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Official portrait of Rep. Scheuer, James H. [D-NY-8]

Rep. Scheuer, James H. [D-NY-8]

United States · Official source

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4,730 records where Rep. Scheuer, James H. [D-NY-8] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years

Bill· HRH.R. 2673 (100th)open

International Child Abduction Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1987

International Child Abduction Act - Title I: Provisions Implementing the Convention - Grants State courts, the courts of the District of Columbia and the territories and possessions of the United States, and U.S. district courts original jurisdiction with regard to actions arising under the 1980 Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction (Convention) and this Act. Sets forth requirements with regard to notice and burden of proof for such actions. Allows any court exercising jurisdiction over a petition filed pursuant to the Convention or this Act to take provisional measures under Federal or State law to protect the well-being of the child or prevent the child's removal or concealment. Prohibits any court from ordering the provisional removal of a child from the person having physical control unless the applicable requirements of State law are satisfied. States that any application submitted to the Central Authority for the United States or petition submitted in accordance with the terms of the Convention shall be admissible in court without regard to the need for legalization or authentication. Directs the President to designate a Federal agency to serve as Central Authority for the United States for the purpose of: (1) issuing regulations to implement the Convention and this Act; (2) obtaining information from the Federal Parent Locator Service; and (3) collecting, maintaining, and disseminating information for purposes relating to the Convention and this Act. Directs the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, and the Attorney General to designate Federal employees and private citizens to serve as an interagency coordinating group to monitor the operation of the Convention and provide advice on its implementation. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the purposes of the Convention and this Act. Title II: Amendments to Other Laws - Amends the Social Security Act to provide the Central Authority for the United States access to the services of the Parent Locator Service. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit the disclosure of tax returns and return information to Federal, State, and local child support enforcement agencies for the purpose of locating individuals in connection with the abduction or wrongful restraint or retention of a child.

Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 138 (100th)referred

A concurrent resolution expressing the sense of the Congress that the Internal Revenue Service should be reorganized in order to strengthen the taxpayer assistance and enforcement divisions and narrow the $100,000,000 "tax gap".

United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1987

States that in the interest of decreasing the growing gap between taxes owed and taxes collected: (1) the administration and the Congress should substantially increase appropriate resources for the taxpayer assistance and enforcement divisions of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS); and (2) the IRS should implement specified recommendations to improve taxpayer services and to enhance enforcement efforts.

Bill· HRH.R. 2649 (100th)referred

A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to restore the prior law exclusion for scholarships and fellowships and to restore the deduction for interest on educational loans.

United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1987

Repeals specified provisions of the Tax Reform Act of 1986 that restrict the types of scholarships and fellowship grants that may be excluded from gross income for income tax purposes. States that the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (IRC) shall be applied and administered as if such provisions had not been enacted. Amends the IRC to allow an income tax deduction for interest on a qualified educational loan incurred to pay the educational expenses of the taxpayer, spouse, or dependent. Eliminates the current requirement that such indebtedness be secured by an interest in real property.

Resolution· HRESH.Res. 192 (100th)passed

A resolution concerning the denial of freedom of religion and other human rights in Soviet-occupied Lithuania.

United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1987

Declares that the House of Representatives deplores the Soviet denial of religious liberty and other human rights in Lithuania and elsewhere. States that on the occasion of the 600th anniversary of Christianity in Lithuania the House of Representatives: (1) sends its greetings to the Lithuanian people; (2) supports those Lithuanians who are persecuted for attempting to exercise freedom of religion; (3) urges the President and other officials to speak out against violations of religious liberty everywhere and specifically in Lithuania; and (4) calls upon the Soviet Union to abide by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenants on Human Rights, and the Final Act of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe, including the provisions on religious liberty.

Bill· HRH.R. 2632 (100th)referred

Voluntary Education Program Study Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 June 1987

Voluntary Education Demonstration Program Act - Authorizes the Director of the Peace Corps to carry out a training and educational benefits demonstration program. Provides that eligible students must: (1) have completed two years of study at an institution of higher education; (2) agree to enter the Peace Corps for a period of two years; and (3) be selected pursuant to a competitive process. Describes the selection process, training, and educational benefits. Directs the Secretary to report to the Congress on an evaluation of such program. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1988 through 1993.

Bill· HRH.R. 2624 (100th)referred

A bill to amend title 18, United States Code, to modify the penalties for certain kidnapings of children.

United States · United States Congress · 8 June 1987

Amends the Federal criminal code to provide enhanced criminal penalties for kidnapping children. Provides a minimum sentence of ten years' imprisonment (life imprisonment if any listed aggravating conduct exists) for such violation. States that persons sentenced under this Act shall not be granted a probationary or suspended sentence, and shall not be eligible for parole during the first five years (20 years if the offender engaged in any listed aggravating conduct) of such imprisonment. Includes as aggravating conduct: (1) selling the victim of such offense; (2) sexually abusing such victim; (3) using such victim for pornography; or (4) intentionally harming such victim physically to a life-threatening extent.

Bill· HRH.R. 2586 (100th)open

Retirement and Survivor Annuities for Bankruptcy Judges and Magistrates Act of 1987

United States · United States Congress · 3 June 1987

Retirement and Survivor Annuities for Bankruptcy Judges and Magistrates Act of 1987 - Establishes a new retirement system for bankruptcy judges and magistrates with 14 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 systems. Declares this Act applicable to service on or after October 1, 1979. 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.

Bill· HRH.R. 2587 (100th)open

A bill to make unlawful the establishment or maintenance within the United States of an office of the Palestine Liberation Organization, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 3 June 1987

Expresses the determination of the Congress that the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO): (1) is a terrorist organization; (2) is a threat to the interests of the United States, its allies, and to international law; and (3) should not benefit from operating in the United States. Prohibits, if the purpose is to further the interests of the PLO: (1) the receipt of anything of value except informational material from the PLO; (2) the expenditure of funds from the PLO; or (3) the establishment or maintenance of a PLO office within the jurisdiction of the United States. Provides that the provisions of this Act shall cease to have effect if the President certifies to the Congress that the PLO no longer practices or supports terrorist actions.

Bill· HRH.R. 2584 (100th)referred

A bill to amend the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act to require that the motor vehicle bumper standard established by the Secretary of Transportation shall be restored to that in effect January 1, 1982.

