United States · United States Congress · 3 June 1988
Veterans' Compensation Amendments of 1988 - Increases the rates of compensation, dependency and indemnity compensation, and the clothing allowance payable to veterans with service-connected disabilities and their survivors. Authorizes the Administrator of Veterans Affairs to administratively adjust the rates of disability compensation payable to persons who are not in receipt of compensation for service-connected disability or death. Provides for the payment of benefits to the surviving spouse and to the children of a veteran who dies from causes other than the veteran's own willful misconduct, and who was in receipt of, entitled to receive, or but for the receipt of retired or retirement pay would have been entitled to receive, compensation at the time of death for a service-connected disability that was continuously rated totally disabling for: (1) ten years or more immediately preceding death; or (2) not less than five years from the date of such veteran's discharge or other release from active duty. Prohibits the payment of benefits to a surviving spouse under this Act unless: (1) the marriage to the veteran occurred before the expiration of 15 years after the veteran's discharge or other release from active duty; (2) the surviving spouse was married to the veteran for one year or more; or (3) a child was born of the marriage or was born to them before the marriage. Provides for a reduction of benefits to a surviving spouse or child receiving money or property pursuant to an award in a judicial proceeding based upon, or a settlement or compromise of, any cause of action for damages for the death of such veteran. Revises provisions providing for vocational rehabilitation for pension recipients to qualify for an eligibility evaluation any veteran who was awarded a pension before the beginning of the program period, and to remove the limitation on the number of veterans who may be given evaluations each year. Extends the program period through January 31, 1992. Provides for the continued operation of the Veterans Administration's regional office in the Philippines through September 30, 1991.
United States · United States Congress · 26 May 1988
Agricultural Commodity Embargo Limitation Act - Provides that the President may not prohibit or restrict the export of U.S. agricultural products to any country unless: (1) a state of war exists between such country and the United States; or (2) the President certifies to the Congress that such country is engaged in military hostilities against the United States, and such certification is in effect.
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 1988
Social Security Work Incentives Act of 1988 - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act to reduce monthly disability benefits by 50 percent of a beneficiary's monthly earnings in excess of $85. Limits the total amount by which an individual's OASDI disability benefits may be reduced if such individual is also eligible for benefits provided under title XVI (Supplemental Security Income) (SSI) of the Act to individuals who perform substantial gainful activity despite severe medical impairment. Prohibits deductions from disability-based child insurance benefits for the recovery of prior overpayments resulting from a failure to reduce such benefits on the basis of earnings. Extends to current OASDI disability beneficiaries the rule preventing reductions in the primary insurance amount for prior recipients. Continues an individual's entitlement to disability benefits while such individual is under disabled and working status, meaning that such individual is earning enough to be considered engaged in substantial gainful activity, but would otherwise continue to satisfy eligibility requirements. Sets a four-year limit on the Medicare hospital insurance eligibility (under part A of title XVIII of the Act) of individuals who owe their eligibility to their disabled and working status under the OASDI program. Amends the Medicare program to authorize such individuals to enroll for hospital insurance benefits upon the termination of such four-year limit. Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Act to cover Medicare cost-sharing amounts for individuals of disabled and working status who are entitled to enroll for Medicare hospital insurance benefits and whose income and resources do not exceed 300 percent of the Federal poverty level and the SSI resource eligibility limit, respectively. Requires States to collect a coinsurance percentage from such individuals pursuant to a sliding scale which increases such percentage from 0 to 100 percent in reasonable increments as incomes move from 150 to 300 percent of the Federal poverty level. Extends to all recipients of disability-based child's insurance benefits the rule permitting continued entitlement to Medicaid benefits of individuals who would remain eligible for SSI benefits but for their receipt of such child's insurance benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1988
Amends the United States Institute of Peace Act to extend the authorization of appropriations for the United States Institute of Peace through FY 1991. Authorizes the Institute to establish the Jeanette Rankin Library Program. Specifies that such program shall include an oral history collection and other projects supportive of scholarship and research in the broad area of international peace and conflict management.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1988
Designates the period of July 25 through July 31, 1988, as National Week of Recognition and Remembrance for Those Who Served in the Korean War. Authorizes and requests the President to urge that the American flag be flown at half staff on July 27, 1988, in honor of those Americans who died as a result of their service in Korea.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1988
Amends the Education Amendments of 1980 to extend through FY 1991 the authorization of appropriations for the Robert A. Taft Institute of Government, in New York, New York.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1988
Law Enforcement National Labor-Management Relations Act - Declares it to be the policy of the United States to recognize the rights of law enforcement officers employed by States, local governments, and territories and possessions of the United States to organize and bargain collectively. Establishes procedures for settlement of disputes between such employees and their employers. Sets forth the rights of such officers as employees, and the rights of their employee organizations. Obliges each such employee to pay a representation fee to the exclusive representative if it has been recognized for the employees in an appropriate collective bargaining unit. Sets forth procedures for such recognition and exclusive representation. Sets forth an impasse procedure. Provides for appointment of an arbitration panel. Sets forth provisions for: (1) hearing before arbitration panels; (2) records, transcripts, and decisions; (3) awards and enforcement; and (4) arbitration costs. Sets forth unfair labor practices which are unlawful for an employer or an employee organization or exclusive representative to commit. Sets forth the nature of the duty to bargain. Empowers the Commission to prevent any person from engaging in any unfair labor practice enumerated under this Act. Sets forth complaint procedures. Sets forth a no strike provision. Prohibits any law enforcement officer or exclusive representative from engaging in a strike or inducing, encouraging, or condoning any strike, work stoppage, slowdown, or withholding of services by law enforcement officers. Sets forth this Act's relation to other laws. Makes this Act, with a specified exception, the exclusive method for regulating the relationship between employers and their law enforcement officer employees in regard to all matters covered by the Act, preempting any provision of any Federal, State, or local law which is inconsistent with it. Allows any State, city, or territory or possession of the U.S. which establishes a system substantially equivalent to the one established by this Act to apply to the Secretary of Labor for an exemption from it. Provides for judicial review of the Secretary's determinations of such exemptions. Provides that, except as otherwise expressly provided in this Act, nothing in it shall be construed to annul, modify, or preclude the renewal or continuation of any lawful agreement entered into before enactment of this Act between an employer and an employee organization covering the terms and conditions of employment and related matters of mutual concern.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1988
Expresses U.S. policy that Nicaragua should undertake specified reforms, such as reinstating due process and fair trials, ending torture, conducting free elections, allowing an uncensored free press, ensuring the right to strike and to publish for unions, allowing the Catholic Church to reopen its offices, and ending the forced relocation of Indians and Creoles. Urges all countries in Central America to continue to work toward achieving the democratic principles and processes specified in the August 7, 1987, Central American peace accord.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1988
Expresses the sense of the Congress that Federal departments and agencies should use the most recent population data in determining the amount of benefit received by State, county, or local government.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 1988
Designates specified land as the Manassas National Battlefield Addition. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to acquire land within the boundaries of the Addition and to administer such lands as part of the Manassas National Battlefield Park, Virginia. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1988
