United States · United States Congress · 28 May 1987
Renewable Energy/Fuel Cell Systems Integration Act of 1987 - Directs the Secretary of Energy to implement a research program regarding: (1) fuel cell use of methane gas generated from biomass forms; (2) technologies using renewable energy sources (such as wind and solar energy) to produce hydrogen for fuel cell use; and (3) fuel cell technology for electric power production as backup spinning reserve components to renewable power systems in rural and isolated areas. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to, and enter into contracts with, private research laboratories. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress regarding the fuel cell research program. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1988.
United States · United States Congress · 28 May 1987
Hydrogen Research and Development Act - Title I: Hydrogen Production and Use - Directs the Secretary of Energy to prepare and submit to specified congressional committees a comprehensive five-year program management plan for a research and development program designed to permit the development of a domestic hydrogen fuel production capability within the shortest practicable time. Requires the Secretary to send the Congress annual plan descriptions including any necessary plan modifications. Directs the Secretary to establish such program within the Department of Energy. Requires that the areas to be addressed in such program include production, liquefaction, transmission, distribution, storage, and utilization. Requires priority to be given to production techniques that use renewable energy sources as their primary energy sources. Directs the Secretary to conduct demonstrations to evaluate technical and nontechnical parameters to determine commercial applicability of hydrogen technology and to prepare a comprehensive large-scale hydrogen demonstration plan. Requires the Secretary to prepare a comprehensive technology application plan which shall include: (1) the potential applications for the use of hydrogen; (2) technical market and economic readiness assessments for such potential applications; (3) an assessment of Government actions needed to develop such application; and (4) an analysis of the impact of such applications on domestic energy supplies. Requires the Secretary to consult with other Federal agencies and departments in carrying out this program. Requires the establishment of a Hydrogen Technical Advisory Panel of the Energy Research Advisory Board to advise the Secretary on the conduct of the hydrogen program. Requires the Panel to submit an annual report on the program to the Energy Research Advisory Board which shall subsequently report to the Secretary. Authorizes appropriations to carry out this title for FY 1987 through 1991. Title II: Hydrogen-Fueled Aircraft Research and Development - Directs the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to prepare and submit to specified congressional committees a comprehensive five-year program management plan for a research and development program for the development of a domestic hydrogen-fueled aircraft capability within the shortest practicable time. Requires the Administrator to transmit to Congress an annual plan description including any necessary modifications with respect to the plan. Requires the Administrator to establish such program within NASA and to prepare and transmit to the Congress a comprehensive flight demonstration plan which shall confirm the technical feasibility, economic viability, and safety of liquid hydrogen as a fuel for commercial transport aircraft. Provides that the research and development program under this title shall include, at a minimum, the development of the systems associated with the production, transportation, storage, and handling of liquid hydrogen for commercial aircraft application. Provides that the Administrator shall consult with other Federal agencies and departments in carrying out the program. Establishes a Hydrogen-Fueled Aircraft Advisory Committee to advise the Administrator on the programs established by this title. Requires the Committee to report annually to the Administrator on its activities and on the status of such programs. Authorizes appropriations to carry out this title for FY 1987 through 1991.
United States · United States Congress · 28 May 1987
Airline Safety and Service Improvement Act - Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to repeal the Civil Aeronautics Board termination provisions (thus reestablishing such Board). Declares that the Board is established as an agency of the United States, and sets forth its membership. Declares that the provisions regarding the general powers of the Board shall have the same effect as on December 31, 1984. Provides that certain Board functions which had been transferred to other agencies are hereby transferred back to the Board. Sets forth provisions for the economic regulation of air carriers by the Board. Prescribes the factors which the Board and the Federal Aviation Administrator shall consider as being in the public interest.
