United States · United States Congress · 30 March 1988
Supports the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty. Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the President should: (1) continue to provide a credible U.S. nuclear deterrent force based in Europe for the security of the United States and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) allies; (2) provide leadership within NATO with respect to strengthening NATO conventional forces and modernizing its nuclear deterrent forces in Europe; (3) seek verifiable conventional arms agreements leading to Warsaw Pact arms reductions in Europe; (4) continue to discuss with our NATO allies a comprehensive strategy for arms control and nuclear and conventional defense modernization in the post-INF period; (5) continue to work for verifiable strategic nuclear reductions which contribute to stability; (6) take appropriate action, including withdrawing from the INF Treaty, if he determines that the Soviets have materially violated that Treaty; and (7) propose specific procedures to resolve existing and future Soviet arms control violations.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1988
Amends the Federal criminal code to make it unlawful for any person to manufacture, assemble, import, sell, possess, receive, ship, or deliver any firearm which is not: (1) as detectable as the Minimum Security Standard Exemplar, after the removal of grips, stocks, and magazines, by walk-through metal detectors calibrated and operated in accordance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) standards for use at U.S. airports; or (2) impregnated with barium sulfate, or a similar compound, to facilitate detectability by cabinet x-ray systems. States that nothing in this Act shall require: (1) the FAA to utilize the Minimum Security Standard Exemplar as a FAA detection standard; or (2) that a firearm be made of any particular material or be of any particular weight as long as the detectability standard is met. States that firearms manufactured before the date of enactment of this Act, and the frame or receiver of any firearm, shall be excluded from coverage under this Act. Prohibits the Secretary of the Treasury from authorizing the importation of undetectable firearms. Provides increased criminal penalties for using or carrying an undetectable firearm during the commission of a crime of violence or a drug trafficking crime. Defines the term "Minimum Security Standard Exemplar" to mean a firearm substitute used for testing that resembles a revolver, is made of material type 17-4 PH stainless, and weighs four ounces. Directs the Administrator of the FAA to conduct research to improve the effectiveness of airport security metal detectors and airport security x-ray systems. Directs the Administrator of the FAA, the Director of the Secret Service, and the Director of the Marshals Service to conduct a study to identify available equipment capable of detecting the Minimum Security Standard Exemplar while distinguishing innocuous metal objects. Allows the Secretary, when appropriate because of changed technology, to submit proposed legislation to amend the definition of Minimum Security Standard Exemplar.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1988
Provides that restrictions may be applied to information, counseling, or services provided by family planning entities abroad that receive U.S. assistance under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 only to the extent that the same restrictions apply to domestic family planning entities receiving funds under the Public Health Service Act.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1988
Global Poverty Reduction Act - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to direct the President to develop a plan to ensure that U.S. development assistance contributes measurably toward eradicating the worst aspects of absolute poverty by the year 2000. Requires that such plan include target dates for reaching specific measurable goals whose attainment would contribute to direct improvements in the living standards of the poorest 40 percent of the population. Specifies that such goals shall include reducing the mortality rate of infants under age five, increasing the female literacy rate, and reducing the percentages of populations below the absolute poverty level by specified amounts by the year 2000. Directs that primary emphasis of development activities to restore the renewable natural resource base shall be on small-scale, affordable, low-risk local projects featuring close consultation with, and involvement of, local people at all stages of project design and implementation. Requires the President to submit the plan to the Congress by July 1, 1989. Requires all U.S. development assistance to be directed at attaining plan goals between October 1, 1989, and December 31, 2000. Requires the President to submit annual reports to the Congress detailing progress toward achieving plan goals. Directs the Comptroller General to review and comment on each report issued. Directs the President to host an international development conference for heads of governments of development assistance donor and recipient countries by October 16, 1989, to conclude an international agreement on eliminating the worst aspects of absolute poverty by the year 2000.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1988
Genocide Convention Implementation Act of 1988 - Amends the Federal criminal code to establish the criminal offense of genocide. Sets forth penalties for anyone who commits or attempts to commit any of the acts which constitute genocide (a fine of $1,000,000 and/or imprisonment for up to 20 years, and life imprisonment if group members are killed). Sets forth criminal penalties (a fine of $500,000 and/or imprisonment for up to five years) for directly and publicly inciting an act of genocide. States that nothing in this Act: (1) precludes the application of State or local laws on the same subject; or (2) creates any Federal civil remedy with respect to the prohibited conduct.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1988
