United States · United States Congress · 13 October 1987
Department of Veterans Affairs Act - Redesignates the Veterans Administration (VA) as the Department of Veterans Affairs (the Department), an executive department within the executive branch of the Government. Provides that the Department shall be headed by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, to be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Designates as other principal officers of the Department the Deputy Secretary, the Chief Medical Director, and the Chief Benefits Director. Provides for the temporary continuation of service of the current Administrator, Deputy Administrator, Chief Medical Director, and Chief Benefits Director of Veterans Affairs. Establishes within the Department eight Assistant Secretaries, each of whom shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, to perform such functions as the Secretary may prescribe. Directs the Secretary to assign to one such Assistant Secretary all functions regarding the National Cemetery System and the State cemetery grant program. Outlines functions which the Secretary shall assign to the Assistant Secretaries. Provides for the temporary continuation of the performance of such functions by present personnel until such functions are assigned to an individual appointed as Assistant Secretary under this Act. Redesignates the current VA's Department of Medicine and Surgery as the Veterans Health Services Administration of the Department. Redesignates the VA's current Department of Veterans Benefits as the Veterans Benefits Administration of the Department, whose primary function shall be to administer nonmedical programs which provide assistance to veterans, their dependents, and their survivors. Establishes within the Department the Office of the General Counsel. Redesignates the current Office of Inspector General of the VA as the Office of Inspector General of the Department. Provides that any references to departments or positions under the current VA system shall be considered to be references to such departments and positions of the Department as modified under this Act. Provides continuing effect of all legal documents, suits, actions, and property and resources of the current VA. Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, after appropriate congressional consultation, to prepare and submit to the Congress proposed legislation containing technical and conforming amendments to reflect the changes made under this Act. Requires such legislation to be submitted no later than six months after the enactment of this Act. Provides that any spending authority of the Department is subject to available amounts as provided in appropriation Acts.
United States · United States Congress · 7 October 1987
Establishes reporting requirements for persons who receive contributions for the purpose of supporting or defeating the Senate confirmation of a Supreme Court nominee. Requires a report to the Clerk of the House of Representatives with respect to each incremental total of $5,000 of contributions or expenditures. Requires such report: (1) to be filed not later than five days after the applicable incremental total is attained; and (2) to contain the name, address, description of occupation or business, amount, and other identifying information relating to any contribution or expenditure of $100 or more. Directs the Clerk, in carrying out this Act, to apply the principles and procedures applicable to contributions and expenditures under the Federal Regulation of Lobbying Act. Establishes criminal penalties for violations of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1987
Federal Child Support Enforcement Act - Amends the Federal criminal code to make it a Federal criminal offense to leave or remain outside a State for the purpose of avoiding payment of arrearages in child support.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1987
Alternative Motor Fuels Act of 1987 - Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to direct the Secretary of Energy to ensure that beginning in FY 1990 the maximum practicable number of Federal passenger automobiles and light duty trucks be either methanol-powered or dual energy vehicles. Directs the Secretary to conduct studies regarding such vehicles' performance, fuel economy, safety, and maintenance costs. Requires methanol fuel to be made available to the public at locations where the Federal vehicles are fueled. States that appropriations for Federal vehicle acquisition shall apply only to that portion of the cost of methanol-powered (or dual energy) vehicles which exceeds the cost of comparable conventionally fueled vehicles. Provides that: (1) such vehicles shall not be counted in any average fuel economy calculation of the Federal passenger automobile fleet acquired in any fiscal year; and (2) the incremental cost of such vehicles over the cost of comparable conventionally fueled vehicles shall not be applied to any calculation regarding the maximum cost of individual Federal vehicles. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1990 through 1993. Requires the Secretary to establish a demonstration program to study methanol use in heavy duty trucks. Requires methanol to be made available to the public at locations where such trucks are fueled. Authorizes appropriations for such program for FY 1989 through 1992. Directs the Secretary to: (1) assist in the acquisition of buses capable of operating on compressed natural gas, methanol, and LP-gas, beginning in FY 1989; and (2) test the emissions levels, durability, and fuel economy of such buses in an urban setting (in cooperation with Federal agencies regulating motor vehicles for safety and environmental purposes). Authorizes appropriations for such program for FY 1989 through 1992. Declares that any governmental entity which receives, after January 1, 1992, Federal financial assistance to acquire buses for mass transportation in a predominantly nonattainment area, shall acquire certain types of buses which shall operate exclusively on methanol, compressed natural gas, or LP-gas. Directs the Secretary to provide supplemental grants for such bus acquisitions. Authorizes supplemental grants for the purchase and installation of facilities providing such alternative fuels. Cites circumstances under which this program will be suspended. Establishes the Interagency Commission on Methanol to develop and coordinate efforts to implement a national methanol energy policy. Requires the Commission chairperson to establish a private sector advisory panel to inform the Commission about methanol-related matters. Requires the Commission to submit interim reports to the Congress, and a final report no later than September 30, 1992. Terminates such Commission upon submission of its final report. Directs the Secretary to undertake a comparative study of methanol costs based upon natural gas, coal, and other resources, and to submit semiannual study reports. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1989. Requires that after January 1, 1989, fuel tanks and underground piping or equipment at certain retail outlets be capable of use with fuels containing 85 percent or more methanol, ethanol, or other alcohols. Precludes the voiding of any guaranty or warranty with respect to any federally acquired passenger automobile or light-duty truck after October 1, 1988, on the grounds that such vehicle is operated with nonstandard fuels. Sets forth fuel efficiency standards for: (1) methanol-powered vehicles; (2) dual energy vehicles; (3) natural gas-powered vehicles; and (4) natural gas duel energy vehicles.
