United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1988
Radon Gas Tax Relief Act of 1988 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit a 40 percent nonrefundable income tax credit of up to $4,000 for expenditures made for radon testing in or below the taxpayer's principal residence and for the installation of property designed to reduce radon levels inside the residence. Permits an income tax deduction (both individual and corporate) for radon prevention expenditures in connection with: (1) the development of real property; (2) the construction or enlargement of any building or dwelling unit; or (3) a dwelling required to be purchased by the taxpayer under a contract with an employer covering employee relocation services (the deductible expenses must be incurred by the taxpayer-employee). Makes the tax credit and the tax deduction mutually exclusive with respect to the same expenditures. Amends Federal law to make funds available for the reimbursement of Federal employees for radon protection expenditures necessary to overcome a substantial obstacle to the salability of a principal residence being sold in conjunction with a transfer to a new location.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1988
Atomic Energy Law Enforcement Act of 1988 - Specifies that the proposed Agreement for Cooperation between the Government of the United States and the Government of Japan Concerning Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy shall not become effective unless: (1) the President resubmits the Agreement to the Congress pursuant to procedures required by the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 with an exemption from the requirements of the Act concerning nuclear safeguards; and (2) the Congress enacts a joint resolution stating that it favors the Agreement.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1988
Farmers' Market Nutrition Enhancement Act - Amends the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 to authorize three-year demonstration projects in seven States to provide coupons (between ten and 20 dollars' worth) to special supplemental food program (WIC) recipients for use at farmers' markets. Requires State matching funds. Establishes minimum and maximum grant levels. Limits the use of funds for administrative costs. Requires annual State reports to the Secretary of Agriculture. Authorizes FY 1989 through 1991 appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1988
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) it is U.S. policy to support the indefinite cessation of all commercial whaling adopted by the International Whaling Commission and to promote the protection of the world's whale populations; (2) all countries should adhere to the indefinite cessation of the commercial killing of whales; and (3) the United States should encourage other parties to the International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling to impose sanctions on any country engaging in activities which diminish the effectiveness of the Convention.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1988
Student Loan Default Prevention and Debt Collection Act of 1988 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to set forth provisions relating to default rates under the guaranteed student loan program. Requires each guaranty agency to furnish the Department of Education with information on the amount of each guaranteed student loan. Requires such information to be used in the National Student Loan Data System. Requires each guaranty agency to expand and standardize the confirmation reports to be submitted on the date of enactment of this Act in order to assure that such information is provided at least bimonthly on student loan delinquencies, defaults, and the change in status of borrowers whose loans are delinquent or in default. Requires each guaranty agency to provide the Secretary of Education (the Secretary) with complete and accurate data on a quarterly basis in order to facilitate the usefulness of the National Student Loan Data System. Allows the guaranty agency to enter into agreements whereby the eligible institution may make principal and interest payments on defaulted guaranteed student loans in order to reduce the default rate. Requires (current law authorizes) guaranty agencies to furnish to eligible institutions, upon request, specified information on students who are delinquent or have defaulted on guaranteed student loans. Requires that such information include names and addresses of such students. Revises the definition of "default." Includes supplemental loans for students under specified eligibility provisions. Requires (current law authorizes) the Secretary to establish and carry out the National Student Loan Data System. Prohibits guaranty agencies from making any limitation, suspension, or termination action with respect to an eligible institution based on a default rate unless the default rate is based upon an average of three years' experience in the guaranteed student loan program. Requires eligible lenders or holders of loans under the guaranteed student loan program to: (1) furnish the appropriate eligible institution a copy of the first delinquency notice and final demand letter to the guaranty agency; and (2) notify the borrower and the eligible institution within 30 days of the sale or other transfer of the loan. Directs the Secretary, in establishing criteria for disqualification of eligible institutions under the guaranteed student loan program, to include provisions giving eligible institutions credit for successfully serving high risk students in the calculation of the default rate. Requires each eligible institution to maintain and make available to guaranty agencies upon request additional information on student borrowers, including family addresses, the parents' place of business, and other information relevant to the collection of guaranteed student loans that are delinquent or in default. Requires eligible institutions to require all student borrowers to sign a form at or before the first disbursement of a guaranteed student loan outlining its terms and conditions and the borrower's rights and responsibilities. Requires eligible institutions to withhold academic transcripts of any borrower in default on a guaranteed student loan: (1) until the institution has received notice from the guaranty agency that the borrower has reentered payment status; or (2) unless this requirement is waived pursuant to regulations by the Secretary because the borrower is unemployed or disabled. Requires eligible institutions to develop, carry out, and periodically review a guaranteed student loan default prevention policy and plan. Prohibits the Secretary from promulgating regulations with respect to such policy and planning requirements. Requires eligible institutions to require guaranteed student loan borrowers to submit to the institution during a required exit interview the borrower's address after graduation (or after leaving the institution for any other reason), the address of the borrower's next of kin, and the borrower's driver's license number. Requires a statement on the consequences of defaulting on a guaranteed student loan to be included in an eligible institution's financial assistance information for students. Revises the definition of "prospective student" for purposes of such information requirements. Directs the Secretary to develop and publish an annual default report to the Congress on the guaranteed student loan program beginning on September 30, 1988. Sets forth the contents for such report. Directs the Secretary to develop a plan, to be published for public comments, for the conduct of program reviews, at least once triennially, of all eligible institutions and eligible lenders under the guaranteed student loan program. Requires the Secretary to report annually to the Congress on the results of such reviews. Prohibits an eligible institution, in the case of a guaranteed student loan obtained by a borrower for the first period of instruction at that institution, from certifying the eligibility of such student to receive the loan prior to a specified period after classes have begun.
