United States · United States Congress · 8 December 1987
Expresses the sense of the Congress that, in celebration of the millennium of the Christianization of Kievan-Rus', the Soviet Union should: (1) comply with its international obligations and allow Christians to practice their faith without harassment; (2) grant a general amnesty for all Christians who have been imprisoned because of their religious beliefs; (3) allow religious believers to practice their faith freely; (4) permit unlimited publication, distribution, and importation of religious materials; and (5) allow closed churches to reopen, new churches to be built, and theological seminaries to open or expand.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 1987
Urges the President to: (1) call to the attention of the Soviet leader, Mikhail Gorbachev, during the summit, the ongoing human rights abuses in the Soviet Union; and (2) inform the Soviet leader that Soviet compliance with the Helsinki Accords on human rights issues is an essential part of U.S. policy toward the Soviet Union. Requests the President to continue his efforts to achieve: (1) the release of all political prisoners in the Soviet Union; (2) significant increases in Soviet emigration; (3) the resolution of all family reunification cases; (4) the cessation of radio transmission jamming; and (5) full implementation of the human rights provisions of the Helsinki Accords by raising the issue of noncompliance at every opportunity and at all levels of official contacts by the Government with the Soviet Union.
United States · United States Congress · 17 November 1987
Raoul Wallenberg Monument Resolution - Authorizes the Raoul Wallenberg Tribute Committee to establish a monument to honor Raoul Wallenberg on Federal land in the District of Columbia or its environs. Prohibits the United States from paying any expense of the establishment of the monument.
United States · United States Congress · 10 November 1987
Authorizes the Vietnam Women's Memorial Project, Inc., to establish a commemorative statue within the Vietnam Veterans Memorial to recognize and honor the women of the U.S. armed forces who served in the Vietnam war. Expresses the sense of the Congress that after the addition of such statue, no further commemorative works should be added to the Memorial. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to select a site for the statue within the Memorial. Makes the design proposal subject to the approval of the Secretary and the National Capital Planning Commission. Prohibits the United States and the District of Columbia from paying any expense of establishing the statue.
United States · United States Congress · 10 November 1987
Authorizes the President to prohibit the importation of all products which are grown, produced, or manufactured in Afghanistan and exported by the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan or any faction supported by the Soviet Union. Authorizes the President to prohibit the exportation of any goods or technology for the benefit of, or use by, such groups. Requires the President to take action to prohibit such trade within 45 days or to submit a report to the Congress stating why such action has not been taken.
United States · United States Congress · 10 November 1987
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President, the Secretary of State, and the Permanent Representative of the United States to the United Nations should be commended for, and should continue, their efforts to place Cuba on the human rights agenda of the United Nations. Commends specified countries for their votes in favor of considering human rights violations in Cuba. Urges specified countries to reconsider their positions with respect to this issue. Urges the United States to: (1) take the votes into account in determining U.S. bilateral and other assistance to all countries which are members of the United Nations Human Rights Commission; and (2) continue to emphasize how other countries vote on fundamental issues, such as human rights, in determining financial support for the United Nations and for the Commission. Urges the Commission to include among the highest priorities of its human rights agenda at its 44th session in Geneva, Switzerland, in 1988, consideration of human rights violations in Cuba.
United States · United States Congress · 9 November 1987
Visually Impaired Voters Assistance Act of 1987 - Requires each State to make enlarged print voting aids and ballots available to visually impaired voters in Federal elections. Requires the chief election officer of each State to provide public notice, adapted to reach visually impaired voters, of the availability of materials under this Act. Directs the Federal Election Commission to report to the Congress, not later than one year after enactment of this Act, on the voting aids available to blind voters with respect to Federal elections in each State.
United States · United States Congress · 29 October 1987
Designates the week beginning September 11, 1988, as Total Education Awareness Week, recognizing that the educational experience should address the total needs of children, including their intellectual, psychological, social, and physical needs.