United States · United States Congress · 28 May 1987
Fuel Cells Energy Utilization Act of 1987 - Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to redefine the term "domestic renewable energy industry" to include industries using fuel cell technology (thus bringing fuel cells systems technology within the ambit of Federal energy legislation). Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to prepare guidelines for cities and municipalities specifying environmental and safety standards for the use of fuel cell technology. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to report to the Congress regarding the export market potential for integrated systems of fuel cells with renewable power technologies.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1987
Depositor Protection Act of 1987 - Prohibits a bankruptcy trustee from avoiding as a preferential transfer certain withdrawal transactions made by depositors or investors from accounts with certain financial institutions which issue savings obligations or accept deposits in the ordinary course of business. Applies such prohibition to bankruptcy cases filed on or after March 9, 1983.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 1987
Declares that the Congress recognizes and supports efforts to develop the National Purple Heart Museum in Enfield, Connecticut, and encourages the people of the United States to participate in the development of such museum.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1987
Agricultural Mortgage Marketing Act of 1987 - Amends the Farm Credit Act of 1971 to establish as a federally-chartered institution of the Farm Credit System (System) the Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation (Corporation). States that the Corporation shall not be liable for the debts of any other System institutions. Directs the Corporation to provide a secondary agricultural mortgage market by: (1) developing uniform underwriting, security appraisal, and repayment standards; (2) determining the eligibility of agricultural mortgage marketing facilities to contract with the Corporation for credit enhancement of specific mortgage pools; and (3) providing credit enhancement to assure repayment of principal and interest on pools of qualified agricultural mortgage loans. Sets forth provisions relating to: (1) the Board of Directors; (2) operating powers; (3) stock; (4) agricultural mortgage marketing facility certification (including revocation); (5) credit enhancement of qualified agricultural mortgage loans; (6) the required ten-percent contribution reserve (including distributions of any earnings on such reserve and loss allocation); (7) standards for qualified agricultural mortgage loans; (8) credit enhancement (including fees and limitations on liability); (9) Corporation regulation (including an annual report); and (10) exemption from Federal and State securities laws under specified conditions (including authorized investments).
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1987
Designates the westernmost point of Guam as Point Udall in honor of Morris Udall, a Member of the House of Representatives. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to place and maintain a plaque on Federal land near such point to honor the service and accomplishments of Morris Udall. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1987
Department of Energy Civilian Energy Programs Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1988 - Title I: Authorization for Energy Research and Development Programs for Fiscal Year 1988 - Authorizes appropriations for the operating expenses of the following Department of Energy civilian research and development programs: (1) the fossil energy program; (2) clean coal technology; (3) energy conservation; (4) energy supply research and development; (5) general science and research; (6) nuclear fission energy; (7) magnetic fusion energy; and (8) inertial confinement fusion energy. Authorizes appropriations for capital equipment expenses not related to construction for the following Department of Energy civilian research and development programs: (1) the fossil energy program; (2) the energy conservation program; (3) the energy supply research and development programs associated with renewable energy, supporting research and technical analysis, environmental research and development, nuclear fission energy, and magnetic fusion; and (4) general science and research. Sets forth a specified amount which shall be allocated to the Department's multiprogram and single mission national laboratories to seek out potential users for promising inventions or copyrighted data developed at such laboratories. Authorizes appropriations to the Department of Energy for plant and capital equipment for specified prior year civilian research and development projects with respect to: (1) supporting research; (2) nuclear fission; (3) general science and research; and (4) environmental research. Authorizes appropriations for new construction projects. Requires specified reductions in authorizations for general science and research and for nuclear fission. Title II: Authorization for Other Activities for Fiscal Year 1987 - Authorizes appropriations to the Department of Energy for FY 1987 for operating expenses for: (1) fossil energy, Federal inspector for the Alaska gas pipeline; (2) the energy conservation program: (3) the energy supply research and development programs associated with renewable energy, nuclear energy, remedial actions, and low-level waste; (3) uranium supply and enrichment activities; (4) the Nuclear Waste Fund; (5) supporting services; (6) departmental administration; and (7) policy and management. Authorizes appropriations for capital equipment not related to construction for: (1) energy supply research and development, nuclear energy, and remedial action; (2) the Nuclear Waste Fund; (3) supporting services; and (4) departmental administration. Authorizes appropriations to the Department of Energy for a specified prior year civilian energy project at the Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, Idaho. Authorizes appropriations to the Department of Energy for new plant and capital equipment for specified uranium supply and enrichment projects and for specified supporting service projects. Title III: General Provisions - Prohibits the use of any appropriated funds for the superconducting super collider project. Sets forth limitations on the use of funds authorized under this Act, including that no appropriated amount may be used for any project deleted by the Congress. Directs the Secretary to treat as reimbursable contractor expenses all costs incurred by civilian energy research and development contractors who respond directly to congressional inquiries. Directs the Secretary to report to specified congressional committees regarding: (1) modification of the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 in order to achieve and operating repository by 1998; and (2) development of the atomic vapor laser isotope separation process for uranium enrichment under the administration's concept of privatization of the enrichment enterprise. Directs the Secretary to promulgate regulations to issue class waivers for certain inventions or copyrighted material developed in the performance of a federally funded civilian research and development program.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1987