United States · United States Congress · 18 December 1987
Directs the Caribbean Basin Scholarship Commission (established by this Act) to establish and administer a scholarship program in the form of loans to enable students from eligible countries in the Caribbean Basin to study at an institution of higher education or vocational school in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. Provides that repayment of such loans will be forgiven upon the student's prompt return to such student's country of origin for a period which is at least one year longer than the period spent studying in Puerto Rico. Requires Puerto Rico to provide 50 percent of the amount appropriated to the Caribbean Basin Scholarship Fund. Permits such amount to be provided by other than cash. Establishes the Caribbean Basin Scholarship Fund. Appropriates to the Fund five percent of the amounts received in the Treasury on or after enactment of this Act that are attributable to the duties imposed on all articles imported from eligible countries. Establishes the Caribbean Basin Scholarship Commission to distribute scholarships to students in eligible countries, giving consideration to: (1) underserved and underdeveloped areas; (2) students who need financial assistance to pursue an education; and (3) institutions of higher education and vocational schools offering training or education in areas that have the greatest potential for strengthening the workforce in the Caribbean Basin. Specifies conditions for eligibility and selection of scholars.
United States · United States Congress · 17 December 1987
Deplores the Soviet Government's active persecution of religious believers in the Ukraine and its forcible liquidation of the Ukrainian Orthodox and Ukrainian Catholic Churches. Sends greetings to the Ukrainian people on the Millennium of Christianity in the Ukraine. Urges the President, the Secretary of State, the U.S. delegation to the United Nations, and the U.S. delegation to the Vienna Review Meeting of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe to continue to speak out forcefully against violations of religious liberty everywhere and, specifically, in the Ukraine. Calls upon the Soviet Government to release all those imprisoned for their religious beliefs. Discourages U.S. officials from attending the commemoration of the Millennium in the Soviet Union so long as individuals remain imprisoned for their religious beliefs and the Ukrainian Catholic and Ukrainian Orthodox churches remain outlawed. Urges the U.S. Government to call on the Soviet Government to ban its prohibition of the Ukrainian Orthodox and Ukrainian Catholic Churches.
United States · United States Congress · 8 December 1987
Amends the Internal Revenue Code with respect to the targeted jobs income tax credit. Extends the credit to employees who begin work in 1989 through 1991. (Current law terminates the credit for employees who begin work after December 31, 1988.) Includes as a targeted group individuals aged 65 or older who are members of economically disadvantaged families. Revises the minimum employment period requirement for purposes of this credit.