United States · United States Congress · 30 September 1987
Deceptive Mailings Prevention Act of 1987 - Declares as nonmailable matter, matter which constitutes a solicitation by a non-governmental entity: (1) for the purchase of products or services which are provided free of charge or at a lower price by the Federal Government, or which are substantially the same as such products or services; (2) for the purchase of products or services and which contains a seal, insignia, trade or brand name, or any other term or symbol which reasonably could be interpreted or construed as implying Federal Government connection, approval, or endorsement; and (3) for the contribution of funds and which contains a seal, insignia, trade or brand name, or any other term which could reasonably be interpreted or construed as implying Federal Government connection, approval, or endorsement. Allows the mailing of such matter if it contains a conspicuous disclaimer that it is not a Government document. Establishes penalties for violations of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 1987
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that colleges and universities should demand drug-free environments on campus and should enforce strict but fair policies to eliminate drug use by students with the support of parents, students, and the community.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 1987
Amends rule XXI of the Rules of the House of Representatives to prohibit consideration of bills or resolutions making appropriations under the jurisdiction of more than one subcommittee of the Appropriations Committee for periods after November 30 of a fiscal year, unless a 60 percent majority of the House votes to waive or suspend this provision.
United States · United States Congress · 21 September 1987
Requires U.S. coins to be redesigned, at the discretion of the Secretary of the Treasury, over the next six years. Requires the reverse side of the first coin redesigned to commemorate the bicentennial of the U.S. Constitution for a two-year period. Requires that any profits from the sale of uncirculated and proof sets of U.S. coins be deposited in the Treasury and used solely to reduce the national debt.
United States · United States Congress · 21 September 1987
Section 457 Clarification Act of 1987 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to state that the accounting provisions applicable to the deferred compensation plans of State and local governments and of private tax-exempt organizations shall not apply to nonelective deferred compensation. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to promulgate regulations defining nonelective deferred compensation. Applies retroactively to tax year 1979 and thereafter.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 1987
Authorizes appropriations for use in providing military assistance to the Nicaraguan democratic resistance after November 7, 1987, if the President makes a determination that the Government of Nicaragua has not complied with the agreement of certain Central American Governments entitled the "Procedure for Establishing Firm and Lasting Peace in Central America" (the Guatemala Agreement), particularly as such Agreement relates to amnesty and democratization. Authorizes appropriations for nonlethal assistance to the Nicaraguan democratic resistance until November 7, 1987.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 1987
Amends the Internal Revenue Code and the Social Security Act to increase from $100 to $500 the payment that may be made in a calendar year to an election official or election worker for services before liability for the hospital insurance tax is incurred.
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 1987
Declares that the Congress recognizes the distinguished service of the Ohio National Guard and commends the members of the Guard on the occasion of its bicentennial.
United States · United States Congress · 9 September 1987
Amends rule XV of the Rules of the House of Representatives to prohibit the House from passing or adopting any bill or joint resolution, or conference report thereon, making appropriations, providing revenue, or increasing the statutory limit on the public debt except by a rollcall vote.
United States · United States Congress · 7 August 1987
AFDC Employment and Training Reorganization Act of 1987 - Title I: Two-Tier System under AFDC program - Amends part A (Aid to Families with Dependent Children) (AFDC) of title IV of the Social Security Act to establish a two-tier system under which a family applying for or receiving AFDC benefits is assigned to the first tier if it is not a two-parent family and includes a child under six months of age and to the second tier if the family does not qualify for tier-one. Exempts first tier families from this Act's registration, employment, and training requirements. Exempts caretaker relatives, and authorizes the exemption of adolescents, in tier-two families who do not have a high school diploma or its equivalent from such requirements if they participate in a program providing a high-school education or its equivalent. Requires a State plan to deny assistance to an individual under age 18 who is not and has never been married and who is responsible for the care of a dependent child (or is pregnant), unless such individual lives with a parent. Makes such requirement inapplicable if: (1) such individual has no parent who is living and whose whereabouts are known; (2) the health and safety of the child or individual would be jeopardized if such individual lived with the parent; or (3) such individual has not lived at home for at least one year prior to the child's birth or making a claim for AFDC payments. Title II: Comprehensive Employment and Training Program - Requires AFDC applicants and recipients to register with a State agency for employment counseling, training, and assignment. Authorizes AFDC recipients to refuse employment which results in a net loss in their income. Directs each State to: (1) establish a single intake and registration process for AFDC applicants and recipients; and (2) arrange for the participation of AFDC recipients in one or more of the work-related programs established under title IV of the Act or other Federal law, while coordinating such programs to enhance the availability and efficiency of services provided. Authorizes each State to: (1) make an assessment as to whether immediate employment is a realistic possibility or whether training or education is needed to prepare registered applicants and recipients for employment; (2) provide applicants and recipients with counseling regarding their prospects and needs; (3) require AFDC applicants to undertake an immediate program of job search; and (4) develop an employment plan for each AFDC recipient. Requires States to provide AFDC recipients who are assigned to employment, training, or education programs, and applicants who are required to participate in job