Marine Research Act of 1988 - Amends the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972 to authorize the establishment of Regional Marine Research Centers (Centers) to plan, coordinate, and support research, monitoring, and assessment activities concerned with the quality of the marine environment. Authorizes the Governors of a majority of States in a marine research region to develop and submit for approval to the Marine Research Coordination Board (Board) a combined, interstate proposal for a Center which identifies the research organizations which will participate in the Center and the goals of such Center. Identifies the marine research regions as the Gulf of Maine, Greater New York Bight, Mid-Atlantic Bight, Tropical, Gulf of Mexico, Southern California Bight, North Pacific, Gulf of Alaska and Arctic Seas, Insular Pacific, and Great Lakes Regions. Requires each Center to develop and submit for the Board's approval every three years a marine research plan which: (1) identifies research needs and priorities in the region over the next ten years; (2) inventories all federally-funded projects regarding the marine environment expected to be conducted in the region during the three-year term of the plan; (3) explains the means by which the Center will select and supervise projects to be funded under this Act; (4) describes each project expected to be assisted with appropriations authorized pursuant to this Act; and (5) lists the equipment and supplies used commonly for research projects in the region. Authorizes the Board to make annual administrative, research, and equipment grants to Centers which submit applications for such grants. Sets forth reporting requirements. Requires each Center to support baseline monitoring of fundamental marine environmental conditions and submit periodic reports on the status of marine environmental quality and resources in the region to the Board. Requires that such reports be made available to the public, State Governors, and local, State, and Federal agencies. Authorizes the establishment of the Marine Research Coordination Board at the Federal level to manage and coordinate the efforts of the Centers and report periodically to the Congress on the activities and findings of such Centers. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1989 through 1993.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1988
Space Settlement Act of 1988 - Amends the National Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958 to include as part of the national space program's policy and purpose the congressional declaration that the extension of human life into extraterrestrial space for the purposes of advancing science, exploration, and development will enhance the general welfare on earth and will eventually lead to space settlements (human communities with substantial independence from earth) that will further accomplish scientific purposes. Directs the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to: (1) obtain, produce, and disseminate technological and other information addressing the significant issues associated with the establishment of space settlements; and (2) report biennially to the President and to the Congress on specified topics relating to space settlements, including applied technologies, international cooperation, finance, and pertinent sociopolitical and legal concerns. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1988
Designates January 26, 1989, as Sean MacBride Day, marking the 85th anniversary of the birth of the late Sean MacBride, cofounder of Amnesty International and sponsor of the MacBride Principles opposing religious discrimination in Northern Ireland.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1988
Reproductive Health Equity Act - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act, the Indian Health Care Improvement Act, the Peace Corps Act, the District of Columbia Self-Government and Governmental Reorganization Act, and other Federal laws covering armed forces personnel and dependents, certain veterans, Federal employees' health benefits, and Federal penal and correctional institutions to provide that services related to abortion be made available in the same manner as are other pregnancy-related services under federally funded programs.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1988
Postal Reorganization Act of 1988 - Declares that the receipts and disbursements of the Postal Service Fund: (1) shall not be included in the totals of the Federal budget or the congressional budget; (2) shall be exempt from Federal budget limitations on expenditures and net lending; and (3) shall not be counted for purposes of calculating the Federal deficit. Repeals certain limitations on postal borrowing authority. Increases the limitations on postal borrowing authority.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1988
Condemns the failure of the National Governing Council of Haiti to support a constitutional transition to democracy, to provide security for the Haitian people, and to respect internationally recognized human rights. Declares it to be the policy of the United States to: (1) demonstrate the disapproval of the United States of those elements in Haiti responsible for the failure to restore genuine democratic government in accordance with the Haitian Constitution (approved March 29, 1987); (2) encourage a transition to democracy through the holding of free and fair elections; (3) promote respect for human rights in Haiti; (4) continue to support efforts of the Haitian people to achieve economic development and social justice; (5) deny benefits to the Government of Haiti until there has been a transition to democracy; and (6) recognize that Haiti is a major point for the transshipment of illicit drugs. Suspends the provision of any type of foreign assistance to Haiti. Allows an exception for specified types of assistance, including emergency and humanitarian assistance. Provides that the United States shall use its vote and influence in relevant international financial institutions to oppose any loan or any extension of financial or technical assistance to Haiti, unless such assistance is directed to programs which serve the basic human needs of the citizens of Haiti. Prohibits the extension of certain trade benefits to Haiti, including: (1) treatment as a beneficiary country for purposes of the Caribbean Basic Economic Recovery Act; (2) treatment as a beneficiary developing country for purposes of the Generalized System of Preferences; and (3) specialized tariff treatment of articles exported to and returned from Haiti. Prohibits the importation from Haiti of any