United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1987
Disabled Americans Work Incentive Act - Amends part A (Hospital Insurance) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to continue the part A eligibility of physically or mentally impaired individuals who were eligible for such benefits by reason of their entitlement to disability benefits under title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Act, but whose title II benefits have been terminated because they engaged in substantial gainful activity. Sets forth enrollment, special enrollment, and coverage periods as well as the contingencies terminating one's enrollment. Conditions such continued part A eligibility upon the payment of a monthly premium. Requires individuals who are entitled to part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) Medicare benefits only by reason of their continued part A eligibility provided by this Act to pay a monthly premium set at four times the amount otherwise required under part B. Prohibits such part A and B premiums from exceeding a specified percentage of the individual's adjusted gross income, unless the premium thereby sinks below 25 percent of the premium determined without income restraints. Prohibits the benefits provided by this Act from supplanting employer group health plan benefits. Amends title II of the Act to provide that when individuals become entitled to OASDI disability benefits by reason of a disability which previously entitled them to such benefits, both periods of entitlement shall count toward the two-year period of OASDI disability benefit entitlement required for Medicare eligibility despite an intervening period of gainful employment.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1987
Indochinese Refugee Resettlement and Protection Act of 1987 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to establish a specific time period in which the President must consult with the Congress regarding emergency refugee admissions. States that the Secretary of State shall have sole authority to admit certain South Asian refugees. Prohibits denial of refugee status to aliens who are otherwise eligible for immigrant classification. Allocates a specified number of FY 1988 through 1990 refugee admissions for: (1) East Asians; and (2) the Orderly Departure Program (from Vietnam). Expresses the sense of the Congress that under the leadership of the United States renewed efforts should be made to settle Indochinese refugees who have lived in camps for at least three years. Allocates specified numbers of FY 1988 through 1990 East Asian entries for: (1) persons who have lived in refugee camps for at least three years; and (2) other camp residents. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to allocate specified amounts from FY 1988 and 1989 authorizations for education, economic, and military training border projects in Thailand. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the international community should increase efforts to protect Indochinese refugee camps in Thailand from cross-border attacks, and that international personnel should be present on a 24-hour-a-day basis at camp "Site 2" in Thailand.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1987
Amends the Federal criminal code to make it unlawful for an employer to monitor an employee's work phone call unless a repeating audible warning tone is utilized. Allows any person whose call is monitored in violation of this Act to recover civil damages.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1987
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from self-employment income, for Social Security tax purposes, certain payments under the conservation acreage reserve program. Prohibits an income tax deduction for expenses incurred as a result of participation in such program.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1987
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that for each nuclear power plant that does not currently possess a full-power operating license, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission should apply its regulations so that such a license may be issued only if all of the Commission's emergency planning requirements are met. Includes in such requirements: (1) submission of off-site emergency plans to the Commission by State and local governments; and (2) a finding by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and a determination by the Commission, that such plans and emergency preparedness are deemed adequate to protect the public safety in the event of a serious reactor accident.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1987
World War I Veterans' Service Pension Act - Directs the Administrator of Veterans Affairs to pay a monthly pension of $150 to each veteran of World War I who meets specified service requirements. Requires such veteran, if receiving another pension administered by the Veterans Administration (VA), to elect which pension he will receive. Provides for the payment of a monthly pension of $100 to surviving spouses of World War I veterans who meet certain marriage requirements. Requires such surviving spouses to choose between pensions if they are currently receiving another pension through the VA.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1987
Fairness in Broadcasting Act of 1987 - Expresses the findings of the Congress that the Fairness Doctrine: (1) fairly reflects the statutory obligations of broadcasters; (2) received statutory approval from the Congress in 1959; and (3) reasonably balances first amendment rights. Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require broadcast licensees to provide a reasonable opportunity for the discussion of conflicting views on issues of public importance. Requires enforcement and application of such requirement to be consistent with the rules and policies of the Federal Communications Commission in effect on January 1, 1987.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1987
Public Pension Parity Act of 1987 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income amounts received under a government pension that are not attributable to services covered under the social security system. Limits the amount of such exclusion to the amount of maximum excludable social security benefits reduced by the social security benefits received during the taxable year which were excluded from gross income. Defines the "maximum excludable social security benefit" as the individual benefit an individual could receive if fully covered by the Social Security Program, one and one-half times such amount for joint returns, or three-fourths such amount for married individuals filing separately.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1987
Amends part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to require that Medicare payments for physicians' services be made on an assigned basis.
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 1987
Prohibits the obligation or expenditure of funds available to the Department of Defense for the direct or indirect benefit of the Nicaraguan democratic resistance, unless such funds were specifically authorized and appropriated for such purpose.
United States · United States Congress · 31 March 1987
Authorizes the Librarian of Congress to designate employees of the Library of Congress as police for duty with respect to the Library buildings and adjacent streets. Requires the rank structure and pay for such employees to be the same as that for the Capitol Police. Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to make Library of Congress police eligible for public safety officers' death benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 31 March 1987
Constitutional Amendment - Provides for the appointment by the Virgin Islands of the United States, American Samoa, Guam, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands of electors of the President and Vice President equal to the whole number of Senators and Representatives in Congress to which such territories would be entitled if they together were a single State, but in no event more electors than the least populous State appoints.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1987
Petroleum Marketing Practices Act Amendments of 1987 - Amends the Petroleum Marketing Practices Act to provide that, with respect to the sale, consignment, or distribution of motor fuel, the term "franchise" includes any contract between specified parties which is economically necessary to the operation of the leased marketing premises. Provides that the termination or non-renewal of a franchise relationship, upon expiration of an underlying lease for a marketing premises, is reasonable in the event that the franchisor: (1) has an option to renew or purchase an underlying lease or premises and, at least 90 days before such option expires, provides the franchisee with the name, address, and phone number of the owner or lessor; and (2) agrees not to terminate the franchise relationship solely because of the lease and option expiration during any term during which the franchisee is able to retain possession of the premises as a result of entering into an agreement with the owner or lessor.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1987
Minimum Wage Restoration Act of 1987 - Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to provide for specified annual increases in the minimum wage. Provides, after such increases reach a certain level, for annual indexing of the minimum wage to 50 percent of the average hourly rate in the private sector.