United States · United States Congress · 8 December 1987
Condemns the failure of the National Governing Council of Haiti to: (1) support a constitutional transition to democracy; and (2) provide security and adequate protection for the human rights of the people of Haiti and for the security of diplomats. Declares that it is the policy of the United States to suspend all assistance to Haiti, with exceptions, unless the democratic process set forth in the Haitian Constitution (approved March 29, 1987), especially those provisions relating to the Provisional Electoral Council, is being fully adhered to by the Government of Haiti. Directs the President to take steps to promote human rights and democracy in Haiti. Urges, specifically, that the President: (1) use the vote and influence of the United States to halt or discourage the provision of assistance to Haiti by international financial institutions and organizations and other governments; (2) undertake diplomatic initiatives to secure international cooperation to maximize diplomatic and economic pressure on Haiti; (3) suspend Haiti's eligibility for benefits under the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act; (4) furnish assistance to the news media in Haiti; (5) furnish assistance to private, voluntary and international organizations, and foreign governments, which might include U.S. participation in international peacekeeping activities; (6) sever diplomatic relations with the National Governing Council; (7) recognize an alternative entity, which is committed to a prompt transition to democracy, as the legitimate government of Haiti; and (8) impose, and seek international cooperation to multilaterally impose, an arms embargo and trade and financial sanctions against the Government of Haiti. Authorizes and urges the President to deny visas to, and exclude from admission to the United States, aliens (and family members and associates thereof) who have been involved in the denial of human rights in Haiti or in activities designed to impair Haiti's transition to democracy. Suspends all assistance to Haiti, with specified exceptions (such as assistance provided by voluntary organizations to meet humanitarian needs, assistance to enable the continuation of migrant and narcotics interdiction operations, and assistance for constitutional elections), unless the democratic process as set forth in the Haitian Constitution is fully adhered to by the Government of Haiti. Specifies that such adherence must include transition to a civilian government elected under the auspices of the Provisional Electoral Council by February 7, 1988. Authorizes the President to provide such assistance as appropriate related to the holding of elections. Requires the President to notify the Congress with respect to: (1) any such assistance provided; (2) actions taken pursuant to this Act; and (3) progress in promoting human rights and democracy in Haiti.
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 1987
Youth Employment Services Act of 1987 - Amends the Job Training Partnership Act to establish a demonstration program for employment opportunities for severely disadvantaged youth. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to carry out such programs with specified funds. Defines an eligible severely disadvantaged youth as one who: (1) is between 16 and 20 years old; (2) is economically disadvantaged; (3) has dropped out of elementary or secondary school, or has received a secondary school degree but whose reading and mathematics skills are both below the eighth grade level; (4) has not participated in an education or training program in nine months preceding the month in which he or she enrolls in the program under this Act; and (5) has less than 150 hours work experience in a specified nine-month period. Requires program grant applicants to form eligible partnerships, which shall include a public agency or private nonprofit organization and a business concern or association. Allows program funds to be used for: (1) individual assessment; (2) intensive basic skills training combined with vocational training and/or work experience; (3) support services; (4) job development and placement services; (5) a monitoring period after program completion, with support services to assist in retaining employment or advancing toward an educational degree; and (6) other appropriate services to further job placement. Sets forth provisions relating to the allocation and number of demonstration grants. Set forth program agreement requirements. Sets forth provisions for program payments and the Federal share of program costs. Directs the Secretary to evaluate services provided by eligible partnerships funded under this Act. Directs the Secretary to report to the Congress on such evaluation. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1988 through 1990 to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 1987
Act for Better Child Care Services of 1987 - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1988 and such sums as necessary for FY 1989 through 1992 to carry out the purposes of this Act. Specifies the manner of making allotments for child care services. Requires the designation of a lead agency in each State which participates in the programs under this Act. Requires States to submit, in order to qualify for assistance under this Act, an application and plan to the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Requires each plan to cover a five-year period and to meet specified requirements for providers of child care services. Authorizes the use of State allotments: (1) by contracts with or grants to eligible child care providers, or public or private nonprofit agencies, to enable such providers or agencies to operate programs directly or by subcontract; or (2) by distributing child care certificates that parents may use as payment for child care services. Requires that a percentage of funds be reserved to enable part-day programs to extend existing hours of operation and provide full-day child care services. Authorizes the Secretary to make planning grants to States which desire to participate under this Act but cannot fully satisfy the requirements of a State plan without financial assistance. Provides for a review of the operation of a State plan during the five-year period to determine its continued eligibility for funds. Requires the Governor of each participating State to establish: (1) a State interagency advisory committee on child care to assist the lead agency in carrying out its responsibilities; and (2) a State committee on licensing to review the licensing requirements, the law, and the policies regulating child care services and programs within the State. Requires each participating State to recognized private nonprofit community-based organizations, or public organizations, as resources and referral agencies for particular geographic areas. Requires each participating State to require that all employed or self-employed persons providing licensed or regulated child care complete at least 15 hours per year of inservice, continuing education, or other training as described in this Act. Directs the Secretary to establish within the Department of Health and Human Services an Administrator of Child Care to carry out the provisions of this Act. Establishes enforcement provisions for review of State plans and monitoring of State compliance. Declares the Federal share of child care programs to be 80 percent and requires the State to demonstrate that the remaining 20 percent will be provided from other sources. Requires the Secretary to establish a National Advisory Committee on Child Care Standards to: (1) review Federal policies on child care services and such other data as appropriate; (2) submit to the Secretary proposed minimum standards for child care programs; and (3) develop and make available to lead agencies model regulations for resources and referral agencies. Terminates the committee 90 days after the date of publication of final minimum child care standards. Prohibits the use of funds under this Act for: (1) sectarian purposes or activities; (2) capital improvements to sectarian institutions; and (3) tuition.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 1987
Dwight David Eisenhower Commemorative Coin Act of 1987 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue not more than a specified number of one dollar silver coins in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the birth of Dwight David Eisenhower. Sets forth certain features of such coins and provides for their design, issuance, and sale. Terminates the minting of the coins after December 31, 1990. Requires the Secretary to deposit in the Treasury all surcharges received from the sale of the coins, to be used to reduce the national debt.