United States · United States Congress · 3 June 1987

Amends the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act to direct the Secretary of Transportation to amend a specified bumper standard to ensure that such standard is identical to the one in effect on January 1, 1982. Prohibits the Secretary from modifying the application of such standard in any respect which results in less impact protection than that afforded under the January 1, 1982, standard.

Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 133 (100th)referred

A concurrent resolution expressing the sense of Congress with respect to the Administration's proposal to transfer certain Railroad Retirement System functions to the Social Security Administration.

United States · United States Congress · 3 June 1987

Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the Congress strongly opposes the transfer of Railroad Retirement benefits to the Social Security Administration (as proposed by the executive branch); and (2) such a transfer should not occur.

Bill· HRH.R. 2577 (100th)open

Economic Equity Act of 1987

United States · United States Congress · 2 June 1987

Economic Equity Act of 1987 - Title I: Work - Subtitle A: Pay Equity - Federal Equitable Pay Practices Act of 1987 - Establishes the Commission on Equitable Pay Practices to determine whether the Government's position-classification system and prevailing rate system are designed and administered in accordance with the general policy that sex, race, and ethnicity should not be among the factors considered in determining pay rates. Requires the Commission to conduct, by contract with a consultant selected under this Act, a study under which job-content analysis and economic analysis shall be applied to a representative sample of occupations in which: (1) either sex is numerically predominant; or (2) any race or ethnic group is disproportionately represented. Directs the Commission to report to the Congress and the President on the results of such study not later than 18 months after the Commission's date of establishment. Declares that such study shall be considered of an advisory nature only. Terminates the Commission 90 days after its submission of the required report. Makes sums appropriated to the Office of Personnel Management for general operating expenses available to carry out this Act. Establishes the Commission on Employment Discrimination in the Legislative Branch to carry out similar duties with respect to job classification and the personnel policies and practices in the Library of Congress. Requires the Commission to submit its final report to the Congress within 18 months. Terminates the Commission 30 days after submission of the report. Subtitle B: Women in Business - Amends the Equal Credit Opportunity Act to prohibit the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System from exempting from such Act any class of credit transactions that are primarily for personal, family, or household purposes. Permits the Board to exempt (for five years) a type or class of business or commercial transaction only after determining that application of such Act to such transaction would not contribute substantially to effecting the purposes of such Act. Subtitle C: Part-Time and Temporary Workers - Part-Time and Temporary Workers Protection Act of 1987 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to bring certain part-time employees within the participation, vesting, and accrual rules governing pension plans. Addresses any employee who, within a relevant 12-month period: (1) has customarily completed more than 500 but fewer than 1,000 hours of service; or (2) is employed in a type of position in which employment customarily consists of such a number of hours. Provides that completion of such hours of service will be treated as completion of 1,000 hours of service (thereby bringing the employee within the ERISA benefit framework). Permits a reduction in the employer-provided premium under a group health plan in the case of a part-time employee only when such employee: (1) has customarily completed fewer than 30 hours of service per week; or (2) is employed in a type of position in which employment customarily consists of such a number of hours. Limits such a premium reduction, when permissible, to not less than a ratable portion of the premium ordinarily provided in the case of an employee who completes 30 hours of service per week. Revises the ERISA definition of "employee" to include non-employees who, pursuant to a contract or agreement, provide employee-like service to an employer for at least one year at the rate of 500 or more hours per year. Subtitle D: Economic Security - Social Security Modernization Act - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to provide that the combined earnings of a married couple which are attributable to the period of their marriage shall be shared equally between them for purposes of determining the eligibility for, and amount, of OASDI benefits to which each spouse is or may become separately entitled. Credits the survivor of the marriage with 100 percent of the combined total wages for the period of the marriage. Provides that these provisions shall not apply in specified cases when it would result in a reduction of OASDI benefits. Repeals the separate definition of disability applicable to widows and widowers. Permits the months of a widow's or widower's entitlement to Supplemental Security Income benefits (title XVI of the Social Security Act) on the basis of a disability to be counted toward the 24 months needed to become entitled to hospital insurance benefits under Medicare (title XVIII of the Social Security Act) on that basis. Pension Reform Act of 1987 - Amends the Tax Reform Act of 1986 to extend to all accrued benefits existing in plan year 1989 and thereafter the amendments made with regard to the nondiscriminatory coordination of defined contribution plans with Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance (OASDI). Amends the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) to repeal provisions that permit a certain disparity in simplified employee pension plan contributions with respect to nondiscriminatory coordination with OASDI. Provides for the repeal, effective for plan year 2000 and thereafter, of IRC rules relating to: (1) the nondiscriminatory coordination of defined contribution plans with OASDI; and (2) pension integration exceptions. Amends the IRC to establish distinct minimum employee coverage requirements applicable in cases when an employer with respect to a plan is treated as operating a single line of business. Requires such a plan to benefit all the employer's employees. Limits the exception to minimum coverage requirements available to employers treated as operating separate lines of business for a year. Amends the IRC and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 to eliminate the special vesting requirements governing multiemployer plans. Directs the Comptroller General of the United States, as soon as possible after this Act's enactment, to undertake thorough studies with respect to: (1) possible methods of requiring employee pension plans to provide cost of living and other adjustments to plan benefits; and (2) potential pension portability mechanisms, including ways to preserve and enhance the real value of deferred vested pension benefits. Lists specific items to be addressed in each study. Requires submission of the studies to specified congressional committees within two years of this Act's enactment. Medicaid Community Property and Respite Care Act of 1987 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to provide that in determining an institutionalized spouse's Medicaid eligibility the income and resources held by either or both the institutionalized spouse and the community spouse shall (with specified exceptions) be divided equally. Furnishes the community spouse with a monthly income allowance from the institutionalized spouse's income to the extent the community spouse's income falls short of a minimum monthly needs allowance set by the States to equal at least 200 percent of one-twelfth of the Federal poverty level. Gives the institutionalized spouse the right to a hearing to establish that the allowance is not adequate to support the community spouse without duress, so that an adequate amount of support will be substituted for the allowance. Prohibits the allowance from being less than court-ordered support payments. Authorizes the institutionalized spouse to transfer resources to the community spouse to the extent the median net worth of male householders age 65 or older, as determined by the Bureau of the Census, exceeds the amount of resources otherwise available to the community spouse. Authorizes States to provide Medicaid coverage for up to 30 days of respite care per year. Nondiscrimination in Insurance Act - Bans discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin in the consideration of applications for, or the granting of, insurance policies and the terms of such policies. Prohibits the use of any statistical table as a basis for action banned by this section, and discrimination in any manner against a person because that person has opposed any practice made unlawful under this section. Grants to States having insurance discrimination laws the primary opportunity to enforce the pertinent prohibitions. Permits a civil action against the insurer to be filed in State or Federal court by or on behalf of an aggrieved person. Authorizes the Attorney General to bring a civil action in district court (without regard to the amount in controversy) when there is reasonable cause to believe that a person or group is engaged in a pattern or practice of violating these rights and that such violation raises an issue of general public importance. Directs the Court to: (1) order the defendant to amend any relevant contract to comply with these provisions; (2) award actual damages for the period of noncompliance; and (3) award the aggrieved person reasonable attorney fees. Authorizes an award of punitive damages, in addition to actual damages. Describes rights, liabilities, premiums, benefits, and insurance coverages that are not to be affected by these antidiscrimination provisions. Federal Council on Women Act - Establishes a Federal Council on Women to: (1) collect and evaluate information with respect to any problems that are particular to women in the United States; (2) review and evaluate Federal policy related to any such problems; (3) coordinate the activities of the Council with similar activities conducted by States, local governments, and concerned organizations; and (4) make recommendations. Directs the Council to report its findings and recommendations to the Congress. Authorizes appropriations. Title II: Family and Dependent Care - Subtitle A: Quality of Dependent Care - Amends the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981 to: (1) authorize FY 1988 appropriations for allotments to the States for certain dependent care services; and (2) permit grants to eligible non-profit training and technical assistance to family day care providers and associated individuals. Amends the Social Security Act to increase authorizations for FY 1988 and thereafter for block grants to the States for social services. Earmarks a specified portion of such funds for grants to improve State child-care licensing and regulatory systems. Requires as a condition of eligibility for such grants, with limited exceptions specified in this Act, the establishment of a State Advisory Committee on Child-Care Standards to review a State's child-care licensing and regulatory systems. Requires reports by such committees. Establishes a National Advisory Committee on Child-Care Standards to assist and provide guidance to the States in improving the quality of child-care services. Requires the National Advisory Committee to submit to the Secretary of Health and Human Services proposed recommended standards for child-care programs within 14 months after the enactment of this Act. Terminates the National Advisory Committee 90 days after the publication by the Secretary of final recommended standards. Subtitle B: Access to Dependent Care for All Families - Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions relating to the income tax credit for employment-related dependent care expenses to: (1) make the credit refundable; (2) increase the amount of the credit from 30 percent to 50 percent of the relevant expenses, reduced (but not below 20 percent) by one percent for each full $1,000 amount by which the taxpayer's adjusted gross income (AGI) exceeds $15,000, subject to an annual adjustment for inflation (the current reduction is one percent for each $2,000 in excess of $10,000 AGI with no provision for a cost of living adjustment); and (3) apply the credit to expenses for certain respite care of qualifying dependents of the taxpayer. Permits credit for up to $1,200 ($2,400 in cases involving more than one qualifying individual) of respite care expenses incurred in the care of: (1) a dependent of the taxpayer who is under the age of 15; or (2) a spouse or other dependent of the taxpayer who is physically or mentally incapable of self-care. Amends the Federal National Mortgage Association Charter Act and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Act to bring within their respective frameworks loans or advances secured by a single residential property occupied as a single family residence in which community child care service is provided (thus making such loans eligible for purchase under each Act). Subtitle C: Supply of Dependent Care for Lower-Income Families - Amends the Social Security Act to: (1) increase the amount of funds available for FY 1987 and thereafter for block grants to the States for social services; (2) require States to file annual (rather than biennial) reports on fund use; and (3) detail mandatory contents for such reports. State Dependent Care Grants Amendments Act of 1987 - Amends the State Dependent Care Development Grants Act to require that amounts paid to States for use in the operation of child care services be designed to enable children whose families lack adequate financial resources to participate in before or after school child care programs. Requires State Governors to include specified information in their grant reports. Extends from September 30, 1987, to September 30, 1991, the time until which necessary revisions of grant program descriptions must be submitted. Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Urban Development to: (1) make grants to public housing agencies to contract for lower-income resident child care services; and (2) design such program to determine the extent to which it facilitates resident employability. Requires a report to the Congress within three years. Authorizes FY 1988 appropriations.

