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Official portrait of Rep. Lewis, Thomas F. [R-FL-12]

Rep. Lewis, Thomas F. [R-FL-12]

United States · Official source

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2,261 records where Rep. Lewis, Thomas F. [R-FL-12] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years

Bill· HRH.R. 3936 (100th)referred

A bill to authorize the appropriation of funds to reimburse the State of Florida for expenses it and its local governments incurred with respect to refugees and related populations.

United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1988

Authorizes FY 1989 appropriations to reimburse the State of Florida and certain political subdivisions for expenses incurred in 1980 and 1981 with respect to Cuban and Haitian nationals who arrived there without prior authorization.

Bill· HRH.R. 3889 (100th)open

Child Protection and Obscenity Enforcement Act of 1988

United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1988

Child Protection and Obscenity Enforcement Act of 1988 - Title I: Child Pornography - Amends the Federal criminal code to make it illegal to use a computer to transport information in interstate or foreign commerce concerning the visual depiction of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct (child pornography). Establishes criminal penalties for buying, selling, or transferring the custody of a minor: (1) knowing that, as a consequence of the sale or transfer, the minor will be used in child pornography; or (2) with the intent to promote child pornography. States that such sale or transfer must involve: (1) the minor or other actor traveling in interstate or foreign commerce; (2) communications in interstate or foreign commerce; or (3) conduct in a territory or possession of the United States. Requires any person who produces a book, magazine, periodical, film, videotape, or other matter which contains any visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct (which is shipped or intended for shipment in interstate or foreign commerce, or contains material shipped in interstate or foreign commerce) to maintain certain records regarding the performers portrayed in such conduct. Directs the Attorney General to issue regulations regarding the maintenance and availability of such records. Includes the sexual exploitation of children as a predicate offense to the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) statute. Title II: Obscenity - Makes it a Federal criminal offense to receive or possess, with the intent to distribute, obscene matter which has been transported in interstate or foreign commerce. Makes it a Federal criminal offense to knowingly use a facility or means of commerce to sell or distribute obscene matter in interstate or foreign commerce. Establishes a rebuttable presumption, with respect to Federal criminal offenses involving obscene matter, that obscene matter produced in one State (or outside the United States) which is subsequently located in another State (or in the United States) was transported, shipped, or carried in interstate (or foreign) commerce. Establishes criminal and civil forfeiture procedures with respect to Federal offenses involving obscene material and child pornography. Includes communications by means of cable or subscription television within the prohibition against broadcasting obscene language. Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to modify the penalty provisions of such Act with respect to obscene telephone communications. Amends the Federal criminal code to establish criminal penalties for the possession or sale of obscene matter on Federal property. Adds obscenity offenses to the list of crimes for which the Government may obtain wiretaps.

Bill· HRH.R. 3865 (100th)open

A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to permit tax-free sales of diesel fuel for use on a farm or for other off-highway uses.

United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1988

Amends the Internal Revenue Code with respect to the excise tax on diesel and aviation fuels. Prohibits imposition of the tax on the sale of these fuels to any purchaser (or purchaser for resale to a second purchaser) for use on a farm for farming purposes or for any other use not as a fuel in a diesel-powered highway vehicle or train. (Although fuel sold for these purposes is tax-exempt under current law, provisions of the Revenue Act of 1987 require purchasers to pay the tax and subsequently apply for a refund based on nontaxable uses of the fuel.)

Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 237 (100th)referred

A concurrent resolution to commend the President, the Secretary of State, and the Administrator of the Agency for International Development on relief efforts that have been undertaken by the United States Government for the people of Ethiopia and other drought-stricken nations in sub-Saharan Africa, and to encourage these officials to continue and extend all efforts deemed appropriate to preclude the onset of famine in these nations, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1988

Commends the President, Secretary of State, and Administrator of the Agency for International Development for their response to the drought and food emergency in Ethiopia and other nations of sub-Saharan Africa, and urges them to continue efforts to preclude the onset of famine and to ensure the timely delivery of medical and other emergency relief supplies. Declares that: (1) the Government response to these food emergencies should include initiatives to prevent the dislocation of large numbers of persons across national borders and/or into relief camps; and (2) the plight of the refugees or displaced should be addressed by emphasizing the provision of basic human needs, such as food, water, and shelter.

