United States · United States Congress · 19 January 1989
Black Lung Benefits Check Delivery Assurance Act of 1989 - Amends the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 to provide that if the regularly scheduled delivery date for black lung benefit checks falls on a weekend or a legal public holiday, then such checks shall be mailed for delivery on the first day preceding the weekend or holiday, even if the delivery would be made before the end of the month for which such checks are issued. Provides that if as a consequence of such modified delivery date the payment is more than the correct authorized amount, no action shall be taken to recover the incorrect portion.
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 1989
Civil Service and Federal Employee Retirement Check Delivery Assurance Act of 1989 - Provides that if the usual delivery date for civil service retirement checks falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal public holiday, then such checks shall be mailed a day earlier than usual.
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 1989
Requires the early mailing of benefit checks for military retired and retainer pay, Retired Serviceman's Family Protection Plan annuities, and military Survivor Benefit Plan annuities if the day regularly designated for the delivery of such checks falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday.
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 1989
Railroad Retirement Benefits Check Delivery Assurance Act of 1989 - Amends the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 to provide that if the regularly scheduled delivery date for certain railroad benefits checks falls on a weekend or a legal public holiday, then such checks shall be mailed for delivery on the first day preceding the weekend or holiday, even if the delivery would be made before the end of the month for which such checks are issued. Provides that if, as a consequence of such modified delivery date, the payment is more than the correct authorized amount, no action shall be taken to recover the incorrect portion.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1989
Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act - Makes it unlawful for any licensed importer, manufacturer, or dealer to sell, deliver, or transfer a handgun to an unlicensed individual unless: (1) the transferor has notified the chief law enforcement officer for the individual's place of residence about the proposed transfer and either has received a response indicating that such transfer is not prohibited by law or has not received a response indicating otherwise within seven days; (2) the individual has presented to the transferor a statement from the officer indicating that the individual requires a handgun because of a threat to him or his family; or (3) the individual has a State handgun permit that is less than a year old which satisfies the same requirements. Requires any transferor who subsequently receives a report from such officer that receipt or possession of the handgun by the individual violates the law to: (1) furnish information about the transfer and the individual to the chief law enforcement officer of the transferor's place of business and the individual's place of residence; and (2) keep confidential any information received which is not otherwise available to the public, with exceptions. Requires a transferor to retain a copy of the individual's sworn statement for at least a year. Requires the law enforcement officer to destroy any copy of the individual's sworn statement and any record containing information derived from such statement within 30 days, unless such officer determines that the transaction would violate Federal, State, or local law. Provides that this Act shall not apply in any State that requires: (1) a seven-day waiting period for the transfer of a handgun to an unlicensed individual; or (2) a State law enforcement officer to verify an unlicensed individual's eligibility to receive a handgun. Sets penalties for violations of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1989
Recyclable Materials Science and Technology Development Act of 1989 - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to study and report to the Congress concerning: (1) means to increase the use of degradable materials in manufactured goods; (2) technologies for recycling nondurable consumer products; and (3) ways to expand the marketing of recycled products. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to study and report to the Congress on the feasibility of recycling nondegradable medical supplies and of substituting degradable for nondegradable materials in medical equipment and supplies. Directs the Secretary of Defense to study and report to the Congress on the national defense and security implications of requiring the use of degradable materials in defense items. Instructs the Secretary of Agriculture to initiate a pilot project to develop and demonstrate viable technology for composting municipal waste and sewage sludge. Requires the Secretary to report project results to the Congress. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to appoint a Director of Recycling Research and Information to make grants to support research into innovative recycling technology. Authorizes appropriations for such purposes for FY 1990. Prohibits, effective five years after this Act's enactment, the production, manufacture, distribution, sale, or delivery of nonrecycled consumer goods, fast food in nondegradable containers, and packaging for specified purposes that contains any material that is not naturally degradable. Establishes both civil and criminal penalties for violations. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency and the Secretary of Commerce jointly to issue regulations to govern the designation of goods and materials for noncompliance purposes. Directs the Secretary to publish and periodically update lists of items and materials affected by the prohibition on activities involving nonrecyclable items.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1989
Coal Pipeline Act of 1989 - Amends the Mineral Lands Leasing Act of 1920 to authorize a person who has secured specified water rights under 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. 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. 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. 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 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. 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. 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 · 3 January 1989
Terminates the trade and other sanctions imposed on Nicaragua under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act pursuant to the national emergency declared by the President on May 1, 1985.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1989
Animal Welfare Protection Act of 1989 - Amends the Animal Welfare Act to empower the Secretary of Agriculture to request the Attorney General to obtain a temporary restraining order for violations of such Act or of regulations promulgated under such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1989
Defense Economic Adjustment Act - Title I: Defense Economic Adjustment Council - Establishes in the Executive Office of the President the Defense Economic Adjustment Council to be co-chaired by the Secretaries of Commerce and Labor. Establishes in the Executive Office an Office of Economic Adjustment, headed by a Director, to provide staff support to the Council. Directs the Council to disseminate information from the Secretary of Defense to Federal, State, and local agencies concerning proposed or pending changes in defense spending which would affect employment in the defense industry. Requires the Council to perform other duties, including: (1) encouraging the preparation of plans for non-defense-related public projects; (2) coordinating and developing information on priority, federally-funded projects and programs pertaining to defense economic adjustment; (3) monitoring job services information banks; and (4) determining criteria for eligibility for assistance under this Act. Directs the Secretary of Defense to provide the pertinent information to the Council a year in advance of any change and to furnish the Council with projected future defense spending levels. Directs the Council to prepare and distribute a Conversion Guidelines Handbook to outline requirements of programs for professional retraining of personnel. Title II: Community Economic Adjustment Planning - Makes eligible for Federal assistance for economic adjustment planning any community which is substantially affected by reduction or elimination of Government defense facilities or curtailment or conclusion of defense contracts. Directs the Council to make available to alternative use committees information on economic development programs of any Federal instrumentality which provides funds that may be used for planning. Requires the Council to report to the Congress at least annually on any such economic development program. Directs the Council to use data from other departments to develop criteria which ensures that assistance is directed to those communities that are most vulnerable economically to reductions in defense expenditures. Requires the Council to publish a semiannual list of eligible communities. Requires excess property resulting from a closing or reduction in a Government-owned facility to be appraised for purposes of resale to the community. Title III: Alternative Use Committees - Requires the establishment of alternative use committees at defense facilities to plan for economic conversion in the event of closure or reduction. Directs such committees to: (1) evaluate the assets of the facilities and the resources and requirements of the local community; (2) develop at least biennially a detailed plan for conversion of the facility to non-defense-related productive activity; and (3) provide retraining and reemployment counseling services. Requires conversion plans to maximize the pool of skills of available personnel and specify in detail the composition of the work force and plant, material, and financing requirements. Penalizes any contractor who fails to submit an alternative use plan or carry out one approved by the Council by making such contractor ineligible for future defense contracts for three years. Title IV: Economic Adjustment Assistance for Workers - Makes displaced workers certified by the local alternative use committees to the Council eligible for benefits for two years under this Act. Includes among such benefits: weekly compensation, vested pension credit, maintenance of health insurance, retraining for civilian work, job search allowance, and reimbursement for relocation expenses. Requires completion of a program of professional retraining before certain employees are eligible for assistance. Directs the Council to enter into agreements with a State or agency in the State administering the unemployment compensation law to disburse benefits under this Act. Requires displaced workers to accept any employment determined by the State agency or Secretary of Labor to be comparable to the former job, or benefits will terminate. Excludes these benefits from other determinations of eligibility for unemployment compensation under any Federal or State law. Title V: Economic Adjustment Fund - Establishes in the Treasury a Workers Economic Adjustment Reserve Trust Fund. Requires defense contractors to pay a specified percentage into the Fund. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to deposit a percentage of the projected savings resulting from a cancellation or cutback in defense spending. Title VI: Use of Certain Research Funds - Requires the Council to define urgent national requirements for nondefense sectors of the economy in any determination of the Secretary of Defense as to how certain research and development funds are to be spent. Title VII: Authorization of Appropriations - Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1989
Amends the Federal Unemployment Tax Act to institute discretionary denial of unemployment benefits between academic terms to employees serving educational institutions in nonprofessional positions. (Under current law denial is mandatory.)
