United States · United States Congress · 13 October 1987
Omnibus Taxpayers' Bill of Rights Act - Requires the Secretary of the Treasury (Secretary) to prepare a statement setting forth in nontechnical terms: (1) the rights and obligations of a taxpayer and of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) during a tax audit; (2) the procedures by which a taxpayer may appeal adverse decisions, prosecute refund claims, and file complaints; and (3) the procedures that the IRS may use in enforcing revenue laws. Directs the Secretary to transmit drafts of such statement to specified congressional committees and to distribute the final statement to all taxpayers receiving annual tax filing forms from the IRS. Requires the IRS, upon taxpayer request, to conduct any interview regarding the determination or collection of any tax at a reasonable time and place convenient to the taxpayer and to the IRS, and to permit the taxpayer, at his or her own expense, to record the interview. Authorizes the IRS interviewer to record such interview if the taxpayer has been given prior notice and is provided, upon request and payment of reproduction costs, with a transcript of the recording. Requires the interviewer to explain to the taxpayer the audit process, including the taxpayer's rights with respect to the process. Requires the Secretary to abate any penalty or interest imposed on any deficiency attributable to erroneous advice in writing given to a taxpayer by an IRS officer or employee in response to such taxpayer's specific inquiry. Authorizes the IRS Ombudsman, upon application filed by a taxpayer, to issue a Taxpayer Assistance Order if, in the determination of the Ombudsman: (1) the taxpayer is suffering or is about to suffer from an unusual or irreparable loss as a result of the manner in which the internal revenue laws are being administered by the Secretary; and (2) the Secretary has failed to carry out any of his or her duties or has violated any provision of law. Allows the terms of a Taxpayer Assistance Order to require the Secretary to release property of the taxpayer levied upon or to cease or refrain from certain actions. Requires the Secretary to obey any Taxpayer Assistance Order issued by the Ombudsman. Directs the Secretary, within 90 days of this Act's enactment, to issue regulations with respect to Taxpayer Assistance Orders, including provisions to assure full, fair, and impartial due process for affected taxpayers. Amends the Inspector General Act of 1978 and other Federal law to establish within the Department of the Treasury an Office of Inspector General. Transfers to such Office the existing audit and investigation units of the Department. Sets forth criteria with respect to: (1) the authority of the Inspector General to conduct an investigation; and (2) the authority of the Secretary in cases of audits or investigations requiring access to information of a sensitive or confidential nature. Allows the Secretary to prohibit investigations under specified circumstances. Restricts disclosure by the Inspector General of tax returns and return information. Prohibits records of tax enforcement results from being used to evaluate certain IRS personnel or to impose or suggest production quotas. Requires district directors to certify compliance with this mandate on a monthly basis. Requires the Secretary to certify that a rule proposed by the IRS is substantially the only alternative that meets the mandate of the relevant statute in order for the rule to be considered an interpretative rule (and thereby not subject to analyses under the Regulatory Flexibility Act). Amends the Regulatory Flexibility Act to require regulatory flexibility analyses to include consideration of both the direct and indirect beneficial and negative effects of a proposed or final rule. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to direct the Secretary, with limited exceptions, to send a preliminary letter of deficiency to a taxpayer prior to the mailing of a deficiency notice. Specifies required contents for tax due notices and deficiency notices, including the basis of the deficiency and a breakdown of the total amount into tax, interest, and penalty. Directs the Secretary, within 90 days of this Act's enactment, to issue regulations requiring all IRS personnel to explain and support their position in assessing any penalties or additions to tax. Requires the Comptroller General to study IRS procedures with respect to such assessments and to present findings to specified congressional committees no later than December 31, 1988. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into a binding agreement with a taxpayer under which the taxpayer may pay tax liability in installments if the Secretary determines that such an agreement will facilitate collection of the liability. Permits the Secretary, after proper notice and a hearing, to modify or annul the agreement upon the finding that the financial condition of the affected taxpayer has significantly changed. Renders such an agreement nonbinding if the taxpayer fails to pay any installment or any other tax liability when due. Extends from ten to 30 days the period between the required notice to a person who neglects or refuses to pay tax liability and a levy on such person's salary, wages, or other property. Specifies information that must be incorporated in such notice, including possible alternative actions and the appropriate appeals procedures. Adds to the circumstances triggering termination of such a levy: (1) an agreement between the taxpayer and the Secretary for payment of the liability; and (2) the Secretary's determination that the taxpayer's financial condition precludes enforceability of the liability. Revises the list of property exempt from levy to: (1) increase the exempt amount permitted for certain personal effects, the property of a business, and wages; (2) add an exemption for certain deposits in qualified institutions; and (3) provide an express exemption, except under limited circumstances specified in this Act, for the taxpayer's principal residence, a motor vehicle used by the taxpayer as the primary means of transportation to work, and any tangible personal property essential to the operation of the taxpayer's business in cases when a levy would prevent the taxpayer from carrying on such business. Prohibits a levy on any property when levy and sales expenses would exceed either the liability for which the levy is made or the fair market value of the levied property. Permits the Secretary to demand surrender of bank accounts only after 21 days in escrow have passed since service of the notice of levy on the accounts. Sets forth situations in which the Secretary must release a levy. Applies to jeopardy levies the administrative and judicial review procedures currently applicable to jeopardy assessments. Permits a taxpayer to bring a civil action against the United States in the Tax Court for judicial review of jeopardy levies and assessments. (Under current law an action for judicial review of jeopardy assessments may be filed only in district court.) Increases the time during which a taxpayer may petition for such review. Describes the jurisdictional requirements to be applied to such actions. Allows an administrative appeal of tax liens. Grants to the Tax Court exclusive jurisdiction to enjoin premature assessments if the taxpayer has filed a timely petition for review. Provides for review of such injunctive orders by the U.S. Court of Appeals. Grants to the Tax Court jurisdiction to enforce payment by the Secretary of refunds of overpayment and interest to taxpayers. Places on the Secretary the burden of proof of justifying any failure to refund, credit, or offset relevant amounts with respect to a taxpayer. Entitles a prevailing taxpayer to: (1) an interest rate of 120 percent of the overpayment rate with respect to refunds; and (2) reasonable litigation costs. Grants to the Tax Court jurisdiction to: (1) review jeopardy assessment sales of assets; and (2) redetermine interest under certain circumstances when a taxpayer claims an overpayment of the interest. Vests in the Tax Court original jurisdiction over any civil action against the Secretary for the recovery of any tax, additions to tax, and penalties with respect to income, estate, gift, and certain excise taxes. Authorizes an award of reasonable litigation costs to the prevailing party in proceedings by taxpayers before the Internal Revenue Service. Permits a taxpayer to bring a civil action in district court for actual damages resulting from the failure of any Federal officer or employee to release a tax lien on the taxpayer's property. Permits a civil cause of action in district court for damages resulting from the careless, reckless, or intentional disregard of internal revenue laws by any Federal officer or employee. Denies damage awards in cases of contributory negligence. Authorizes a damage award, to a $10,000 maximum, to the United States in cases of frivolous or groundless claims by a taxpayer. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to prescribe criminal penalties for: (1) any investigation or surveillance authorized or conducted by an officer or employee of the United States in connection with Federal tax laws that inquires into the beliefs, associations, or activities of any individual or organization; or (2) the maintenance of any records containing information derived from such an investigation. Establishes in the Internal Revenue Service the Office for Taxpayers Services, under the supervision of an Assistant Commissioner of Internal Revenue. Directs this Assistant Commissioner to: (1) be responsible for telephone, walk-in, and educational services, and for the design and production of tax and information forms; and (2) prepare annually, for presentation to specified congressional committees, a joint report (with the Chief Problem Resolution Officer for the IRS) on the quality of taxpayer services.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1987