Bill· HRH.R. 3850 (100th)open

A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to permit tax-free sales of diesel fuel for use on a farm.

United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1988

Amends the Internal Revenue Code with respect to the excise tax on diesel and aviation fuels. Prohibits imposition of the tax on the sale of these fuels to any purchaser (or purchaser for resale to a second purchaser) for use on a farm for farming purposes. (Although fuel sold for these purposes is tax-exempt under current law, provisions of the Revenue Act of 1987 require purchasers to pay the tax and subsequently apply for a refund based on nontaxable uses of the fuel.)

Bill· HRH.R. 3844 (100th)open

Farmer Fuel Tax Relief Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1988

Farmer Fuel Tax Relief Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to prohibit imposition of the excise tax on the sale of diesel or aviation fuel to any purchaser (or purchaser for resale to a second purchaser) for use on a farm for farming purposes. (Although fuel sold for these purposes is tax-exempt under current law, provisions of the Revenue Act of 1987 require purchasers to pay the tax and subsequently apply for a refund based on nontaxable uses of the fuel.) Permits wholesale distributors of gasoline who have registered with the Secretary of the Treasury and posted the required bond to pay the gasoline tax (in lieu of the person otherwise liable for the tax.) Prohibits imposition of the gasoline tax on the sale or removal of gasoline by any person (or for resale to a second person) for use on a farm for farming purposes. Requires that the reduced gasoline tax rate (3.4 cents instead of 9.1 cents) be applied with respect to gasoline used to produce gasohol after the time of the relevant removal or sale.

Bill· HRH.R. 3779 (100th)referred

Controller Performance Research Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 December 1987

Controller Performance Research Act - Directs the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration to research the effects of automation on the performance of the next generation of air traffic controllers and the air traffic control system, and to report to the Congress regarding such research. Authorizes the Administrator to enter into an agreement with the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) regarding the use of NASA facilities to study the human factor aspects of a highly automated environment upon air traffic controllers. Prescribes the contents of such research. Authorizes appropriations.

Bill· HRH.R. 3791 (100th)referred

A bill to require that the Office of Personnel Management devise a plan on ways to reduce or eliminate delays in processing applications for benefits under the Civil Service Retirement System, in order to allow an individual to go from regular pay to retirement or disability retirement pay without interruption.

United States · United States Congress · 17 December 1987

Requires the Office of Personnel Management to report, with recommendations, to the Congress on the problem of delays in processing applications for benefits under the Civil Service Retirement System. Directs the Office to examine: (1) current methods and procedures; (2) circumstances where it might be appropriate to provide interim benefits; (3) the feasibility of processing records, forms, and other matters in anticipation of an employee's retirement; and (4) the effectiveness of retirement counselors. Requires the report to contain a plan to allow an individual to go from regular pay to retirement or disability retirement pay without interruption.

