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United States · Official source
1,180 records where Rep. Sharp, Philip R. [D-IN-2] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1988
Amends the Revenue Act of 1987 to delay until October 1, 1988, the imposition of excise tax on wholesale sales of diesel and aviation fuels. (Under current law the tax applies to sales after March 31, 1988.)
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1988
Global Poverty Reduction Act - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to direct the President to develop a plan to ensure that U.S. development assistance contributes measurably toward eradicating the worst aspects of absolute poverty by the year 2000. Requires that such plan include target dates for reaching specific measurable goals whose attainment would contribute to direct improvements in the living standards of the poorest 40 percent of the population. Specifies that such goals shall include reducing the mortality rate of infants under age five, increasing the female literacy rate, and reducing the percentages of populations below the absolute poverty level by specified amounts by the year 2000. Directs that primary emphasis of development activities to restore the renewable natural resource base shall be on small-scale, affordable, low-risk local projects featuring close consultation with, and involvement of, local people at all stages of project design and implementation. Requires the President to submit the plan to the Congress by July 1, 1989. Requires all U.S. development assistance to be directed at attaining plan goals between October 1, 1989, and December 31, 2000. Requires the President to submit annual reports to the Congress detailing progress toward achieving plan goals. Directs the Comptroller General to review and comment on each report issued. Directs the President to host an international development conference for heads of governments of development assistance donor and recipient countries by October 16, 1989, to conclude an international agreement on eliminating the worst aspects of absolute poverty by the year 2000.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1988
Authorizes and requests the President to designate the week beginning November 20, 1988, as National Family Week.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1988
Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation Commercialization and Development Act - Requires the Secretary of Energy to establish specific technical research and development performance goals for Department of Energy programs relating to: (1) photovoltaics; (2) wind; (3) solar thermal; (4) biofuels; (5) solar building and energy systems; (6) ocean energy systems; and (7) geothermal energy. Mandates that such goals be designed to promote significant further commercial applications by 1995. Requires the Secretary to report annually to the Congress with respect to biennial technical performance goal reviews and updates. Requires the Secretary to include in the FY 1990 budget request funding for at least three commercial demonstration projects involving renewable energy technologies. States that 50 percent of such project costs shall be funded by the United States and 50 percent shall be funded by the private sector. Cites circumstances under which the United States may fund up to 66 percent of such project costs. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1989 through 1991 for: (1) specified renewable energy programs; (2) energy conservation research and development programs; and (3) a Federal interagency working group (established under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to make recommendations regarding the coordination of Federal programs affecting commerce in renewable energy products and related services). Requires that each annual submission of the National Energy Policy Plan be accompanied by a three-year strategic plan for energy technology research, including energy efficiency and renewable energy.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1988
Montgomery GI Bill Amendments of 1988 - Directs the Administrator of Veterans Affairs to make payments to veterans who are entitled to veterans' educational assistance but who have become so physically or mentally handicapped that such individuals are unable to utilize such educational assistance. Directs the Administrator to make such payments to a qualifying veteran's survivors in the event of a veteran's death while on active duty or within six years of such individual's discharge, according to a certain order of priority. Deducts the amount of educational assistance received by the veteran before enactment of this Act from the amount to be paid under this Act. Authorizes entitlement to basic educational assistance for veterans who are discharged or released from active duty for a disability that existed before becoming or entering into active duty as a member of the armed forces. (Currently, such entitlement is limited to those discharged or released for either a service-connected disability or for hardship.) Authorizes the same entitlement for members discharged or released from the Selected Reserve. Authorizes the Administrator to approve the pursuit of flight training by an individual entitled to basic educational assistance if such training meets conditions specified in this Act. Specifies the amount of flight assistance to be provided. Directs the Administrator to pay educational assistance for refresher courses in the individual's area of education, deficiency courses, or other preparatory or special educational assistance necessary to enable the individual to pursue an approved program of education. Limits the length of such payments for refresher courses. Allows an individual currently on active duty who originally chose not to receive basic educational assistance to enroll in such program within 60 days after the enactment of this Act. Outlines provisions relating to the implementation of such enrollment, including "catch-up" payments or deductions from pay in order to receive such educational assistance. Requires a certain minimum payment or pay deduction before an individual becomes so qualified. Directs the Secretary of each military department to inform individuals of the opportunity to enroll for such assistance under this Act. Prohibits