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 · 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.
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.
United States · United States Congress · 10 December 1987
Amends the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to designate a segment of the Klamath River in Oregon and California as a component of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System.
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 1987
Act for Better Child Care Services of 1987 - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1988 and such sums as necessary for FY 1989 through 1992 to carry out the purposes of this Act. Specifies the manner of making allotments for child care services. Requires the designation of a lead agency in each State which participates in the programs under this Act. Requires States to submit, in order to qualify for assistance under this Act, an application and plan to the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Requires each plan to cover a five-year period and to meet specified requirements for providers of child care services. Authorizes the use of State allotments: (1) by contracts with or grants to eligible child care providers, or public or private nonprofit agencies, to enable such providers or agencies to operate programs directly or by subcontract; or (2) by distributing child care certificates that parents may use as payment for child care services. Requires that a percentage of funds be reserved to enable part-day programs to extend existing hours of operation and provide full-day child care services. Authorizes the Secretary to make planning grants to States which desire to participate under this Act but cannot fully satisfy the requirements of a State plan without financial assistance. Provides for a review of the operation of a State plan during the five-year period to determine its continued eligibility for funds. Requires the Governor of each participating State to establish: (1) a State interagency advisory committee on child care to assist the lead agency in carrying out its responsibilities; and (2) a State committee on licensing to review the licensing requirements, the law, and the policies regulating child care services and programs within the State. Requires each participating State to recognized private nonprofit community-based organizations, or public organizations, as resources and referral agencies for particular geographic areas. Requires each participating State to require that all employed or self-employed persons providing licensed or regulated child care complete at least 15 hours per year of inservice, continuing education, or other training as described in this Act. Directs the Secretary to establish within the Department of Health and Human Services an Administrator of Child Care to carry out the provisions of this Act. Establishes enforcement provisions for review of State plans and monitoring of State compliance. Declares the Federal share of child care programs to be 80 percent and requires the State to demonstrate that the remaining 20 percent will be provided from other sources. Requires the Secretary to establish a National Advisory Committee on Child Care Standards to: (1) review Federal policies on child care services and such other data as appropriate; (2) submit to the Secretary proposed minimum standards for child care programs; and (3) develop and make available to lead agencies model regulations for resources and referral agencies. Terminates the committee 90 days after the date of publication of final minimum child care standards. Prohibits the use of funds under this Act for: (1) sectarian purposes or activities; (2) capital improvements to sectarian institutions; and (3) tuition.
United States · United States Congress · 17 November 1987
Raoul Wallenberg Monument Resolution - Authorizes the Raoul Wallenberg Tribute Committee to establish a monument to honor Raoul Wallenberg on Federal land in the District of Columbia or its environs. Prohibits the United States from paying any expense of the establishment of the monument.
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
Alaskan Timber Contract Modification Act - Amends the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to terminate all 50-year timber sale contracts applicable to national forest lands in Alaska.
United States · United States Congress · 22 October 1987
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) Nicaragua should undertake specified reforms, such as reinstating due process and fair trials, ending torture, conducting free elections, allowing an uncensored free press, ensuring the right to strike and to publish for unions, ceasing attacks against civilians, and ending the forced relocation of Indians and Creoles; and (2) all countries in Central America should continue to work toward achieving the democratic principles and processes specified in the August 7, 1987, Central American peace accord.
