United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1989
Martin Luther King, Jr., Federal Holiday Commission Extension Act - Makes permanent the Martin Luther King, Jr. Federal Holiday Commission. (Current law terminates the Commission on April 20, 1989.) Makes the term of Commission members one year, except for Coretta Scott King (life term) and members of the family surviving Martin Luther King, Jr. (at the discretion of the family). Amends existing requirements to make the Commission's report on its activities reflect the most recent observance of the holiday. Replaces provisions requiring all expenditures of the Commission to be from donated funds with provisions authorizing appropriations for each fiscal year. Makes payment of expenses for Commission members and staff salary subject to the availability of funds.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1989
Amends the National Labor Relations Act to make it an unfair labor practice for an employer to hire, or threaten to hire, permanent replacement workers during the first ten weeks of any strike (or to enter into agreements for such purposes).
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1989
Eliminates post-1968 service in the National Guard as a prerequisite to civil service retirement credit for former National Guard technicians. Amends the National Guard Technicians Act of 1968 to eliminate post-1968 service as a prerequisite for National Guard technicians for receipt of credit in the determination of length of Federal civil service for purposes of leave, Federal employees' death and disability compensation, group life and health insurance, severance pay, tenure, and status. Sets forth rules for applying provisions of this Act to affected individuals.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1989
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the number of refugees admitted into the United States and the related resettlement program appropriations should be increased; and (2) the Department of Justice should reestablish the presumption that Jews and other religious minorities emigrating from the Soviet Union qualify for refugee admission status.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1989
Prohibits the obligation of funds for the B-2 Advanced Technology Bomber Program until the Secretary of Defense reports to the Congress on the following information with respect to the program: (1) total cost, including cost estimates and budget requests for future fiscal years; (2) production schedules; (3) test programs; and (4) the Secretary's views regarding the missions and purposes of such aircraft.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1989
General Aviation Standards Act of 1989 - Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 (with respect to aviation accident investigations) to apply such Act, with specified exceptions, to any action for damages for harm arising out of a general aviation accident brought against a manufacturer, owner, or operator of a general aviation aircraft, or a person who supports or maintains such aircraft or any other person or governmental entity. Establishes guidelines for uniform standards of liability of general aviation manufacturers for such accidents. States that all actions for harm arising out of a general aviation accident shall be governed by the principles of comparative responsibility. Establishes, with specified exceptions, a limitation of actions period of 12 years from delivery of aircraft or harm-causing part to the purchaser for general aviation civil liability brought against a general aviation manufacturer. Declares admissible as evidence certain income tax and payroll tax liability for purposes of establishing financial harm arising out of a general aviation accident. Permits the award of punitive damages if a claimant establishes by clear and convincing evidence that the harm suffered was the direct result of conduct manifesting conscious, flagrant indifference to safety. Establishes a two-year limitation of actions period for actions arising out of such an accident. Confers original jurisdiction upon the Federal district courts, concurrently with State courts, for all civil actions for harm arising out of a general aviation accident. Provides procedures for removal from State to Federal district courts of such actions. Declares that this Act supersedes any State law regarding recovery of damages for harm arising out of a general aviation accident. Declares the intent of the Congress that sanctions be strictly enforced for violations of Rule 11 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, including orders to pay to the other party the reasonable costs of legal fees. Requires the Secretary of Transportation to report to the Congress, within one year after the date of enactment of this Act, the results of a study determining whether persons awarded damages for general aviation accidents under this Act are unable to collect such damages, and the amount of any uncollectible damages.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1989
Designates April 16, 1989, the 87th birthday of Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, as Education Day, U.S.A. Calls on heads of state of the world to join the President of the United States in this tribute by signing scrolls of honor commemorating the 40th anniversary of Schneerson's leadership of the Lubavitch movement. Welcomes the cooperation of the Department of State in extending the good office of the U.S. missions to the Lubavitcher emissaries.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1989
National Biological Diversity Conservation and Environmental Research Act - States that the conservation of biological diversity is a national priority. Requires Federal actions to be consistent with such goal. Amends the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 to require that environmental impact statements on proposed Federal actions include any impacts on biological diversity. Requires Federal agencies to conduct annual reviews of their programs for consistency with the conservation of biological diversity pursuant to this Act and to report the results of such reviews to the President, the Council on Environmental Quality, and the Congress. Sets forth requirements for programs found to be inconsistent with this Act. Directs the President's Council on Environmental Quality to: (1) establish guidelines for consideration of biological diversity in the preparation of environmental impact statements; and (2) identify those biotic communities, species, and populations that appear to be in decline, in imminent danger of loss of viability, or otherwise of special concern. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to review and comment on the adequacy of each environmental impact statement prepared under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 in assessing biological diversity impacts. Establishes a National Center for Biological Diversity and Conservation Research (Center) responsible for: (1) coordinating the collection of data pertaining to the national biota and supplementing and disseminating such information; (2) arranging and conducting surveys and supplementary research of the national biota; and (3) enhancing the application of biological data to the conservation of biological diversity. Establishes an Interagency Working Committee on Biological Diversity responsible for preparing a coordinated Federal strategy (Strategy) for conservation of biological diversity. Dissolves the Committee two years after this Act's enactment. Sets forth the required contents of such strategy and reporting requirements. Authorizes each agency represented on the Interagency Committee to provide grants to public agencies, private individuals, and organizations for projects to maintain or restore biological diversity. Requires that such grants be matched on at least an equal basis by the grantee, except when the grantee is a State or where the grant is provided for research. Directs each agency represented on the Interagency Committee to: (1) give high priority to research and personnel training directed towards implementation of the Strategy; and (2) assess the adequacy of its environmental research and training programs. Establishes, on a permanent basis, a National Scientific Advisory Committee on Biological Diversity which shall: (1) oversee the implementation of the Strategy; (2) advise the Interagency Committee and Federal agencies in the preparation and implementation of the Strategy; (3) assist in the coordination of interaction between Interagency Committee agencies and the Center; (4) assist in the evaluation of the impacts of proposed Federal activities on biological diversity; (5) assist in the review of Federal programs for consistency with the conservation of biological diversity and the adequacy of such programs in environmental research and training; and (6) serve as a general reference and advisory resource for the Nation in matters relating to conservation of biological diversity. Authorizes appropriations for the activities of the Center and the grant program for FY 1990 through 1992.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1989