the payment of any basic educational assistance to members of the Selected Reserve until such members have completed their initial periods of active duty for training required by the military department concerned. (Currently, such members must complete such training plus serve in the reserves for at least 180 days before being eligible.) Authorizes the Administrator to approve the pursuit of flight training by a member of the Selected Reserve who is entitled to basic educational assistance, if such training meets conditions specified in this Act. Specifies the amount of flight assistance to be provided. Provides that educational assistance may only be provided for an approved program of education for purposes of the All-Volunteer Force Educational Assistance Program. (Currently, such assistance may be provided for a program of education at an institution of higher learning and may not be provided for post-graduate study.) Limits the amount of monthly educational assistance to be provided to an individual pursuing a full-time program of apprenticeship or other on-the-job training. Reduces the amount of assistance provided in any month in which such individual fails to complete at least 120 hours of training. Provides a limited educational assistance payment as determined by the Administrator for individuals participating in a less-than-half-time pursuit of a program of education. Provides that an individual serving in the Selected Reserve may not receive credit for such service under both veterans' educational assistance provisions and the All-Volunteer Force Educational Assistance Program, but shall instead elect the program to which such service is to be credited. Revises provisions concerning the time limitation applicable for the use of basic educational assistance by a member of the Selected Reserve who is separated from such service because of a disability incurred on or after the date on which such person became entitled to educational assistance. Directs the Secretary of Defense, at the request of the Administrator, to transmit a notice of entitlement for each such person becoming eligible for educational assistance to the Administrator.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1988
Postal Reorganization Act of 1988 - Declares that the receipts and disbursements of the Postal Service Fund: (1) shall not be included in the totals of the Federal budget or the congressional budget; (2) shall be exempt from Federal budget limitations on expenditures and net lending; and (3) shall not be counted for purposes of calculating the Federal deficit. Repeals certain limitations on postal borrowing authority. Increases the limitations on postal borrowing authority.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1988
National Appliance Energy Conservation Amendments of 1988 - Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to include fluorescent lamp ballasts within the list of products covered by the Act. Directs the Secretary of Energy to prescribe by July 1, 1989, test procedures for such ballasts manufactured on or after January 1, 1990. Directs the Federal Trade Commission to prescribe labeling rules for such ballasts according to specified guidelines. Sets forth energy efficiency standards for such ballasts. Preempts State energy conservation standards for such ballasts unless such standards were prescribed or enacted before the date of enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1988
Designates the month of November 1988 as National Diabetes Month.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1988
Nuclear Investigations Improvement Act of 1988 - Amends the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974 to establish within the Nuclear Regulatory Commission the Office of Investigations, to be headed by a Director of Investigations who shall be appointed by, and report directly to, the Commission. Confers responsibility upon the Office to investigate violations within the Commission's jurisdiction where information indicates that such violations were either willfully caused or the result of careless disregard for regulatory requirements. Requires the Director to report violations of Federal criminal law to the Commission and to the Justice Department. Requires Commission employees to report to the Office information indicating that violations were either willfully caused or were the result of careless disregard for regulatory requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1988
Inspector General Act Amendments of 1988 - Amends the Inspector General Act of 1978 to establish in the Nuclear Regulatory Commission the Office of Inspector General. Authorizes the Chairman of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to delegate supervision of the Inspector General to another member of the Commission, but to no one else.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1988
American Heritage Trust Act of 1988 - Title I: American Heritage Trust - Establishes the American Heritage Trust, comprised of the Land and Water Conservation Fund and the Historic Preservation Fund, to provide funding for the preservation of America's natural, historical, cultural, and outdoor recreational areas. Title II: Land and Water Conservation Fund - Amends the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act to require the Secretary of the Treasury to invest a portion of the Land and Water Conservation Fund in public debt securities. Requires that the interest from such investments be used to provide for the preservation of the Nation's recreational areas. Sets forth a formula for the allocation of such interest income to the Federal Government and the States. Sets forth specified requirements with respect to the apportionment of such income to local and State governments. Repeals a specified section concerning publicity and signing provisions. Title III: Historic Preservation Fund - Amends the National Historic Preservation Act to extend the Historic Preservation Fund through 2015. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to invest a portion of such Fund in public debt securities. Requires that the interest from such investments be used for the preservation of historic sites. Title IV: Miscellaneous Provisions - Requires the owner of any site that benefits from moneys derived from the American Heritage Trust to install a sign indicating that fact.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1988