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 · 1 October 1987
Federal Employees' Political Activities Act of 1987- Prohibits an employee from using or attempting to use official authority or influence to interfere with or affect the result of any election. Prohibits an employee from using or attempting to use official authority to intimidate, threaten, coerce, command, or influence: (1) any individual for the purpose of interfering with the right of any individual to vote as the individual may choose, or of causing any individual to vote, or not to vote, for any candidate or measure in any election; (2) any person to give or withhold any political contribution; or (3) any person to engage, or not to engage, in any form of political activity. Prohibits an employee from using or attempting to use, or permitting the use of, any official information unless such information is available to the general public. Prohibits an employee from: (1) giving or offering to give a political contribution to any individual either to vote or refrain from voting, or to vote for or against any candidate or measure, in any election; (2) soliciting, accepting, or receiving a political contribution to vote or refrain from voting, or to vote for or against any candidate or measure, in any election; or (3) giving or handing over a political contribution to a superior of the employee. Prohibits an employee from soliciting, accepting, or receiving, or from being in any manner concerned with soliciting, accepting, or receiving, a political contribution: (1) from another employee (or a member of another employee's immediate family) with respect to whom the employee is a superior; or (2) in any room or building occupied in the discharge of official duties by a Federal employee or official or an individual receiving salary or compensation from the Treasury. Prohibits an employee from soliciting, accepting, or receiving a political contribution from, or giving a political contribution to, any person who: (1) has, or is seeking to obtain, contractual or other business or financial relations with the employing agency; (2) conducts operations or activities which are regulated by that agency; or (3) has interests which may be substantially affected by the performance of the employees' official duties. Directs the Special Counsel of the Merit Systems Protection Board to prescribe regulations which exempt employees from such prohibitions. Prohibits an employee from engaging in political activity: (1) while on duty; (2) in any room or building occupied in the discharge of official duties by a Federal employee or official; (3) while wearing a uniform or official insignia identifying the office or position of the employee; or (4) while using any vehicle owned or leased by the Government. Exempts certain high level political appointees from such prohibitions if the costs associated with the political activity are not paid for by money derived from the Treasury. Describes such a political appointee as one: (1) whose duties and responsibilities continue outside normal duty hours and while away from the normal duty post; (2) who is paid from an appropriation for the Executive Office of the President; (3) whose position is located within the United States; and (4) who determines policies to be pursued by the United States in its relations with foreign powers or in the nationwide administration of Federal laws. Authorizes leave without pay or accrued annual leave to an employee who is a candidate, upon request, to allow such employee to engage in activities relating to that candidacy. Declares that such request may be denied if the exigencies of the public business so require. Declares that such employee may be required to take leave without pay or accrued annual leave in order to be a candidate if activities relating to the candidacy interfere with the employee's performance of duties. Directs the Special Counsel to prescribe rules and regulations to implement this Act. Applies this Act to postal employees and employees of the Postal Rate Commission.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 1987
Amends Federal law regarding the exemption authority of the Interstate Commerce Commission with respect to rail carriers to prohibit the waiving of a rail carrier's obligation under the Railway Labor Act or collective bargaining agreements. Sets forth a separation allowance schedule for employees adversely affected by the disposition of certain rail carrier lines. Establishes a ceiling for such separation allowance of $30,000 (periodically adjusted for inflation). Entitles such employees to the right of first hire in seniority order to a substantially equivalent position by the rail carrier obtaining the rail lines from such employees' previous rail carrier employer. States that such separation allowance and right of first hire apply to: (1) certain financial assistance offers to avoid rail abandonment and discontinuance; and (2) specified actions for which the Commission grants an exemption.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 1987
Amends the Internal Revenue Code and the Social Security Act to increase from $100 to $500 the payment that may be made in a calendar year to an election official or election worker for services before liability for the hospital insurance tax is incurred.
United States · United States Congress · 16 September 1987
Comprehensive Tobacco Health and Safety Act of 1987 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to prohibit the sale of harmful tobacco products to minors and the distribution of such products through free samples or discount coupons. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to regulate the form, manner, and location of the sale of tobacco products in States with insufficient enforcement to require compliance. Requires labels of such products to state that they are addictive, to identify the maker or distributor, and to detail contents, including any additives. Prohibits such products from containing specified constituents, including additives and nicotine, such identified levels. Requires manufacturers, packagers, or importers to provide the Secretary with a list of additives used in tobacco products. Authorizes the Secretary to establish public disclosure requirements for such additives. Requires the Secretary to test and establish the tar, nicotine, carbon monoxide, and other harmful constituent levels for each brand of tobacco product before such product may be lawfully sold. Authorizes the Secretary to make such information public. Directs the Secretary to report annually to the appropriate congressional committees on the use of tobacco additives and the levels of harmful constituents in tobacco products.