Bill· HRH.R. 2517 (100th)open

A bill to amend the Solid Waste Disposal Act to reduce the hazards associated with municipal incinerator ash, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 27 May 1987

Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to develop and promulgate criteria and testing procedures for identifying municipal incinerator bottom and fly ash controlled by flue gas emissions control equipment which presents a substantial hazard to human health or the environment. Requires such criteria and procedures to determine leaching, total chemical analysis, respirability, and toxicity. Requires owners or operators of each such unit to separately test the bottom and fly ash, if possible. Requires that test results be kept and submitted to the Administrator, or the State if it is administering an authorized program. Directs the Administrator to promulgate and revise treatment standards to reduce the hazards associated with such ash, including the migration of hazardous constituents. Requires permits for new and existing treatment facilities which include management plans describing methods of testing, dispersion prevention methods, employee protection methods, and handling methods. Requires all municipal waste combustion units to comply with this Act. Establishes civil and criminal penalties for noncompliance. Authorizes States to administer and enforce an Administrator-approved program. Authorizes citizen suits for violations of this Act.

Bill· HRH.R. 2516 (100th)open

A bill to amend the Clean Air Act to control emissions of certain air pollutants from municipal waste incinerators.

United States · United States Congress · 27 May 1987

Amends the Clean Air Act to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to promulgate performance standards for emissions of specified air pollutants, including particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, and lead, from new or modified municipal waste combustion units. Requires such standards to reflect the greatest degree of emission limitation achieved in practice by similar units or contained in a State implementation plan. Makes specified technologies available, including spray dry scrubbers source separation, and wet flue gas denitrification. Requires initial standards to be promulgated within 12 months, in effect within 18 months, and reviewed every five years. Requires jurisdictions served by the municipal combustion unit to have an enforceable solid waste management plan before a State program may issue a permit for a new or modified unit. Requires such plan to reflect the operation of the new or modified unit. Sets a standard of emissions equivalent to that achieved by the five lowest emitting units should the Administrator fail to promulgate a standard for any of the specified pollutants. Directs the Administrator to promulgate regulations requiring existing units to meet the emissions standards promulgated under this Act according to a timetable which requires compliance at least within six years. Requires owners or operators of municipal waste combustion units to monitor emissions at the point such emissions move into the ambient air and at other points as necessary to protect human health and the environment. Sets monitoring standards, including continuous and periodic monitoring. Requires the Administrator to establish operating and maintenance requirements for all units. Directs the Administrator to establish a model State program for the training and certification of municipal waste incinerator personnel. Requires operating personnel to pass such training or be certified by an authorized State program. Requires unit permits to be terminated five years after their issuance unless the Administrator or an authorized State certifies such unit's compliance with emissions requirements. Permits States to submit for Administrator approval a State program of enforcement, treating the State as the enforcing entity under this Act. Authorizes the Administrator to withdraw such authority if the State is not adequately enforcing these requirements.