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1989
Child Development and Education Act of 1989 - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1990 through 1994, if appropriations under specified provisions of the Head Start Act equal or exceed specified amounts in the relevant fiscal years. Allocates the aggregate amount appropriated for this Act, one-third each to carry out: (1) the expanded program under the Head Start Act, as amended by title I of this Act; (2) the School-Based Child Care and Development program under the new title VIII of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, as amended by title II of this Act; and (3) the Infant and Toddler Child Care Act, as added by title III of this Act. Title I: Expanded Head Start - Amends the Head Start Act to provide for child care services throughout the year for children who participate or are eligible to participate in Head Start programs. Authorizes Head Start programs to provide child care services. Extends through FY 1994 the authorization of appropriations for Head Start programs. Authorizes Head Start programs to use additional funds under this Act (if the parents are working or attending a job training or educational program) for: (1) full-working-day (at least ten hours) child care services throughout the year to children participating in Head Start programs; and (2) part-day and full-working-day child care services throughout the year to children eligible to participate in Head Start programs. Allows the use of up to 50 percent of such funds to provide Head Start services to children: (1) who are otherwise ineligible under specified provisions; (2) whose family income is greater than the poverty line but less than 150 percent of the lower living standard income level (LLSIL); and (3) whose parents are working or attending a job training or educational program. Requires payment of sliding scale fees for a portion of such services from parents whose income exceeds the LLSIL or whose children receive such services under the expanded eligibility provisions. Title II: School-Based Child Care and Development - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to establish a new title VIII program of grants to States for school-based child care or early childhood development programs. Requires local educational agencies (LEAs) to use such funds to expand or establish a school-based child care or early childhood development programs that meet specified requirements. Mandates provision of such programs: (1) at no cost to families with income not more than 100 percent of the LLSIL; and (2) on an income-based fee schedule to families with income not more than 150 percent of the LLSIL. Requires the early childhood development program to include four-year-olds from such families to the extent such no-cost services are not available under the Head Start Act. Requires the before- and after-school care program to cover such families where: (1) the parent or parents work or are in education or training programs; and (2) the children attend early childhood development programs or regular kindergarten, elementary, or secondary school classes. Requires inclusion of private school children. Sets forth standards for such early childhood development programs, including requirements for adequate and nutritious meals and snacks, and, if practicable, health and social services. Sets forth program requirements for State educational agencies which wish to participate in the program to make specified assurances, including commitment to participate in a State interagency task force on child care. Requires each State to distribute at least 90 percent of grant payments from the Secretary of Education to eligible LEAs. Title III: Infant and Toddler Child Care - Infant and Toddler Child Care Act - Establishes a program of grants to States for infant and toddler child care programs. Makes eligible for such programs children under three whose family income does not exceed 150 percent of the LLSIL and who: (1) reside with one or more parents, each of whom is working, seeking employment, or attending a job training or educational program; or (2) are receiving, or need to receive, protective services and reside with a parent or parents not described in clause (1). Requires an appropriate State agency to act as the lead agency for such program. Requires a State advisory committee on child care and local advisory councils for such program. Requires that providers provide services to a reasonable mix of children, including those from different socioeconomic backgrounds and those with handicapping conditions. Requires States to use at least 75 percent of their allotment to provide child care services to eligible children on a sliding fee scale basis, using specified funding methods and giving priority to children whose families have very low income (and who pay no fee). Requires program funds to be distributed: (1) to a variety of types of child care providers, including center-based, group home, and family providers; and (2) equitably among rural and urban areas. Requires provision of child care services through contracts or grants to eligible providers or through grants to local governments that agree to contract with eligible providers. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make planning grants to States under specified conditions. Makes a State ineligible for assistance under this title five years after the Secretary establishes minimum child care standards, unless the State demonstrates that all child care providers in the State required to be licensed and regulated: (1) are so licensed and regulated; (2) satisfy the minimum standards; and (3) are subject to the enforcement provisions referred to in the State plan. Requires each participating State to establish a State advisory committee on child care. Requires such committees to review State licensing authority and to report to the Governor. Sets forth requirements for State-funded resource and referral programs. Requires participating States to require, within two years, that all employed or self-employed individuals who provide licensed or regulated child care services in the State complete annually at least 15 hours of training in specified areas. Directs States to make grants and contracts with various entities for training and technical assistance for child care providers. Directs States to provide scholarship assistance to: (1) individuals who seek a nationally recognized child development associate credential for child care, and whose income does not exceed the poverty line by more than 50 percent; and (2) caregivers who seek to obtain the required annual training and whose income does not exceed the poverty line. Directs the State lead agency to establish a clearinghouse for training materials. Directs States to use a portion of program funds for various activities to encourage businesses (especially small businesses) to support or provide child care services to a reasonable mix of children of employees and nonemployees. Requires consultation with a business task force and the State economic development agency. Establishes the position of the Administrator of Child Care in the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Requires the Administrator to: (1) coordinate all HHS activities relating to child care with similar activities of other Federal agencies; (2) annually collect and publish State child care standards; (3) evaluate activities funded under this title; (4) act as a clearinghouse for materials related to areas of required annual training and to studies of salaries for child care employees; and (5) provide technical assistance to States. Sets forth Federal enforcement provisions. Sets the Federal share of program costs at 80 percent (85 percent if a State makes a required demonstration of compliance throughout a fiscal year). Prohibits States from requiring any private provider of child care to contribute to the State share. Establishes the National Advisory Committee on Child Care Standards. Requires the Committee to: (1) review Federal policies with respect to child care services; (2) submit to the Secretary proposed minimum standards; and (3) develop and make available model requirements for resource and referral agencies. Sets forth guidelines for minimum child care standards. Terminates the Committee 90 days after the Secretary establishes such standards. Makes applicable to this title specified provisions of the Head Start Act relating to nondiscrimination and restrictions on sectarian activities. Provides for preservation of parental rights and responsibilities.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1989
Campaign Cost Reduction and Reform Act of 1989 - Title I: Amendments to the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to define a "qualifying House of Representatives candidate" as one whose principal campaign committee includes in its statement of organization a declaration of the candidate's intention to abide by expenditure limitations under such Act, and to use broadcast time under the Communications Act of 1934 or to receive reduced postal rates. Includes in the definition of "contribution": (1) any gift, subscription, loan, advance, or deposit of money or anything of value made by any person for the purpose of encouraging any specific individual who is not a candidate to become a candidate; and (2) with respect to a political committee, any gift, subscription, loan, advance, or deposit of money or anything of value made by such committee with respect to a clearly identified candidate. Revises the exclusion of mailing costs from authorized contributions. Provides that the term "contribution" does not include the value of any advertising rate reduction made available to a qualifying House candidate by a newspaper or magazine, if such reduction is made available to any qualifying candidate during the 90-day period before the election. Includes in the definition of "expenditure": (1) any purchase, payment, distribution, loan, advance, deposit, or gift of money or anything of value made by any person for the purpose of encouraging any specific individual who is not a candidate to become a candidate; and (2) with respect to a political committee, any purchase, payment, distribution, loan, advance, deposit, or gift of money or anything of value made by such committee with respect to a clearly identified candidate. Prohibits a candidate for Federal office from establishing, maintaining, or controlling a political committee, other than an authorized committee of the candidate or a committee of a political party. Declares that an expenditure is not an independent expenditure if: (1) there is any arrangement, coordination, or