Federal Employees' Political Activities Act of 1987- Prohibits an employee from using or attempting to use official authority or influence to interfere with or affect the result of any election. Prohibits an employee from using or attempting to use official authority to intimidate, threaten, coerce, command, or influence: (1) any individual for the purpose of interfering with the right of any individual to vote as the individual may choose, or of causing any individual to vote, or not to vote, for any candidate or measure in any election; (2) any person to give or withhold any political contribution; or (3) any person to engage, or not to engage, in any form of political activity. Prohibits an employee from using or attempting to use, or permitting the use of, any official information unless such information is available to the general public. Prohibits an employee from: (1) giving or offering to give a political contribution to any individual either to vote or refrain from voting, or to vote for or against any candidate or measure, in any election; (2) soliciting, accepting, or receiving a political contribution to vote or refrain from voting, or to vote for or against any candidate or measure, in any election; or (3) giving or handing over a political contribution to a superior of the employee. Prohibits an employee from soliciting, accepting, or receiving, or from being in any manner concerned with soliciting, accepting, or receiving, a political contribution: (1) from another employee (or a member of another employee's immediate family) with respect to whom the employee is a superior; or (2) in any room or building occupied in the discharge of official duties by a Federal employee or official or an individual receiving salary or compensation from the Treasury. Prohibits an employee from soliciting, accepting, or receiving a political contribution from, or giving a political contribution to, any person who: (1) has, or is seeking to obtain, contractual or other business or financial relations with the employing agency; (2) conducts operations or activities which are regulated by that agency; or (3) has interests which may be substantially affected by the performance of the employees' official duties. Directs the Special Counsel of the Merit Systems Protection Board to prescribe regulations which exempt employees from such prohibitions. Prohibits an employee from engaging in political activity: (1) while on duty; (2) in any room or building occupied in the discharge of official duties by a Federal employee or official; (3) while wearing a uniform or official insignia identifying the office or position of the employee; or (4) while using any vehicle owned or leased by the Government. Exempts certain high level political appointees from such prohibitions if the costs associated with the political activity are not paid for by money derived from the Treasury. Describes such a political appointee as one: (1) whose duties and responsibilities continue outside normal duty hours and while away from the normal duty post; (2) who is paid from an appropriation for the Executive Office of the President; (3) whose position is located within the United States; and (4) who determines policies to be pursued by the United States in its relations with foreign powers or in the nationwide administration of Federal laws. Authorizes leave without pay or accrued annual leave to an employee who is a candidate, upon request, to allow such employee to engage in activities relating to that candidacy. Declares that such request may be denied if the exigencies of the public business so require. Declares that such employee may be required to take leave without pay or accrued annual leave in order to be a candidate if activities relating to the candidacy interfere with the employee's performance of duties. Directs the Special Counsel to prescribe rules and regulations to implement this Act. Applies this Act to postal employees and employees of the Postal Rate Commission.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1987
Directs the Administrator of General Services to convey to the Museum of the American Indian the Old United States Custom House in New York, New York. Subjects the conveyance to the following conditions: (1) the property shall be used by the Museum solely as a museum to preserve the customs and history of North, South, and Central American Indians; (2) the Museum shall maintain the historic architectural character of the property; (3) the Museum shall give the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation a reasonable opportunity to comment on proposed renovations or alterations; and (4) the Museum shall obtain the approval of the Administrator before commencing any renovation or alteration. Provides that all right, title, and interest in the property shall revert to the United States if: (1) the Museum at 3753 Broadway in New York City does not operate as a branch of the Museum to be established at the property; (2) the Museum does not continuously use such property solely as a North, South, and Central American Indian museum and maintain its historic architectural character; (3) the Museum does not maintain such property in a manner that ensures that adequate services are provided to the U.S. courts on the fifth and sixth floors; or (4) the Museum interferes with the occupancy of such property by the courts. Prohibits the Museum from using such property as security for any obligation. Reserves to the United States: (1) air and development rights associated with such property; and (2) the right to occupy the fifth and sixth floors of the property for use by U.S. courts until the Administrator provides suitable permanent accommodations for such courts at the Foley Square Courthouse Annex. Requires the Museum to submit a plan detailing any proposed renovation or alteration of the property to the Administrator, who shall approve such action unless it would not preserve the property's historic architectural character.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 1987
United States Coinage Reform Act of 1987 - Requires that one dollar coins be gold colored, be at least 90% copper, and be fabricated in the United States from natural deposits located in the United States. Redesigns the obverse side of the dollar coin to symbolize the 500th anniversary of the discovery of the New World by Christopher Columbus. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to place such coins into circulation within 18 months and to cease production of one dollar notes within 18 months after the first of such coins are placed in circulation. Directs the Secretary to conduct a study and report to the Congress on the advisability of phasing out production of the one-cent and 50-cent coins and of rounding cash sales to the nearest five cents.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 1987
Designates a segment of the Appalachian development highway system known as Corridor V (within Alabama State boundaries) as the Robert E. (Bob) Jones, Jr. Highway.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 1987
Amends Federal law regarding the exemption authority of the Interstate Commerce Commission with respect to rail carriers to prohibit the waiving of a rail carrier's obligation under the Railway Labor Act or collective bargaining agreements. Sets forth a separation allowance schedule for employees adversely affected by the disposition of certain rail carrier lines. Establishes a ceiling for such separation allowance of $30,000 (periodically adjusted for inflation). Entitles such employees to the right of first hire in seniority order to a substantially equivalent position by the rail carrier obtaining the rail lines from such employees' previous rail carrier employer. States that such separation allowance and right of first hire apply to: (1) certain financial assistance offers to avoid rail abandonment and discontinuance; and (2) specified actions for which the Commission grants an exemption.
