1) all forms of assistance available; (2) criteria that must be met to qualify for each type of assistance; (3) limitations which apply to each type of assistance; and (4) the address and telephone number of offices responsible for assisting applicants. Requires that housing assistance account for the applicant's location of and travel time to: (1) the applicant's place of business; (2) schools which family members may attend; (3) any home or place of business whose destruction or damage is the result of the major disaster which created the need for assistance; and (4) crops or livestock the applicant tends which provide 25 percent or more of the applicant's annual income. Includes in the individual and family grant program an authorization for the President to make grants to States for land use and construction projects designed to mitigate future major disaster-related loss. Authorizes a State to expend up to ten percent (currently, three percent) of any such grant for administrative expenses. Increases the limitation on such grants for families and individuals from $5,000 to $10,000. Repeals the restriction that crisis counseling be provided only through the National Institute of Mental Health. Removes the authority of the President to make grants to States for the removal of damaged timber from private lands. Provides that appeals arising from assistance decisions must be acted upon within 60 days of the receipt of such appeal. Declares that eligibility for Federal disaster assistance begins on the date: (1) of the occurrence of the disaster; or (2) on which eligible costs are incurred, whichever is earlier. Declares that disaster assistance shall not be restricted to limit assistance to a particular geographic area. Sets forth procedures for State governors to request declarations by the President that a major disaster exists. Requires such request to be based on a finding that effective response to such disaster is beyond the capabilities of the State and local governments and that Federal assistance is necessary. Describes general and essential assistance that the President may provide. Authorizes the President to contribute up to 50 percent of the cost of hazard mitigation measures. Establishes an emergency assistance program. Sets forth procedures for State governors to request the President to declare an emergency. Describes general Federal assistance under such an emergency. Limits the amount of emergency assistance to $5,000,000, which may be exceeded if the President finds it necessary. Requires the President to report to the Congress on the nature and extent of an emergency when such limitation is exceeded. Requires public and private nonprofit facilities in flood hazard areas to maintain flood insurance. Declares that major disaster and emergency assistance shall not be considered income or a resource when determining benefit levels for Federal programs. Requires the President to establish comprehensive standards to be used to assess the efficiency and effectiveness of Federal emergency and major disaster response programs administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Authorizes the Federal Government to recover the cost of assistance from any person whose negligent act or omission, or whose act or omission while engaged in ultra-hazardous activity, resulted in an emergency or major disaster. Directs the President to conduct audits and investigations necessary to ensure compliance with this Act. Revises provisions relating to criminal and civil penalties. Increases from $25,000 to $50,000 the maximum amount of grants to States for improvement, maintenance, and updating of State plans. Renames the Disaster Relief Act of 1974 the Major Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act.
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 1987
Constitutional Amendment - Requires the Congress and the President, prior to each fiscal year, to agree, by enactment of a joint resolution, on an estimate of total receipts for that fiscal year. Prohibits outlays for that year from exceeding such estimated receipts unless the Congress, by a three-fifths rollcall vote of each House, provides for a specific excess of outlays over receipts. Requires the Congress, whenever actual outlays exceed actual receipts for any fiscal year, to provide by law for the repayment of such excess in the ensuing fiscal year. Requires a three-fifths rollcall vote of each House to increase the public debt. Directs the President to submit to the Congress a proposed budget for each fiscal year in which total outlays do not exceed total receipts. Requires the approval by a majority of the total membership of each House by rollcall vote before any bill to increase revenue may become law. Waives this article for any fiscal year in which a declaration of war is in effect. Declares that total receipts shall include all receipts of the United States, except those derived from borrowing, and total outlays shall include all outlays of the United States, except those for repayment of debt principal.
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 1987
Designates June 16, 1987, the 11th anniversary of the Soweto demonstrations and Massacre in South Africa, as Soweto Remembrance Day. Encourages Americans to participate in local activities designed to commemorate the martyrs of Soweto and to show solidarity with those who are fighting to end apartheid.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1987
Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to provide a lump sum payment of $50,000 to public safety officers (law enforcement officers and fire fighters) who become permanently and totally disabled as a result of a catastrophic injury sustained in the line of duty. Prohibits the payment of both a lump sum disability payment and a lump sum death benefit.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1987
Commission on Values Education Act of 1987 - Establishes a Commission on Values Education to investigate how the Federal Government can promote the teaching of values in public schools. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1987 and 1988. Terminates the Commission 30 days after submission of its final report to the Congress. Requires congressional hearings 90 days after submission of the Commission's report.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1987
Requires a member of the armed forces to receive special pay during the period in which such member is performing duty in or over the Persian Gulf or in the vicinity of the Persian Gulf while assigned to a naval vessel or other unit. Terminates such provision in the event that the President determines that members performing such duty are no longer subject to the threat of physical harm or imminent danger due to war, terrorism, or other similar conditions.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1987
Designates the two week period of July 13 through July 26, 1987, as United States Olympic Festival-1987 Celebration. Designates July 17, 1987, as United States Olympic Festival-1987 Day.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1987
Declares that the United States should enter into negotiations with countries which participate in a common defense alliance with the United States, particularly members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and Japan, for the purpose of a more equitable apportionment of the burden of financial support for the alliance.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1987
States that in the interest of decreasing the growing gap between taxes owed and taxes collected: (1) the administration and the Congress should substantially increase appropriate resources for the taxpayer assistance and enforcement divisions of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS); and (2) the IRS should implement specified recommendations to improve taxpayer services and to enhance enforcement efforts.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1987
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through 1992 the period during which qualified mortgage bonds may be issued. (Under current law, authority to issue these bonds expires as of 1989.)