direction with respect to the expenditure between the candidate and the person making the expenditure; (2) with respect to the election, the person making the expenditure was involved in the candidate's campaign; or (3) the person making the expenditure communicates with, advises, or counsels the candidate relating to such election. Prohibits the personal use of campaign funds after the date of enactment of this Act. Removes certain limitations regarding State-by-State spending by presidential candidates. Prohibits a candidate for the office of Representative from accepting any contribution from a multicandidate political committee which exceeds: (1) $75,000 for a primary, general, or special election; or (2) $25,000 for a runoff election. Prohibits a qualifying House candidate from making expenditures in excess of $50,000 of such candidate's personal funds for an election. Prohibits such candidate from spending in excess of $200,000 with respect to a primary or general election, or $100,000 with respect to a runoff election. Removes such limitation for all House candidates in an election if any candidate receives contributions or makes expenditures aggregating more than 50 percent of the limitation applicable to a qualifying House candidate. Establishes monetary penalties for qualifying House candidates who exceed expenditure limitations. Provides for the accountability of contributions made by intermediaries or conduits. Provides that contributions expended to encourage an individual to become a candidate shall be treated as contributions, whether or not such individual becomes a candidate. Increases from $1,000 to $2,500 the amount a person can contribute to a candidate for the office of President. Limits the use of separate segregated political funds affiliated with certain other organizations (such as labor unions, corporations, and trade associations) solely to the making of contributions. Requires, when independent expenditures are made for television broadcast communications, that a statement appear continuously during such broadcast showing the name of the person or committee making such expenditure. Requires any type of general public communication to include such statement. Prohibits any person from soliciting contributions by false representation as a candidate or as an agent of a candidate, a political candidate, a political committee, or a political party. Title II: Amendments to the Communications Act of 1934 and Title 39, United States Code - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to authorize the Federal Communications Commission to revoke any station license or construction permit for willful or repeated discrimination against a candidate for Federal office in the amount, class, or period of time made available to such candidate on behalf of such candidacy. Requires broadcast stations to publish broadcast media rates which will be applicable to specified election periods. Requires such stations to give priority to legally qualified candidates in providing access to the use of such station. Exempts debates between candidates from the equal opportunity requirement. Establishes a special broadcast media rate for qualified House candidates. Provides for reduced postage rates for qualified House candidates. Title III: Effective Date and Sunset Provision - Specifies that certain provisions of this Act shall apply only during the period beginning on the date of the regularly scheduled general election of 1990 and ending on the date of the regularly scheduled general election of 1996.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1989
Federal Employees' Political Activities Act of 1989 - 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, 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 to 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 employee's 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. 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. Applies this Act to postal employees and employees of the Postal Rate Commission.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1989
Guam Commonwealth Act - Title I: Political Relationship - Creates the Commonwealth of Guam. Grants the people of Guam the right of full self-government through adoption of a Constitution, consistent with U.S. sovereignty over Guam and the supremacy of U.S. law applicable to Guam, and within specified guidelines. Recognizes the right of self-determination of the people of Guam. Directs the U.S. Government, through additional federally-funded programs, to promote preservation of the Chamorro culture, enhanced economic, social, and educational opportunities for Chamorros, and training of Chamorros for employment. Provides that nothing in this Act or the Constitution of Guam shall impair the U.S. citizenship of the residents of Guam or their descendants or their rights and privileges as U.S. citizens under the 14th amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Directs Guam to establish a land trust for the benefit of the indigenous Chamorro people and to establish residency requirements under the Constitution of Guam for voting and holding elective office. Allows this Act to be modified only with the mutual consent of the Governments of the United States and Guam. Title II: Applicability of Federal Law - Makes specified provisions of, and amendments to, the U.S. Constitution applicable to Guam, in addition to those portions which currently apply. Makes Federal laws, rules, or regulations passed after the date of this Act inapplicable unless mutually consented to by the Governments of the United States and Guam. Creates the Joint Commission on the Applicability of Federal Law. Specifies its duties, including: (1) participating in consultations between the Governments of the United States and Guam; (2) studying existing statutes and regulations affecting the U.S.-Guam relationship; (3) reviewing policies and procedures of Federal agencies relating to such relationship; (4) compiling data; (5) drafting modifications in existing laws, regulations, policies, and procedures and obtaining such modifications by negotiation and mediation concerning issues such as land claims and war claims; and (6) seeking to obtain maximum economic development and political autonomy for Guam, consistent with U.S. security interests. Provides that the United States will bear the cost of the work of the Commission. Authorizes the President or his designee to delegate to the Governor of Guam total or partial performance of functions now vested in Federal administrative agencies. Title III: Foreign Affairs and Defense - Grants the United States responsibility for authority with respect to matters relating to foreign affairs and defense that affect Guam. Provides for U.S. consultation with Guam in advance of negotiations toward any treaties or international or executive agreements affecting Guam, and with respect to proposals to increase or decrease Department of Defense activities within Guam. Prohibits the establishment of military security zones or the stationing of foreign military personnel on the Island of Guam without the approval of the Government of Guam except in time of declared war, or the establishment of military bases without consultation with the Governor. Provides for U.S. assistance to Guam in the establishment of offices in the United States and abroad, in becoming a member or participant in appropriate regional and international organizations, and in obtaining from other countries favorable treatment for exports. Prohibits the United States from utilizing the Island of Guam or the water surrounding it for the dumping or storage of nuclear waste or hazardous chemicals. Provides for the clean up by the United States of chemical dump sites used by the military in the past. Requires the United States to compensate any person injured as a result of hazardous materials stored, used, or disposed of by the U.S. Government in Guam or its waters. Title IV: Courts - Specifies provisions governing the relations between U.S. courts and the local courts of Guam, the jurisdiction of the District Court of Guam, and the applicable district court rules. Provides for the appointment of a judge for the District Court of Guam, a U.S. attorney, and a U.S. marshal for Guam. Title V: Trade - Establishes a Guam-United States free trade area, under which neither party may impose duties, quotas, or other restrictions on each other's products, nor shall the United States treat products of Guam as having originated in any other country. Defines "products of Guam" to mean articles that contain at least 30 percent value added in Guam, and specifies costs included in value added. Authorizes Guam to impose, increase, reduce, or eliminate duties and other restrictions on: (1) products that originate outside the customs territory of the United States and that are imported into Guam; and (2) exports from Guam, whether or not products of Guam. Requires the Governor of Guam to certify that the origin of "products of Guam" is, in fact, Guam, and provides for customs inspections of products brought into the United States. Title VI: Taxation - Makes U.S. income tax laws applicable to Guam. Deems such laws to impose a separate tax, payable to the Government of Guam, to be known as the Guam Commonwealth income tax. Grants the Governor the same administrative and enforcement powers and remedies with regard to such tax (pursuant to the laws of Guam) as the Secretary of the Treasury and other executive branch officials have with respect to U.S. income tax. Sets forth similar enforcement authority with respect to criminal violations, tax liens, and suits to recover erroneously or illegally assessed taxes. Grants the District Court of Guam exclusive jurisdiction over all judicial proceedings in Guam, both criminal and civil, with respect to such tax. Allows the Government of Guam to provide for the rebate or reduction of taxes in order to assist new industries or economic development. Grants Guam the power to determine the nature and amount of taxes imposed upon the income and property of persons within its jurisdiction. Repeals applicable U.S. tax laws one year after Guam has enacted a replacement comprehensive local income tax. Exempts all bonds or other obligations issued by Guam from taxation by Federal, State, or local governments of the United States. Title VII: Immigration - Applies the Immigration and Nationality Act and pertinent Federal regulations to Guam for two years from enactment of this Act. Directs Guam to enact a comprehensive law on immigration to become effective at the end of the two-year period. Provides that such law shall not impair the free movement of U.S. citizens to and