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Official portrait of Rep. Ortiz, Solomon P. [D-TX-27]

Rep. Ortiz, Solomon P. [D-TX-27]

United States · Official source

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3,367 records where Rep. Ortiz, Solomon P. [D-TX-27] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years

Bill· HRH.R. 2116 (100th)open

PRO Due Process and Equity Amendments of 1987

United States · United States Congress · 22 April 1987

PRO Due Process and Equity Amendments of 1987 - Amends part B (Peer Review) of title XI of the Social Security Act to give Medicare (title XVIII of the Act) providers 30 days to request a hearing, and such time as is thereafter needed to exhaust administrative and judicial remedies, before the decision of the Secretary of Health and Human Services to exclude the provider from Medicare participation takes effect, provided that such delay does not pose a severe and immediate threat to the health of Medicare beneficiaries. Provides that where the Secretary finds such an immediate threat to exist, the provider shall be immediately excluded from Medicare participation and be given a hearing within 30 days. Directs the Secretary to act upon the recommendations regarding a provider's noncompliance with title XI requirements within five days of their submission if the PRO finds such noncompliance to pose an immediate threat to the health of Medicare beneficiaries, and, in any other case, within 120 days of the submittal of the recommendations. Entitles Medicare providers to a reconsideration by PRO of that organization's denial of payment for services provided, and to further review where such reconsideration is adverse to the provider and certain jurisdictional criteria are satisfied. Requires PROs to notify providers regarding any changes in the services reviewed or the review standards applied by PROs at least 30 days before such changes take effect. Requires the Secretary to emphasize PRO educational activities as much as its sanctioning activities when entering into, reviewing, or terminating PRO contracts. Directs PROs to make at least 50 percent of their review of small rural hospitals on-site reviews and take into account professionally recognized local health care standards as well as national and State standards in conducting such reviews. Prohibits the finalization of a provider payment denial until at least 30 days after the PRO gives the provider reasonable notice of the proposed denial and a reasonable opportunity to discuss such denial. Requires a PRO to include at least one hospital representative on its governing body. Requires the random review of physician care to be conducted so that there is an equal likelihood and intensity of review for each physician sampled.

Bill· HRH.R. 2113 (100th)referred

Rural Health Care Preservation Act of 1987

United States · United States Congress · 22 April 1987

Rural Health Care Preservation Act of 1987 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to create a new title, Title XXIII: Preservation of Rural Health Care. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (Secretary) to appoint a Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Health Care to coordinate public and private activities to strengthen the rural health care system, including regional analyses and an information clearinghouse. Requires the Director of the Congressional Office of Technology Assessment to appoint a Rural Health Care Advisory Commission to report annually to the Congress, the Secretary, and the Deputy Under Secretary on access to community-based rural health care. Declares that certain provisions of the Social Security Act relating to staffing, administration, and reporting shall apply in the same way to the Commission as they apply to the Prospective Payment Assessment Commission. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the provisions of this Act relating to the Rural Health Care Advisory Commission for FY 1988 through 1990. Requires the Secretary to include with the publication of certain regulations an analysis of the impact of each regulation on access to rural health care. Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary to make grants for mental health services demonstration projects relating to rural residents. Increases the amount authorized to be appropriated for such projects in FY 1988 and authorizes such increased amount for FY 1989 and 1990. Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary to provide that not less than 25 percent of funds set aside for research and demonstration projects relating to health services delivery or access be used in projects relating to rural areas, except for funds appropriated for the National Institutes of Health or funds first made available before FY 1988.

Bill· HRH.R. 2119 (100th)referred

Government Patent Policy Amendments of 1987

United States · United States Congress · 22 April 1987

Government Patent Policy Amendments of 1987 - Amends the patent laws to extend to all contractors, assignees, and exclusive licensees under Federal funding agreements the requirement that the manufacture of products using patents arising from federally supported research be significantly performed in the United States.

