United States · United States Congress · 30 June 1987
Ozone Protection and CFC Reduction Act of 1987 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose an excise tax on: (1) any ozone-depleting chemical sold or used by its manufacturer, producer, or importer; and (2) any substance sold or used by its importer if its manufacture or production included the use of any ozone-depleting chemical. Fixes the rate of such tax at an amount equal to a base amount, adjusted annually for inflation, times the ozone-depletion factor for the pertinent chemical, as determined in accordance with this Act. Describes the criteria to be used for determining which substances will be considered as ozone-depleting chemicals for purposes of the excise tax. Lists specific chlorofluorocarbons to be included among such chemicals. Exempts from the tax: (1) certain products containing a de minimis amount of ozone-depleting chemicals; and (2) chemicals diverted or recovered in the United States as part of a recycling process. Imposes a floor stocks tax on ozone-depleting chemicals: (1) on which tax would be due if sold by the manufacturer on the effective date of the tax; and (2) which are held on such date for sale by a dealer. Sets the amount of such inventory tax to equal the excise tax amount.
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 1987
Telecommunications Employees' Protection Act of 1987 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to establish certain reemployment rights for employees who have lost employment as a consequence of the divestiture of the Bell system. Requires, to the extent that the dominant long distance common carrier (AT&T), the regional common carriers, the Bell operating companies, or their respective subsidiaries and affiliates (all of which shall be called the "telecommunications companies") continue to need the work of eligible protected positions performed, that such work be performed by employees of such companies. Requires the telecommunications companies (after any appropriate seniority, layoff and recall, or force adjustment provisions in applicable collective bargaining agreements have been satisfied) to afford to eligible protected employees the first right of hire for any eligible protected positions for which they are qualified by training and experience over any persons who have not theretofore been employees of such companies. Defines eligible protected employee as one who on December 31, 1983, was serving in an eligible position as an employee of one of the telecommunications companies, and who has been or is laid off or terminated for other than cause. Requires the telecommunications companies to credit eligible protected employees as possessing the training and experience they would normally have acquired in their former position had they not been laid off or terminated since December 31, 1983. Makes service credit the basis of selection if training and experience are substantially equal. Provides that, upon rehire, an eligible protected employee shall be subject to any seniority, layoff and recall, or force adjustment provisions contained in any applicable collective bargaining agreements. Requires the monthly listing of eligible protected positions in an available and accessible manner. Requires the telecommunications company which laid off or terminated them to pay moving expenses and certain reimbursement payments to eligible protected employees who must relocate in order to fill eligible protected positions. Provides for a certain base wage upon rehiring of an eligible protected employee. Provides for civil enforcement of this Act in a U.S. district court.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1987
Requires the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to apply to solar small power production facilities (and qualifying small power production facilities using solar energy as the primary energy source) the same rules the Commission has prescribed for the encouragement of geothermal small power production facilities (and qualifying small power production facilities using geothermal energy as the primary energy source). Authorizes the Commission to treat such solar facilities differently by regulation from geothermal facilities if it determines that such different treatment encourages the development of solar or geothermal facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1987
Amends Federal law regarding stock-raising homesteads to prohibit any person from entering lands for purposes of prospecting for hardrock minerals unless written notice has been provided to the surface owner. (Under current law, private ranchers own the surface of lands whose subsurface mineral rights are owned by the United States.) Sets forth conditions under which a person may mine or remove hardrock mineral deposits, including the posting of bond to cover land reclamation expenses. Requires compensation payments to the surface owner for damages to crops or loss of income. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to suspend or revoke the approval of a mining or prospecting plan of operations if the mine operator fails to remedy any plan violations. Sets forth conditions under which treble damages may be awarded to an aggrieved surface owner.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1987
Economic Challenges Act of 1987 - Establishes the National Commission on Economic Challenges (Commission). Specifies the duties of such Commission as: (1) studying and analyzing various global economic problems; (2) recommending policies and programs to reduce the Federal budget deficit, correct imbalances in foreign trade, and stimulate productivity growth rates; and (3) recommending policies and programs which will make American business and industries more efficient and productive in general and more competitive on the world market. Provides that the Commission shall be composed of 15 members appointed by the President, the majority leader of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House. Provides that each shall appoint five members not more than three of whom shall be members of the same political party. Sets forth administrative provisions concerning the organization and powers of such Commission. Sets forth provisions concerning the payment of travel expenses, the appointment of an executive director and staff, and the hiring of experts and consultants. Requires the Commission to submit a report to the President and the Congress concerning the findings and conclusions of the Commission and such recommendations as it considers appropriate.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1987