Employer Reversion Moratorium Act of 1988 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 to prohibit distributions to an employer, before October 1, 1989, of plan assets in connection with any single-employer defined benefit plan termination announced on or after March 9, 1988. Makes plan fiduciaries jointly and severally liable for breach of fiduciary duty unless assets distributed upon plan termination are either distributed to plan participants and beneficiaries or paid into a trust whose terms provide for final disposition in accordance with applicable law in effect on October 1, 1989. Requires the dissolution of such a trust and the distribution of its assets during the month of October 1989.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1988
Department of Energy Nuclear Facilities Safety Act of 1988 - Establishes the Federal Facilities Nuclear Safety Board (the Board) as an independent body in the executive branch. Empowers the Board to: (1) review and evaluate health and safety standards at each Department of Energy (Department) nuclear facility; (2) investigate events or practices at each facility which may adversely affect public safety; (3) review a facility's design and construction as it pertains to public health and safety; and (4) recommend to the Secretary of Energy (the Secretary) the health and safety measures needed to ensure adequate protection of the public. Grants the Board access to Department nuclear facility design and operational data. Authorizes the Board to: (1) establish reporting requirements which shall be binding upon the Secretary; and (2) enter into agreements with the National Research Council of the National Academy of Sciences (and non-Federal experts) to evaluate differences between Nuclear Regulatory Commission regulations and Department orders governing nuclear facilities. Requires the Secretary to cooperate fully with the Board and provide it ready access to facilities, personnel, and information requested by the Board to implement its mandate. Sets forth guidelines under which the Board's recommendations and the Secretary's decision to accept or reject them shall be publicized in the Federal Register and reported in writing to the Congress. Requires the Secretary to prepare plans to implement recommendations. Sets forth a review procedure for Board recommendations regarding a severe or imminent threat to public health and safety. Requires implementation of any such recommendations which the Secretary accepts. Requires the Board and the Secretary to report annually to the Congress regarding their respective activities. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1989 through 1993.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1988
Declares that the President should: (1) posthumously award the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Charles E. Thornton, Lee Shapiro, and Jim Lindelof in honor of their efforts to document the Afghan struggle for freedom; and (2) present the award to those individuals' families on March 21, 1988, the start of the new year in Afghanistan.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1988
Federal Energy Management Improvement Act - Amends the National Energy Conservation Policy Act to revise the policies governing Federal energy management. Requires agencies to improve construction designs for Federal buildings so that the energy consumption per gross square foot in use during FY 1995 is at least ten percent less than that of FY 1985. Sets forth implementation steps to meet such goal. Redescribes procedures involved in the establishment and use of life cycle cost methods for Federal buildings. Requires the establishment by each agency of an incentives program using internal resources to encourage energy conservation and efficiency by allowing the retention of a portion of the dollar savings resulting from the agency's energy conservation measures. Directs the Secretary of Energy to establish an Interagency Energy Management Task Force to coordinate Federal energy savings and disseminate information on energy efficiency. Requires each agency to report annually to the Secretary regarding its energy conservation activities and related contracts. Requires the Secretary to report annually to the Congress regarding energy conservation progress and contracts relating to Federal buildings. Requires the Secretary, during FY 1989 and 1990, to implement an energy survey to: (1) determine the potential maximum cost effective energy peak demand savings achievable in a limited representative sample of federally-owned or leased buildings; and (2) recommend cost effective energy efficiency and renewable energy improvements in such buildings. Prescribes implementation procedures and a deadline by which the Secretary must report to the Congress and the affected agencies regarding the survey findings and conclusions. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1988
Designates the period commencing November 13, 1988, and ending November 19, 1988, as Geography Awareness Week.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1988
Amends the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1986 to declare that its requirements do not apply to: (1) motor vehicles registered for farm use which are driven less than 15,000 miles per year; or (2) motor vehicles used solely for fire fighting purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1988
Designates March 29, 1988, the birthday of Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, as Education Day, U.S.A. Calls on heads of state of the world to join the President of the United States in this tribute by signing an international scroll of honor.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1988
Amends rule XXI of the Rules of the House of Representatives to prohibit appropriations in continuing resolutions for any program, project, or activity not previously authorized by law. Prohibits appropriations in continuing resolutions for all or part of a fiscal year for funding any program, project, or activity at a level greater than its level of funding for the immediately preceding fiscal year.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1988