United States · United States Congress · 9 September 1987
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that the manufacturers excise tax on bows, arrows, and related accessories shall be due and payable on the date for filing the appropriate return. (This provision corresponds to the treatment of sport fishing equipment under current law.)
United States · United States Congress · 7 August 1987
Amends the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 to prescribe the extent to which Federal agency activities directly affecting the coastal zones must be consistent with approved State management programs. Allows Federal activities to be inconsistent with State coastal zone management programs only if to be consistent would violate Federal law or if substantial unforeseen obstacles are encountered. Describes what is encompassed by "directly affecting activities."
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 · 6 August 1987
Urges the leadership of the Government of Chile to take steps to: (1) assure that military rule should end in Chile no later than by 1989, as outlined in the 1980 constitution; (2) ensure that the next democratically-elected leaders of Chile are chosen from civilian candidates; (3) assure voting procedures for the electoral process which are fair and based upon universal and equal suffrage; (4) implement procedures to ensure that the vote will be accurately counted and subject to independent verification; and (5) ensure that prior to any electoral process, freedom of assembly and expression are fully restored and non-violent government opponents are given fair access to every means of communication, including television.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 1987
National Superconductivity and Competitiveness Act of 1987 - Directs the President, working through the National Critical Materials Council (NCMC), to establish a five-year National Federal Program on Superconductivity Research and Development (the Superconductivity Program). Sets forth the content and scope of such Program. Requires a Program plan to be presented to specified congressional committees within six months after the enactment of this Act. Directs the Chairman of NCMC to appoint, within 60 days after enactment of this Act, a National Advisory Commission on Superconductivity (Commission) to review all major policy issues regarding U.S. applications of recent research advances in superconductors. Requires the Advisory Commission to report, within six months after enactment of this Act, to the NCMC Chairman with recommendations regarding methods of enhancing the research, development, and implementation of improved superconductor technologies in all major applications. Sets forth required report contents. Terminates the Advisory Commission 60 days after submission of its report. Directs the Secretary of Energy to establish, within 60 days after enactment of this Act, an Office of Superconductivity to coordinate and direct all activities of the Department of Energy in implementing the Superconductivity Program under the Department's responsibility. Makes the Director responsible for establishing, coordinating, and directing superconductivity research and development activities in the Department and directing and coordinating the Consortia for Enabling Superconductivity Technologies. Directs the Secretary of Energy, operating primarily through the Department's National Federal Research Laboratories (NFRLs), to establish within six months one or more Consortia for Enabling Superconductivity Technologies (Consortia). Requires that each Consortium be led by an appropriate NFRL designated by the Secretary. Requires the designated lead laboratory to have appropriate university and industrial connections and demonstrable expertise in specified research. Requires each Consortium to consist, in addition to the designated lead laboratory, of appropriate industry, university, and/or other research institutions, including other NFRLs. Provides that each Consortium shall be considered a joint research and development venture. Requires the participants to share the costs of conducting such research and development. Authorizes temporary exchanges of personnel between Consortia members. Allows up to 25 percent of funds under this Act for each Consortium to be used to conduct superconductivity research and development under the discretion of the Director of the designated lead laboratory. Requires the Department of Energy's superconductivity research and development activities to focus on fundamental research, materials processing, and applications of new superconducting materials. Directs the Secretary of Energy to create a program of Industrial Fellowships to support the education and training of graduate engineers and scientists in the area of superconductivity and related academic fields. Provides that recipients shall be selected from qualified applicants seeking degrees from member institutions of the Consortia. Requires the Director of the National Science Foundation (NSF) to establish within 60 days an Office of Superconductivity to coordinate and direct all NSF activities in implementing the Superconductivity Program under NSF responsibility. Makes the Administrator of such Office responsible for establishing NSF superconductivity research and development programs and for directing and coordinating the National