search, with child care and transportation services, otherwise such applicants and recipients need not participate in such programs. Sets the Federal share of AFDC employment, training, and education costs in excess of FY 1987 costs at 50 percent. Establishes participation standards which require State AFDC employment, training, and education programs to include a specified annual percentage (increasing from 15 percent in FY 1988 to 70 percent in FY 1996 and thereafter) of a State's mandatory AFDC population. Requires 80 percent of such population within the ages of 16 and 18 to be attending school on a full-time basis by FY 1990. Reduces Federal funding for States which fall short of such participation standards. Authorizes appropriations for AFDC employment, training, and education programs. Expresses the congressional intent that such funding be increased after FY 1988 if and to the extent such programs prove successful in reducing welfare dependency. Ensures that each State receive at least as much funds for such programs in FY 1988 and 1989 as it did in FY 1987. Provides that after FY 1989 50 percent of such funds shall be allotted on the basis of a State's share of the total participating AFDC population and 50 percent on the basis of the relative success of each State in placing high-priority AFDC applicants and recipients (high school dropouts, unwed mothers with children under age three, and AFDC recipients under age 22) in school or jobs for six months or more. Requires Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and Guam to each implement a coordinated program of activities affording individuals the opportunity to achieve self-sufficiency through employment. Authorizes appropriations for such programs for each fiscal year after 1987. Makes this Act's registration, employment, and training requirements inapplicable to such territories. Establishes, in the Office of Family Assistance, an Office of Work Programs headed by a Director responsible for overseeing the operation and effectiveness of this Act's employment and training programs. Sets forth recordkeeping and reporting requirements. Authorizes States to add the cash value of food stamps to AFDC payments which are divided by the greater of the Federal or State minimum wage in determining the number of hours a community work experience program participant who is a recipient of such benefits may be required to work. Title III: Certificate System for Child Care - Authorizes States to establish a program providing certificates for child care to families: (1) whose income is less than 150 percent of the Federal poverty level; (2) which have received AFDC benefits within the past three months, but are no longer eligible for such aid because of increased earnings; and (3) which are paying for from ten to 90 percent of the cost of such child care. Limits the applicability of such certificates to the child care necessary to permit their recipients' employment or search for employment. Provides for Federal reimbursement of program costs as though they were costs incurred in providing child care to individuals assigned to an AFDC employment, training, and education program. Requires providers participating in the child care certificate program to be licensed or certified by the State, but certain providers shall be given two years to comply with State licensing or certification requirements. Requires States to disseminate information regarding child care and the certificate program to parents, the public, and child care providers. Limits the certification program's administrative expenses to eight percent of the program costs which are subject to Federal reimbursement. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to withhold Federal payments for certificate program costs upon a State's substantial failure to comply with program requirements. Sets forth reporting requirements. Title IV: Child Support Enforcement Amendments - Amends part D (Child Support and Establishment of Paternity) of title IV of the Social Security Act to direct States to establish binding guidelines for child support award amounts. (Currently, such guidelines need not be binding). Creates a rebuttable presumption that the child support award resulting from the application of such guidelines in a judicial or administrative child support proceeding is correct. Requires States to review and update all child support orders at least once every two years to ensure that they continue to comply with child support award guidelines. Amends part A (General Provisions) of title XI of the Act to authorize up to ten States to carry out demonstration projects which require absent parents who owe child support, but whose income is insufficient to pay such support to participate in an employment or training program. Amends part D of title IV of the Act to require that the names and social security numbers of the father and mother of every child born in a State be recorded on such child's birth certificate. Requires States to adopt certain procedures with regard to paternity determinations and the standard of proof in paternity cases. Takes a State's paternity determinations into account in computing the State child support collection incentive payment. Requires each State to adopt procedures: (1) requiring employers to disclose certain information to the State child support enforcement agency regarding any employee who is under court order to pay child support; and (2) making certain legislation regarding the interstate enforcement of child support effective in the State. Provides that when the State in which the custodial parent resides requests the State in which the absent parent resides to modify a support order, the latter State shall not have jurisdiction to modify any other aspect of the order. Requires that by October 1992 every State have in effect an operational child support management information system. Reduces the Federal share of the costs for such systems. Requires the withholding of child support payments from the non-custodial parent's wages upon the issuance or modification of a child support order unless both parents agree in writing to an alternative arrangement or the parent paying child support posts a bond equal to six months of child support. Requires that the Parent Locator Service and the State agency administering the State child and spousal support plan be given access to all employment security information which is in the possession or control of any Federal or interstate telecommunications network or is available through any other data exchange method, and is to be used for child support enforcement purposes. Directs the Secretary to develop and publish standards within one year of this Act's enactment for the amount of time a State may take to complete each of several actions in child support cases. Penalizes States which fail to comply with such standards. Makes this title's amendments effective one year after this Act's enactment. Directs the Comptroller