Skip to content
PoliticalRepoPoliticalRepo

Person

Official portrait of Rep. Lent, Norman F. [R-NY-4]

Rep. Lent, Norman F. [R-NY-4]

United States · Official source

Records

3,134 records where Rep. Lent, Norman F. [R-NY-4] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years

Bill· HRH.R. 2363 (101st)open

Cable Television Consumer Protection Act of 1989

United States · United States Congress · 16 May 1989

Cable Television Consumer Protection Act of 1989 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to authorize a cable television franchising authority, in its request for proposals for a franchise, to require: (1) that the cable system carry the signal of any broadcast station if any portion of the area covered by such franchise lies within the local service area of such broadcast station; (2) that the cable systems carry the commercially available video transmissions of the games of any organized professional sports team if any portion of the area covered by such franchise lies within the home territory of such team; or (3) both. Authorizes a franchising authority to modify cable television franchise agreements in effect to impose such requirements, unless the cable operator demonstrates commercial impracticability. Considers the law of any State or franchising authority which imposed such requirements as a consumer protection law consistent with the Communications Act of 1934. Requires the cable franchising authority (currently the cable operator) to set the price, terms, and conditions of the commercial use of cable television channel capacity by a person unaffiliated with a cable franchising authority. Places a ten-year limitation on cable television franchise agreements. Prohibits any cable operator from entering into any agreement with a producer, distributor, or supplier of cable programming which: (1) gives that operator exclusive rights to that programming within the franchise area; or (2) prevents or hinders another multichannel video program distribution system from purchasing or retransmitting that programming. States that nothing in this Act shall prohibit a common carrier from leasing telephone facilities or equipment to any franchising authority, cable operator, or other applicant that is not owned by, controlled by, or under common control with such common carrier.

Bill· HRH.R. 2366 (101st)referred

Slepak Principles Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 May 1989

Slepak Principles Act - Declares it is the purpose of this Act to create principles, similar to those proposed by Vladamir Slepak (a founding member of the Moscow Helsinki Monitoring Group) governing the conduct of industrial cooperation projects of U.S. nationals in the Soviet Union and the Baltic States. Expresses the sense of the Congress that U.S. nationals engaged in such projects should adhere to the Slepak Principles and thus: (1) provide no assistance for the Soviet military; (2) suspend the use of goods produced by forced labor; (3) seek the protection of human rights as it relates to Soviet employee rights; (4) decline to participate in any project if it uses a structure used for religious activities; (5) pose no danger to Soviet employees; (6) refuse to extend untied loans to the Soviet Union; and (7) strive to use business enterprises that are not controlled by the Soviet Union. Sets forth specified registration and reporting requirements. Declares that U.S. agencies may intercede with a foreign government or foreign national regarding export marketing activity on behalf of a U.S. national if such national adheres to the Slepak Principles.

Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 268 (101st)passed

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution to provide for a balanced budget for the United States Government and for greater accountability in the enactment of tax legislation.

United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1989

Constitutional Amendment - Requires the Congress and the President, prior to each fiscal year, to agree on an estimate of total receipts (except those derived from borrowing) for that fiscal year by enactment of a joint single subject resolution. Prohibits outlays for that year (except those for repayment of debt principal) from exceeding this amount unless the Congress, by a three-fifths roll call vote of each House, authorizes a specific excess of outlays over receipts. Requires a three-fifths roll call vote of each House to increase the public debt. Directs the President to submit a balanced budget to the Congress. Requires the approval of a majority of the total membership of each House by roll call vote before any bill to increase revenue may become law. Waives these provisions when a declaration of war is in effect.

Bill· HRH.R. 2242 (101st)open

To amend title 46, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of the Department in which the Coast Guard is operating to review criminal records of individuals applying for seamen licenses and license renewals.

United States · United States Congress · 4 May 1989

Amends Federal law relating to merchant seamen licenses and certificates of registry to direct the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to conduct a review of the criminal record of each individual who applies for a new or renewed license.

Bill· HRH.R. 2255 (101st)referred

Marine and Coastal Natural Resource Assessment Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 May 1989

Marine and Coastal Natural Resource Assessment Act - Requires moneys received by the United States for marine and coastal natural resource damage assessment to be retained and used by the Secretary of Commerce for reimbursement of costs and to conduct new damage assessments. Authorizes appropriations.

Bill· HRH.R. 2216 (101st)referred

Medicaid Pregnant Women, Infants, and Children Amendments of 1989

United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1989

Medicaid Pregnant Women, Infants, and Children Amendments of 1989 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require States to provide Medicaid coverage to pregnant women and infants whose family income does not exceed 130 percent of the Federal poverty level. Requires States to make ambulatory prenatal care available to pregnant women during a 60-day presumptive eligibility period unless they fail to apply for Medicaid coverage within 14 days after the commencement of such period. Deems a food stamp card issued in a pregnant woman's name to be sufficient evidence of presumptive eligibility. Directs States to provide outreach and public education services in geographic areas with high rates of adverse pregnancy outcomes to inform low-income women of the need for and availability of prenatal care. Requires States to provide Medicaid coverage for the immunization of children under age six who are eligible for Medicaid or are receiving food stamps. Reduces Federal Medicaid administrative cost matching rates in excess of 50 percent.

