United States · United States Congress · 14 June 1989
Southeast Interstate Low-Level Radioactive Waste Compact Amendments Consent Act of 1989 - Grants congressional approval to amendments made by the party States to the Southeast Interstate Low-Level Radioactive Waste Management Compact which provide for: (1) withdrawal from the Compact; and (2) the maximum length of time a party State is required to operate a regional facility.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 1989
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Committees on Energy and Commerce and Ways and Means should review the Medicare Catastrophic Coverage Act of 1988 and hold hearings in the process of such review.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 1989
Urges the administration to refrain from submitting any proposal to include maritime transportation in the forthcoming General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) discussions regarding trade in services industries and to oppose any proposals by foreign nations which are similar or which could result in a contraction of the U.S.-flag merchant marine.
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 1989
Hazardous Materials Transportation Act Amendments of 1989 - Amends the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act (the Act) to require the Secretary of Transportation to issue regulations requiring any generator of a shipment of hazardous materials to transmit a manifest of its contents and the license plate or other identifying number of the carrier to the central reporting system and data center. Requires the Secretary to enter into a contract under which a private entity shall establish a central reporting system and data center to provide law enforcement and firefighting personnel with information and advice on dealing with emergencies connected with the transportation of hazardous materials (currently the Secretary is required to establish and maintain such a system and data center). Prohibits the appropriation of Federal funds for such system and data center. Permits the private entity to impose a fee for manifesting such a shipment if the generator is a Federal agency. Directs the Secretary to study the flow of hazardous materials in the United States. Requires the Secretary, in collaboration with the private entity, to report the results of such study to the Congress. Increases both civil and criminal penalties for violations under the Act. Sets forth specified terms and conditions with respect to the private entity's establishment and maintenance of the reporting system and data center.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 1989
Designates June 21, 1989, as Chaney, Goodman, and Schwerner Day. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Voting Rights Act of 1965 has helped to fulfill the promise of democracy in this Nation. Reaffirms the goal of removing remaining barriers to full voter participation in this Nation.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1989
Older Americans' Freedom to Work Act of 1989 - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to remove the limitation on the amount of outside income which beneficiaries who have attained retirement age may earn without incurring a reduction in benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1989
Cable Competition Act - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to authorize a State or cable television franchising authority to regulate the rates that a cable operator may charge for the provision of lifeline television services for any franchising area which is not provided with cable service by two or more cable operators. Defines the "lifeline television service" as the provision of: (1) channels of the three major networks; (2) a public television channel; and (3) one channel carrying each independent local television station. Repeals a provision of such Act which prohibits a telephone company from providing video programming in its telephone service area. Allows a telephone company to: (1) provide video programming directly to subscribers; or (2) provide rental arrangements to any entity which is owned or controlled by, or under common control with, such telephone company for the provision of such video programming. Directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to prescribe regulations to ensure that: (1) the economic risks of video programming business of a telephone company are not borne by telephone service ratepayers in any way; and (2) a common carrier providing video services allocates costs in a manner which protects basic telephone ratepayers from subsidizing the provision of cable video programming. Prohibits a telephone company from providing video programming services if prohibited from doing so by Federal antitrust laws. Makes it unlawful for any person (including a common carrier) to purchase or otherwise acquire control of a cable system without the permission of the franchising authority for that cable system. Prohibits a franchising authority from granting such authority unless: (1) it determines that cable subscribers will benefit from such acquisition; (2) it determines that the number of channels, the signal quality, and the types of services will be expanded; and (3) the person acquiring the cable system agrees to include an obligation to achieve such expanded benefits and services for its customers. Requires a cable operator to: (1) provide cable system access to any program service, except under specified conditions; (2) provide cable system access to any unaffiliated program service under the same rates, terms, and conditions as provided to an affiliated program; and (3) comply with regulations prescribed by the FCC which ensure such access. States that any regulations prescribed by the FCC shall not relieve a common carrier who provides cable service from any regulations under the above Act or any other regulations concerning open network architecture plans and related requirements. Makes it unlawful for any person