Bill· HRH.R. 2489 (100th)open

Anti-Terrorism Sanctions Act of 1987

United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1987

Anti-Terrorism Sanctions Act of 1987 - Provides certain sanctions against countries determined by the Department of State, under provisions of the Export Administration Act of 1979, as countries that repeatedly provide support for international terrorism. Specifies such sanctions as: (1) the termination, withdrawal, or suspension of any portion of any trade agreement or treaty that relates to the provision of nondiscriminatory (most-favored-nation) trade treatment to such country; (2) the denial of nondiscriminatory (most-favored-nation) trade treatment by the United States; (3) the nonapplication of the Generalized System of Preferences with respect to the products of such country; (4) the nonapplication of the provisions of the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act with respect to the products of such country; and (5) the nonapplication of the provisions of the International Travel and Tourism Act of 1961 instructing the Secretary of Commerce to consult with other nations regarding international travel and tourism. Authorizes the President to waive any or all of such sanctions with respect to any foreign country if the President determines that such a waiver would be in the best interests of the United States.

Bill· HRH.R. 2509 (100th)referred

Parental Assistance for Tuition Investment Act of 1987

United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1987

Title I: Establishment of National Postsecondary Education Trust - Parental Assistance for Tuition Investment Act of 1987 - Establishes the National Postsecondary Education Trust. Creates a Board of Trustees of the Trust, to be composed of: (1) the Secretaries of Education and the Treasury, serving ex officio; and (2) five representatives of postsecondary education institutions and five members of the general public (not more than half of whom may be from the same political party), who shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Creates under the jurisdiction and control of the Board an Advance Tuition Payment Fund. Sets forth the general duties of the Board, including holding the funds of the Trust, establishing necessary policy and procedures for operating the Trust, paying money directly to postsecondary institutions, collecting necessary fees for its operation, imposing reasonable time limits on use of tuition benefits, and other related administrative matters. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury, as Managing Trustee, to invest portions of Fund moneys in interest-bearing obligations of the United States or in obligations guaranteed by the United States. Sets forth restrictions on uses of the Fund. Requires the Board to make annual reports to the Congress. Allows a purchaser to enter into an agreement with the Trust, on behalf of itself and the Federal Government, for the purchase of an advance tuition payment plan for use by a qualified beneficiary to pay a portion of the costs of tuition and fees required to attend a postsecondary education institution to which the qualified beneficiary is admitted. Sets forth required contents and design of advance tuition payment plan agreements. Directs the Trust to provide that a purchaser may purchase an advance payment tuition plan for an eligible beneficiary at any time following the beneficiary's birth. Sets forth conditions for termination of agreements and for refunds upon termination. Sets forth certain restrictions. Authorizes appropriations. Provides that at such time as the Trust is capable of self-support the annual report shall indicate no need for subsequent appropriations. Title II: Tax Treatment of Advance Tuition Payment Plans - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax deduction in an amount equal to the amount paid in cash during the year to the National Postsecondary Education Trust pursuant to any advance tuition payment plan agreement. Allows such deduction only if: (1) the taxpayer is the qualified beneficiary under the agreement and is not the dependent of another taxpayer; or (2) the taxpayer is entitled to a deduction with respect to the qualified beneficiary under such agreement for the taxable year. Limits maximum deductible payments per beneficiary to $2,000 for any taxable year and $48,000 for all taxable years. Sets forth certain adjustable gross income limitations above which such maximum deductible amounts are to be reduced. Disallows such deduction for the taxable year in which the beneficiary dies or attains age 25 or for any year thereafter. Disallows such deduction to a taxpayer who is a dependent of another taxpayer. Disallows such deduction with respect to a beneficiary who is the spouse of the taxpayer, unless the taxpayer is entitled to an exemption for the spouse and files a joint return. Deems payments to an advance tuition payment plan agreement as payments for the preceding taxable year if they are made not later than the time prescribed by law for filing the return. Provides that the deduction for payment under advance tuition payment plan agreements is also allowable to taxpayers who do not itemize deductions. Excludes from gross income any amount paid from the National Postsecondary Education Trust to any postsecondary education institution pursuant to any advance tuition payment plan agreement. Includes in the gross income of the person to whom the amount is paid any other amount paid from the National Postsecondary Education Trust which is not described in the preceding sentence. Adds a ten percent penalty tax for such refunds from the Trust, except where the beneficiary under the agreement dies.

Bill· HRH.R. 2510 (100th)referred

Better Use of Hospital Facilities Act of 1987

United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1987

Better Use of Hospital Facilities Act of 1987 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide that when a hospital's occupancy rate is less than specified target minimum occupancy rates established for hospitals with 50 or more beds, the amount otherwise payable to such hospital for the depreciation of its capital shall be reduced by the percentage by which the target minimum occupancy rate exceeds its occupancy rate. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide for exceptions and adjustments to such reductions to take into account the special circumstances faced by certain hospitals, such as sole community hospitals. Provides that when a hospital agrees to retire beds from the provision of inpatient hospital services for a specified period of time, only a portion of such bed (the size of such portion diminishing as the length of the bed's retirement lengthens) shall be counted in determining the hospital's occupancy rate. Prevents the restoration of a retired bed from working to the detriment of a hospital in certain cases where there is an immediate medical need for beds in the region. Provides that hospitals which are subject to payment reductions by reason of this Act's amendments shall be temporarily exempted from State laws or regulations which restrict the class of inpatient services a hospital provides or prevent (other than for reasons of health or safety) a hospital from using a bed or beds for any particular services.

Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 291 (100th)open

A joint resolution conferring the honorary status of Librarian of Congress Emeritus on Daniel J. Boorstin.