Bill· HRH.R. 2191 (101st)referred

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to restore the tax-exempt status of Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies which cover high-risk individuals, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1989

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to grant tax-exempt status to health insurance organizations that meet specified criteria, including requirements that the organization provide continuous open enrollment for individuals and small groups and offer policies covering preexisting conditions of high-risk individuals without a price differential within a community. Repeals the current income tax deduction available to Blue Cross and Blue Shield organizations.

Law· HJRESH.J.Res. 253 (101st)enacted

Designating September 8, 1989, as "National Pledge of Allegiance Day".

United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1989

Designates September 8, 1989, as National Pledge of Allegiance Day. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Christopher Columbus Quincentenary Jubilee Commission should include the centennial observance of the Pledge of Allegiance in its commemorative activities.

Resolution· HRESH.Res. 144 (101st)open

Condemning the use of excessive and lethal force by Soviet troops against demonstrators in Soviet Georgia, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1989

Condemns the use of excessive and lethal force by Soviet troops in responding to the demonstrations of April 9, 1989, in Tbilisi, Georgian Soviet Socialist Republic. Urges the Soviet Union to investigate allegations of the use of toxic chemical agents against the demonstrators in Tbilisi and, if true, to take steps to prevent the reoccurrence of such use. Supports the demands of the people of Georgia for human rights and fundamental freedoms.

Bill· HRH.R. 2145 (101st)referred

To prohibit United States contributions to the United Nations or any of its affiliated organizations if full membership as a state is granted to any organization or group that does not have the internationally recognized attributes of statehood.

United States · United States Congress · 27 April 1989

Prohibits the United States from making any voluntary or assessed contributions to the United Nations or any of its affiliated organizations if such entity grants full membership as a state to any organization or group that does not have the internationally recognized attributes of statehood.

Bill· HRH.R. 2055 (101st)referred

Medicare Catastrophic Coverage Amendments of 1989

United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1989

Title I: Repeal of Certain Provisions in Medicare Catastrophic Coverage Act of 1988 - Medicare Catastrophic Coverage Amendments of 1989 - Repeals provisions of the Medicare Catastrophic Coverage Act of 1988 (the Act) establishing a Supplemental Medicare Premium and providing Medicare coverage (title XVIII of the Social Security Act) of prescription drugs and insulin, home intravenous drug therapy services, screening mammographies, and in-home care for chronically dependent individuals. Amends the Medicare program to increase the limit on Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) out-of-pocket expenses incurred by beneficiaries for 1990. Gears future adjustments of such limit to changes in expenses of the Medicare trust funds. Modifies the Act's premium financing mechanisms. Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require States to establish the family income eligibility level for Medicaid coverage of Medicare cost-sharing amounts at at least 85 percent of the Federal poverty level. (Currently, States must phase-in such coverage for all families whose income is below the Federal poverty level.) Requires Medicaid coverage of prescription drugs for individuals who are at least 65 years old and whose income does not exceed 150 percent of the Federal poverty level. Directs the Boards of Trustees of the Medicare trust funds to include in their reports to the Congress in April 1990 an analysis, performed by the Secretary of the Treasury, of options to strengthen the long-term solvency of such trust funds. Title II: Tax Provisions Related to Long-Term Care Insurance - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat certain long-term care insurance which the Secretary certifies is providing coverage to each covered person who is age 50 or older for at least one year for diagnostic, preventive, therapeutic, rehabilitation, maintenance, or personal care services provided in a setting other than the acute care unit of a hospital as accident or health insurance when taxing issuers of such insurance (hereafter referred to as qualified long-term care insurance). Provides that for the purpose of determining whether a tax exclusion applies to an employee's receipt of benefits from qualified long-term care insurance such benefits shall be considered to be for personal injury or sickness, and medical care. Excludes from taxation: (1) the portion of distributions from individual retirement plans which is used during the year to pay the premiums for qualified long-term care coverage of individuals who are age 59 1/2 or older on the date of distribution; and (2) amounts received when an individual who has attained age 65 surrenders, cancels, or exchanges a life insurance contract and used during such year to pay the premiums for qualified long-term care insurance.

Bill· HRH.R. 2037 (101st)referred

Employee Educational Assistance Act of 1989

United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1989

Employee Educational Assistance Act of 1989 - Repeals provisions of the Internal Revenue Code that: (1) terminated the income tax exclusion of amounts paid under employee educational assistance programs as of tax year 1989; and (2) deny benefits in connection with graduate work.

Resolution· HRESH.Res. 133 (101st)open

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives concerning the bombing of Pan American flight 103; and the steps that should be taken to ensure the future safety of airline passengers.

United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1989

Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) every effort should be undertaken to bring those responsible for the bombing of Pan American flight 103 to justice; and (2) steps should be taken to ensure the future safety of airline passengers.