Bill· HRH.R. 3765 (100th)open

Commercial Space Launch Act Amendments of 1987

United States · United States Congress · 15 December 1987

Commercial Space Launch Act Amendments of 1987 - Amends the Commercial Space Launch Act to direct the Secretary of Transportation, in encouraging private commercial space launches, to do so consistent with U.S. space policies. Directs the Secretary not to encourage the acquisition by the private sector of U.S. launch property if substantially equivalent launch property is otherwise available from a domestic source on reasonable terms and conditions. Revises insurance requirements for persons licensed to provide launch services. Allows such persons, as an alternative to obtaining liability insurance, to demonstrate financial responsibility sufficient to compensate claims arising from death, bodily injury, or loss of or damage to property resulting from activities carried out under such license. Requires each licensee to: (1) enter into reciprocal waivers of claims; or (2) obtain insurance with respect to claims by the licensee or a contractor, subcontractor, or customer of the licensee, or by a contractor, subcontractor of such customer, involved in providing the launch services, for death, bodily injury, or loss of or damage to property resulting from activities carried out under the license. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into reciprocal waivers of claims with respect to claims from activities carried out under a license. Requires the Secretary to propose to the Congress every three years adjustments to the amount of insurance or financial responsibility required of a licensee. Requires the Secretary to provide for the payment of successful claims against parties subject to this Act by any other party to the extent that such claims are not compensated by insurance, including self-insurance. Provides that the Secretary may not relieve the United States of liability for damage or injury resulting from negligence or intentional misconduct of the United States or its agents. Requires the Secretary to act as insurer for any launch involving an eligible satellite. Describes an eligible satellite as: (1) one under construction on August 15, 1986; (2) one that holds an unperformed launch services agreement or contract with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration as of such date; and (3) one that is licensed for launch under the Commercial Space Launch Act. Requires the Secretary to ensure that launches of satellites with a launch date commitment are not unreasonably preempted from access to U.S. launch sites or property except in cases of imperative national need. Directs the Secretary to study the process for scheduling launches and report results to the Congress within 90 days after enactment of this Act. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the United States should explore ways and means of developing a dialogue with appropriate foreign governments to develop guidelines for access to launch services by satellite builders and users to assure reasonable and fair international competition in commercial space activities. Directs the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to report to the Congress on a program for research into launch systems component technologies, to develop higher performance and lower costs for commercial and Government launches.

Bill· HRH.R. 3764 (100th)referred

A bill to assure the right of passengers in air commerce to have access to certain courtesy vehicles operated at airports.

United States · United States Congress · 15 December 1987

Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to grant: (1) air passenger customers of off-airport operators access rights to courtesy vehicles provided by such operators; and (2) off-airport operators access rights over airport roadways to public passenger pickup and discharge areas. Authorizes airport operators to charge fees to off-airport operators for the business use of air terminal facilities. Authorizes persons aggrieved by a violation of this Act to bring a civil action in court.

Bill· HRH.R. 3735 (100th)open

A bill to provide for a research program to examine and enhance agricultural production and food processing systems, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 10 December 1987

Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to make competitive research grants to: (1) develop a statistical framework to measure the extent to which microbiological and chemical agents in agricultural products pose human health risks; (2) identify such agents; and (3) devise appropriate testing and control procedures. Creates a peer review committee to evaluate grant applications. Requires the Secretary to report to the appropriate congressional committees no later than one year after enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter. Authorizes FY 1988 through 1992 appropriations.

Bill· HRH.R. 3723 (100th)referred

A bill to prevent interagency disputes with the Federal Financing Bank from disrupting Rural Electrification Administration loan guarantee programs.

United States · United States Congress · 9 December 1987

Amends the Federal Financing Bank Act of 1973 to state that specified loan guarantee agreements between the Rural Electrification Administration and the Federal Financing Bank shall remain in effect, notwithstanding their effective dates, until superseded by other such agreements.

Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 223 (100th)referred

A concurrent resolution expressing the sense of Congress that in 1988 in celebration of the millennium of the Christianization of Kievan-Rus' the Soviet Union should proclaim a general amnesty for imprisoned Christians and allow Christians to practice their faith within their churches and homes.

United States · United States Congress · 8 December 1987

Expresses the sense of the Congress that, in celebration of the millennium of the Christianization of Kievan-Rus', the Soviet Union should: (1) comply with its international obligations and allow Christians to practice their faith without harassment; (2) grant a general amnesty for all Christians who have been imprisoned because of their religious beliefs; (3) allow religious believers to practice their faith freely; (4) permit unlimited publication, distribution, and importation of religious materials; and (5) allow closed churches to reopen, new churches to be built, and theological seminaries to open or expand.

Bill· HRH.R. 3654 (100th)passed

Dwight David Eisenhower Commemorative Coin Act of 1988

United States · United States Congress · 18 November 1987

Dwight David Eisenhower Commemorative Coin Act of 1987 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue not more than a specified number of one dollar silver coins in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the birth of Dwight David Eisenhower. Sets forth certain features of such coins and provides for their design, issuance, and sale. Terminates the minting of the coins after December 31, 1990. Requires the Secretary to deposit in the Treasury all surcharges received from the sale of the coins, to be used to reduce the national debt.

Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 216 (100th)open

A concurrent resolution expressing the sense of the Congress that the President of the United States urge the Government of Syria to comply with the request of the Federal Republic of Germany for the extradition of Alois Brunner, twice-convicted Nazi war criminal, so that he may stand trial for the mass transport of Jews to death camps during World War II.

United States · United States Congress · 10 November 1987

Urges the President to call upon Syria to grant the request of West Germany for the extradition of Alois Brunner to stand trial for the mass transport of Jews to death camps during World War II.

Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 217 (100th)referred

A concurrent resolution expressing the sense of Congress regarding the continuing disregard and systematic abuse of basic human rights and freedoms by the Government of Cuba and the failure of the United Nations Human Rights Commission to address the human rights situation in Cuba.

United States · United States Congress · 10 November 1987

Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President, the Secretary of State, and the Permanent Representative of the United States to the United Nations should be commended for, and should continue, their efforts to place Cuba on the human rights agenda of the United Nations. Commends specified countries for their votes in favor of considering human rights violations in Cuba. Urges specified countries to reconsider their positions with respect to this issue. Urges the United States to: (1) take the votes into account in determining U.S. bilateral and other assistance to all countries which are members of the United Nations Human Rights Commission; and (2) continue to emphasize how other countries vote on fundamental issues, such as human rights, in determining financial support for the United Nations and for the Commission. Urges the Commission to include among the highest priorities of its human rights agenda at its 44th session in Geneva, Switzerland, in 1988, consideration of human rights violations in Cuba.

Bill· HRH.R. 3506 (100th)referred

Federal Parolee Drug Testing Act of 1987

United States · United States Congress · 20 October 1987

Federal Parolee Drug Testing Act of 1987 - Amends the Federal criminal code to require mandatory drug testing for individuals to be released on parole. Conditions the release of any individual whose test results indicate the use of illegal drugs upon treatment deemed appropriate by the judicial officer.

Bill· HRH.R. 3485 (100th)referred

A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to treat individuals who had commenced the third academic year as a cadet or midshipman at one of the service academies before January 1, 1977, as veterans of the Vietnam era for purposes of eligibility for educational assistance under chapter 34 of such title.

United States · United States Congress · 14 October 1987

Redefines "eligible veterans" for purposes of determining eligibility as a Vietnam veteran for educational assistance to include any individual who had commenced the third academic year as a cadet or midshipman at one of the service academies before January 1, 1977, if the individual: (1) graduated from such academy; (2) served on active duty for more than 180 days after graduation; and (3) was discharged or released from active duty under conditions other than dishonorable. Sets forth provisions governing the transition to such educational assistance program for veterans enrolled in the educational assistance program for post-Vietnam era veterans. Requires an eligible veteran electing to make such transition to file such election with the Veterans Administration before the expiration of the G.I. Bill.

Bill· HRH.R. 3470 (100th)open

Omnibus Taxpayers' Bill of Rights Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 October 1987