Department of Energy Civilian Energy Research and Development Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1988 - Title I: Authorization for Energy Research and Development Programs for Fiscal Year 1988 - Authorizes appropriations for the operating expenses of the following Department of Energy civilian research and development programs: (1) the fossil energy program; (2) clean coal technology; (3) energy conservation; (4) energy supply research and development; (5) general science and research; (6) nuclear fission energy; (7) magnetic fusion energy; and (8) inertial confinement fusion energy. Authorizes appropriations for capital equipment expenses not related to construction for the following Department of Energy civilian research and development programs: (1) the fossil energy program; (2) the energy conservation program; (3) the energy supply research and development programs associated with renewable energy, supporting research and technical analysis, environmental research and development, nuclear fission energy, and magnetic fusion; and (4) general science and research. Sets forth a specified amount which shall be allocated to the Department's multiprogram and single mission national laboratories to seek out potential users for promising inventions or copyrighted data developed at such laboratories. Authorizes appropriations to the Department of Energy for plant and capital equipment for specified prior year civilian research and development projects with respect to: (1) supporting research; (2) nuclear fission; (3) general science and research; and (4) environmental research. Authorizes appropriations for new construction projects. Requires specified reductions in authorizations for general science and research and for nuclear fission. Title II: General Provisions - Prohibits the use of any appropriated funds for the superconducting super collider project. Sets forth limitations on the use of funds authorized under this Act, including that no appropriated amount may be used for any program deleted by the Congress from the President's budget request. Directs the Secretary to treat as reimbursable contractor expenses all costs incurred by civilian energy research and development contractors who respond directly to congressional inquiries. Directs the Secretary to report to certain congressional committees regarding the development of the atomic vapor laser isotope separation process for uranium enrichment under the administration's concept of privatization of the enrichment enterprise. Directs the Secretary to promulgate regulations to issue class waivers for certain inventions or copyrighted materials developed in the performance of a federally funded civilian research and development program.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1987
Amends Federal veterans' benefits provisions to direct (current law authorizes) the Administrator of Veterans Affairs to pay travel expenses of certain veterans and their eligible dependents to or from a Veterans Administration facility or other authorized place in connection with rehabilitation, counseling, or medical treatment or care. Defines those veterans entitled to such payment, including: (1) those veterans financially unable to meet such travel costs; and (2) those veterans unable to bear the cost of special transportation necessitated due to a medical disability. Limits such payments in the case of travel by a privately-owned vehicle to the cost of similar public transportation for such travel. Limits such payment to the actual cost incurred for such travel.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1987
General Aviation Standards Act of 1987 - Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 (relating to aviation accident investigations) to apply such Act, with specified exceptions, to any action for damages for harm arising out of a general aviation accident brought against a general aviation manufacturer, owner, or operator of a general aviation aircraft, or a person who supports or maintains such aircraft. Establishes guidelines for uniform standards of liability of general aviation manufacturers for general aviation accidents. States that all actions for harm arising out of a general aviation accident shall be governed by the principles of comparative responsibility. Establishes, with specified exceptions, a limitation of actions period of 12 years from delivery of aircraft or harm-causing part to the purchaser for general aviation civil liability brought against a general aviation manufacturer. Declares admissible as evidence certain income tax and payroll tax liability for purposes of establishing financial harm arising out of a general aviation accident. Permits the award of punitive damages if a claimant establishes by clear and convincing evidence that the harm suffered was the direct result of conduct manifesting conscious, flagrant indifference to safety. Establishes a two-year limitation of actions period for actions arising out of a general aviation accident. Confers original jurisdiction upon the Federal district courts, concurrently with State courts, for all civil actions for harm arising out of a general aviation accident. Provides procedures for removal from State to Federal district courts of such actions. Declares that this Act supersedes any State law regarding recovery of damages for harm arising out of a general aviation accident. Declares the intent of the Congress that sanctions be strictly enforced for violations of Rule 11 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, including orders to pay to the other party the reasonable costs of legal fees.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1987
Directs the head of each Federal department or agency holding records relating to sightings of U.S. military personnel in Southeast Asia since 1973 to make available to the public, within 30 days after the enactment of this Act, all such records. Provides exceptions to such disclosures for information revealing intelligence sources and methods or the names of such personnel.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1987
Ground Water Research, Development, and Demonstration Act - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to establish a research, development, and demonstration program for the protection, maintenance, and restoration of groundwater resources. Authorizes the Administrator to contract or cooperate with other government or private entities, including using existing Federal facilities on a reimbursable basis. Requires the Administrator to establish a media-specific research committee for groundwater resources to annually summarize major research issues, including State and local needs. Requires the Administrator to establish a standing subcommittee on groundwater resources within the Science Advisory Board established under the Environmental Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 1978 to review and report to the Congress on the research committee's report. Directs the Administrator to carry out a program of research, evaluation, testing, development, and demonstration of practices, methods, technologies, and processes which may be effective in controlling sources or potential sources of groundwater contaminants. Authorizes the Administrator to contract out or make grants for demonstration projects selected on the basis of their potential for mitigating contaminants which pose the greatest risk to human health and the environment, their broad-based applicability, and cost effectiveness. Sets forth monitoring and quality control requirements. Authorizes the Administrator to make grants or enter into cooperative agreements or loans with State and local governments for activities under this Act, limiting the Federal share of research and survey costs. Authorizes the Administrator to research the effects of groundwater contaminants on human health, including laboratory, clinical, and epidemiological studies. Authorizes the Administrator to conduct training and establish research fellowships. Directs the Administrator to make grants to research institutions to establish and operate three groundwater research institutes for research and information dissemination. Requires such institutions to be located in areas making significant use of groundwater which has experienced significant contamination problems. Limits the Federal share of such institutional costs. Sets forth program approval procedures. Directs the Administrator to establish a national groundwater clearinghouse and a technology transfer program. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1987