Hazardous Waste Reduction Act - Requires filings of the annual toxic chemical release forms required under the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 to include a toxic chemical waste reduction and recycling report for each listed toxic chemical for the preceding calendar year. Requires such report to include information on a facility-by-facility basis as to the amounts and disposition of each toxic chemical, including levels of waste reduction and recycling achieved and expected. Requires that toxic chemical waste reduction practices be delineated according to set categories, such as equipment, redesign, and substitution of raw materials. Requires the inclusion of a production index for each toxic chemical waste and a list of techniques used to identify waste reduction opportunities. Provides protection for trade secrets. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish a central receiving facility at EPA for the storage and retrieval of waste management program information. Requires the Administrator to collect, coordinate, and consolidate data collection requirements under environmental statutes. Requires all such information to be compiled into a data base organized on an industry-by-industry basis according to Standard Industrial Classifications and on a waste stream basis. Directs the Administrator to establish a Waste Reduction and Recycling Clearinghouse Program to include information on approaches to waste reduction and recycling and information from States receiving grants for technical assistance programs. Requires the Clearinghouse to be actively involved in technology transfer and the development of waste reduction technologies. Requires the Administrator to make matching grants to States for innovative waste reduction programs. Requires such programs to make specific and targeted technical assistance available to businesses as well as for funding experts and research and providing training. Directs the Administrator to report annually to the Congress on the waste reduction information gathered pursuant to this Act. Requires such report to include a profile of waste reduction levels on an industry-by-industry basis and identify priorities as to industries, pollutants, and research. Establishes the Office of Waste Reduction within EPA to collect waste reduction plans and information from other EPA offices on an industry-by-industry basis, administer the clearinghouse and State grants programs, and carry out other related responsibilities including improving EPA's ability to evaluate multi-media waste management practices and the potential for waste reduction through information collection and retrieval. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1987
Amends the Clean Air Act to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to promulgate performance standards for emissions of specified air pollutants, including particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, and lead, from new or modified municipal waste combustion units. Requires such standards to reflect the greatest degree of emission limitation achievable through application of the best available control technologies achieved in practice by similar units or contained in a State implementation plan. Makes specified technologies available, including spray dry scrubbers source separation, and catalytic oxidation. Requires initial standards to be promulgated within 12 months, in effect within 18 months, and reviewed every five years. Sets a standard of emission equivalent to that achieved by the five lowest emitting units should the Administrator fail to promulgate a standard for any of the specified pollutants. Directs the Administrator to promulgate regulations requiring existing units to meet the emissions standards promulgated under this Act according to a timetable which requires compliance at least within six years. Requires owners or operators of municipal waste combustion units to monitor emissions at the point such emissions move into the ambient air and at other points as necessary to protect human health and the environment. Sets monitoring standards, including continuous and periodic monitoring. Requires unit permits to be terminated five years after their issuance unless the Administrator or an authorized State certifies such unit's compliance with emissions requirements. Permits States to submit for Administrator approval a State program of enforcement, treating the State as the enforcing entity under this Act. Authorizes the Administrator to withdraw such authority if the State is not adequately enforcing these requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1987
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the President and the Secretary of State should express to the Soviets: (1) U.S. opposition to the Soviet Union's treatment of Leonid Brailovsky and all those who have applied to emigrate from the Soviet Union; (2) the U.S. desire that the Soviets allow Leonid Brailovsky and his family to emigrate to the United States; and (3) the U.S. desire that the Soviet Union cease the harassment of Soviet Jews and Christians seeking to emigrate.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1987
Declares that the Government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam should: (1) immediately release all political prisoners; (2) fulfill its commitment to negotiate their humane resettlement abroad or to rejoin family members outside of Vietnam; and (3) immediately resume processing of family reunification cases under the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees' Orderly Departure Program.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1987
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the people of the United States are committed to promoting democracy in all the Americas; (2) promotion of democracy in Panama would be best served by support for democratic institutions in accordance with the Panamanian constitution; (3) respect for internationally recognized human rights is an essential precondition to democracy in Panama; (4) a full and objective Panamanian investigation into allegations of wrongdoing should be conducted; and (5) the United States remains firmly committed to honoring its treaties with Panama.