Directs the President, subject to the Railway Labor Act, to create, not later than one day after enactment of this Act, an emergency board to investigate and report to him about the disputes between Eastern Airlines and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, the Air Line Pilots Association, and the Transport Workers Union of America.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1989
Lower Income Housing Fair Rent Act of 1988 - Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to exclude from the definition of income for purposes of rent and assistance payments all income earned by family members except the income of the two highest-earning family members.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1989
Prohibits the Federal Communications Commission from adopting revisions of the rules and policies in the proceeding "Policy and Rules Concerning Rates for Dominant Carrier," CC Docket 87-313, unless the changes expressly provide for: (1) the proper functioning of the long-term support mechanisms for the carrier common line rates administered by the National Exchange Carrier Association; (2) the maintenance of uniform nationwide long distance telephone rates by dominant interexchange carriers; and (3) the use of an industry-wide rate of return to determine costs for access tariffs and to calculate the Universal Service Fund. Requires the FCC to report to the Congress the compliance of revisions with these conditions. Postpones the effectiveness of any rule or policy revisions until 60 days have elapsed during which both Houses of the Congress are in session.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1989
Amends the Social Security Amendments of 1983 to provide that individuals aged 46 and over who are employees of nonprofit organizations whose employees are covered under the Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance program and who acquire the appropriate number of quarters of coverage after January 1, 1984, shall be considered fully insured individuals for purposes of title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act. (Under current law, those employees aged 55 or over are granted such insured status.)
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1989
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to permit an individual who is entitled to both disability insurance and to workers' compensation or other periodic benefits which reduce the disability benefit to lessen such reduction by taking into account certain noncovered earnings in the year of disability and the preceding five years.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1989
Veterans Nurse Pay Act of 1989 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to restructure the current nurse grades of the Department of Veterans Affairs so as to provide four grade levels for nurses. (Current law provides for eight grade levels.) Specifies the relationship the new grade levels have with the current nurse grades and to pay grades under the General Schedule.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1989
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through 1992 the period during which qualified mortgage bonds and mortgage credit certificates may be issued. (Under current law, authority for these programs is due to expire as of 1990.)
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1989
Milk Marketing Supply Management Act of 1989 - Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to conduct two referendums (one for 1990, the other for 1991 and 1992) among milk producers to determine whether to implement an alternative milk price support program for the respective periods based on individual milk marketing bases and a 70 percent of parity support level. Directs the Secretary, prior to the beginning of 1996, to conduct a study of the economic impact of this Act and such alternative price support system. Continues such system beyond calendar year 1995 unless the Congress disapproves it, by joint resolution, prior to July 1, 1995. Sets the support level at 75 percent of the parity price if the Congress disapproves such system.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1989
Amends the Agricultural Adjustment Act, as reenacted with amendments by the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937, to provide for a nationwide milk marketing order. States that for related price adjustments at delivery locations there shall be at least three but not more than six U.S.-located basing points.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1989
Amends the Federal Cigarette Labeling and Advertising Act to require that cigarettes and cigarette advertising bear a label stating the addictive quality of nicotine.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1989
Radio License Renewal and Improvements Act of 1989 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to direct the Federal Communications Commission, with respect to applications for radio license broadcast renewals, to grant a renewal if during the preceding term of the license the licensee: (1) has broadcast material responsive to issues of concern to the residents of its service area; and (2) has not committed violations of such Act or the rules or regulations of the Commission, which taken together would constitute a pattern of abuse. Authorizes the Commission to deny a renewal or grant limited renewal if an applicant has failed to meet such requirements. Prohibits the Commission, in evaluating a licensee's performance in broadcasting material responsive to matters of public concern, from establishing or applying any requirement with respect to the broadcast of any specific subject or quantity of material. Directs the Commission to accept the licensee's judgment if found to be reasonable and made in good faith. Prohibits the Commission, in determining whether to renew a license, from considering whether the public interest, convenience, and necessity might be served by granting a license to a competing applicant. Directs the Commission to conduct an inquiry and prescribe any necessary regulations concerning any additional information that licensees should be required to maintain and make available to the public regarding the licensee's responsibility to broadcast material responsive to matters of public concern. Makes it unlawful for a license applicant and any other person, while a license application is pending, to effectuate an agreement whereby the other person withdraws or withholds the filing of a competing application, an informal objection, or a petition to deny in exchange for the payment of anything of value by, or on behalf of, the applicant. Requires the Commission to establish a procedure for the review of informal complaints received by the Commission during the license term of a radio licensee. Authorizes the Commission to consider such complaints at the time of a license renewal if such complaints constitute a pattern of abuse for purposes of this Act or evidence of the licensee's effort to serve the public interest.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1989