United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1987

Provides that, upon retirement from service as the Librarian of Congress, Daniel J. Boorstin may be known as the Librarian of Congress Emeritus. States that such honorary designation shall not constitute an appointment in the civil service under specified Federal law. Provides that as Librarian of Congress Emeritus, Dr. Boorstin may receive incidental administrative and clerical support through the Library of Congress.

Bill· HRH.R. 2485 (100th)open

Medicare Catastrophic Prescription Drug Benefits Act of 1987

United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1987

Medicare Catastrophic Prescription Drug Benefits Act of 1987 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to cover catastrophic expenses for outpatient prescription drugs and insulin (outpatient drugs) under part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of the Medicare program. Establishes an annual $400 deductible for outpatient drugs. Covers all costs in excess of such deductible provided the cost for each drug does not exceed payment limits based on the average cost for each drug. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to deny payment for outpatient drugs which are prescribed or dispensed with excessive frequency or in excessive quantities. Authorizes a pharmacy to enter into an agreement with the Secretary to accept payment under part B of the Medicare program on an assigned basis for outpatient drugs furnished to part B enrollees. Sets forth the obligations of participating pharmacies, including the requirements that they: (1) charge Medicare beneficiaries no more for drugs than they charge the general public; (2) keep patient records for all outpatient drugs dispensed to such beneficiaries; (3) assist beneficiaries in determining whether or not their expenses have exceeded the annual deductible; and (4) offer to counsel each of their beneficiaries on the appropriate use of such drugs and the availability of therapeutically equivalent outpatient drugs. Requires the Secretary to provide each participating pharmacy with: (1) a distinctive emblem indicating its status as such; and (2) information on the payment limits established for outpatient drugs. Increases the monthly Medicare part B premium to cover Medicare payments for outpatient drugs. Requires Medicare carriers which make determinations or payments with respect to outpatient drugs to offer to receive requests from participating pharmacies for payments for such drugs through electronic communications and respond to requests by such pharmacies as to whether or not an individual has paid the deductible for such drugs. Directs the Secretary to: (1) take this Act's amendments into account in estimating the adjusted average per capita cost used in computing payments to be made to health maintenance organizations; and (2) require such organizations to adjust their agreements with Medicare beneficiaries in consideration of such amendments.

Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 287 (100th)referred

A joint resolution directing the Secretary of Agriculture to conduct a study of the effectiveness of current laws and regulations in protecting dogs and puppies bred and raised for sale to retail pet stores from inhumane treatment and premature shipment.

United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1987

Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to study and report on the effectiveness of current laws, regulations, and licensing standards for commercial breeders of dogs and puppies in protecting such animals raised for sale in retail pet stores from inhumane treatment.

Bill· HRH.R. 2454 (100th)open

National Narcotics Leadership Act of 1987

United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1987

National Narcotics Leadership Act of 1987 - Establishes a Cabinet-level Office of the Director of National Drug Control Policy to coordinate Federal operations and policy on drug control and abuse. Requires the Director of the Office to prepare and submit annual reports on a National and International Drug Control Strategy. Terminates the National Drug Enforcement Policy Board. Repeals specified provisions of the Comprehensive Crime Control Act of 1984 and the Drug Abuse Prevention, Treatment, and Rehabilitation Act respecting such Board. Authorizes appropriations.

Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 282 (100th)open

A joint resolution to designate August 1, 1987, as "Helsinki Human Rights Day".

United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1987

Designates August 1, 1987, as Helsinki Human Rights Day. Requests the President to: (1) reassert American commitment to the Helsinki Accords; (2) raise the issue of noncompliance with such Accords with the Soviet Union, Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, the German Democratic Republic, Hungary, Poland, and Romania; (3) convey to all signatories of such Accords that respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms is vital to progress in the ongoing Helsinki process; (4) convey to U.S. allies the necessity of unity regarding such Accords; (5) continue his efforts to achieve the release of political prisoners of the Soviet Union, increase in Soviet emigration, resolution of family reunification cases, and cessation of radio transmission jamming; (6) seek the inclusion, in any concluding document agreed to in Vienna, of a mechanism to sustain human rights progress after the Vienna Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe; and (7) convey to signatory states the desire of the United States for a result at Vienna that will not favor military security at the expense of human rights.

Bill· HRH.R. 2434 (100th)referred

A bill to designate the westernmost point of Guam as "Point Udall" and to provide for the placement of a plaque on such point, in honor of Morris Udall.

United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1987

Designates the westernmost point of Guam as Point Udall in honor of Morris Udall, a Member of the House of Representatives. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to place and maintain a plaque on Federal land near such point to honor the service and accomplishments of Morris Udall. Authorizes appropriations.

Bill· HRH.R. 2369 (100th)referred

Department of Energy Civilian Energy Programs Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1988

United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1987

Department of Energy Civilian Energy Programs Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1988 - Title I: Authorization for Energy Research and Development Programs for Fiscal Year 1988 - Authorizes appropriations for the operating expenses of the following Department of Energy civilian research and development programs: (1) the fossil energy program; (2) clean coal technology; (3) energy conservation; (4) energy supply research and development; (5) general science and research; (6) nuclear fission energy; (7) magnetic fusion energy; and (8) inertial confinement fusion energy. Authorizes appropriations for capital equipment expenses not related to construction for the following Department of Energy civilian research and development programs: (1) the fossil energy program; (2) the energy conservation program; (3) the energy supply research and development programs associated with renewable energy, supporting research and technical analysis, environmental research and development, nuclear fission energy, and magnetic fusion; and (4) general science and research. Sets forth a specified amount which shall be allocated to the Department's multiprogram and single mission national laboratories to seek out potential users for promising inventions or copyrighted data developed at such laboratories. Authorizes appropriations to the Department of Energy for plant and capital equipment for specified prior year civilian research and development projects with respect to: (1) supporting research; (2) nuclear fission; (3) general science and research; and (4) environmental research. Authorizes appropriations for new construction projects. Requires specified reductions in authorizations for general science and research and for nuclear fission. Title II: Authorization for Other Activities for Fiscal Year 1987 - Authorizes appropriations to the Department of Energy for FY 1987 for operating expenses for: (1) fossil energy, Federal inspector for the Alaska gas pipeline; (2) the energy conservation program: (3) the energy supply research and development programs associated with renewable energy, nuclear energy, remedial actions, and low-level waste; (3) uranium supply and enrichment activities; (4) the Nuclear Waste Fund; (5) supporting services; (6) departmental administration; and (7) policy and management. Authorizes appropriations for capital equipment not related to construction for: (1) energy supply research and development, nuclear energy, and remedial action; (2) the Nuclear Waste Fund; (3) supporting services; and (4) departmental administration. Authorizes appropriations to the Department of Energy for a specified prior year civilian energy project at the Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, Idaho. Authorizes appropriations to the Department of Energy for new plant and capital equipment for specified uranium supply and enrichment projects and for specified supporting service projects. Title III: General Provisions - Prohibits the use of any appropriated funds for the superconducting super collider project. Sets forth limitations on the use of funds authorized under this Act, including that no appropriated amount may be used for any project deleted by the Congress. Directs the Secretary to treat as reimbursable contractor expenses all costs incurred by civilian energy research and development contractors who respond directly to congressional inquiries. Directs the Secretary to report to specified congressional committees regarding: (1) modification of the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 in order to achieve and operating repository by 1998; and (2) development of the atomic vapor laser isotope separation process for uranium enrichment under the administration's concept of privatization of the enrichment enterprise. Directs the Secretary to promulgate regulations to issue class waivers for certain inventions or copyrighted material developed in the performance of a federally funded civilian research and development program.