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt from the required application of uniform inventory cost capitalization rules any animal produced in a farming business, regardless of the animal's preproductive period.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1988
Designates February 16, 1989, as Lithuanian Independence Day.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1988
Designates the week beginning April 24, 1988, as Mining Awareness Week.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1988
Parental Assistance With Tuition Bonds Act of 1987 - Amends Federal law relating to savings bonds and savings certificates to direct the Secretary of the Treasury to issue Tuition Bonds, a series of savings bonds, to be offered at varying maturities. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit an individual income tax deduction for the full amount paid to purchase Tuition Bonds, which must be owned by an eligible dependent under age 19. Decreases the permissible deduction for taxpayers having adjusted gross income above $30,000. Limits the amount of the deduction based on the number of persons under age 19 claimed as exemptions by the taxpayer, with a maximum of $10,000 and a minimum limit of $2,000 per person. Permits the deduction to taxpayers who do not otherwise itemize deductions. Excludes from gross income any amount received on Tuition Bond redemption to the extent these proceeds are used to pay attendance costs (tuition, fees, books, supplies, room and board) of the taxpayer-bondholder at any institution of higher education or postsecondary vocational school. Establishes penalties in the form of additional tax with respect to Tuition Bond redemption proceeds not used for educational purposes. Directs the Secretary to: (1) develop activities to support participation in the Tuition Bond program; (2) encourage payroll deductions for Bond purchase; (3) develop a program to stimulate individuals and both public and private organizations to provide needy children with access to the Bonds; (4) reinstate the Savings Stamp program to enable children to save toward Bond purchases; and (5) implement a system to effect transfer of Tuition Bonds to the relevant institutions.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1988
Designates August 9, 1988, as National Neighborhood Crime Watch Day.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1988
Commends the President, Secretary of State, and Administrator of the Agency for International Development for their response to the drought and food emergency in Ethiopia and other nations of sub-Saharan Africa, and urges them to continue efforts to preclude the onset of famine and to ensure the timely delivery of medical and other emergency relief supplies. Declares that: (1) the Government response to these food emergencies should include initiatives to prevent the dislocation of large numbers of persons across national borders and/or into relief camps; and (2) the plight of the refugees or displaced should be addressed by emphasizing the provision of basic human needs, such as food, water, and shelter.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1988
Amends the Internal Revenue Code with respect to the excise tax on diesel and aviation fuels. Prohibits imposition of the tax on the sale of these fuels to any purchaser (or purchaser for resale to a second purchaser) for use on a farm for farming purposes. (Although fuel sold for these purposes is tax-exempt under current law, provisions of the Revenue Act of 1987 require purchasers to pay the tax and subsequently apply for a refund based on nontaxable uses of the fuel.)
United States · United States Congress · 21 December 1987
Mandates that any new bus acquired after October 1, 1991, for mass transportation operation predominantly in a nonattainment area (as defined under the Clean Air Act for ozone or any mobile-source pollutant) be operated exclusively on alcohol, natural gas, or LP gas. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to provide States with supplemental grants equal to 50 percent of the amount by which bus acquisition costs exceed the acquisition cost of a comparable diesel-fueled bus. Limits the number of buses covered by such grants to 1,000. Authorizes the Secretary to provide States with a supplemental grant for the purchase and installation of facilities to provide alcohol, natural gas, or LP-gas for such bus. Cites circumstances under which the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency may delay or suspend implementation of this Act. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years after FY 1991.
United States · United States Congress · 18 December 1987
Requires the Secretary of Commerce to ensure that during any decennial census: (1) no member of the armed forces, civilian employee of the Department of Defense, or dependent of such member or employee, is excluded based on such member or employee being assigned to a post outside the United States; and (2) any alien not lawfully admitted for permanent residence is not included.
United States · United States Congress · 17 December 1987
Social Security Notch Adjustment Act - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act to establish a new alternative formula for computing the primary insurance amount (used in calculating the amount of OASDI benefits to which an individual is entitled) of workers born after 1916 and before 1930. Makes the new formula effective beginning January 1987, but provides retroactive benefits of up to $1,000 for months prior to January 1987. Excludes the earnings an individual who was born before 1917 earns in or after the year he or she reaches age 70 from the calculation of benefits payable to such individual after 1985.
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 1987
Designates the period of February 8 through February 14, 1988, as National Burn Awareness Week.
United States · United States Congress · 11 December 1987
Designates the period of June 11 through June 18, 1988, as National Dairy Goat Awareness Week.
United States · United States Congress · 3 December 1987
Strategic Petroleum Reserve Enhancement Act - Authorizes appropriations for Strategic Petroleum Reserve operating expenses for FY 1988 through 1993. Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to terminate authorities relating to the International Energy Program on September 30, 1993.