from Guam, include the authority to naturalize aliens for U.S. citizenship, or alter the Governor's authority to issue U.S. passports. Authorizes U.S. consular officials to issue visas for travel only to Guam for any alien seeking to enter Guam as a non-immigrant in order to encourage investors and tourists to come to Guam. Title VIII: Labor - Grants preference to qualified residents of Guam in all Federal civil service vacancies occurring in Guam. Grants Guam the authority to enact and enforce all laws regulating or affecting employment in Guam. Provides that all pertinent U.S. laws regulating employment on Guam on the effective date of this Act shall remain applicable until replaced by duly enacted law of the Guam Legislature. Title IX: Transportation and Telecommunications - Precludes application of any U.S. law barring the U.S. registration and use of any foreign-built vessel within the waters around Guam for any purpose. Exempts from the coastwise laws of the United States any shipment of fish or fish products from Guam to any U.S. coastwise destination. Directs the Commission periodically to examine the applicability of such laws and to recommend termination of their applicability upon determining that such laws constrain Guam's economic development. Authorizes the Governor of Guam to sponsor any qualified air service carrier to come to Guam, subject to presidential consultation concerning U.S. foreign policy and security interests. Exempts Guam from all bilateral treaties between the United States and foreign states with respect to scheduling and technical specifications of aircraft, other than safety requirements. Provides that Guam shall remain an "eligible point" for purposes of being ensured essential air transportation to and from the United States. Defines Guam as "domestic" for Federal Communications Commission rate setting purposes. Title X: Land, Natural Resources and Utilities - Grants the Government of Guam the power of eminent domain. Grants Guam jurisdiction over all natural resources of the seabed, subsoil, tidelands, and adjacent territorial waters of the Island of Guam. Sets limits on U.S. acquisition of real property on Guam. Exempts Guam from Federal regulations governing the transfer or sale of excess Federal real property. Provides for the transfer of all excess Federal property to Guam, with specified exceptions. Provides for access and use by the residents of Guam of certain retained Federal property, subject to military security requirements. Authorizes the granting of easements on such property to the Government of Guam in specified circumstances. Directs the United States to transfer ownership of island utilities to Guam. Title XI: United States Financial Assistance - Provides for the return of U.S. revenues from taxes and fees collected in Guam or from its residents or products to the Government of Guam. Makes U.S. laws providing Federal benefits and financial assistance which are applicable to the States likewise applicable to Guam on an equal basis. Directs the Governor of Guam, in preparing an annual budget, to identify the costs and benefits to Guam brought about by its role as one of the principal U.S. military bases. Requires the Governor to submit such information to the Guam Legislature and the Office of Management and Budget for use in reviewing the Governor's request for appropriations for the annual Federal payment to Guam, which request the Governor shall submit to the President for transmission to the Congress each year. Provides for assistance to aid Guam's transition to a Commonwealth, including: (1) U.S. financing of the costs of institutional changes connected with the change in Guam's political relationship with the United States; (2) help in meeting the capital needs of Guam necessary for long-term, self-sustaining development; and (3) establishing an economic development fund to assist expansion of the private sector. Title XII: Technical Amendments and Interpretation - Makes technical and conforming amendments. Calls for this Act to be interpreted liberally to accomplish its purpose of providing for complete, internal self-government for Guam. Requires this Act to be submitted to the registered voters of Guam for ratification after being passed by the Congress. Repeals the Organic Act of Guam.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1989
Amends the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 to extend through FY 1995 the authorization of appropriations for, and other provisions relating to: (1) State administrative expenses; (2) the special supplemental food program; and (3) nutrition education and training. Amends the National School Lunch Act to extend through FY 1995 the authorization of appropriations for, and other provisions relating to: (1) the summer food service program for children; and (2) the commodity distribution program.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1989
Central American Studies and Temporary Relief Act of 1989 - Title I: General Accounting Office Investigation and Report - Directs the Comptroller General to: (1) begin an investigation concerning displaced nationals of El Salvador and Nicaragua; and (2) report to the Speaker of the House and to the President of the Senate within two years of initiating such investigation. Requires determinations to be made, with respect to displaced Salvadorans and Nicaraguans living in El Salvador, Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala, Belize, Costa Rica, or Mexico, of: (1) the number and location of such persons; (2) their place of origin in El Salvador or Nicaragua and the period of, and reason for, their displacement; (3) their current living conditions, with particular attention to questions of personal safety and the availability of food and medical assistance; (4) current efforts to provide such necessities; (5) the impact of wars in El Salvador and Nicaragua; and (6) the impact of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 on Nicaragua and El Salvador; and (7) the impact of the 1986 El Salvador earthquake. Requires assessments to be made, in the case of Salvadorans and Nicaraguans returned from the United States to their country, of: (1) their conditions upon return, with particular attention to any human rights violations; and (2) the extent to which these persons have become displaced persons in their country. Requires the investigation, with respect to Salvadorans and Nicaraguans unlawfully in the United States, to: (1) compare the situation in El Salvador and Nicaragua with previous cases of administrative grants of extended voluntary departure under the immigration laws; (2) describe U.S. policies respecting the treatment of other aliens in the United States in similar circumstances; (3) describe the policies of all other countries in which Salvadorans or Nicaraguans have sought refuge as those policies concern the return of such persons to their country; and (4) assess their conditions in the United States. Title II: Congressional Review - Provides for the referral of such report to the appropriate congressional committees in accordance with the rules of each House for committee hearings (within 90 days of continuous session after the referral of such report) and committee reports (within 270 days of continuous session after the referral of such report). Title III: Temporary Stay of Deportation - Prohibits the Attorney General from detaining or deporting specified nationals of Nicaragua or El Salvador until completion of the Comptroller General's report. Sets conditions on such stay of deportation.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1989
Anti-Apartheid Act Amendments of 1989 - Title I: Sanctions Against Investment in, and Exports to, South Africa and Other Measures (Except Import Restrictions) to End Apartheid - Part A: Amendments to the Comprehensive Anti-Apartheid Act of 1986 and Other Laws - Amends the Comprehensive Anti-Apartheid Act of 1986 to prohibit any investments in South Africa by U.S. persons. Makes exceptions to such prohibition for: (1) investments in a business enterprise 90 percent owned and controlled by South Africans economically and politically disadvantaged by apartheid; and (2) investments made by certain individuals during any period and to the extent that such investments are considered South African emigrant non-resident assets and subject to transfer or disposition restrictions. Authorizes a person to apply for, and the President to grant for good cause, a waiver of such prohibition for up to 180 days. Requires U.S. controlled South African entities that are subject to the investment prohibition and that employ more than 24 South Africans economically and politically disadvantaged by apartheid to: (1) notify employees and employee organizations not less than 90 days prior to termination of the U.S. investment in such entity; and (2) enter into good faith negotiations with representative trade unions regarding the terms of such termination. Prohibits the exportation or reexportation to South Africa of any goods or technology subject to U.S. jurisdiction. Prohibits any such exportation or reexportation by any person subject to U.S. jurisdiction. Exempts from such prohibition publications, donations of food, clothing, and medical supplies, commercial sales of agricultural commodities and products, and goods and technology for use in the gathering or dissemination of information by news media organizations subject to U.S. jurisdiction. Makes such prohibitions inapplicable to: (1) any goods that are the direct product of technology of U.S. origin under a written agreement entered into on or before April 20, 1988, and that are exported within one year of the enactment of this Act; (2) economic assistance or human rights programs for disadvantaged South Africans, South African blacks or other nonwhite South Africans, or victims of apartheid in South Africa; and (3) contributions to charitable organizations engaged in social welfare, public health, religious, educational, or emergency relief activities in South Africa. Repeals specified provisions of the Comprehensive Anti-Apartheid Act of 1986 that: (1) prohibit certain exports to, imports from, and investments in South Africa; (2) set forth U.S. policy toward the recruitment and training of black South Africans; and (3) prohibit U.S. intercession with any foreign government regarding export activities of certain U.S. nationals in South Africa who are not implementing the Code of Conduct. Revises the definition of "loans" for purposes of such Act to prohibit short-term trade financing, sales on open account, and rescheduling of existing loans. Adds other definitions for purposes of such Act. Prohibits any U.S. agency