Provides for the appointment of a delegation of Members of Congress to participate in ceremonies to be held in New York City in April 1989 commemorating the 200th anniversaries of: (1) the implementation of the Constitution as the form of government of the United States; (2) the inauguration of George Washington as the first President; and (3) the proposal of the Bill of Rights as the first ten amendments to the Constitution. Invites the President to join the delegation in participating in the ceremonies.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1987
Energy Security Tax Act of 1987 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose an excise tax on the first sale within the United States of imports of: (1) crude oil; (2) refined petroleum products; and (3) petrochemical feedstocks or other derivatives. Sets the rate of such tax as the difference between $24 per barrel ($26.50 for petroleum and petrochemical products) and the most recently published average price of a barrel of internationally traded oil, as determined by the Secretary of the Treasury in accordance with a specified formula. Permits an income tax deduction for oil import tax payments. Repeals the windfall profit tax on domestic crude oil.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1987
Rural Letter Carriers Tax Simplification Act - Provides that, for taxable years beginning after 1986, rural mail carriers are permitted to compute the amount of the income tax deduction for use of their automobiles in performance of mail services: (1) by using a standard mileage rate for all miles of such use equal to 150 percent of the basic standard rate; or (2) without applying the limitation on deductions generally applicable in cases when the business use of the automobile accounts for 50 percent, or less, of its use. Prohibits the use of 150 percent of the basic standard mileage rate in determining the allowable deduction if the taxpayer claims an investment tax credit or depreciation deduction for such automobile.
United States · United States Congress · 23 April 1987
Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require foods to include on their labeling the presence and amount of any palm, palm kernel, or coconut oil along with a statement that such oil(s) is a saturated fat.
United States · United States Congress · 23 April 1987
National Policy and Technology Foundation Act of 1987 - Establishes, as an independent agency, the National Policy and Technology Foundation to develop and coordinate the collection, analysis, and dissemination through existing information systems of information as it relates to national and international economies, economic and industrial trends, technological advances, and related matters. Requires the Foundation to become a repository of such information and to provide a full array of informational and statistical services as well as monitor the quality of U.S. life through economic and other indicators. Establishes in the Foundation, in order to facilitate its purposes: (1) a National Policy and Technology Board; (2) an Office of Director of the Foundation; (3) a National Information Office; (4) an Office of National Policy, Analysis, and Assessment; (5) an Office of National Programs; (6) an Office of the Professions; (7) an Office of Institutional and Human Resource Development; (8) an Office of Small Business; and (9) an Office of Intergovernmental Technology and Professions Delivery Systems. Transfers to the Foundation: (1) the National Bureau of Standards; (2) the Patent and Trademark Office; (3) the National Technical Information Service; (4) the Office of Small Business Research and Development; (5) the Directorate for Engineering; (6) the Division of Industrial Science and Technological Innovation (exclusive of the nonengineering programs of the industry/university cooperative research projects program element) of the National Science Foundation; (7) the Intergovernmental Programs section of the National Science Foundation; (8) the Office of Industrial Technology; (9) the Center for the Utilization of Federal Technology; (10) the Division of Policy Research and Analysis of the National Science Foundation; and (11) functions of the Departments of Energy and Defense, of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and of the Public Printer which relate to the sale of Government information to the public. Transfers to the Foundation all the functions and authorities of the National Science Foundation and the Secretary of Commerce under the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980. Requires the Foundation to monitor and assess such information, developing indicators and evaluating the impact of such information on current or proposed policy and the impact of policy upon economic indicators. Requires the Foundation to support research and professional development. States that advisory councils covering the full range of Foundation responsibilities shall be appointed by the Director. Requires the Director to coordinate Foundation programs with other government and private programs. States that a National Foundation Coordinating Board shall be appointed. Authorizes the Foundation to award scholarships and graduate scholarships. Requires the foundation to report biennially to the Congress and the President on the activities, issues, and recommendations of the Council. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1987.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1987
Amends the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 to permit Rural Electrification Administration borrowers to prepay Federal Financing Bank loans without penalties if: (1) private capital is used to replace such loans; and (2) any savings will be used to avoid future rate increases, passed on to customers, or used to improve the borrower's financial strength.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1987
Amends the Powerplant and Industrial Fuel Use Act of 1978 to repeal prohibitions against the use of natural gas or petroleum as a primary energy source in new and existing electric powerplants and major fuel-burning installations. Applies the provisions of this Act only to the contiguous 48 States and the District of Columbia. Prohibits the construction or operation of any new electric powerplant as a base load powerplant without the capability to use coal or another alternate fuel as a primary source. States that an electric powerplant has the capability to use coal or another alternate fuel if: (1) it has sufficient inherent design characteristics to permit the addition of equipment necessary to render it capable of using coal or another alternate fuel as its primary energy source; and (2) it is not technologically or structurally precluded from using coal or another alternate fuel as its primary energy source. Makes the coal utilization requirements inapplicable to peakload powerplants or to intermediate load powerplants. Requires the owner or operator of any new baseload electric powerplant proposing to use natural gas or petroleum as its primary energy source to certify to the Secretary of Energy prior to construction or operation that such powerplant has the requisite coal-using capability. States that any permanent exemption from the proscription against the construction of new electric powerplants without coal or alternate fuel capability shall not take effect until all approvals required by State regulatory authorities relating to construction have been obtained.