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 · 28 October 1987
Education Savings Act of 1987 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit an income tax exclusion to a taxpayer who transfers a qualified U.S. savings bond to an eligible institution of higher education or vocational school to pay the higher education expenses (tuition, fees, books, supplies, and equipment) of the taxpayer, spouse, or dependent. Excludes from gross income the lesser of: (1) the otherwise taxable amount involved in the transfer; or (2) the amount of the relevant higher education expenses. Phases out the permissible exclusion in the case of taxpayers having adjusted gross income of $75,000 or more, disallowing it entirely when income exceeds $150,000. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to advise the general public of the program established by this Act. Amends Federal law to permit: (1) the type of transfer of U.S. savings bonds that would be necessary to effect the tax exclusions described in this Act; and (2) redemption of such bonds by recipient institutions.
United States · United States Congress · 28 October 1987
Grants a Federal charter to the National Academies of Practice, honoring persons of the health care professions.
United States · United States Congress · 22 October 1987
Designates the week of June 5 through June 11, 1988, as National NHS-NeighborWorks Week.
United States · United States Congress · 20 October 1987
Amends the Tax Reform Act of 1986 to delay for one year, from 1987 until 1988, implementation of the increase from 80 percent to 90 percent in the current year liability test for estimated tax payments by individuals.
United States · United States Congress · 15 October 1987
Designates the period of August 1 through August 8, 1988, as National Harness Horse Week.
United States · United States Congress · 15 October 1987
Designates March 18, 1988, as National Energy Education Day to promote and enhance energy education programs at all grade levels of public and private schools.
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 · 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 · 1 October 1987
Alternative Motor Fuels Act of 1987 - Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to direct the Secretary of Energy to ensure that beginning in FY 1990 the maximum practicable number of Federal passenger automobiles and light duty trucks be either methanol-powered or dual energy vehicles. Directs the Secretary to conduct studies regarding such vehicles' performance, fuel economy, safety, and maintenance costs. Requires methanol fuel to be made available to the public at locations where the Federal vehicles are fueled. States that appropriations for Federal vehicle acquisition shall apply only to that portion of the cost of methanol-powered (or dual energy) vehicles which exceeds the cost of comparable conventionally fueled vehicles. Provides that: (1) such vehicles shall not be counted in any average fuel economy calculation of the Federal passenger automobile fleet acquired in any fiscal year; and (2) the incremental cost of such vehicles over the cost of comparable conventionally fueled vehicles shall not be applied to any calculation regarding the maximum cost of individual Federal vehicles. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1990 through 1993. Requires the Secretary to establish a demonstration program to study methanol use in heavy duty trucks. Requires methanol to be made available to the public at locations where such trucks are fueled. Authorizes appropriations for such program for FY 1989 through 1992. Directs the Secretary to: (1) assist in the acquisition of buses capable of operating on compressed natural gas, methanol, and LP-gas, beginning in FY 1989; and (2) test the emissions levels, durability, and fuel economy of such buses in an urban setting (in cooperation with Federal agencies regulating motor vehicles for safety and environmental purposes). Authorizes appropriations for such program for FY 1989 through 1992. Declares that any governmental entity which receives, after January 1, 1992, Federal financial assistance to acquire buses for mass transportation in a predominantly nonattainment area, shall acquire certain types of buses which shall operate exclusively on methanol, compressed natural gas, or LP-gas. Directs the Secretary to provide supplemental grants for such bus acquisitions. Authorizes supplemental grants for the purchase and installation of facilities providing such alternative fuels. Cites circumstances under which this program will be suspended. Establishes the Interagency Commission on Methanol to develop and coordinate efforts to implement a national methanol energy policy. Requires the Commission chairperson to establish a private sector advisory panel to inform the Commission about methanol-related matters. Requires the Commission to submit interim reports to the Congress, and a final report no later than September 30, 1992. Terminates such Commission upon submission of its final report. Directs the Secretary to undertake a comparative study of methanol costs based upon natural gas, coal, and other resources, and to submit semiannual study reports. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1989. Requires that after January 1, 1989, fuel tanks and underground piping or equipment at certain retail outlets be capable of use with fuels containing 85 percent or more methanol, ethanol, or other alcohols. Precludes the voiding of any guaranty or warranty with respect to any federally acquired passenger automobile or light-duty truck after October 1, 1988, on the grounds that such vehicle is operated with nonstandard fuels. Sets forth fuel efficiency standards for: (1) methanol-powered vehicles; (2) dual energy vehicles; (3) natural gas-powered vehicles; and (4) natural gas duel energy vehicles.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1987
Designates the week of November 8 through November 14, 1987, as National Food Bank Week.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1987
Designates October 16 through October 22, 1988, as National Pythian Sister Week, during the year of the Order of Pythian Sisters' 100th anniversary.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 1987
Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 1987- Title I: Amendments to Acts - Amends the Consumer Product Safety Act (CPSA) to require the Consumer Product Safety Commission: (1) to publish an advance notice of proposed rulemaking in cases where there is a significant risk of injury associated with a product and where a consumer product safety rule (rule) would reduce such risk; and (2) within a specified period, to publish a proposed rule or terminate the proceeding if it is not reasonably necessary to reduce risk or not in the public interest. Requires each manufacturer of a product subject to the rule to pay a specified amount to defray the cost of promulgating such rule. Permits the Commission to rely only upon voluntary consumer product safety standards which are in existence and issued after consideration of the views of interested parties, including consumers and consumer organizations. Requires the Commission to monitor compliance with such standards. Allows interested parties to petition the Commission to issue a rule or amendment to reduce the risk of injury associated with a product. Directs the Commission to grant or deny the petition within 120 days. Authorizes the petitioner to commence a civil action in U.S. district court to compel the Commission to initiate the rulemaking proceeding if the Commission denies the petition or fails to grant or deny such petition within 120 days. Directs the court to order the Commission to initiate the rulemaking if the petitioner shows, by a preponderance of evidence in a de novo proceeding, that the product presents an unreasonable risk of injury and that the Commission's failure to initiate a rulemaking proceeding unreasonably exposes consumers to a risk of injury by the product. Authorizes the court to award court costs in such an action. Provides that the Chairman of the Commission shall be selected by its members and shall serve a two-year term. Terminates the term of office of the current chairman 30 days after the date of enactment of this Act but allows such individual to continue to serve as a Commission member until the expiration of the member's term. Makes a Commission member whose term will expire before the expiration of the two-year term of the Chairman ineligible to be selected as Chairman. Requires the President to consider individuals with experience in the safety of consumer products or related fields in making Commission appointments. Provides that if the Commission consists of only three members, two members of the Commission will constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. Creates a new position of Director of Compliance, to be filled only by an attorney. Prohibits individuals from serving in specified directorships on an acting basis for a period longer than 90 days. Requires the Commission to employ on a permanent basis no fewer than the full-time equivalent of 525 officers and employees, subject to the availability of appropriations. Exempts from public disclosure restrictions information not developed by the Commission and on which the Commission has included a disclaimer regarding the accuracy of the information. Deletes provisions governing the bringing of a civil action by the manufacturer or private labeler who is notified that the Commission plans to disclose a document claimed by such party to be inaccurate. Authorizes any State attorney general and any other official charged with enforcing State consumer product safety laws to bring a civil action for violations of rules or orders issued under the Consumer Product Safety Act, to petition the Commission to hold public hearings or conduct investigations to determine whether a product presents a substantial hazard, and to appeal Commission decisions. Amends the Federal Hazardous Substances Act to authorize any State attorney general and any other official charged with enforcing state consumer product safety laws to bring a civil action for violations of the Act. Authorizes such officials to petition the Commission to: (1) require notification of the public of banned hazardous substances; (2) order the manufacturer to repair or replace an article which constitutes a banned hazardous substance; and (3) require notification of the public of substances intended for use by children that are not banned but which contain a defect which creates a substantial risk of injury to children. Prohibits the Commission from comparing the costs and benefits of reducing or eliminating risks to the public in determining: (1) whether a substantial product hazard exists; (2) whether a toy or other article intended for use by children complies with the Act's labeling requirement; and (3) whether an action taken is in the public interest. Precludes the district court from making such a comparison in determining whether to declare a product to be imminently hazardous. Sets civil penalties for knowing violations of such Act. Provides for the setting of an agenda and priorities for Commission action each year, following a public hearing and a reasonable opportunity for the submission of comments. Authorizes appropriations Title II: Related Provisions - Requires the Commission to promulgate under the CPSA a rule for all terrain vehicles (ATVs) which: (1) requires the manufacturers of ATVs to offer free training in their operation, offer helmets and other protective equipment with the sale of such vehicles, and provide notice to purchasers of the risk of injury or death presented by such vehicles, especially to children; (2) requires each manufacturer and distributor to establish programs to ensure dealer compliance with the safety requirements of the rule; (3) requires the retail dealers of such vehicles to provide safety information regarding their operation to purchasers; (4) prescribes appropriate performance and design characteristics to improve safety; and (5) requires manufacturers of such vehicles to offer refunds or other appropriate means of remedying the imminently hazardous nature of the vehicle to those who, before the date of enactment of this Act, purchased three-wheel ATVs or adult size ATVs to be operated by children under age 16. Prohibits the sale within a State of three-wheel ATVs or ATVs specifically designed for use by individuals under age 16 unless the State has, within one year of the date of enactment of this Act, a statute in effect: (1) requiring the licensing of drivers of ATVs; (2) requiring safety training for operators of ATVs; (3) requiring the use of helmets by operators of ATVs; and (4) establishing a minimum age of 16 for drivers of ATVs. Makes an exception where the legislature of a State meets every two years and on the date of enactment of this Act there is less than one year left in the session of the legislature, in which case such prohibition will take effect upon the expiration of one year after the legislature of the State meets after the date of enactment of this Act. Directs the Commission to conduct a study under the Flammable Fabrics Act to determine if a special flammability standard is needed for adult sleepwear, and to report the results to the Congress within a year of the date of enactment of this Act. Requires the Commission to review the regulations which apply to lawn darts to determine if stricter requirements, including a ban, are needed for the protection of consumers, particularly children, and to report to the Congress within a year. Directs the Commission to begin proceedings to establish a safety standard for cigarette lighters. Requires the Commission to conduct a study to determine whether to set a minimum age for the operator of an amusement park ride to promote safety, and to report to the Congress within 18 months.