or entity involved in intelligence activities from engaging in any form of cooperation with the Government of South Africa (specifically including the authorities administering Namibia so long as Namibia is illegally occupied). Prohibits any U.S. agency or entity from engaging in any form of cooperation with the armed forces of South Africa. Prohibits funds made available by the Congress from being obligated or expended for any expense related to any prohibited cooperation. States that the President should not: (1) assign or detail any member of the U.S. armed forces to serve as a defense or military attache in South Africa; or (2) accredit any individual to serve as a defense or military attache at a South African diplomatic mission in the United States. Repeals provisions of the Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1987 concerning restrictions on intelligence agency cooperation with South Africa. Prohibits the Secretary of Energy from authorizing any person to engage, directly or indirectly, in the production of special nuclear materials in South Africa. States that South Africa's granting of independence to Namibia is a major policy goal of the United States. Includes such granting of independence as one of several actions South Africa must take to have U.S. sanctions terminated. Revises penalty provisions of the Comprehensive Anti-Apartheid Act of 1986. Establishes within the Department of State a Coordinator of South Africa Sanctions who shall be responsible to the Secretary of State for matters pertaining to the implementation of sanctions against South Africa. Directs the Coordinator to place emphasis on activities related to strategically important trade in oil, coal, computers, specialized machinery and arms, and to financial credits. Sets forth the responsibilities of the Secretary of State in leading and coordinating the activities of other agencies in implementing and enforcing the Comprehensive Anti-Apartheid Act of 1986 and in monitoring other nations' economic relations with South Africa. Requires the Secretary to report annually to the Congress on actions to monitor and enforce such Act and on economic relations between South Africa and each of its trading partners. Establishes an Inter-Agency Coordinating Committee on South Africa to coordinate and monitor the implementation of such Act. Revises provisions of such Act regarding the Code of Conduct and expanded participation in the South African economy. Requires Federal agencies to make efforts to assist businesses more than 90 percent (currently, 50 percent) owned by black or nonwhite South Africans. Amends the Export Import Bank Act of 1945 to require the Bank to insure or participate in the extension of credit to businesses more than 90 percent owned (currently, majority owned) and controlled by black or nonwhite South Africans. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to permit the use of a specified amount of funds authorized for economic development assistance for assistance to disadvantaged South Africans. Specifies that such assistance may include scholarships, the promotion of the participation of disadvantaged South Africans in trade unions and private enterprise, alternative education and community development programs, and training and other assistance (including legal aid) for South African journalists. Lists major trade union federations in South Africa and Namibia as examples of recipients of U.S. assistance to the labor movement. Earmarks a specified amount of such funds for refugee education and assistance for South Africans and Namibians. Prohibits any U.S. person from providing transport to South Africa of a commercial quantity of crude oil or refined petroleum products. Includes in such prohibition transport on a vessel of U.S. registry or on a vessel owned by a U.S. person. Prohibits the Secretary of the Interior from issuing any mineral lease to any national of the United States which is controlled by any foreign person who purchases, acquires, owns, or holds any investment in South Africa or who exports crude oil or refined petroleum products to South Africa. Authorizes the President to waive such prohibitions under specified conditions. Part B: Policy Statements; Reports; Studies; and Other Miscellaneous Provisions - Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should: (1) direct the Attorney General to conduct an antitrust investigation of the South African controlled international diamond cartel; (2) direct the Secretary of Commerce and the Commissioner of Customs to study the feasibility of identifying at the port of entry the national origin of diamonds entering the United States; and (3) ensure effective and rigorous enforcement of a prohibition on the importation into the United States of uncut South African diamonds by taking specified measures. Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the President should close two of South Africa's consulates general, eliminate all honorary consuls of South Africa in the United States, and forbid expansion of South Africa's embassy staff; and (2) approval of temporary U.S. visas should be granted on a case-by-case basis after considering South Africa's record of allowing its citizens, including apartheid opponents, to travel to the United States. Requires the President to study and report to the Congress on measures to reduce South Africa's foreign exchange earnings from gold. Directs the Secretary of State to report to the Congress on South Africa's involvement in international terrorism. Title II: Sanctions Against South African Imports Into the United States - Prohibits the importation into the United States of any article from South Africa, except: (1) strategic minerals which the President certifies to the Congress are essential for military or economic purposes and are not available from alternative reliable suppliers or through improved manufacturing processes, conservation, recycling, and economical substitution; and (2) publications. Specifies that such prohibition includes: (1) krugerrands or any gold coin minted in South Africa or offered for sale by the Government of South Africa; (2) uranium hexafluoride that has been manufactured from South African uranium or uranium oxide; and (3) fish or seafood which are products of South Africa. Exempts from such prohibition any imports from business enterprises in South Africa that are wholly-owned by persons economically or politically disadvantaged by apartheid. Requires the President to confer with other industrialized democracies in order to reach cooperative agreements to impose sanctions against South Africa to bring about the dismantling of apartheid. Requires the President to report to the Congress concerning such efforts. Requires (currently, encourages) the President to seek United Nations Security Council adoption of the same sanctions against South Africa as are imposed by the United States. Requires (currently, authorizes) the President to impose penalties against foreign persons taking significant commercial advantage of U.S. sanctions against South Africa or comparable sanctions of other industrialized democracies. Includes as such a penalty the restriction of such a person from contracting with U.S. Government entities. Allows the President to waive such penalties for foreign persons of an industrialized democracy that is a party to a cooperative agreement to impose sanctions against South Africa. Requires the President to revoke such waiver if the industrialized democracy is not adequately enforcing the measures provided for under the agreement. Requires that information concerning the extent to which import restrictions are being enforced by other industrialized democracies be included in the Secretary of State's annual report to the Congress. Sets forth provisions pertaining to committee referral in the House of Representatives of joint resolutions pertaining to import restrictions. Requires the President, through the Secretary of Commerce, to submit periodic reports to the Congress setting forth the average amounts of imports of coal or any strategic and critical material entering the United States from each member and observer country of the Council for Mutual Economic Assistance. Requires the President to report annually to the Congress on the program to reduce U.S. dependence on strategic minerals from South Africa. Requires the President to confer with the governments of the African "frontline" States on measures to prevent the circumvention of the import restrictions on South African products imposed under the authority of this Act. Title III: General Provisions - Makes conforming amendments and sets forth the effective date of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1989
National Voter Registration Act of 1989 - Requires each State to establish procedures with respect to presidential and congressional elections to permit voter registration by: (1) application in person simultaneous with application for a motor vehicle driver's license; (2) mail application; and (3) application in person at designated Federal, State, and private sector locations. Declares that this Act does not apply to any State that has no voter registration requirement with respect to presidential and congressional elections. Requires each State to: (1) assure that any eligible applicant who submits his or her application 25 days before the election is registered to vote in the election; (2) require the appropriate State election official to notify each applicant of the disposition of the application; and (3) provide that the name of a voter may not be removed from the official list of eligible voters except by reason of death, criminal conviction, mental incapacity, change in residence, failure to vote in two consecutive elections, or voter request. Requires each State to designate a chief State election official to coordinate State functions under this Act. Provides a private right of action for an individual aggrieved by a violation of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1989
Establishes 9:00 p.m., eastern standard time, as the poll closing time for presidential elections. Allows polling places to close if all eligible voters have voted. Amends the Uniform Time Act of 1966 to extend daylight saving time in the Pacific time zone in the year of a presidential election to the first Sunday after the date of such election.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1989