affiliated with a cable operator who provides programming to any cable operator to engage in any unjust or unreasonable discrimination in charges, practices, regulations, facilities, or services against any person seeking to obtain such programming for distribution over another capable system or over any other medium capable of making the programming available for private viewing. Empowers U.S. district courts with jurisdiction to enforce such prohibitions. Directs the FCC to initiate a proceeding to investigate: (1) the extent to which affiliated persons are engaged in producing and distributing video programming for carriage on cable television systems; and (2) the degree to which such operations result in higher rates for television service or unfair or anticompetitive acts or practices with respect to such programming. Requires the FCC to report immediately to the Attorney General or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) any acts or practices found during such investigation that appear to violate any law within the jurisdiction of the Attorney General or the FTC. Directs the FCC to report to the Congress on the results of such investigation within one year after the enactment of this Act. Directs the FCC to initiate a proceeding to investigate: (1) the extent to which video programming is being delivered to residents of rural areas by means of cable television systems and other media; and (2) methods which might be used to improve and extend the delivery of such programming by such media. Directs the FCC to report the results of such investigations to the Congress within one year after enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1989
Clearcutting Restraint Act of 1989 - Amends the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act to revise the guidelines for land management plans with respect to preserving plant communities in national forests. Limits the use of clearcutting and other cutting methods.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 1989
Amends titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to provide direct coverage of clinical social worker services under part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of the Medicare program and require States to cover such services under the Medicaid program.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 1989
Amends the Federal judicial code to prohibit States from: (1) imposing a higher tax assessment ratio upon natural gas transmission property than is imposed upon other commercial and industrial property; (2) collecting an ad valorem property tax on natural gas transmission property at a tax rate that exceeds the rate applicable to commercial and industrial property in the same assessment jurisdiction; and (3) imposing any other tax that discriminates against a natural gas company subject to the jurisdiction of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, with an exception for fees charged gas companies for safety, environmental, or land use purposes. Grants Federal district courts concurrent jurisdiction (without regard to the amount in controversy or the citizenship of the parties) to enjoin, suspend, restrain, or set aside such discriminatory tax treatment. Permits relief only if the ratio of assessed value to true market value of natural gas transmission property exceeds by at least five percent that of other commercial and industrial property in the taxing jurisdiction.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1989
Lumbee Recognition Act - Extends Federal recognition to the Lumbee Tribe of Cheraw Indians of North Carolina. Makes the Tribe and its members eligible for all services and benefits provided to Indians because of their status as federally recognized Indians except that members of the Tribe shall not be entitled to such services until funds have been appropriated for such purposes. Deems members of the Tribe residing in Robeson and adjoining counties to be resident on or near an Indian reservation for purposes of the delivery of such services. Directs the Secretary of the Interior (the Secretary) and the Secretary of Health and Human Services: (1) upon verification of a tribal role, to develop a determination of needs and a budget required to provide services to eligible members of the Tribe; and (2) to submit a written statement of such needs and budget with the first budget request submitted to the Congress after the fiscal year in which the tribal roll is verified. Authorizes the Tribe to plan and administer programs under Federal provisions pursuant to an annual written funding agreement between the Tribe and the Secretary (in lieu of authority provided under the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act) specifying: (1) the services to be provided, and procedures for modifying budget allocations, within any fiscal year; and (2) the responsibility of the Secretary for, and procedure to be used in, auditing the expenditures of the Tribe. Directs the Lumbee Tribe to organize for its common welfare and to adopt a constitution and bylaws. Directs the Secretary to assist the Tribe in the drafting of a constitution and bylaws, the conduct of an election with respect to such constitution, and the reorganization of the Government of the Tribe under any such constitution and bylaws. Declares that, until the Tribe adopts a constitution, the membership of the Tribe shall consist (subject to review by the Secretary) of every individual who is named in the tribal membership roll that is in effect on the date of enactment of this Act. Requires the State of North Carolina to exercise jurisdiction over all criminal offenses committed, and all civil actions that arise, on specified tribal lands in North Carolina. Makes such Tribe eligible for certain agricultural loans to acquire land within reservations with respect to lands within the exterior boundaries of Robeson and adjoining counties, North Carolina. Authorizes appropriations, but requires proposals for expenditures of such funds to be submitted by the Tribe to specified congressional committees prior to any expenditure of such funds by the Tribe.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1989