United States · United States Congress · 17 November 1987
Raoul Wallenberg Monument Resolution - Authorizes the Raoul Wallenberg Tribute Committee to establish a monument to honor Raoul Wallenberg on Federal land in the District of Columbia or its environs. Prohibits the United States from paying any expense of the establishment of the monument.
United States · United States Congress · 9 November 1987
Visually Impaired Voters Assistance Act of 1987 - Requires each State to make enlarged print voting aids and ballots available to visually impaired voters in Federal elections. Requires the chief election officer of each State to provide public notice, adapted to reach visually impaired voters, of the availability of materials under this Act. Directs the Federal Election Commission to report to the Congress, not later than one year after enactment of this Act, on the voting aids available to blind voters with respect to Federal elections in each State.
United States · United States Congress · 29 October 1987
Driftnet Impact Monitoring, Assessment, and Control Act of 1987 - Directs the Secretary of State, in consultation with the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary) and the Secretary of the Interior, to initiate negotiations with each foreign government that conducts, or authorizes its nationals to conduct, driftnet fishing concerning marine resources of the United States, in certain waters of the North Pacific Ocean, for the purpose of entering into agreements regarding cooperative monitoring and assessment of the numbers of marine resources of the United States killed and retrieved, discarded, or lost by the foreign government's driftnet fishing vessels. Authorizes the Secretary to deny any permit, for fishing or for receiving at sea or transporting U.S. harvested fish, to any vessel of any foreign government that fails to enter into such an agreement. Directs the Secretary to report to the Congress regarding the results of the negotiations. Directs the Secretary to provide to the Congress a report identifying the nature, extent, and effects of driftnet fishing on U.S. marine resources. Directs the Secretary to request relevant information from foreign governments and to include such information in the report, along with an evaluation of the adequacy and reliability of such information. Directs the Secretary of State, in consultation with the Secretary and the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating, to initiate negotiations with foreign governments that conduct driftnet fishing in certain North Pacific Ocean waters for the purpose of entering into agreements for the enforcement of laws regarding the foreign government's driftnet fishing vessels. Directs the Secretary of State to certify to the President any foreign government's failure to enter into an enforcement agreement. Deems such certification to be a certification for the purposes of the Fishermen's Protective Act of 1967 relating to restrictions on the importation of fishery or wildlife products from countries which violate international fishery or endangered or threatened species programs. Directs the Secretary to evaluate the feasibility of and develop recommendations for: (1) the establishment of a driftnet marking, registry, and identification system; and (2) the use of alternative materials in driftnets to increase the rate of decomposition of driftnets discharged or lost at sea. Requires a report to the Congress on such recommendations. Declares that this Act does not expand or diminish the sovereign rights of the United States as stated in a specified presidential proclamation. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 28 October 1987
Designates the week of May 2 through May 8, 1988, as National Drinking Water Week to enhance awareness of drinking water issues and recognition of the difference that drinking water makes to health, safety, and quality of life.
United States · United States Congress · 20 October 1987
Decennial Census Improvement Act of 1987 - Requires the Secretary of Commerce to adjust the population data of the decennial census to correct for any undercounts or overcounts and to report to the appropriate congressional committees, not later than one year in advance of such census, on the proposed plan for making such adjustment.