Omnibus Taxpayers' Bill of Rights Act - Requires the Secretary of the Treasury (Secretary) to prepare a statement setting forth in nontechnical terms: (1) the rights and obligations of a taxpayer and of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) during a tax audit; (2) the procedures by which a taxpayer may appeal adverse decisions, prosecute refund claims, and file complaints; and (3) the procedures that the IRS may use in enforcing revenue laws. Directs the Secretary to transmit drafts of such statement to specified congressional committees and to distribute the final statement to all taxpayers receiving annual tax filing forms from the IRS. Requires the IRS, upon taxpayer request, to conduct any interview regarding the determination or collection of any tax at a reasonable time and place convenient to the taxpayer and to the IRS, and to permit the taxpayer, at his or her own expense, to record the interview. Authorizes the IRS interviewer to record such interview if the taxpayer has been given prior notice and is provided, upon request and payment of reproduction costs, with a transcript of the recording. Requires the interviewer to explain to the taxpayer the audit process, including the taxpayer's rights with respect to the process. Requires the Secretary to abate any penalty or interest imposed on any deficiency attributable to erroneous advice in writing given to a taxpayer by an IRS officer or employee in response to such taxpayer's specific inquiry. Authorizes the IRS Ombudsman, upon application filed by a taxpayer, to issue a Taxpayer Assistance Order if, in the determination of the Ombudsman: (1) the taxpayer is suffering or is about to suffer from an unusual or irreparable loss as a result of the manner in which the internal revenue laws are being administered by the Secretary; and (2) the Secretary has failed to carry out any of his or her duties or has violated any provision of law. Allows the terms of a Taxpayer Assistance Order to require the Secretary to release property of the taxpayer levied upon or to cease or refrain from certain actions. Requires the Secretary to obey any Taxpayer Assistance Order issued by the Ombudsman. Directs the Secretary, within 90 days of this Act's enactment, to issue regulations with respect to Taxpayer Assistance Orders, including provisions to assure full, fair, and impartial due process for affected taxpayers. Amends the Inspector General Act of 1978 and other Federal law to establish within the Department of the Treasury an Office of Inspector General. Transfers to such Office the existing audit and investigation units of the Department. Sets forth criteria with respect to: (1) the authority of the Inspector General to conduct an investigation; and (2) the authority of the Secretary in cases of audits or investigations requiring access to information of a sensitive or confidential nature. Allows the Secretary to prohibit investigations under specified circumstances. Restricts disclosure by the Inspector General of tax returns and return information. Prohibits records of tax enforcement results from being used to evaluate certain IRS personnel or to impose or suggest production quotas. Requires district directors to certify compliance with this mandate on a monthly basis. Requires the Secretary to certify that a rule proposed by the IRS is substantially the only alternative that meets the mandate of the relevant statute in order for the rule to be considered an interpretative rule (and thereby not subject to analyses under the Regulatory Flexibility Act). Amends the Regulatory Flexibility Act to require regulatory flexibility analyses to include consideration of both the direct and indirect beneficial and negative effects of a proposed or final rule. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to direct the Secretary, with limited exceptions, to send a preliminary letter of deficiency to a taxpayer prior to the mailing of a deficiency notice. Specifies required contents for tax due notices and deficiency notices, including the basis of the deficiency and a breakdown of the total amount into tax, interest, and penalty. Directs the Secretary, within 90 days of this Act's enactment, to issue regulations requiring all IRS personnel to explain and support their position in assessing any penalties or additions to tax. Requires the Comptroller General to study IRS procedures with respect to such assessments and to present findings to specified congressional committees no later than December 31, 1988. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into a binding agreement with a taxpayer under which the taxpayer may pay tax liability in installments if the Secretary determines that such an agreement will facilitate collection of the liability. Permits the Secretary, after proper notice and a hearing, to modify or annul the agreement upon the finding that the financial condition of the affected taxpayer has significantly changed. Renders such an agreement nonbinding if the taxpayer fails to pay any installment or any other tax liability when due. Extends from ten to 30 days the period between the required notice to a person who neglects or refuses to pay tax liability and a levy on such person's salary, wages, or other property. Specifies information that must be incorporated in such notice, including possible alternative actions and the appropriate appeals procedures. Adds to the circumstances triggering termination of such a levy: (1) an agreement between the taxpayer and the Secretary for payment of the liability; and (2) the Secretary's determination that the taxpayer's financial condition precludes enforceability of the liability. Revises the list of property exempt from levy to: (1) increase the exempt amount permitted for certain personal effects, the property of a business, and wages; (2) add an exemption for certain deposits in qualified institutions; and (3) provide an express exemption, except under limited circumstances specified in this Act, for the taxpayer's principal residence, a motor vehicle used by the taxpayer as the primary means of transportation to work, and any tangible personal property essential to the operation of the taxpayer's business in cases when a levy would prevent the taxpayer from carrying on such business. Prohibits a levy on any property when levy and sales expenses would exceed either the liability for which the levy is made or the fair market value of the levied property. Permits the Secretary to demand surrender of bank accounts only after 21 days in escrow have passed since service of the notice of levy on the accounts. Sets forth situations in which the Secretary must release a levy. Applies to jeopardy levies the administrative and judicial review procedures currently applicable to jeopardy assessments. Permits a taxpayer to bring a civil action against the United States in the Tax Court for judicial review of jeopardy levies and assessments. (Under current law an action for judicial review of jeopardy assessments may be filed only in district court.) Increases the time during which a taxpayer may petition for such review. Describes the jurisdictional requirements to be applied to such actions. Allows an administrative appeal of tax liens. Grants to the Tax Court exclusive jurisdiction to enjoin premature assessments if the taxpayer has filed a timely petition for review. Provides for review of such injunctive orders by the U.S. Court of Appeals. Grants to the Tax Court jurisdiction to enforce payment by the Secretary of refunds of overpayment and interest to taxpayers. Places on the Secretary the burden of proof of justifying any failure to refund, credit, or offset relevant amounts with respect to a taxpayer. Entitles a prevailing taxpayer to: (1) an interest rate of 120 percent of the overpayment rate with respect to refunds; and (2) reasonable litigation costs. Grants to the Tax Court jurisdiction to: (1) review jeopardy assessment sales of assets; and (2) redetermine interest under certain circumstances when a taxpayer claims an overpayment of the interest. Vests in the Tax Court original jurisdiction over any civil action against the Secretary for the recovery of any tax, additions to tax, and penalties with respect to income, estate, gift, and certain excise taxes. Authorizes an award of reasonable litigation costs to the prevailing party in proceedings by taxpayers before the Internal Revenue Service. Permits a taxpayer to bring a civil action in district court for actual damages resulting from the failure of any Federal officer or employee to release a tax lien on the taxpayer's property. Permits a civil cause of action in district court for damages resulting from the careless, reckless, or intentional disregard of internal revenue laws by any Federal officer or employee. Denies damage awards in cases of contributory negligence. Authorizes a damage award, to a $10,000 maximum, to the United States in cases of frivolous or groundless claims by a taxpayer. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to prescribe criminal penalties for: (1) any investigation or surveillance authorized or conducted by an officer or employee of the United States in connection with Federal tax laws that inquires into the beliefs, associations, or activities of any individual or organization; or (2) the maintenance of any records containing information derived from such an investigation. Establishes in the Internal Revenue Service the Office for Taxpayers Services, under the supervision of an Assistant Commissioner of Internal Revenue. Directs this Assistant Commissioner to: (1) be responsible for telephone, walk-in, and educational services, and for the design and production of tax and information forms; and (2) prepare annually, for presentation to specified congressional committees, a joint report (with the Chief Problem Resolution Officer for the IRS) on the quality of taxpayer services.

