United States · United States Congress · 16 February 1988
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an individual taxpayer a refundable income tax credit, in an amount based on adjusted gross income (minimum credit of $150), for each dependent below the age of compulsory school attendance in the State where the taxpayer resides. Sets the maximum credit amount as the total employee tax withheld from the taxpayer's wages during the year under the Federal Insurance Contributions Act. Disallows application of the nonrefundable dependent care income tax credit with respect to a taxpayer's dependents under age 15, unless the child is physically or mentally incapable of self-care.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1988
United States Coast Guard Bicentennial Medal Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to design, strike, and sell a medal in commemoration of the bicentennial of the U.S. Coast Guard in 1990. Requires the design of the medal to be selected by the Secretary of the Treasury after consultation with the Secretary of Transportation and the Commission of Fine Arts.
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.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1988
Amends the Toxic Substances Control Act to change to November 1, 1989 (or February 1, 1990, if no regulations have been promulgated by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency) the date by which a local educational agency (LEA) must submit an asbestos management plan developed pursuant to regulations under such Act to the Governor of the State. Changes to August 1, 1990, the date by which each LEA must begin the implementation of such plan. Changes to May 1, 1989, the date by which the LEA must inspect for asbestos-containing material in each school building under its authority. Changes to November 1, 1989, the date by which such LEAs must implement an operation and maintenance plan with respect to friable asbestos-containing material in school buildings. Changes to February 1, 1990, the date by which LEAs must develop an asbestos management plan for submission to the Governor of the State.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1988
Air Travel Rights for Blind Individuals Act - Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to preclude an air carrier from establishing aircraft seating restrictions based upon a passenger's visual acuity or use of a white cane or dog guide or other such means of assistance.
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.)
United States · United States Congress · 18 December 1987
Expresses the sense of the Congress that Project Impact of the Combined Accident Reduction Effort should be supported by every State and should be recognized as a model project to educate the Nation's youth regarding the impact of drug and alcohol abuse upon driving safety.
United States · United States Congress · 14 December 1987
Freedom Fighter Assistance Act of 1987 - Title I: Findings and Purpose - Finds that the actions of Communist governments have caused massive suffering and tens of millions of deaths, and that indigenous freedom fighter movements around the world are working to rid their countries of Communist governments. Declares that it is the purpose of this Act to establish as U.S. policy the provision of effective military and economic assistance to such movements. Title II: Aid to Freedom Fighters, and United States Relations with Certain Communist Governments - Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to provide military, humanitarian and other forms of assistance to such movements and to coordinate efforts among other nations to provide such assistance. Authorizes the Secretary of State to promote democratic electoral processes, democratic training programs and institution-building, and individual rights and freedoms in countries in which freedom fighter movements deserving of U.S. assistance exist, and to seek to coordinate such efforts among other nations. Bans assistance to any movement demonstrating a consistent pattern of proven gross violations of human rights, unless the assistance will directly benefit the needy people in the country in question. Permits the President to waive such prohibition if he finds that a significant improvement in the movement's human rights record has occurred. Urges the President to consider suspending diplomatic and trade relations with the governments of countries in which such movements exist. Requires that the Secretary of Defense annually transmit to the Congress: (1) a report on the degree to which freedom fighter movements receiving assistance under this Act respect and observe internationally recognized human rights; and (2) a report on the number of Soviet and Soviet-bloc personnel stationed in other countries, as well as the amount and type of Soviet assistance provided to those countries. Permits the Secretary to submit both a classified and nonclassified version. Authorizes appropriations. Leaves open the possibility of alternative means of assistance. Title III: Revising the Conditions for United States Assistance to Communist Governments - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to permit a waiver of the prohibition against the provision of U.S. assistance to a Communist country if the President finds and reports to the Congress that the government of the recipient country is making substantial progress toward: (1) holding free and fair elections; (2) ceasing maintenance of a centrally planned economy based on principles of Marxism-Leninism; (3) respecting human rights; (4) granting religious freedom; (5) eliminating forced labor; and (6) removing all foreign troops and advisors. Allows each presidential waiver to be applicable for not more than 12 months at a time. Adds the following Communist countries to the list of nations classified as countries under such Act: Guyana; Afghanistan; Laos, Ethiopia; South Yemen; Angola; Benin; Cambodia; Congo; Mozambique; Nicaragua; and Suriname. Amends the Export-Import Bank Act of 1945 to require that the conditions listed above for a waiver of the prohibition on U.S. assistance to Communist countries also apply with respect to Export-Import Bank assistance. Title IV: Definitions - Defines "freedom fighter movement" as an organization or organizations composed primarily of persons indigenous to a Communist country seeking to overthrow the government of that country, or to make a significant alteration in the policies or structure of such government, and which meets specified conditions. Defines "Communist country."
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.
United States · United States Congress · 3 December 1987
Strategic Petroleum Reserve Enhancement Act - Authorizes appropriations for Strategic Petroleum Reserve operating expenses for FY 1988 through 1993. Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to terminate authorities relating to the International Energy Program on September 30, 1993.
United States · United States Congress · 10 November 1987
Authorizes the President to prohibit the importation of all products which are grown, produced, or manufactured in Afghanistan and exported by the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan or any faction supported by the Soviet Union. Authorizes the President to prohibit the exportation of any goods or technology for the benefit of, or use by, such groups. Requires the President to take action to prohibit such trade within 45 days or to submit a report to the Congress stating why such action has not been taken.
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.