Superconductivity Research Centers. Requires the NSF Director to establish a program of National Superconductivity Research Centers. Requires that an appropriate number of universities be selected as sites for such Centers based largely on their scientific and technical qualifications. Requires the Centers to focus efforts in the development and support, in an interdisciplinary manner, of manufacturing science and processing as it applies to superconducting materials. Requires the NSF to continue to operate primarily through individual and block-fund grants with the university community and to be responsible for maintaining an appropriate balance of such grants for support of basic and fundamental research on superconducting materials. Requires the NSF Director to establish a program of graduate fellowships to support the education and training of advanced degreed research engineers and scientists in the areas of superconductivity, manufacturing science and processing, and related academic fields. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish, within 60 days after the enactment of this Act, an Office of Superconductivity to coordinate and direct all activities of the Department of Commerce in implementing its responsibilities under the Superconductivity Program. Makes the Administrator of this Office responsible for establishing (with the Director of the National Bureau of Standards), coordinating, and directing superconductivity research and development activities in the Department. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to ensure the accelerated transfer of superconductivity technology resulting from research and development provided for in this Act and for the application of such technology by the U.S. private and public sectors. Directs the National Bureau of Standards (now the National Institute of Standards and Technology), in coordination with the Department of Energy, the NSF, and other appropriate departments and agencies, to establish and conduct a program of fundamental research and materials standards to accelerate the use and application of the new superconducting materials. Directs the President to establish a program of international cooperation in the conduct of basic research on superconducting materials, including the exchange of basic information and data and the development of international standards for the use and application of superconducting materials. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1989 through 1993 to carry out specified provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 1987
Airline Passenger Protection Act of 1987 - Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to add a new "Title XVII: Airline Passenger Protection." Requires the Secretary of Transportation (the Secretary to publish monthly reports regarding: (1) late flight arrivals; (2) a listing of the top 500 aviation markets; (3) lost and damaged baggage; (4) the percentage of cancelled flights; (5) the percentage of passengers bumped; (6) missed connections at hubs; and (7) the number of passenger complaints filed with the Department of Transportation. Mandates that: (1) such reports be made available to the public by any air carrier controlled ticket agent; (2) toll-free telephone numbers be established by air carriers and the Secretary for handling passenger complaints; and (3) that such telephone numbers accompany airline ticket purchases. Requires the Secretary to establish a telephone number system which provides airline passengers with comparative air carrier service information. Prohibits: (1) airline ticket sales unless the purchaser receives written notification regarding the air carrier's policy concerning cancellations and amenities; and (2) economically motivated flight cancellations. Requires air transportation advertisements to state whether availability is limited and whether restrictions apply. Prescribes guidelines for the air transportation of airline ticket holders if the issuing air carrier has become a bankrupt debtor since the ticket purchase. Sets forth time limits for: (1) processing lost or damaged baggage; and (2) purchase price refunds for certain airline tickets. Prohibits an air carrier from making available to a ticket agent certain computerized reservation system information on flight schedules and fares of twor or more carriers if the order in which the schedules appear is determined according to a specified format. Requires the Secretary to revise existing airline consumer complaint procedures of the Department of Transportation. Terminates this Act ten years after the date of enactment. Establishes civil penalties for violations including: (1) late performance reports; (2) false or misleading performance reports; or (3) economically-motivated flight cancellations.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 1987