Bill· HRH.R. 2008 (101st)referred

Holloway Schulze Toddler Tax Credit Act of 1989

United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1989

Holloway-Schulze Toddler Tax Credit Act of 1989 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow the custodial parent a refundable income tax credit for each dependent child under the age of six (five in 1990 through 1993). Establishes the credit amount as the lesser of $1,000 or 12 percent of income below $10,000 for a single qualified dependent. Limits application of the credit to two eligible dependents. Reduces the credit for taxpayers earning more than $10,000. Makes this credit and the employment-related dependent care credit mutually exclusive. Applies phase-in amounts for tax years beginning in 1990 through 1993. Indexes post-1994 credit amounts. Provides for advance toddler tax credit payments by employers to employees who provide certification of eligibility. Requires taxpayers to file information returns to reflect these payments. Reduces the amount of the employment-related dependent care credit for taxpayers with adjusted gross income above $50,000. Disallows application of the credit with respect to a taxpayer's dependent under age 13 who is physically and mentally capable of self-care. Repeals the income tax exclusion applied in connection with amounts furnished to an employee in accordance with an employer dependent care assistance program.

Bill· HRH.R. 1918 (101st)referred

World War I Veterans' Service Pension Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 April 1989

World War I Veterans' Service Pension Act - Directs the Administrator (effective March 1989, Secretary) of Veterans Affairs to pay a monthly pension of $150 to each veteran of World War I who meets specified service requirements. Requires such veteran, if receiving another pension administered by the Veterans Administration (effective March 1989, Department of Veterans Affairs) (VA), to elect which pension he will receive. Provides for the payment of a monthly pension of $100 to surviving spouses of World War I veterans who meet certain marriage requirements. Requires such surviving spouses to choose between pensions if they are currently receiving another pension through the VA.

Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 92 (101st)referred

Expressing the sense of the Congress regarding the need to fully account for Americans still missing in Southeast Asia and to negotiate the return of Americans still held captive in Southeast Asia.

United States · United States Congress · 13 April 1989

Expresses the sense of the Congress that the United States should: (1) give the highest priority to fully accounting for the Americans still missing in Southeast Asia and to negotiating the return of Americans still held captive; (2) maintain an ongoing dialogue with Vietnamese, Cambodian, and Lao officials so that the prisoners of war issue may be resolved; (3) continue joint field investigations with such officials; and (4) heighten public awareness of the prisoners of war issue through the dissemination of factual data.

Bill· HRH.R. 1786 (101st)open

Trust Indenture Reform Act of 1989

United States · United States Congress · 11 April 1989

Trust Indenture Reform Act of 1989 - Amends the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 to revise the authority of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to exempt certain securities from its provisions. Allows the SEC to exempt conditionally or unconditionally any person, security, or transaction, or any class or classes of persons, securities, or transactions from ony one or more provisions of such Act. (Presently, such authority is limited to exemptions for securities issued by persons existing under the laws of a foreign government.) Revises the authority of the SEC to refuse to permit the registration of certain securities in cases in which securities shall not be sold until a date subsequent to the effective date of the registration statement relating to such securities. Specifies that in such cases the SEC shall not be required to refuse registration if, prior to the sale of such securities, the obligor has filed an application for qualification for the indenture under which such securities shall be issued pursuant to SEC regulations. Authorizes the SEC to permit a corporation or other person organized and doing business under the laws of a foreign government to act as sole trustee under a qualified indenture, provided that: (1) such corporation or other person is authorized to exercise corporate trust powers and is subject to supervision or examination equivalent to supervision or examination applicable to U.S. institutional trustees; and (2) reciprocal treatment is afforded to U.S. institutional trustees under the laws of such foreign government. Prohibits any obligor upon indenture securities or person directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by, or under common control with such obligor from serving as trustee upon such indenture securities. Revises rules for the disqualification of indenture trustees who have or who acquire any conflicting interest. Permits a trustee to serve under a qualified indenture so long as there is no default under it. Declares that a default shall be determined as such term is defined in the indenture, but exclusive of any period of grace or requirement of notice. Provides that, except in cases of a default in the payment of the principal of, or interest on, an indenture security or in the payment of any sinking or purchase fund installment, the indenture trustee shall not be required to resign if such trustee can prove that the default may be cured or waived and that doing so would not be inconsistent with the interests of holders of the indenture security. Provides that any resignation of an indenture trustee shall become effective only upon the appointment of a successor trustee and such successor's acceptance of such an appointment. Decreases from four months to three months the time period allowed for the preferential collection of claims against an obligor in cases where the trustee becomes a creditor of the obligor. Makes mandatory: (1) the periodic filing of information by an obligor with a trustee and the granting of access of security holders to information; (2) certain reports by indenture trustees to security holders, to stock exchanges, and to certain additional parties; (3) certain reports by obligors concerning evidence of compliance with indenture provisions; and (4) certain duties and responsibilities of a trustee. Authorizes an obligor upon any qualified indenture to set a record date for purposes of determining the identity of indenture security holders entitled to vote or consent to any action which is authorized or permitted by vote or consent. Makes mandatory the special powers of indenture trustees and the duties of paying agents. Specifies that any mandatory duties imposed by the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 as amended by this Act shall be deemed a part of, and shall govern, every qualified indenture, whether or not specifically contained in it. States that any provision which may be included at the option of an obligor shall not be deemed a part of an indenture unless specifically included. Provides that Federal and State courts shall have concurrent jurisdiction concerning lawsuits brought regarding violations of the duties imposed by this Act.