Arizona-Florida Land Exchange Act of 1988 - Title I - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to dispose of the real property used for the Phoenix Indian High School in Phoenix, Arizona. Ratifies the Agreement Among the United States, Collier Enterprises, and the Barron Collier Company under which the United States agrees to exchange such property for certain lands in Florida located in the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge owned by Collier and specified monetary proceeds. Requires the Secretary, if such Federal property is conveyed, to convey 20 acres of such property to the city of Phoenix to provide for public open space and recreation, to transfer administrative jurisdiction of 11.5 acres of such property to the Veterans Administration (VA) for expansion of a VA hospital, and to convey 4.5 acres of such property to the State of Arizona for the construction of a nursing home for veterans, provided that each such entity elects to accept such property. Provides that such property conveyed to Phoenix and Arizona shall revert to the United States if not used for the prescribed purposes. Requires Collier to provide 90 days' advance notice of its intention to accept the offer of the United States under the exchange agreement to the Secretary, the Mayor of Phoenix, the Administrator of Veterans Affairs, the Intertribal Council of Arizona (ITCA), the governing body of the Navajo Tribe, and the Governor of Arizona. Requires the Secretary, not later that 45 days after receiving such notice from Collier, to publish notice that the Secretary will consider offers by persons other than Collier for the school property. Requires any such offer to provide for: (1) a single cash payment of a minimum acceptable price; (2) an agreement to make annual payments into the Arizona Intertribal Trust Fund or the Navajo Trust Fund; and (3) an offer to enter into a planning and zoning agreement with the city of Phoenix. Provides that: (1) if no qualifying offer is received, Collier may accept the U.S. offer under the exchange agreement; (2) if a qualifying offer is received, Collier will be allowed to match that offer; and (3) if Collier declines to match the best qualifying offer, the Secretary shall accept such offer. Provides for the management of school property which is not conveyed or which reverts to the United States under this Act. Provides for the deposit of the monetary proceeds from the school property into the Arizona Intertribal Trust Fund and the Navajo Trust Fund. Allows the Secretary to elect to receive such proceeds in a lump-sum payment or in 30 annual payments. Title II - Requires the Secretary to close the Phoenix Indian High School between June 1, 1988, and September 1, 1988. Requires the Secretary to notify the tribal governing body of each affected Arizona tribe and each student, or parent or guardian of each student, enrolled at the school within 30 days after the enactment of this Act. Directs the Secretary to transfer administrative jurisdiction of the school property from the Bureau of Indian Affairs to the National Park Service within 60 days after the closure of the school. Authorizes the National Park Service to manage and control the property consistent with the requirements of the exchange agreement, although the school property will not be considered a unit of the National Park System. Provides for the establishment of the Arizona Intertribal Trust Fund and the Navajo Trust Fund. Specifies that each fund shall consist of the portion of the monetary proceeds from the school property allocable to the fund. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to: (1) invest any lump-sum payments into the trust fund into interest-bearing securities and deposits; or (2) hold the security provided by the purchaser in trust if payment into the trust funds is made in the form of annual payments. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury, at the direction of the Secretary of the Interior, to invest any portion of the trust income not used. Limits use of the trust income to supplemental educational and child-welfare programs, activities, and services and the design, construction, improvement, and repair of related facilities. Authorizes the Secretary, pursuant to appropriations and with the approval of the governing body of the affected tribe, to make grants from the trust funds to public school districts on or near the reservations. Directs the Secretary to make annual payments in an amount equal to five percent of the appropriate trust income to the ITCA and the governing body of the Navajo tribe. Limits the use of such income to education, child welfare, community development, and general administrative purposes. Prohibits the use of any part of the trust income for scholarship grants for higher education. Provides for the allocation of the monetary proceeds from school property into the trust funds, with 95 percent of the payment to be deposited into the Arizona Intertribal Trust Fund, and five percent to be deposited into the Navajo Trust Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1988
Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to remove the exemptions for Supplemental Loans for Students (SLS loans) from certain eligibility requirements under title IV (Student Assistance) of such Act. Applies special rules for multiple disbursement to SLS loans. Requires applicants for SLS loans to have: (1) received a determination of eligibility or ineligibility for a Pell Grant; or (2) filed a Pell Grant application and received a preliminary determination of eligibility or ineligibility.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1988
Toy Safety and Child Protection Act - Directs the Consumer Product Safety Commission to issue a consumer product safety standard requiring cautionary labeling warning of any dangers to children of specific ages for any children's toy which: (1) is manufactured for sale, offered for sale, distributed in commerce, or imported into the United States; and (2) includes a small part, as defined by the Commission. Sets forth labeling requirements. Requires the Commission to establish such standard, and rules implementing the requirements of such standard, by January 1, 1989.
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 1988
Drug-Free America Act of 1988 - Amends the Controlled Substances Act to establish criteria for the imposition of the death penalty when, during the course of a continuing criminal enterprise drug offense, an individual knowingly causes the death of another. Requires the Government, for such offense, to serve notice upon the defendant a reasonable time before trial or acceptance of a plea, disclosing that it intends to seek the death penalty and the aggravating factors upon which it will rely. Requires a separate sentencing hearing before a jury, or the court upon motion by the defendant, when the defendant is found guilty or pleads guilty to such offense. Allows the defendant and the Government to present any information relevant to sentencing without regard to the rules of evidence, but permits information to be excluded if its probative value is substantially outweighed by the danger of unfair prejudice, confusion of the issues, or misleading of the jury. Directs the court, or the jury by unanimous vote, to impose the death penalty upon finding that such sentence is justified based on consideration of both aggravating and mitigating factors. Sets forth some mitigating factors to be considered by the jury or the court when imposing its sentence. Includes as aggravating factors: (1) the intentional nature of the act which resulted in the victim's death; (2) previous convictions for offenses for which life imprisonment or death is authorized; and (3) the especially heinous, cruel, or depraved nature of the offense. Requires the court to instruct the jury not to consider the race, color, national origin, creed, or sex of the defendant in its consideration of the sentence. Allows the court to impose a sentence of life imprisonment without the possibility of parole for such offenses when the death penalty is not imposed. Establishes procedures for appeal from a death sentence. Requires the Court of Appeals, upon consideration of the record and the information and procedures of the sentencing hearing, to affirm the decision if: (1) the sentence was not imposed under the influence of passion, prejudice, or arbitrariness; and (2) the information supports the finding of aggravating factors or the absence of mitigating factors. Requires the court to provide a written explanation of its determination. Provides increased criminal penalties for the possession of a mixture or substance which contains cocaine base (crack). Establishes recordkeeping and reporting requirements for the manufacture, distribution, importation, and exportation of listed precursor and essential chemicals. Prohibits the distribution of such chemicals unless the recipient provides a certification of lawful use and proper identification. Establishes exemptions from such requirements: (1) for the distribution of such chemicals between agents or employees within a single facility; (2) for the delivery of such chemicals to or by common carriers; (3) if the Attorney General determines that such requirements are not necessary for the enforcement of this Act; and (4) if products containing such chemicals are lawfully marketed under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Establishes an import-export permit requirement for listed precursors and a declaration requirement for listed essential chemicals. Includes as precursor chemicals: (1) N-Acetylanthranilic acid; (2) Anthranilic acid; (3) Ergotamine tartrate; (4) Ergonovine maleate; (5) Phenylacetic acid; (6) Ephedrine; (7) Pseudoephedrine; (8) Benzyl cyanide; (9) Benzyl chloride; and (10) Piperidine. Includes as essential chemicals: (1) Potassium permanganate; (2) Acetic anhydride; (3) Acetone; and (4) Ethyl ether. Establishes a mechanism and criteria for adding or deleting chemicals from such lists. Prohibits the transfer of commercial tableting and encapsulating machines unless a certification of lawful use and proper identification are provided. Establishes reporting requirements for such transfers. Establishes criminal penalties for the unlawful: (1) possession, manufacture, distribution, sale, importation, or exportation of a precursor or essential chemical; and (2) possession, manufacture, distribution, or importation of drug manufacturing equipment, tableting or encapsulating machines, and gelatin capsules. Subjects all listed precursor and essential chemicals, drug manufacturing equipment, tableting and encapsulating machines, and gelatin capsules which have been imported, exported, manufactured, possessed, or distributed in violation of such Act (as well as all conveyances and equipment) to forfeiture to the United States. Directs the Attorney General to maintain an active program, both domestic and international, to curtail the diversion of precursor and essential chemicals. Grants the Attorney General subpoena power with respect to precursor and essential chemicals. Provides additional civil penalties for certain Controlled Substances Act violations involving heroin or cocaine. States that individuals who have been convicted of violations involving a controlled substance, or of criminal violations regarding certain reporting or recordkeeping requirements, shall be ineligible for any license or permit issued under the authority of the United States for a specified period of time. Provides that any permit or license held at the time of the conviction shall be revoked. Amends the Public Health Service Act to require States receiving Alcohol and Drug Abuse and Mental Health Services Block Grants to make grants for demonstration projects which provide treatment services to expectant mothers. Establishes in the Executive Office of the President the Office of the Director of National Drug Control Policy to be headed by a Director, who shall be responsible for: (1) developing, reviewing, implementing, and enforcing U.S. policy with respect to drug control and abuse; (2) directing and coordinating U.S. efforts to halt the importation, manufacture, distribution, and use of illicit drugs; and (3) preparing a National and International Drug Control Strategy. Terminates the National Drug Enforcement Policy Board 90 days after the appointment of the Director. Makes conforming amendments to the Comprehensive Crime Control Act of 1984 and the Drug Abuse Prevention, Treatment, and Rehabilitation Act. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1988 through 1996. Makes supplemental appropriations for Coast Guard drug enforcement activities. Authorizes Coast Guard vessels and aircraft to fire at or into vessels which are liable to seizure or examination that do not bring-to after being ordered to do so by an authorized vessel or aircraft. Grants the commanding officer of the authorized vessel or aircraft immunity for such actions. Allows the Commandant of the Coast Guard to indemnify members or employees of the Coast Guard against any claim arising out of an act committed within the scope of their official drug enforcement duties. Amends the Controlled Substances Act to extend jurisdiction over possession offenses to U.S. vessels and aircraft (and vessels and aircraft subject to the operation of the law of the United States). Subjects any U.S. citizen or resident on board any vessel to Federal criminal penalties for manufacturing, possessing, or distributing a controlled substance. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the suppression of international narcotics trafficking is a major security objective of the United States and the most important national security objective within the Western Hemisphere. Allows the Secretary of Defense to provide equipment to, or assign members of the armed forces to assist, foreign governments in the enforcement of drug laws. Provides for the assignment of members of the armed forces to assist Federal agencies in drug interdiction activities. Requires the Secretary to prepare a plan to implement such provision. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to evaluate alternatives to the use of deadly force as a means of forcing suspected drug-smuggling aircraft entering the United States to land. Requires the Secretary to submit such recommendations to the Congress in the form of proposed legislation. Directs the Secretary to submit proposed legislation to the Congress relating to special restrictions and inspections for vessels and aircraft arriving from drug-producing countries. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to modify the factors to be considered by the President when determining whether to certify a country as having cooperated with United States drug interdiction programs. Directs the President to consider whether such countries have taken the steps necessary to eliminate the laundering of drug-related profits. Amends Federal law to include electronic fund transfers within the definition of "money instruments." Amends the National Forest System Drug Control Act of 1986 to provide additional law enforcement authority for the Forest Service in dealing with Controlled Substances Act violations by: (1) removing the limitation on the number of Service personnel who may exercise specified law enforcement powers; and (2) permitting the exercise of such powers by Service personnel outside of the boundaries of the National Forest System. Grants the Service authority, with respect to the specified law enforcement powers, to: (1) coordinate investigations and enforcement activities and prepare national and regional strategy plans in coordination with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); and (2) cooperate with the Attorney General in carrying out the seizure and forfeiture provisions of the Controlled Substances Act as such activities relate to the manufacture, distribution, or dispensing of controlled substances within the System. Establishes criminal penalties for polluting Federal lands while manufacturing, distributing, or dispensing a controlled substance. Amends the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970 to grant the Postal Service certain seizure and law enforcement authority with respect to Controlled Substances Act violations. States that all moneys and proceeds from such seizures shall be deposited in the Postal Service Fund (and later withdrawn and paid into the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund). States that any person convicted of a drug-related offense shall be ineligible for any form of student assistance provided under title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965. Requires any person applying for such assistance to file a statement with the institution certifying that the person has not been convicted of a drug-related offense. Requires the Secretary of Education to prescribe methods for verifying such statements. Amends the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1986 to require State educational agencies to distribute funds for State and local programs for drug abuse education and prevention programs on the basis of relative enrollments in public and private, nonprofit schools (currently, on the basis of the relative number of children in the school-age population) within an area. Requires local applications for funds for a three-year period to include a description of: (1) the extent and nature of the current drug and alcohol problem in the schools of the applicant; (2) the applicant's drug and alcohol policy; and (3) how the applicant will monitor program effectiveness. Requires applicants to submit a progress report to State educational agencies for the preceding two years in order to receive funds for the third year. Requires the report to show reasonable progress toward accomplishing program objectives or a modified plan to meet such objectives. Requires States to report annually to the Secretary with specified information on programs funded under this Act. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1988 through 1991 to carry out the provisions of such Act. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1989 to the building and facilities account, Federal Prison System, for the construction, acquisition, remodeling, and equipping of prisons. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the National Institute of Justice should conduct a research project to obtain, on a voluntary basis, and analyze urine samples from individuals who are arrested to determine whether they use controlled substances. Amends the Federal criminal code to make regular drug testing and refrainment from any use of controlled substances mandatory conditions of parole and probation. Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to require Drug Law Enforcement Program grant recipients to provide additional matching funds. Amends the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 to exclude any individual who uses or is addicted to illegal drugs from the definition of an individual with handicaps, for purposes of specified provisions. Amends specified Federal law which prohibits discrimination against Federal employees or applicants for Federal employment to provide that such prohibition shall not be construed to permit or require the employment of an individual who uses illegal drugs.
United States · United States Congress · 19 April 1988
Amends the Library Services and Construction Act to extend through FY 1989 the authorization of appropriations for grants under title V (Foreign Language Materials Acquisition) and title VI (Library Literacy Programs) of such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 April 1988
Declares that the Congress acknowledges and appreciates the commitment, devotion, and sacrifices of present and former military families. Designates November 21, 1988, as National Military Families Recognition Day.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1988
Truth in Social Security Accounting Act of 1988 - Amends the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974 to exclude, beginning with FY 1990, Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund and Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund receipts and outlays in the Federal deficit determinations for purposes of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act).
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 1988
Lower Mississippi Delta Development Act - Establishes the Lower Mississippi Delta Development Commission to study and make recommendations concerning the economic needs and economic development of the Lower Mississippi Delta, defined to include areas in Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee. Directs the Commission, among other things, to: (1) study the projected ten-year economic needs of the region; (2) review existing Federal, State, local, and private programs for business development and financing; (3) develop inventories of the region's business resources and natural resources; (4) study the role of small business in creating jobs in the region; and (5) make recommendations to the Congress regarding tax policies, business development programs, investment incentives, infrastructure development, and a number of other economic development issues. Requires the Commission, no later than one year after its first meeting, to present its required findings and recommendations to specified congressional leadership and committees, the President, and the Governors of the affected States. Requires termination of the Commission within one year after submission of its report. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 12 April 1988
Civil Service Annuity Prompt Payment Act - Requires civil service retirement annuity payments and survivor annuity payments to begin 90 days after the later of: (1) the annuity's commencement date; or (2) the date on which the Office of Personnel Management receives a completed application. Requires the payment of interest on the initial underpayment of annuity if no monthly payment is made within the 90-day period, or if one or more monthly annuity payments are made within such period but the amount of payment is deficient.