Low-Income Housing Credit Act of 1989 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the low-income housing income tax credit (under current law the credit will expire after tax year 1989). Permits States a one-year carryover of unused credit authority. Assigns carryovers to the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to allocate to eligible States applying for excess credit. Allows the credit only if an extended low-income housing commitment (beyond the current 15-year period) is in effect with respect to any building for the relevant taxable year. Describes procedures to effect transition to a non-low-income use in connection with such extensions. Permits the credit in connection with the acquisition of an existing building only if the taxpayer incurs rehabilitation expenditures of at least $3,000 per unit. Revises rent restrictions to: (1) declare unnecessary a required rent reduction below the initial rent if the median gross income of the area decreases; (2) permit higher rent if units are occupied by higher income individuals and the project has an operating deficit; (3) base income limitations on the number of bedrooms in a unit; and (4) use State median gross income in certain low-income housing status determinations. Broadens categories of existing buildings eligible for a waiver of the ten-year requirement for the low-income housing credit. Revises credit provisions relating to single-room occupancy units and special needs housing. Loosens restrictions that limit credit benefits in connection with buildings financed with tax-exempt bonds and below market loans. Permits the credit to be allocated: (1) on a project basis; and (2) in connection with owner-occupied buildings of four units or less if a development plan is submitted. Directs housing credit agencies to adopt plans for allocating credit amounts among projects, prohibiting the credit with respect to any building not included in such a plan. Modifies at-risk rules in connection with buildings subject to the historic rehabilitation credit and those associated with financing provided by certain nonprofit organizations. Sets the tax credit rate on a semiannual rather than monthly basis. Increases the credit in connection with buildings in high cost areas (low-income census tracts or difficult development areas).
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1989
Constitutional Amendment - Requires the Congress and the President, prior to each fiscal year, to agree on an estimate of total receipts (except those derived from borrowing) for that fiscal year by enactment of a joint single subject resolution. Prohibits outlays for that year (except those for repayment of debt principal) from exceeding this amount unless the Congress, by a three-fifths roll call vote of each House, authorizes a specific excess of outlays over receipts. Requires a three-fifths roll call vote of each House to increase the public debt. Directs the President to submit a balanced budget to the Congress. Requires the approval of a majority of the total membership of each House by roll call vote before any bill to increase revenue may become law. Waives these provisions when a declaration of war is in effect.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 1989
Americans with Disabilities Act of 1989 - Title I: General Prohibition Against Discrimination - Declares that it shall be discriminatory, on the basis of disability, to deny opportunities or to afford them unequally, to provide opportunities less effectively (or differently or separately, unless necessary for effectiveness), to assist an organization or individual that discriminates, or to otherwise limit opportunities enjoyed by others. Prohibits the use of standards, criteria, or administrative methods that have the purpose or effect of discrimination or perpetuate discrimination. Declares it discriminatory to deny equal opportunities because of the relationship or association of an individual with another individual with a disability. Allows as a defense to a charge of discrimination that an application of standards or criteria has been demonstrated to be both necessary and substantially related to the ability of an individual to take advantage of the essential components of the opportunity, and that the taking advantage cannot be accomplished by reasonable accommodations, modifications, or the provision of auxiliary aids or services. Title II: Employment - Prohibits discrimination by any employer, employment agency, labor organization, or joint labor-management committee against any qualified individual with a disability in job application procedures, hiring or discharge, compensation, advancement, training, and other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment. Lists types of actions construed to be discrimination. Makes the remedies set forth in specified provisions of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and other specified Federal law available to any individual who believes that he or she is being or is about to be subjected to discrimination in violation of this Act. Title III: Public Services - Declares that no qualified individual with a disability shall be excluded from the participation in, denied the benefits of, or subjected to discrimination by a State, or by an agency, political subdivision, or other instrumentality of a State. Lists types of actions deemed, for purposes of this Act and specified provisions of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, to be discrimination with regard to public transportation. Makes the remedies and rights set forth in specified provisions of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 available to any individual who believes that he or she is being or is about to be subjected to discrimination in violation of this Act. Title IV: Public Accommodations and Services Operated by