Law· HRH.R. 3471 (100th)enacted

Department of Veterans Affairs Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 October 1987

Department of Veterans Affairs Act - Redesignates the Veterans Administration (VA) as the Department of Veterans Affairs (the Department), an executive department within the executive branch of the Government. Provides that the Department shall be headed by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, to be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Designates as other principal officers of the Department the Deputy Secretary, the Chief Medical Director, and the Chief Benefits Director. Provides for the temporary continuation of service of the current Administrator, Deputy Administrator, Chief Medical Director, and Chief Benefits Director of Veterans Affairs. Establishes within the Department eight Assistant Secretaries, each of whom shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, to perform such functions as the Secretary may prescribe. Directs the Secretary to assign to one such Assistant Secretary all functions regarding the National Cemetery System and the State cemetery grant program. Outlines functions which the Secretary shall assign to the Assistant Secretaries. Provides for the temporary continuation of the performance of such functions by present personnel until such functions are assigned to an individual appointed as Assistant Secretary under this Act. Redesignates the current VA's Department of Medicine and Surgery as the Veterans Health Services Administration of the Department. Redesignates the VA's current Department of Veterans Benefits as the Veterans Benefits Administration of the Department, whose primary function shall be to administer nonmedical programs which provide assistance to veterans, their dependents, and their survivors. Establishes within the Department the Office of the General Counsel. Redesignates the current Office of Inspector General of the VA as the Office of Inspector General of the Department. Provides that any references to departments or positions under the current VA system shall be considered to be references to such departments and positions of the Department as modified under this Act. Provides continuing effect of all legal documents, suits, actions, and property and resources of the current VA. Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, after appropriate congressional consultation, to prepare and submit to the Congress proposed legislation containing technical and conforming amendments to reflect the changes made under this Act. Requires such legislation to be submitted no later than six months after the enactment of this Act. Provides that any spending authority of the Department is subject to available amounts as provided in appropriation Acts.