United States · United States Congress · 21 September 1987
Section 457 Clarification Act of 1987 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to state that the accounting provisions applicable to the deferred compensation plans of State and local governments and of private tax-exempt organizations shall not apply to nonelective deferred compensation. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to promulgate regulations defining nonelective deferred compensation. Applies retroactively to tax year 1979 and thereafter.
United States · United States Congress · 7 August 1987
Title I: General Accounting Office Investigation and Report - Directs the Comptroller General to begin on January 1, 1988, an investigation concerning displaced Polish nationals, including specified determinations with respect to: (1) Polish nationals who have been required to leave the United States and who returned to Poland; and (2) Polish nationals unlawfully present in the United States. Requires the Comptroller General to submit a detailed report to specified congressional leadership within two years of beginning the investigation. Title II: Congressional Review - Sets forth procedures the Congress must follow in considering the Comptroller General's report, including provisions and timetables to govern committee referral, hearings, and reports. Title III: Temporary Stay of Deportation - Prohibits the Attorney General from detaining or deporting, during a prescribed time period, certain potentially deportable Polish nationals who have been and are continuously present in the United States since registering pursuant to this Act. Requires Polish nationals affected by this Act to register with the Immigration and Naturalization Service. Provides, upon registration, for employment authorization documentation terminating at the end of the mandatory suspension of deportation period. Describes the alien's status during the temporary stay.
United States · United States Congress · 6 August 1987
Amerasian Homecoming Act - Provides for the admission as an immigrant into the United States (for two years beginning 90 days after enactment of this Act) of an alien residing in Vietnam who: (1) was born in Vietnam after January 1, 1962, and before January 1, 1976, and whose father was a U.S. citizen; or (2) is the spouse, child, or mother, or has acted as the next of kin (with specified limitations) of such an alien. Requires on-site consular interviews in making such determinations. Provides for an eight-month period of visa validity. Provides, with regard to such aliens, for: (1) the waiver of specified exclusionary grounds under the Immigration and Nationality Act; and (2) specified (refugee) assistance under such Act. Directs the Attorney General, in cooperation with the Secretary of State, to submit program reports to the Congress annually for three years.
United States · United States Congress · 6 August 1987
Designates the period beginning September 15 and ending October 15 each year as National Hispanic Heritage Month. (Current law designates the week including September 15 and 16 each year as National Hispanic Heritage Week.)
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 1987
National Superconductivity and Competitiveness Act of 1987 - Directs the President, working through the National Critical Materials Council (NCMC), to establish a five-year National Federal Program on Superconductivity Research and Development (the Superconductivity Program). Sets forth the content and scope of such Program. Requires a Program plan to be presented to specified congressional committees within six months after the enactment of this Act. Directs the Chairman of NCMC to appoint, within 60 days after enactment of this Act, a National Advisory Commission on Superconductivity (Commission) to review all major policy issues regarding U.S. applications of recent research advances in superconductors. Requires the Advisory Commission to report, within six months after enactment of this Act, to the NCMC Chairman with recommendations regarding methods of enhancing the research, development, and implementation of improved superconductor technologies in all major applications. Sets forth required report contents. Terminates the Advisory Commission 60 days after submission of its report. Directs the Secretary of Energy to establish, within 60 days after enactment of this Act, an Office of Superconductivity to coordinate and direct all activities of the Department of Energy in implementing the Superconductivity Program under the Department's responsibility. Makes the Director responsible for establishing, coordinating, and directing superconductivity research and development activities in the Department and directing and coordinating the Consortia for Enabling Superconductivity Technologies. Directs the Secretary of Energy, operating primarily through the Department's National Federal Research Laboratories (NFRLs), to establish within six months one or more Consortia for Enabling Superconductivity Technologies (Consortia). Requires that each Consortium be led by an appropriate NFRL designated by the Secretary. Requires the designated lead laboratory to have appropriate university and industrial connections and demonstrable expertise in specified research. Requires each Consortium to consist, in addition to the designated lead laboratory, of appropriate industry, university, and/or other research institutions, including other NFRLs. Provides that each Consortium shall be considered a joint research and development venture. Requires the participants to share the costs of conducting such research and development. Authorizes temporary exchanges of personnel between Consortia members. Allows up to 25 percent of funds under this Act for each Consortium to be used to conduct superconductivity research and development under the discretion of the Director of the designated lead laboratory. Requires the Department of Energy's superconductivity research and development activities to focus on fundamental research, materials processing, and applications of new superconducting materials. Directs the Secretary of Energy to create a program of Industrial Fellowships to support the education and training of graduate engineers and scientists in the area of superconductivity and related academic fields. Provides that recipients shall be selected from qualified applicants seeking degrees from member institutions of the Consortia. Requires the Director of the National Science Foundation (NSF) to establish within 60 days an Office of Superconductivity to coordinate and direct all NSF activities in implementing the Superconductivity Program under NSF responsibility. Makes the Administrator of such Office responsible for establishing NSF superconductivity research and development programs and for directing and coordinating the National Superconductivity Research Centers. Requires the NSF Director to establish a program of National Superconductivity Research Centers. Requires that an appropriate number of universities be selected as sites for such Centers based largely on their scientific and technical qualifications. Requires the Centers to focus efforts in the development and support, in an interdisciplinary manner, of manufacturing science and processing as it applies to superconducting materials. Requires the NSF to continue to operate primarily through individual and block-fund grants with the university community and to be responsible for maintaining an appropriate balance of such grants for support of basic and fundamental research on superconducting materials. Requires the NSF Director to establish a program of graduate fellowships to support the education and training of advanced degreed research engineers and scientists in the areas of superconductivity, manufacturing science and processing, and related academic fields. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish, within 60 days after the enactment of this Act, an Office of Superconductivity to coordinate and direct all activities of the Department of Commerce in implementing its responsibilities under the Superconductivity Program. Makes the Administrator of this Office responsible for establishing (with the Director of the National Bureau of Standards), coordinating, and directing superconductivity research and development activities in the Department. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to ensure the accelerated transfer of superconductivity technology resulting from research and development provided for in this Act and for the application of such technology by the U.S. private and public sectors. Directs the National Bureau of Standards (now the National Institute of Standards and Technology), in coordination with the Department of Energy, the NSF, and other appropriate departments and agencies, to establish and conduct a program of fundamental research and materials standards to accelerate the use and application of the new superconducting materials. Directs the President to establish a program of international cooperation in the conduct of basic research on superconducting materials, including the exchange of basic information and data and the development of international standards for the use and application of superconducting materials. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1989 through 1993 to carry out specified provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 1987