Bill· HRH.R. 1891 (100th)open

Equity in Interstate Competition Act of 1987

United States · United States Congress · 1 April 1987

Equity in Interstate Competition Act of 1987 - Empowers any State and the District of Columbia to require a person to collect a State sales tax imposed with respect to the sale of tangible personal property if: (1) the destination of sale is in such State; and (2) such person engages in regular or systematic soliciting of sales in such State and has, within a specified one-year period, gross receipts from the sale of such property that exceed either $500,000 within the State or $12,500,000 nationally. Sets forth certain requirements that will qualify certain local sales taxes for treatment as State sales taxes. Prohibits a State from requiring any person who collects a State sales tax to make an accounting for the receipts of such tax on the basis of the geographical location at which the taxable transaction occurs. Limits the authority of the State to require a taxpayer to: (1) file more than four tax returns reporting the amount of such tax collected or required to be collected in any one-year period; or (2) file a return and remit the receipts of such tax more frequently than once in a calendar quarter, or before the expiration of the 20-day period beginning on the last day of the period for which such return is required to be filed. Provides that any person required by a State to collect a State sales tax shall be subject to the laws of that State relating to such tax.

Bill· HRH.R. 1873 (100th)open

A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to reserve 25 percent of obligations under military construction contracts for local contractors.

United States · United States Congress · 31 March 1987

Amends Federal armed forces provisions relating to defense contracts to require the head of a defense agency to reserve at least 25 percent of all sums obligated for military construction contracts for local contractors (contractors located within 175 miles of the construction project site).

Bill· HRH.R. 1813 (100th)referred

Legalization Family Unification Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 March 1987

Legalization Family Unification Act - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to waive the continuous residence requirement under the legalization program for parents of U.S. citizen children born after December 31, 1981, and before November 7, 1986.

Bill· HRH.R. 1786 (100th)open

Telephone Decency Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 March 1987

Telephone Decency Act - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to prohibit any obscene or indecent telephone communication, in foreign or interstate communication or in the District of Columbia, for commercial purposes to any person. (Current law prohibits such communication to any person without his or her consent or to any person under 18 years of age.)

Bill· HRH.R. 1812 (100th)referred

Legalization Family Unification Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 March 1987

Legalization Family Unification Act - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to waive the continuous residence requirement under the legalization program for spouses and children of legalized aliens.

Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 207 (100th)referred

A joint resolution commemorating the fortieth anniversary of the Marshall plan.

United States · United States Congress · 25 March 1987

Acknowledges the magnanimity of the Marshall plan and the efforts of the Marshall Foundation in Lexington, Virginia, to continue the values for which George C. Marshall stood, and asks all Americans to rededicate themselves to the ideals which George C. Marshall represented. Welcomes the publication on June 5, 1987, of the fourth volume of the official biography of George C. Marshall. Designates the month of June 1987 as George C. Marshall Month.