National Superconductor Manufacturing and Processing Technology Act of 1987 - Establishes a National Superconductor Manufacturing and Processing Technology Initiative (the Initiative), to be implemented by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, the Department of Energy, the National Science Foundation, and the National Bureau of Standards. Requires such agencies, with the advice and assistance of a Coordinating Council, to coordinate their efforts to implement the Initiative. Establishes a Superconductivity Manufacturing and Processing Technology Coordinating Council (the Coordinating Council). Directs the Coordinating Council to: (1) serve as a forum for coordination of Federal activities with respect to superconductivity manufacturing and processing technology research and development; (2) work with the agencies charged with implementing the Initiative, and with other Government agencies, private organizations, private industry, and universities, to formulate superconductivity applications research and development priorities, strategies, and agendas; (3) advise the agencies charged with implementing the Initiative with respect to the establishment and management of the superconductivity programs of such agencies; and (4) establish a private sector advisory body, drawn from members of the National Commission on Superconductivity, to comment on the priorities, strategies, agendas, and the Initiative activities. Requires the Coordinating Council, within one year after enactment of this Act and annually thereafter, to submit to the Congress a long-range plan of activities for the Initiative. Requires the agencies implementing the Initiative to: (1) encourage industry (including small business), government, and universities to develop processing, fabrication, manufacturing, and other appropriate technologies for applying and commercializing scientific advances in superconductivity technology; (2) develop team approaches to overcome key technological hurdles, and seek collaborative arrangements of industry and others, such as the National Laboratories, independent research organizations, and universities; (3) use Federal resources and facilities, including the Department of Energy National Laboratories, Engineering Research Centers, and Science and Technology Centers, for designation as superconductivity centers seeking private sector involvement in the form of consortia and collaborative efforts; (4) work closely with the private sector to ensure significant input into the Initiative and that the Initiative is responsive to its needs; (5) provide grants and contracts to individual firms and collaborative team efforts of industry, or of industry in combination with universities and independent research organizations, for superconductivity research; and (6) facilitate Government, academic, and private sector efforts to transfer information on superconductivity science and technology advances made in the United States and in foreign countries. Directs the President to appoint a National Commission on Superconductivity (Commission) to review all major policy issues regarding U.S. applications of recent research advances in superconductors in order to assist the Congress in devising a national strategy to assure U.S. leadership in superconducting technologies. Makes the National Critical Materials Council the coordinating body of the Commission. Requires the Commission, within six months after the enactment of this Act, to report to the President and the Congress with recommendations regarding methods of enhancing the research, development, and implementation of improved superconductor technologies in all major applications. Sets forth the scope of the Commission's review in preparing its report. Disbands the Commission upon submission of its report and recommendations. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1988 through 1992 for carrying out this Act to: (1) the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency; (2) the National Science Foundation; (3) the Department of Energy; and (4) the National Bureau of Standards.
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 1987
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit a partnership, S corporation, or personal service corporation, unless it is part of a tiered structure, to elect to have a taxable year other than the required one, but generally only if the deferral period of the taxable year elected is three months or less. (Current law requires partnerships, S corporations, and personal service corporations, in most cases, to conform their taxable years to the calendar years used by their owners.) Subjects the principals of a partnership or S corporation electing to change taxable years to additional estimated tax requirements to offset any tax deferral resulting from such election. Imposes deduction limitations on a personal service corporation that changes taxable years. Provides that an election with respect to taxable year shall be made by the partnership, S corporation, or personal service corporation and shall be binding on all partners and shareholders. Sets forth the formula for determining the additional tax requirement when a taxpayer: (1) is a partner or shareholder in at least one such entity during any applicable election years of the entity that end within the taxpayer's taxable year; and (2) has an aggregate deferred tax exceeding $200 with respect to the entity. Describes payment procedures. Requires the inclusion of specified information on returns filed by partnerships and S corporations that elect to use a non-required taxable year. Limits the tax deduction permitted to a personal service corporation for amounts paid or incurred with respect to employee-owners when such a corporation: (1) elects to have a taxable year other than the required one; and (2) fails to meet certain minimum distribution requirements regarding non-dividend amounts paid to owners.