Bill· HRH.R. 1730 (101st)open

Missing Service Personnel Act of 1989

United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1989

Missing Service Personnel Act of 1989 - Requires the responsible uniformed service commander, after receiving notice that a person under his command is missing, to conduct an informal investigation to determine such person's whereabouts and, if appropriate, to place such person in a missing status. Requires the commander, if a person has been placed in such status, to notify the officer holding general court-martial authority over such person (or, in the case of a missing civilian, the Secretary concerned), who shall convene a board of initial inquiry within 45 days. Requires such board to: (1) investigate evidence relating to the disappearance of such person; (2) recommend whether to continue such person in a missing status or make a finding that such person has deserted, is absent without leave, or is dead; and (3) report its recommendations and findings. Provides for the convening of a board of further inquiry, if a board of initial inquiry recommends that such person be continued in a missing status, within one year of such recommendation. Requires such board to analyze any information which has become available since the board of initial inquiry issued its report, to determine whether such person should be continued in a missing status or declared dead, and to report its findings. Directs the Secretary concerned, upon the written request of a member of the immediate family of a missing person who, before the date of the enactment of this Act, was determined by the Secretary to be dead, to: (1) convene a board of further inquiry to determine whether such finding of death should be upheld or such person should be placed in a missing status; and (2) report its findings. Requires the Secretary, within three years after a board of further inquiry recommends a missing status for any person, to reconvene such board to review such status. Specifies the composition of such boards. Directs the Secretary to invite each member of the immediate family of the missing person to the meetings of a board of initial inquiry unless attendance would place such member in danger. Requires the Secretary to: (1) invite family members of missing persons to meetings of boards of further inquiry; (2) schedule such meetings at convenient locations and times; (3) provide such family members with reasonable notice of such meetings; and (4) open such meetings to the general public. Authorizes each board to hold meetings, take testimony, receive evidence, and secure directly from any U.S. department or agency any information necessary to carry out its duties. Provides for the appointment of counsel by the officer or Secretary concerned to represent the missing person. Requires that, if a board determines that a missing person is dead, it shall include in its report a detailed description of the location and date of death, whether the body has been recovered, and whether a licensed practitioner of forensic medicine determined that the body recovered is that of the missing person. Prohibits any such board from declaring a missing person dead unless: (1) evidence other than the passage of a period of less than 50 years suggests that such person is dead; (2) no evidence which reasonably suggests that such person is alive is in the possession of the Government; (3) representatives of the Government have made a complete search of the area where such person was last seen (unless the United States is not granted access to such area); and (4) Government representatives have checked the records of the government or entity having control over the area where such person was last seen (unless the Government is not granted access to such records). Provides for judicial review of determinations of death upon the filing of a written petition by any member of the missing person's immediate family. Directs the Secretary of the uniformed service in which a missing person serves to make certain that such person's personnel file contains all information in the possession of Federal departments and agencies pertaining to the disappearance or whereabouts of such person. Requires the Secretary to make certain that, if classified information is withheld, such file contains: (1) a notice that the information exists; and (2) a notice of the date of the most recent review of the classification status of the information. Sets forth penalties for knowingly withholding information pertaining to the disappearance or whereabouts of a missing person from that person's personnel file. Requires the Secretary concerned to make the contents of such file available to a member of the immediate family of such person upon written request.

Law· HRH.R. 1722 (101st)enacted

Natural Gas Wellhead Decontrol Act of 1989

United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1989

Natural Gas Decontrol Act of 1989 - Amends the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978 to declare that the price guidelines for the first sale of natural gas do not apply to: (1) expired, terminated or post-enactment contracts executed after the date of enactment of this Act; (2) certain renegotiated contracts; and (3) gas produced from a well the surface drilling of which began after a specified date. Repeals wellhead price controls.

Bill· HRH.R. 1699 (101st)referred

To award congressional gold medals to Frank Capra, James Stewart, and Fred Zinnemann.

United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1989

Authorizes the President to present a gold medal, on behalf of the Congress, to each of the following individuals in recognition of their contributions to this Nation's cultural heritage: (1) Frank Capra; (2) James Stewart; and (3) Fred Zinnemann. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to design a different gold medal for each such individual. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary to strike and sell bronze duplicates of such medals at a price sufficient to cover the costs of such duplicates and the gold medals. Requires the appropriations to be reimbursed out of the sales proceeds. Designates all such medals as National Medals.