Private Entities - Prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in the enjoyment of any place of public accommodation. Lists types of actions construed to be discrimination. Prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in public transportation services provided by a private entity that is primarily engaged in transporting people, but that is not in the principal business of air transportation. Lists types of actions construed to be discrimination. Makes specified provisions of the Fair Housing Act relating to enforcement available, subject to exception, to any aggrieved individual. Title V: Telecommunications Relay Services - Defines "telecommunications relay services" to mean services that enable simultaneous communication between individuals who use telecommunications devices for the deaf (TDDs) or other nonvoice terminal devices and individuals who do not use such devices. Declares it discriminatory for any common carrier that offers telephone services to the public to fail to provide interstate or intrastate telecommunication relay services that are equal to those provided to their customers who are able to use voice services, except in any State in which services are provided through an entity designated by the State. Declares it discrimination by a State that makes such a designation if the State fails to provide interstate or intrastate relay services that are equal to those provided to their voice customers. Makes specified provisions of the Fair Housing Act relating to enforcement available, subject to exception, to any aggrieved individual. Requires the Federal Communications Commission to enforce this title. Makes specified provisions of the Communications Act of 1934 apply with respect to the enforcement of this title. Provides for cease and desist orders by the Commission and for monetary penalties. Title VI: Miscellaneous Provisions - Prohibits retaliatory discrimination against any individual because of actions related to this Act. Declares that a State shall not be immune under the 11th Amendment to the Constitution from an action in Federal court for a violation of this Act. Requires the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board to issue minimum guidelines to supplement the existing Minimum Guidelines and Requirements for Accessible Design. Allows the awarding of reasonable attorney's fees, in certain circumstances, in any action or proceeding under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 1989
Precludes veterans entitled to benefits under the All-Volunteer Force Educational Assistance Program from receiving other veterans' educational assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1989
Designates the Labor Day weekend beginning on September 2, 1989, as National Drive for Life Weekend. Calls on people to observe that weekend with a pledge to not drink and drive.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1989
Increases the annual salary rates of the Chief Justice, Associate Justices of the Supreme Court, U.S. Circuit Judges, U.S. District Judges, and judges of the U.S. Court of International Trade by 30 percent of their respective existing rates. Requires that certain judicial salary rates be adjusted on the same date that civil service retirement annuities are increased and by the same percentage amount as such annuities are increased. Repeals a provision of the judicial code that required specific congressional authorization for salary increases for Federal judges and justices of the Supreme Court. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1989
Precludes veterans entitled to benefits under the All Volunteer Force Educational Assistance Program from receiving other veterans' educational assistance. Terminates other veterans' educational assistance as of June 30, 1993.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1989
Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions governing the income tax deduction for the health insurance costs of self-employed individuals to: (1) make the deduction permanent (under current law it will expire after tax year 1989); and (2) phase in an increase in the allowable deduction, reaching 100 percent for taxable years beginning in 1994 and thereafter.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1989
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Bankruptcy Court and all involved parties should facilitate the prompt restoration of Eastern Airlines to full operations through appropriate action which may include appointment of a trustee, pending the sale of the company.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1989
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that an increase in estate taxes or the imposition of a capital gains tax at death would, by virtue of negative effects on family farms and family businesses, do more damage to the U.S. economy than the increased revenue would justify.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1989
Food Labeling and Heart Disease Reduction Act of 1989 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to deem foods containing fat, cholesterol, or sodium to be misbranded unless their labeling states certain information with regard to: (1) calories from fat; (2) total fat and saturated, polyunsaturated, or monounsaturated fat; (3) sodium; and (4) cholesterol.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1989
Provides that employees of the Tennessee Valley Authority who are covered by a collective bargaining agreement shall not be subject to any regulations which take employee efficiency or performance ratings into account in determining the order of retention of competing employees in a reduction in force.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1989
Employee Educational Assistance Act of 1989 - Repeals provisions of the Internal Revenue Code that: (1) terminated the income tax exclusion of amounts paid under employee educational assistance programs as of tax year 1989; and (2) deny benefits in connection with graduate work.