United States · United States Congress · 29 October 1987
Expresses the opposition of the House of Representatives to the continued control of the cathedral in Vilnius, Lithuania, by the Soviet Union. Calls upon the President, the Secretary of State, and Members of Congress visiting the Soviet Union to raise the issue of the cathedral's return to the Roman Catholic Church in meetings with Soviet officials. Urges U.S. representatives to speak out forcefully for such a return at international human rights forums. Voices the House of Representatives' support to the Lithuanian people in their efforts to secure basic religious freedoms and the return of the cathedral. Urges the Soviet Government to allow Roman Catholics to worship at the cathedral and to return it to Roman Catholic Church control before the end of 1988.
United States · United States Congress · 28 October 1987
Designates the week of May 2 through May 8, 1988, as National Drinking Water Week to enhance awareness of drinking water issues and recognition of the difference that drinking water makes to health, safety, and quality of life.
United States · United States Congress · 22 October 1987
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) Nicaragua should undertake specified reforms, such as reinstating due process and fair trials, ending torture, conducting free elections, allowing an uncensored free press, ensuring the right to strike and to publish for unions, ceasing attacks against civilians, and ending the forced relocation of Indians and Creoles; and (2) all countries in Central America should continue to work toward achieving the democratic principles and processes specified in the August 7, 1987, Central American peace accord.
United States · United States Congress · 19 October 1987
Amends the Deficit Reduction Act of 1984 to permanently disregard in-kind assistance provided by nonprofit organizations to recipients of benefits under title XVI (Supplemental Security Income) or part A (Aid to Families with Dependent Children) of title IV of the Social Security Act in determining the need or eligibility of such recipients for program benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 14 October 1987
Redefines "eligible veterans" for purposes of determining eligibility as a Vietnam veteran for educational assistance to include any individual who had commenced the third academic year as a cadet or midshipman at one of the service academies before January 1, 1977, if the individual: (1) graduated from such academy; (2) served on active duty for more than 180 days after graduation; and (3) was discharged or released from active duty under conditions other than dishonorable. Sets forth provisions governing the transition to such educational assistance program for veterans enrolled in the educational assistance program for post-Vietnam era veterans. Requires an eligible veteran electing to make such transition to file such election with the Veterans Administration before the expiration of the G.I. Bill.
United States · United States Congress · 14 October 1987
Calls upon the Government of the Soviet Union to: (1) grant to all those who wish to join spouses in the United States permission to emigrate with their family members to the United States; and (2) give special consideration to such cases that have remained unresolved for many years.
United States · United States Congress · 13 October 1987
Omnibus Taxpayers' Bill of Rights Act - Requires the Secretary of the Treasury (Secretary) to prepare a statement setting forth in nontechnical terms: (1) the rights and obligations of a taxpayer and of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) during a tax audit; (2) the procedures by which a taxpayer may appeal adverse decisions, prosecute refund claims, and file complaints; and (3) the procedures that the IRS may use in enforcing revenue laws. Directs the Secretary to transmit drafts of such statement to specified congressional committees and to distribute the final statement to all taxpayers receiving annual tax filing forms from the IRS. Requires the IRS, upon taxpayer request, to conduct any interview regarding the determination or collection of any tax at a reasonable time and place convenient to the taxpayer and to the IRS, and to permit the taxpayer, at his or her own expense, to record the interview. Authorizes the IRS interviewer to record such interview if the taxpayer has been given prior notice and is provided, upon request and payment of reproduction costs, with a transcript of the recording. Requires the interviewer to explain to the taxpayer the audit process, including the taxpayer's rights with respect to the process. Requires the Secretary to abate any penalty or interest imposed on any deficiency attributable to erroneous advice in writing given to a taxpayer by an IRS officer or employee in response to such taxpayer's specific inquiry. Authorizes the IRS Ombudsman, upon application filed by a taxpayer, to issue a Taxpayer Assistance Order if, in the determination of the Ombudsman: (1) the taxpayer is suffering or is about to suffer from an unusual or irreparable loss as a result of the manner in which the internal revenue laws are being administered by the Secretary; and (2) the Secretary has failed to carry out any of his or her duties or has violated any provision of law. Allows the