General to evaluate State implementation of this title's amendments and report to the President and the Congress regarding such evaluation within four years of this Act's enactment. Title V: State Demonstration Programs - Requires States that wish to conduct demonstration programs which include Federal, federally-assisted, or non-Federal public programs designed to alleviate poverty to submit filings regarding such demonstrations to an Interagency Low-Income Opportunity Board which shall select and approve those demonstrations judged worthy of implementation. Sets forth policy goals to be considered by the Board in selecting and evaluating such demonstrations. Directs that special consideration be given to demonstration programs designed to: (1) improve methods of helping welfare recipients achieve economic independence; (2) coordinate employment and training programs currently supported by Federal or State funds; (3) establish paternity and obtain child support orders in AFDC cases for which paternity was not established when the case was opened; (4) facilitate efforts by nongovernmental organizations to help welfare clients achieve economic independence. Requires a Governor or his designee to submit a filing which describes in detail the demonstration program to be conducted, including: (1) employment-related activities required of individuals receiving assistance under the demonstration and the circumstances in which they will not be required to participate in such activities; (2) procedures for determining the initial and continuing eligibility of, and benefits for, individuals and families; (3) a budget setting forth the amounts and sources of funding for the demonstration. Requires each Federal department or agency with responsibility for a program which is included in the demonstration program to make an estimate of Funding which, but for the demonstration, would be available for such programs so that the Chairman may compare State budgetary assumptions with such estimate. Provides that when the amount of Federal funds necessary to carry out the demonstration is less than the amount contained in the budget by reason of the effectiveness of the demonstration in achieving the objectives of this title, the State may use excess Federal funds to improve the demonstration or otherwise benefit individuals and families included in the demonstration. Provides that those within a class eligible to participate in a demonstration shall only be eligible for benefits under a program included in such demonstration. Requires the Board to conduct interim evaluations of, and have States submit annual reports on, demonstrations. Authorizes the submittal of demonstration changes for congressional approval if such changes improve the likelihood of accomplishing this title's objectives and participant benefits are not thereby reduced. Authorizes State Governors or the Chairman of the Board to terminate the demonstration (upon giving the Chairman or Governor at least three months advance notice) if the interests of the Federal Government, the State, or the participating individuals would be better served by returning to the separate conduct of the included programs. Requires a Governor, within six months of the completion of a demonstration, to submit a final report on such demonstration to the Board. Directs the Chairman to report annually to the Congress on demonstrations. Directs the Board, after selecting and approving demonstration programs in accordance with criteria it establishes, to prepare a single demonstration proposal containing all information pertinent to the programs selected. Provides that the proposal shall be submitted to the Congress and become effective unless the Congress passes legislation modifying or rejecting the proposal within 60 days after its submission by the Board. Title VI: Evaluation of Employment and Training Programs and State Demonstration Programs - Directs the Secretary to convene an Interagency Panel within three months of this Act's enactment which shall design, implement, and monitor a series of studies assessing the methods and effects of the programs initiated under titles II and V of this Act. Requires the Panel to select an advisory board of not more than 12 members, within six months of this Act's enactment, to provide the Panel with advice and counsel on all aspects of its operation. Requires the Panel to ensure that a study of child care during the welfare-to-work transition period is conducted during the first three years of its operation. Sets forth Panel reporting requirements. Authorizes appropriations for the Panel. Title VII: Miscellaneous and Related Provisions - Authorizes the Secretary to approve a five-year demonstration project testing Washington State's Family Independence Program as an alternative to the AFDC program.
United States · United States Congress · 7 August 1987
Amends the Clean Air Act to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to consult with the Secretary of Transportation to coordinate regulations under such Act with the motor vehicle safety standards and other requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966. Requires the Administrator to publish certain findings if inconsistencies are resolved against a safety recommendation of the Secretary.
United States · United States Congress · 7 August 1987
Provides that when any bill or joint resolution making continuing appropriations is agreed to by both Houses of the Congress in the same form, the Clerk of the House of Representatives shall enroll the provisions in such bill or joint resolution as separate bills or joint resolutions (for item veto purposes). Requires the enrollment as part of one separate bill or joint resolution of: (1) all the provisions within the jurisdiction of a subcommittee of the Committee on Appropriations; (2) all the provisions within the jurisdiction of the Committee on Appropriations; (3) all the provisions within the jurisdiction of any other House committee; and (4) all the provisions for which jurisdiction cannot be determined.
United States · United States Congress · 6 August 1987
Amerasian Homecoming Act - Provides for the admission as an immigrant into the United States (for two years beginning 90 days after enactment of this Act) of an alien residing in Vietnam who: (1) was born in Vietnam after January 1, 1962, and before January 1, 1976, and whose father was a U.S. citizen; or (2) is the spouse, child, or mother, or has acted as the next of kin (with specified limitations) of such an alien. Requires on-site consular interviews in making such determinations. Provides for an eight-month period of visa validity. Provides, with regard to such aliens, for: (1) the waiver of specified exclusionary grounds under the Immigration and Nationality Act; and (2) specified (refugee) assistance under such Act. Directs the Attorney General, in cooperation with the Secretary of State, to submit program reports to the Congress annually for three years.