Bill· HRH.R. 2368 (100th)referred

Department of Energy Civilian Energy Research and Development Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1988

United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1987

Department of Energy Civilian Energy Research and Development Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1988 - Title I: Authorization for Energy Research and Development Programs for Fiscal Year 1988 - Authorizes appropriations for the operating expenses of the following Department of Energy civilian research and development programs: (1) the fossil energy program; (2) clean coal technology; (3) energy conservation; (4) energy supply research and development; (5) general science and research; (6) nuclear fission energy; (7) magnetic fusion energy; and (8) inertial confinement fusion energy. Authorizes appropriations for capital equipment expenses not related to construction for the following Department of Energy civilian research and development programs: (1) the fossil energy program; (2) the energy conservation program; (3) the energy supply research and development programs associated with renewable energy, supporting research and technical analysis, environmental research and development, nuclear fission energy, and magnetic fusion; and (4) general science and research. Sets forth a specified amount which shall be allocated to the Department's multiprogram and single mission national laboratories to seek out potential users for promising inventions or copyrighted data developed at such laboratories. Authorizes appropriations to the Department of Energy for plant and capital equipment for specified prior year civilian research and development projects with respect to: (1) supporting research; (2) nuclear fission; (3) general science and research; and (4) environmental research. Authorizes appropriations for new construction projects. Requires specified reductions in authorizations for general science and research and for nuclear fission. Title II: General Provisions - Prohibits the use of any appropriated funds for the superconducting super collider project. Sets forth limitations on the use of funds authorized under this Act, including that no appropriated amount may be used for any program deleted by the Congress from the President's budget request. Directs the Secretary to treat as reimbursable contractor expenses all costs incurred by civilian energy research and development contractors who respond directly to congressional inquiries. Directs the Secretary to report to certain congressional committees regarding the development of the atomic vapor laser isotope separation process for uranium enrichment under the administration's concept of privatization of the enrichment enterprise. Directs the Secretary to promulgate regulations to issue class waivers for certain inventions or copyrighted materials developed in the performance of a federally funded civilian research and development program.

Bill· HRH.R. 2337 (100th)open

A bill to provide emergency relief for the replacement or repair of a bridge in New York.

United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1987

Directs the Secretary of Transportation to provide certain emergency relief funds to pay the reconstruction or repair expenses of a certain collapsed bridge over the Schoharie Creek in New York State (including certain accident investigation expenses and expenses incurred in detouring traffic around the bridge site). Cites conditions under which such funds will not be available.

Bill· HRH.R. 2355 (100th)referred

Environmental Research, Development, and Demonstration Authorization Act of 1987

United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1987

Environmental Research, Development, and Demonstration Authorization Act of 1987 - Authorizes appropriations to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for FY 1988 and 1989 for research, development, and demonstration activities authorized under: (1) the Clean Air Act; (2) the Federal Water Pollution Control Act; (3) the Safe Drinking Water Act; (4) the Solid Waste Disposal Act; (5) the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA); (6) the Public Health Service Act (radiation activities); (7) interdisciplinary activities provisions; (8) the Toxic Substances Control Act; and (9) energy activities. Authorizes appropriations to the EPA, Office of Research and Development for FY 1988 and 1989 for program management and support. Restricts transfers of funds among categories in excess of ten percent, reductions-in-force, and office closings by requiring 30 days' written notice to the appropriate congressional officials and committees before such actions may be taken. Requires the Administrator of EPA to conduct and support basic long-term research which furthers the scientific understanding of environmental pollution and processes and their effects upon human health and the environment. Requires the Administrator to report annually to the Congress on such research activities. Directs the Administrator to support a study by the National Academy of Sciences to review Federal funding of environmental research. Repeals the five year research report requirement under the Environmental Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 1976. Requires the Administrator to report within 180 days of enactment to specified congressional committees on improving the capability of the Office of Research and Development to identify emerging environmental problems, assess their potential risks, and respond with appropriate research programs. Directs the Science Advisory Board to report annually to specified congressional committees their views on the President's budget request for research, development, and demonstration activities at EPA. Requires the Board to evaluate and report annually to specified congressional committees on EPA's research activities. Directs the Administrator to report to the Congress on EPA's key scientific staffing needs. Directs the Administrator to initiate a research program to assess the contribution of atmospheric deposition of toxic substances to the total toxic loading of the Great Lakes Basin and the sources of such substances. Directs the Administrator to study and report to specified congressional committees on the environmental effects of pesticide resistance and the potential of pesticide resistance management techniques to control or reduce such effects. Requires the Administrator to establish and report to specified congressional committees on a research program to evaluate existing test protocols, and develop alternative protocols, for assessing the efficacy of antimicrobial control agents, including disinfectants. Requires the Administrator to prepare and report to specified congressional committees on a research strategy for minimizing hazardous wastes, including matching grant programs and the establishment of a clearinghouse. Directs the Administrator to report to specified congressional committees on EPA's research program and other research concerning the effects of rising lake levels in the Great Lakes on nearby sewage treatment facilities and ways to mitigate the problem.