sugars, sirups, or molasses whenever any limitation is otherwise imposed on such importation. Prohibits the selling or leasing of any defense articles or defense services to Haiti under provisions of the Arms Export Control Act. Requires any U.S. Government agency to: (1) take into account the general policy of the United States to deny benefits to Haiti until a transition to democracy has occurred before taking any action with respect to Haiti that is not explicitly addressed by this Act; and (2) report to the Congress any decision to take such action. Requires the President to develop and transmit to the Congress a comprehensive plan for supporting individuals and institutions in Haiti committed to advancing democracy. Specifies the objectives to be considered in developing such a plan. Terminates sanctions imposed by this Act only after the Congress: (1) determines that the Haitian Constitution is being fully adhered to by a Government chosen in free elections; and (2) repeals such sanctions. Allows the President to suspend certain sanctions temporarily if he certifies to the Congress that Haiti is making significant progress toward establishment of a democratic government. Requires the President to periodically report to the Congress on the progress made toward the policy objectives of this Act. Requires the President to submit a report to the Congress which: (1) explains why Haiti has not been treated as a major-drug-transit country for purposes of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 and the Trade Act of 1974; and (2) states whether Haiti cooperated fully with respect to illicit drug trafficking. Repeals existing restrictions on assistance to Haiti as contained in the Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Act, 1988.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1988
Disapproves the President's certification for U.S. assistance to Peru under provisions of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 relating to countries that fail to take adequate measures to prevent narcotic drugs and other controlled substances from being sold illegally within the jurisdiction of such country to U.S. Government personnel or from entering the United States unlawfully.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1988
Disapproves the President's certification (received by the Congress on March 1, 1988) of the narcotics cooperation of Peru under provisions of the Trade Act of 1974 regarding tariff treatment of products of uncooperative countries.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1988
Disapproves the President's certification (received by the Congress on March 1, 1988) of the narcotics cooperation of Bolivia under provisions of the Trade Act of 1974 regarding tariff treatment of products of uncooperative countries.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1988
Disapproves the President's certification for U.S. assistance to Paraguay under provisions of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 relating to countries that fail to take adequate measures to prevent narcotic drugs and other controlled substances from being sold illegally within the jurisdiction of such country to U.S. Government personnel or from entering the United States unlawfully.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1988
Disapproves the President's certification for U.S. assistance to Bolivia under provisions of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 relating to countries that fail to take adequate measures to prevent narcotic drugs and other controlled substances from being sold illegally within the jurisdiction of such country to U.S. Government personnel or from entering the United States unlawfully.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1988
Disapproves the President's certification for U.S. assistance to the Bahamas under provisions of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 relating to countries that fail to take adequate measures to prevent narcotic drugs and other controlled substances from being sold illegally within the jurisdiction of such country to U.S. Government personnel or from entering the United States unlawfully.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1988
Disapproves the President's certification (received by the Congress on March 1, 1988) of the narcotics cooperation of Paraguay under provisions of the Trade Act of 1974 regarding tariff treatment of products of uncooperative countries.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1988
Disapproves the President's certification (received by the Congress on March 1, 1988) of the narcotics cooperation of the Bahamas under provisions of the Trade Act of 1974 regarding tariff treatment of products of uncooperative countries.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1988
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that FY 1989 funding for Federal-aid highway and mass transit programs should be at levels established by the Surface Transportation and Uniform Relocation Assistance Act of 1987.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1988
AIDS Health Care Financing Act of 1988 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), and the Public Health Service Act to extend the maximum required period of continuation coverage of group health plans from 18 months to 29 months for an individual determined, under title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) or title XVI (Supplemental Security Income) of the Social Security Act, to have been disabled at the time of termination or reduction in hours. Increases the premium which plans are permitted to require for continuation coverage from 102 percent to 152 percent of the applicable premium for the period for any month after the 18th month of continuation coverage after terminations, reduced hours, or multiple qualifying events. Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to permit States to pay expenses of an individual eligible for benefits under its plan for premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, or similar costs for health coverage offered by the individual's employer, including continuation coverage. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide for a three-year program of grants to States to assist in paying premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, and similar costs for continuation coverage for individuals who were disabled at the time of termination of employment. Sets forth reporting requirements. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1989 through 1991. Provides that when the Secretary allows a State Medicaid plan to provide for payment for individuals with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) or an AIDS-related condition, for home or community-based services such as home health care, personal care services, case management services, outpatient mental health treatment, and outpatient substance abuse treatment, the Federal medical assistance percentage shall not be less than 75 percent. Declares that nothing in title XIX of the Social Security Act shall be construed as preventing a State from establishing differential payment rates for providers to reflect the additional costs of providing services to patients with AIDS or an AIDS-related condition. Directs the Secretary to provide for up to four Regional AIDS Treatment Demonstration Projects for individuals with AIDS and AIDS-related conditions in areas which do not have a disproportionate number of such individuals. Requires the projects to incorporate innovative approaches to the delivery of necessary services, particularly focusing on community-based services. Requires each project to provide for case management services and community-based services. Sets forth considerations in selection of projects. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1989 through 1991. Sets forth reporting requirements. Directs the Secretary to establish up to six Demonstration HIV Monitoring and Treatment Centers for individuals diagnosed as infected with a virus related to the development of AIDS but who have not developed AIDS. Sets forth terms and conditions relating to the imposition of charges for services, the development of model clinical treatment plans, and confidentiality of records. Sets forth reporting requirements. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1989 through 1991. Directs the Secretary to provide financial assistance to up to four local projects which have established AIDS prevention and treatment services to permit the projects to assist entities in developing and establishing similar local projects in other areas. Allows the assistance to be used for staff, overhead, and the preparation and reproduction of educational materials. Prohibits use of the assistance for AIDS prevention and treatment services. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1989 through 1991. Directs the Secretary to provide financial assistance to local governments which demonstrate a disproportionate share of: (1) residents with AIDS or an AIDS-related condition; or (2) expenditures from local funds for treatment of such syndrome or condition. Sets forth reporting requirements. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1989 through 1991.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1988
Title I: Housing and Urban Development - Makes FY 1988 supplemental appropriations for the following Department of Housing and Urban Development homeless programs authorized by the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act: (1) single room occupancy dwelling rehabilitation; (2) emergency shelter grants; (3) supportive housing demonstration program; and (4) supplemental assistance for facilities to assist the homeless. Makes FY 1988 supplemental appropriations for the Federal Emergency Management Agency's emergency food and shelter program. Title II: Health and Human Services - Makes FY 1988 supplemental appropriations for the following Department of Health and Human Services homeless programs authorized by the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act: (1) health services; (2) community mental health services (alcohol, drug abuse, and mental health); and (3) emergency community services.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1988
Expresses the concern of the House of Representatives over events in Panama and U.S.-Panamanian relations. Affirms U.S. recognition of Eric Arturo Delvalle as President of Panama. Calls on President Reagan to consider imposing additional economic and political sanctions to encourage the reestablishment of civilian authority in Panama. Urges the U.S. private sector to act in accordance with U.S. policy toward Panama. Calls upon the nations of the hemisphere to take actions to support the reestablishment of democracy in Panama. Calls upon General Noriega to comply with President Delvalle's order dismissing him as commander of the Panamanian Defense Forces.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1988
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Secretary of Transportation (the Secretary) should: (1) investigate the management of Texas Air Corporation and Eastern Air Lines since the acquisition of Eastern by Texas Air to determine (according to prescribed guidelines) the effect of such management upon the public interest; (2) use the investigation findings as a basis for decisions in pending and future cases involving proposed changes in domestic and international operations of Eastern; (3) not authorize the operation of any entity as a subsidiary of Texas Air in performing any air transportation operations until completion of a review to determine whether such performance is consistent with the public interest; (4) not authorize any Texas Air subsidiary to engage in air transportation until the application for such certificate has been reviewed; (5) not authorize Orion Air to provide contract services with Eastern unless Orion establishes conclusively its capability of conducting such operations with the highest degree of safety; (6) not expedite consideration of Orion's request to operate under contract with Eastern by diverting employees of the Department of Transportation or the Federal Aviation Administration from their responsibilities of ensuring the safety of previously authorized operations; and (7) require, as a condition of any approval of Orion's request to operate under contract with Eastern, that purchasers of tickets for such service must be informed at the time of making reservations of the identity of the carrier having operational responsibility for such service.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1988