terms of a Taxpayer Assistance Order to require the Secretary to release property of the taxpayer levied upon or to cease or refrain from certain actions. Requires the Secretary to obey any Taxpayer Assistance Order issued by the Ombudsman. Directs the Secretary, within 90 days of this Act's enactment, to issue regulations with respect to Taxpayer Assistance Orders, including provisions to assure full, fair, and impartial due process for affected taxpayers. Amends the Inspector General Act of 1978 and other Federal law to establish within the Department of the Treasury an Office of Inspector General. Transfers to such Office the existing audit and investigation units of the Department. Sets forth criteria with respect to: (1) the authority of the Inspector General to conduct an investigation; and (2) the authority of the Secretary in cases of audits or investigations requiring access to information of a sensitive or confidential nature. Allows the Secretary to prohibit investigations under specified circumstances. Restricts disclosure by the Inspector General of tax returns and return information. Prohibits records of tax enforcement results from being used to evaluate certain IRS personnel or to impose or suggest production quotas. Requires district directors to certify compliance with this mandate on a monthly basis. Requires the Secretary to certify that a rule proposed by the IRS is substantially the only alternative that meets the mandate of the relevant statute in order for the rule to be considered an interpretative rule (and thereby not subject to analyses under the Regulatory Flexibility Act). Amends the Regulatory Flexibility Act to require regulatory flexibility analyses to include consideration of both the direct and indirect beneficial and negative effects of a proposed or final rule. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to direct the Secretary, with limited exceptions, to send a preliminary letter of deficiency to a taxpayer prior to the mailing of a deficiency notice. Specifies required contents for tax due notices and deficiency notices, including the basis of the deficiency and a breakdown of the total amount into tax, interest, and penalty. Directs the Secretary, within 90 days of this Act's enactment, to issue regulations requiring all IRS personnel to explain and support their position in assessing any penalties or additions to tax. Requires the Comptroller General to study IRS procedures with respect to such assessments and to present findings to specified congressional committees no later than December 31, 1988. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into a binding agreement with a taxpayer under which the taxpayer may pay tax liability in installments if the Secretary determines that such an agreement will facilitate collection of the liability. Permits the Secretary, after proper notice and a hearing, to modify or annul the agreement upon the finding that the financial condition of the affected taxpayer has significantly changed. Renders such an agreement nonbinding if the taxpayer fails to pay any installment or any other tax liability when due. Extends from ten to 30 days the period between the required notice to a person who neglects or refuses to pay tax liability and a levy on such person's salary, wages, or other property. Specifies information that must be incorporated in such notice, including possible alternative actions and the appropriate appeals procedures. Adds to the circumstances triggering termination of such a levy: (1) an agreement between the taxpayer and the Secretary for payment of the liability; and (2) the Secretary's determination that the taxpayer's financial condition precludes enforceability of the liability. Revises the list of property exempt from levy to: (1) increase the exempt amount permitted for certain personal effects, the property of a business, and wages; (2) add an exemption for certain deposits in qualified institutions; and (3) provide an express exemption, except under limited circumstances specified in this Act, for the taxpayer's principal residence, a motor vehicle used by the taxpayer as the primary means of transportation to work, and any tangible personal property essential to the operation of the taxpayer's business in cases when a levy would prevent the taxpayer from carrying on such business. Prohibits a levy on any property when levy and sales expenses would exceed either the liability for which the levy is made or the fair market value of the levied property. Permits the Secretary to demand surrender of bank accounts only after 21 days in escrow have passed since service of the notice of levy on the accounts. Sets forth situations in which the Secretary must release a levy. Applies to jeopardy levies the administrative and judicial review procedures currently applicable to jeopardy assessments. Permits a taxpayer to bring a civil action against the United States in the Tax Court for judicial review of jeopardy levies and assessments. (Under current law an action for judicial review of jeopardy assessments may be filed only in district court.) Increases the time during which a taxpayer may petition for such review. Describes the jurisdictional requirements to be applied to such actions. Allows an administrative appeal of tax liens. Grants to the Tax Court exclusive jurisdiction to