United States · United States Congress · 12 April 1988
Military Child Abuse Prevention Plan Act of 1988 - Establishes a task force to analyze the quality and sufficiency of, and develop recommendations concerning, Department of Defense (DOD) personnel and agencies responsible for monitoring the welfare of children at military installations. Authorizes funds previously appropriated to DOD to be used for the task force in FY 1988 and authorizes appropriations for FY 1989. Directs the task force to develop recommendations to improve the capability of DOD to prevent, detect, and respond to child abuse and neglect of children of members of the armed forces or civilian DOD employees for whom child care services are provided on military installations, based on an analysis of the quality and sufficiency of DOD personnel and agencies at selected installations. Requires the task force to make additional recommendations concerning whether there should be: (1) better standardized policies and procedures applicable throughout DOD with respect to child abuse and neglect; (2) child abuse and neglect oversight committees on military installations; (3) minimum standards for education, training, and experience for military personnel responsible for the prevention, detection, and treatment of child abuse; (4) improved liaison with other Federal and community agencies; and (5) improved monitoring and evaluation throughout DOD. Directs that the analysis of the quality and sufficiency of DOD personnel and agencies be made at representative military installations, including installations at specified locations. Specifies information to be collected for such analysis, including: (1) a description of DOD military and civilian personnel who direct, coordinate, or oversee child welfare policy at the installation or who might be called upon to respond to allegations of child abuse, and their training; (2) an evaluation of the ability of such personnel to effectively detect and prevent, and respond to allegations of, abuse or neglect; (3) an evaluation of any relationship, agreement, or cooperation between such personnel and State or local officials responsible for investigation, prosecution, and follow-up with respect to reports of abuse or neglect; and (4) an evaluation of the quality of family counseling and support services available for abused or neglected children and their families. Directs that such analysis be carried out principally through interviews at each installation surveyed and that specified persons be interviewed. Requires the task force to report its recommendations to the Secretary of Defense, who shall report on implementation of such recommendations to the Congress. Terminates the task force 90 days after submission of its report.
United States · United States Congress · 31 March 1988
Retirement and Survivors' Annuities for Bankruptcy Judges and Magistrates Act of 1988 - Amends Federal law to establish a new retirement system for bankruptcy judges and magistrates with 15 or more years of service, or at least eight years of service, upon attaining age 65. Entitles a bankruptcy judge or magistrate who has served at least five years to disability retirement. Provides for cost-of-living adjustments in such retirement system. Requires each bankruptcy judge or magistrate who elects an annuity under this Act to notify the Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts. Declares that such judge or magistrate shall not be entitled to an annuity under the civil service system. Declares this Act applicable to service on or after October 1, 1979. Provides for making payments which would otherwise be made to a bankruptcy judge or magistrate to another person to the extent provided for under the terms of any court order or court-approved property settlement agreement incident to any court decree of divorce, annulment, or legal separation. Provides for deducting amounts from the salary of a bankruptcy judge or magistrate who elects an annuity under this Act. Allows such persons to make deposits for prior service. Declares that a bankruptcy judge or magistrate who retires and thereafter practices law: (1) may not receive the benefit of any cost-of-living adjustment during the period in which such person practices law until reaching age 70; and (2) no annuity shall accrue or be paid for any such period until such person reaches age 70. Provides for the payment of the lump-sum credit of any bankruptcy judge or magistrate who leaves office prior to such person's eligibility to receive an annuity. Establishes the Judicial Officers' Retirement Fund for the payment of annuities, refunds, and other payments under this Act. Authorizes appropriations as necessary for the unfunded liability of the Fund. Establishes transition provisions for incumbent judges and magistrates. Provides survivors' annuities for bankruptcy judges, magistrates, and incumbents. Authorizes the recall of retired bankruptcy judges and magistrates into service.
United States · United States Congress · 30 March 1988
Federal Law Enforcement Officers Death Penalty Act of 1988 - Amends the Federal criminal code to subject any person who is found guilty of the first degree murder of a Federal law enforcement officer, or certain other Federal officials or employees, to the penalty of death. Establishes procedures for the imposition of the death penalty in such cases. Provides that no person who was less than 18 years of age may be sentenced to death. Sets forth mitigating and aggravating factors to be considered by the jury in determining whether the death sentence will be imposed. Requires the Government to serve notice upon the defendant a reasonable time before trial or acceptance of a plea that it intends to seek the death penalty, as well as notice of the aggravating factors upon which it will rely. Provides that no presentence report shall be prepared in such cases. Requires a separate sentencing hearing before a jury or the court (upon motion by the defendant) when the defendant is convicted and the Government has filed notice that it intends to seek the death penalty. Allows the Government and the defendant to present any information relevant to a mitigating or aggravating factor without regard to the rules of evidence, but permits information to be excluded where its probative value is substantially outweighed by the danger of creating unfair prejudice, confusing the issues, or misleading the jury. Conditions imposition of the death penalty on a unanimous finding by the jury or, if there is no jury, the court, that: (1) the aggravating factors found to exist sufficiently outweigh any mitigating factor found to exist; or (2) in the absence of a mitigating factor, the aggravating factors alone are sufficient to justify a sentence of death. Requires the court to instruct the jury not to consider the race, color, national origin, creed, or sex of the defendant in its consideration of the death sentence. Directs the court to impose the death sentence upon a finding that such sentence is justified. Establishes procedures for appeal from a death sentence. Requires the court of appeals, upon consideration of the record and the information and procedures of the sentencing hearing, and any special finding, to affirm the decision if: (1) the sentence was not imposed under influence of passion, prejudice, or arbitrariness; and (2) the information supports the special finding of the existence of an aggravating factor. Requires the court to provide a written explanation of its determination. Establishes procedures for the implementation of the death sentence.
United States · United States Congress · 30 March 1988
Requires the President to: (1) deploy armed forces equipment and personnel to halt aircraft and vessels carrying narcotics across U.S. borders; (2) deploy radar aircraft for continuous aerial radar coverage of the southern U.S. border during darkness; (3) deploy both rotor and fixed wing aircraft for pursuit and seizure purposes; and (4) use National Guard and Reserve members and U.S. Customs Service and Coast Guard personnel and equipment for purposes of these activities. Prohibits such military personnel from making arrests aboard any aircraft or vessel, unless they are in hot pursuit. Requires the President to withhold Federal funding from any National Guard unit whose State does not cooperate in this drug interdiction program. Requires all program expenses to be borne by the Department of Defense. Requires the President to substantially halt border crossings by narcotic-carrying aircraft and vessels within 45 days after enactment of this Act. Requires the President to: (1) report to the Congress within a specified time; (2) request funds from the Congress for FY 1988 and 1989 for purposes of the program; and (3) submit a request in the budget for the Department of Defense for such funds every year beginning in 1990.