United States · United States Congress · 13 October 1987
Omnibus Taxpayers' Bill of Rights Act - Requires the Secretary of the Treasury (Secretary) to prepare a statement setting forth in nontechnical terms: (1) the rights and obligations of a taxpayer and of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) during a tax audit; (2) the procedures by which a taxpayer may appeal adverse decisions, prosecute refund claims, and file complaints; and (3) the procedures that the IRS may use in enforcing revenue laws. Directs the Secretary to transmit drafts of such statement to specified congressional committees and to distribute the final statement to all taxpayers receiving annual tax filing forms from the IRS. Requires the IRS, upon taxpayer request, to conduct any interview regarding the determination or collection of any tax at a reasonable time and place convenient to the taxpayer and to the IRS, and to permit the taxpayer, at his or her own expense, to record the interview. Authorizes the IRS interviewer to record such interview if the taxpayer has been given prior notice and is provided, upon request and payment of reproduction costs, with a transcript of the recording. Requires the interviewer to explain to the taxpayer the audit process, including the taxpayer's rights with respect to the process. Requires the Secretary to abate any penalty or interest imposed on any deficiency attributable to erroneous advice in writing given to a taxpayer by an IRS officer or employee in response to such taxpayer's specific inquiry. Authorizes the IRS Ombudsman, upon application filed by a taxpayer, to issue a Taxpayer Assistance Order if, in the determination of the Ombudsman: (1) the taxpayer is suffering or is about to suffer from an unusual or irreparable loss as a result of the manner in which the internal revenue laws are being administered by the Secretary; and (2) the Secretary has failed to carry out any of his or her duties or has violated any provision of law. Allows the terms of a Taxpayer Assistance Order to require the Secretary to release property of the taxpayer levied upon or to cease or refrain from certain actions. Requires the Secretary to obey any Taxpayer Assistance Order issued by the Ombudsman. Directs the Secretary, within 90 days of this Act's enactment, to issue regulations with respect to Taxpayer Assistance Orders, including provisions to assure full, fair, and impartial due process for affected taxpayers. Amends the Inspector General Act of 1978 and other Federal law to establish within the Department of the Treasury an Office of Inspector General. Transfers to such Office the existing audit and investigation units of the Department. Sets forth criteria with respect to: (1) the authority of the Inspector General to conduct an investigation; and (2) the authority of the Secretary in cases of audits or investigations requiring access to information of a sensitive or confidential nature. Allows the Secretary to prohibit investigations under specified circumstances. Restricts disclosure by the Inspector General of tax returns and return information. Prohibits records of tax enforcement results from being used to evaluate certain IRS personnel or to impose or suggest production quotas. Requires district directors to certify compliance with this mandate on a monthly basis. Requires the Secretary to certify that a rule proposed by the IRS is substantially the only alternative that meets the mandate of the relevant statute in order for the rule to be considered an interpretative rule (and thereby not subject to analyses under the Regulatory Flexibility Act). Amends the Regulatory Flexibility Act to require regulatory flexibility analyses to include consideration of both the direct and indirect beneficial and negative effects of a proposed or final rule. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to direct the Secretary, with limited exceptions, to send a preliminary letter of deficiency to a taxpayer prior to the mailing of a deficiency notice. Specifies required contents for tax due notices and deficiency notices, including the basis of the deficiency and a breakdown of the total amount into tax, interest, and penalty. Directs the Secretary, within 90 days of this Act's enactment, to issue regulations requiring all IRS personnel to explain and support their position in assessing any penalties or additions to tax. Requires the Comptroller General to study IRS procedures with respect to such assessments and to present findings to specified congressional committees no later than December 31, 1988. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into a binding agreement with a taxpayer under which the taxpayer may pay tax liability in installments if the Secretary determines that such an agreement will facilitate collection of the liability. Permits the Secretary, after proper notice and a hearing, to modify or annul the agreement upon the finding that the financial condition of the affected taxpayer has significantly changed. Renders such an agreement nonbinding if the taxpayer fails to pay any installment or any other tax liability when due. Extends from ten to 30 days the period between the required notice to a person who neglects or refuses to pay tax liability and a levy on such person's salary, wages, or other property. Specifies information that must be incorporated in such notice, including possible alternative actions and the appropriate appeals procedures. Adds to the circumstances triggering termination of such a levy: (1) an agreement between the taxpayer and the Secretary for payment of the liability; and (2) the Secretary's determination that the taxpayer's financial condition precludes enforceability of the liability. Revises the list of property exempt from levy to: (1) increase the exempt amount permitted for certain personal effects, the property of a business, and wages; (2) add an exemption for certain deposits in qualified institutions; and (3) provide an express exemption, except under limited circumstances specified in this Act, for the taxpayer's principal residence, a motor vehicle used by the taxpayer as the primary means of transportation to work, and any tangible personal property essential to the operation of the taxpayer's business in cases when a levy would prevent the taxpayer from carrying on such business. Prohibits a levy on any property when levy and sales expenses would exceed either the liability for which the levy is made or the fair market value of the levied property. Permits the Secretary to demand surrender of bank accounts only after 21 days in escrow have passed since service of the notice of levy on the accounts. Sets forth situations in which the Secretary must release a levy. Applies to