Bill· HRH.R. 1769 (100th)referred

Minority Business Development Act of 1987

United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1987

Minority Business Development Act of 1987 - Redesignates the Minority Business Development Agency in the Department of Commerce as the Minority Business Development Administration, to be headed by an Assistant Secretary of Commerce appointed by the President, with the advice and consent of the Senate. Requires the Secretary of Commerce to report to the Congress on the organizational structure within the Administration and its organizational position in the Department of Commerce. Title I: Market Development - Empowers the Administration to: (1) assist disadvantaged businesses in penetrating domestic and foreign markets by making available to them management and technological assistance, a skilled labor pool, and financial and marketing services; and (2) encourage disadvantaged firms to establish joint ventures and projects to increase their share of the market. Allows the Assistant Secretary of the Administration, if certain conditions are met to approve any agreement between disadvantaged firms or public or private sector organizations providing for a joint program for market development. Exempts from the antitrust laws or the Federal Trade Commission Act any act within the scope of any approved joint program for market development. Authorizes the Administration to provide financial assistance to public and private sector organizations to carry out this Act, unless the assistance is intended primarily to facilitiate the use by disadvantaged businesses of federally-administered programs not established under this Act. Requires the Administration to consult with State and local governments for the purpose of leveraging local resources and recommending local administrative and legislative initiatives to promote the position of disadvantaged businesses. Authorizes the Administration to provide financial assistance to States and cities and to allocate such assistance on the basis of relative populations of disadvantaged individuals, numbers of disadvantaged businesses, and unemployment rates of disadvantaged individuals. Requires the Administration to publish in the Federal Register: (1) amounts available for financial assistance and proposed allocations; (2) responses to public comments in connection with the allocation scheme; and (3) changes in allocation methodology. Title II: Capital Formation - Authorizes the Administration to defray all or part of the costs of pilot projects conducted by public or private organizations and designed to assist disadvantaged businesses in obtaining equity capital. Directs the Securities and Exchange Commission to cooperate with the Administration to promote access to securities markets for disadvantaged businesses. Establishes within the Treasury a revolving fund to be available to the Administration to provide financial assistance to qualified disadvantaged businesses through the purchase of equity investments in such businesses. Permits the Administration to provide such assistance to qualified businesses only after determining that: (1) such assistance is unavailable on reasonable terms from other sources; (2) the assistance will permit a concern to operate profitably in a reasonable period of time; (3) the proceeds will be used in a reasonable period of time for plant construction, to finance the acquisition of equipment, or to supply working capital; (4) the terms under which the assistance is provided will not be breached by the business; and (5) salaries paid by the business are reasonable. Limits the amount of equity investments that may be purchased by the Administration and be outstanding at any one time. Title III: Management Educational Development - Requires the Administration to: (1) encourage universities, business leaders, and other public and private entities, to offer scholarships, sponsor seminars, and provide internships for the benefit of disadvantaged individuals; and (2) accelerate curriculum design in support of disadvantaged business development. Title IV: Research and Information - Requires the Administration to submit to the Congress a report describing the resources needed to advance and represent disadvantaged businesses in all levels of the economic system in numbers that would have existed were it not for past discrimination. Authorizes the Administration to: (1) provide financial assistance to public and private organizations to assist the Administration in collecting data on the causes for success and failure of disadvantaged businesses and in conducting research on how economic conditions affect their development; (2) develop and maintain a data bank on disadvantaged businesses; and (3) establish an information clearinghouse for data pertinent to disadvantaged business. Title V: Administrative and Miscellaneous Powers of the Administration - Sets forth the administrative powers of the Administration. Requires: (1) recipients of assistance to keep records for audit purposes; (2) the Comptroller General to review and report to the Congress on programs authorized by this Act; and (3) the Assistant Secretary to submit to the Congress an annual report on the Administration's activities. activities to the Congress. Excludes the Administration from the coordination functions of the Small Business Administration's Associate Administrator for Minority Small Business and Capital Ownership Development. Authorizes appropriations.

Bill· HRH.R. 1717 (100th)open

Marine Resources Investment and Economic Competitiveness Act of 1987

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.

Bill· HRH.R. 1729 (100th)referred

President's Pro-Life Bill of 1987

United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1987

President's Pro-Life Bill of 1987 - Prohibits the use of Federal funds for abortions, except when continuing the pregnancy would endanger the mother's life. Prohibits the granting of funds relating to certain population research and voluntary family programs under the Public Health Service Act to organizations providing abortions or abortion referrals, unless the life of the mother would be endangered by continuing the pregnancy.

Bill· HRH.R. 1692 (100th)open

Employee Educational Assistance Act of 1987

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.

Bill· HRH.R. 1632 (100th)open

Oil Pollution Liability and Compensation Act of 1987

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.

Bill· HRH.R. 1640 (100th)open

Coast Guard Selected Reserve Act of 1987

United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1987

Coast Guard Selected Reserve Act of 1987 - Authorizes the end strength for Selected Reserve personnel of the Coast Guard for FY 1988 and 1989. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to vary such end strength by not more than two percent. Provides for adjustments to such end strength, as specified. Directs the Secretary, within 60 days after the enactment of this Act, to submit to the Congress a plan for the Coast Guard to meet 95 percent of its wartime mobilization requirements as of September 30, 1998.