United States · United States Congress · 25 March 1987
Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Amendments of 1987 - Amends the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974, the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act, and the Missing Children's Assistance Act to extend the authorization of appropriations to FY 1989 through 1992.
United States · United States Congress · 25 March 1987
Atomic Veterans Compensation Act of 1987 - Amends Federal veterans' benefits provisions to establish (for purposes of eligibility for such benefits) a presumption of service-connection for the following diseases suffered by any radiation-exposed veteran: (1) all forms of leukemia, except chronic lymphatic leukemia; (2) polycythemia vera; (3) thyroid cancer; (4) bronchogenic carcinoma; and (5) female breast cancer. Requires all of the above diseases, in order to be considered service-connected, to have become manifest to a degree of ten percent or more within 30 years after the last date on which the veteran participated in a radiation-risk activity. Defines "radiation-exposed veterans" and "radiation-risk activity" for purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 25 March 1987
Suspends through FY 1989 the military education program for civilian technicians of the Army National Guard. Directs the Secretary of Defense, no later than December 31, 1988, to report to the Senate and House Armed Services Committees on the Military Education Program of the Army National Guard concerning the cost-effectiveness and other characteristics of such program.
United States · United States Congress · 25 March 1987
Recognizes the Fallen Fire Fighters Memorial in Colorado Springs, Colorado, as the International Association of Fire Fighters National Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1987
Family Welfare Reform Act of 1987 - Declares that, hereafter, the Aid to Families with Dependent Children program (part A of title IV of the Social Security Act) shall be known as the Family Support Program and the aid paid to needy families with dependent children shall be called family support supplements. Title I: National Education, Training, and Work (Network) Program - Amends the Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) program to require States to establish an education, training, and work program (program) which helps needy children and parents avoid long-term welfare dependence. Requires private sector involvement in planning and Program design to assure that participants are trained for jobs that will actually be available in the community. Requires adult recipients of family support supplements to participate in the Program if it is available in the political subdivision where he or she resides and State resources otherwise permit. Directs the State to fully inform such recipients of the opportunities offered under the Program. Lists recipients who are exempt from mandatory participation in the Program, including individuals who: (1) are ill, incapacitated, pregnant, or age 60 or older; (2) are needed at home due to the illness or incapacity of another family member; (3) work 20 or more hours a week; or (4) care for a child under age six, but such exception shall apply to only one parent in two-parent families. Authorizes States to require the participation of an otherwise exempt parent or relative of a child under age six if day or infant care is guaranteed by the State and participation is on a part-time basis. Directs States to actively encourage exempt supplement recipients to participate in the Program. Provides that if the adult family caretaker is attending a school or a course in vocational or technical training designed to lead to employment when he or she would otherwise commence participation in the Program, such attendance may constitute satisfactory participation in the Program, though the costs of such school or training shall not be covered by the Family Support Program. Directs States to give priority in Program participation to families: (1) with teenage parents and parents who were under age 18 when their first child was born; (2) that have been receiving family support supplements continuously for two or more years; and (3) with children under age six. Requires States to make an initial assessment of the educational needs, skills, and employability of each Program participant and on that basis develop an employability plan for the participant's family which, to the maximum extent possible, reflects the participant's preferences. Requires each participant to then negotiate a contract with the State which specifies the duration of his or her participation as well as the activities the State will conduct and services it will provide in the course of such participation. Directs the State to assign a case manager to each participating family who is responsible for obtaining, on the family's behalf, any other services which may assure the family's effective participation. Requires State Programs to provide a broad range of services and activities, including: (1) high school or equivalent education; (2) remedial education; (3) job search, training and placement services; and (4) counseling, information, and referral for participants experiencing personal and family problems which may be affecting their ability to work. Requires that children in participating families be encouraged to engage in the education or training activities available under the Program and be provided with additional services and incentives designed to keep them in school and help them obtain marketable job skills. Requires each work assignment to be consistent with the physical capacity, skills, experience, health, family responsibilities, and place of residence of each participant. Prohibits work assignments which displace a currently employed worker or position, impair existing contracts for services or collective bargaining agreements, or fill the job of a worker who has been laid off or fired. Establishes a complaint procedure for employees who allege that such prohibitions have been violated. Prohibits States from requiring participants to work at less than the minimum wage or accept a job which would result in a loss of income to the participant or his or her family. Requires that Program activities be coordinated with Job Training Partnership Act programs and any other relevant employment, training, and education programs available in the State. Authorizes any State to institute a work supplementation program under which such State reserves that sums which would otherwise be payable to program participants as family support supplements and uses such sums instead to subsidize jobs for such participants. Authorizes any State to establish a community work experience program to provide experience and training for individuals not otherwise able to obtain employment. Limits such programs to projects which serve a useful public purpose utilizing, if possible, the participant's prior training, experience, and skills. Limits community work program participants to work or training (or both) for up to 12 months or unpaid work experience or training for up to three months. Requires that: (1) a reassessment be made and a new employability plan developed for participants who do not obtain employment after participation in a community work program; and (2) other Program activities be coordinated with the community work program so that job placement has priority over participation in such program. Prohibits an individual from participating in job search without participating in one or more other Program services or activities if job search has continued for eight weeks or longer without the individual obtaining a job. Provides that when a mandatory Program participant fails without good cause to comply with any requirement imposed on his or her participation in such Program: (1) such participant's needs shall not be taken into account in determining the family support supplement; or (2) supplements shall be denied to all family members until the participant complys. Continues sanctions for a minimum of three months if the participant failed to comply on a previous occasion. Directs States, after three months of a participant's noncompliance, to remind the participant in writing of his or her option to end the sanction. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) publish final regulations and performance standards for such Programs within one year of this Act's enactment; (2) develop a legislative proposal for modifying the Federal AFDC matching rate so that it reflects the relative effectiveness of the various States in carrying out the Programs; and (3) provide for the continuing evaluation of State Programs and the conduct of research on making such Programs more effective. Directs the Secretary to establish uniform reporting requirements requiring each State to periodically furnish Program information to the Secretary, including the average monthly number and types of families assisted under each Program service and activity, the amounts expended on such families, and the length of time for which such families are assisted. Sets the federal matching rate at 75 percent of the expenditures for the operation and administration of the State Program if at least three-fifths of the non-Federal share is contributed in cash and at 50 percent if less than such amount is in cash. Broadens the definition of a "dependent child" to authorize States to provide benefits for individuals under age 21 who are regularly attending a course of higher, secondary, or primary education or vocational or technical training. Authorizes the Secretary to prescribe a standard for determining whether an individual is employed at the time of his or her application for family support supplements which is based upon whether or not the applicant has performed a specific number of hours of work within a designated period. Amends title XI (General Provisions) of the Act to authorize States to conduct demonstration projects testing financial incentives and interdisciplinary approaches to reducing school dropouts, encouraging skill development, and avoiding the welfare dependence of children receiving family support supplements. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to States to assist in financing such projects. Title II: Day Care, Transportation, and Other Work-Related Expenses - Requires States to either: (1) provide day care for dependent children and incapacitated individuals living in the same home as a dependent child; or (2) reimburse the caretaker relative for the cost of such care, if and to the extent that such care is directly related to an individual's participation in the Program, reasonably necessary for such participation, and cost-effective. Provides coverage for certain transportation and other work-related costs. Continues day care coverage for one year after a family's eligibility for support supplements ceases, but permits States to reduce such coverage on the basis of a family's ability to pay. Directs States to regularly assess the availability and reliability of child care services available to Program participants, and, when necessary, develop new child care resources. Title III: Real Work Incentives - Excludes, in determining a family's eligibility for supplement payments: (1) the earned income of students who are not full-time employees; (2) $100 plus 25 percent of any family member's monthly earned income; (3) $100 of monthly family support payments; and (4) earned income credits payable to the family under the Internal Revenue Code. Prohibits application of the $100 and 25 percent earned income exclusion in the case of individuals who, without good cause: (1) terminate their employment or reduce their income; (2) refuse a bona fide offer of employment; or (3) fail to make a timely report of their monthly earned income. Authorizes States to increase the amount of an individual's earned income excluded under this Act in making family support supplement eligibility determinations. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude any benefit provided under any Federal, State, or local governmental assistance program for the support of the individual or for maintenance of the household in determining whether a taxpayer is providing such support or maintenance. Title IV: Transitional Services for Families - Requires a State to continue a family's Medicaid (title XIX of the Act) eligibility for one year (a State may provide a two-year continuance of such eligibility) after the family's eligibility for family support supplements ends, unless such eligibility was terminated due to fraud or the imposition of a sanction. Terminates extended Medicaid coverage if the family ceases to include a dependent child or a family member engages in certain conduct which would warrant sanctions under the Family Support Program. Title V: Child Support Enforcement Amendments - Amends part D (Child Support and Establishment of Paternity) of title IV of the Act to direct States to: (1) establish binding guidelines for child support award determinations (currently, such guidelines need not be binding); and (2) periodically review and update all child support orders to ensure that they continue to comply with child support award guidelines. Requires States to abide by State procedural due process requirements when updating child support awards and notify absent parents of their right to contest the award. Requires that, to the extent possible, the paternity of a child be established at birth. Excludes the cost of paternity determinations as well as the cost of certain interstate child support enforcement projects from the computation of the incentive payment to a State for collecting child support payments. Amends title XI (General Provisions) of the Act to authorize States to conduct demonstration projects identifying and testing possible solutions to problems arising in connection with visitation by absent parents. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to States to assist in financing such projects. Requires the Department of Health and Human Services to establish time limits within which a State must respond to requests for assistance in locating absent parents or establishing paternity, and begin proceedings to establish child support awards. Makes it mandatory that States establish an automatic data processing and information retrieval system for the child support enforcement and establishment of paternity determination process. Title VI: Pro-Family Welfare Policies - Requires States to pay family support supplements with respect to dependent children of unemployed parents in two-parent families. Includes within the definition "quarter of work", for the purpose of determining a family's eligibility for assistance, the parent's: (1) full-time attendance as an elementary or secondary school student; (2) full-time attendance in a vocational or technical training course; and (3) participation in a Job Training Partnership Act education or training program. Directs States to assign an individual case manager to each family receiving family support supplements which is headed by a minor parent. Requires unmarried minor parents to live with a parent, legal guardian, other adult relative, or in a foster home, maternity home, or other supportive living arrangement, unless the State determines that, given specified circumstances, it is impossible or inappropriate for them to do so. Treats the minor parent and minor parent's children as a family separate from the parent and parent's children with whom the minor parent resides in determining the minor parent's eligibility for supplement payments. Authorizes States to condition a minor parent's eligibility on his or her: (1) part-time school attendance; or (2) training in parenting and family living skills. Sets the Federal share of the cost of providing case management services for minor parents at 75 percent. Title VII: Benefit Improvements - Directs each State to re-evaluate annually its need and payment standard under the Family Support Program, giving particular attention to whether the amount it has assumed to be necessary for shelter is adequate. Sets forth reporting requirements. Increases the Federal share of a State's Family Support program costs if such State increases the level of family support supplement payments after FY 1987. Sets a mandatory State Family Support program benefit level to be implemented five years after this Act's enactment. Title VIII: Miscellaneous Provisions - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Secretary of Agriculture to appoint an advisory group to make recommendations to the President and the Congress within one year of this Act's enactment regarding the coordination of the food stamp program under the Food Stamp Act of 1977 and the Family Support Program. Directs the Secretary to establish uniform reporting requirements requiring each State to periodically furnish the Secretary with information regarding the implementation of the Family Support Program.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1987