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
AIDS Medical Records Confidentiality and Nondiscrimination Act - Requires that records maintained in connection with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) be subject to the same provisions of the Public Health Service Act regarding confidentiality as are records relating to alcoholism and alcohol abuse. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (Secretary) to issue regulations enforcing a policy prohibiting discrimination regarding admission and treatment of persons with human immunodeficiency virus infection in hospitals and outpatient facilities which receive any support from any program administered by the Secretary. Authorizes the Secretary, on violation by any hospital or outpatient facility and with due process, to suspend or revoke all or part of any support received by the hospital. Authorizes the Secretary to consult with officials administering other Federal programs from which the hospital or outpatient facility receives support, regarding the suspension or revocation of such Federal support.
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 1987
Amends Federal veterans' benefits provisions relating to a veteran's patient rights to require confidentiality of all medical records maintained on a veteran with regard to the treatment for acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), allowing disclosure of such information only under strict limitations. Directs that veteran patients who have the AIDS infection shall not be discriminated against in admission or treatment by any Veterans Administration health care facility solely because of their virus infection.
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 1987
Declares that the Congress joins with the President in challenging Soviet General Secretary Gorbachev to open the Brandenburg Gate and tear down the Berlin Wall.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1987
Directs the Postal Service to establish a program under which change-of-address forms may be transmitted to appropriate State election authorities for voter registration purposes. Directs the Postal Service to prescribe regulations under which a State may participate in such program. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1987
States that it shall not be in order for the House of Representatives to consider any legislation which would provide for assistance for the Nicaraguan democratic resistance or any report from the Committee on Rules on any rule or order of business waiving this resolution until after the House Select Committee To Investigate Covert Arms Transactions With Iran and the Senate Select Committee on Secret Military Assistance to Iran and the Nicaraguan Opposition have reported the final results of their investigation and study to their respective Houses.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1987
States that the Congress: (1) congratulates President Oscar Arias Sanchez of Costa Rica on the contribution he has made by his initiative toward ending armed conflict, and reinforcing democracy, in Central America; and (2) supports the purpose of the initiative and urging all Central American countries to actively participate in a rescheduled summit meeting to discuss the initiative and to cooperate in the effort to reach a negotiated settlement of the conflict in Central America.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1987
Democracy in South Korea Act of 1987 - Imposes certain sanctions on South Korea unless the President submits, and the Congress enacts a joint resolution approving, a certification that the Government of South Korea: (1) is taking steps to afford internationally recognized workers rights and has ended its pattern of violations of internationally recognized human rights; and (2) has made significant progress in establishing a peaceful transition to democracy. Specifies such sanctions as: (1) making South Korea ineligible as a beneficiary developing country for purposes of the generalized system of preferences; (2) prohibiting the Overseas Private Investment Corporation from providing any insurance, reinsurance, guarantees, or financing for projects in South Korea; and (3) requiring the U.S. Executive Director of each relevant multilateral development bank to cast a negative vote on any loan or other financial or technical assistance for South Korea which is not directed to programs which serve basic human needs.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1987
Federal Firearms Act of 1987 - Amends the Gun Control Act of 1968 to prohibit any person licensed under such Act from manufacturing, selling, delivering, or transferring: (1) any concealable handgun; or (2) any revolver or pistol which fails to meet specified requirements. Exempts from such prohibition handguns which are relics or curios as determined by the Secretary of the Treasury and the use of handguns for research or by the Government.
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
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the President should express to the Soviets: (1) the U.S. opposition to the Soviet Union's treatment of certain individuals and the Soviets' refusal to permit these individuals, their families, and other families to emigrate to Israel; (2) the U.S. desire that the Soviet Union comply with specified human rights agreements by permitting such individuals to emigrate to Israel; and (3) the U.S. desire that the Soviet Union cease harassing Soviet Jews seeking to emigrate and denying human rights to Soviet Jews.