Bill· HRH.R. 1675 (101st)open

Educational Excellence Act of 1989

United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1989

Educational Excellence Act of 1989 - Title I: Improving Elementary and Secondary Education - Part A: Presidential Merit Schools - Presidential Merit Schools Act - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to establish the Presidential Merit Schools Program to recognize and reward public and private elementary and secondary schools that have made substantial progress in: (1) raising student educational achievement, especially in reading, writing, and mathematics; (2) creating a safe and alcohol- and drug-free school environment; and (3) reducing the dropout rate. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1990 through 1993. Authorizes State educational agencies (SEAs) to designate as a Merit School any public or private elementary or secondary school nominated through procedures established by the SEA. Sets forth requirements for selection criteria established by the Secretary of Education (the Secretary) and by SEAs. Provides that each Merit School will be awarded a Presidential Certificate of Merit, as well as funds to further its educational program. Prohibits Federal, State or local reduction of other assistance to a school because it receives such an award. Part B: Magnet Schools of Excellence - Magnet Schools of Excellence Act of 1989 - Amends ESEA to establish the Magnet Schools of Excellence Program of grants to support public elementary or secondary schools that: (1) offer the highest quality instruction in an academic or vocational discipline or create a unique and effective learning environment; (2) are open to students from beyond the immediate school attendance area; and (3) are capable of attracting students from a variety of backgrounds. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1990 through 1993. Sets forth criteria for selection of applications. Limits such grants to any one school to no more than two years, and requires satisfactory progress in order to receive the grant for the second year. Prohibits Federal, State, or local reduction of assistance to a school because it receives such an award. Part C: Alternative Certification for Teachers and Principals - Alternative Certification of Teachers and Principals Assistance Act of 1989 - Amends ESEA to establish a program of assistance for Alternative Certification of Teachers and Principals. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1990. Repeals this Part as of October 1, 1990. Part D: Presidential Awards for Excellence in Education - Amends ESEA to establish the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Education Program to recognize and reward outstanding elementary and secondary school teachers. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1990 through 1993. Makes any full-time public or private elementary or secondary school teacher of academic or vocational subjects eligible for such an award. Makes teachers of religion (other than religion as an academic discipline) ineligible. Allows various individuals, groups, or institutions to nominate teachers for such awards. Requires State panels to select award recipients using criteria approved by the Secretary. Sets the amount of such an award at $5,000, and allows the recipient to use it for any purpose. Part E: Effective Date - Sets the effective date of the amendments made by this title. Title II: National Science Scholars - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) to establish the National Science Scholars Program to recognize student excellence and achievement in the physical, life, and computer sciences, mathematics, and engineering. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1990 through 1993. Authorizes the Secretary to award scholarships to outstanding students selected as National Science Scholars by the President. Allows students who satisfy certain requirements to receive such scholarships for the first year of undergraduate study and, if they satisfy additional requirements, additional scholarships to cover the remaining undergraduate years. Directs the Secretary to appoint a panel of experts to recommend academic achievement criteria for use in the nomination of scholars. Sets forth requirements for initial and continuation awards. Sets the scholarship amount at $10,000 for an academic year, but reduces such amount based on cost of attendance and other grant or scholarship assistance, and adjusts for insufficient appropriations. Requires that scholarship recipients, to the extent they are otherwise qualified, be given priority consideration for federally financed summer employment in research and development centers. Title III: Other Programs - Amends the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1986 to establish a Drug-Free Schools Urban Emergency Grants program. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1990 through 1993. Directs the Secretary ot use program funds to award a small number of one-time grants to local educational agencies in urban areas with the most severe drug problems to assist them in developing and implementing comprehensive approaches to eliminating such problems. Amends HEA to authorize appropriations for FY 1990 through 1993 for special awards to historically Black colleges and universities. Makes institutions that receive such awards ineligible for other specified awards, and makes institutions that do not receive them eligible for those other awards.

Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 87 (101st)open

Concerning Iranian persecution of the Baha'is.

United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1989

Urges the Government of Iran to uphold the human rights of all its nationals, including members of the Baha'i faith, and to extend the rights guaranteed by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Calls upon the President to continue to: (1) emphasize human rights improvements as an important factor in the development of relations between the U.S. and Iranian Governments; (2) cooperate with other governments to initiate and support actions by the United Nations and its agencies to promote the protection of the religious rights of the Baha'is; and (3) provide, and urge others to provide, for refugee and humanitarian assistance for those Baha'is fleeing their homelands to escape religious repression.