United States · United States Congress · 6 August 1987
Resources Cost Cutting and Conservation Act of 1987 - Declares that the annual recreational residence fee paid by any person to the Forest Service to use public land as a recreation residence shall equal nine percent of the fair market value of the site (as a recreation residence) upon which the residence is situated. Requires determination of the fair market value every five years. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Agricultural Marketing Service, to fix and collect user fees for: (1) tobacco and cotton news reports; (2) plant variety certificates of protection; and (3) marketing agreements and marketing orders. Requires the Secretary of Energy to collect a fee on the sale of electric power by the Federal Power Marketing Administration. Sets forth a formula for the determination of such fee.
United States · United States Congress · 6 August 1987
Department of Defense Cost Savings Act of 1987 - Prohibits the Secretary of Defense or the Secretary of any military department from operating or allowing a commissary store to be operated on any military installation unless: (1) such installation is located outside a metropolitan area; and (2) not more than one retail store offering the same food supplies as those of the commissary is located within ten miles of the installation. Requires, before the closure or realignment of any military bases occurs, the Secretary of Defense or the Secretary of the military department concerned to file with the Senate and House Armed Services Committees a concise statement of findings, together with a succinct justification for such action. Reduces from 60 to 30 days the waiting period required after such reports are submitted before any specific closure action may be taken. Maintains the 60-day waiting period with respect to closures in areas with a higher-than-average unemployment rate, or in the case where such closure or realignment would increase unemployment in an area by one percent or more.
United States · United States Congress · 6 August 1987
Establishes the Commission on Review of House Ethics to examine the effectiveness of: (1) financial disclosure provisions of the Ethics in Government Act; (2) the Code of Official Conduct (rule XLIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives) and (3) the Committee on Official Conduct in carrying out its responsibilities respecting alleged ethics violations by Members of the House. Requires a report to the House not later than the close of the 120th day beginning after the date of adoption of this resolution. Terminates the Commission the day after the submission of such report.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1987
National Security and Classified Information Protection Act of 1987 - Amends the Federal criminal code to make the knowing disclosure of classified information to an unauthorized person by present and former Federal officials and employees a criminal offense.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 1987
Multilateral Export Control Sanctions Act of 1987 - Requires the President to impose trade sanctions, for a period of one year, against Toshiba Corporation and Kongsberg Vaapenfabrik. Sets forth specified exceptions to such sanctions. Authorizes the President to limit the scope of sanctions against foreign companies that violate Coordinating Committee regulations. Requires the President to report to the Congress with respect to sanctions applied against Toshiba Corporation and Kongsberg Vaapenfabrik. Requires the President, for a one year period, to impose trade sanctions, and to notify the Congress of such action, in cases where: (1) a foreign person has violated the export control laws of a member country of the Coordinating Committee; and (2) such violation has resulted in the enhancement of Soviet and East bloc weapon technology. Sets forth specified exceptions and limitations with respect to such sanctions. Sets forth provisions relating to cases where the President has discretion in imposing such sanctions. Requires the President to annually submit a report to the Congress estimating the additional U.S. defense expenditures arising from illegal technology transfers. Requires the President to seek, in negotiations with members of the Coordinating Committee and with other countries, improved cooperation with U.S. national security export and control efforts. Sets forth provisions relating to compensation from foreign companies or individuals who divert critical U.S. technology to controlled countries. Provides for the recovery of civil damages for national security violations.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 1987
Expresses support for the efforts of the United States Soccer Federation to bring the World Cup to the United States in 1994. Designates the Secretary of Commerce as the official U.S. representative in any discussions with the Federation Internationale de Football Association.
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 1987
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit a partnership, S corporation, or personal service corporation, unless it is part of a tiered structure, to elect to have a taxable year other than the required one, but generally only if the deferral period of the taxable year elected is three months or less. (Current law requires partnerships, S corporations, and personal service corporations, in most cases, to conform their taxable years to the calendar years used by their owners.) Subjects the principals of a partnership or S corporation electing to change taxable years to additional estimated tax requirements to offset any tax deferral resulting from such election. Imposes deduction limitations on a personal service corporation that changes taxable years. Provides that an election with respect to taxable year shall be made by the partnership, S corporation, or personal service corporation and shall be binding on all partners and shareholders. Sets forth the formula for determining the additional tax requirement when a taxpayer: (1) is a partner or shareholder in at least one such entity during any applicable election years of the entity that end within the taxpayer's taxable year; and (2) has an aggregate deferred tax exceeding $200 with respect to the entity. Describes payment procedures. Requires the inclusion of specified information on returns filed by partnerships and S corporations that elect to use a non-required taxable year. Limits the tax deduction permitted to a personal service corporation for amounts paid or incurred with respect to employee-owners when such a corporation: (1) elects to have a taxable year other than the required one; and (2) fails to meet certain minimum distribution requirements regarding non-dividend amounts paid to owners.
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 1987
Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to provide that if, by April 15 of the calendar year in which the fiscal year begins, the Congress fails to adopt a concurrent resolution on the budget for such fiscal year, then (unless and until the Congress adopts such a resolution for such fiscal year) the most recently agreed to concurrent resolution on the budget shall govern for purposes of committee allocations and new budget authority points of order.