Bill· HRH.R. 2327 (100th)open

Veterans' Administration Beneficiary Travel, Quality assurance, and Readjustment Counseling Amendments of 1987

United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1987

Amends Federal veterans' benefits provisions to direct (current law authorizes) the Administrator of Veterans Affairs to pay travel expenses of certain veterans and their eligible dependents to or from a Veterans Administration facility or other authorized place in connection with rehabilitation, counseling, or medical treatment or care. Defines those veterans entitled to such payment, including: (1) those veterans financially unable to meet such travel costs; and (2) those veterans unable to bear the cost of special transportation necessitated due to a medical disability. Limits such payments in the case of travel by a privately-owned vehicle to the cost of similar public transportation for such travel. Limits such payment to the actual cost incurred for such travel.

Bill· HRH.R. 2308 (100th)referred

Consumer Protection Act of 1987

United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1987

Consumer Protection Act of 1987 - Prohibits any person from offering the sale at a discount rate of services using a nationwide system of reservation which requires the services to be used at a particular time and date, unless information regarding the availability of such services is disclosed.

Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 271 (100th)referred

A joint resolution authorizing and directing the President to call upon radio and television broadcasters, to educate, in cooperation with public health organizations, the public about the dangers of cigarette smoking.

United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1987

Authorizes and directs the President to call on representatives of the broadcasting industry, in cooperation with public health organizations, to provide free air time to private and government organizations for antismoking public service announcements which educate the public about the dangers of cigarette smoking.

Bill· HRH.R. 2276 (100th)open

Economic Diversification Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1987

Economic Diversification Act - Title I: Defense Economic Diversification-Adjustment Council - Establishes in the Executive Office of the President the Defense Economic Diversification-Adjustment Council (Council) in the interest of: (1) assisting affected persons in defense-dependent communities to make plans for nondefense economic alternatives to minimize dislocation in the event of a closure of a military installation or cancellation of a major defense contract; (2) providing incentives for business, industry, and the vocational education community to develop programs to retrain workers affected by such closures or terminations; and (3) notifying communities in advance of anticipated events that will require economic adjustments to nondefense alternatives. Directs the Council, among other things, to: (1) establish within the Executive Office of the President an Office of Economic Diversification-Adjustment to provide staff support for its work; (2) disseminate pertinent information to the appropriate Federal, State, and local authorities and to diversification-alternative use committees; (3) develop and coordinate data relating to defense economic diversification and adjustments; (4) serve as a resource for civilian job information for workers displaced from defense-related employment; (5) prepare and distribute a Diversification and Conversion Guidelines Handbook in accordance with prescribed content specifications outlined in this Act; and (6) make available for appropriate use information with respect to funds that could be used for diversification and conversion planning. Directs the Secretary of Defense to: (1) notify the Council one year in advance of any pending or proposed change in defense spending that would affect employment in the defense industry; and (2) furnish annually to the Council data with respect to future defense spending levels and contract progress. Title II: Community Economic Diversification - Adjustment Program - Directs the Council to establish a grant program to provide funds to be used for: (1) planning for economic diversification or conversion to avoid substantial dislocations; or (2) economic adjustment, in certain cases. Permits the awarding of grants to: (1) any community that is in the process of reducing a heavy dependency on defense-oriented activities or that is substantially affected by the reduction or elimination of Federal defense facilities or curtailment of defense contracts; (2) labor unions, business representatives, and private nonprofit economic development, job training, or education agencies located near or within such communities; and (3) the base management and civilian employees of a Federal military installation being closed or realigned. Directs the Council to establish grant eligibility criteria that will ensure assistance to the most vulnerable communities. Limits a community to a single grant for each major defense contract cancellation or military installation realignment. Instructs the Council to publish semiannually a listing of the currently eligible local government units. Permits any community not on such a listing to petition for inclusion. Requires every grantee to establish a diversification-alternative use committee to: (1) develop and review plans for the economic diversification of the defense-dependent area and for the alternative use of a major defense facility for other activity in the event of a Government decision affecting its continued role in defense; (2) review the industry-education partnership for training and retraining in defense-dependent areas and evaluate the particular manpower, environmental, and economic needs of the particular community; and (3) ensure that proper education and assistance are provided to employees displaced by defense-related facility closings. Sets forth criteria with respect to the contents of diversification and alternative use plans. Title III: Industry-Education Partnership - Amends the Carl D. Perkins Vocational Education Act to establish a program of grants to the States to carry out industry-education partnership vocational education programs designed to train and retrain workers in defense-related facilities or defense-dependent communities to allow them to find nondefense-related employment. Sets forth general guidelines for such grant program. Authorizes the use of grant funds for: (1) necessary administrative costs; (2) the training and retraining of instructional and guidance personnel; and (3) curriculum development and acquisition. Title IV: Miscellaneous - Authorizes FY 1988 through 1990 appropriations.