Airline Passenger Protection Act of 1987 - Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to add a new "Title XVII: Airline Passenger Protection." Requires the Secretary of Transportation (the Secretary to publish monthly reports regarding: (1) late flight arrivals; (2) a listing of the top 500 aviation markets; (3) lost and damaged baggage; (4) the percentage of cancelled flights; (5) the percentage of passengers bumped; (6) missed connections at hubs; and (7) the number of passenger complaints filed with the Department of Transportation. Mandates that: (1) such reports be made available to the public by any air carrier controlled ticket agent; (2) toll-free telephone numbers be established by air carriers and the Secretary for handling passenger complaints; and (3) that such telephone numbers accompany airline ticket purchases. Requires the Secretary to establish a telephone number system which provides airline passengers with comparative air carrier service information. Prohibits: (1) airline ticket sales unless the purchaser receives written notification regarding the air carrier's policy concerning cancellations and amenities; and (2) economically motivated flight cancellations. Requires air transportation advertisements to state whether availability is limited and whether restrictions apply. Prescribes guidelines for the air transportation of airline ticket holders if the issuing air carrier has become a bankrupt debtor since the ticket purchase. Sets forth time limits for: (1) processing lost or damaged baggage; and (2) purchase price refunds for certain airline tickets. Prohibits an air carrier from making available to a ticket agent certain computerized reservation system information on flight schedules and fares of twor or more carriers if the order in which the schedules appear is determined according to a specified format. Requires the Secretary to revise existing airline consumer complaint procedures of the Department of Transportation. Terminates this Act ten years after the date of enactment. Establishes civil penalties for violations including: (1) late performance reports; (2) false or misleading performance reports; or (3) economically-motivated flight cancellations.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 1987
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should instruct the Permanent Representative of the United States to the United Nations to urge the Secretary General and Security Council to: (1) permit nonbelligerent ships in the Persian Gulf to fly the United Nations flag if such ships submit to inspection by United Nations observers to guarantee that no war material is being carried; (2) authorize United Nations peacekeeping vessels to escort such ships; and (3) determine what enforcement action should be taken in the event of an attack on ships under the United Nations flag. States that any such escort vessels and their crews should be provided by countries other than the Soviet Union and the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 1987
Marine Science, Technology and Policy Development Act of 1987 - Amends the National Sea Grant College Program Act to declare the need for a national ocean strategy and to revise definitions under such Act. Expands coverage of the Act to include Great Lakes resources. (Current law covers ocean and coastal resources.) Authorizes the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere to make grants and enter into contracts to carry out a sea grant strategic research plan. Requires the Under Secretary to develop and publish the plan every three years. Requires the plan to identify and describe a limited number of priority areas for strategic marine research. Requires consultation with Federal agencies, representatives of sea grant colleges, programs, and consortia, and other public and private interested parties. Requires the plan to be submitted to specified congressional committees. Describes the priority areas on which the plan is required to concentrate, including: (1) critical resource and environmental areas of national, international, or global scope where adequate funding is otherwise precluded under other provisions of the National Sea Grant College Program Act; and (2) areas where sustained programmatic research and technology transfer can be utilized. Describes graduate, post-graduate, Federal, congressional, and postdoctoral fellowships which the Under Secretary is required or permitted to support. Adds to the duties of the sea grant review panel the responsibility of giving advice with respect to applications, proposals, performance, grants, and contracts awarded under the sea grant strategic research plan. Makes changes regarding membership and terms of the panel. Authorizes the Under Secretary to provide annual grants to certain sea grant colleges, sea grant regional consortiums, or institutions of higher education having a sea grant program to improve and support curriculum offerings at the graduate level, support graduate students through scholarships and fellowships, and increase multidisciplinary research, all with regard to marine resource management. Limits the amount of any grant to any such institution in any year. Requires each institution receiving a grant to report annually and upon termination of the grant to the Under Secretary regarding the results of the activities to which the institution applied the grant. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1988 through 1990. Amends provisions of the Sea Grant Program Improvement Act of 1976 relating to the purposes of the Sea Grant International program to authorize grants and contracts to enhance international research, promote marine activities with foreign universities, encourage technology transfer, promote foreign data exchanges, or enhance regional collaboration regarding marine research between foreign nations and the United States. Permits the following organizations to apply for and receive financial assistance under this provision: (1) any sea grant college, sea grant program, and sea grant regional consortium; and (2) any institution of higher education, laboratory, or institution which is located within a State. Requires the Under Secretary, before approving an application under this provision, to consult with the Secretary of State.
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 1987
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit a partnership, S corporation, or personal service corporation, unless it is part of a tiered structure, to elect to have a taxable year other than the required one, but generally only if the deferral period of the taxable year elected is three months or less. (Current law requires partnerships, S corporations, and personal service corporations, in most cases, to conform their taxable years to the calendar years used by their owners.) Subjects the principals of a partnership or S corporation electing to change taxable years to additional estimated tax requirements to offset any tax deferral resulting from such election. Imposes deduction limitations on a personal service corporation that changes taxable years. Provides that an election with respect to taxable year shall be made by the partnership, S corporation, or personal service corporation and shall be binding on all partners and shareholders. Sets forth the formula for determining the additional tax requirement when a taxpayer: (1) is a partner or shareholder in at least one such entity during any applicable election years of the entity that end within the taxpayer's taxable year; and (2) has an aggregate deferred tax exceeding $200 with respect to the entity. Describes payment procedures. Requires the inclusion of specified information on returns filed by partnerships and S corporations that elect to use a non-required taxable year. Limits the tax deduction permitted to a personal service corporation for amounts paid or incurred with respect to employee-owners when such a corporation: (1) elects to have a taxable year other than the required one; and (2) fails to meet certain minimum distribution requirements regarding non-dividend amounts paid to owners.