jeopardy levies the administrative and judicial review procedures currently applicable to jeopardy assessments. Permits a taxpayer to bring a civil action against the United States in the Tax Court for judicial review of jeopardy levies and assessments. (Under current law an action for judicial review of jeopardy assessments may be filed only in district court.) Increases the time during which a taxpayer may petition for such review. Describes the jurisdictional requirements to be applied to such actions. Allows an administrative appeal of tax liens. Grants to the Tax Court exclusive jurisdiction to enjoin premature assessments if the taxpayer has filed a timely petition for review. Provides for review of such injunctive orders by the U.S. Court of Appeals. Grants to the Tax Court jurisdiction to enforce payment by the Secretary of refunds of overpayment and interest to taxpayers. Places on the Secretary the burden of proof of justifying any failure to refund, credit, or offset relevant amounts with respect to a taxpayer. Entitles a prevailing taxpayer to: (1) an interest rate of 120 percent of the overpayment rate with respect to refunds; and (2) reasonable litigation costs. Grants to the Tax Court jurisdiction to: (1) review jeopardy assessment sales of assets; and (2) redetermine interest under certain circumstances when a taxpayer claims an overpayment of the interest. Vests in the Tax Court original jurisdiction over any civil action against the Secretary for the recovery of any tax, additions to tax, and penalties with respect to income, estate, gift, and certain excise taxes. Authorizes an award of reasonable litigation costs to the prevailing party in proceedings by taxpayers before the Internal Revenue Service. Permits a taxpayer to bring a civil action in district court for actual damages resulting from the failure of any Federal officer or employee to release a tax lien on the taxpayer's property. Permits a civil cause of action in district court for damages resulting from the careless, reckless, or intentional disregard of internal revenue laws by any Federal officer or employee. Denies damage awards in cases of contributory negligence. Authorizes a damage award, to a $10,000 maximum, to the United States in cases of frivolous or groundless claims by a taxpayer. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to prescribe criminal penalties for: (1) any investigation or surveillance authorized or conducted by an officer or employee of the United States in connection with Federal tax laws that inquires into the beliefs, associations, or activities of any individual or organization; or (2) the maintenance of any records containing information derived from such an investigation. Establishes in the Internal Revenue Service the Office for Taxpayers Services, under the supervision of an Assistant Commissioner of Internal Revenue. Directs this Assistant Commissioner to: (1) be responsible for telephone, walk-in, and educational services, and for the design and production of tax and information forms; and (2) prepare annually, for presentation to specified congressional committees, a joint report (with the Chief Problem Resolution Officer for the IRS) on the quality of taxpayer services.
United States · United States Congress · 13 October 1987
Department of Veterans Affairs Act - Redesignates the Veterans Administration (VA) as the Department of Veterans Affairs (the Department), an executive department within the executive branch of the Government. Provides that the Department shall be headed by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, to be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Designates as other principal officers of the Department the Deputy Secretary, the Chief Medical Director, and the Chief Benefits Director. Provides for the temporary continuation of service of the current Administrator, Deputy Administrator, Chief Medical Director, and Chief Benefits Director of Veterans Affairs. Establishes within the Department eight Assistant Secretaries, each of whom shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, to perform such functions as the Secretary may prescribe. Directs the Secretary to assign to one such Assistant Secretary all functions regarding the National Cemetery System and the State cemetery grant program. Outlines functions which the Secretary shall assign to the Assistant Secretaries. Provides for the temporary continuation of the performance of such functions by present personnel until such functions are assigned to an individual appointed as Assistant Secretary under this Act. Redesignates the current VA's Department of Medicine and Surgery as the Veterans Health Services Administration of the Department. Redesignates the VA's current Department of Veterans Benefits as the Veterans Benefits Administration of the Department, whose primary function shall be to administer nonmedical programs which provide assistance to veterans, their dependents, and their survivors. Establishes within the Department the Office of the General Counsel. Redesignates the current Office of Inspector General of the VA as the Office of Inspector General of the Department. Provides that any references to departments or positions under the current VA system shall be considered to be references to such departments and positions of the Department as modified under this Act. Provides continuing effect of all legal documents, suits, actions, and property and resources of the current VA. Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, after appropriate congressional consultation, to prepare and submit to the Congress proposed legislation containing technical and conforming amendments to reflect the changes made under this Act. Requires such legislation to be submitted no later than six months after the enactment of this Act. Provides that any spending authority of the Department is subject to available amounts as provided in appropriation Acts.
United States · United States Congress · 13 October 1987
Amends the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972 and the Federal Water Pollution Control Act of 1977 to prohibit the dumping of medical wastes into the ocean and navigable waters. Establishes a maximum fine for violations at least twice as high as that imposed for dumping other kinds of waste. Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to regulate the generation, transportation, treatment, storage, and disposal of medical waste as necessary to protect human health and the environment. Excludes waste already regulated as hazardous. Requires persons handling such waste to submit information and permit inspection of handling facilities, including providing samples. Establishes civil penalties for violations.