enjoin premature assessments if the taxpayer has filed a timely petition for review. Provides for review of such injunctive orders by the U.S. Court of Appeals. Grants to the Tax Court jurisdiction to enforce payment by the Secretary of refunds of overpayment and interest to taxpayers. Places on the Secretary the burden of proof of justifying any failure to refund, credit, or offset relevant amounts with respect to a taxpayer. Entitles a prevailing taxpayer to: (1) an interest rate of 120 percent of the overpayment rate with respect to refunds; and (2) reasonable litigation costs. Grants to the Tax Court jurisdiction to: (1) review jeopardy assessment sales of assets; and (2) redetermine interest under certain circumstances when a taxpayer claims an overpayment of the interest. Vests in the Tax Court original jurisdiction over any civil action against the Secretary for the recovery of any tax, additions to tax, and penalties with respect to income, estate, gift, and certain excise taxes. Authorizes an award of reasonable litigation costs to the prevailing party in proceedings by taxpayers before the Internal Revenue Service. Permits a taxpayer to bring a civil action in district court for actual damages resulting from the failure of any Federal officer or employee to release a tax lien on the taxpayer's property. Permits a civil cause of action in district court for damages resulting from the careless, reckless, or intentional disregard of internal revenue laws by any Federal officer or employee. Denies damage awards in cases of contributory negligence. Authorizes a damage award, to a $10,000 maximum, to the United States in cases of frivolous or groundless claims by a taxpayer. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to prescribe criminal penalties for: (1) any investigation or surveillance authorized or conducted by an officer or employee of the United States in connection with Federal tax laws that inquires into the beliefs, associations, or activities of any individual or organization; or (2) the maintenance of any records containing information derived from such an investigation. Establishes in the Internal Revenue Service the Office for Taxpayers Services, under the supervision of an Assistant Commissioner of Internal Revenue. Directs this Assistant Commissioner to: (1) be responsible for telephone, walk-in, and educational services, and for the design and production of tax and information forms; and (2) prepare annually, for presentation to specified congressional committees, a joint report (with the Chief Problem Resolution Officer for the IRS) on the quality of taxpayer services.
United States · United States Congress · 13 October 1987
Department of Veterans Affairs Act - Redesignates the Veterans Administration (VA) as the Department of Veterans Affairs (the Department), an executive department within the executive branch of the Government. Provides that the Department shall be headed by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, to be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Designates as other principal officers of the Department the Deputy Secretary, the Chief Medical Director, and the Chief Benefits Director. Provides for the temporary continuation of service of the current Administrator, Deputy Administrator, Chief Medical Director, and Chief Benefits Director of Veterans Affairs. Establishes within the Department eight Assistant Secretaries, each of whom shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, to perform such functions as the Secretary may prescribe. Directs the Secretary to assign to one such Assistant Secretary all functions regarding the National Cemetery System and the State cemetery grant program. Outlines functions which the Secretary shall assign to the Assistant Secretaries. Provides for the temporary continuation of the performance of such functions by present personnel until such functions are assigned to an individual appointed as Assistant Secretary under this Act. Redesignates the current VA's Department of Medicine and Surgery as the Veterans Health Services Administration of the Department. Redesignates the VA's current Department of Veterans Benefits as the Veterans Benefits Administration of the Department, whose primary function shall be to administer nonmedical programs which provide assistance to veterans, their dependents, and their survivors. Establishes within the Department the Office of the General Counsel. Redesignates the current Office of Inspector General of the VA as the Office of Inspector General of the Department. Provides that any references to departments or positions under the current VA system shall be considered to be references to such departments and positions of the Department as modified under this Act. Provides continuing effect of all legal documents, suits, actions, and property and resources of the current VA. Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, after appropriate congressional consultation, to prepare and submit to the Congress proposed legislation containing technical and conforming amendments to reflect the changes made under this Act. Requires such legislation to be submitted no later than six months after the enactment of this Act. Provides that any spending authority of the Department is subject to available amounts as provided in appropriation Acts.