Law· HRH.R. 3457 (100th)enacted

Poultry Producers Financial Protection Act of 1987

United States · United States Congress · 8 October 1987

Poultry Producers Financial Protection Act of 1987 - Amends the Packers and Stockyards Act, 1921 to remove live poultry handlers from marketing practices regulation under such Act. Establishes a statutory trust for the benefit of unpaid cash sellers or poultry growers which consists of the assets of live poultry dealers with average annual live poultry sales, or average annual value of poultry obtained by purchase or growing arrangement, greater than $100,000. States that a dishonored payment instrument shall not be considered as payment. Provides that an unpaid cash seller or poultry grower shall lose such trust benefit if he or she fails to give written notice of nonpayment or dishonored payment within specified time periods to the poultry dealer and then by filing such notice with the Secretary of Agriculture. Provides a cause of action for violations under such Act relating to poultry sales, purchases, or growing arrangements. Eliminates poultry handler recordkeeping provisions. States that the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) shall have power and jurisdiction over all (marketing) transactions in commerce of poultry products. States that the Secretary may exercise jurisdiction over poultry products in prompt payment or trust proceedings (as established by this Act) in order to avoid impairment of the Secretary's jurisdiction. Requires the Secretary to: (1) notify the FTC of any intended action; and (2) not proceed further if notified within ten days that an FTC proceeding is pending involving the same subject matter. Authorizes the Secretary to seek injunctive relief for nonpayment of live poultry transactions, including growing arrangements. Requires poultry dealers to pay poultry producers within the following time limits: (1) for a cash sale, full payment by the close of business on the day after the sale; and (2) for a growing arrangement, full payment within 15 days after the week of slaughter. States that a payment delay or attempted delay shall be considered an "unfair practice" violation under such Act. Directs the Secretary, whenever he has reason to believe that a poultry dealer has violated the prompt payment or trust provisions created by this Act, to issue a written complaint and hold a hearing at least 30 days after service of the complaint. Authorizes the Secretary to issue a cease and desist order, and also to assess a civil penalty of up to $20,000 per violation, if he finds the dealer in violation of such provisions. Makes the Secretary's order final unless a poultry dealer files an appeal with the appropriate court of appeals within 30 days after service. Subjects a poultry dealer or his agents to fines of between $1,000 and $20,000 for failure to comply with the Secretary's order. Repeals title V of the Packers and Stockyards Act, 1921.

Bill· HRH.R. 3350 (100th)referred

A bill to amend the Airport and Airway Improvement Act of 1982 for the purpose of extending the authorization of appropriations for airport and airway improvements, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 29 September 1987