United States · United States Congress · 7 August 1987
Provides for the printing of the compilation of materials entitled "Guide to Records of the United States House of Representatives at the National Archives, 1789-1989: Bicentennial Edition" as a House document, to be prepared under the supervision of the Commission on the United States House of Representatives Bicentenary with the editorial assistance of the Historian of the House. Authorizes the printing of additional copies of such document for the use of the Office for the Bicentennial of the House of Representatives.
United States · United States Congress · 6 August 1987
Amerasian Homecoming Act - Provides for the admission as an immigrant into the United States (for two years beginning 90 days after enactment of this Act) of an alien residing in Vietnam who: (1) was born in Vietnam after January 1, 1962, and before January 1, 1976, and whose father was a U.S. citizen; or (2) is the spouse, child, or mother, or has acted as the next of kin (with specified limitations) of such an alien. Requires on-site consular interviews in making such determinations. Provides for an eight-month period of visa validity. Provides, with regard to such aliens, for: (1) the waiver of specified exclusionary grounds under the Immigration and Nationality Act; and (2) specified (refugee) assistance under such Act. Directs the Attorney General, in cooperation with the Secretary of State, to submit program reports to the Congress annually for three years.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 1987
Designates August 20, 1988, as Drum and Bugle Corps Recognition Day.
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 1987
Price-Anderson Amendments Act of 1987 - Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to provide that the amount of financial protection required of licensees of facilities having a rated capacity of 100,000 electrical kilowatts or more shall be the maximum amount available at reasonable cost. Increases from $5,000,000 to $63,000,000 the maximum standard deferred premium amount which may be charged following any nuclear incident. Limits such amount to $10,000,000 in any one year. Excludes from such amount legal costs subject to court authorization that the court has not authorized to be paid. Eliminates the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's (NRC) authority to: (1) establish a maximum amount of deferred premiums that may be charged for all nuclear incidents in any one year; and (2) charge some utilities smaller deferred premiums than others. Authorizes the NRC, on a case by case basis, to assess annual deferred premium amounts less than the standard annual deferred premium for: (1) any facility, if more than one nuclear incident occurs in any one calendar year; or (2) any licensee licensed to operate more than one facility if the NRC determines that the financial impact of assessing the standard annual deferred premium would result in undue financial hardship to such licensee or to the ratepayers of such licensee. Establishes procedures to be followed by the NRC in borrowing funds from the Treasury to compensate victims of a nuclear incident. Extends the NRC's authority to enter into indemnification agreements with its licensees for an additional ten years (until August 1, 1997). Makes the Department of Energy's indemnification authority mandatory for all contracts which involve the risk of public liability and which are not subject to financial protection requirements (thereby avoiding indemnification overlap for certain contractors). Extends the indemnification authority for an additional 12 years. Authorizes the Secretary of Energy to incorporate into indemnification agreements certain provisions relating to the waiver of any issue of defense as to charitable or governmental immunity. Provides for payment from the Nuclear Waste Fund of claims arising out of nuclear waste activities funded by it. Requires the Secretary to indemnify certain contractors to the full extent of the aggregate public liability, including the contractors' legal costs (as approved by the Secretary). Provides that indemnification agreements shall be deemed amended on the date of enactment of this Act to reflect the amount of indemnity and financial protection required of the contractor on such date. Limits to $100,000,000 the indemnity amount in nuclear incidents occurring outside the United States. Makes an indemnified contractor who is engaged in underground nuclear detonation activities liable for injuries or damages resulting from such activities. Revises the definition of "public liability" to include the costs of precautionary evacuations ordered by State or local officials. Precludes a court from awarding the costs of a precautionary evacuation unless such costs constitute a public liability. Sets guidelines for the maximum aggregate liability of indemnified persons for a single nuclear incident, including legal costs. Directs the Congress to provide prompt compensation for all public liability claims for damages exceeding the statutory limitation on liability. Establishes procedures for congressional review of any nuclear incident likely to exceed the statutory liability limitation. Declares that the statutory limitation does