United States · United States Congress · 31 March 1987
Satellite Television Fair Marketing Act - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to prohibit the encrypting of satellite programming from the Public Broadcasting Service and the Armed Forces Radio and Television Service. Requires anyone who encrypts satellite delivered programming for private viewing to: (1) make it available for private viewing by home satellite antenna users; (2) establish reasonable character and financial criteria for distributors of satellite delivered programming and not discriminate in prices, terms, or conditions among distributors offering similar distribution services; and (3) conduct such encryption according to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) - approved standards designed to comply with specified criteria. Requires the FCC-approved standards to provide the public interest benefits of a universal encryption system permitting decryption by cable television subscribers and home satellite users. Authorizes aggrieved persons to commence civil actions to enforce this Act. Requires the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to conduct a study of pricing and distribution terms of satellite television programming to determine whether the programming market is developing competitively. Authorizes the FTC to establish remedies necessary to produce adequate competition. Requires the FCC to begin a rulemaking proceeding on improving access to network signals for rural Americans.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1987
Antitrust Damages Clarification Act of 1987 - Provides that no damages, costs, or attorney's fees shall be awarded under an antitrust suit with respect to the establishment or use of any rate, charge, or premium filed by a title insurance company with a State insurance department or authorized, approved, or permitted to become effective pursuant to State insurance laws.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1987
Coal Pipeline Act of 1987 - Amends the Mineral Lands Leasing Act of 1920 to authorize a person who has secured specified water rights under applicable State law to apply to the Secretary of the Interior for certification that it is in the national interest to construct, operate, or extend a coal pipeline. Prescribes guidelines under which the Secretary will make such a certification, including the decision to grant rights-of-way across Federal lands upon such pipeline's request. Conditions such certification upon an applicant's reservation of a specified portion of total pipeline capacity for small, independent producers located in the geographic region served by such pipeline. Makes all Federal and State environmental laws applicable to the issuance or denial of such certification. Outlines the procedures for granting rights-of-way across Federal lands. Proscribes the granting of any right-of-way through lands: (1) designated as wilderness areas; (2) administered as part of the national park system; or (3) which are part of a historic site (unless there is no reasonable alternative and reasonable planning is made to minimize the harm of such site). Prohibits any person or entity (including the United States) from claiming any right or interest in water within any State for a coal pipeline unless such claim takes place under the law of the affected State. Delegates to the States all power regarding water rights for a coal pipeline in spite of any otherwise impermissible burden which may thereby be imposed upon interstate commerce. States that this Act does not: (1) impair the validity of any State law (or interstate compact) regarding any claim to water rights; (2) alter the rights of any State to its apportioned share of water under past or future allocation or interstate compact; (3) affect any Indian water rights; or (4) preempt or otherwise affect any State or Federal law or interstate compact regarding water quality or disposal. Prohibits any State acting under authority of this Act from restricting the movement through such State of water acquired in another State and within a coal pipeline. Authorizes certain persons who have received a certification from the Secretary that it is in the national interest to operate or extend a coal pipeline to acquire rights-of-way through private lands by the power of eminent domain. States this Act shall not be construed to permit any person (including the United States) to acquire any water rights through the power of eminent domain. Prohibits the acquisition of any right-of-way through the power of eminent domain if such right-of-way is upon land which is part of a historic site of national, State, or local significance, unless there is no prudent alternative and reasonable planning is made to minimize harm to such site. Provides for an antitrust review of applications for certification by the Attorney General. Sets forth certification guidelines under which the Secretary shall determine whether construction, operation, or extension of a coal pipeline is in the national interest. Requires each pipeline carrier for which a certification has been issued to provide service on reasonable request. Prohibits such carriers from unreasonably discriminating or refusing to enter into contracts with coal shippers under similar conditions in a contemporaneous period. Requires the Secretary to publish notice of coal pipeline certifications in the Federal Register. States that this Act shall not be construed to modify or preempt the ratemaking authority of any State utility regulatory agency. Requires the Secretary to establish uniform Federal standards for coal pipeline safety. Establishes penalties for failure to comply with such safety standards.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1987