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 1987
Polish Permanent Resident Adjustment Act of 1987 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to authorize the adjustment of status to permanent resident for certain Polish nationals who have continuously resided in the United States since July 21, 1984. Requires such aliens to apply for status adjustment within two years of enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 1987
Arms Export Control Amendments Act of 1987 - Amends the Arms Export Control Act to require the President to ensure the development of a standard operating manual setting forth procedures that shall be followed by Federal officials and employees with respect to the issuance of licenses for the export of defense articles and services. Requires such procedures to include: (1) background checks on applicants for such licenses; (2) end-use checks on such applicants; and (3) verification of delivery of such articles and services. Requires the President to ensure that a list be maintained of persons ineligible to receive such licenses. Requires applicants for such licenses to report all commissions and fees being charged in connection with the export of such articles and services. Prohibits issuance of a license to or participation in any export transaction by any person who: (1) is convicted of specified criminal offenses; or (2) is a member of a terrorist group or is engaged in racketeering activity. Authorizes, under such circumstances, the revocation of such license.
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 1987
Prohibits the importation or withdrawal from warehouse for consumption of any goods produced by the Toshiba Corporation or the Kongsberg Vaapenfabrik Company of Norway for five years.
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
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
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
Fire Fighter Protective Gear Liability Reform Act of 1987 - Creates a presumption of liability against manufacturers of fire fighting equipment or protective clothing which does not comply with certain Federal or State occupational health and safety standards, in cases where a firefighter has been injured or died as a result of using the manufacturer's equipment.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1987
Provides that any use of U.S. armed forces to escort, defend, or otherwise protect any reflagged vessel in the Persian Gulf: (1) constitutes the introduction of U.S. armed forces into hostilities or situations where imminent involvement in hostilities is clearly indicated by the circumstances; and (2) requires the submission to the Congress of a report pursuant to the War Powers Resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1987
Declares that the House of Representatives deplores the Soviet denial of religious liberty and other human rights in Lithuania and elsewhere. States that on the occasion of the 600th anniversary of Christianity in Lithuania the House of Representatives: (1) sends its greetings to the Lithuanian people; (2) supports those Lithuanians who are persecuted for attempting to exercise freedom of religion; (3) urges the President and other officials to speak out against violations of religious liberty everywhere and specifically in Lithuania; and (4) calls upon the Soviet Union to abide by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenants on Human Rights, and the Final Act of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe, including the provisions on religious liberty.
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 · 9 June 1987
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) the U.S. Government should not assist any group engaging in an insurgency against the Government of Nicaragua if a congressional committee finds that such group, or a member of such group, engages in, or at any time, has engaged in the illegal traffic in drugs; and (2) the Select Committee on Narcotics Abuse and Control and the Committee on the Judiciary of the House should continue to investigate reports that such groups have dealt in illicit drugs.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1987
Declares it to be the policy of the United States to: (1) develop a close relationship with Pakistan based on shared long-term security interests; (2) continue to assist Pakistan to meet the burdens imposed by the pressure of Afghan refugees; (3) communicate clearly to Pakistan the grave consequences posed to the United States-Pakistan relationship by Pakistan's ongoing nuclear program; and (4) seek a regional solution involving both India and Pakistan to the problem of nuclear proliferation in South Asia. Extends from September 30, 1987, to September 30, 1989, the authority of the President to waive the limitations respecting nuclear transfers with respect to Pakistan. Provides that any such waiver shall cease to be effective if the President certifies to the Congress that India has formally accepted the application of reliable safeguards to all its nuclear materials. Provides that if the President certifies to the Congress (at the same time or subsequently) that Pakistan has also formally accepted the application of reliable safeguards then such acceptance shall be deemed to constitute reliable assurances (for purposes of the limitations on nuclear transfers) that Pakistan will not acquire or develop nuclear weapons or assist other nations in doing so. Limits military assistance to Pakistan for FY 1988 through 1993 to 50 percent of the aggregate amount of military assistance for Pakistan which the President requested for FY 1988 unless the President certifies to the Congress that Pakistan has provided reliable and verifiable assurances that it will not produce weapons-grade special nuclear material.
United States · United States Congress · 3 June 1987
Prohibits the proposed enhancement or upgrade in the sensitivity of technology of, or the capacity of, Maverick missiles for Saudi Arabia, as described in the May 29, 1987, certification from the President to the Congress under the Arms Export Control Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 June 1987
Designates the week beginning October 18, 1987, as Financial Independence Week. Urges all citizens to pursue financial independence through sound planning and management of their individual resources.