Declares that the President should: (1) posthumously award the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Charles E. Thornton, Lee Shapiro, and Jim Lindelof in honor of their efforts to document the Afghan struggle for freedom; and (2) present the award to those individuals' families on March 21, 1988, the start of the new year in Afghanistan.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1988
Expresses the concern of the House of Representatives over events in Panama and U.S.-Panamanian relations. Reaffirms the U.S. commitment to the full implementation of the Panama Canal Treaties. Affirms U.S. recognition of Eric Arturo Delvalle as President of Panama. Calls on President Reagan to consider imposing additional economic and political sanctions to encourage the reestablishment of civilian authority in Panama. Urges the U.S. private sector to act in accordance with U.S. policy toward Panama. Calls upon the nations of the hemisphere to take actions to support the reestablishment of democracy in Panama. Calls upon General Noriega to comply with President Delvalle's order dismissing him as commander of the Panamanian Defense Forces.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1988
Natural Gas Transition Act of 1988 - Prohibits the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (Commission) from permitting natural gas distribution service which would displace existing service provided by a local distribution company (or which could be provided by such local company) if: (1) the State or local regulatory authority certifies to the Commission that the displacing service would prejudice the interests of such distribution company's customers; or (2) the proponent of such displacing service fails to demonstrate that the local distribution company protesting the proposed service is unwilling to provide transportation service on terms in effect or acceptable to the State or local commission. Precludes the Commission from permitting such displacing service until 30 days after it has published notice of such service in the Federal Register. Applies this Act to all service not provided before its date of enactment, regardless of whether the Commission had granted permission to provide such service before such date.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1988
Praises the organizers of the National Silver-Haired Congress for their efforts on behalf of older Americans. Declares that the Congress should welcome the participants and ensure the success of the National Silver-Haired Congress when it is convened in Washington, D.C. in 1989.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1988
Women in Development Act of 1988 - Requires the Administrator of the Agency for International Development (AID) to take specific steps to strengthen the Agency's women in development policy, including: (1) incorporating the active participation of local women and local women's organizations in its development activities; (2) instructing Agency staff and contractors to collect sex-disaggregated data and to insure that country strategies, projects, and programs are designed so that the percentage of women receiving assistance in proportion to the higher of their traditional participation in the targeted activities or their proportion of the population; (3) insuring that project and program evaluations include an assessment of the extent to which the project integrates women in the development process and of the project's impact on women; (4) increasing the number and responsibility of women in professional positions within AID; and (5) establishing within AID a task force on women in development. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to require that a minimum (currently, maximum) of $10,000,000 in funds made available for foreign assistance programs be used for programs to promote the participation and integration of women in the development process in developing countries. Requires the Administrator to report to the Congress annually on the implementation of this Act. Authorizes appropriations to be made available for the United Nations Development Fund for Women and the United Nations International Research and Training Institute for the Advancement of Women.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1988
Expresses disapproval of the refusal of the U.S.S.R. to recognize the sovereignty of the Baltic Republics. Designates June 14, 1988, as Baltic Freedom Day. Authorizes and requests the President to submit the issue of the Baltic Republics to the United Nations.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1988
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior, in order to provide for water conservation, to: (1) construct a new lined canal or to line the presently unlined portions of the All-American Canal of the Boulder Canyon Project; and (2) implement measures to replace incidental fish and wildlife values foregone. Provides that the water conserved by the project shall be available for beneficial consumptive use within California as specified in existing water delivery contracts. Entitles participating contractors to a proportionate share of the water conserved. Directs the Secretary to study the impact of the project on the operation and maintenance of the existing All-American Canal and its Coachella Branch and to provide for certain additional costs if necessary. Requires the cost of the project to be paid from funds advanced by the participating contractors and in accordance with terms and conditions acceptable to the Secretary. Provides that title to all constructed facilities shall rest with the United States, subject to disposal by the Secretary at his discretion as permitted under certain existing repayment contracts.
United States · United States Congress · 18 February 1988
Establishes the National Park System Review Board to maintain a continuing review of National Park Service programs and of existing and proposed National Park System units. Requires the Board to transmit annually to the President and the Congress: (1) a report containing the results of such review, together with recommendations for the management of the National Park System or any proposed additions to such System; and (2) budget recommendations for the Service and the Board. Establishes a Director of the National Park Service within the Department of the Interior, to be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Sets forth the functions of the Director. Mandates a five-year term of office.