Tongass Timber Reform Act - Amends the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act to repeal the ongoing appropriations for timber utilization in the Tongass National Forest, Alaska. Repeals the requirement for identifying lands unsuitable for timber production in such forest. Repeals the reporting requirement on the adequacy of timber supply from such forest lands. Requires the biennial report on such Forest to include the impact of timber management on subsistence resources, wildlife, and fisheries habitats.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1987
National Service Act - Directs the President to establish a program of voluntary national service under which participants provide civilian or military service and become eligible for educational assistance upon completion of such service. Requires the President to designate an agency to be responsible for administering this Act. Requires participants in the national service program to be at least 17 and not more than 26 years of age. Authorizes the waiver of maximum age requirements to allow for individual circumstances. Entitles participants who complete the national service program to educational assistance benefits in the same manner as veterans. Authorizes the President to adjust the benefit rates as considered appropriate for the purposes of this Act. Declares the benefit rate of participants in the program through civilian service to be 60 percent of the rates otherwise applicable. Provides for the phasing out of existing educational assistance programs after the end of the two-year period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act. Requires participants who elect to perform civilian service to perform one year of service for which there is a national, regional, or local need, as determined by regulations prescribed by the President. Requires employment of participants, to the maximum extent practicable, to be through entities outside the Federal Government. Requires the Government to reimburse such entities for the costs of pay and benefits. Requires participants who elect to perform military service to enlist in the armed forces for a period of 24 months. Provides that such individuals: (1) shall receive basic pay at 50 percent of the rate otherwise applicable; (2) shall not be eligible for basic quarters and subsistence allowances; and (3) shall not have the length of their service count toward military retirement.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1987
Directs the Postal Service to restore the reduced rates applicable to mailings of fewer than 5,000 copies of publications to counties adjacent to the county of publication. Limits to 20,000 the number of copies of such publications which may be mailed under reduced rates within the county of publication.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1987
Declares that the Congress applauds the recent initiative by the heads of state of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras and congratulates them on the significant contribution made by such initiative toward ending armed conflict and reinforcing democracy in Central America. Declares that the Congress supports such initiative and looks forward to the summit meeting in Guatemala as the next phase in this effort of the Central American heads of state to forge a lasting peace in Central America.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 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 with tax forms sent by the IRS. Amends the Inspector General Act of 1978 and other Federal law to establish within the Department of the Treasury (Department) an Office of Inspector General (Inspector). Transfers to such Office the existing audit and investigation units of the Department. Prohibits the Inspector from reviewing: (1) monetary, fiscal, and tax policy; and (2) the exercise of legal judgment in the investigation and litigation of cases. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) withhold from the Inspector requested information that the Secretary determines will jeopardize the success of an ongoing investigation or litigation, confidential sources, or the national security; and (2) prohibit the Inspector from undertaking or continuing an audit or investigation under limited circumstances described in this Act. Requires the IRS, upon taxpayer request, to conduct any interview regarding a deficiency assessment 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 interview to warn the taxpayer that: (1) he or she has a right to remain silent; (2) any statement the taxpayer makes may be used against him or her; and (3) he or she has the right to the presence of an attorney, certified public accountant, enrolled agent, or enrolled actuary. Permits a waiver of such rights if voluntarily and knowingly made. Amends Federal law to require the Comptroller General (Comptroller) of the General Accounting Office to: (1) conduct audits of the IRS with respect to the efficiency, uniformity, and equity of the internal revenue laws (current law specifies no particular focus for such audits); and (2) conduct special audits or investigations of internal revenue law administration upon the request of any congressional committee or Member of Congress. Requires the Comptroller's annual report to the Congress to include specified findings concerning IRS management, efficiency, procedures, and structure. Divests of its finality a vote of the Joint Committee on Taxation to disapprove a Comptroller General audit of the IRS. Designates such vote as a recommendation to disapprove an audit and makes such recommendation subject to congressional approval. Prohibits evaluations of IRS personnel based on revenue collected from taxpayers as a result of audits or investigations involving such personnel. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to prescribe criminal penalties for: (1) any investigation 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. Creates a civil cause of action in Federal court (regardless of the amount in controversy) for any taxpayer aggrieved by such prohibited investigation or recordkeeping. Authorizes both equitable remedies and awards of damages, including punitive damages, litigation costs and reasonable attorney fees, in such cases. 