United States · United States Congress · 2 June 1987
Economic Equity Act of 1987 - Title I: Work - Subtitle A: Pay Equity - Federal Equitable Pay Practices Act of 1987 - Establishes the Commission on Equitable Pay Practices to determine whether the Government's position-classification system and prevailing rate system are designed and administered in accordance with the general policy that sex, race, and ethnicity should not be among the factors considered in determining pay rates. Requires the Commission to conduct, by contract with a consultant selected under this Act, a study under which job-content analysis and economic analysis shall be applied to a representative sample of occupations in which: (1) either sex is numerically predominant; or (2) any race or ethnic group is disproportionately represented. Directs the Commission to report to the Congress and the President on the results of such study not later than 18 months after the Commission's date of establishment. Declares that such study shall be considered of an advisory nature only. Terminates the Commission 90 days after its submission of the required report. Makes sums appropriated to the Office of Personnel Management for general operating expenses available to carry out this Act. Establishes the Commission on Employment Discrimination in the Legislative Branch to carry out similar duties with respect to job classification and the personnel policies and practices in the Library of Congress. Requires the Commission to submit its final report to the Congress within 18 months. Terminates the Commission 30 days after submission of the report. Subtitle B: Women in Business - Amends the Equal Credit Opportunity Act to prohibit the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System from exempting from such Act any class of credit transactions that are primarily for personal, family, or household purposes. Permits the Board to exempt (for five years) a type or class of business or commercial transaction only after determining that application of such Act to such transaction would not contribute substantially to effecting the purposes of such Act. Subtitle C: Part-Time and Temporary Workers - Part-Time and Temporary Workers Protection Act of 1987 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to bring certain part-time employees within the participation, vesting, and accrual rules governing pension plans. Addresses any employee who, within a relevant 12-month period: (1) has customarily completed more than 500 but fewer than 1,000 hours of service; or (2) is employed in a type of position in which employment customarily consists of such a number of hours. Provides that completion of such hours of service will be treated as completion of 1,000 hours of service (thereby bringing the employee within the ERISA benefit framework). Permits a reduction in the employer-provided premium under a group health plan in the case of a part-time employee only when such employee: (1) has customarily completed fewer than 30 hours of service per week; or (2) is employed in a type of position in which employment customarily consists of such a number of hours. Limits such a premium reduction, when permissible, to not less than a ratable portion of the premium ordinarily provided in the case of an employee who completes 30 hours of service per week. Revises the ERISA definition of "employee" to include non-employees who, pursuant to a contract or agreement, provide employee-like service to an employer for at least one year at the rate of 500 or more hours per year. Subtitle D: Economic Security - Social Security Modernization Act - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to provide that the combined earnings of a married couple which are attributable to the period of their marriage shall be shared equally between them for purposes of determining the eligibility for, and amount, of OASDI benefits to which each spouse is or may become separately entitled. Credits the survivor of the marriage with 100 percent of the combined total wages for the period of the marriage. Provides that these provisions shall not apply in specified cases when it would result in a reduction of OASDI benefits. Repeals the separate definition of disability applicable to widows and widowers. Permits the months of a widow's or widower's entitlement to Supplemental Security Income benefits (title XVI of the Social Security Act) on the basis of a disability to be counted toward the 24 months needed to become entitled to hospital insurance benefits under Medicare (title XVIII of the Social Security Act) on that basis. Pension Reform Act of 1987 - Amends the Tax Reform Act of 1986 to extend to all accrued benefits existing in plan year 1989 and thereafter the amendments made with regard to the nondiscriminatory coordination of defined contribution plans with Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance (OASDI). Amends the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) to repeal provisions that permit a certain disparity in simplified employee pension plan contributions with respect to nondiscriminatory coordination with OASDI. Provides for the repeal, effective for plan year 2000 and thereafter, of IRC rules relating to: (1) the nondiscriminatory coordination of defined contribution plans with OASDI; and (2) pension integration exceptions. Amends the IRC to establish distinct minimum employee coverage requirements applicable in cases when an employer with respect to a plan is treated as operating a single line of business. Requires such a plan to benefit all the employer's employees. Limits the exception to minimum coverage requirements available to employers treated as operating separate lines of business for a year. Amends the IRC and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 to eliminate the special