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 1989
World War I Veterans' Service Pension Act - Directs the Administrator (effective March 1989, Secretary) of Veterans Affairs to pay a monthly pension of $150 to each veteran of World War I who meets specified service requirements. Requires such veteran, if receiving another pension administered by the Veterans Administration (effective March 1989, Department of Veterans Affairs) (VA), to elect which pension he will receive. Provides for the payment of a monthly pension of $100 to surviving spouses of World War I veterans who meet certain marriage requirements. Requires such surviving spouses to choose between pensions if they are currently receiving another pension through the VA.
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 1989
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit an individual taxpayer an income tax deduction for travel, food, lodging, and transportation expenses paid or incurred in connection with the taxpayer's performance of services as a member of the armed forces reserves or the National Guard. Excludes the taxpayer's meal and entertainment expenses from deductibility limitations in this context.
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 1989
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish a new test for determining whether an employee health plan meets the new (section 89) nondiscrimination requirements for coverage and benefits. Considers a plan as meeting the requirements if: (1) it does not contain eligibility provisions that discriminate in favor of highly compensated employees; (2) the taxable benefit of any highly compensated employee is limited to 133 percent of the premium made available to 90 percent of the employees who are not in this category; and (3) the employer maintains at least one qualified plan that consists primarily of core health benefits and does not require employee weekly contributions of more than $10 per week ($25 for family coverage) (indexed for inflation), and at least 90 percent of all employees who are not highly paid employees are eligible to participate in such a plan. Revises the definition of "highly compensated employee." Increases from 17 1/2 hours to 25 hours per week the threshold number of work hours triggering requirements with respect to part-time employees. Adjusts benefits and requirements in connection with employees who work less than 30 hours per week. Applies the requirements separately in connection with employees covered by a collective bargaining agreement. Permits an employer to disregard leased employees in connection with requirements if specified conditions are met. Imposes a 34 percent tax on employers in connection with amounts paid or incurred during any taxable year under a specified employee benefit plan that does not meet enumerated general criteria, including that it be in writing, be maintained exclusively for the benefit of employees, and provide for employee notice about benefits. Repeals nondiscrimination provisions as applied to group-term life insurance. Amends the Technical and Miscellaneous Revenue Act of 1988 to delay application of the requirements with respect to retired employees. Requires employers to report to highly compensated employees amounts of taxable fringe benefits. Imposes a penalty for failure to report.
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1989
Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to state that a food intended for human consumption shall be deemed misbranded unless it is labeled to show the amount of sodium and potassium it contains when in excess of a certain number of milligrams. Permits the Secretary of Health and Human Services to exempt a food from such requirement by requiring the information to be prominently displayed near its place of display or sale. Exempts from such labeling requirements any manufacturer of such foods whose total annual sales are less than a specified amount.
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 1989
Designates the week of October 22 through October 29, 1989, as Drug-Free America Week. Encourages every American to wear red during such week to symbolize a commitment to a drug-free lifestyle.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1989
Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to phase-in, over four years, the requirement that nursing facilities pay nursing personnel at a rate at least equal to the mean rate paid nursing personnel employed outside such facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1989
Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to limit annual imports of milk protein products to 50 percent of the average annual amount imported during the period 1985 through 1987. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a preferential import licensing system for such products based on the availability of domestic substitutes.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1989
Education of the Blind Act of 1989 - Amends Federal law relating to the education of the blind to permit the American Printing House for the Blind (APHB) to acquire from other suppliers books and other educational materials for the blind which it distributes to schools. (Current law only allows distribution of materials manufactured by APHB.)
![Official portrait of Rep. Quillen, James H. (Jimmy) [R-TN-1]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/q000013_200.jpg)