not preclude the Congress from imposing additional revenue measures upon NRC licensees necessary to provide funds for victim compensation. Requires the Secretary of Energy or the NRC to survey the causes and extent of damage of any nuclear incident involving damages likely to exceed the statutory aggregate liability and to report the results of such survey to the Congress, the Representatives and Senators of the affected districts and States, the public, the parties involved, and the courts. Requires the President to report to the Congress: (1) an estimate of the aggregate dollar value of damages exceeding the statutory limit; (2) a recommendation for additional sources of funds for such compensation; and (3) specific proposals for disbursing compensation to the public. Extends from August 1, 1987, to August 1, 1997, the NRC's authority to indemnify certain nonprofit educational institutions licensed to operate nuclear research reactors. Includes within such indemnity protection such legal costs of the licensee as the NRC approves. Directs the President to establish a commission to study means of fully compensating victims of a catastrophic nuclear accident that exceeds the aggregate statutory liability. Establishes guidelines for such commission. Requires the commission to report and recommend to the Congress: (1) changes in civil procedures needed for prompt claim disposition; (2) standards for establishing priorities among claims; and (3) provisions for addressing latent injury claims. Repeals the condition that a State statute of limitations be waived only if suit is filed within 20 years after a nuclear incident. (Thus, conditions the waiving of a statute of limitations only upon institution of a suit within three years of the date the claimant knew or reasonably could have known of the injury.) Revises the application of the waiver-of-defenses to include extraordinary nuclear occurrences involving radioactive wastes or nuclear materials licensees indemnified by the NRC. Makes applicable to all nuclear incidents (rather than just extraordinary nuclear occurrences) the consolidation of claims in a legal action. Permits the consolidation and removal of public liability actions pending on the date of enactment of this Act. Sets forth conditions under which the chief judge of the Federal district court in which claims are consolidated is authorized to establish a special case load management panel for the coordination of cases arising out of a nuclear incident. Sets forth criteria under which a court is authorized to permit the payment of legal costs. Extends from August 1, 1983, to August 1, 1993, the deadline by which the Department and the NRC must report to the Congress on the need for continuation or modification of the Price-Anderson Act. Absolves lessors of a large commercial reactor from any public liability which might arise from a nuclear incident relating to such facility unless the lessor is in actual possession and control of the facility at the time of the nuclear incident. Prohibits any court from awarding punitive damages where the Federal Government would be liable for such damages under an indemnification agreement. Directs the NRC to adjust, at least once every five years, the amount of the aggregate standard deferred premium required of civilian commercial reactors so as to reflect the aggregate percentage change in the consumer price index since the date of enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 1987
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit a partnership, S corporation, or personal service corporation, unless it is part of a tiered structure, to elect to have a taxable year other than the required one, but generally only if the deferral period of the taxable year elected is three months or less. (Current law requires partnerships, S corporations, and personal service corporations, in most cases, to conform their taxable years to the calendar years used by their owners.) Subjects the principals of a partnership or S corporation electing to change taxable years to additional estimated tax requirements to offset any tax deferral resulting from such election. Imposes deduction limitations on a personal service corporation that changes taxable years. Provides that an election with respect to taxable year shall be made by the partnership, S corporation, or personal service corporation and shall be binding on all partners and shareholders. Sets forth the formula for determining the additional tax requirement when a taxpayer: (1) is a partner or shareholder in at least one such entity during any applicable election years of the entity that end within the taxpayer's taxable year; and (2) has an aggregate deferred tax exceeding $200 with respect to the entity. Describes payment procedures. Requires the inclusion of specified information on returns filed by partnerships and S corporations that elect to use a non-required taxable year. Limits the tax deduction permitted to a personal service corporation for amounts paid or incurred with respect to employee-owners when such a corporation: (1) elects to have a taxable year other than the required one; and (2) fails to meet certain minimum distribution requirements regarding non-dividend amounts paid to owners.