Act for Better Child Care Services of 1989 - Amends the State Dependent Care Development Grants Act (subchapter D of chapter 8 of subtitle A of title VI of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981) to provide for a Federal program for the improvement of child care and to retitle such Act as the State Child Care Development Grants Act of 1989. Sets forth a formula for allotments to States based on numbers of children under age five, numbers of children eligible for free or reduced price lunches under the school lunch program, and per capita income. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services (the Secretary) to make grants to applicant Indian tribes or tribal organizations for programs and activities under this Act for the benefit of Indian children. Requires the chief executive officer of a State to designate an appropriate State lead agency. Requires the agency to establish several local advisory councils that collectively represent the entire geographical area in the State. Requires States to submit to the Secretary, in order to qualify for assistance under this Act, an application and five-year plan. Requires the plan to set forth procedures designed to ensure that: (1) the parents of children who will receive assisted child care services are permitted to select the eligible child care provider; (2) the State will attempt to place such child with such provider; and (3) each eligible child care provider will provide service to a reasonable mix of children, including those from different socioeconomic backgrounds and those with a handicapping condition. Requires the plan to specify that at least 75 percent of the State allotment will be used to provide qualified child care services to eligible children, on a sliding fee scale basis (according to specified funding methods), with priority given to services to children of families with very low incomes. Requires that at least ten percent of such reserved funds be used to provide for the extension of part-day programs. Requires the plan to make ineligible for assistance under this Act child care providers who are convicted, or who employ as providers of child care services persons convicted of specified Federal and State offenses involving sexual contact with individuals under age 16 or the production or advertisement of child pornography. Sets forth special rules for use of State allotments. Requires that child care services be provided by: (1) contracts with or grants to eligible child care providers for direct services; (2) grants to local governments to contract with direct providers; or (3) child care certificates distributed to parents of eligible children to enable them to purchase such services from such providers. Prohibits financial assistance under this Act from being expended for the construction of any new facility, and sets forth limitations on such assistance for renovation or repair of existing facilities. Authorizes the Secretary to make planning grants, in the first year of their program participation, to States which desire to participate under this Act but cannot fully satisfy the requirements of a State plan without financial assistance. Requires States receiving funds to recognize and assist private nonprofit community-based organizations, public organizations, local governments, or public agencies representing combinations of local governments, as resource and referral agencies for particular areas. Requires resource and referral programs to: (1) identify existing child care services; (2) inform and refer parents to such services; (3) provide for information, training, and technical assistance to existing and potential providers; and (4) provide information on supply of and demand for such services in a community. 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 specified training. Directs the State to make grants to and enter into contracts with specified entities to provide such training. Requires participating States to provide scholarship assistance to: (1) individuals who seek a nationally recognized child development associate credential for center-based or family child care and whose income is not more than 50 percent above the poverty line; and (2) caregivers who seek to obtain the 15-hour minimum annual training and whose income is not above the poverty line. Requires participating States to carry out activities designed to encourage businesses in the State to support or provide child care services to a reasonable mix of children of employees and nonemployees, including those from different socioeconomic backgrounds. Establishes in the Department of Health and Human Services the position of Administrator of Child Care to: (1) coordinate all Department and other Federal agency activities relating to child care; (2) collect and publish annually State child care standards; (3) evaluate activities founded under this title; (4) act as a clearinghouse for specified matters; and (5) provide technical assistance to States. Establishes Federal enforcement provisions for review of State plans and monitoring of compliance. Sets the Federal share of the aggregate amount to be spent under the State plan at 80 percent, but raises it to 85 percent when the State demonstrates that all child care providers are appropriately licensed and regulated and that those receiving assistance meet certain requirements and minimum standards. Directs the Governor of each participating State to establish a State advisory committee on child care to assist the lead agency. Requires the committee to have a subcommittee on licensing to review the laws applicable to the requirements and policies of each licensing agency. Requires a subcommittee report to the Governor, and requires the Governor, within 60 days of its receipt, to report to the Secretary with comments and a plan for correcting or improving licensing, regulating, and monitoring of child care services and programs. Requires the Secretary to establish a National Advisory Committee on Child Care Standards to: (1) review Federal policies on child care services; (2) submit to the Secretary proposed minimum standards for child care programs; and (3) develop and make available to lead agencies model regulations for resource and referral agencies. Limits the scope of such standards for specified types of child care services and sets forth the administrative procedure for promulgating them. Prohibits financial assistance under this Act for: (1) any sectarian purpose or activity; or (2) any services during the regular grade or high school day, or for which academic credit is given toward graduation, or which supplant or duplicate a public or private school academic program. Prohibits a child care provider from discriminating against any child on the basis of religion when providing child care services in return for a fee paid, reimbursement received, or certificate redeemed in whole or in part with financial assistance provided under this Act. Provides for a review of the operation of a State plan during the five-year period to determine the State's continued eligibility for funds. Makes eligible for services under this Act children: (1) under 13 years of age; (2) whose family income does not exceed 115 percent of the State median income for a family of the same size; and (3) who either reside with a parent or parents who are working, are seeking employment, or are enrolled in a job training or education program, or reside with a parent or parents not thus described and receive or need to receive protective services. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1990 through 1994.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1989
Universal Voter Registration Act of 1989 - Entitles any eligible individual to register for any Federal election by mail, in person, or at the appropriate polling place on the day of an election. Declares that such individual may register in person at: (1) a designated place for such individual's current address; (2) any Federal, State, county, or municipal agency that serves the public directly; or (3) any private agency that voluntarily agrees to register voters. Provides that if a State maintains a system of voter registration, such State shall allow an individual to register to vote for elections held on the date of Federal elections, in the manner provided by an approved State plan. Requires such plan to include: (1) the voter registration form to be used for mail registration; (2) provisions for distribution of such forms; (3) election day voter registration; (4) voter registration in agencies which serve the public directly and at private agencies that voluntarily agree to register voters; (5) provisions for prompt notification of registration acceptance; (6) provisions to inform registrants about voting places and times; (7) registration confirmation to insure accurate, inclusive, and uniform voter registration lists; (8) provisions with respect to registration challenges; and (9) a description of State efforts to actively increase voter registration. Requires each State to submit to the Federal Election Commission for approval a voter registration form which allows registration in person or by mail. Allows the form to be similar or identical to postcard application forms under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act. Specifies requirements for such form, including that it provide for postage paid return delivery to the appropriate State or local official. Requires agencies subject to this Act to provide for year-round registration services. Requires State and local election officials to provide for the availability of sufficient quantities of registration forms. Requires the chief election official of any State to establish a program to confirm voter registration. Sets forth requirements for such program, including: (1) notification systems concerning deaths and changes of address; (2) non-removal from a voter registration list unless a voter has died, changed residence to another jurisdiction, been convicted of a criminal offense or institutionalized for mental incapacity, or requested removal; and (3) voter registration lists comprising eligible voters, voters whose registration cannot be confirmed and whose eligibility may be challenged on election day, and individuals who have been removed from such list not more than four years before the date of the election. Sets forth provisions for challenging election votes, including the use of an affidavit ballot for the challenged voter. Declares that voter registration requirements shall not apply to any State which: (1) provides for voter registration procedures which meet or exceed the standards for State plans; (2) does not require voter registration; or (3) adopts the Federal postcard application form. Requires individuals who register to vote on an election day to establish their identity, place of residence, and qualifications at the time of such registration. Requires each polling place to