Marine Resources Investment and Economic Competitiveness Act of 1987 - Expands coverage of the National Sea Grant College and Program Act to include Great Lakes resources. (Current law covers ocean and coastal resources.) Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce (the Secretary) to establish a marine policy fellowship program for the placement of qualified graduate students with the legislative or executive branches of the U.S. Government. Amends the Sea Grant Improvement Act of 1976 to authorize the Secretary to make grants of up to 100 percent to carry out the strategic marine research program. Prohibits granting more than ten percent of the total funds appropriated for any fiscal year to persons in any one State, except for centers of excellence designated as provided in this Act. Requires the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere (the Under Secretary), within one year of enactment of this Act, and every three years thereafter, to develop and publish a report identifying and describing priority areas for strategic marine research. Requires submission of the report to the Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries in the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation in the Senate. Prohibits the Under Secretary from making such grants until 45 days after receipt of such report by the committees. Authorizes the Secretary, upon making certain findings, to designate centers of excellence in strategic marine research. Requires the Secretary to establish and administer a program of strategic marine research postdoctoral fellowships. Prohibits, except for such centers of excellence, more than ten percent of the fellowship awards being in use at any one sea grant program in the same fiscal year. Prohibits use of a fellowship to support an individual at the institution where that individual received a graduate degree. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into contracts and make grants for specified purposes. Sets eligibility requirements. (Current law requires the Secretary to support a sea grant fellowship program.) Establishes an independent committee to be known as the sea grant review panel, superseding the existing sea grant review panel, within 90 days after the enactment of this Act. Provides for the duties, membership, terms, and powers of such panel. Authorizes appropriations of specified amounts for each of FY 1988 through 1992. Provides for reversion of unused grant funds to the Secretary for use in other grants under the same provision as the original grant. Requires the Secretary, within one year of the enactment of this Act, to prescribe rules and regulations necessary to carry out provisions of this Act regarding the strategic marine research program. Repeals the provision of the current law dealing with the sea grant international program. Repeals provisions relating to a biennial report by the Secretary to the Congress and the President regarding the national sea grant program.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1987
Strategic Ocean and Coastal Resources Act of 1987 - Title I: National Sea Grant College Program - Amends the National Sea Grant College Program Act (the Sea Grant Act) to revise certain findings and definitions under such Act. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to identify those ocean and coastal resources research areas that are to be considered "strategic research areas" for purposes of the making of grants for research in such areas. Requires the Secretary to submit to the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee and the House Merchant Marine and Fisheries Committee, on an annual basis, a report containing the rationale for identifying each strategic research area. Directs the Secretary to make grants to any project that is: (1) within a sea grant program; and (2) involves a strategic research area. Authorizes appropriations through FY 1992 for such grants. Authorizes the Secretary, as part of the sea grant fellowship program, to award sea grant fellowships to support the placement of qualified individuals in positions with the Federal Government for a period of up to one year. Revises provisions concerning the composition and terms of office of the Sea Grant Review Panel. Authorizes appropriations through FY 1992. Directs the Secretary to establish a postdoctoral fellowship program under which grants are made to support strategic research and to provide supplemental education and training in any field related to ocean and coastal resources for which the Secretary considers there to be a national need. Outlines provisions concerning the application for and the awarding of such fellowships. Authorizes appropriations through FY 1992 for such purpose. Amends the Sea Grant Act to direct the Secretary to provide annual grants to enable eligible institutions to improve and support curriculum offerings in marine affairs and resource management at the graduate level, to support graduate students of such studies through scholarships and fellowships, and to increase faculty and staff involvement in such programs. Defines "eligible institution" and sets forth grant application and award provisions. Requires each institution receiving such a grant to report to the Secretary annually and within 90 days after the termination of the grant with regard to the application of grant funds. Authorizes appropriations through FY 1992 for the making of such grants. Title II: International Sea Grant Program - Amends the Sea Grant Program Improvement Act of 1976 to include as objectives under such Act various goals which stress the need for international cooperation, technology transfer, and data exchange between the United States and foreign nations with regard to research and educational activity on important marine resources. Extends the authorization of appropriations under such Act through FY 1992.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1987