United States · United States Congress · 8 October 1987
Authorizes the Indian American Forum for Political Education to establish a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi in the District of Columbia and its environs. Prohibits the United States from paying any expense of establishing the memorial.
United States · United States Congress · 8 October 1987
Medicaid Home and Community Quality Services Act of 1987 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require States to provide Medicaid coverage of community and family support services for severely disabled individuals who became disabled before age 22 and are living in a family home, foster family home, or community living facility. Requires that such services be provided in accordance with a written habilitation plan developed by an interdisciplinary team on the basis of a comprehensive assessment of the individual's strengths and the services and support necessary to: (1) enable such individual to attain or retain capabilities for independence or self-care; (2) promote interaction between disabled and nondisabled individuals within the community; and (3) enable disabled individuals who are over age 18 to engage in paid employment. Increases the age at which newly disabled individuals will be eligible for this Act's coverage so that eventually individuals who become disabled between age 22 and 50 will be covered. Lists the services which may comprise community and family support services, requiring that such services include at a minimum: (1) case management services; (2) individual and family support services; (3) specialized vocational services; and (4) protective intervention services. Excludes from such services: (1) room and board, other than room and board provided for less than six consecutive weeks and less than 12 weeks per year; (2) cash payments as a service; (3) aversive behavior intervention, management, or therapies; (4) services provided to a disabled individual living in a hospital, or skilled nursing or intermediate care facility; (5) educational services which the State makes generally available to its residents without cost and without regard to their income; and (6) services for which payment is made under title XVIII (Medicare), or part A (Aid to Families with Dependent Children) or B (Child Welfare Services) of title IV of the Act. Requires each State to make certain assurances regarding their provision of community and family support services and submit an implementation strategy to the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Requires that such implementation strategies: (1) describe the extent and scope of community and family support services provided to the severely disabled and the extent and scope of services provided to the severely disabled who are institutionalized; (2) set forth the objectives and a five-year strategy for expanding community and family support services for the severely disabled; (3) include certain procedures for transferring severely disabled, institutionalized individuals to family homes, foster family homes, or community living facilities; (4) set forth standards for the provision of community and family support services and a program for licensing and certifying all facilities and programs providing such services; (5) provide for assessments of the provision and affect of community and family support services and the correction of service deficiencies; (6) provide the public with an adequate opportunity to comment on the strategies; (7) set forth methods ensuring that the personnel providing community and family support services receive adequate training and are competent to provide such services; (8) provide that the State has in effect a management information system capable of collecting, storing, and retrieving data on the severely disabled who receive community and family support services; (9) provide an opportunity for an appeal and hearing before a hearing officer to individuals who believe themselves to be inappropriately served or denied an appropriate service, or who are being scheduled for an involuntary transfer from one living arrangement to another; (10) describe the methods to be used in administering community and family support services; and (11) set forth procedures to protect the interests of public employees who will be affected by the transfer of the severely disabled from public institutions. Allows States to provide any new community and family support service for up to three years without meeting the Medicaid requirements that they provide a service on a statewide basis and that the service be comparable in all parts of the State. Requires that intermediate care facility services for the mentally retarded include the ascertainment of the individual needs of each newly admitted individual by an interdisciplinary team within 30 days and the development of a written habilitation plan for each individual. Limits Medicaid payments to States for skilled nursing and intermediate care facility services furnished to individuals under age 65 who became disabled before age 22 to the amount payable for such services in the fiscal year ending after the enactment of this Act, increased if and by the extent to which the percentage increase in the consumer price index exceeds six percent. Makes such limitation inapplicable to facilities which have less than 16 beds or meet the size and location requirements for a community living facility. Requires States to have in effect a system to protect and advocate those rights of the severely disabled who are eligible for medical assistance which relate to the provision of such assistance. Provides Federal Medicaid matching funds for such system. Gives individuals who are adversely affected by a violation of this Act's requirements the right to bring an action to enjoin such violation. Allows States to set payment rates for community and family support services for the severely disabled. Authorizes States to treat severely disabled individuals under age 19 who are not in a medical institution as receiving benefits under title XVI (Supplemental Security Income) (SSI) of the Act for Medicaid eligibility purposes if they would be eligible for SSI benefits if institutionalized. Requires States to establish a uniform income standard for the severely disabled regardless of whether or not they are in a medical institution. Authorizes States to provide Medicaid coverage of disabled spouses and children who, except for the resources deemed to