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 1987
Designates October 15, 1987, as National Safety Belt Use Day. Authorizes and requests the President to issue a proclamation calling on the people to wear safety belts and have their children use child safety seats, and encouraging public safety and law enforcement agencies to promote these devices.
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 1987
Amends the Federal judicial code to prohibit States from: (1) imposing a higher tax assessment ratio upon natural gas transmission property than is imposed upon other commercial and industrial property; (2) collecting an ad valorem property tax on natural gas transmission property at a tax rate that exceeds the rate applicable to commercial and industrial property in the same assessment jurisdiction; and (3) imposing any other tax that discriminates against a natural gas company subject to the jurisdiction of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Grants Federal district courts concurrent jurisdiction (without regard to the amount in controversy or the citizenship of the parties) to enjoin, suspend, restrain, or set aside such discriminatory tax treatment. Permits relief only if the ratio of assessed value to true market value of natural gas transmission property exceeds by at least five percent that of other commercial and industrial property in the taxing jurisdiction. Expresses the sense of the Congress that any savings accrued by reason of the enactment of this Act should be passed on to consumers.
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 1987
Title I: Temporary Extension of Public Debt Limit - Increases the public debt limit (until September 30, 1987) to $2,358,000,000,000. Title II: Budget Process Reform - Amends the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974 to increase the permissible maximum deficit amounts for FY 1987 through 1990. Extends for one year the expiration date of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act). Title III: Economic Summit - Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President, together with the bipartisan leadership of the Senate and House of Representatives, should convene a domestic economic summit conference to address the dangerous economic situation which is created by large deficits and the ineffectual budget process. Directs the conference to report its recommendations for solutions to budgetary issues and budget process reforms to the Congress and the President.
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 1987
Technology Competitiveness Act of 1987 - Title I: National Institutes of Technology and Advanced Technology Board - Renames the National Bureau of Standards of the Department of Commerce as the National Institutes of Technology (the Institutes). Directs the President to afford the Advanced Technology Board (established by this Act) an opportunity to make recommendations with respect to the appointment of the Director. Provides that the Director shall serve for a term of six years unless sooner removed by the President. Establishes within the Institutes the National Engineering Institute, the National Measurement Institute, the Computer Sciences and Technology Institute, and the Materials Science and Engineering Institute. Authorizes the Institutes to carry out specified functions and activities of the Secretary of Commerce. Establishes in the Institutes an Advanced Technology Foundation. Sets forth Foundation functions, including sponsoring programs of applied research and related activities to lay the groundwork for the development and use by U.S. industry of advanced and innovative manufacturing and process technologies. Requires the Director to: (1) assure that the advice of the Advanced Technology Board is considered routinely in carrying out the responsibilities of the Institutes; (2) assure that Institutes programs are focused on improving the U.S. competitive position; and (3) avoid providing undue advantage to specific companies. Requires the Director to submit to specified congressional committees an initial organization plan for the Institutes. Sets forth requirements for such plan and its revision. Establishes within the Institutes an Advanced Technology Board to review and make recommendations regarding general policy for the Institutes, their organization, their budgets, and their programs. Requires the Board to report annually to the President and the Congress. (Repeals authority for a visiting committee.) Directs the Secretary of Commerce, as part of the FY 1989 budget submission for the Institutes, to submit to specified congressional committees a plan to supplement existing activities with an evaluation of the technological and economic feasibility of inventions which are not energy-related. Requires the Director to consult with various agencies and organizations on how they might cooperate with the expanded inventions evaluation program. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1988 for this title other than for functions and activities of the Institutes. Title II: Office of Extension Services - Federal Industrial Extension Act of 1987 - Establishes within the Institutes an Office of Extension Services for Industrial Competitiveness to support, advise, and assist State Industrial Extension Services by: (1) giving information about Federal research and development; (2) helping increase technology transfer by applying lessons learned in other programs; (3) acting as a single point of contact; and (4) making its technical expertise available. Establishes within the Institutes a three-year Extension Service for Industrial Competitiveness Grant Program (the Program) to demonstrate methods by which the Federal Government can best help States establish, support, improve, and expand State Industrial Extension Services. Limits Program participants to not more than 15 States (or regional consortia of States). Makes annual grants available for FY 1988 through 1990. Requires that such funds be used to expand the number of businesses served or the amount and quality of services provided by the State's Industrial Extension Service. Requires that participating States provide at least 20 percent of the costs of the Program. Authorizes States to provide Program services directly or through institutions of higher education or other nonprofit organizations. Permits the charging of fees. Requires such States to report annually to the Director. Requires the Director to report to the Congress at the close of FY 1990 on the operation of the Program. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1988 through 1990 to carry out this title. Title III: Reports on Superconductors - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to enter into contracts with the National Academies of Engineering and Sciences for a thorough review of all major policy issues regarding U.S. applications of recent research advances in superconductors. Directs the review panel, within 18 months after the eactment of this Act, to report to the President and the Congress on methods of enhancing the research, development, and implementation of improved superconductor technologies in all major applications. Sets forth the scope of such review. Title IV: Clearinghouse for State and Local Initiatives on Productivity, Technology, and Innovation - Competitiveness Enhancement Act of 1987 - Amends the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 to establish in the Office of Productivity, Technology, and Innovation a clearinghouse for State and Local Initiatives on Productivity, Technology, and Innovation to serve as a central repository of information on: (1) initiatives by State and local governments to enhance the competitiveness of American business and industry through the stimulation of productivity, technology, and innovation; and (2) Federal efforts to assist State and local governments to enhance competitiveness. Sets forth Clearinghouse responsibilities. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to report annually on such State and local initiatives, including recommendations on the appropriate Federal role. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1988 and succeeding fiscal years to carry out this title. Title V: Semiconductor Research and Development - National Advisory Committee on Semiconductor Research and Development Act of 1987 - Establishes in the executive branch an independent advisory body to be known as the National Advisory Committee on Semiconductors. Sets forth Committee functions, including monitoring the competitiveness of U.S. semiconductor technology, developing strategies, and making recommendations to enhance such competitiveness. Requires the Committee to report annually to the President and the Congress. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1988 through 1990. Title VI: Miscellaneous and Conforming Provisions - Amends the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 to revise the extent to which a Federal agency may retain royalties or other income as a result of invention management services performed for another Federal agency or laboratory. Revises the formula for determining that portion of each Federal agency's laboratory budget which is to be transferred to the Federal Laboratory Consortium for Technology Transfer.
United States · United States Congress · 9 July 1987
Urges the administration to continue to reject efforts by Canadian negotiators to: (1) have the U.S. cabotage trades, including the transport of energy resources, opened to Canadian vessels; and (2) eliminate the ad valorem duty on vessel repairs performed in Canadian shipyards.
United States · United States Congress · 1 July 1987
National Commission on Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome Act - Establishes a National Commission on Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome to study and make recommendations regarding: (1) national policy and priorities with respect to acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) including research, testing for the AIDS virus, confidentiality of test results, treatment and care of AIDS sufferers, prevention of the transmission of AIDS, and education about AIDS; (2) the appropriate roles of Federal, State, and local governments, and of the private sector regarding such national policy and priorities; and (3) guidelines for the coordination of AIDS activities with international organizations. Directs the Commission to hold hearings and to submit interim and final reports to the President and to the Congress. Directs the Administrator of Veterans Affairs to assist the Commission by preparing: (1) a detailed compilation and synopsis of national and international medical research on AIDS; and (2) a detailed report on activities of the Veterans Administration relevant to the duties of the Commission. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1988. Terminates the Commission 30 days after submission of its final report. Authorizes the President to extend the life of the Commission for a period not to exceed two years.
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 · 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 · 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.
![Official portrait of Rep. MacKay, Buddy [D-FL-6]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/m000023_200.jpg)