United States · United States Congress · 13 October 1987
Amends the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972 and the Federal Water Pollution Control Act of 1977 to prohibit the dumping of medical wastes into the ocean and navigable waters. Establishes a maximum fine for violations at least twice as high as that imposed for dumping other kinds of waste. Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to regulate the generation, transportation, treatment, storage, and disposal of medical waste as necessary to protect human health and the environment. Excludes waste already regulated as hazardous. Requires persons handling such waste to submit information and permit inspection of handling facilities, including providing samples. Establishes civil penalties for violations.
United States · United States Congress · 9 October 1987
Veterans' Employment and Training Act of 1987 - Amends Federal veterans' benefits provisions to require the administrative head of the employment service in each State to assign local veterans' employment representatives (LVERs) to the staffs of local employment service offices. Outlines various functions to be performed by such LVERs in service to veterans in such employment area, including: (1) maintaining ties with the local community in order to keep business leaders aware of the availability of qualified veterans for employment; (2) encouraging business owners and labor unions to hire qualified veterans; (3) promoting, facilitating, and monitoring the participation of veterans in Federal and federally-funded employment and training programs; (4) working closely with Veterans Administration (VA) personnel engaged in providing counseling and rehabilitative services to veterans in identifying qualified disabled veterans who need employment; (5) assisting in securing and maintaining current information regarding available employment and training opportunities; and (6) assisting Federal and State agencies to obtain prosthetic and sensory aids and devices which enhance the employability of disabled veterans. Requires each LVER to be administratively responsible to his or her local employment service manager and provide periodic reports to such manager and to the Director for Veterans' Employment and Training regarding compliance with Federal law and regulations in the provision of such services to veterans. Directs the Secretary of Labor, acting through the Assistant Secretary of Labor for Veterans' Employment and Training, to make available during each fiscal year for use in each State an amount sufficient to support a specified number of LVERs, depending upon the number of eligible veterans residing in such local employment area, and on the number of eligible veterans residing in such State at the end of the previous fiscal year. Outlines a method for determining the number of LVERs to be so supported in each State. Outlines requirements for the proper registration of an individual for assistance with a local employment office during a program year. Amends general veterans' administrative provisions to require the Secretary, through the Assistant Secretary, to: (1) carry out all provisions under the Secretary's jurisdiction for the provision of employment and training services to eligible veterans; (2) encourage the entering into of cooperative agreements with private industry and business concerns in order to make maximum use of available resources; (3) ensure that maximum effectiveness and efficiency are achieved in the provision of services and assistance to eligible veterans; (4) ensure that job placement activities are carried out in coordination and cooperation with appropriate State public employment service officials; (5) monitor and supervise the distribution and use of funds provided for States for veterans' assistance purposes; (6) monitor the appointment of disabled veterans' outreach specialists and the assignment of LVERs in order to assure compliance with specified Federal provisions; and (7) promote, facilitate, and monitor participation of qualified veterans and eligible persons in employment and training opportunities under the Job Training Partnership Act and other Federal and federally-funded employment and training programs. Outlines administrative provisions concerning the distribution of funds and the terms and conditions of grants to States for the above purposes. Directs the Secretary to assign to each region for which the Secretary operates a regional office a representative of the Veterans' Employment and Training Service (who shall be an eligible veteran) to serve as the Regional Administrator for Veterans' Employment and Training in such region. Outlines responsibilities of such Regional Administrator relating to the employment of qualified veterans in such region. Establishes in the Department of Labor the position of Deputy Assistant Secretary of Labor for Veterans' Employment and Training within the Senior Executive Service. Requires such appointment no later than the beginning of program year 1989. Revises certain administrative provisions to provide for the budgeting of the National Veterans' Employment and Training Service Institute. Directs the