Bill· HRH.R. 1658 (100th)referred

Endangered Species Act Amendments of 1987

United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1987

Endangered Species Act Amendments of 1987 - Amends the Endangered Species Act of 1973 to ban the importation of shrimp and shrimp products from any country whose commercial fishing activities may result in the incidental taking of threatened or endangered species and whose enforcement of restrictions on such incidental taking is not equivalent to that of the United States. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to evaluate each nation exporting shrimp to the United States for compliance.

Bill· HRH.R. 1633 (100th)referred

National Space Grant College and Fellowship Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1987

National Space Grant College and Fellowship Act-Establishes within the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) a national space grant college and fellowship program to provide financial and other assistance for the exploration and development of space resources. Requires such program to advise the Administrator of NASA and coordinate Federal efforts. Authorizes the Administrator to make grants or enter into contracts to assist any space grant and fellowship program, for up to 66 percent of total cost, except for special grants. Directs the Administrator to make grants or enter into contracts for up to 100 percent of costs for identified specific national needs and problems relating to space. Authorizes the Administrator to designate any institution of higher education as a space grant college if it maintains a balanced program in fields related to space and meets other qualifications. Authorizes the Administrator to designate an association or alliance as a space grant regional consortium if it is established to share research and facilities in any field related to space and meets other qualifications. Directs the Administrator to support a space grant fellowship program for educational and training assistance to graduate students in fields related to space. Directs the Administrator to establish the space grant review panel as an independent committee to advise the Administrator on implementing the program. Requires interagency cooperation among all Federal agencies with authority over matters relating to space, authorizing the sharing of personnel and facilities and requiring the sharing of information. Directs the Administrator to report biennially to the Congress and the President on the activities of the program, subject to the review of the Directors of the Office of Management and Budget and of the Office of Science and Technology Policy. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1988 through 1991.

Bill· HRH.R. 1580 (100th)open

Anti-Apartheid Act Amendments of 1988

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.

Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 74 (100th)referred

A concurrent resolution expressing the appreciation of the Congress to President Virgillo Barco and the people of Columbia for their efforts to combat drug trafficking and drug abuse, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1987

Declares that the Congress: (1) extends its appreciation to President Virgillo Barco and the Colombian people for their courage in apprehending Carlos Lehder and extraditing him to the United States; (2) commends President Barco for his courage; (3) urges the Colombian Government to continue its efforts to extinguish the illicit production and trafficking of drugs in that nation; and (4) reaffirms its intention to work with the Colombian Government in combating drug trafficking and drug abuse in both countries.

Bill· HRH.R. 1517 (100th)open

Aircraft Collision Avoidance Act of 1987

United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1987

Aircraft Collision Avoidance Act of 1987 - Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to require that civil aircraft with a maximum passenger capacity of more than 30 seats be equipped with a collision avoidance system developed by the Federal Aviation Administration (TCAS-II). Mandates that an altitude-encoding transponder be installed on each civil aircraft operating in a high traffic density area if such aircraft is not required to be equipped with the TCAS-II. Directs the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration to complete, as soon as possible, the research, development, and certification of the collision avoidance system known as TCAS-III. Authorizes appropriations.

Law· HRH.R. 1430 (100th)enacted

Merchant Marine Decorations and Medals Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1987

Merchant Marine Decorations and Medals Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to award decorations and medals for individual acts or service in the U.S. merchant marine. Permits the Secretary of Transportation to award: (1) a Merchant Marine Distinguished Service Medal for outstanding acts beyond the line of duty; (2) a Merchant Marine Meritorious Service Medal for meritorious acts, but lacking the outstanding character required for the Merchant Marine Distinguished Service Medal; (3) a decoration or medal for service during a war or operations outside the United States under conditions of danger to life; and (4) a decoration or medal to an individual for acts of conspicuous gallantry. Permits the Secretary of Transportation to issue a Gallant Ship Award for actions during marine disasters aimed at saving lives or property. Requires consultation with the Secretary of State before issuance of an award or citation to a foreign-flag vessel. Prohibits the Secretary of Transportation from awarding more than one of any type of decoration or medal to an individual. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to provide at cost or authorize for manufacture and sale at reasonable prices: (1) decorations an medals for individual acts or service in the merchant marine; and (2) replacements for decorations and medals issued under a prior law. Permits the Secretary of Transportation to issue without cost a U.S. flag and a grave marker to the family of a deceased individual who served in the merchant marine in World War II or in support of the armed forces in subsequent wars or national emergencies. Establishes a civil penalty of $2,000 for unauthorized display, manufacture, possession, or sale of a decoration or medal. Repeals the Merchant Marine Medals Act.