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1987
Repeals specified provisions of the Tax Reform Act of 1986 that restrict the types of scholarships and fellowship grants that may be excluded from gross income for income tax purposes. States that the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (IRC) shall be applied and administered as if such provisions had not been enacted. Amends the IRC to allow an income tax deduction for interest on a qualified educational loan incurred to pay the educational expenses of the taxpayer, spouse, or dependent. Eliminates the current requirement that such indebtedness be secured by an interest in real property.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1987
National Economic Commission Act of 1987 - Establishes the National Economic Commission. Directs the Commission to conduct a comprehensive study of: (1) the elements of domestic fiscal, monetary, and trade policies and their effect on various economic indicators; (2) the elements of the fiscal, monetary, and trade policies of major U.S. trading partners and their effect on the U.S. balance of trade in goods and services and U.S. employment; and (3) the debt burden of developing countries and its effect on the U.S. balance of trade in goods and services and U.S. employment. Requires the Commission to submit to the President and the Congress, by November 30, 1988, a final report on the study. Terminates the Commission 60 days after the Commission submits its final report. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 1987
Voluntary Education Demonstration Program Act - Authorizes the Director of the Peace Corps to carry out a training and educational benefits demonstration program. Provides that eligible students must: (1) have completed two years of study at an institution of higher education; (2) agree to enter the Peace Corps for a period of two years; and (3) be selected pursuant to a competitive process. Describes the selection process, training, and educational benefits. Directs the Secretary to report to the Congress on an evaluation of such program. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1988 through 1993.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1987
Small Business Bilateral Free Trade Act of 1987 - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to authorize the President to enter into a trade agreement with Canada which provides more equitable tariff treatment for United States furniture, recreational marine craft, and printed products. Requires such agreement to provide for eliminating: (1) differing tariff levels on trade between the United States and Canada involving furniture, recreational marine craft, and printed products; and (2) any Canadian nontariff barrier to United States furniture, recreational marine craft, and printed products. Requires the President, when negotiating an agreement with Canada, to consider for furniture, recreational marine craft, and printed products: (1) trade distortions resulting from inequitable tariff treatment by Canada; (2) adverse employment impacts in the United States; and (3) the effect of the overvalued dollar and persistently high interest rates in the United States on imports and exports of such products. Provides that if a trade agreement is not reached before September 6, 1988, the rate of duty on each Canadian furniture, recreational marine craft, and printed product entering the United States between that date and March 1, 1989, shall be the lower of: (1) 150 percent of the duty in effect for a product of that kind on the date of enactment of this Act; and (2) the duty equal to the Canadian rate of duty for a like U.S. product on the date of enactment. Provides that if a trade agreement is not reached before March 1, 1989, the rate of duty on each Canadian furniture, recreational marine craft, and printed product entering the United States shall equal the Canadian rate of duty for a like U.S. product in effect on that day and shall be reviewed biannually to equalize changes in Canadian rates. Requires the President to consult with the Senate Finance Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee when negotiating such a trade agreement with Canada.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1987
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit institutions of the Farm Credit System an income tax deduction for any reasonable addition to reserves for bad debts. Applies this deduction in lieu of the deduction generally applicable to worthless debts.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1987
Amends rule XIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives to require each House committee that reports legislation requiring employers to provide new employee benefits to include in such report an analysis of the impact of the legislation on employers (especially small businesses), the economy (in terms of international competitiveness), and employees (in terms of lost jobs).
United States · United States Congress · 3 June 1987
Expresses the determination of the Congress that the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO): (1) is a terrorist organization; (2) is a threat to the interests of the United States, its allies, and to international law; and (3) should not benefit from operating in the United States. Prohibits, if the purpose is to further the interests of the PLO: (1) the receipt of anything of value except informational material from the PLO; (2) the expenditure of funds from the PLO; or (3) the establishment or maintenance of a PLO office within the jurisdiction of the United States. Provides that the provisions of this Act shall cease to have effect if the President certifies to the Congress that the PLO no longer practices or supports terrorist actions.
![Official portrait of Rep. Lancaster, H. Martin [D-NC-3]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/l000045_200.jpg)