United States · United States Congress · 27 October 1987
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to reduce from 28 to 15 percent the maximum income tax rate applicable to the long-term capital gains of individuals. Excludes capital gains from the phaseout affecting personal exemptions and the 15 percent income tax rate.
United States · United States Congress · 15 October 1987
Designates March 18, 1988, as National Energy Education Day to promote and enhance energy education programs at all grade levels of public and private schools.
United States · United States Congress · 14 October 1987
Requires the Clerk of the House of Representatives and the Secretary of the Senate, jointly and every 30 days, to determine the aggregate amount of expenditures made by the Congress which are attributable to the House Select Committee to Investigate Covert Arms Transactions with Iran and the Senate Select Committee on Secret Military Assistance to Iran. Requires the Clerk and Secretary, in making such determination, to include: (1) all expenditures made by the Select Committees; (2) all expenditures in support of the activities of the Select Committees which have been made by the Architect of the Capitol, the Capitol Police, the Clerk of the House, the Secretary of the Senate, the Congressional Research Service, or any other congressional support entity; (3) the pro rata personnel costs attributable to the time which congressional staff devoted to Select Committee activities; and (4) any other expenditures made by the Congress which are attributable to Select Committee activities. Requires each determination to be made available to the public. Makes this resolution effective until the Clerk and the Secretary report to their respective Houses that no further costs will be incurred which are attributable to the Select Committees.
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.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 1987
Directs the Secretary of the Interior to study, by the end of FY 1988, the suitability of areas adjacent to the Mississippi and Upper Mississippi Rivers for inclusion in a Mississippi River National Park.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 1987
Amends rule XXI of the Rules of the House of Representatives to prohibit consideration of bills or resolutions making appropriations under the jurisdiction of more than one subcommittee of the Appropriations Committee for periods after November 30 of a fiscal year, unless a 60 percent majority of the House votes to waive or suspend this provision.
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 1987
Urges the German Democratic chief of state Erich Honecker to: (1) repeal the order directing East German border guards to shoot to kill anyone who attempts to cross the Berlin Wall; and (2) issue an order to tear down the Berlin Wall.
United States · United States Congress · 7 August 1987
Provides that when any bill or joint resolution making continuing appropriations is agreed to by both Houses of the Congress in the same form, the Clerk of the House of Representatives shall enroll the provisions in such bill or joint resolution as separate bills or joint resolutions (for item veto purposes). Requires the enrollment as part of one separate bill or joint resolution of: (1) all the provisions within the jurisdiction of a subcommittee of the Committee on Appropriations; (2) all the provisions within the jurisdiction of the Committee on Appropriations; (3) all the provisions within the jurisdiction of any other House committee; and (4) all the provisions for which jurisdiction cannot be determined.
United States · United States Congress · 7 August 1987
Requires a 60 percent majority vote of the Senate and the House of Representatives for passage of a bill or joint resolution making continuing appropriations for a fiscal year. Makes this Act applicable to bills or joint resolutions agreed to by the Congress during the two-calendar-year period beginning with the date of enactment.
United States · United States Congress · 6 August 1987
Fair and Equitable Cargo Allocation Act of 1987 - Amends the Merchant Marine Act, 1936 to repeal a provision which requires the Secretary of Transportation to preserve, during calendar years 1986 through 1989, the percentage share, or the metric tonnage of bagged, processed, or fortified commodities, whichever is lower, experienced in 1984, of waterborne cargoes exported from Great Lakes ports under the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954.
United States · United States Congress · 6 August 1987
Amerasian Homecoming Act - Provides for the admission as an immigrant into the United States (for two years beginning 90 days after enactment of this Act) of an alien residing in Vietnam who: (1) was born in Vietnam after January 1, 1962, and before January 1, 1976, and whose father was a U.S. citizen; or (2) is the spouse, child, or mother, or has acted as the next of kin (with specified limitations) of such an alien. Requires on-site consular interviews in making such determinations. Provides for an eight-month period of visa validity. Provides, with regard to such aliens, for: (1) the waiver of specified exclusionary grounds under the Immigration and Nationality Act; and (2) specified (refugee) assistance under such Act. Directs the Attorney General, in cooperation with the Secretary of State, to submit program reports to the Congress annually for three years.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1987
National Security and Classified Information Protection Act of 1987 - Amends the Federal criminal code to make the knowing disclosure of classified information to an unauthorized person by present and former Federal officials and employees a criminal offense.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 1987
Designates the U.S. Post Office Building located at the corner of Gretna Boulevard and Bellechase Highway in Gretna, Louisiana, as the William W. Pares, Jr., Post Office Building.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 1987
Amends title XII (Advances to State Unemployment Funds) of the Social Security Act to provide that a State with long-term unemployment problems and an insolvent unemployment compensation program shall not be charged with interest attributable to periods during FY 1987 unless such State fails to meet specified requirements. Requires such a State during each of FY 1988 through 1991 to: (1) carry out its unemployment compensation system without increasing its balance of advances at the end of each such year; and (2) repay advances so that it has no balance of advances remaining at the end of FY 1991. Amends the Federal Unemployment Tax Act, in the case of any such State which meets the above requirements, to state that the reduction in specified credits otherwise applicable to taxpayers subject to the unemployment compensation law of such State for any taxable year beginning with taxable year 1988 shall not exceed the reduction which was in effect with respect to such State for taxable year 1987.
![Official portrait of Rep. Livingston, Bob [R-LA-1]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/l000371_200.jpg)