Fair Trade and Economic Justice Act - Declares that it is U.S. policy to: (1) promote an open and fair international trading system; (2) strengthen international trading rules to renounce the exploitation of workers in order to gain a competitive advantage in international trade; and (3) treat as an unfair trade practice any competitive advantage derived from denial of workers' rights. Title I: Negotiating Objectives Regarding the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade and Enforcement of Internationally Recognized Worker Rights - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to include among the actions to be taken on trade agreements the enhancement of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) through: (1) the adoption of an additional GATT article declaring that the exploitation of workers is an unjustifiable means for a country to gain a competitive trade advantage; (2) the amendment of the GATT to affirm such principle; or (3) the adoption and implementation of a code on internationally recognized worker rights. Prohibits the President from entering into any negotiation with respect to any trade agreement unless the President first reports to specified congressional committees on the actions that will be taken to protect workers' rights and to redress the trade disadvantage of countries that rely primarily on direct taxes for revenue needs. Prohibits any trade agreement entered into after enactment of this Act from taking effect with respect to the United States unless the President consults with specified congressional committees on the progress being made to protect workers' rights. Title II: Enforcement of United States Rights Under Trade Agreements and Response to Certain Foreign Practices - Authorizes the President, in response to certain unfair foreign trade practices, to deny nondiscriminatory treatment (most-favored-nation treatment) to imports from a country that engages in such practices. Adds to the definition of "unreasonable" trade acts, policies, or practices: (1) toleration of cartels; and (2) denial of internationally recognized workers' rights. Provides that petitioners for relief from unfair trade practices shall be persons with substantial evidence. Requires persons who request hearings in unfair trade practice cases to be persons with substantial evidence. (Currently any interested person may petition for relief and may request a hearing in such cases.) Requires the U.S. Trade Representative to submit recommendations to the President within nine months of the start of an investigation into unfair trade practices if the petition alleges that the unfair trade practice involves denial of internationally recognized workers' rights.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1987
Employee Educational Assistance Act of 1987 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the income tax exclusion for employee educational assistance programs. (Present law terminates such exclusion as of December 31, 1987.) Requires, for every taxable year beginning after 1988, an annual cost of living adjustment of the maximum excludable amount. Waives the maximum excludable amount for any educational assistance furnished by certain educational institutions to graduate students engaged in teaching or research activities for such organization.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1987
Establishes the Veterans Administration as an executive department redesignated as the Department of Veterans' Affairs. Makes technical and conforming changes, including the redesignation of the Administrator of Veterans Affairs as the Secretary of Veterans' Affairs.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1987
Medicaid Community Spouse Protection Amendments of 1987 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to separate the income and resources of an institutionalized individual from the income and resources of his or her community spouse in determining the institutionalized individual's Medicaid eligibility. Requires that, after a personal needs allowance is deducted from an institutionalized individual's monthly income, a monthly income allowance be paid to his or her community spouse (in addition to a family allowance for each family member residing with such spouse) to the extent such spouse's monthly income falls short of a minimum monthly maintenance needs allowance (allowance) determined pursuant to a specified formula. Gives the institutionalized spouse the right to a hearing to establish that the allowance is not adequate to support the community spouse without financial duress so that an adequate amount of support will be substituted for the allowance. Prohibits the allowance from being less than court-ordered support payments. Permits an institutionalized spouse to transfer resources to the community spouse to the extent $12,000 exceeds the amount of resources otherwise available to the community spouse.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1987
Information Dissemination and Research Accountability Act - Establishes in the National Library of Medicine a National Center for Research Accountability to assist in eliminating duplication of effort in Federal research proposals involving live animals. Directs the President to appoint as members of the Center 20 experts in the biomedical information sciences who are currently employed by a Federal agency in a capacity which qualifies them to make determinations as to whether research proposals involving live animals are duplicative of other research efforts. Sets forth provisions for a Director of the Center. Prohibits Federal agencies from carrying out or funding any research proposal involving live animals unless the proposal is submitted to the Center following agency approval. Prohibits Federal funding of any such proposal which the Center determines would duplicate other research completed or in process. Authorizes the Center to contract with private entities to assist in the conduct of comprehensive full-text literature searches. Directs the President to establish rules to preclude any conflict of interest in the awarding of such contracts. Authorizes the President to appoint uncompensated advisors to the Members of the Center. Directs the Center to report annually to the President and the Congress. Provides for modernization of biomedical information storage and dissemination by the National Library of Medicine. Directs the Library to: (1) acquire, in full-text form, all biomedical information owned or available for use by Federal agencies (except information already in the Library or classified for national security reasons); (2) transcribe and store in full-text all such information acquired by the Library after January 1, 1960; (3) translate into English all foreign-language biomedical information owned or used by the Library; (4) make available through modern technologies, at cost, to medical libraries all full-text biomedical information in its collection; (5) support, by grants and contracts, the creation of new information for teaching and demonstrations, including audiovisual aids and computer graphics technologies; (6) make available, at cost, such new information to research and teaching institutions; and (7) increase the number of persons trained in modern methods of biomedical information storage and dissemination technologies by making available stipends, awards, and grants to persons engaged in such training. Provides that the cost to those requesting such biomedical or such teaching and demonstration information shall include the Federal expenses incurred in acquiring and making it available. Authorizes the Library to award contracts to the private-sector data recording industry to improve: (1) the development of technologies for storage and dissemination of full-text biomedical information; and (2) dissemination of such information to medical libraries for research use. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to appoint uncompensated advisors to the Library for purposes of this Act. Requires the Library to report annually to the Congress on its progress. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 and thereafter.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1987
WIC Food for Life Resolution - Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the Special Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) should receive increasing appropriations until all eligible persons are being served; and (2) an outreach program should be conducted to identify persons eligible for WIC assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1987