United States · United States Congress · 30 March 1988
Expresses the concern of the House of Representatives regarding the future security of the Panama Canal. Calls on the President to renegotiate the Panama Canal Treaties to permit: (1) the permanent stationing of U.S. forces in Panama; and (2) the United States to act independently to maintain the security of the Canal and to guarantee its regular operation.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1988
Sets standards to assure the safe transportation of school children to, from, or on military installations owned or controlled by the United States and located outside the United States. Directs the Secretary of each military department to provide that the commanding officer of each U.S. military installation which has personnel with school children contract or otherwise provide for the use of motor vehicles as school buses to transport children to and from a Department of Defense Office of Dependent Schools (DODDS) institution. Sets minimum precautions to be taken by DODDS and each military department to protect school children from injury while being transported to and from DODDS institutions. Directs DODDS to develop a training program for all persons who operate school buses and makes successful completion of such program a prerequisite to operating a school bus. Specifies that such program shall include training in areas such as safe boarding and discharging of school children, safe driving techniques, and first-aid. Directs the appropriate Secretary to require each DODDS school to hold drills in leaving school buses under emergency conditions. Sets requirements for school bus equipment, including warning devices, warning signs, and safety belts. Directs that school buses be maintained as required by local law. Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to issue and enforce other lawful maintenance regulations which are reasonably likely to make the transportation of school children safer. Sets forth mandatory qualifications for school bus operators, including English language ability and passage of a special examination on the safe operation of a school bus. Prohibits any military department from hiring any person to operate a school bus transporting pupils unless such person meets specified requirements, including passing a physical examination, providing a copy of department of motor vehicle (DMV) records showing that the person had not been convicted of certain driving or criminal offenses, is between the ages of 18 and 70, and successfully completed a first-aid course. Requires that results of the physical examination and DMV records be furnished annually. Prohibits any operator from performing services in excess of eight hours in any 24-hour period or from operating a school bus without wearing a safety lap belt. Sets forth procedures for establishing bus routes, loading and unloading of passengers, seating of passengers, and railroad crossings to maximize safety. Makes a person guilty of reckless driving if he or she fails to stop when approaching from any direction a clearly marked school bus which is taking on or discharging school children on Federal property, unless the bus is stopped on the other side of a divided roadway or on a driveway which is separated by a physical barrier or unpaved area from the roadway on which he is driving. Sets a maximum speed limit of 25 miles per hour on U.S.-owned or controlled property, between "school" or "school crossing" signs. Establishes additional requirements related to signs.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1988
Imposes a civil penalty upon any person who mails to any individual or group of individuals at their place of residence: (1) any unsolicited sexually oriented advertisement; or (2) any unsolicited obscene, lewd, lascivious, indecent, filthy, or vile article, matter, thing, device, or substance.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1988
Omnibus Antidrug Abuse Act of 1988 - Title I: Drug Enforcement and Personnel Enhancement - Subtitle A: Asset Forfeiture Fund Amendments Act of 1988 - Department of Justice and Department of Treasury Assets Forfeiture Fund Amendments Act of 1988 - States that expenditures out of the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund and the Customs Forfeiture Fund shall not be scored as outlays which either increase or decrease the Federal budget deficit. Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to provide that the Customs Forfeiture Fund shall be available to the U.S. Customs Service permanently. Authorizes the transfer of funds from the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund to the Building and Facilities account of the Federal prison system for the construction of correctional institutions, and to the Support of United States Prisoners in non-Federal Institutions account of the Department of Justice. Allows the Attorney General, with respect to the DOJ Assets Forfeiture Fund, and the Commissioner of Customs, with respect to the Customs Forfeiture Fund, to exempt the procurement of supplies and services under such funds if necessary to maintain the security and confidentiality of related criminal or civil investigations. Amends the Controlled Substances Act to require the Attorney General to ensure the equitable transfer of forfeited property to the appropriate State and local law enforcement agency or prosecutor's office. Subtitle B: State and Local Narcotics Control Assistance Act of 1988 - Part A: Establishment of the Bureau of Justice Assistance - Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to require the Director of the Bureau of Justice Assistance to: (1) develop an annual State and Local Strategic Drug Control Plan; and (2) publish and disseminate information on the condition and progress of drug control activities. Requires the Bureau to: (1) coordinate Federal, State, and local government efforts toward a national drug control strategy; (2) serve as the coordinating Federal agency with respect to the submission of State and local applications for grant-in-aid programs under the Antidrug Abuse Act of 1986; and (3) maintain a liaison with Federal agencies having drug control authority. Part B: Drug Control Formula Grant Program - Authorizes the Bureau to make grants to States having approved statewide drug control strategies for: (1) Zero Tolerance Enforcement Programs that effect heightened public awareness of and support for local drug control enforcement projects; (2) Multi-Jurisdictional Task Force Programs; (3) Drug Control Law Enforcement Training Programs; (4) Multi-Jurisdictional Intelligence and Data Sharing Programs; (5) Judicial Drug Control Training Programs; (6) Prison Treatment Programs; (7) Drug Treatment for Youthful Offenders Programs; and (8) Statewide and National Intelligence Systems Programs. Requires the executive officer of each participating State to designate a State drug control office to: (1) prepare applications to obtain funds under this Program; and (2) administer such funds. Requires the chief executive officer of each participating State to maintain a State Drug Control Board to: (1) analyze the drug control problems within the State; (2) prepare a statewide drug control strategy; (3) receive, review, and approve (or disapprove) applications from State agencies and units of local governments; (4) prepare annual reports containing assessments of the State drug control program; and (5) assure fund accountability, auditing, and evaluation of programs and projects funded under the Program. Permits the establishment of local drug control offices to prepare and coordinate drug control strategies and implement the provisions of this Act at the local level. States that each jurisdiction which is eligible to have a local drug control office shall establish local drug control boards to: (1) analyze the drug control problem within that jurisdiction; (2) prepare a jurisdiction-wide drug control strategy; (3) receive, review, and approve (or disapprove) applications from units of local government; and (4) prepare annual reports containing assessments of the drug control program. Directs the Bureau to establish a National Drug Control Assistance Coordination Board to provide for the representation of drug control agencies at the Federal, State, and local levels for the purpose of articulating national drug control priorities, programs, and resource needs. Sets forth: (1) State application procedures under the Program; (2) certain limitations on the use of Program funds for administrative expenses; and (3) procedures for the allocation and distribution of Program funds. Part C: Drug Control Discretionary Grant Program - Authorizes the Bureau to develop programs and make grants to public agencies and private nonprofit organizations for technical assistance, training, and national scope and demonstration projects in support of any of the purposes specified in part B of this subsection (Drug Control Formula Grant Program), and any purpose specified in the strategic drug control plan developed by the Bureau. Sets forth application requirements with respect to such program and procedures for the allocation and distribution of program funds. Provides that grants under this program shall be for a period not to exceed three years (may be extended for up to two years under certain circumstances). Part D: Targeted State and Local Strategic Drug Control Plan - Requires the Bureau to complete an annual National Strategic Drug Control Plan which targets the most critical drug control problems that are most effectively resolved at the State and local levels. Part E: Miscellaneous Amendments to Justice Assistance Act of 1984 - Allows Criminal Justice Facility Construction grants to cover 80 percent of the estimated costs of approved construction. (Current law allows such grants to cover 20 percent of such costs.) Part F: Administrative Provisions - Authorizes the Bureau to establish such rules, regulations, and procedures as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this subtitle. Directs the Bureau to prepare a "Program Brief" and an "Implementation Guide" for each of the programs and projects contained in the formula grant programs. States that the functions, powers, and duties specified in this subsection to be carried out by the Bureau shall not be transferred elsewhere in the Department of Justice unless specifically authorized by the Congress. Allows the Bureau to arrange with and reimburse other Federal departments and agencies for the performance of functions under this subtitle only if the funds are to benefit the units of State and local government. Sets forth program and project evaluation and reporting requirements. Part G: Funding - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1989 through 1991 to carry out the grant programs authorized under this subtitle. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1989 for salaries and expenses of the Bureau. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1989 through 1991 for grants to State and local governments for the construction of correctional facilities. Part H: Relationship with the Justice Assistance Act of 1984 - Directs the Bureau to administer any funds available to it under the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 in such a manner as to compensate for the increase in cases resulting from apprehensions and accelerated prosecutions of persons accused of drug trafficking, possession, and related offenses. Encourages State and local jurisdictions to participate in funding under this Act. Subtitle C: Chemical Diversion and Trafficking Act of 1988 - Chemical Diversion and Trafficking Act of 1988 - Amends the Controlled Substances Act to establish recordkeeping and reporting requirements for the manufacture, distribution, importation, and exportation of listed precursor and essential chemicals. Prohibits the distribution of such chemicals unless the recipient provides a certification of lawful use and proper identification. Establishes exemptions from such requirements: (1) for the distribution of such chemicals between agents or employees within a single facility; (2) for the delivery of such chemicals to or by common carriers; (3) where the Attorney General determines that such requirements are not necessary for the enforcement of this Act; and (4) where products containing such chemicals are lawfully marketed under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Establishes an import-export notice and declaration requirement for listed precursor and essential chemicals. Includes as precursor chemicals: (1) N-Acetylanthranilic acid; (2) Anthranilic acid; (3) Ergotamine tartrate; (4) Ergonovine maleate; (5) Phenylacetic acid; (6) Ephedrine; (7) Pseudoephedrine; (8) Benzyl cyanide; (9) Benzyl chloride; and (10) Piperidine. Includes as essential chemicals: (1) Potassium permanganate; (2) Acetic anhydride; (3) Acetone; and (4) Ethyl ether. Establishes a mechanism and criteria for adding or deleting chemicals from such lists. Prohibits the transfer of commercial tableting and encapsulating machines unless a certification of lawful use and proper identification are provided. Establishes reporting requirements for such transfers. Establishes criminal penalties for the unlawful: (1) possession, manufacture, distribution, sale, importation, or exportation of a precursor or essential chemical; and (2) possession, manufacture, distribution, or importation of drug manufacturing equipment, tableting or encapsulating machines, and gelatin capsules. Subjects all listed precursor and essential chemicals, drug manufacturing equipment, tableting and encapsulating machines, and gelatin capsules which have been imported, exported, manufactured, possessed, or distributed in violation of such Act (as well as all conveyances and equipment) to forfeiture to the United States. Directs the Attorney General to maintain an active program, both domestic and international, to curtail the diversion of precursor and essential chemicals. Grants the Attorney General subpoena power with respect to precursor and essential chemicals. Subtitle D: Comprehensive Federal Law Enforcement Officer Improvements Act of 1988 - Comprehensive Federal Law Enforcement Officer Improvements Act of 1988 - Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to increase the basic level of public safety officer death benefits. Removes the requirement that parent beneficiaries be dependents of the deceased officer. Establishes the National Advisory Commission on Law Enforcement to study the methods and rates of compensation of law enforcement officers. Requires the Commission to report the results of such study to the President and the Congress within six months of enactment of this Act. Subtitle E: Deportation of Convicted Foreign Drug Inmates - Violent Criminal Alien Deportation Act - Allows the Attorney General to order the deportation of any alien convicted of an aggravated violent felony. Allows the District Director of the Immigration and Naturalization Service for the district in which the alien was sentenced and convicted to issue the order of deportation on behalf of the Attorney General. Sets forth procedures for the appeal of such a deportation order. Subtitle F: Customs Enforcement Amendments Act of 1988 - Customs Enforcement Amendments Act of 1988 - Requires the pilot of any aircraft, prior to departing the United States, to comply with advance notification and reporting requirements prescribed by the Secretary of Commerce. Establishes civil penalties for violations of such requirements. Increases the penalties for failing to declare controlled substances brought into the United States. States that a declaration of forfeiture by a customs officer shall have the same force and effect as a final decree and order of forfeiture in a judicial forfeiture proceeding in a U.S. District Court. Provides that title in such forfeited property shall be deemed to vest in the United States free of any liens or encumbrances (with certain exceptions). Allows the Secretary of the Treasury to retain forfeited property for official use. Allows the Secretary to transfer forfeited property to any Federal agency, to any State or local law enforcement agency, or to any foreign government that cooperates with the U.S. Customs Service in joint enforcement operations. States that any person who is convicted of a criminal offense under any law administered or enforced by the Customs Service involving the Bank Secrecy Act, Money Laundering Act, or the Controlled Substances Act shall be fined the reasonable costs of the investigation and prosecution. Authorizes the Secretary of State to make regulations prescribing procedures for marking the passports of those convicted of controlled substances offenses. Provides for the revocation of the passports of those convicted of a controlled substances violation, or any criminal violation of the Bank Secrecy Act or the Money Laundering Act. Establishes procedures for the reissuance of such passports. Grants the Secretary of the Treasury certain powers (including the power to subpoena witnesses and compel their testimony) which are necessary to the enforcement of laws relating to the importation or exportation of prohibited merchandise. Amends the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) statute to include in the definition of "racketeering activity" acts relating to: (1) the illegal exportation of munitions; (2) the illegal exportation of merchandise; (3) criminal violations of the Trading With the Enemy Act; or (4) criminal sanctions under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to provide civil penalties for failing to report the transfer of ownership of an aircraft to the Secretary as required under such Act. Subjects such aircraft to seizure and forfeiture. Subtitle G: Authorization of Additional Appropriations for Drug Enforcement Personnel, Fiscal Year 1989 - Authorizes additional appropriations for FY 1989 for the: (1) Coast Guard for drug enforcement personnel; (2) U.S. Customs Service for drug enforcement personnel; (3) Immigration and Naturalization Service Border Patrol for drug interdiction personnel; (4) Immigration and Naturalization Service for criminal investigator personnel, and for the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force in New York City; (5) Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms; (6) Drug Enforcement Administration; (7) Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for drug enforcement personnel; (8) U.S. Marshals Service; and (9) Federal Prison System. Subtitle H: Miscellaneous Law Enforcement Provisions - Authorizes rewards to be paid for assisting in, or furnishing information which leads to, the capture of an escaped Federal prisoner or a person who has violated parole or probation or defaulted on bail bond. Makes it unlawful for any person to carry a dangerous weapon into a Federal courthouse. Authorizes the Attorney General to make payments for the support of U.S. prisoners in non-Federal institutions. Title II: International Narcotics Control and Assistance to Foreign Countries - Subtitle A: International Drug Eradication Improvement Program - Establishes within the Department of State, under the Office of International Narcotics Matters, an International Special Operations Drug Eradication Squadron to: (1) provide special assistance to drug source countries who request drug eradication assistance; and (2) participate in joint international drug eradication operations in drug source countries. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1989 for the International Narcotics Matters program at the Department of State for the procurement and maintenance of aircraft and for Squadron personnel. Directs the Secretary of State to establish guidelines and procedures to govern the deployment of the Squadron. Subtitle B: International Narcotics Matters Improvement and Special Assistance Programs - Establishes under the Agency for International Development (AID) a special economic assistance incentive grant program to provide assistance to drug source countries that meet specific eradication goals during FY 1989, 1990, and 1991. Sets forth grant eligibility requirements. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1989 through 1991 for AID. Requires the Comptroller General of the United States to monitor such program. Requires the Attorney General, the Director of AID, and representatives of the House and Senate to meet at the start of FY 1991 to consider whether such program should be continued beyond FY 1991. Subtitle C: Amendments to Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as Amended - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to list additional factors to be considered by the President when determining whether to certify that a foreign country is cooperating with the United States in its international narcotics control efforts. Subtitle D: International Narcotics Matters Authorization of Appropriations - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1989 and 1990 for the economic assistance incentive grant program. Earmarks specified amounts of FY 1989 and 1990 appropriations for: (1) developing safe and effective herbicides for use in the aerial eradication of coca; (2) the procurement of weapons to defend aircraft involved in narcotics control efforts; and (3) pilot and aircraft maintenance training for narcotics control activity. Provides that funds withheld from countries which fail to take adequate steps to halt illicit drug production or trafficking may be reallocated to countries which take such steps. Lists additional requirements (regarding coca production, possession, and distribution) which must be met by Bolivia before receiving FY 1989 assistance. Limits FY 1989 and 1990 international narcotics control assistance for Mexico. Withholds $1,000,000 of such assistance until Mexico has fully investigated (and prosecuted those responsible for) the murder, detention, and torture of certain Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents. Directs the Assistant Secretary of State for International Narcotics Matters to provide more narcotics control assistance to those drug-transit countries which are not "major drug-transit countries" and which are cooperating with the United States in its international narcotics