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 1987
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Federal excise taxes on gasoline and diesel fuel should not be increased as a means of reducing the Federal deficit.
United States · United States Congress · 1 July 1987
Regulatory Fairness Act - Amends the Federal Power Act to direct the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to order a public utility to refund (with interest) those amounts determined by the Commission to be in excess of just and reasonable rates or charges.
United States · United States Congress · 1 July 1987
Prohibits the Secretary of Defense or the Secretary of a military department (the Secretaries) from entering into an overseas contract if such contract contains any provision which allows for the payment of contractor employee severance pay greater than the prevailing severance pay in the United States. Prohibits the Secretaries from entering into an overseas contract for the provision of banking services if such contract contains any provision which allows the contractor to be reimbursed by the Secretary for: (1) losses arising from uncollectible checks and loans made by authorized bank employees; and (2) any reasonable costs incurred in the collection of delinquent loans and dishonored checks.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1987
Hazardous Waste Reduction Act - Requires filings of the annual toxic chemical release forms required under the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 to include a toxic chemical waste reduction and recycling report for each listed toxic chemical for the preceding calendar year. Requires such report to include information on a facility-by-facility basis as to the amounts and disposition of each toxic chemical, including levels of waste reduction and recycling achieved and expected. Requires that toxic chemical waste reduction practices be delineated according to set categories, such as equipment, redesign, and substitution of raw materials. Requires the inclusion of a production index for each toxic chemical waste and a list of techniques used to identify waste reduction opportunities. Provides protection for trade secrets. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish a central receiving facility at EPA for the storage and retrieval of waste management program information. Requires the Administrator to collect, coordinate, and consolidate data collection requirements under environmental statutes. Requires all such information to be compiled into a data base organized on an industry-by-industry basis according to Standard Industrial Classifications and on a waste stream basis. Directs the Administrator to establish a Waste Reduction and Recycling Clearinghouse Program to include information on approaches to waste reduction and recycling and information from States receiving grants for technical assistance programs. Requires the Clearinghouse to be actively involved in technology transfer and the development of waste reduction technologies. Requires the Administrator to make matching grants to States for innovative waste reduction programs. Requires such programs to make specific and targeted technical assistance available to businesses as well as for funding experts and research and providing training. Directs the Administrator to report annually to the Congress on the waste reduction information gathered pursuant to this Act. Requires such report to include a profile of waste reduction levels on an industry-by-industry basis and identify priorities as to industries, pollutants, and research. Establishes the Office of Waste Reduction within EPA to collect waste reduction plans and information from other EPA offices on an industry-by-industry basis, administer the clearinghouse and State grants programs, and carry out other related responsibilities including improving EPA's ability to evaluate multi-media waste management practices and the potential for waste reduction through information collection and retrieval. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 1987
Amends rule XXI of Rules of the House of Representatives to prohibit any appropriation from being reported in any joint resolution continuing appropriations, or from being in order as an amendment thereto, for any expenditure not previously authorized by law, except to continue appropriations for public works and objects which are already in progress. Prohibits any provision which changes existing laws from being reported in any joint resolution continuing appropriations except germane provisions which retrench expenditures by the reduction of money covered by the bill, which may include those recommended to the Committee on Appropriations by direction of any legislative committee having jurisdiction over the subject matter. Prohibits an amendment to a joint resolution continuing appropriations from being in order if changing existing law. Declares that, except as provided by this Act, no amendment shall be in order during consideration of a joint resolution continuing appropriations proposing a limitation not specifically contained or authorized in existing law for the period of the limitation. Sets forth floor procedure for consideration of an acceptable joint resolution continuing appropriations. Prohibits the House from considering any joint resolution continuing appropriations, or amendments thereto, which covers a period of more than 90 calendar days. Prohibits any item of appropriation set forth in any joint resolution continuing appropriations from exceeding the lesser of the amount set forth for such item in the House-passed or Senate-passed general appropriation bill for the fiscal year. Declares that if there is no House-passed or Senate-passed bill containing such item, then such item shall be at the rate at which it would have been assuming the continuation of current law. Prohibits the waiver of any provision of this resolution except by two-thirds vote of the Members present and voting. Declares this resolution applicable with respect to joint resolutions continuing appropriations for FY 1989 or any subsequent fiscal year.
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 1987
Declares that the Congress joins with the President in challenging Soviet General Secretary Gorbachev to open the Brandenburg Gate and tear down the Berlin Wall.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1987
Oil Pipeline Regulatory Reform Act - Amends the Interstate Commerce Act (regarding oil pipeline transportation rates) to declare that oil pipelines are common carriers obligated to: (1) provide transportation service without undue discrimination; and (2) provide reasonable routes and facilities. Prohibits an oil pipeline from: (1) charging shippers different compensation for like services; or (2) subjecting a person, place, port, or type of traffic to undue discrimination. Cites circumstances under which differences between rates, classification, rules, and practices do not constitute a violation of the discrimination prohibition. Declares that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (the Commission) may only initiate an investigation upon the complaint of an interested person (not upon its own motion). Prescribes guidelines for complaint processing. Directs the Commission to investigate any complaint upon State request. Prescribes enforcement guidelines. Authorizes the Commission to establish through routes for oil pipeline transportation. Prescribes guidelines under which the Commission is authorized to investigate new pipeline rates, classifications, or practices upon the complaint of an interested person. (Prohibits the Commission from initiating such an investigation upon its own motion.) Amends the Department of Energy Organization Act to transfer from the Secretary of Energy to the Commission certain functions relating to oil pipeline transportation. Prohibits State regulation of oil pipeline rates or practices. Continues the applicability of antitrust laws to oil pipelines.