Oil Pollution Liability and Compensation Act of 1987 - Title I: Oil Pollution Liability and Compensation - Imposes joint, several, and strict liability for specified removal costs and damages upon the party responsible for a vessel or facility from which oil is either discharged into certain waters, or which poses a substantial threat of such a discharge. Exempts from such liability certain discharges permitted under Federal law. Defines conditions under which a mobile offshore drilling unit will be treated as either a tanker or as a facility for purposes of determining responsibility or excess liability. Sets forth defenses to liability under this Act. Sets forth limits to liability under this Act, with specified exceptions. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to establish by regulation a maximum liability limit. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress from time to time regarding liability adjustments. Defines circumstances under which liability for injury to natural resources shall be to either: (1) the United States; (2) the affected State; or (3) a foreign government. Sets forth recovery and indemnification procedures. Sets forth the uses of the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund (the Fund) including: (1) payment of removal costs and administrative expenses; and (2) contributions to the International Fund. Sets forth defenses to liability for such Fund and a specified maximum amount which may be paid from the Fund. Confers rights of subrogation upon the United States for payment of any claim by the Fund. Sets forth a claims procedure for removal costs or damages. Requires the Secretary to designate the source of a discharge (or potential discharge), and to immediately notify the responsible party or guarantor of such designation. Sets forth the advertisement procedures to be followed by such a designee or guarantor. Grants subrogation rights to any person (including the Fund) who pays compensation under this Act to any claimant for costs or damages. Requires the party responsible for certain vessels over 300 gross tons to establish and maintain evidence of financial responsibility to meet maximum liability limits. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to withhold or revoke the clearance of any vessel which fails to certify such financial responsibility. Sets forth circumstances under which such vessels may have entry into U.S. ports or waters denied, or have their oil cargo seized. Imposes a civil penalty for failure to comply with the financial responsibility requirement. Restricts judicial review of any regulation promulgated under this Act to the Circuit Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia. Grants the district courts original jurisdiction over all actions arising under this Act. Sets forth a limitation period for actions for removal costs, damages, or contribution. Title II: Conforming Amendments - Sets forth conforming amendments to certain related statutes. Title III: Implementation of International Conventions - States that during any period in which the Civil Liability Convention and the Fund Convention are in force with respect to the United States, owner liability for pollution damage arising from a ship-related incident shall be determined according to such Conventions. Grants recognition to the International Oil Pollution Compensation Fund as a legal person under Federal law, and deems the Director of such Fund to have irrevocably appointed the Secretary of State as the Fund's agent for service of process for legal proceedings involving the Fund within the United States. Exempts such Fund and its assets from all direct taxation in the United States. Provides that certain required contributions with respect to oil received in the United States shall be paid to the International Fund from the Oil Spill Compensation Fund. Grants recognition of any final judgment of a court of any country which is a party to either the Civil Liability Convention or the Fund Convention. Sets forth the financial responsibility requirements of ship-owners whose vessels are subject to the Civil Liability Convention. Imposes specified sanctions and civil penalties upon persons violating the financial responsibility requirements. Waives all U.S. defenses based upon sovereign immunity with respect to any controversy arising under the Civil Liability Convention or the Fund Convention relating to any ship owned by the United States and used for commercial purposes. Authorizes the Secretary to prescribe regulations to implement this Act, and all Federal obligations under the specified Oil Pollution Conventions.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1987
Performing Arts Labor Relations Amendments - Amends the National Labor Relations Act to exclude specified types of employers and performers in the performing arts from coverage under unfair labor practice provisions prohibiting specified contracts or agreements between employers and labor organizations and prohibiting specified actions of labor organizations to force or require cessation of dealings with others, joining of labor or employer organizations, or recognition of or negotiation with labor organizations not certified as representative. Permits such employers, excluding employers in the broadcasting or motion picture industries, to: (1) agree with a labor organization to make membership in such organization a condition of performing arts employment; and (2) make agreements with a labor organization covering performing artists even if the majority status of the organization has not yet been established. Defines "employer" to include purchasers of musical performance services. Defines "employee" to include independent contractors engaged to perform musical services.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1987
Federal Lands Receipts Clarification Act - Amends the Mineral Lands Leasing Act, the Mineral Leasing Act for Acquired Lands, and other Federal law to specify that the States' share of certain revenue from National Forest System timber sales, from oil and gas royalties, and from mineral and geothermal leases be determined on the basis of gross receipts.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1987
Prohibits any investments in South Africa by U.S. persons. Prohibits the importation into the United States of any article from South Africa, except for strategic minerals which the President certifies to the Congress are essential for military uses, are not sufficiently available from domestic supplies, and for which no substitutes are available. Prohibits the exportation to South Africa of any goods, technology, or other information subject to U.S. jurisdiction. Prohibits any such exportation by any person subject to U.S. jurisdiction. Exempts from such prohibition certain medical supplies and food. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to prohibit the takeoff and landing of any aircraft except for emergencies by a foreign air carrier owned by South Africa or South African nationals. Prohibits the importation into the United States of any South African gold coin. Prohibits any U.S. depository institution from accepting, receiving, or holding a deposit account from South Africa. Prohibits the United States from engaging in any military or intelligence activities in cooperation with South Africa. Authorizes the President to limit imports into the United States from a foreign country to the extent that such foreign country benefits from, or takes commercial advantage of, any prohibition imposed by this Act. Provides for the enforcement of this Act. Repeals the Comprehensive Anti-Apartheid Act of 1986 and the amendments made by that Act to the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 and the Export-Import Bank Act of 1945.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1987
Lottery Advertising Clarification Act of 1987 - Amends the Federal criminal code and Postal Service provisions to include advertisements on gift enterprises, schemes offering prizes dependent upon lot or chance, and price lists as authorized State lottery information. Includes as a punishable offense the unauthorized television broadcasting (currently, only radio broadcasting) of lottery information.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1987