Secretary, no later than December 1 annually, to report to the appropriate congressional committees on the provision of employment and training services to meet the needs of veterans. Specifies general contents of such report. Adds certain specified monitoring responsibilities to those required at the State level for the Directors for Veterans' Employment. Directs the Secretary, through the Assistant Secretary, to establish and make available necessary funds to operate a National Veterans' Employment and Training Service Institute (the Institute) for the training of disabled veterans' outreach program specialists, LVERs, State Directors and Assistant State Directors for Veterans' Employment and Training, and other personnel involved in the provision of employment, job-training, counseling, placement, and related services to veterans. Adds representatives of the Secretary of Education, the Postmaster General, and the Director of the ACTION Agency to those required to be represented on the Secretary of Labor's Committee on Veterans' Employment. Authorizes the Secretary, in appointing a State Director or Assistant Director for Veterans' Employment and Training, to waive the required State residency requirement if the Secretary finds that there is no qualified veteran available who meets such requirement.
United States · United States Congress · 8 October 1987
Authorizes the Indian American Forum for Political Education to establish a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi in the District of Columbia and its environs. Prohibits the United States from paying any expense of establishing the memorial.
United States · United States Congress · 8 October 1987
Medicaid Home and Community Quality Services Act of 1987 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require States to provide Medicaid coverage of community and family support services for severely disabled individuals who became disabled before age 22 and are living in a family home, foster family home, or community living facility. Requires that such services be provided in accordance with a written habilitation plan developed by an interdisciplinary team on the basis of a comprehensive assessment of the individual's strengths and the services and support necessary to: (1) enable such individual to attain or retain capabilities for independence or self-care; (2) promote interaction between disabled and nondisabled individuals within the community; and (3) enable disabled individuals who are over age 18 to engage in paid employment. Increases the age at which newly disabled individuals will be eligible for this Act's coverage so that eventually individuals who become disabled between age 22 and 50 will be covered. Lists the services which may comprise community and family support services, requiring that such services include at a minimum: (1) case management services; (2) individual and family support services; (3) specialized vocational services; and (4) protective intervention services. Excludes from such services: (1) room and board, other than room and board provided for less than six consecutive weeks and less than 12 weeks per year; (2) cash payments as a service; (3) aversive behavior intervention, management, or therapies; (4) services provided to a disabled individual living in a hospital, or skilled nursing or intermediate care facility; (5) educational services which the State makes generally available to its residents without cost and without regard to their income; and (6) services for which payment is made under title XVIII (Medicare), or part A (Aid to Families with Dependent Children) or B (Child Welfare Services) of title IV of the Act. Requires each State to make certain assurances regarding their provision of community and family support services and submit an implementation strategy to the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Requires that such implementation strategies: (1) describe the extent and scope of community and family support services provided to the severely disabled and the extent and scope of services provided to the severely disabled who are institutionalized; (2) set forth the objectives and a five-year strategy for expanding community and family support services for the severely disabled; (3) include certain procedures for transferring severely disabled, institutionalized individuals to family homes, foster family homes, or community living facilities; (4) set forth standards for the provision of community and family support services and a program for licensing and certifying all facilities and programs providing such services; (5) provide for assessments of the provision and affect of community and family support services and the correction of service deficiencies; (6) provide the public with an adequate opportunity to comment on the strategies; (7) set forth methods ensuring that the personnel providing community and family support services receive adequate training and are competent to provide such services; (8) provide that the State has in effect a management information system capable of collecting, storing, and retrieving data on the severely disabled who receive community and family support