United States · United States Congress · 20 July 1987
Retiree Benefit Protection Act of 1987 - Amends Federal bankruptcy provisions to provide a definition of retiree benefits covered by provisions relating to reorganization plans. Defines "retiree benefits" as benefits provided to retirees or their dependents (by insurance or otherwise) for medical, surgical, or hospital care; benefits provided in the event of sickness, accident, or disability; or a benefit (having no cash-value during life and not to exceed $50,000) payable in the event of death. Authorizes the allowance of administrative expenses for committees serving as the authorized representatives of retirees in a reorganization case. Amends provisions relating to the priority of expenses and claims in a bankruptcy proceeding that provide that retiree benefits will be given fifth priority to the extent that the aggregate amount represents $1,500 for each former employee entitled to such benefits. Makes technical and conforming amendments regarding collective bargaining agreements. Requires a trustee in a reorganization case to pay any retiree benefit to the extent such retiree benefit may be paid without impairing any secured claim. Sets forth the procedures a trustee must follow and the standards that must be satisfied in order for the trustee to modify or terminate retiree benefits. Provides that the bankruptcy court must approve any such modification or termination of retiree benefits. Permits the placement of retiree benefit claims in one or more separate classes in the plan of reorganization. Provides that a reorganization plan must provide for the aggregate treatment of retiree benefit claims rather than specify treatment on an individual basis. Specifies that a reorganization plan shall be approved by a class of claims for retiree benefits if approved by at least two-thirds of the number of the allowed claims of such class. Provides that in cases where claims for retiree benefits are not placed in a separate class, then for approval purposes the amount of each allowed claim for a retiree benefit in a class shall be considered to be a pro rata share of the aggregate amount of all allowed claims for retiree benefits in such class. Provides that any payments made for retiree benefits prior to confirmation of a reorganization plan shall be credited against the amount to be provided for retiree benefits under the plan. Provides that in judicial districts where a U.S. Trustee has not yet been appointed, the bankruptcy court shall perform the functions of a trustee.
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 1987
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Federal excise taxes on gasoline and diesel fuel should not be increased as a means of reducing the Federal deficit.
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 1987
Technology Competitiveness Act of 1987 - Title I: National Institutes of Technology and Advanced Technology Board - Renames the National Bureau of Standards of the Department of Commerce as the National Institutes of Technology (the Institutes). Directs the President to afford the Advanced Technology Board (established by this Act) an opportunity to make recommendations with respect to the appointment of the Director. Provides that the Director shall serve for a term of six years unless sooner removed by the President. Establishes within the Institutes the National Engineering Institute, the National Measurement Institute, the Computer Sciences and Technology Institute, and the Materials Science and Engineering Institute. Authorizes the Institutes to carry out specified functions and activities of the Secretary of Commerce. Establishes in the Institutes an Advanced Technology Foundation. Sets forth Foundation functions, including sponsoring programs of applied research and related activities to lay the groundwork for the development and use by U.S. industry of advanced and innovative manufacturing and process technologies. Requires the Director to: (1) assure that the advice of the Advanced Technology Board is considered routinely in carrying out the responsibilities of the Institutes; (2) assure that Institutes programs are focused on improving the U.S. competitive position; and (3) avoid providing undue advantage to specific companies. Requires the Director to submit to specified congressional committees an initial organization plan for the Institutes. Sets forth requirements for such plan and its revision. Establishes within the Institutes an Advanced Technology Board to review and make recommendations regarding general policy for the Institutes, their organization, their budgets, and their programs. Requires the Board to report annually to the President and the Congress. (Repeals authority for a visiting committee.) Directs the Secretary of Commerce, as part of the FY 1989 budget submission for the Institutes, to submit to specified congressional committees a plan to supplement existing activities with an evaluation of the technological and economic feasibility of inventions which are not energy-related. Requires the Director to consult with various agencies and organizations on how they might cooperate with the expanded inventions evaluation program. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1988 for this title other than for functions and activities of the Institutes. Title II: Office of Extension Services - Federal Industrial Extension Act of 1987 - Establishes within the Institutes an Office of Extension Services for Industrial Competitiveness to support, advise, and assist State Industrial Extension Services by: (1) giving information about Federal research and development; (2) helping increase technology transfer by applying lessons learned in other programs; (3) acting as a single point of contact; and (4) making its technical expertise available. Establishes within the Institutes a three-year Extension Service for Industrial Competitiveness Grant Program (the Program) to demonstrate methods by which the Federal Government can best help States establish, support, improve, and expand State Industrial Extension Services. Limits Program participants to not more than 15 States (or regional consortia of States). Makes annual grants available for FY 1988 through 1990. Requires that such funds be used to expand the number of businesses served or the amount and quality of services provided by the State's Industrial Extension Service. Requires that participating States provide at least 20 percent of the costs of the Program. Authorizes States to provide Program services directly or through institutions of higher education or other nonprofit organizations. Permits the charging of fees. Requires such States to report annually to the Director. Requires the Director to report to the Congress at the close of FY 1990 on the operation of the Program. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1988 through 1990 to carry out this title. Title III: Reports on Superconductors - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to enter into contracts with the National Academies of Engineering and Sciences for a thorough review of all major policy issues regarding U.S. applications of recent research advances in superconductors. Directs the review panel, within 18 months after the eactment of this Act, to report to the President and the Congress on methods of enhancing the research, development, and implementation of improved superconductor technologies in all major applications. Sets forth the scope of such review. Title IV: Clearinghouse for State and Local Initiatives on Productivity, Technology, and Innovation - Competitiveness Enhancement Act of 1987 - Amends the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 to establish in the Office of Productivity, Technology, and Innovation a clearinghouse for State and Local Initiatives on Productivity, Technology, and Innovation to serve as a central repository of information on: (1) initiatives by State and local governments to enhance the competitiveness of American business and industry through the stimulation of productivity, technology, and innovation; and (2) Federal efforts to assist State and local governments to enhance competitiveness. Sets forth Clearinghouse responsibilities. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to report annually on such State and local initiatives, including recommendations on the appropriate Federal role. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1988 and succeeding fiscal years to carry out this title. Title V: Semiconductor Research and Development - National Advisory Committee on Semiconductor Research and Development Act of 1987 - Establishes in the executive branch an independent advisory body to be known as the National Advisory Committee on Semiconductors. Sets forth Committee functions, including monitoring the competitiveness of U.S. semiconductor technology, developing strategies, and making recommendations to enhance such competitiveness. Requires the Committee to report annually to the President and the Congress. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1988 through 1990. Title VI: Miscellaneous and Conforming Provisions - Amends the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 to revise the extent to which a Federal agency may retain royalties or other income as a result of invention management services performed for another Federal agency or laboratory. Revises the formula for determining that portion of each Federal agency's laboratory budget which is to be transferred to the Federal Laboratory Consortium for Technology Transfer.