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. 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. Authorizes the Secretary, in certain cases, to enter into a binding agreement with a taxpayer under which such taxpayer may pay tax liability in installments. Requires the Secretary to offer in writing to enter such an agreement with any individual: (1) whose tax liability is $20,000 or less; and (2) who has not been delinquent in installment tax payments under similar agreements during a specified period. Permits the Secretary, after proper notice and a hearing, to modify or annul such an agreement upon the finding that the financial condition of the affected taxpayer has significantly changed. Requires the Secretary to abate in full any deficiency, including penalty or interest, completely attributable to erroneous advice in writing given to a taxpayer by an IRS officer or employee in response to such taxpayer's specific inquiry. Directs IRS officers and employees, when giving oral advice to a person, to inform such person that the contents of such communication are not binding on the IRS. 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. Allows an administrative appeal of tax liens. Revises the criteria according to which the Secretary determines a minimum sale price for property seized by levy and subject to a tax sale. Prohibits the Secretary from authorizing a class audit of taxpayers in a particular business or trade until each group member is given proper notice and the opportunity either to file an amended return or to challenge the Secretary's findings at a hearing. Places upon the IRS the burden of proof on all issues in all administrative and judicial proceedings between the IRS and a taxpayer. Applies the rulemaking provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act to all IRS rules and regulations prescribed by the Secretary.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1987
Amends the National Housing Act to make authority permanent for: (1) title I financial institution insurance for housing renovation and modernization; (2) general mortgage insurance; (3) low and moderate income and displaced families mortgage insurance; (4) mortgage co-insurance, including rental rehabilitation and development projects; (5) mortgage insurance for armed forces' civilian employees and defense housing for impacted areas; (6) mortgage insurance for land development; (7) mortgage insurance for medical and dental group practice facilities; (8) mortgage insurance commitment limitations; and (9) graduated payment and indexed mortgage insurance. Amends the Housing Act of 1964 to make authority permanent for urban rehabilitation loan authority. Amends the Housing Act of 1949 to make authority permanent for: (1) insured loans for rental and cooperative housing and related facilities for elderly persons and families in rural areas; and (2) mutual and self-help housing grant and loan authority. Amends the National Flood Insurance Act of 1986 to make national flood insurance authority, including emergency implementation provisions, permanent.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1987
Broadcast License Renewal Act of 1987 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to declare it to be the policy of the United States that, with respect to the grant or renewal of a broadcast license, the licensee has the responsibility to: (1) broadcast material responsive to matters of concern to residents of its service area; and (2) operate in compliance with provisions of such Act and Federal Communications Commission regulations. Directs the Commission to: (1) grant an application for license renewal if the applicant has met such responsibilities in the preceding license term; or (2) deny renewal or grant limited renewal if the applicant failed to meet such responsibilities. Prohibits the Commission, in evaluating a licensee's performance in broadcasting material responsive to matters of public concern, from establishing or applying any requirement with respect to the broadcast of any specific subject or material. Directs the Commission to accept the licensee's judgment if found to be reasonable and made in good faith. Prohibits the Commission, in determining whether to renew a license, from considering whether the public interest, convenience, and necessity might be served by granting a license to a competing applicant. Directs the Commission to conduct an inquiry and prescribe any necessary regulations concerning any additional information that licensees should be required to maintain and make available to the public regarding the licensee's responsibility to broadcast material responsive to matters of public concern. Makes it unlawful for a license applicant and any other person, while a license application is pending, to effectuate an agreement whereby the other person withdraws or withholds an informal objection or a petition to deny in exchange for the payment of any thing of value by, or on behalf of, the applicant.
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 1987
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax-exempt organization all of whose members primarily coach football as full-time employees of four-year colleges or universities to have a pension plan with a qualified cash or deferred arrangement, provided such organization was in existence on September 18, 1986. Requires such a plan to be treated as a multiemployer plan.
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 1987
Amends Federal veterans' benefits provisions to extend indefinitely (currently ends on June 30, 1988) the required date of entry into the armed forces for eligibility for basic educational assistance entitlement for veterans (both of active-duty and Selected Reserve duty) of the All-Volunteer Force.