provide a means of processing such registrants separately from other voters. Authorizes the Federal Election Commission to administer this Act and to provide advice and technical assistance to States. Requires the Commission to report to the Congress every two years on: (1) the effectiveness of efforts to establish and maintain voter registration procedures; (2) the administration of voter registration programs; and (3) recommendations on national voter registration standards. Declares any order of the Commission under this Act to be reviewable by the appropriate U.S. court of appeals. Provides that the appellee shall not be liable for costs. Directs the Commission to make grants to the chief election official of any State which has an approved plan for establishing voter registration programs. Requires such grants to be made to enable and encourage States to computerize voter registration lists and to undertake alternative methods of voter registration. Authorizes the Commission to establish an advisory council of State and local election officials to advise States about voter registration systems. Requires the Commission to develop a formula for the allocation of funds to States and to allocate or reallocate such funds. Requires a State to submit a plan for voter registration to the Commission within two years of enactment of this Act. Requires the Commission to publish proposed regulations for an implementation plan, or portion thereof, for any State which fails to submit a plan or for any State plan determined not to meet the requirements under this Act. Establishes Federal enforcement procedures and penalties for violations of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1989
New Columbia Admission Act - Declares the State of New Columbia (presently the District of Columbia) to be a State of the United States of America. Admits New Columbia into the Union on an equal footing with the other States in all respects. Reserves Federal title to certain lands and property. Directs the Governor to submit the Governor's request regarding the amount of an annual Federal payment to the Congress not less than seven months before the beginning of a fiscal year for which a request is made. Requires the request to contain a report on services rendered to the Federal Government, potential revenues lost because of the presence of the Federal Government, and potential revenues gained because of the presence of the Federal Government. Sets forth election protocol for popular ratification of statehood. Provides for election of one member of the House of Representatives as well as two Senators. Maintains the laws that were territorially in effect. Continues any law suits already pending in District of Columbia courts. Establishes a Statehood Transition Commission.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1989
Federal Election Campaign Amendments of 1989 - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to provide for voluntary expenditure limitations and partial public financing for House of Representatives general elections. Sets forth eligibility requirements for public financing, including that a candidate: (1) has not and will not make expenditures or accept contributions in excess of specified limitations; (2) will deposit all payments in a separate checking account; (3) will furnish campaign records, evidence of contributions, and other appropriate information to the Federal Election Commission; and (4) will cooperate in any audit and examination conducted by the Commission. Requires eligible candidates to certify to the Commission that: (1) during the period beginning on January 1 of the calendar year preceding the year of a general election, such candidate and the authorized committees of the candidate have received contributions aggregating ten percent of the spending limitation; (2) 80 percent of such contributions have come from individuals residing in the candidate's State; and (3) at least one other candidate has qualified for the ballot. Makes special rules for special elections. Provides that a contribution may not be counted unless: (1) it is made on a written instrument identifying the person making the contribution; (2) it is not considered a contribution by an intermediary or conduit; (3) it is made by an individual and does not exceed the aggregate of $250; and (4) it was received after January 1 of the year preceding the election. Makes special rules for special elections. Prohibits candidates who receive payments from spending more than $40,000 from personal funds during the election cycle. Prohibits such candidates from spending more than $400,000 in the aggregate during the election cycle, or additional expenditures of not more than $150,000 in a primary runoff election. Declares that if independent expenditures which exceed $10,000 are made during an election cycle in opposition to an eligible candidate or for the opponent of a eligible candidate, the eligible candidate may make additional expenditures above the spending limit in an equal amount. Entitles eligible candidates to: (1) matching payments of up to 50 percent of the spending limit in amounts equal to contributions in amounts of $250 or less from individuals, not given through intermediaries or conduits; (2) additional payments when $10,000 or more of independent expenditures are made in the general election in opposition to, or on behalf of an opponent of, such candidate; (3) additional payments if any candidate in the general election receives contributions or makes expenditures in excess of limitations; and (4) reduced rates for mailings made during the general election period. Declares that payments to eligible candidates may only be used to defray expenditures incurred with respect to the general election period. Requires the Commission to certify the eligibility of a candidate to the Secretary of the Treasury for payments under this Act. Directs the Secretary to maintain the House of Representatives Election Campaign Account in the Presidential Election Campaign Fund to make payments of certified amounts. Requires the Commission, after each general election, to audit ten percent of the eligible candidates by random selection. Requires the Commission to audit each eligible candidate after a special election. Provides for candidates to repay the Commission for excess expenditures. Provides for judicial review of Commission actions by the United States District Court for the District of Columbia, and for the Commission to participate in judicial proceedings. Directs the Commission to report to the House of Representatives after each election setting forth: (1) expenditures made by the candidates and their authorized committees; (2) payments made by the Commission; (3) the amounts of any repayments; and (4) the balance in the Presidential Election Campaign Fund and any account maintained in such Fund. Authorizes appropriations. Requires each candidate to file a declaration with the Commission of whether or not such candidate intends to make expenditures in excess of limitations. Requires each candidate who is not an eligible candidate and who receives aggregate contributions or makes aggregate expenditures which would exceed the spending limits to report to the Commission within a specified time schedule. Directs the Commission to notify each eligible candidate about such report and certify to the Secretary any additional payments to which an eligible candidate is entitled. Authorizes the Commission to make its own determinations as to whether or not a candidate has exceeded spending limitations. Requires any person who makes independent expenditures in excess of $5,000 to report to the Commission within 24 hours after making them. Requires the Commission to notify each eligible candidate of such expenditures. Requires, when two or more persons make an independent expenditure in coordination, consultation, or concert with regard to a House election, that each person report to the Commission when such amount exceeds $5,000. Requires each political committee which maintains a separate account for activities in non-Federal elections to file with the Commission reports of funds received into and disbursements made from such account for activities which may influence an election to a Federal office. Describes such activities as: (1) voter registration and get-out-the-vote drives; (2) general public political advertising; and (3) any other activities which require an allocation of costs between a political committee's Federal and non-Federal accounts. Applies the limitations on expenditures by national party committees to general public political advertising which clearly identifies by name an individual who is, or is seeking nomination to be, a candidate in the general election for President, Senator, or Representative. Declares that such limitations do not apply to direct mail communications designed primarily for fundraising purposes which only make incidental reference to Federal candidates. Prohibits a candidate for the House from accepting any contribution from a nonparty multicandidate political committee with respect to an election cycle which exceeds $100,000 ($125,000 if at least two candidates qualify for the primary and the general election). Limits such contributions to $40,000 for any primary runoff election. Prohibits a candidate for Federal office from establishing, maintaining, or controlling a political committee, other than the candidate's authorized committees or a committee of a political party. Provides for the accountability of contributions made by intermediaries or conduits. Describes when an independent expenditure is not an independent expenditure if there is any type of arrangement, coordination, direction, advice, or counseling directly or indirectly between a candidate and the person making the expenditure. Requires, when independent expenditures are made for television broadcast communications, that a statement appear continuously during such broadcast showing the name of the person or committee making such expenditure. Requires any type of general public print communication paid for by independent expenditure to include such a statement, plus a statement that the cost of presenting such statement is not subject to contribution limits. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the amount an individual may designate to the Presidential Election Campaign Fund from $1 to $2 (and in the case of joint returns, from $2 to $4). Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require House candidates, in order to qualify for special broadcast rates, to be clearly identifiable during a substantial portion of the time of broadcast.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1989