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 1987
Constitutional Amendment - Requires the Congress and the President, prior to each fiscal year, to agree, by enactment of a joint resolution, on an estimate of total receipts for that fiscal year. Prohibits outlays for that year from exceeding such estimated receipts unless the Congress, by a three-fifths rollcall vote of each House, provides for a specific excess of outlays over receipts. Requires the Congress, whenever actual outlays exceed actual receipts for any fiscal year, to provide by law for the repayment of such excess in the ensuing fiscal year. Requires a three-fifths rollcall vote of each House to increase the public debt. Directs the President to submit to the Congress a proposed budget for each fiscal year in which total outlays do not exceed total receipts. Requires the approval by a majority of the total membership of each House by rollcall vote before any bill to increase revenue may become law. Waives this article for any fiscal year in which a declaration of war is in effect. Declares that total receipts shall include all receipts of the United States, except those derived from borrowing, and total outlays shall include all outlays of the United States, except those for repayment of debt principal.
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 1987
Expresses the opposition of the Congress to mandatory Medicare (title XVIII of the Social Security Act) coverage of State and local government employees hired before April 1, 1986.
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 1987
White House Conference on Small Business Authorization Act - Calls upon the President to conduct a National White House Conference on Small Business once every four years to: (1) increase public awareness of the contributions of small business; (2) identify small business problems; (3) examine the status of minority and women small business owners; (4) assist small business in carrying out its role as the Nation's job creator; (5) develop specific recommendations for executive and legislative action; and (6) review the status of recommendations adopted at the preceding Conference. Authorizes and directs Federal departments, agencies, and instrumentalities to provide support and assistance to the planning of such Conferences. Requires a final report of each Conference, within six months from the date a Conference is convened, to be submitted to the President and the Congress. Requires the Small Business Administration to report annually to the Congress for the next three years following the submission of the final report of the Conference. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1987
Securities Trading Reform Act of 1987 - Title I: Contests for Corporate Control - Amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to reduce from 10 days to noon the following business day the time period in which a public disclosure must be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (Commission), securities exchanges, and the issuer of the securities by anyone who purchases more than five percent of the securities of a corporation. Requires that such a disclosure must also be filed with each registered national securities association operating an interdealer quotation system on which the security is authorized for quotation. Revises disclosure requirements to include the requirement that if the purposes of such purchase is to acquire control of the corporation, such disclosure must include a description of any major changes affecting the communities in which the Corporation operates and charges affecting management, labor organizations, or employees. Requires anyone who files an amendment to a disclosure indicating a change in the purpose of the acquisition to include with such amendment evidence demonstrating that the certification was not, at the time it was made, false or misleading. Authorizes the Commission to bring an action in a U.S. District Court to impose a civil penalty on anyone found to have violated disclosure requirements. Revises the definition of "group" for purposes of disclosure to include two or more persons acting in a consciously parallel manner as determined by the Commission. Requires any person making a tender offer for shares of securities of a corporation to keep such offer open for a minimum of at least 30 business days. Prohibits any issuer of securities to establish or implement any defensive tactic in violation of rules and regulations which the Commission may prescribe in the public interest and for the protection of investors, unless such tactic has been approved by the shareholders of such issuer. Specifies that such regulations shall, at a minimum, treat as a defensive tactic requiring shareholder approval: (1) establishing the right to buy additional securities at prices below the average market price; (2) establishing the right to sell securities at a price in excess of the average market price (greenmail); (3) taking actions designed to increase the cost or to otherwise deter the carrying out of such a contest for corporate ownership, control, or management (poison pill defense); and (4) providing for severance pay or other lump sum payments to corporate officers or employees exceeding the annual pay of such an officer or employee (golden parachute payments) upon a takeover action. Allows an issuer to implement a change in the voting rights of shareholders contingent on the pendency of a tender offer, unless such change violates rules and regulations which the Commission may prescribe to maintain and ensure the balance and neutrality between the competing interests in tender offers and requests and invitations for tenders. Requires that any material soliciting or requesting tender offers must include a summary disclosure including a statement of: (1) the identity and background of the person and any affiliates or associates participating in the offer; (2) the value of the offer; (3) the amount of securities owned by those making the offer; (4) the source and amount of funds used for the proposed acquisition; (5) the purpose of the acquisition; (6) any plans or proposals the person has regarding the future operations or structure of the issuer; and (7) any additional information which the Commission may require. Prohibits any person who has commenced and then terminated a tender offer before its expiration to acquire any additional securities (except by tender offer) until the later of: (1) 30 calendar days after the date the offer is terminated; or (2) the original expiration date. Prohibits any issuer of securities from making any payment to any officer or director that is not deductible under specified provisions of the Internal Revenue Code relating to golden parachute payments, unless such payment has been expressly approved by the shareholders of the issuer. Prohibits the acquisition of more than 20 percent of the securities of a corporation except by tender offer, with specified exceptions. Prohibits an issuer from purchasing its securities at a price above the market value (greenmail) from