Democracy in Chile Act of 1987 - Declares that it is U.S. policy to: (1) encourage the peaceful return to democracy in Chile; (2) condemn continued acts of brutality by the Chilean Government as well as the assassination attempt against General Pinochet; (3) call for the adoption of a timetable for the transition to democracy and civilian rule; and (4) support efforts to establish the framework for such transition. Imposes the following sanctions against Chile beginning 30 days after enactment of this Act: (1) U.S. opposition to multilateral development bank loans or other assistance for Chile unless the assistance is directed specifically to programs which serve the basic human needs of the citizens of Chile; (2) denial of benefits to Chile under the Generalized System of Preferences and prohibition of duty-free treatment of imports from Chile; (3) denial of Overseas Private Investment Corporation loans or investment guarantees for Chile; (4) prohibition of imports of copper from Chile; and (5) termination of the United States-Chile air transportation agreement. Provides that such sanctions shall not apply if: (1) the President certifies to the Congress that Chile has made significant progress in complying with internationally recognized human rights and in restoring labor rights, has made significant progress in establishing a free multi-party electoral process, has ended the practice of forced exile and restrictions on the right of Chilean nationals to enter and leave their country, and has taken appropriate steps to investigate the deaths of Rodrigo Rojas de Negri, Orlando Letelier, and Ronni Moffitt; and (2) the Congress, within 30 days of receiving such certification, enacts a joint resolution approving such certification. Provides for expedited congressional consideration of such joint resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1987
Commemorates the Northwest Ordinance of 1787 as one of the fundamental legal documents of the United States. Authorizes and requests the President to issue a proclamation calling upon the people of the United States to observe the bicentennial of the Northwest Ordinance.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1987
Prohibits the United States from carrying out a test of the Space Defense System (antisatellite weapon) involving the miniature homing vehicle against an object in space until the President certifies to the Congress that the Soviet Union has conducted, after enactment of this Act, a test against an object in space of a dedicated antisatellite weapon. Provides that such prohibition expires on October 1, 1988. Declares that the President should seek with the Soviet Union a mutual and verifiable treaty which limits the testing, deployment, and use of any antisatellite weapon.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1987
Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to limit annual imports of milk protein products (casein) to 50 percent of the average annual amount imported during the period 1981 through 1985. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a preferential import licensing system for such products based on the availability of domestic substitutes.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1987
Family Farm Act - Title I: Agricultural Commodity Supply Management - Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949, effective for the 1988 through 2000 crop years, to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to conduct referendums among crop and milk producers every four years to determine whether an agricultural commodity supply management program (program) shall be in effect for such period. (States that if a referendum is not approved current price support provisions shall apply.) Administers such program through the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC). Establishes program commodity loan rates at 70 percent of parity beginning with the 1988 crop year, and increasing by one percent per year to a maximum of 80 percent for the 1998 through 2000 crop years. (Eliminates target prices and other subsidy payments.) Directs the Secretary to conduct a study and report to the Congress prior to the beginning of the 1993 crop year regarding the economic impact of this Act and the continuation of such loan schedule. Directs the Secretary to: (1) proclaim a national marketing quota for each commodity based upon domestic and export demands, food aid requirements, and carryover and reserve requirements; and (2) proclaim a national acreage allotment based upon projected national yield and expected underplantings. Requires producers to apply for farm acreage allotments. Limits acreage increases to not more than 20 percent of the previous year's acreage. Authorizes the Secretary to establish a conservation use set-aside program if a commodity's projected production will exceed its national marketing quota. Increases set-aside percentages as projected production increases. Limits such maximum percentage to 35 percent. Authorizes a paid diversion program if further production decreases are necessary. Limits nonprogram crop production under specified conditions. Provides for the assignment of marketing certificates based upon the number of permitted acres times a farm's program yield. Provides for quantity reductions due to on-farm use. Authorizes excess commodities to be stored and marketed under a certificate issued in a subsequent year, or donated or sold for famine relief to the CCC. Requires importers to obtain such certificates. Limits the conditions of their use. Directs the Secretary to establish a farmers' disaster reserve, to be initially stocked by CCC commodities and afterwards by producer contributions. Limits maximum individual assistance. Sets forth penalties for program noncompliance. Makes conforming amendments to specified Acts. Permits family-size livestock and poultry producers to purchase CCC grain for a 36-month period beginning 30 days after enactment of this Act. Limits maximum annual purchases. Title II: Milk Marketing Control - Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to direct the Secretary to conduct referendums among milk producers every four years to determine whether an alternative milk price support program (program) shall be in effect for such period. (States that if a referendum is not approved current price support provisions shall apply.) Establishes milk price support levels at 70 percent of parity beginning in 1988, and increasing by one-percent per year to a maximum of 80 percent for 1998 through 2000. Directs the Secretary to conduct a study and report to the Congress before January 1, 1993, regarding the economic impact of this Act and the continuation of such support schedule. States that the Secretary shall determine individual milk marketing bases for each year such program is in effect. Bases such amount on the product of the producers' marketing history (1981 through 1985) and the annual marketing allocation factor (based on domestic and export needs and production quantities). Permits the transfer of milk marketing bases, subject to specified conditions and with priority given to family members and beginning producers. Title III: Agricultural Exports and Imports - Subtitle A: Agricultural Exports - Amends the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954 to provide for multilateral famine relief agreements. Authorizes the use of CCC surplus stocks for such purposes. Subtitle B: Agricultural Imports - Directs the Secretary to use specified import limitation authority under the Agricultural Adjustment Act to prevent imported commodities from interfering with domestic price support activities. Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to require country of origin labeling for any agricultural product containing a significant (by volume or value) portion of imported ingredients. Prohibits the importation of commodities, live animals used for food, or food items containing residues of chemicals prohibited for use in the United States. Title IV: Food and Nutrition Assistance - Subtitle A: General Food and Nutrition Programs - Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to direct the Secretary to increase food stamp benefits to offset any food price increases resulting from this Act. Makes similar amendments to the National School Lunch Act (school lunch program), and the Child Nutrition Act of 1986 (school breakfast program and the supplemental food program for women, infants, and children (WIC)). Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to: (1) adjust the cost of the thrifty food plan; (2) exclude child support payments from income for purposes of food stamp eligibility; (3) increase excess shelter expense deduction caps; (4) amend the allowable deduction for excess medical expenses of the elderly and disabled; (5) increase the limitations on financial resources; (6) permit the use of administrative funds to provide program information to unemployed, disabled, or elderly persons; (7) increase FY 1988 through 1990 appropriations; (8) authorize outreach programs for the homeless; (9) provide separate household status for certain children and siblings; and (10) provide food stamps within five days of application to the homeless and to persons whose combined gross income and liquid resources is less than their monthly rent and utilities. Amends the Temporary Emergency Food Assistance Act of 1983 to increase FY 1987 authorizations, and authorize FY 1988 authorizations, for the temporary emergency food assistance (TEFAP) program. Amends the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 to replace the current specific FY 1989 WIC authorization with an authorization of necessary funds for FY 1989. Increases the authorization of appropriations for nutrition education and training. Subtitle B: Nutrition Monitoring and Related Research - National Nutrition Monitoring and Related Research Act of 1987 - Establishes a ten-year coordinated program, to be known as the National Nutrition Monitoring and Related Research Program, which shall be implemented by the Secretaries of Health and Human Services and Agriculture. Establishes an Interagency Board for Nutrition Monitoring and Related Research to facilitate the implementation of such program. Authorizes the Secretaries to appoint an Administrator of Nutrition Monitoring and Related Research to coordinate such program. Requires the Secretaries to prepare and implement a comprehensive national nutrition monitoring and related research plan which shall: (1) assess and report on U.S. nutritional and dietary trends; (2) assess and report on low-income food and household expenditures; (3) sponsor and conduct research; (4) develop and update a national dietary and nutritional status data bank; (5) assist State and local agencies in developing procedures and networks for nutrition monitoring and surveillance; and (6) focus the activities of Federal agencies. Requires the plan to allocate the project functions and activities among the various Federal agencies and offices involved. Provides that the comprehensive plan shall be carried out during the period ending with the close of the ninth fiscal year following the fiscal year in which the final comprehensive plan is submitted. Requires the Secretaries to provide for and coordinate such scientific research and development as may be necessary to support the coordinated program and comprehensive plan. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the President to establish a National Nutrition Monitoring Advisory Council to: (1) provide scientific and technical advice on the development and implementation of all components of the coordinated program and the comprehensive plan; (2) evaluate such program and plan; and (3) submit an annual report to the Secretaries. Directs the Secretaries to publish and review dietary guidelines for the general population. Title V: Financial Assistance - Subtitle A: Farm Debt Restructuring Program - Chapter 1: Entitlement to Debt Restructuring Aid - Entitles eligible farmers in qualifying States who enter into qualifying debt restructuring agreements to Federal debt restructuring assistance. Chapter 2: Qualifying States - Sets forth the following requirements for qualifying States: (1) the State must have a farm loan mediation program; (2) State law must require that a collection action be preceded by notification of the borrower of the availability of State mediation services and Federal debt restructuring assistance; and (3) the State must provide farm counseling services. Sets forth mediation program requirements including: (1) training mediators; and (2) mediation period of at least 42 days. Chapter 3: Qualified Debt Restructuring Agreements - Requires qualified debt restructuring agreements to provide for: (1) principal writedown and interest rate reduction; and (2) timely borrower payments. Chapter 4: Debt Restructuring Aid - Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a County Emergency Debt Restructuring Committee in each county of a qualifying State to administer the debt restructuring program. Requires a committee to determine an applicant's eligibility for debt restructuring assistance within seven days of receipt of an application. Provides assistance as either: (1) no-interest loans of up to $30,000 for three years; or (2) grants of equivalent value. Establishes a five-year loan repayment period, with a two-year postponement if necessary. Establishes an appeals procedure for denied restructuring agreements. Directs the Secretary to establish a Review Board for such purpose. Chapter 5: Administrative Provisions - Provides 50 percent matching grants to States to offset the costs of such mediation program. Limits annual payments to any State to $1,000,000. Sets forth provisions regarding the participation of affected Federal agencies, including the Farm Credit Administration. Requires the Secretary to submit a program report to the Congress by January 15 of each fiscal year. Chapter 6: Definitions - Defines "eligible farm borrower" as a person: (1) who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien; (2) who operates a family farm (gross sales not exceeding $500,000); (3) who is a farm loan borrower; (4) whose average nonfarm related income does not exceed $45,000; and (5) whose projected gross income will not exceed specified sums. Subtitle B: Grants to States to Assist Persons Leaving Farming - Establishes in the Department of Agriculture the Office of Emergency Aid for Persons Leaving Farming to provide transition assistance to States for eligible families leaving agriculture. Makes such assistance available as: (1) cash assistance; (2) home energy assistance; (3) relocation assistance; (4) family services; (5) employment assistance; (6) job skills training; and (7) nutrition assistance information. Requires the Secretary to submit a program report to the Congress by January 15 of each fiscal year. Terminates such program five years after enactment of this subtitle. Subtitle C: Miscellaneous Provisions - Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to prohibit debt restructuring assistance to persons producing commodities on erodible land or converted wetlands. Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act to permit banks to write off over ten years their losses incurred with such debt restructing agreements. Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to: (1) reduce the minimum annual sales requirement for purposes of homestead protection eligibility; (2) make limited resource loans available to minority farmers in proportion to local population percentages; and (3) require the Secretary to submit a report to the Congress regarding such minority loans by January 15 of each fiscal year.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1987
Irrigation Subsidy Reform Act of 1987 - Amends the Reclamation Projects Act of 1939 to require the Secretary of the Interior to charge full cost for the delivery of water used in the production of any surplus agricultural commodity.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1987
Amends the Tax Reform Act of 1986 to extend for one year (from April 16, 1987, to April 16, 1988) the waiver of estimated tax penalties for underpayments by individuals attributable to such Act.
![Official portrait of Rep. Oberstar, James L. [D-MN-8]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/o000006_200.jpg)