vesting requirements governing multiemployer plans. Directs the Comptroller General of the United States, as soon as possible after this Act's enactment, to undertake thorough studies with respect to: (1) possible methods of requiring employee pension plans to provide cost of living and other adjustments to plan benefits; and (2) potential pension portability mechanisms, including ways to preserve and enhance the real value of deferred vested pension benefits. Lists specific items to be addressed in each study. Requires submission of the studies to specified congressional committees within two years of this Act's enactment. Medicaid Community Property and Respite Care Act of 1987 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to provide that in determining an institutionalized spouse's Medicaid eligibility the income and resources held by either or both the institutionalized spouse and the community spouse shall (with specified exceptions) be divided equally. Furnishes the community spouse with a monthly income allowance from the institutionalized spouse's income to the extent the community spouse's income falls short of a minimum monthly needs allowance set by the States to equal at least 200 percent of one-twelfth of the Federal poverty level. Gives the institutionalized spouse the right to a hearing to establish that the allowance is not adequate to support the community spouse without duress, so that an adequate amount of support will be substituted for the allowance. Prohibits the allowance from being less than court-ordered support payments. Authorizes the institutionalized spouse to transfer resources to the community spouse to the extent the median net worth of male householders age 65 or older, as determined by the Bureau of the Census, exceeds the amount of resources otherwise available to the community spouse. Authorizes States to provide Medicaid coverage for up to 30 days of respite care per year. Nondiscrimination in Insurance Act - Bans discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin in the consideration of applications for, or the granting of, insurance policies and the terms of such policies. Prohibits the use of any statistical table as a basis for action banned by this section, and discrimination in any manner against a person because that person has opposed any practice made unlawful under this section. Grants to States having insurance discrimination laws the primary opportunity to enforce the pertinent prohibitions. Permits a civil action against the insurer to be filed in State or Federal court by or on behalf of an aggrieved person. Authorizes the Attorney General to bring a civil action in district court (without regard to the amount in controversy) when there is reasonable cause to believe that a person or group is engaged in a pattern or practice of violating these rights and that such violation raises an issue of general public importance. Directs the Court to: (1) order the defendant to amend any relevant contract to comply with these provisions; (2) award actual damages for the period of noncompliance; and (3) award the aggrieved person reasonable attorney fees. Authorizes an award of punitive damages, in addition to actual damages. Describes rights, liabilities, premiums, benefits, and insurance coverages that are not to be affected by these antidiscrimination provisions. Federal Council on Women Act - Establishes a Federal Council on Women to: (1) collect and evaluate information with respect to any problems that are particular to women in the United States; (2) review and evaluate Federal policy related to any such problems; (3) coordinate the activities of the Council with similar activities conducted by States, local governments, and concerned organizations; and (4) make recommendations. Directs the Council to report its findings and recommendations to the Congress. Authorizes appropriations. Title II: Family and Dependent Care - Subtitle A: Quality of Dependent Care - Amends the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981 to: (1) authorize FY 1988 appropriations for allotments to the States for certain dependent care services; and (2) permit grants to eligible non-profit training and technical assistance to family day care providers and associated individuals. Amends the Social Security Act to increase authorizations for FY 1988 and thereafter for block grants to the States for social services. Earmarks a specified portion of such funds for grants to improve State child-care licensing and regulatory systems. Requires as a condition of eligibility for such grants, with limited exceptions specified in this Act, the establishment of a State Advisory Committee on Child-Care Standards to review a State's child-care licensing and regulatory systems. Requires reports by such committees. Establishes a National Advisory Committee on Child-Care Standards to assist and provide guidance to the States in improving the quality of child-care services. Requires the National Advisory Committee to submit to the Secretary of Health and Human Services proposed recommended standards for child-care programs within 14 months after the enactment of this Act. Terminates the National Advisory Committee 90 days after the publication by the Secretary of final recommended standards. Subtitle B: Access to Dependent Care for All Families - Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions relating to the income tax credit for employment-related dependent care expenses to: (1) make the credit refundable; (2) increase the amount of the credit from 30 percent to 50 percent of the relevant expenses, reduced (but not below 20 percent) by one percent for each full $1,000 amount by which the taxpayer's adjusted gross income (AGI) exceeds $15,000, subject to an annual adjustment for inflation (the current reduction is one