Bill· HRH.R. 1600 (101st)referred

National Fish and Wildlife Enhancement Act of 1989

United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1989

Title I: Findings and Definitions - National Fish and Wildlife Enhancement Act of 1989 - Sets forth congressional findings and definitions. Title II: Oil and Gas Leasing on National Wildlife Refuges - Mandates that all oil and gas leasing receipts (including receipts from the sale of sand and gravel) be deposited into the Refuge Revenue Sharing Fund. Exempts oil and gas leases on Alaskan units of the National Wildlife Refuge System from such mandate (other than the Arctic and Teshekpuk-Utukok National Refuges). Amends the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA) to repeal, with the commencement of the first coastal plain lease sale, the proscription against oil and gas leasing within the Arctic Refuge. Directs the Secretary of the Interior (the Secretary) to initiate, through the Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Director), a coastal plain oil and gas leasing program. Makes this Act the sole authority for oil and gas leasing and regulation on the coastal plain. Suspends all lease sales, in the event that the State of Alaska initiates a judicial challenge to the division of revenues between the State and the Federal Government, until a final decision has been issued. Directs the Secretary, through the Director, to publish draft competitive oil and gas coastal plain leasing regulations within six months after the date of enactment of this Act. Declares a certain "Final Legislative Environmental Impact Statement" to be adequate to satisfy Federal law. Sets forth environmental policy guidelines for such regulations, including a mandatory analysis of the direct, indirect, and cumulative impacts of oil and gas development. Sets forth general procedures and conditions for competitive oil and gas leasing, including expedited judicial review of administrative actions relating to such leasing, bonding requirements, and environmental stipulations. Directs the Secretary to establish a Federal-State Interagency Task Force for the Arctic Refuge, within 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act, to assist the Secretary, acting through the Director, in the development and implementation of an oil and gas exploration program that will avoid significant adverse impact upon fish, wildlife, and the environment. Sets forth Task Force responsibilities and membership. Grants the Secretary (acting through the Director) exclusive authority to grant a right-of-way across the coastal plain for purposes of a common carrier transportation or utility system corridor. Prohibits granting a permanent right-of-way until the first competitive coastal plain lease sale has been held. Mandates that the right-of-way standards for oil and gas pipelines across the coastal plain be consistent with the remainder of the pipeline outside the Arctic Refuge. Prohibits the construction of more than two new port facilities necessitated by oil or gas development that affects the Arctic Refuge along a specified coastal area. Prohibits the construction of any port facility within a distance of one and a half miles on either side of Pokok Bluffs (a polar bear denning habitat). Prohibits port facility or offshore causeway construction without prior consultation with specified fish and wildlife agencies. Grants the Secretary enforcement powers for violations of this Act, including power to issue compliance orders and assess civil and criminal penalties. Imposes joint, several, and strict liability for pollution and damages to wildlife and the environment caused by discharge or development activities involving oil, gas, or hazardous substances. Grants the Secretary the right to accomplish control and removal at the expense of the responsible party. Requires the Secretary to: (1) revise a specified Arctic Refuge conservation plan to include the Arctic Refuge coastal plain; (2) consult with affected State, native villages, regional corporations, and Canada in evaluating the impact of oil and gas exploration upon fish and wildlife; and (3) report biennially to congressional committees regarding the status of the oil and gas leasing program and its impact upon wildlife and the environment. Amends the Refuge Revenue Sharing Act to direct the Secretary to segregate oil and gas leasing revenues on the Arctic and Teshekpuk-Utukok National Wildlife Refuges (including sand and gravel sale revenues) from all other revenues deposited into the Refuge Revenue Sharing Fund. Outlines the manner in which such revenues shall be apportioned. Amends the Migratory Bird Hunting Stamp Act to direct the Secretary to segregate excess oil and gas leasing revenues from all other monies within the Migratory Bird Conservation Fund. Amends the Migratory Bird Conservation Act to authorize approval by the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission of any acquisition recommendation made by the Secretary relating to: (1) the North American Waterfowl Plan (signed with Canada in 1986); and (2) land and water interests which would be acquired out of segregated oil and gas leasing revenues (including sand or gravel sale revenues) on the Arctic and Teshekpuk-Utukok National Wildlife Refuges. Outlines the manner in which such funds shall be allocated. Establishes the Fish and Wildlife Enhancement Trust Fund to promote fish and wildlife conservation. Provides for an initial endowment of such Fund from oil and gas leasing revenues, including sand or gravel sale revenues on the Arctic and Teshekpuk-Utukok National Wildlife Refuges. Requires the Director to submit annual summaries of trust fund expenditures to the appropriate congressional committees. Establishes as a National Wildlife Refuge and as a unit of the National Wildlife Refuge System the Teshekpuk-Utukok National Wildlife Refuge. Requires the Director to prepare a comprehensive conservation plan for such Refuge. Sets forth a limited oil and gas leasing moratorium within such Refuge. Continues the local use of coal as fuel. Repeals certain statutory prohibitions applicable to subsurface coastal plain property interests owned by the Arctic Slope Regional Corporation or surface property rights owned by the Kaktovik Inupiat Corporation. Precludes the authorization of exploratory drilling involving such property interests (with specified exceptions) until the day after the first lease sale is held pursuant to this Act. Applies environmental stipulations of the final regulations issued pursuant to this Act to all oil and gas exploration, development, and production activities involving such property interests. Requires all surface disturbance activities involving such property interests to be undertaken in accordance with a plan of operations to be approved by the Director. Confers full land reclamation liability upon coastal plain oil and gas leaseholders and holders of rights-of-way. Establishes the Coastal Plain Liability and Reclamation Fund within six months of a commercial discovery within the coastal plain and capitalizes such Fund with royalties from commercially produced crude oil or natural gas. Authorizes appropriations for impact aid for affected governments and communities. Directs the Secretary to establish an impact aid grant program for such entities, and to submit to the Congress the results of a study of projected impact aid needs. Requires the Secretary, through the Director, to establish a program to restore and enhance seriously eroded, degraded, or converted U.S. wetlands. Directs the Secretary to identify and prepare enhancement and restoration plans for wetlands that have been seriously affected by conversions or erosion. Sets forth plan requirements. Authorizes appropriations from the Wetlands Restoration and Enhancement Account to carry out such activities. Prohibits the exchange of any part of the Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge without congressional approval. Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions - Amends the Migratory Bird Conservation Act to provide that lease terms shall, at a minimum, address the same wildlife conservation and protection matters that are applicable to the access and development of reserved non-Federal mineral interests in National Wildlife Refuge System areas. Amends the Fish and Wildlife Improvement Act to authorize appropriations for each fiscal year through FY 1998 for the Secretary of the Interior to implement the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance Especially as Waterfowl Habitat. Amends the Refuge Administration Act to provide that specified Federal criminal law does not preclude the use of aircraft and motor vehicles in implementation of approved management plans on national wildlife refuges.