Commends the Board of Immigration Appeals for its decision to allow Joseph Patrick Doherty to apply for U.S. asylum. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Attorney General should approve Joseph Patrick Doherty's asylum application and release him on bond pending the application's review.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1989
Apprenticeship Improvement Act of 1989 - Amends the National Apprenticeship Act to direct the Secretary of Labor to establish and maintain a national information collection system for apprenticeships and apprenticeship programs. Requires the Secretary to assure that, from the amounts appropriated to carry out such Act in each fiscal year, at least one percent shall be available to establish outreach recruitment activities to increase the participation of women and minorities, handicapped individuals, displaced workers, and disadvantaged individuals in the apprenticeship programs. Establishes the Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training (the Bureau) in the Department of Labor, under the direction of the Administrator of the Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training. Transfers to the Bureau all functions of the Assistant Secretary for Employment and Training Administration with respect to the promotion of labor standards of apprenticeship, including research, information, and publications. Transfers to the Bureau all functions related to apprenticeship, including appropriate administrative and program support services, together with necessary personnel and related funds. Authorizes the Secretary to appoint necessary employees for the administration of this Act. Directs the Secretary to increase the force within the Bureau to a specified number of full-time employees by January 1, 1990. Limits the authority to conduct reductions in force within the Bureau. Directs the Secretary to report to the Congress within six months on whether the apprenticeship program complies with regulations governing equal opportunity.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1989
Public Pension Parity Act of 1987 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from the gross income of an individual amounts received as a pension or annuity under a public retirement system to the extent they are not attributable to services covered under the social security system. Limits the tax exclusion based upon calculations relating to income tax treatment of social security benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1989
Global Warming Prevention Act of 1989 - Establishes as national goals: (1) that the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere be reduced from 1988 levels by at least 20 percent by the year 2000 through a mix of Federal and State energy policies; and (2) the establishment of an International Global Agreement on the Atmosphere by 1992. Requires the Secretary of Energy (the Secretary) and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to report to the Congress within two years regarding whether a higher level of carbon dioxide emissions reduction is desirable after 2000, together with any necessary policy actions and their costs and benefits. Title I: National Least-Cost Energy Plan - Requires the Secretary to prepare for the President, and transmit to the Congress, a new National Least-Cost Energy Plan in lieu of other authorized national energy plans. Directs the Secretary to implement such plan immediately. Outlines a program for public involvement in the formulation of the Plan. Directs the Secretary to establish an intervenor funding mechanism based upon certain State models. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1990 through 1992. Requires designated Secretaries to prepare reports for inclusion in the Plan with respect to: (1) all government subsidies for energy-related expenditures; (2) waste reduction options and recycling; (3) tree plantings to offset carbon dioxide emissions; and (4) transportation modes to reduce carbon-dioxide emissions. Amends the Department of Energy Organization Act to repeal the National Energy Policy Plan. Title II: Energy Efficiency - Part A: Energy Efficiency Policy - Directs the Secretary to grant the highest priority to energy efficiency improvements in: (1) energy-consuming devices; (2) federally owned and leased buildings and equipment; (3) federally assisted housing; and (4) the Federal vehicle fleet. Mandates that the President's budget request for FY 1991 through 1994 include recommendations for the increased efficiency of energy-consuming devices. Directs the Secretary to establish an Energy Research Advisory Board Panel on end-use energy technologies. Requires the Panel to report annually to the Energy Research Advisory Board on its assessment of promising energy efficiency research and development opportunities and policies. Requires the Secretary to submit to the Congress: (1) a long-term research and development plan that accelerates by five years the current Department of Energy multiyear program goals for energy efficiency; and (2) an estimate of the funding increase needed to achieve such accelerated goals. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1991 through 1993. Directs the National Institute of Standards and Technology to provide financial assistance in consultation to ten research centers to achieve multiple improvements in energy-intensive industrial and manufacturing processes. Sets forth an operations timetable for such centers. Authorizes appropriations for such centers for FY 1991 through 1993. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish energy efficiency goals resulting in specified primary energy savings for federally owned or leased buildings, as well as federally assisted housing; and (2) include the use of renewable forms of energy within the energy efficiency options for such buildings. Authorizes appropriations for such program for FY 1990 through 1992. Requires the Secretaries of Energy and the Department of Housing and Urban Development to convene a meeting of housing industry members to select a not-for-profit organization to administer a uniform nationwide home energy rating system. Mandates that such organization contract with the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory Center for Building Sciences by a certain deadline. Authorizes appropriations for such organization for FY 1990 through 1993. Mandates that certain institutions which offer federally assisted home mortgage loans take measures to encourage cost-effective energy efficiency improvements based upon a home energy audit and rating scheme. Directs the Secretary to promulgate energy efficiency standards for incandescent and fluorescent lamps and windows. Requires the Secretary to: (1) implement a research, development, and demonstration program on technologies to reduce chlorofluorocarbon use; (2) expand the Department of Energy's existing technology transfer initiative on least-cost electric utility planning; and (3) implement a least-cost gas utility initiative. Requires the Secretary of Transportation to: (1) establish an evaluation program regarding car-pooling arrangements and high-occupancy vehicle lanes; and (2) report to the Congress on nonmotorized transportation alternatives, as well as a fuel-savings mass transportation assistance program for State and local governments. Requires such Secretary to report to the Congress on the use of Highway Trust Fund moneys for non-motorized transportation alternatives and for carbon-dioxide emissions reductions. Directs the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to: (1) take certain prescribed actions to ensure the adoption of least-cost utility planning principles; and (2) detail for the Congress any amendments to the Federal Power Act which are necessary for the Commission to adopt such planning principles. Requires the Secretary of Energy to report to the Congress on the results of a national power survey emphasizing policies and technologies within the electric utility industry which are designed to diminish global warming. Amends the National Energy Conservation Policy Act to repeal the prohibition against the supply or installation by a public utility of a residential energy conservation measure for residential customers. Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to direct the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to prescribe within one year after the date of enactment of this Act rules encouraging the achievement of qualifying efficiency. Mandates that such rules: (1) require that electric utilities offer to purchase qualifying conservation from qualifying cogeneration or small power production facilities; and (2) provide for the verification of conservation achievement. Prescribes rate guidelines for such electric utilities purchases. Establishes Federal standards for least cost supply measures, and requires State regulatory authorities and nonregulated gas and electric utilities to implement such standards. Title III: State Energy Conservation Program - Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to mandate that each State energy conservation plan which receives Federal assistance contain a goal to reduce by ten percent or more the total amount of energy consumed in such State in the year 2000 from the projected energy consumption for such year as of October 1, 1990. Adds to Federal assistance eligibility prerequisites for proposed State energy conservation plans, including an emergency planning program for energy supply disruption. Cites optional State energy conservation programs. Repeals the mandate for supplemental State energy conservation plans. Authorizes appropriations for energy conservation programs (including those for schools and hospitals) for FY 1990 through 1992. Establishes a State Energy Advisory Board to: (1) review and advise on the programs under this Act; (2) serve as liaison between the States and the Department of Energy on energy efficiency; and (3) report annually to the Secretary and the Congress on its activities. Authorizes the use of loan programs and performance contracting for the non-Federal share of energy conservation project costs under the grant program. Amends the Energy Conservation and Production Act to cite conditions under which the Secretary may approve a State application for a waiver of: (1) the requirement that at least 40 percent of Federal weatherization assistance be used for weatherization materials; and (2) the limitations placed upon expenditures per dwelling unit for weatherization measures. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1991 through 1992 for a weatherization research and technical assistance program which shall include the monitoring of indoor air quality in low-income homes. Title IV: Vehicle Energy Efficiency Improvements - Vehicle Energy Efficiency Performance Standards Act of 1989 - Amends the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act to increase the average fuel economy standards for passenger automobiles and light duty trucks for model year 1992 and thereafter according to prescribed guidelines. Exempts manufacturers of fewer than 10,000 light trucks and emergency vehicles from such prescribed standards. Establishes an incentives schedule for manufacturers of passenger automobiles and light trucks. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to assess a tax against any manufacturer who fails to comply with the prescribed average fuel economy standards. Terminates the current civil penalty after model year 1989. Prescribes a fleet average fuel economy schedule for all Federal passenger automobiles and light trucks for model years 1992 and thereafter. Amends the Information and Cost Savings Act to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to consult with the Secretary of Energy before establishing testing and calculation procedures for measuring automobile fuel economy. Revises from mandatory to discretionary the Administrator's authority to require fuel economy tests in conjunction with emissions tests conducted under the Clean Air Act. Directs the Administrator to measure a sampling of production passenger automobiles for each model type and year during the first month of manufacture for sale. Directs the Administrator to review procedures periodically for testing fuel economy. Directs the Administrator to update the booklet containing fuel economy data at least twice a year. Directs the Secretary of Energy to distribute at least 100 booklets each year to each dealer and additional numbers if requested. Cites conditions under which manufacturers of light vehicles with certain increased fuel economies shall be considered to have offered the Government a specified discounted bid. Directs the Secretary, within two years of enactment of this Act, to submit suggestions to the Congress for additional legislation to carry out its purposes and the purposes of the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act. Directs the National Academy of Sciences to report to the Congress on the results of its review of the research and development status of the fuel efficiency and energy consumption reduction of light vehicles, trucks, and passenger vehicles. Directs the Secretary of Energy to make changes in the Department of Energy's transportation research and development program based upon such report. Outlines criteria and procedures for prescribing amended vehicle fuel economy standards. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to prescribe a gas guzzler tax schedule applicable to 1989 and later model year automobiles. Sets forth a tax credit schedule for the purchase of certain fuel efficient passenger vehicles. Title V: Solar and Renewable Resources - Requires the Secretary of Energy to report to the Congress regarding a long-term research, development and demonstration program with policy options necessary to achieve a quadrupling of renewable energy production and use by 2015. Requires the Secretary of Energy to work closely with specified Federal departments regarding the Federal Government's biofuels program, and to report to the Congress on the progress being made in the development of solar and renewable resources. Mandates that the President's budget requests for FY 1990 - FY 1993 include the Secretary of Energy's recommendations for civilian research and development budgets necessary to implement such long-term program. Directs the Secretary to establish an Energy Research Advisory Board Panel on Solar and Renewable Resources and Technologies which shall report annually to the Energy Research Advisory Board regarding the status of the solar and renewable resources program. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1991 through FY 1994 for such program. Mandates that the President's budget request for FY 1991 include the Secretary's recommendations for proof-of-concept or near-commercialization demonstration projects in specified categories. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish and provide financial assistance to a joint research and development venture to develop advanced district cooling technologies applicable in cities with high cooling loads; and (2) appoint members to an Advisory Committee on Advanced District Cooling Technology to assist in the implementation of such joint venture. Authorizes appropriations for such venture. Directs the Secretary of Energy to implement a research program regarding: (1) fuel cell use of methane gas generated from biomass forms; (2) technologies using renewable energy sources (such as wind and solar energy) to produce hydrogen for fuel cell use; and (3) fuel cell technology for electric power production as backup spinning reserve components to renewable power systems in rural and isolated areas. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to, and enter into contracts with, private research laboratories. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress regarding the fuel cell research program. Directs the Secretary to appoint members to an Advisory Committee on Energy Conservation and Renewable Energy Technology Exports to assist in the implementation of such program. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1991 through 1993. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to prepare Federal guidelines for use by cities and municipalities, specifying environmental and safety standards for the use of fuel cell technology. Requires the Secretary of Commerce to report to the Congress regarding the export market potential for integrated fuel cells systems with renewable power technologies. Requires such Secretary to report to the Congress on the activities of the Committee on Renewable Energy, Commerce, and Trade to promote exports of renewable energy technology. Requires each participating member of such Committee to report annually to the Congress on the Committee actions regarding renewable energy technology exports. Requires the Committee to establish a joint government-industry plan to promote the U.S. market share in international trade in renewable energy technologies, including the development of administrative guidelines for Federal export loan programs. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1991 through 1993. Directs the Committee to coordinate, contract with, and assist financially appropriate parties to build and demonstrate the commercial operation of a biomass gasified steam-injected gas turbine of up to 25 megawatts. Authorizes appropriations and requires a report to the Congress. Title VI: Solar Hydrogen Fuels - Directs the Secretary of Energy to prepare and submit to specified congressional committees a comprehensive five-year program management plan for a research and development program designed to permit the development of a domestic hydrogen fuel production capability within the shortest practicable time. Requires the Secretary to send the Congress annual plan descriptions including any necessary plan modifications. Directs the Secretary to establish such program within the Department of Energy. Gives priority to production techniques that use renewable energy sources as their primary energy sources. Directs the Secretary: (1) to conduct demonstrations to evaluate technical and nontechnical parameters to determine commercial applicability of hydrogen technology; and (2) to prepare a comprehensive large-scale hydrogen technology demonstration plan. Establishes a Hydrogen Technical Advisory Panel of the Energy Research Advisory Board to advise the Secretary on the conduct of the hydrogen program. Requires an annual report from the Panel to the Energy Research Advisory Board, which shall subsequently report to the Secretary. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1991 through 1995. Title VII: Natural Gas and Coal - Part A: Natural Gas - Directs the Secretary of Energy to enter into cooperative agreements with and provide financial assistance to appropriate parties to construct and demonstrate the commercial operation of ten intercooled steam-injected gas turbines for generating electricity. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1991 through 1994. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress on the implementation of this program. Directs the Secretary to enter into cooperative agreements with and to provide financial assistance to municipal governments to demonstrate the feasibility of using natural gas as a fuel for urban area mass transit. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1991 through 1993. Requires the Secretary to submit a feasibility report to the Congress within nine months after enactment of this Act pertaining to the use of natural gas in diesel-powered vehicles to facilitate compliance with emissions requirements. Part B: Coal - Requires the Secretary, within nine months, to provide the Congress with a comprehensive review of clean coal technologies to be developed in federally-funded projects under the Department of Energy's clean coal technology program. Directs the Secretary to establish and implement research and development technologies for preventing, reducing, recycling, or offsetting carbon-dioxide emissions from combusted coal. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress on the implementation of such technologies. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1990 through 1992. Title VIII: Forest and Agriculture Policies - Part A: Forest Policies - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture, in cooperation with the Secretary of the Interior, to report to the President and the Congress on the feasibility of a national forestation initiative. Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to require the Secretary of Agriculture to: (1) enter into contracts with ranch and farmland operators to place specified acreage of highly erodible cropland into the conservation reserve during certain crop years; and (2) report to the Congress regarding the potential for offsetting new carbon dioxide emissions through the use of tree plantations. Part B: Agricultural Policies - Mandates that specified Federal agencies conduct a joint study on critical linkages between agricultural production and global climate change. Directs specified Federal agencies to establish an interagency task force to ensure that all satellite and remote sensing information pertinent to agricultural needs and climate modeling are made available to the Department of Agriculture. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to use the "Low-Input Farming Systems Research and Education Program." Authorizes appropriations for FY 1991 through 1995. Part C: Integrated Farming Policies - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to consult with the agriculture community and sustainable agriculture advocates for the purpose of developing an integrated farming research, development, and demonstration program. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1991 through 1993. Directs the Secretary of Energy to establish a national farm ethanol program. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1991 through 1993. Part D: Urban Forestry Conservation Program - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to implement an urban forestry education and accelerated tree planting program for: (1) energy conservation; (2) carbon-dioxide emissions reduction; (3) improved urban air quality; and (4) general environmental benefits. Outlines demonstration projects financed with Federal matching funds. Directs the Secretary to support urban forestry projects at Department of Agriculture stations and at Land Grant Universities. Authorizes appropriations. Part E: Tongass Timber Reform Act - Amends the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act to repeal the ongoing appropriations for timber utilization in the Tongass National Forest, Alaska. Repeals the requirement for identifying lands unsuitable for timber production in such Forest. Repeals the reporting requirement on the adequacy of timber supply from Forest lands. Requires the biennial report on such Forest to include the impact of timber management on subsistence resources, wildlife, and fisheries habitats, biological diversity, the old growth rain forest ecosystem, and other specified items. Requires the southeast Alaska commercial fishing industry to be included for cooperation and consultation in a study of the Forest timber supply and demand. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to terminate specified long-term timber sale contracts, and to revise the Tongass National Forest Land Management Plan of 1979 in a manner that fully protects long-term environmental and recreational concerns. Requires such Secretary to report to certain congressional committees regarding the status of such Forest Plan revision schedule. Imposes a moratorium on timber sales and harvest until the Forest Plan is completely revised and ready for implementation. Title IX: Development Assistance - Directs the Secretary of State, in conjunction with the Administrator of the Agency for International Development and other specified officials, to report to the Congress on the status of forest resources in tropical countries, including a forest and agroforestry plan with goals for each tropical country. Requires: (1) the Administrator to ensure that all activities supported by U.S. bilateral foreign assistance are consistent with such plan; and (2) the Administrator to take into account each country's measure of success in meeting plan goals when allocating development assistance monies. Prescribes guidelines under which the Secretaries of State and of the Treasury and the President must promote multilateral tropical forestry programs, and report to the Congress regarding the progress made by each of the multilateral development banks, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Program, the United Nations Development Program, and the International Tropical Timber Organization. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to promulgate regulations within one year after enactment of this Act requiring wood and products containing imported wood to bear a label disclosing the scientific and common names of such wood and the countries of origin. Directs such Secretary to impose a tropical woods tax upon products containing specified woods. Requires such Secretary to promulgate regulations prohibiting the importation of wood and wood products containing wood from: (1) tropical forest countries that have not achieved the forest plan goals; (2) countries that import wood or products containing wood harvested in tropical countries that have not achieved forest plan goals; and (3) countries that permit transit of wood or products containing wood harvested in tropical countries that have not achieved forest plan goals. Requires the Secretary to report annually to the Congress on the status of import controls with respect to tropical forest countries that have not achieved the forest plan goals. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize the President to assist developing countries with research and development programs aimed at energy efficiency and energy transmission facilities. Prohibits assistance for large-scale production of energy. Prescribes guidelines under which the President is directed to provide support to aid-receiving countries with emphasis upon least-cost energy planning. Requires the President to report annually to the Congress regarding the bilateral energy program, including the progress made in reducing greenhouse gas emission. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to instruct the U.S. Executive Director of each multilateral development bank to: (1) vigorously promote the adoption by each bank of a least-cost energy planning program containing specified components; and (2) oppose, except in certain instances, financial or technical assistance to any borrowing country if a least-cost energy plan is not in place. Directs the Secretary of State to instruct the Ambassador to the United Nations to: (1) vigorously encourage the United Nations Development Program implementing energy conservation and efficiency programs for recipient countries; and (2) oppose the adoption of country programs for any country for which a least-cost energy planning program giving priority to energy conservation, end use energy efficiency, and renewable energy sources is not in place. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury and the Secretary of State to report annually to the Congress regarding the progress of the multilateral development banks and the United Nations Development Program in implementing energy conservation measures. Declares that it is the policy of the United States that its economic assistance programs to developing countries should encourage least-cost, sustainable transportation policies and practices based on a diverse mix of motorized and nonmotorized transport modes which minimize fuel needs and reduce carbon-dioxide emissions. Directs the Administrator of the Agency for International Development to: (1) implement a study of the Agency's transportation-related programs and of the multilateral development bank policies regarding their transportation-related lending practices to recipient countries; and (2) redirect part of the Agency's resources to provide nonmotorized low-cost vehicles that can be sustained in the long term. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to instruct the U.S. Executive Director of each multilateral development bank to increase the emphasis on nonmotorized, low-cost and energy efficient alternatives to private motor vehicles. Directs the Peace Corps to encourage the use of nonmotorized transport technologies in the projects it undertakes. Specifies non-motorized transportation policies to be promoted by the U.S. Government in implementing its development assistance programs. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to modify the loan terms on up to one-half of the sovereign debt owed the United States by developing countries as a condition of adopting forest and energy conservation programs. Directs the Secretary to promulgate regulations implementing such environmental conservation and debt reduction program within one year after the enactment of this Act. Directs the Administrator of the Agency for International Development to report biennially to the Congress regarding the status of energy conservation and efficiency for each country receiving Federal development assistance monies. Requires the Administrator of the Agency for International Development to report to the Congress regarding the options and strategies for the use of bilateral and multilateral development assistance programs sponsored by the United States to control emissions of certain greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Title X: International Activities - Directs the Secretary of State to convene an international meeting in the United States by the end of 1992 to adopt a global climate protection agreement with measures at least as stringent as those in this Act. Sets forth a percentage reductions schedule for emissions of specified gases. Directs the Secretary of State to: (1) initiate negotiations for the adoption of a binding multilateral agreement requiring specified reductions of nitrogen oxide emissions by 1998; (2) request and, if necessary, convene the parties to the Montreal protocol on substances that deplete the ozone layer for possible control measures reassessment; and (3) convene an international meeting to exchange information regarding energy efficiency and solar/renewable energy resources that are environmentally sustainable. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to instruct the U.S. Executive Directors of multilateral development banks to promote lending policies which emphasize specified aspects of energy conservation, renewable energy source, greenhouse gas emissions, and least-cost non-motorized transportation systems. Directs the Administrator of the Agency for International Development to take specified measures concerning: (1) biological diversity conservation; (2) renewable energy resources and conservation; and (3) assistance to developing countries in the use of agricultural and industrial chemicals. Declares U.S. policy with respect to domestic and international efforts to deal with the greenhouse effect. Requests the President to take steps to establish a long-term study of the greenhouse effect, beginning with a one-year cooperative international research program started during or before 1991. Names the year of such program the "International Year of the Greenhouse Effect." Directs the Environmental Protection Agency to develop and implement programs with respect to: (1) chlorofluorocarbon replacement; (2) methane control; (3) energy efficiency; and (4) alternative energy sources. Authorizes appropriations. Title XI: World Population Growth -Declares it is the policy of the United States that family planning services should be made available to all persons requesting them. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1991 through 1995 for international population and family planning assistance. Prohibits the use of such funds for: (1) involuntary sterilization or abortion; or (2) the coercion of any person to accept family planning services. Requests the President to initiate an international conference on population, and to seek an international agreement on population growth. Establishes a National Commission on Population, Environment, and Natural Resources to prepare reports and convene conferences. Terminates such Commission three years after the enactment of this Act. Mandates that multilateral development banks adopt guidelines promoting lending strategies which emphasize the maintenance of sustainable world population levels. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1991 through 1993. Title XII: Recyclable Materials - Directs the Secretary of Commerce and the Secretary of Health and Human Services to report to the Congress the results of a study regarding degradable materials and recycling methodologies. Requires the Secretary of Defense to report to the Congress the results of a study regarding the national security implications of requiring the use of degradable materials in items procured by the Department of Defense, and of requiring the Department to comply with specified prohibitions against the use of nondegradable materials. Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency biennially to submit an updated report to the President and the Congress regarding Federal, State, and local policies and practices in recycling government wastes and procuring recyclable materials. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to report to the Congress the results of a pilot project to develop and demonstrate a viable technology for composting municipal waste and sewage sludge. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to appoint a Director of Recycling Research and Information to: (1) make grants for recycling research and development; (2) establish a national database information clearinghouse for recyclable materials; (3) report annually to the Congress regarding the status of recyclable wastes; and (4) make grants for scientific research on the use of plastic materials as part of a recycling program. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1991 through 1994. Sets forth civil and criminal penalties for offenses involving the production, manufacturing, distribution or selling of specified nonrecycled consumer goods which have been proscribed by the Secretary of Commerce under regulations jointly issued with the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. Requires the Secretary of Commerce periodically to update the list of proscribed nonrecycled consumer goods.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1989
Scenic Byways Study Act of 1989 - Declares it to be the policy of the United States to identify, protect, and enhance scenic and historic roads. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to: (1) transmit to the Congress a nationwide, long-term plan for promoting, designating, protecting, and enhancing scenic and historic roads, including an analysis of available studies on a national scenic byways program, guidelines for administration of such a program, and forecasts of significant changes in traffic volumes, safety consequences, and environmental and economic impacts; (2) assemble for the Congress available information on economic activity associated with scenic and recreational travel; (3) conduct a study and make recommendations regarding economic impacts of promoting scenic byways as tourist attractions, techniques for incorporating scenic byways into tourism development and marketing programs, and alternative means to inform the public about scenic byways; and (4) conduct case studies of, and report on, States with existing scenic byway programs. Requires the Secretary to consult with the States on studies under this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to conduct national and regional conferences to ensure public involvement. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1989
Federal Retirees Fairness Act - Requires Federal agencies to ensure that employee personnel files include information of all Federal employment for retirement purposes within 180 days after an employee begins service with an agency. Requires an agency, if an employee gives at least four months' to one year's notice of intent to retire, to: (1) inform such employee (or, if deceased, the employee's survivors) of any retirement counseling and applicable services; and (2) begin processing disability retirement applications not later than 30 days after the date of the application. Sets forth a schedule for processing applications for retirement deduction refunds and death benefits. Requires the Office of Personnel Management to compile quarterly information on the number of retirement applications submitted by agencies and their timeliness and accuracy. Requires the agency retirement counselor to conduct seminars at least twice a year.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1989
Provides for all Federal civilian and military retirees to receive the full cost-of-living adjustment in annuities payable under Federal retirement systems for FY 1990. (Includes benefits payable under the Civil Service Retirement and Disability System, military retirement and survivor benefit programs, the Foreign Service Retirement and Disability System, the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System, and railroad retirement programs.)
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1989
Amends Federal law to extend the immediate retirement provisions applicable to Federal law enforcement officers to: (1) revenue officers for the Internal Revenue Service; (2) customs inspectors for the U.S. Customs Service; (3) customs canine enforcement officers for the U.S. Customs Service; and (4) inspectors for the Immigration and Naturalization Service.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1989
Declares that the receipts and disbursements of the Postal Service Fund: (1) shall not be included in the totals of the Federal budget or the congressional budget; (2) shall be exempt from Federal budget limitations on expenditures and net lending; and (3) shall not be counted for purposes of calculating the Federal deficit.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1989
United States Coinage Reform Act of 1989 - Requires that one dollar coins be gold colored, be at least 90 percent 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, except as required from time to time to satisfy the needs of collectors, 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. Requires that the seigniorage from the production of such dollar coins be used to offset the reverse seigniorage resulting from the destruction of Susan B. Anthony dollar coins.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1989
Amends the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act to classify as Class II gaming electronic or electromechanical facsimiles of games of chance operated by Indian tribes in Minnesota on or before enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1989
1991 Mount Rushmore Commemorative Coin Act - Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to issue a specified number of five-dollar gold coins, one-dollar silver coins, and half-dollar clad coins in commemoration of the Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Provides that such coins shall be considered legal tender. Requires the Secretary to begin issuing such coins on January 1, 1991. Directs the Secretary to obtain silver for the minting of such coins from stockpiles established under the Strategic and Critical Materials Stock Piling Act and to obtain gold pursuant to authority under existing law. Provides that the design of such coins shall be selected by the Secretary after consultation with the Mount Rushmore National Memorial Society of Black Hills. Specifies the sales price of such coins as the face value plus costs. Requires that all sales of such coins include a surcharge of $35 per coin for five-dollar coins, $7 per coin for one-dollar coins, and $1 for half-dollar coins. Requires that of the total surcharges received by the Secretary from the sale of such coins: (1) 50 percent shall be returned to the Treasury for purposes of reducing the national debt; and (2) 50 percent shall be paid to the Society to assist efforts to improve the Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Authorizes the Comptroller General to audit such payments. Requires the Secretary to ensure that the minting and issuance of such coins shall not result in any net costs to the Government.