control efforts. Authorizes additional funding for activities aimed at increasing awareness of the efforts of production and trafficking of illicit narcotics in source and transit countries. Directs the Secretary of State and the Attorney General to develop a model extradition treaty with respect to narcotics-related violations, a model legal assistance treaty, and model comprehensive anti-narcotics legislation. Subjects any transfer by the United States of property seized or forfeited in connection with narcotics-related activities to a foreign country for narcotics control purposes to the regular reprogramming procedures applicable under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961. Requires that the annual narcotics control reports include: (1) a description of the assistance provided by the DEA and the Customs Service to each country; (2) a description of the assistance provided by each country to the DEA and Customs Service; (3) an expression, in numerical terms, of achievable reductions in illicit drug production; and (4) a description of U.S. assistance denied to each major illicit drug producing and drug-transit country. Subtitle E: Latin American Antidrug Strike Force - Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the operations of international illegal drug smuggling organizations pose a threat to the national security of the member states of the Organization of American States (OAS); (2) illegal international drug smuggling organizations threaten to overwhelm small nations; (3) members of OAS should coordinate their efforts to fight the illegal drug trade; (4) the formation of a multinational strike force to conduct operations against illegal drug smuggling organizations is necessary; (5) the United States should initiate diplomatic discussions to achieve an agreement to establish and operate the Latin American Antidrug Strike Force; and (6) the United States stands ready to provide equipment, training, and financial resources to support the Strike Force, but believes that Strike Force personnel should be provided by those states facing the most serious threat. Establishes the position of Ambassador at Large and Coordinator for Western Hemisphere Antidrug Efforts to: (1) coordinate the efforts of all U.S. bureaus and agencies involved in antidrug efforts; (2) report to the Secretary and to the Chairman of the National Drug Policy Board on the effectiveness of the operations and level of cooperation of such bureaus and agencies; (3) be a member of all interagency groups with authority or oversight over U.S. international drug policy or operations; (4) undertake diplomatic discussions with OAS members regarding the formation of a multinational strike force intended to conduct operations against international illegal drug trafficking organizations in the Western Hemisphere; and (5) seek to secure participation in the strike force by those Western Hemisphere states most threatened by international illegal drug trafficking organizations. Directs the Secretary to report to specified congressional committees on the progress made toward establishing the multinational strike force. Requires the Secretary of Defense to develop a plan for the establishment, training, equipping, and operation of the multinational strike force. Title III: Drug Interdiction Asset Improvement and Enhancement - National Drug Interdiction Asset Improvement and Enhancement Act of 1988 - Subtitle A: Coast Guard - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1989 for the Coast Guard for the procurement of marine and air drug interdiction assets. Subtitle B: United States Customs Service - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1989 for the U.S. Customs Service for the procurement, operation, and maintenance of certain drug interdiction assets. Subtitle C: Department of Defense Drug Interdiction Assistance - Department of Defense Drug Interdiction Assistance Act of 1988 - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1989 for the Department of Defense for the enhancement of drug interdiction assistance activities. Subtitle D: Drug Enforcement Administration - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1989 for the DEA for the establishment of an International Drug Interdiction helicopter force and for the enhancement of the El Paso Intelligence Center. Subtitle E: Immigration and Naturalization Service/Border Patrol - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1989 for the Department of Justice for the procurement of drug interdiction-related equipment for Border Patrol drug enforcement personnel. Subtitle F: Establishment of Interagency Southwest Border Drug Interdiction Mobile Corridor Task Force - Establishes an Interagency Southwest Border Drug Interdiction Mobile Corridor Task Force to: (1) conduct a joint drug interdiction operation between ports of entry along the southwest border of the United States, from Texas to California; (2) assist and augment other law enforcement agencies along such border in the interdiction of illegal drugs and the arrest of narcotics traffickers; and (3) assist State and local law enforcement officials along such border in the interdiction of illegal drugs and the arrest of narcotics traffickers. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1989 for the Department of Justice for such task force. Subtitle G: United States-Bahamas Drug Interdiction Task Force - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1989 for the U.S.-Bahamas Drug Interdiction Task Force. Subtitle H: Special Drug Interdiction Support - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1989 for Puerto Rico, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, and Hawaii for special drug interdiction support. Requires the recipients of special drug interdiction assistance to submit periodic reports to the Congress regarding the status of the procurement of resources and related operation and maintenance expenditures authorized under this subtitle. Title IV: Demand Reduction - Subtitle A: Treatment and Rehabilitation - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish drug abuse demonstration projects for the treatment and rehabilitation of drug dependent offenders who could otherwise be subject to incarceration. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1989 through 1991 to carry out such projects. Subtitle B: Alcohol and Drug Abuse Treatment and Rehabilitation - Alcohol and Drug Abuse Treatment and Rehabilitation Improvement Act of 1988 - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1989 through 1991 for the basic Alcohol, Drug Abuse and Mental Health Block Grant Program. Requires that at least 49 per cent of such appropriations be made available for alcohol and drug abuse programs. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1989 through 1991 for substance abuse emergency drug treatment programs to be targeted to those States and communities where the substance abuse problem is most acute. Requires that all States eligible to receive basic and emergency Alcohol, Drug Abuse, Mental Health Block Grants develop Statewide substance abuse treatment facilities plans. Allows such States to expend up to 1.5 percent of their grants to develop and prepare such plans, and up to 40 per cent of such grants to acquire, construct, or renovate such facilities. Subtitle C: Amendments to the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act - Amends the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1986 to authorize appropriations for FY 1988 through 1991 to carry out the provisions of such Act. Makes technical amendments to such Act with respect to eligibility, application, and reporting requirements. Title V: National Drug Enforcement Agency Reorganization and Coordination - Subtitle A: Establishment of Office of Enforcement and Border Affairs in Department of Treasury - National Border Coordination and Reorganization Act of 1988 - Part A: Establishment and Officers - Establishes within the Department of the Treasury the Office of Enforcement and Border Affairs which shall consist of: (1) the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Treasury for Enforcement; and (2) the Coast Guard. Provides that the Office of Enforcement and Border Affairs shall be headed by the Under Secretary of the Treasury for Enforcement and Border Affairs. Establishes within the Office of Enforcement and Border Affairs: (1) the Office of Border Management Affairs, which shall be headed by the Assistant Secretary of the Treasury for Border Management Affairs; and (2) the Office of Narcotics Interdiction, which shall be headed by the Assistant Secretary of the Treasury for Narcotics Interdiction. Part B: Transfer of the Coast Guard to Office of Enforcement and Border Affairs - Transfers the Coast Guard from the Department of Transportation to the Office of Enforcement and Border Affairs of the Department of the Treasury. Subtitle B: Department of Defense Drug Interdiction Reorganization - Establishes within the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs the position of Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Drug Interdiction and Enforcement to supervise Department of Defense drug interdiction and enforcement activities. Title VI: Research and Development for Law Enforcement Agencies - Subtitle A: Establishment of New Research and Development Programs to Assist Federal Law Enforcement Agencies - Directs the Attorney General to establish a Research and Technology Group under the National Drug Policy Board to review the research, development, technology, and evaluation programs of the Department of Defense and development programs of other nondefense Federal agencies to assist their applicability to the operations, programs, and missions of the Federal law enforcement agencies. Directs the Attorney General to establish a Research, Technology and Acquisition Advisory Board to make recommendations to the National Drug Policy Board through the Research and Technology Group. Requires the President to designate and establish within existing facilities of the Department of Defense, the Department of Justice, the Department of Energy, the National Security Agency, and the Central Intelligence Agency, at least eight new National Technology Centers to develop technologies for application to Federal law enforcement missions. Redesignates certain existing Government facilities as National Technology Development Centers. Requires the Comptroller General of the United States to monitor the establishment of such centers. Subtitle B: Cargo Container Drug Detection Research and Development - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1989 for the U.S. Customs Service for accelerating the development and availability of X-ray detection, nitrate detection, or other technologies to be utilized for the detection of illegal narcotics in cargo containers entering the United States. Title VII: Drug Enforcement Training Improvement - Subtitle A: The Federal Law Enforcement Training Center Improvement Act of 1988 - Federal Law Enforcement Training Center Improvement Act of 1988 - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1989 for the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center to increase the level of drug enforcement training. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1990 and 1991 for the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center. States that support for the State and local law enforcement training program and the training programs for drug enforcement officers from foreign countries shall be maintained at no less that the FY 1989 level during such years. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to expand the advanced training programs for Federal law enforcement agencies at the Marana, Arizona, satellite facility of the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center. Requires the Secretary to submit reports to the appropriate congressional committees on such expansion. Subtitle B: Department of Justice Training Facilities Improvement Act of 1988 - Department of Justice Training Facilities Improvement Act of 1988 - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1989 for the Department of Justice for existing law enforcement training facilities. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1989 for the expansion of such facilities and for new Department training facilities. Directs the Attorney General to report to the appropriate congressional committees on plans for improving such facilities. Subtitle C: Federal Law Enforcement Language Training Improvement Act of 1988 - Authorizes the Department of Defense to provide foreign language training at the Defense Language Institute to special agents of Federal civilian agencies involved in drug law enforcement. Authorizes the Department of State to provide similar training at the Foreign Service Institute. Authorizes the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Customs Service, and the Immigration and Naturalization Service to: (1) detail investigative personnel to such Institutes; and (2) reimburse the Departments of Defense and State for the cost of such training. Authorizes appropriations for the Customs Service, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Immigration and Naturalization Service for such training. Subtitle D: Authorization of Appropriations for Special Training Centers - Requires the Director of the Bureau of Justice Assistance to establish a national training center in El Reno, Oklahoma, for the training of Federal, State, and local prison officials in drug rehabilitation programs. Establishes the National Advisory Panel on Prison Rehabilitation Programs to oversee the operation of such center. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1989 for such center. Title VIII: Drug Testing in the Private Sector - Prohibits any employer in interstate commerce, on the basis of a drug test administered to an applicant or employee (unless the drug test is conducted in a laboratory which meets specified requirements), from: (1) refusing to hire an applicant for employment; (2) taking adverse action against an employee; or (3) discharging an employee. Subjects any employer who takes such prohibited actions to civil penalties. Title IX: Congressional Policy Regarding Additional Funding for Fiscal Year 1989 for Antidrug Abuse Programs - States how the levels of new budget authority and outlays required to carry out the programs, activities, and initiatives contained in this Act shall be accommodated in the budget process.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1988
Montgomery GI Bill Amendments of 1988 - Directs the Administrator of Veterans Affairs to make payments to veterans who are entitled to veterans' educational assistance but who have become so physically or mentally handicapped that such individuals are unable to utilize such educational assistance. Directs the Administrator to make such payments to a qualifying veteran's survivors in the event of a veteran's death while on active duty or within six years of such individual's discharge, according to a certain order of priority. Deducts the amount of educational assistance received by the veteran before enactment of this Act from the amount to be paid under this Act. Authorizes entitlement to basic educational assistance for veterans who are discharged or released from active duty for a disability that existed before becoming or entering into active duty as a member of the armed forces. (Currently, such entitlement is limited to those discharged or released for either a service-connected disability or for hardship.) Authorizes the same entitlement for members discharged or released from the Selected Reserve. Authorizes the Administrator to approve the pursuit of flight training by an individual entitled to basic educational assistance if such training meets conditions specified in this Act. Specifies the amount of flight assistance to be provided. Directs the Administrator to pay educational assistance for refresher courses in the individual's area of education, deficiency courses, or other preparatory or special educational assistance necessary to enable the individual to pursue an approved program of education. Limits the length of such payments for refresher courses. Allows an individual currently on active duty who originally chose not to receive basic educational assistance to enroll in such program within 60 days after the enactment of this Act. Outlines provisions relating to the implementation of such enrollment, including "catch-up" payments or deductions from pay in order to receive such educational assistance. Requires a certain minimum payment or pay deduction before an individual becomes so qualified. Directs the Secretary of each military department to inform individuals of the opportunity to enroll for such assistance under this Act. Prohibits the payment of any basic educational assistance to members of the Selected Reserve until such members have completed their initial periods of active duty for training required by the military department concerned. (Currently, such members must complete such training plus serve in the reserves for at least 180 days before being eligible.) Authorizes the Administrator to approve the pursuit of flight training by a member of the Selected Reserve who is entitled to basic educational assistance, if such training meets conditions specified in this Act. Specifies the amount of flight assistance to be provided. Provides that educational assistance may only be provided for an approved program of education for purposes of the All-Volunteer Force Educational Assistance Program. (Currently, such assistance may be provided for a program of education at an institution of higher learning and may not be provided for post-graduate study.) Limits the amount of monthly educational assistance to be provided to an individual pursuing a full-time program of apprenticeship or other on-the-job training. Reduces the amount of assistance provided in any month in which such individual fails to complete at least 120 hours of training. Provides a limited educational assistance payment as determined by the Administrator for individuals participating in a less-than-half-time pursuit of a program of education. Provides that an individual serving in the Selected Reserve may not receive credit for such service under both veterans' educational assistance provisions and the All-Volunteer Force Educational Assistance Program, but shall instead elect the program to which such service is to be credited. Revises provisions concerning the time limitation applicable for the use of basic educational assistance by a member of the Selected Reserve who is separated from such service because of a disability incurred on or after the date on which such person became entitled to educational assistance. Directs the Secretary of Defense, at the request of the Administrator, to transmit a notice of entitlement for each such person becoming eligible for educational assistance to the Administrator.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1988
Amends the Internal Revenue Code with respect to the excise tax on diesel and aviation fuels. Prohibits imposition of the tax on the sale of these fuels by a producer or importer for use by the purchaser in a nontaxable use (defined to include, among other uses, any off-highway business use, use as supplies for vessels or aircraft, State or local governmental use, and use by a nonprofit educational organization). Permits the exemption only if both the seller and purchaser have registered with the Secretary of the Treasury. Requires producers, importers, and purchasers taking part in reduced-tax sales to file with the Secretary information returns containing specified data. Requires producers and importers, in addition, to furnish corresponding statements to their purchasers. Establishes penalties for failure to file required returns.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1988
Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to require a 20 percent reduction in certain assistance under such Act for any law enforcement agency which fails to have in effect a law enforcement officer's bill of rights. Sets forth certain rights of State and local law enforcement officers with regard to: (1) engaging in political activity; (2) investigations for alleged malfeasance, misfeasance, or nonfeasance of official duty; (3) the representation of law enforcement officers on police complaint review boards; (4) legal assistance and the recovery of damages for civil suits brought for violations of these rights; (5) the disclosure of personal finances; and (6) notice of disciplinary actions to be taken against such officers.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1988
Amends Federal law to direct the President to annually proclaim the first Thursday in May as a National Day of Prayer. (Current law directs the President to set aside and proclaim a suitable day each year, other than a Sunday, for such purpose.)
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1988
Requests the President to issue a proclamation commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Javits-Wagner-O'Day Act, which occurs on June 25, 1988. (The Javits-Wagner-O'Day Act, formerly known as the Wagner-O'Day Act, provides employment and ancillary support services to blind and handicapped individuals.)
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1988
Postal Reorganization Act of 1988 - Declares that the receipts and disbursements of the Postal Service Fund: (1) shall not be included in the totals of the Federal budget or the congressional budget; (2) shall be exempt from Federal budget limitations on expenditures and net lending; and (3) shall not be counted for purposes of calculating the Federal deficit. Repeals certain limitations on postal borrowing authority. Increases the limitations on postal borrowing authority.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1988
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that FY 1989 funding for Federal-aid highway and mass transit programs should be at levels established by the Surface Transportation and Uniform Relocation Assistance Act of 1987.
![Official portrait of Rep. Robinson, Tommy F. [D-AR-2]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/r000354_200.jpg)