Bill· HRH.R. 1595 (101st)open

Natural Gas Decontrol Act of 1989

United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1989

Natural Gas Decontrol Act of 1989 - Amends the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978 to declare that the price guidelines for the first sale of natural gas do not apply to deliveries taking place under: (1) expired, terminated, or post-enactment contracts executed after the date of enactment of this Act; (2) certain renegotiated contracts; and (3) gas produced from a well the surface drilling of which began after a specified date. Repeals wellhead price controls.

Bill· HRH.R. 1636 (101st)referred

Uniform Product Liability Act of 1989

United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1989

Uniform Product Liability Act of 1989 - Governs any product liability action brought in either State or Federal court against a manufacturer or product seller for personal injury, property damage, or commercial loss, superseding State law whenever this Act establishes a rule of law applicable to recovery for the harm in question. Describes the scope of preemption. Authorizes States to develop or implement alternative procedures, standards, or systems not inconsistent with this Act. Denies manufacturer liability for harm caused by an unreasonable or unforeseeable use or alteration of a product or by a danger known to be inherent to the product and incapable of mitigation. Describes conditions under which a manufacturer will not be held liable for harm caused by product design or failure to warn. Describes conditions governing product seller liability, holding a seller liable only if the claimant establishes by a preponderance of the evidence that: (1) the seller's failure to exercise reasonable care with respect to the product was the proximate cause of the harm in question; or (2) the harm was caused by the product's failure to conform to the seller's express warranty. Describes: (1) defenses applicable in product liability cases; (2) the respective liability of codefendants; and (3) standards and limitations to govern awards of punitive damages. Imposes a two-year statute of limitations with respect to product liability actions, with longer periods applicable in cases involving capital goods and aviation accidents. Prescribes coordination requirements in connection with product liability actions that also involve workers' compensation awards. Directs any court in which a product liability action is brought to give the parties the opportunity to engage in nonbinding arbitration with respect to the claim in question. Describes conditions to govern such arbitration.

Bill· HRH.R. 1515 (101st)referred

Anti-Terrorism Sanctions Act of 1989

United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1989

Anti-Terrorism Sanctions Act of 1989 - Requires the President to revoke the most-favored-nation trade status of certain foreign countries that repeatedly support international terrorism. Prohibits duty-free treatment for the products of such countries under the Trade Act of 1974 or the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act. Prohibits the Secretary of Commerce from consulting with the governments of such countries regarding international travel and tourism. Allows the President to waive any sanction under this Act with respect to any foreign country if such waiver would be in the best interests of the United States. Requires the President to give 30 days' notice to the Congress concerning any waiver.

Law· HRH.R. 1486 (101st)enacted

To authorize appropriations for fiscal year 1990 for the Maritime Administration and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1989

Authorizes appropriations for the Maritime Administration for FY 1990 for: (1) operating-differential subsidies; (2) research and development; (3) manpower, education, and training; (4) operating programs; and (5) national security support capabilities, including the National Defense Reserve Fleet and the Ready Reserve Force. Amends the Merchant Marine Act, 1936 to revise Federal provisions relating to the making of student incentive payments to individuals enrolled in State maritime academies. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to submit to the Congress a study on providing training opportunities for State, regional, and Federal maritime academy students that will produce licensed graduate officers. Amends the Merchant Marine Act, 1936 to set the cap on annual payments to regional maritime academies which meet certain requirements at $200,000. Amends the Merchant Ship Sales Act of 1946 to limit the purposes for which the Secretary of Transportation may enter into a contract for maintenance of the National Defense Reserve Fleet, including the Ready Reserve Force.

Bill· HRH.R. 1491 (101st)referred

To guarantee cost-of-living adjustments in fiscal year 1990 for persons receiving retired pay or an annuity under military retirement and survivor benefit programs.

United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1989

Requires the cost-of-living adjustments in FY 1990 for persons receiving military retired pay or an annuity under a veterans' survivors' benefits program to take effect. Prohibits any reduction or suspension of such adjustments under any presidential order or any other provision of law, except applicable Federal armed forces provisions.