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1989
Congressional Scholarships for Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Act - Instructs the Director of the National Science Foundation to establish and implement a merit-based competitive program for awarding a four-year Congressional Scholarship for Science, Mathematics, and Engineering to one female and one male from each U.S. congressional district. Requires the Director: (1) annually to notify secondary schools and colleges of the program; and (2) to establish nominating committees for each congressional district. Limits each scholarship to $5,000 per year, to be used solely for tuition, fees, and room and board expenses. Requires the NSF Director to ensure that both students and nominating committees are selected on a nondiscriminatory basis. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1990 through 1993.
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1989
Postal Reorganization Act Amendments of 1989 - Declares that the receipts and disbursements of the Postal Service Fund: (1) shall not be included in the totals of the Federal budget or the congressional budget; (2) shall be exempt from Federal budget limitations on expenditures and net lending; and (3) shall be exempt from any sequestration order under the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act) and shall not be counted for purposes of calculating the Federal deficit.
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1989
Building and Construction Industry Labor Law Amendments of 1989 - Amends the National Labor Relations Act to provide that in the construction industry two or more business entities engaged primarily in the building and construction industry, performing work within the geographical area covered by a collective bargaining agreement to which any one of the entities is a party, and performing the type of work described in such an agreement, shall be deemed a single employer if they have: (1) substantial common ownership; (2) substantial common management; or (3) substantial common control. Provides that the existence of a contractor-subcontractor relationship shall not be deemed per se to create a single employer or be considered as evidence of direct or indirect common management or control. Applies the terms of a collective bargaining agreement regarding employees of such business entities to all other business entities comprising the same single employer and performing the work described in the agreement within the geographical area covered by the agreement. States that collective bargaining agreements may only be repudiated after the National Labor Relations Board certifies election results in which a majority of the employees select a bargaining representative other than the representative with whom such agreement was made.
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1989
Comprehensive Lyme Disease Act of 1989 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants with respect to Lyme disease: (1) through the Director of the National Institutes of Health, for research and treatment; and (2) through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control, for public education. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1990 through 1992.
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1989
Directs the President to impose certain sanctions against persons who export, transfer, or otherwise engage in the trade of any Missile Technology Control Regime item in violation of the U.S. export control laws. Declares such sanctions to include the: (1) denial of an export license; (2) prohibiting of all contracting with, or procurement of any products and services from, such violator; and (3) prohibiting of imports from such violator. Requires the President to report to the Congress: (1) within ten days before imposing or waiving any such sanction; and (2) annually about the status of any sanctions or sanction waivers.
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1989
Women in Development Act of 1989 - Requires the Administrator of the Agency for International Development (AID) to take specific steps to strengthen the Agency's women in development policy, including: (1) incorporating the active participation of local women and local women's organizations in its development activities; (2) instructing Agency staff and contractors to collect sex-disaggregated data and to insure that country strategies, projects, and programs are designed so that the percentage of women receiving assistance in proportion to the higher of their traditional participation in the targeted activities or their proportion of the population; (3) insuring that project and program evaluations include an assessment of the extent to which the project integrates women in the development process and of the project's impact on women; (4) increasing the number and responsibility of women in professional positions within AID; and (5) establishing within AID a task force on women in development. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to require that a minimum (currently, maximum) of $10,000,000 in funds made available for foreign assistance programs be used for programs to promote the participation and integration of women in the development process in developing countries. Specifies that a certain amount of such funds shall be made available as matching funds to support activities designed to better integrate women into AID programs. Requires the Administrator to report to the Congress annually on the implementation of this Act. Authorizes appropriations to be made available for the United Nations Development Fund for Women and the United Nations International Research and Training Institute for the Advancement of Women.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1989
Fair Garnishment Practices Act of 1989 - Provides for the treatment of Federal pay in the same manner as non-Federal pay with respect to garnishment. Allows the imposition of fees by Government entities to defray administrative costs of garnishment.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1989
Job Training Partnership Accountability Act of 1989 - Amends the Job Training Partnership Act (the Act) to establish additional fiscal controls and procurement accountability requirements. Defines "profit" to mean any revenue in excess of expenditures. Increases the maximum portions of specified program funds for a service delivery area which may be used for administrative costs, or for a combination of administrative costs and work experience program costs. Requires the Secretary of Labor to define all cost categories comprehensively. Establishes procurement standards with which all recipients, subrecipients, or service providers receiving funds under the Act must adequately demonstrate that they have complied. Directs the Secretary to issue various regulations relating to such standards, prohibiting conflicts of interest or restrictions of competition, and requiring recipients to perform a cost analysis and price analysis in connection with each procurement action, including contract modifications. Requires each recipient, subrecipient, and service provider to maintain records of revenues and expenditures, for the duration of the grant, subgrant, contract, or other agreement. Requires all expenditures of funds received under the Act to be recorded and reported in the proper cost categories. Requires the Secretary to issue a notice of proposed rulemaking within three months, allow at least 60 days for public comment, and issue final regulations within six months.
![Official portrait of Rep. Oberstar, James L. [D-MN-8]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/o000006_200.jpg)