United States · United States Congress · 9 July 1987
Urges the administration to continue to reject efforts by Canadian negotiators to: (1) have the U.S. cabotage trades, including the transport of energy resources, opened to Canadian vessels; and (2) eliminate the ad valorem duty on vessel repairs performed in Canadian shipyards.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1987
Hazardous Waste Reduction Act - Requires filings of the annual toxic chemical release forms required under the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 to include a toxic chemical waste reduction and recycling report for each listed toxic chemical for the preceding calendar year. Requires such report to include information on a facility-by-facility basis as to the amounts and disposition of each toxic chemical, including levels of waste reduction and recycling achieved and expected. Requires that toxic chemical waste reduction practices be delineated according to set categories, such as equipment, redesign, and substitution of raw materials. Requires the inclusion of a production index for each toxic chemical waste and a list of techniques used to identify waste reduction opportunities. Provides protection for trade secrets. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish a central receiving facility at EPA for the storage and retrieval of waste management program information. Requires the Administrator to collect, coordinate, and consolidate data collection requirements under environmental statutes. Requires all such information to be compiled into a data base organized on an industry-by-industry basis according to Standard Industrial Classifications and on a waste stream basis. Directs the Administrator to establish a Waste Reduction and Recycling Clearinghouse Program to include information on approaches to waste reduction and recycling and information from States receiving grants for technical assistance programs. Requires the Clearinghouse to be actively involved in technology transfer and the development of waste reduction technologies. Requires the Administrator to make matching grants to States for innovative waste reduction programs. Requires such programs to make specific and targeted technical assistance available to businesses as well as for funding experts and research and providing training. Directs the Administrator to report annually to the Congress on the waste reduction information gathered pursuant to this Act. Requires such report to include a profile of waste reduction levels on an industry-by-industry basis and identify priorities as to industries, pollutants, and research. Establishes the Office of Waste Reduction within EPA to collect waste reduction plans and information from other EPA offices on an industry-by-industry basis, administer the clearinghouse and State grants programs, and carry out other related responsibilities including improving EPA's ability to evaluate multi-media waste management practices and the potential for waste reduction through information collection and retrieval. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1987
Small Business Retirement and Benefit Extension Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) to cease, as of 1988, the application of special rules for employee benefit plans that are top-heavy. (A top-heavy plan is one in which the value of plan benefits for specified ("key") employees exceeds 60 percent of those for all employees under the plan.) Establishes, as a component of the general business credit against income tax, a credit for the administrative costs incurred by an employer having 100 of fewer employees in maintaining a qualified employee pension plan. Limits such credit to a maximum of $3,000 ($4,500 in the case of a defined benefit plan). Reduces the amount of the credit when the average number of employees during a relevant period exceeds 50. Amends the Tax Reform Act of 1986 and the IRC to: (1) apply nondiscrimination rules for coverage and benefits to certain employee benefit plans as of 1991 (currently 1988); (2) extend from 1987 to 1989 the effective date of amendments relating to the definition of "compensation" with respect to pension, profit-sharing, and stock bonus plans; (3) render nontaxable any annuities purchased for employees by a nongovernmental tax-exempt entity; (4) repeal certain restrictions on distributions of contributions under salary reduction arrangements; (5) delay the effective date for the application of nondiscrimination requirements to tax-sheltered annuities; and (6) repeal the 15 percent tax imposed on excess distributions from qualified retirement plans. Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 to provide the administrator of an employee benefit plan having fewer than 100 participants simplified reporting requirements with respect to supplying plan descriptions and annual reports to plan participants and beneficiaries. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the required Government forms currently in use with respect to qualified retirement plans are not designed so that a person with no experience in the area of employee benefits could complete them. Directs the Secretaries of the Treasury and of Labor to: (1) redesign such forms as they pertain to plans having fewer than 100 participants; and (2) report to the Congress on their actions in this regard. Amends the IRC to provide that if an employer does not operate an on-premises eating facility for employees, 50 percent of the employer's share of an off-premises meal furnished to an employee shall be treated as a de minimis fringe benefit (not includible in the employee's income) provided that: (1) the employer pays no more than one-third of the cost of the meal; (2) a maximum of one meal per working day is provided; and (3) the meal is furnished during normal business hours.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1987
Federal Election Campaign Amendments of 1987 - 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 in excess of limitations; (2) has not and will not accept contributions in excess of limitations; (3) will deposit all payments in a separate checking account; (4) will furnish campaign records, evidence of contributions, and other appropriate information to the Federal Election Commission; and (5) 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 are made during an election cycle in opposition to an eligible candidate, or for the opponent of a eligible candidate, which exceed $10,000, the eligible candidate may make additional expenditures above the spending limit in an equal amount. Entitles eligible candidates to: (1) matching payments up to 50 percent of the spending limit in amounts equal to contributions from individuals, not given through intermediaries or conduits, in amounts of $250 or less; (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 on 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 on 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. Prohibits a person other than a multicandidate political committee from making contributions to a House candidate in excess of $2,000 with respect to a single election cycle. Revises the total amount of contributions a multicandidate political committee may make: (1) to a candidate for the House to $5,000 per election and $10,000 per election cycle; and (2) to the political committees of a national political party from $15,000 to $30,000 in a calendar year. 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 of 1986 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 substantial portion of the time of broadcast.
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 1987
Major Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Amendments of 1987 - Amends the Disaster Relief Act of 1974 to make eligible for assistance for the repair, restoration, reconstruction, and replacement of damaged facilities special purpose local governments such as levee districts, irrigation districts, and reclamation districts. Declares that the Federal share of such assistance shall not be less than 75 percent (currently, such assistance can not exceed 100 percent). Requires the President to issue rules which provide for the recognition of differences existing among urban, suburban, and rural lands to facilitate adequate removal of debris and wreckage from large lots. Declares the Federal share of assistance for debris removal to be 75 percent. Provides for temporary housing assistance for up to 18 months after the date of a major disaster. Authorizes the President to extend such period for an additional 18 months due to extraordinary circumstances. Declares the Federal share of such assistance to be 100 percent of eligible costs. Provides that temporary housing assistance may not be used for reconstruction or rehabilitation of damaged property when the cost of such assistance exceeds the cost of other applicable types of housing. Sets forth notification requirements for the President when persons apply for temporary housing assistance, including: (1) all forms of assistance available; (2) criteria that must be met to qualify for each type of assistance; (3) limitations which apply to each type of assistance; and (4) the address and telephone number of offices responsible for assisting applicants. Requires that housing assistance account for the applicant's location of and travel time to: (1) the applicant's place of business; (2) schools which family members may attend; (3) any home or place of business whose destruction or damage is the result of the major disaster which created the need for assistance; and (4) crops or livestock the applicant tends which provide 25 percent or more of the applicant's annual income. Includes in the individual and family grant program an authorization for the President to make grants to States for land use and construction projects designed to mitigate future major disaster-related loss. Authorizes a State to expend up to ten percent (currently, three percent) of any such grant for administrative expenses. Increases the limitation on such grants for families and individuals from $5,000 to $10,000. Repeals the restriction that crisis counseling be provided only through the National Institute of Mental Health. Removes the authority of the President to make grants to States for the removal of damaged timber from private lands. Provides that appeals arising from assistance decisions must be acted upon within 60 days of the receipt of such appeal. Declares that eligibility for Federal disaster assistance begins on the date: (1) of the occurrence of the disaster; or (2) on which eligible costs are incurred, whichever is earlier. Declares that disaster assistance shall not be restricted to limit assistance to a particular geographic area. Sets forth procedures for State governors to request declarations by the President that a major disaster exists. Requires such request to be based on a finding that effective response to such disaster is beyond the capabilities of the State and local governments and that Federal assistance is necessary. Describes general and essential assistance that the President may provide. Authorizes the President to contribute up to 50 percent of the cost of hazard mitigation measures. Establishes an emergency assistance program. Sets forth procedures for State governors to request the President to declare an emergency. Describes general Federal assistance under such an emergency. Limits the amount of emergency assistance to $5,000,000, which may be exceeded if the President finds it necessary. Requires the President to report to the Congress on the nature and extent of an emergency when such limitation is exceeded. Requires public and private nonprofit facilities in flood hazard areas to maintain flood insurance. Declares that major disaster and emergency assistance shall not be considered income or a resource when determining benefit levels for Federal programs. Requires the President to establish comprehensive standards to be used to assess the efficiency and effectiveness of Federal emergency and major disaster response programs administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Authorizes the Federal Government to recover the cost of assistance from any person whose negligent act or omission, or whose act or omission while engaged in ultra-hazardous activity, resulted in an emergency or major disaster. Directs the President to conduct audits and investigations necessary to ensure compliance with this Act. Revises provisions relating to criminal and civil penalties. Increases from $25,000 to $50,000 the maximum amount of grants to States for improvement, maintenance, and updating of State plans. Renames the Disaster Relief Act of 1974 the Major Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act.