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 1987
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a charitable contribution income tax deduction for amounts paid to or for the benefit of an institution of higher education in cases where the taxpayer receives the right to seating or the right to purchase seating for athletic events at such institution.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1987
Intelligence Oversight Amendments of 1987 - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to require the President to make a written finding that a Central Intelligence Agency operation in a foreign country (other than an intelligence gathering operation) is important to the national security and to furnish a copy of that finding, before the start of such operation, to specified Members of Congress and the Vice President, the Secretaries of State and of Defense, and the Director of Central Intelligence. Amends the National Security Act of 1947 to permit deferral of notice to the Congress of such intelligence activity for not more than 48 hours only in extraordinary circumstances affecting vital U.S. interests and only where time is of the essence.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1987
National Commemorative Events Advisory Act - Establishes the President's Advisory Commission on National Commemorative Events to: (1) establish criteria for recommending to the President that a proposed commemorative event be approved or disapproved; (2) review proposals for national commemorative events submitted in accordance with procedures published by the Commission; and (3) issue recommendations to the President concerning each proposal reviewed.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1987
Amends the Tax Reform Act of 1986 to repeal provisions which eliminated the three-year use of the basis recovery rule in computing the amount of an employee's retirement benefits includable in gross income. Provides that the Internal Revenue Code shall be applied and administered as if such provisions had not been enacted.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1987
Clayton Act Amendments of 1987 - Amends the Clayton Act to provide that rail common carriers shall not be immune from private suits for damages or injunctive relief under the antitrust laws.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1987
Federal Employees Fair Tax Act of 1987 - Amends the Tax Reform Act of 1986 to repeal provisions which eliminated the three-year basis recovery rule in computing the amount of an employee's retirement benefits includable in gross income. Provides that the Internal Revenue Code shall be applied and administered as if such provisions had not been enacted. Repeals provisions which require the inclusion in income of certain distributions received before an annuity starting date.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1987
Self-Sufficiency for the Poor Act of 1987 - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to require the President to use the foreign currencies paid by the government of a developing country (pursuant to the low interest loan program established by this Act) to make grants to intermediaries that provide credit and other assistance directly to the poorest people in that country for locally chosen self-help investment activities and small-scale private enterprise activities. Sets forth the types of assistance that may be provided by such intermediaries, including limited amounts of credit for individuals, training, and grants for small-scale projects. Describes the types of locally chosen self-help investment activities and small scale enterprises to be supported by such grants. Provides that organizations that have demonstrated effectiveness in providing assistance to the poorest people are eligible for such grants. Requires the local currencies to be disbursed as grants to the intermediaries as quickly as possible. Provides for the administration of the grants. Authorizes the President, in order to provide such grants, to use economic assistance funds to provide economic assistance to developing countries on a loan basis. Requires that a specified minimum amount of the economic assistance funds shall be used for such loans each year. Sets forth the terms of the loans. Provides for notification of the Congress of the reprogramming of economic assistance funds for such loans.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1987
Declares that the Congress: (1) protests continued Soviet violations of international human rights, especially its restrictive emigration regulations; (2) states that such human rights abuses seriously affect negotiations between the United States and the Soviet Union; (3) calls upon the Soviet authorities to release all "Prisoners of Conscience" and permit all "refuseniks" and other specified people to emigrate; and (4) dedicates itself to support, as a priority during the 100th Congress, the restoration of internationally recognized human rights to all Soviet citizens, especially restoration of the right to emigrate to Soviet Jews and others who have requested exit visas.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1987
National Commission on Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome Act of 1987 - Establishes the National Commission on Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome to: (1) advise the Congress, the President, and Federal agencies on policies and programs designed to reduce the incidence of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) and address problems encountered by individuals having AIDS; (2) monitor the progression of AIDS; (3) evaluate AIDS research activities and health services; (4) study the effects that AIDS has had on the armed forces; and (5) identify financial resources available to prevent and treat AIDS. Directs the Commission to report to the President and the Congress. Terminates the Commission 90 days after submitting such report. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1987
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) no Medicare (title XVIII of the Social Security Act) physician payment methodology should be implemented which is based on hospital discharge classifications or requires mandatory assignment; and (2) no drastic change in the Medicare physician payment methodology should be undertaken without the receipt of reports required by legislation enacted in the 99th Congress and a detailed analysis of the long-range impact of such change on the provision of health care.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1987
Authorizes any State to have a maximum speed limit up to 65 miles per hour on portions of the National System of Interstate and Defense Highways if such portions are located in specified rural areas, and the State governor determines that: (1) such increased speed limit is unlikely to have a significant adverse effect upon highway safety; and (2) specified physical characteristics of such highway portions meet current Federal safety standards. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to issue regulations establishing criteria for highway locations and highway safety with respect to the increased speed limit. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress within four years after enactment of this Act regarding its implementation. Terminates the increased speed limit program five years after the date of enactment of this Act.
![Official portrait of Rep. McCurdy, Dave [D-OK-4]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/m000398_200.jpg)