Law· HRH.R. 1465 (101st)enacted

Oil Pollution Act of 1990

United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1989

Oil Pollution Liability and Compensation Act of 1989 - Title I: Oil Pollution Liability and Compensation - Imposes joint, several, and strict liability for specified removal costs and damages upon the party responsible for a vessel or facility from which oil is either discharged into certain waters, or which poses a substantial threat of such a discharge. Exempts from such liability certain discharges permitted under Federal, State, and local law. Defines conditions under which a mobile offshore drilling unit will be treated as either a tanker or as a facility for purposes of determining responsibility or excess liability. Sets forth defenses to liability under this Act. Sets forth limits to liability under this Act, with specified exceptions. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to establish by regulation a maximum liability limit. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress from time to time regarding liability adjustments. Declares that the responsible party or his guarantor shall be liable to the claimant for interest on the amount paid in satisfaction of a claim for a specified period. Defines circumstances under which liability for injury to natural resources shall be to either: (1) the United States; (2) the affected State; or (3) a foreign government. Sets forth recovery and indemnification procedures. Sets forth the uses of the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund (the Fund) including: (1) payment of removal costs and administrative expenses; and (2) contributions to the International Fund. Sets forth defenses to liability for such Fund and a specified maximum amount which may be paid from the Fund. Confers rights of subrogation upon the United States for payment of any claim by the Fund. Sets forth a claims procedure for removal costs or damages. Requires the Secretary to designate the source of a discharge and to immediately notify the responsible party or guarantor of such designation. Grants subrogation rights to any person (including the Fund) who pays compensation under this Act to any claimant for costs or damages. Requires the party responsible for certain vessels over 300 gross tons to establish and maintain evidence of financial responsibility to meet maximum liability limits. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to withhold or revoke the clearance of any vessel which fails to certify such financial responsibility. Sets forth circumstances under which such vessels may be denied entry into U.S. ports or waters or have their oil cargo seized. Imposes a civil penalty for failure to comply with the financial responsibility requirement. Restricts judicial review of any regulation promulgated under this Act to the Circuit Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia. Grants the district courts original jurisdiction over all actions arising under this Act. Sets forth a limitation period for actions for removal costs, damages, or contribution. Title II: Conforming Amendments - Sets forth conforming amendments to certain related statutes. Title III: Implementation of International Conventions - States that during any period in which the Civil Liability Convention and the Fund Convention are in force with respect to the United States, owner liability for pollution damage arising from a ship-related incident shall be determined according to such Conventions. Grants recognition to the International Oil Pollution Compensation Fund as a legal person under Federal law, and deems the Director of such Fund to have irrevocably appointed the Secretary of State as the Fund's agent for service of process for legal proceedings involving the Fund within the United States. Exempts such Fund and its assets from all direct taxation in the United States. Provides that certain required contributions with respect to oil received in the United States shall be paid to the International Fund from the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund. Grants recognition to any final judgment of a court of any country which is a party to either the Civil Liability Convention or the Fund Convention. Sets forth the financial responsibility requirements of shipowners whose vessels are subject to the Civil Liability Convention. Imposes specified sanctions and civil penalties upon persons violating the financial responsibility requirements. Waives all U.S. defenses based upon sovereign immunity with respect to any controversy arising under the Civil Liability Convention or the Fund Convention relating to any ship owned by the United States and used for commercial purposes. Authorizes the Secretary to prescribe regulations to implement this Act and all Federal obligations under the specified Oil Pollution Conventions.

Law· HRH.R. 1426 (101st)enacted

Drug Abuse Treatment Technical Corrections Act of 1989

United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1989

Drug Abuse Treatment Technical Corrections Act of 1989 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to revise the formula for allotments to States and territories for alcohol and drug abuse and mental health services block grants. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services, notwithstanding specified provisions of the Public Health Service Act, with respect to FY 1989, to waive a requirement that certain amounts paid to a State for such block grants, obligated by the State, and remaining unexpended at the end of the fiscal year, remain available during the succeeding fiscal year. Authorizes the Secretary to waive the requirement in specified provisions regarding minimum expenditures by States for alcohol and drug abuse activities if the Secretary determines that the incidence of intravenous drug abuse in the State does not require the level of funding required in such provisions. Amends provisions requiring a set-aside of a portion of the block grant funds for programs and services for women to require that the focus be on alcohol and drug abuse. Declares that provisions requiring States to use a portion of the block grants for group homes for recovering substance abusers do not apply to any U.S. territory other than the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. Prohibits an allotment of block grant funds from being made to a State unless its legislature holds public hearings on the proposed use and distribution of funds. (Current law requires such hearings after the first fiscal year in which a State receives an allotment under provisions relating to set-aside for an Indian tribe or tribal organization.) Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Administrator of the Alcohol, Drug Abuse, and Mental Health Administration to establish program advisory committees and to pay members of the committees. Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the National Deafness and Other Communication Disorders Advisory Board to be established not later than April 1, 1989. Allows exclusion, in computing the maximum number of commissioned officers of the Public Health Service authorized by law to hold a grade corresponding to brigadier or major general, for officers assigned to duty with the Department of Defense. (Current law allows exclusion for such officers only if assigned to duty with the office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs.) Amends specified provisions of the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act (McKinney Act) and the Public Health Service Act to read as if the amendments made by title VI (Revision and Extension of Programs of Health Care for the Homeless) of the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Amendments Act of 1988 had not been enacted. Amends the McKinney Act so as to authorize appropriations for a National Mental Health Education Program rather than for community mental health services demonstration projects. Amends the Public Health Service Act to allow recipients of grants for health service delivery to homeless individuals to provide dental, vision, and podiatry services as well as mental health and other services.

Bill· HRH.R. 1416 (101st)referred

Research and Experimental Credit Extension and Reform Act of 1989

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.