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 1987
Polish Permanent Resident Adjustment Act of 1987 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to authorize the adjustment of status to permanent resident for certain Polish nationals who have continuously resided in the United States since July 21, 1984. Requires such aliens to apply for status adjustment within two years of enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 1987
Title I: National Development Investment - Public Works and Economic Development Act Amendments of 1987 - Amends the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 to cite such Act as the National Development Investment Act and to revise the emphasis of such Act from primary Federal initiative to coordination of investments between the public and the private sectors. Sets forth the findings of the Congress. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to make development investment assistance grants to qualified applicants for: (1) constructing and improving public facilities; (2) revolving loan funds; and (3) employee stock ownership plans. Authorizes the Secretary to provide technical assistance for improving and enhancing economic development. Describes qualified applicants as States, distressed local governments, economic development districts, economic development organizations, and Indian tribes. Describes a distressed local government as one with a population under 50,000 and located outside an economic development district. Requires an application for a grant under this Act to include: (1) a certification that the area concerned meets certain distress requirements; (2) a certification of any responsibilities which the Secretary has agreed to perform; and (3) a development investment strategy prepared in accordance with this Act. Requires the Secretary to consider specified factors in approving applications. Lists as criteria any one of which an area must meet in order to be eligible for a grant under this Act: (1) a per capita income of 80 percent or less of the national average; (2) an unemployment rate one percent above the national average for the most recent 24-month period for which statistics are available; or (3) a sudden economic dislocation resulting in job losses. Sets forth the information to be contained in a grant applicant's development investment strategy. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to establish a revolving loan fund for making or guaranteeing loans to small businesses for initial or working capital, or for the purchase of facilities or equipment. Limits to $1,000,000 the amount of any such grant. Limits the amount of any grant under this Act to a maximum of 50 percent of the cost of completing the project as determined at the time of the grant application. Permits the Secretary to reduce or waive the non-Federal share of a project in the case of an Indian tribe. Limits expenditures in any one State to a maximum of 15 percent of the appropriations made pursuant to this Act, except for expenditures to Indian tribes. Prohibits the Secretary from obligating more than $4,000,000 in any fiscal year to any person, other than grants for employee ownership organizations. Requires the Secretary, each fiscal year, to obligate minimum amounts of funds for such grants. Authorizes the Secretary to make economic development planning grants to States, economic development districts, Indian tribes, distressed counties, and distressed units of local governments with populations over 50,000 (if located outside an economic development district). Earmarks such grants for coordination of investment for community facilities, economic development, manpower training, and transportation services. Authorizes the Secretary to evaluate Federal, State, and local development investment efforts. Authorizes the Secretary to conduct any demonstration programs to test the feasibility of new ways to increase productivity in the steel industry and related industries, foster innovative technology, match labor force with labor markets, or encourage economic diversity and regional balance. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to colleges, universities, and other nonprofit educational and research organizations for management and technical assistance. Declares that the Secretary of Commerce shall administer this Act with the assistance of a specified Assistant Secretary of Commerce. Authorizes the Secretary to consult with other persons and agencies. Prohibits the approval of any grant unless the Secretary is satisfied that the project concerned will be properly and efficiently administered, operated, and maintained. Sets forth the powers of the Secretary under this Act. Permits the Secretary to discharge responsibilities relative to a project by accepting a certification of the grant applicant's performance of such responsibilities. Requires the Secretary to make comprehensive annual reports to the Congress detailing operations under this Act. Requires all laborers and mechanics employed by contractors or subcontractors on projects assisted under this Act to be paid the prevailing rate of wages. Requires the Secretary to maintain records of approved applications available for public inspection. Requires each recipient of a grant to maintain certain specified records. Allows the Secretary and the Comptroller General access to all records of such recipients. Authorizes appropriations through FY 1990. Title II: Appalachian Regional Development - Appalachian Regional Development Act Amendments of 1987 - Amends the Appalachian Regional Development Act of 1965 to declare that investments under such Act shall also be made in severely distressed and underdeveloped counties lacking resources for basic services. Authorizes appropriations through FY 1990 for the administrative expenses of the Appalachian Regional Commission. Authorizes the Commission to lease office space through FY 1990. Authorizes appropriations through FY 1990 for the Appalachian development highway system. Increases from 70 to 80 percent the subsequent Federal share of an Appalachian development highway segment when a participating State proceeds to construct a segment of such a highway without the aid of Federal funds. Applies such increase to projects approved after March 31, 1979. Removes the restriction on financial assistance for the cost of industrial facilities. Requires that energy enterprise development loan funds established with grants previously approved by the Commission be made available for authorized purposes. Authorizes appropriations through FY 1990. Extends the termination date of such Act from 1982 to October 1, 1990.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1987
Acid Deposition Control Act of 1987 - Title I: Stationary Sources - Amends the Clean Air Act to require each Governor to submit to the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency for approval a two-phased plan establishing emission limitations and compliance schedules for sulfur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen emissions from fossil fuel fired electric utility steam generating units in the State. Requires reductions in sulfur dioxide emissions by 1993 and reductions in oxides of nitrogen and further reductions in sulfur dioxide by 1997. Directs each Governor to submit to the Administrator for approval an emissions limitations plan for such units, other than electric utilities' units, requiring both sulfur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen emissions reductions by 1997. Requires the Administrator to conduct and update an inventory of such emissions from stationary sources, identifying the total statewide potential reductions in such emissions and transmitting such information to the State by the close of 1990. Requires each Governor to submit to the Administrator by June 1, 1994, a plan for establishing emission limitations from stationary sources of industrial process emissions to achieve such State's potential reductions by 1997. Directs the Administrator to promulgate guidelines for State plans which shall ensure that emissions reductions do not have an unnecessarily disproportionate effect on electric utility ratepayers. Requires the Administrator to study and report to the Congress by June 30, 1993, on the reductions achieved during phase I, granting the Congress an opportunity to legislate by the start of 1994 against the implementation of phase II. Grants States an opportunity to modify disapproved plans. Establishes emissions standards and Administrator-promulgated plans for States without an approved plan. Directs the Administrator to impose a fee on the generation and importation of electric energy if any electric utility is eligible for a sulfur dioxide emissions reduction subsidy. Sets fees in such a way as to raise sufficient subsidy revenue and protect low income residential electric consumers. Establishes civil penalties for violations of fee-related requirements. Establishes in the Treasury the Acid Deposition Control Fund to make subsidy payments to electric utilities to cover a portion of rate increases attributable to emission reduction compliance. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to report annually to the Congress on such Fund. Requires a State to assure that rate increases so attributable are substantially equivalent for ratepayers throughout the State and substantially levelized over the period of their application in order to be eligible for the subsidy. Requires the Administrator to determine subsidy eligibility, based in part on the reasonableness of a utility's compliance costs. Authorizes the Administrator to provide financial assistance to owners and operators of stationary sources to promote innovative emissions technologies which are cost-effective. Requires State plans which include the use of such technologies to meet its emission limitation reductions to include contingent limitations and compliance schedules for stationary sources. Requires such contingent limitations to be at least equivalent to the reductions the innovative technology failed to achieve. Permits States to later modify their plans to include innovative technology. Authorizes the Administrator to impose fees on the generation of electricity in a State at its request to promote the use of innovative technologies. Requires the Administrator to report on the status of such technologies before 1994. Directs the Administrator to revise performance standards for emissions of nitrogen oxides from electric utility steam generating units which burn bituminous or subbituminous coal. Requires the Administrator to promulgate performance standards for oxides of nitrogen emissions from certain fossil-fuel-fired steam generating units. Requires all primary nonferrous smelters to be in compliance with the applicable emission limitation or standard for sulfur oxides by January 2, 1988. Title II: Control of Emissions From Mobile Sources - Amends the Clean Air Act to establish emissions standards for oxides of nitrogen for motor vehicles during and after model year 1989. Establishes hydrocarbon standards for trucks during and after model year 1990. Limits the sulfur content of motor vehicle diesel fuel after January 1, 1989. Requires the Administrator to require either onboard hydrocarbon control technology or the use of gasoline vapor recovery of hydrocarbon emissions emanating from the fueling of motor vehicles.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1987
Declares that the United States should enter into negotiations with countries which participate in a common defense alliance with the United States, particularly members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and Japan, for the purpose of a more equitable apportionment of the burden of financial support for the alliance.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1987
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through 1992 the period during which qualified mortgage bonds may be issued. (Under current law, authority to issue these bonds expires as of 1989.)
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1987
National Economic Commission Act of 1987 - Establishes the National Economic Commission. Directs the Commission to conduct a comprehensive study of: (1) the elements of domestic fiscal, monetary, and trade policies and their effect on various economic indicators; (2) the elements of the fiscal, monetary, and trade policies of major U.S. trading partners and their effect on the U.S. balance of trade in goods and services and U.S. employment; and (3) the debt burden of developing countries and its effect on the U.S. balance of trade in goods and services and U.S. employment. Requires the Commission to submit to the President and the Congress, by November 30, 1988, a final report on the study. Terminates the Commission 60 days after the Commission submits its final report. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 3 June 1987
Designates the week beginning October 18, 1987, as Financial Independence Week. Urges all citizens to pursue financial independence through sound planning and management of their individual resources.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1987
Expresses congressional support for privately sponsored programs designed to alleviate losses of retirement income caused by pension plan terminations. Affirms the right of labor organizations and employers to engage in collective bargaining designed to address the needs of older persons affected by pension plan terminations. Applauds private efforts to supplement the public system of pension guarantees. Expresses the sense of the Congress that such efforts are consistent with the purposes of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1987
Directs the Secretary of Transportation to provide certain emergency relief funds to pay the reconstruction or repair expenses of a certain collapsed bridge over the Schoharie Creek in New York State (including certain accident investigation expenses and expenses incurred in detouring traffic around the bridge site). Cites conditions under which such funds will not be available.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1987
Foreign Trade Zone Fee Structure Act of 1987 - Prohibits the Commissioner of Customs from implementing: (1) a fee relating to the commercial operation of foreign trade zones by the U.S. Customs Service; and (2) a fee structure in connection with Customs Service supervision of foreign trade zones that would offset the competitive cost advantage enjoyed by foreign trade zone operators, offset the operational advantages that accrue with respect to merchandise imported through foreign trade zones, or demonstrably inhibit the use of foreign trade zones.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1987
Provides for the appointment of a delegation of Members of Congress to participate in ceremonies to be held in New York City in April 1989 commemorating the 200th anniversaries of: (1) the implementation of the Constitution as the form of government of the United States; (2) the inauguration of George Washington as the first President; and (3) the proposal of the Bill of Rights as the first ten amendments to the Constitution. Invites the President to join the delegation in participating in the ceremonies.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1987
Makes permanent the income tax credit for qualified research expenditures by repealing the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code that would terminate such credit for expenses incurred or paid after 1988.
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 1987
Magnet Schools Assistance Reauthorization Act of 1987 - Amends the Education for Economic Security Act to increase the FY 1988 amount of the authorization of appropriations for magnet school assistance and to extend such authorization of appropriations through FY 1993. Prohibits the Secretary of Education from making a determination about the award of funds under the magnet school assistance program solely on the basis of whether an applicant received an award in a prior fiscal year. Limits to 15 percent that portion of funds available for each fiscal year for purposes of the magnet school assistance program that may remain available for obligation and expenditure during the succeeding fiscal year. Prohibits the Secretary from reducing any payment under such program for any fiscal year by any amount on the basis of availability of funds pursuant to specified provisions of the General Education Provisions Act.
![Official portrait of Rep. Nowak, Henry [D-NY-33]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/n000163_200.jpg)