Title I: Airport and Airway Improvement Act Amendments - Airport and Airway Improvement Amendments of 1987 - Amends the Airport and Airway Improvement Act of 1982 to authorize appropriations for FY 1987 through FY 1992 for air navigation facilities. Sets forth minimum obligation levels for certain fiscal years for the purchase and installation of instrument landing systems at primary, reliever, and other airports. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1988 and 1989 for specified research, engineering and development, and demonstration projects. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to transfer funds among such projects according to prescribed guidelines. Requires the Secretary to submit a written explanation to specified congressional committees regarding certain proposed transfers. Sets forth minimum expenditure guidelines for airport capacity enhancement. Requires the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration to transmit to specified congressional committees a report demonstrating compliance with such minimum expenditure guidelines. Sets forth funding limitations. Requires that a minimum of ten percent of funds authorized for airport development be expended with small businesses owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. Mandates that each State annually survey and compile a list of such business concerns. Outlines the minimum criteria to be established by the Secretary of Transportation for use by State governments in certifying whether a concern qualifies under this Act. Prescribes formulas for the apportionment of funds (including funding levels for airport capacity enhancement, safety, and security). Revises the definition of "primary airport" to encompass those airports having more than 18,000 passengers enplaned annually (thus increasing the number of airports eligible for Federal assistance). Revises the limitations on the use of funds earmarked for: (1) noise compatibility planning and programs; and (2) integrated airport system planning. Cites circumstances under which a State may submit, as sole sponsor, an application for certain airport development projects. Authorizes the Secretary to increase certain terminal development project costs if such increases are in the public interest. Precludes the cost of decorative landscaping or the installation of sculpture or art works as allowable project costs. Authorizes the Secretary to provide reimbursement through letters of intent for certain advance expenditures for airport development projects. Prescribes guidelines for such letters. Sets forth the assurances required of airport development project sponsors, including: (1) nondiscrimination provisions; (2) terminal airspace; (3) revenue; (4) land disposal; (5) airport layout plans; (6) contracts for engineering and design services; and (7) approval of nonaeronautical closing of airports. Permits the use of: (1) State taxes on aviation fuel to support a State aviation program; (2) airport revenue for noise mitigation purposes; and (3) land disposal funds for certain airport lands, including airport noise compatibility lands. Revises the percentage by which the maximum Federal grant obligation for airport development lands may be increased. Directs the Secretary to make available ten percent of the funds apportioned for public-use airports to local governmental units and public agencies for noise compatibility program grants if the Secretary finds that such public-use airport is not making reasonable progress towards development and implementation of a noise compatibility program. Amends the Aviation Safety and Noise Abatement Act of 1979 to authorize the Secretary to make grants to airport operators and local governmental units to soundproof public schools and hospitals which have been determined to be adversely affected by the airport noise impact area surrounding the airport. Requires the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration to report to the Congress the results of a study determining whether or not noise abatement proposals under consideration by airport operators and local governments should be made eligible for Federal assistance. Requires the Secretary to provide grant applicants and recipients notice and opportunity for a hearing before withholding either approval or payment due to noncompliance with the assurances required under this Act. Authorizes judicial review of such withholding action. Prohibits the Secretary from closing flight service stations or reducing their operation hours unless substitute service will be provided by an automated flight service station with specified equipment. Changes from mandatory to discretionary the Secretary's authority to provide by grant for the continuation of the Explosive Detection K-9 Team Training Program. Expresses the sense of the Congress that any regulation under which the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration limits the number of instrument flight rule takeoffs and landings should be phased out and eliminated at the earliest time consistent with aviation safety. Deems heliports to be airports for purposes of the Airport and Airway Improvement Act of 1982. Directs the Secretary to conduct a study, and report its results to the Congress by January 1, 1990, regarding a long-term overall airport system plan. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary to release: (1) the city and county of Denver, Colorado, from the terms in each deed of conveyance under which the United States conveyed property containing portions of Stapleton International Airport; and (2) such airport sponsor from any assurances made for a grant for a certain project at such airport. Cites conditions for the granting of such release. Prohibits the Secretary from making a grant for an airport development project involving the Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport Authority in California unless such Authority meets specified conditions. Prohibits the Federal Aviation Administration from taking any action to: (1) compel the city of Pompano Beach, Florida, to redesignate as nonaviation use land at the Pompano Beach Airpark as of November 1, 1966; or (2) revert such land to the Federal Government. Title II: Extension of Aviation-Related Taxes and Airport and Airway Trust Fund Spending Authority - Airport and Airway Revenue Act of 1987 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend from 1988 to 1993: (1) aviation excise taxes regarding transportation of persons and property; and (2) certain transfers into the Airport and Airway Trust Fund. Extends from December 31, 1987, to December 31, 1992, an excise tax imposed upon certain non-commercial aviation fuels. Extends from October 1, 1987, to October 1, 1992, certain spending authority of the Airport and Airway Trust Fund. States that no tax will be imposed on: (1) any air transportation by helicopter for the purpose of providing emergency medical services under specified circumstances; or (2) any liquid for use in such helicopters. Specifies circumstances in which certain aviation-related taxes will be reduced in proportion to appropriations which are significantly below authorizations.