them, would be eligible for SSI benefits. Removes certain limitations on the Secretary's approval of reduction and correction plans for deficient intermediate care facilities for the mentally retarded. Makes individuals who are severely disabled and receiving or deemed to be receiving SSI benefits eligible for Medicaid as long as such qualifications continue to be satisfied. Directs the Secretary to establish, within the Health Care Financing Administration, a Bureau of Developmental Disabilities Services responsible for administering Medicaid programs for the severely disabled. Requires the Secretary to: (1) develop standards and a program for training Federal and State personnel who perform surveys of skilled nursing and intermediate care facilities to determine whether such facilities meet Medicaid participation requirements; and (2) periodically conduct studies of the reliability of such surveys and make the changes necessary to improve such reliability. Directs the Secretary to support the development of: (1) instruments to assess outcomes in the provision of this Act's services; and (2) competency-based personnel standards for agencies and organizations providing services to the severely disabled pursuant to this Act. Requires the Secretary to: (1) conduct an annual assessment of each State's compliance with this Act's requirements; and (2) issue final regulations regarding this Act's amendments prior to the first fiscal year beginning after this Act's enactment. Sets forth reporting requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1987
Federal Employees' Political Activities Act of 1987- Prohibits an employee from using or attempting to use official authority or influence to interfere with or affect the result of any election. Prohibits an employee from using or attempting to use official authority to intimidate, threaten, coerce, command, or influence: (1) any individual for the purpose of interfering with the right of any individual to vote as the individual may choose, or of causing any individual to vote, or not to vote, for any candidate or measure in any election; (2) any person to give or withhold any political contribution; or (3) any person to engage, or not to engage, in any form of political activity. Prohibits an employee from using or attempting to use, or permitting the use of, any official information unless such information is available to the general public. Prohibits an employee from: (1) giving or offering to give a political contribution to any individual either to vote or refrain from voting, or to vote for or against any candidate or measure, in any election; (2) soliciting, accepting, or receiving a political contribution to vote or refrain from voting, or to vote for or against any candidate or measure, in any election; or (3) giving or handing over a political contribution to a superior of the employee. Prohibits an employee from soliciting, accepting, or receiving, or from being in any manner concerned with soliciting, accepting, or receiving, a political contribution: (1) from another employee (or a member of another employee's immediate family) with respect to whom the employee is a superior; or (2) in any room or building occupied in the discharge of official duties by a Federal employee or official or an individual receiving salary or compensation from the Treasury. Prohibits an employee from soliciting, accepting, or receiving a political contribution from, or giving a political contribution to, any person who: (1) has, or is seeking to obtain, contractual or other business or financial relations with the employing agency; (2) conducts operations or activities which are regulated by that agency; or (3) has interests which may be substantially affected by the performance of the employees' official duties. Directs the Special Counsel of the Merit Systems Protection Board to prescribe regulations which exempt employees from such prohibitions. Prohibits an employee from engaging in political activity: (1) while on duty; (2) in any room or building occupied in the discharge of official duties by a Federal employee or official; (3) while wearing a uniform or official insignia identifying the office or position of the employee; or (4) while using any vehicle owned or leased by the Government. Exempts certain high level political appointees from such prohibitions if the costs associated with the political activity are not paid for by money derived from the Treasury. Describes such a political appointee as one: (1) whose duties and responsibilities continue outside normal duty hours and while away from the normal duty post; (2) who is paid from an appropriation for the Executive Office of the President; (3) whose position is located within the United States; and (4) who determines policies to be pursued by the United States in its relations with foreign powers or in the nationwide administration of Federal laws. Authorizes leave without pay or accrued annual leave to an employee who is a candidate, upon request, to allow such employee to engage in activities relating to that candidacy. Declares that such request may be denied if the exigencies of the public business so require. Declares that such employee may be required to take leave without pay or accrued annual leave in order to be a candidate if activities relating to the candidacy interfere with the employee's performance of duties. Directs the Special Counsel to prescribe rules and regulations to implement this Act. Applies this Act to postal employees and employees of the Postal Rate Commission.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 1987
United States Coinage Reform Act of 1987 - Requires that one dollar coins be gold colored, be at least 90% copper, and be fabricated in the United States from natural deposits located in the United States. Redesigns the obverse side of the dollar coin to symbolize the 500th anniversary of the discovery of the New World by Christopher Columbus. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to place such coins into circulation within 18 months and to cease production of one dollar notes within 18 months after the first of such coins are placed in circulation. Directs the Secretary to conduct a study and report to the Congress on the advisability of phasing out production of the one-cent and 50-cent coins and of rounding cash sales to the nearest five cents.
![Official portrait of Rep. Rodino, Peter W., Jr. [D-NJ-10]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/r000374_200.jpg)