Amends the Internal Revenue Code with respect to the corporate income tax exclusion of contributions to the capital of the taxpayer. Includes as a qualifying contribution any amount of money or property received by a regulated public utility (a utility required to provide electric energy, gas, water, or sewage disposal services) that: (1) is a contribution in aid of construction (as defined by regulations to be promulgated by the Secretary of the Treasury); (2) meets certain expenditure requirements; and (3) is not included in the taxpayer's rate base. Excludes amounts paid as customer connection fees.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1989
Federal Bureau of Investigation First Amendment Protection Act of 1989 - Prohibits the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) from initiating or conducting any investigation that may involve the collection of information about the exercise by a U.S. person of first amendment rights, except as specified. Requires the Attorney General to issue guidelines for investigations covered by this Act. Sets forth standards to be followed by the FBI in the conduct of an investigation, the disposition of any records obtained, and the periodic review of open investigations. Provides a civil remedy for any person aggrieved by a violation of this Act. Waives the provisions of this Act with respect to background investigations conducted with the consent of the subject regarding: (1) nominees to judicial and executive branch positions requiring the advice and consent of the Senate; (2) employees of the Department of Justice; or (3) the granting or retention of security clearances.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1989
Small Contribution Tax Credit Reform Act of 1989 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit an individual a nonrefundable income tax credit for up to $100 ($200 for joint returns) of contributions to congressional candidates. Disallows the credit if the contribution is transmitted through any intermediary group.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1989
Constitutional Amendment - Declares that equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or any State on account of sex.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1989
Prohibits the President from providing military assistance to El Salvador, including issuing letters of offer, extending credits, issuing guarantees, entering into leases of defense articles, or issuing certain licenses under the Arms Export Control Act. Requires the President to order the prompt withdrawal from El Salvador of specified U.S. military personnel.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1989
Title I: Housing and Urban Development - Makes supplemental FY 1989 appropriations for the following Department of Housing and Urban Development programs for the homeless: (1) assisted housing; (2) emergency shelter grants; (3) supportive housing demonstration projects; and (4) supplemental assistance for facilities to assist the homeless. Makes supplemental FY 1989 appropriations for: (1) the Federal Emergency Management Agency's emergency food and shelter program; and (2) the Department of Veterans Affairs medical care for homeless veterans program. Title II: Health and Human Services - Makes supplemental FY 1989 appropriations for the following Department of Health and Human Services programs for the homeless: (1) health services; (2) community mental health and mental health services demonstration projects; (3) alcohol and drug abuse treatment; and (4) emergency community services block grants.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1989
Establishes in the House of Representatives the Select Committee on Children, Youth, and Families to conduct a comprehensive study and review of the problems of children, youth, and families.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1989
Establishes in the House of Representatives the Select Committee on Hunger to conduct a continuing comprehensive study of the problems of hunger and malnutrition.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 1988
Defense Consultant Registration and Reform Act of 1988 - Prohibits defense agencies from awarding a contract for advisory and assistance services to any consultant unless: (1) such consultant complies with the registration requirements of this Act; and (2) the contracting officer has reviewed the registration information and determined that such consultant does not have a conflict of interest that could be prejudicial to the United States. Prohibits defense agencies from awarding a contract to any person submitting a bid to such agencies unless such person certifies that each consultant that has assisted in the preparation of such bid has complied with the registration requirements of this Act. Requires each consultant who has submitted a bid or who has been retained in connection with the preparation of a bid for a Department of Defense (DOD) contract to register with the DOD Office of Standards of Conduct. Requires such consultants to update the registered information upon submitting a bid or being retained for the preparation of a bid for another DOD contract. Sets forth the information to be included in the registration. Directs the DOD Inspector General to monitor the compliance of consultants with the registration requirements of this Act and to report annually to the House and Senate Committees on Armed Services on the extent of such compliance. Provides that any consultant who intentionally fails to comply with such registration requirements shall be subject to suspension and debarment proceedings. Provides that this Act shall not apply to contracts which, as determined by the Secretary of Defense, involve: (1) sensitive foreign intelligence or counterintelligence activities; (2) sensitive law enforcement investigations; or (3) special access programs.
United States · United States Congress · 14 September 1988
Congratulates Israel and Egypt for a decade of peace based upon the Camp David accords. Calls upon other Arab states and Palestinians to join in the peace process, renounce the state of war and acts of violence, and enter into direct negotiations with Israel to achieve a lasting peace.
United States · United States Congress · 7 September 1988
Social Security Beneficiaries Protection Act of 1988 - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act to require that the Federal Government collect OASDI overpayments on a schedule which does not cause financial hardship for the beneficiary. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish one-year demonstration projects implementing accountability procedures for at least three telephone service centers operated by the Social Security Administration (SSA). Requires that the Secretary promptly provide callers with a written receipt which sets forth: (1) the name of the SSA representative with whom the caller spoke; (2) the date of the call; (3) a description of the nature of the call; (4) any action which the representative indicates will be taken in response to the call; and (5) the information or advice offered by the SSA representative. Requires that: (1) callers be notified that they will be provided with such receipt; and (2) the SSA retain a copy of such receipt. Set forth reporting requirements. Directs the Secretary to provide OASDI benefit applicants with information concerning the wages and self-employment income on which such benefits are based and notify such applicants that they may submit a challenge under which they will receive a more complete accounting of such information in order that they may demonstrate that some items of wages or self-employment income have been excluded. Amends part A (General Provisions) of title XI of the Act to require the Secretary, when determining an individual's entitlement to benefits under the Act, to take into account such individual's physical, mental, educational, vocational, or linguistic limitations in determining his or her good faith, fault, fraud, deception, or intent. Amends the OASDI program and title XVI (Supplemental Security Income) (SSI) of the Act to require the Secretary to establish programs, within 180 days of this Act's enactment, under which homeless individuals who may be eligible for OASDI and SSI benefits will be identified and assisted in applying for such benefits. Directs the Secretary to report annually to the Congress on such programs. Requires that notices issued to individuals pursuant to the OASDI or SSI program: (1) be written in simple and clear language; (2) contain the name, address, and telephone number of a responsible person to contact regarding the notice; and (3) be written both in English and another language if such other language is likely to be the native language of a substantial number of recipients. Provides that individuals who are applying for or receiving OASDI benefits on the basis of blindness may elect to receive notice of decisions made and actions taken with respect to their rights under the program: (1) by certified mail and by telephone five days after such mailing; or (2) by some alternative procedure established by the Secretary. Requires the Secretary to: (1) maintain the names of representatives of OASDI and SSI claimants in the SSA's electronic information retrieval system; and (2) provide written notice to such claimants of the availability of attorneys to represent them in presenting their cases before the Secretary. Allows OASDI and SSI claimants to reapply for payments which have been denied if such claimants' failure to request a review of such denials within 60 days of receiving notice of such determinations resulted from good faith reliance upon incorrect, incomplete, or misleading information provided by the Secretary. Requires the Secretary, in notifying claimants of adverse payment determinations, to describe in clear and specific language the consequences of choosing to reapply for payments instead of requesting a review of such determinations.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1988
Expresses the sense of the Congress that India should allow Sikhs full access to the Golden Temple and remove all military presence from the shrine. Urges the Government of India to use restraint in resolving the dispute with the Sikh people in the Punjab. Calls for a political solution to restore home rule in the Punjab, with religious freedom and human rights guarantees.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 1988
Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions relating to the exclusion ratio, permitting a ten-year basis recovery for amounts received as annuities under governmental plans.