Bill· HRH.R. 1437 (100th)referred

Child Protection Act of 1987

United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1987

Child Protection Act of 1987 - Amends the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Statute to extend its coverage to the sexual exploitation of children. Allows any person injured personally or in his business or property by such violations to bring a civil suit for treble damages. Amends the Federal criminal code to require a mandatory life sentence in kidnapping offenses involving the murder of a minor. Establishes mandatory minimum sentences for the sexual exploitation of minors. Provides that the period of any applicable limitation for the commencement of prosecution for certain offenses involving the sexual exploitation of children shall not begin until the child has reached the age of 18 years. Directs the Attorney General to submit a report to the Congress detailing possible changes in the Federal Rules of Evidence, the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, and other procedures which would facilitate the participation of child witnesses in cases involving child abuse and sexual exploitation. Directs the Attorney General to modify the classification system used by the National Crime Information System and the Federal Bureau of Investigation with respect to offenses involving the sexual exploitation of children by: (1) including the age of the victim and the relationship of the victim to the offender; and (2) using a uniform definition of a child.

Bill· HRH.R. 1313 (100th)open

Omnibus Taxpayers' Bill of Rights Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1987

Omnibus Taxpayers' Bill of Rights Act - Requires the Secretary of the Treasury (Secretary) to prepare a statement setting forth in nontechnical terms: (1) the rights and obligations of a taxpayer and of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) during a tax audit; (2) the procedures by which a taxpayer may appeal adverse decisions, prosecute refund claims, and file complaints; and (3) the procedures that the IRS may use in enforcing revenue laws. Directs the Secretary to transmit drafts of such statement to specified congressional committees and to distribute the final statement to all taxpayers with tax forms sent by the IRS. Amends the Inspector General Act of 1978 and other Federal law to establish within the Department of the Treasury (Department) an Office of Inspector General (Inspector). Transfers to such Office the existing audit and investigation units of the Department. Prohibits the Inspector from reviewing: (1) monetary, fiscal, and tax policy; and (2) the exercise of legal judgment in the investigation and litigation of cases. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) withhold from the Inspector requested information that the Secretary determines will jeopardize the success of an ongoing investigation or litigation, confidential sources, or the national security; and (2) prohibit the Inspector from undertaking or continuing an audit or investigation under limited circumstances described in this Act. Requires the IRS, upon taxpayer request, to conduct any interview regarding a deficiency assessment at a reasonable time and place convenient to the taxpayer and to the IRS, and to permit the taxpayer, at his or her own expense, to record the interview. Authorizes the IRS interviewer to record such interview if the taxpayer has been given prior notice and is provided, upon request and payment of reproduction costs, with a transcript of the recording. Requires the interview to warn the taxpayer that: (1) he or she has a right to remain silent; (2) any statement the taxpayer makes may be used against him or her; and (3) he or she has the right to the presence of an attorney, certified public accountant, enrolled agent, or enrolled actuary. Permits a waiver of such rights if voluntarily and knowingly made. Amends Federal law to require the Comptroller General (Comptroller) of the General Accounting Office to: (1) conduct audits of the IRS with respect to the efficiency, uniformity, and equity of the internal revenue laws (current law specifies no particular focus for such audits); and (2) conduct special audits or investigations of internal revenue law administration upon the request of any congressional committee or Member of Congress. Requires the Comptroller's annual report to the Congress to include specified findings concerning IRS management, efficiency, procedures, and structure. Divests of its finality a vote of the Joint Committee on Taxation to disapprove a Comptroller General audit of the IRS. Designates such vote as a recommendation to disapprove an audit and makes such recommendation subject to congressional approval. Prohibits evaluations of IRS personnel based on revenue collected from taxpayers as a result of audits or investigations involving such personnel. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to prescribe criminal penalties for: (1) any investigation by an officer or employee of the United States in connection with Federal tax laws that inquires into the beliefs, associations, or activities of any individual or organization; or (2) the maintenance of any records containing information derived from such an investigation. Creates a civil cause of action in Federal court (regardless of the amount in controversy) for any taxpayer aggrieved by such prohibited investigation or recordkeeping. Authorizes both equitable remedies and awards of damages, including punitive damages, litigation costs and reasonable attorney fees, in such cases. Extends from ten to 30 days the period between the required notice to a person who neglects or refuses to pay tax liability and a levy on such person's salary, wages, or other property. Specifies information that must be incorporated in such notice, including possible alternative actions and the appropriate appeals procedures. Adds to the circumstances triggering termination of such a levy: (1) an agreement between the taxpayer and the Secretary for payment of the liability; and (2) the Secretary's determination that the taxpayer's financial condition precludes enforceability of the liability. Revises the list of property exempt from levy to: (1) increase the exempt amount permitted for certain personal effects, the property of a business, and wages; (2) add an exemption for certain deposits in qualified institutions; and (3) provide an express exemption, except under limited circumstances specified in this Act, for the taxpayer's principal residence, a motor vehicle used by the taxpayer as the primary means of transportation to work, and any tangible personal property essential to the operation of the taxpayer's business in cases when a levy would prevent the taxpayer from carrying on such business. Prohibits a levy on any property when levy and sales expenses would exceed either the liability for which the levy is made or the fair market value of the levied property. Sets forth situations in which the Secretary must release a levy. Applies to jeopardy levies the administrative and judicial review procedures currently applicable to jeopardy assessments. Authorizes the Secretary, in certain cases, to enter into a binding agreement with a taxpayer under which such taxpayer may pay tax liability in installments. Requires the Secretary to offer in writing to enter such an agreement with any individual: (1) whose tax liability is $20,000 or less; and (2) who has not been delinquent in installment tax payments under similar agreements during a specified period. Permits the Secretary, after proper notice and a hearing, to modify or annul such an agreement upon the finding that the financial condition of the affected taxpayer has significantly changed. Requires the Secretary to abate in full any deficiency, including penalty or interest, completely attributable to erroneous advice in writing given to a taxpayer by an IRS officer or employee in response to such taxpayer's specific inquiry. Directs IRS officers and employees, when giving oral advice to a person, to inform such person that the contents of such communication are not binding on the IRS. Authorizes the IRS Ombudsman, upon application filed by a taxpayer, to issue a Taxpayer Assistance Order if, in the determination of the Ombudsman: (1) the taxpayer is suffering or is about to suffer from an unusual or irreparable loss as a result of the manner in which the internal revenue laws are being administered by the Secretary; and (2) the Secretary has failed to carry out any of his or her duties or has violated any provision of law. Allows the terms of a Taxpayer Assistance Order to require the Secretary to release property of the taxpayer levied upon or to cease or refrain from certain actions. Requires the Secretary to obey any Taxpayer Assistance Order issued by the Ombudsman. Allows an administrative appeal of tax liens. Revises the criteria according to which the Secretary determines a minimum sale price for property seized by levy and subject to a tax sale. Prohibits the Secretary from authorizing a class audit of taxpayers in a particular business or trade until each group member is given proper notice and the opportunity either to file an amended return or to challenge the Secretary's findings at a hearing. Places upon the IRS the burden of proof on all issues in all administrative and judicial proceedings between the IRS and a taxpayer. Applies the rulemaking provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act to all IRS rules and regulations prescribed by the Secretary.