any person who holds more than three percent of those securities and who has held such securities for less than one year. Provides that any profit realized by any person in any such transaction shall be recoverable by the issuer or by the owner of any security. Prohibits the issuance of any security registered on a national securities exchange or authorized on an interdealer quotation system if: (1) such security is a voting security that has fewer or greater than one vote per share on any issue to come before such issuer's shareholders; (2) such security is a common stock that is without voting rights. Prohibits the purchase or sale of any security during any period of time that the primary market for such security has suspended trading in such security for the purpose of: (1) facilitating the orderly dissemination of material information concerning the issuer, the security, or the market for the security; or (2) preventing excessive increases or decreases in the price of the security. Provides that any such suspension: (1) shall be effective for not more than one business day; (2) shall be subject to review by the Commission on its own motion or that of an adversely affected party; and (3) may be renewed or extended only with the approval of the Commission. Specifies that the rules and regulations of the Commission shall require confidentiality in the voting of proxies, consents, and authorizations, including receipt and tabulation by an independent third party certified in accordance with such rules and regulations. Provides that such rules and regulations shall permit beneficial owners to elect to assign their right to give a proxy, consent, or authorization to another person on a confidential basis. Requires the inclusion in any proxy statement with respect to an issue presented for decision by the shareholders of descriptions and other statements of or by any person or group which is the owner of: (1) five percent or more of voting shares; or (2) $5,000,000 or more of the shares in the corporation. Specifies the authority of the Commission to adopt rules, regulations, and orders concerning tender offers. Prohibits the issuer of any security from making any misleading statement concerning the pendency of a tender offer or other actions that may result in a charge in corporate ownership, control, or management. Authorizes the Commission to prescribe rules and regulations concerning such prohibition. Title II: Additional Insider Trading and other Enforcement Authorities - Authorizes increased appropriations for the Commission for FY 1988 through 1990. Amends the Securities Act of 1933, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Investment Company Act of 1940, and the Investment Advisors Act of 1940 to allow the Commission to cooperate with foreign nations in the enforcement of the securities laws or regulations of that country. Requires every broker, dealer, and national securities exchange to establish and operate an internal surveillance and compliance system in accordance with rules and regulations which the Commission may prescribe. Authorizes the Commission to bring a civil action in U.S. District Court in order to assess civil penalties for violations of any rules or regulations prescribed by the Commission concerning such a self-regulatory system. Title III: Securities Laws Enforcement Study Commission - Requires the Commission to establish and appoint a panel of experts to make a study and investigation of the adequacy of the Federal securities laws and the rules and regulations established for the protection of the public interest and the interests of investors. Specifies particular subjects to be studied and investigated. Requires the Commission to report to the Congress on the results of such study and investigation. Authorizes appropriations to carry out such study and investigation.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1987
Designates the two week period of July 13 through July 26, 1987, as United States Olympic Festival-1987 Celebration. Designates July 17, 1987, as United States Olympic Festival-1987 Day.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1987
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through 1992 the period during which qualified mortgage bonds may be issued. (Under current law, authority to issue these bonds expires as of 1989.)
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1987
Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions relating to whether a trust that is part of a defined contribution plan constitutes a qualified trust or annuity plan for tax-deferred compensation plan purposes. Requires such a trust, in order to constitute a qualified trust, to: (1) permit employees to make rollover contributions to the plan; (2) prohibit, with certain exceptions (including nursing home and long-term care insurance expenses), retirement distributions to an employee before the employee attains age 59 1/2, unless the employee makes a direct transfer to another eligible retirement plan; (3) distribute amounts to a retiree based on post-retirement life expectancy; and (4) provide for the direct transfer of an employee's benefit to another eligible retirement plan upon the employee's separation from service. Applies these requirements, insofar as they relate to retirement distributions, to individual retirement accounts and individual retirement annuities. Permits an employer to provide salary reduction arrangements under a simplified employee pension plan (SEP) without regard to the number of employees (current law restricts such plans to employers having fewer than 25 employees). Requires an employer to offer such a salary reduction arrangement if any employee requests the employer to establish a SEP that permits an employee to elect to have the employer make payments: (1) as contributions to the SEP on behalf of the employee; or (2) to the employee directly in cash.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1987
Amends the Federal criminal code to allow the National Association of State Racing Commissioners, State racing commissions, and authorities that regulate parimutuel wagering to: (1) use the facilities of the National Crime Information Center to receive, share, store, and disseminate criminal identification records; and (2) submit fingerprints to the Attorney General for identification and a criminal history records check.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1987
Amends rule XIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives to require each House committee that reports legislation requiring employers to provide new employee benefits to include in such report an analysis of the impact of the legislation on employers (especially small businesses), the economy (in terms of international competitiveness), and employees (in terms of lost jobs).
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1987
Designates May 25, 1987, as National Day of Mourning for the victims of the U.S.S. Stark, in honor of the crew of the Navy frigate struck by Iraqi missiles in the Persian Gulf.