Bill· HRH.R. 2270 (100th)open

Medicaid Nursing Home Quality Care Amendments of 1987

United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1987

Medicaid Nursing Home Quality Care Amendments of 1987 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to establish a single set of requirements for skilled nursing and intermediate care facilities (other than facilities for the mentally retarded), and to refer to such facilities as "nursing facilities." Sets forth requirements for nursing facilities, including requirements that such facilities: (1) primarily engage in providing residents with nursing care or rehabilitative services directed toward residents' mental, psychosocial, and physical well-being; (2) provide such care in accordance with a written plan of care initially prepared and periodically reviewed and revised by a licensed health care professional on the basis of assessments of a resident's functional capacity conducted upon the resident's admission and after a significant change in the resident's physical or mental condition, but in no case less often than annually; (3) provide, in addition to nursing and rehabilitative services, such physicians' services, medically-related social services, pharmaceutical services, dietician services, and dental services as are required to fulfill each resident's plan of care; (4) not use any individual who is not a licensed health care professional or licensed social worker to provide nursing or nursing-related services after 1989 to facility residents unless the individual has completed a State-approved training program or is enrolled in such a program, and is competent to provide such services; (5) require a physician's supervision of each patient's care, the maintenance of clinical records on all patients, and 24-hour nursing services; (6) protect specified patient rights, including the right to appeal an involuntary transfer or discharge from the facility; (7) safeguard a patient's funds upon the patient's authorization; (8) not admit any new resident, after 1988, who is mentally ill or retarded unless the State mental health authority deems such individual to require nursing facility services and decides whether the individual requires active treatment for mental illness or retardation; (9) notify the State agency responsible for licensing the facility of changes in the ownership, control, or administration of the facility; (10) adopt certain measures to preserve facility safety and sanitation; and (11) meet such other conditions which the Secretary of Health and Human Services deems necessary for patient health and safety. Requires States to specify, by January 1, 1989, those nursing facility personnel training programs which meet the minimum standards to be established by the Secretary by July 1, 1988, and have the State's approval. Prohibits State approval of a training program offered by a facility that has been out of compliance with this Act's requirements within the previous two years. Requires States to: (1) establish a fair mechanism which meets Federal guidelines to be established by October 1, 1988, for hearing appeals on involuntary transfers of residents from nursing facilities; and (2) implement and enforce standards which are to be developed by the Secretary by January 1, 1989, regarding the qualifications of nursing facility administrators. Requires that, in addition to the preadmission review of mentally ill or retarded individuals, State mental health authorities conduct an annual review of mentally ill or retarded residents to determine whether such residents require nursing facility services and whether they require active treatment for mental illness or retardation. Directs that such preadmission and annual reviews be conducted in accordance with criteria to be developed by the Secretary by October 1, 1988. Sets forth required nursing facility responses to determinations as to whether such residents need nursing facility services and need, or do not need, active treatment for mental illness or retardation. Gives long-term residents who do not require nursing facility services, but who require active treatment, the choice of remaining in the facility or receiving covered services in an alternative setting. Requires nursing facilities to provide for the active treatment of residents in need of treatment for mental illness or retardation regardless of their continued need for nursing facility services or their discharge from such facility. Sets the Federal matching percentage for nursing facility personnel training programs at 50 percent and for preadmission and annual screening of mentally ill or retarded residents at 75 percent. Directs the Secretary to designate an instrument(s) by April 1, 1990, and States to specify the instrument by July 1, 1990, for use by States in assessing a resident's functional capacity. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress by January 1, 1992, on the implementation of the resident assessment process. Imposes civil monetary penalties on individuals who falsify resident assessments. Makes the Secretary responsible for certifying that State nursing facilities comply, and States responsible for certifying that other nursing facilities comply, with Medicaid nursing facility requirements. Bases such certification on standard surveys to be conducted within two months of any change in the ownership or administration of such a facility and, on an unannounced basis, at nine- to 15-month intervals. Subjects facilities with poor compliance records to extended surveys. Directs the Secretary to: (1) develop and test a protocol for conducting surveys; (2) establish minimum qualifications for surveyors and train them in the use of resident assessment instruments; and (3) conduct sample surveys of nursing facilities, within two months of State surveys, to test the adequacy of State surveys and reduce Federal payments for State Medicaid administrative costs if such State surveys prove inadequate. Authorizes the Secretary to conduct a special survey of a facility when there is reason to question its compliance with this Act. Requires States to investigate complaints against, and monitor the compliance of, a facility with this Act's requirements if the facility was previously found out of compliance with such requirements or the State has reason to question its compliance. Requires that certain information regarding nursing facilities and their compliance with this Act's requirements be made available to the public. Provides long-term care ombudsmen, resident's physicians, and the State board which licenses facility administrators with notice of a facility's poor quality of care. Gives State Medicaid fraud and abuse control units access to facility survey and certification information. Sets the Federal matching percentage for nursing facility certification activities at 90 percent in FY 1990, 85 percent in FY 1991, 80 percent in FY 1992, and 75 percent thereafter. Eliminates current penalties applied to a State when its control over the utilization of skilled nursing or intermediate care facility services is deemed inadequate. Requires that when the Secretary or a State determines that a nursing facility's deficiencies immediately jeopardize residents' health and safety, such facility's participation in Medicaid be terminated. Directs the Secretary and States to apply certain other remedies where the health and safety of facility residents is not immediately jeopardized. Provides that if a facility is out of compliance with any of this Act's requirements six months after having been found out of compliance with such requirements, Medicaid payments for newly admitted or eligible residents shall be denied. Sets forth special rules which are to be applied where a State and the Secretary do not agree on a finding of noncompliance or the remedies which should be prescribed.

Bill· HRH.R. 2279 (100th)referred

Atomic Safety Act of 1987

United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1987

Atomic Safety Act of 1987 - Declares that it is the sense of the Congress that full emergency planning is an essential element of the nuclear enterprise and that no plant should operate without assurance from Federal experts on emergency preparedness that the public health and safety can and will be protected. Prohibits the Nuclear Regulatory Commission from issuing a utilization facility operating license unless the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has issued a finding regarding whether such facility has in place an offsite emergency plan which will provide assurance that the public health and safety will be protected. Revokes upon enactment of this Act any license issued by the Commission that is not based upon such a finding by FEMA.

Bill· HRH.R. 2291 (100th)referred

A bill to amend Public Law 99-190 to repeal the provision relating to the collection of tolls for motor vehicles on any bridge connecting the borough of Brooklyn, New York, and Staten Island, New York.

United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1987

Repeals the provisions of Federal law which state that motor vehicle tolls on any bridge connecting Brooklyn and Staten Island, New York, may only be collected for vehicles exiting in Staten Island. Repeals accompanying enforcement and related provisions.

Bill· HRH.R. 2285 (100th)referred

A bill to require the Veterans' Administration to provide for medical examinations and counseling for overseas volunteer support personnel who served in Vietnam during the Vietnam era, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1987

Directs the Administrator of Veterans Affairs to provide to certain persons who served during the Vietnam era as overseas volunteers a medical examination to determine if such individuals have any adverse health effects as a result of such service due to exposure to phenoxy herbicides or other herbicides. Provides that all individuals eligible for such medical examinations shall also be treated as veterans for purposes of eligibility for veterans' readjustment counseling. Terminates the eligibility for such medical examinations and counseling three years after the enactment of this Act. Requires the President to direct the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, and the Administrator of Veterans Affairs to submit to the appropriate committees of the Congress a joint report on the question of U.S. Government responsibility for providing such volunteer personnel with health care and compensation for disabilities related to their service in Vietnam during the Vietnam era. Requires such report to be submitted to the Comptroller General for review and comments before submission to the Congress. Requires such report to be submitted within one year after the enactment of this Act. Directs the Administrator to determine whether women who served during the Vietnam era as overseas volunteer support personnel have experienced long-term adverse health effects (especially gender-specific adverse health effects) from either traumatic experiences during such service or from exposure to phenoxy herbicides or other chemicals during such service. Directs the Administrator, while making such determination, to consider the results of a similar study required under the Veterans' Health-Care Amendments of 1986, and to submit a report on the results of such study to the Congress not later than one year after the first report required under such Act is submitted.