percent for each $2,000 in excess of $10,000 AGI with no provision for a cost of living adjustment); and (3) apply the credit to expenses for certain respite care of qualifying dependents of the taxpayer. Permits credit for up to $1,200 ($2,400 in cases involving more than one qualifying individual) of respite care expenses incurred in the care of: (1) a dependent of the taxpayer who is under the age of 15; or (2) a spouse or other dependent of the taxpayer who is physically or mentally incapable of self-care. Amends the Federal National Mortgage Association Charter Act and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Act to bring within their respective frameworks loans or advances secured by a single residential property occupied as a single family residence in which community child care service is provided (thus making such loans eligible for purchase under each Act). Subtitle C: Supply of Dependent Care for Lower-Income Families - Amends the Social Security Act to: (1) increase the amount of funds available for FY 1987 and thereafter for block grants to the States for social services; (2) require States to file annual (rather than biennial) reports on fund use; and (3) detail mandatory contents for such reports. State Dependent Care Grants Amendments Act of 1987 - Amends the State Dependent Care Development Grants Act to require that amounts paid to States for use in the operation of child care services be designed to enable children whose families lack adequate financial resources to participate in before or after school child care programs. Requires State Governors to include specified information in their grant reports. Extends from September 30, 1987, to September 30, 1991, the time until which necessary revisions of grant program descriptions must be submitted. Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Urban Development to: (1) make grants to public housing agencies to contract for lower-income resident child care services; and (2) design such program to determine the extent to which it facilitates resident employability. Requires a report to the Congress within three years. Authorizes FY 1988 appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 28 May 1987
Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to direct the Secretary of the Interior to submit a proposed oil and gas leasing program to the President and to the Congress. (Currently such submission must be made 60 days prior to the Secretary's approval and must indicate why any specific recommendation of the Attorney General of any governmental unit was not accepted.) Precludes any leasing program from taking effect unless it is approved by the Congress and enacted into law. Authorizes the Secretary to submit a leasing program for congressional approval at any time.
United States · United States Congress · 28 May 1987
Declares that the requirements of the War Powers Resolution became operative on May 17, 1987, with respect to U.S. naval forces in the Persian Gulf, when the U.S.S. Stark was attacked by Iraqi aircraft.
United States · United States Congress · 27 May 1987
Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to develop and promulgate criteria and testing procedures for identifying municipal incinerator bottom and fly ash controlled by flue gas emissions control equipment which presents a substantial hazard to human health or the environment. Requires such criteria and procedures to determine leaching, total chemical analysis, respirability, and toxicity. Requires owners or operators of each such unit to separately test the bottom and fly ash, if possible. Requires that test results be kept and submitted to the Administrator, or the State if it is administering an authorized program. Directs the Administrator to promulgate and revise treatment standards to reduce the hazards associated with such ash, including the migration of hazardous constituents. Requires permits for new and existing treatment facilities which include management plans describing methods of testing, dispersion prevention methods, employee protection methods, and handling methods. Requires all municipal waste combustion units to comply with this Act. Establishes civil and criminal penalties for noncompliance. Authorizes States to administer and enforce an Administrator-approved program. Authorizes citizen suits for violations of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 27 May 1987
Amends the Clean Air Act to regulate air pollution from Outer Continental Shelf activities, including: (1) stationary sources on or above the Shelf; (2) vessels engaged in activities authorized under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act or engaged in oil or gas exploration or development; and (3) power generating units on shore which power a facility engaged in activities on waters above the shelf or regulated under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act. Requires new stationary sources to obtain a State permit which will require the lowest achievable emission rate for each air pollutant. Requires other sources within range of the new source to offset emissions of any pollutant from such new source. Requires existing sources, within two years, to achieve the lowest achievable emission rate for each air pollutant. Authorizes compliance inspections.
United States · United States Congress · 27 May 1987
Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit any person from engaging in, or furnishing money, goods, or services with the intent of assisting any group to engage in, military or paramilitary operations in a foreign country if there is a statutory prohibition against U.S. covert assistance to military or paramilitary operations in that country.
![Official portrait of Rep. Levine, Mel [D-CA-27]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/l000264_200.jpg)