Bill· HRH.R. 1290 (100th)open

Ocean Transportation Practices Act of 1987

United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1987

Ocean Transportation Practices Act of 1987 - Directs the Federal Maritime Commission (the Commission) to investigate whether unfair trade practices are used in the ocean transportation of goods transported in the foreign commerce of the United States. Requires the Commission to find an unfair trade practice when the acts, policies, or practices of a foreign country unreasonably impair the transportation of goods in the foreign commerce of the United States by vessels documented under the laws of the United States. Outlines further standards to be used by the Commission in making such determinations. Outlines action to be taken by the Commission if an unfair trade practice is found to exist. Provides for civil liability for the owner of a foreign vessel found to be engaging in unfair trade practices if certain negotiated actions are not taken within a specified time period. Requires any final action by the Commission under this Act to be reported to the Congress in writing within 60 days. Directs that any civil penalties collected as the result of enforcement of this Act are to be deposited into the Maritime Displacement Account. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to use the amounts so deposited to assist vessels affected by unfair trade practices to gain access to the trades. Directs the Secretary to prescribe regulations to carry out this provision.

Bill· HRH.R. 1235 (100th)open

Merchant Seamen's Benefit Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1987

Merchant Seamen's Benefit Act - Provides for creditable active duty service for veterans' benefits purposes for certain individuals who served in the merchant marine during World War II, who were prisoners of war or civilian internees as the result of enemy action against merchant shipping, and who were in an accredited wartime maritime training program. Prohibits payment of benefits for periods before the date of enactment of this Act.

Bill· HRH.R. 1154 (100th)failed

Textile Apparel and Footwear Trade Act of 1988

United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1987

Textile and Apparel Trade Act of 1987 - Limits the 1987 imports of textiles and textile products classified under a category to an amount equal to 101 percent of the total 1986 imports classified under such category. Limits the 1987 imports of nonrubber footwear classified under a nonrubber footwear category to an amount equal to: (1) the total 1986 imports of nonrubber footwear classified under such category; and (2) in the case of low priced nonrubber footwear, the total 1986 imports of low priced nonrubber footwear classified under such category. Provides for a one-percent annual growth in the amount of permitted imports of textiles and textile products after 1987. Authorizes the President to: (1) enter into trade agreements to grant new concessions as compensation, to the extent required under U.S. trade agreements for the import limits imposed by this Act; and (2) proclaim such modification or continuance of any existing duty on textiles and textile products and on nonrubber footwear as necessary to carry out such agreements. Prohibits the President from reducing any rate of duty by more than ten percent. Requires the President, before entering into such trade agreements, to consider whether such country has violated trade concessions of benefit to the United States and such violation has not been adequately offset by U.S. action or by the action of such country. Sets forth requirements governing staged rate reductions in the tariffs of articles affected by this Act. Prohibits the President, except as authorized by this paragraph, from entering into trade negotiations with any country with respect to duties on textiles, textile products, and nonrubber footwear. Prohibits the President, except as provided in this paragraph, from decreasing or proposing a decrease in any such duty by any means, including an implementing bill or a proclamation. Requires the President to report annually to the Congress on the administration of this Act. Requires the Secretary of Commerce, ten years after enactment of this Act, to study and report to the Congress on the operation of this Act.

Bill· HRH.R. 1144 (100th)open

United States-Mexico Border Health Education and Training Act of 1987

United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1987

United States - Mexico Border Health Education and Training Act of 1987 - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services, from amounts allotted to each State, to make grants to and enter into contracts with schools of medicine and osteopathy to establish and operate health education and training center (border center) programs along the border with Mexico (in Arizona, California, New Mexico, and Texas). Requires such border center programs to be cooperative programs between such schools and one or more private or public health education centers located along the border. Requires each border center to have an advisory board. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1988 through 1990.

Bill· HRH.R. 1097 (100th)open

A bill to amend Public Law 97-360, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 11 February 1987

Amends a specified Federal law relating to the use of surplus Government vessels for health and humanitarian services to identify those ships, currently in the National Defense Reserve Fleet, which are to be used for such purposes. Authorizes appropriations to refit such vessels for such purposes, under certain conditions.