services; (9) provide an opportunity for an appeal and hearing before a hearing officer to individuals who believe themselves to be inappropriately served or denied an appropriate service, or who are being scheduled for an involuntary transfer from one living arrangement to another; (10) describe the methods to be used in administering community and family support services; and (11) set forth procedures to protect the interests of public employees who will be affected by the transfer of the severely disabled from public institutions. Allows States to provide any new community and family support service for up to three years without meeting the Medicaid requirements that they provide a service on a statewide basis and that the service be comparable in all parts of the State. Requires that intermediate care facility services for the mentally retarded include the ascertainment of the individual needs of each newly admitted individual by an interdisciplinary team within 30 days and the development of a written habilitation plan for each individual. Limits Medicaid payments to States for skilled nursing and intermediate care facility services furnished to individuals under age 65 who became disabled before age 22 to the amount payable for such services in the fiscal year ending after the enactment of this Act, increased if and by the extent to which the percentage increase in the consumer price index exceeds six percent. Makes such limitation inapplicable to facilities which have less than 16 beds or meet the size and location requirements for a community living facility. Requires States to have in effect a system to protect and advocate those rights of the severely disabled who are eligible for medical assistance which relate to the provision of such assistance. Provides Federal Medicaid matching funds for such system. Gives individuals who are adversely affected by a violation of this Act's requirements the right to bring an action to enjoin such violation. Allows States to set payment rates for community and family support services for the severely disabled. Authorizes States to treat severely disabled individuals under age 19 who are not in a medical institution as receiving benefits under title XVI (Supplemental Security Income) (SSI) of the Act for Medicaid eligibility purposes if they would be eligible for SSI benefits if institutionalized. Requires States to establish a uniform income standard for the severely disabled regardless of whether or not they are in a medical institution. Authorizes States to provide Medicaid coverage of disabled spouses and children who, except for the resources deemed to them, would be eligible for SSI benefits. Removes certain limitations on the Secretary's approval of reduction and correction plans for deficient intermediate care facilities for the mentally retarded. Makes individuals who are severely disabled and receiving or deemed to be receiving SSI benefits eligible for Medicaid as long as such qualifications continue to be satisfied. Directs the Secretary to establish, within the Health Care Financing Administration, a Bureau of Developmental Disabilities Services responsible for administering Medicaid programs for the severely disabled. Requires the Secretary to: (1) develop standards and a program for training Federal and State personnel who perform surveys of skilled nursing and intermediate care facilities to determine whether such facilities meet Medicaid participation requirements; and (2) periodically conduct studies of the reliability of such surveys and make the changes necessary to improve such reliability. Directs the Secretary to support the development of: (1) instruments to assess outcomes in the provision of this Act's services; and (2) competency-based personnel standards for agencies and organizations providing services to the severely disabled pursuant to this Act. Requires the Secretary to: (1) conduct an annual assessment of each State's compliance with this Act's requirements; and (2) issue final regulations regarding this Act's amendments prior to the first fiscal year beginning after this Act's enactment. Sets forth reporting requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 8 October 1987
Expresses the sense of the Congress that it opposes efforts to pass Federal or State legislation allowing people to assist others to commit suicide or to promote suicide as a rational solution to certain problems.
United States · United States Congress · 7 October 1987
Amends Federal veterans' benefits provisions to authorize the Administrator of Veterans Affairs (the Administrator) to establish, at any Veterans Administration (VA) medical center at which significant medical or scientific research is carried out, a nonprofit research corporation to carry out and administer funding for approved research at such center. Requires any such nonprofit research corporation (NRC) to comply only with those Federal laws, rules, and regulations that apply generally to private nonprofit corporations. Requires the Administrator to dissolve such corporation if, at the end of the three-year period following its establishment, it is not recognized as a non-taxable entity under Internal Revenue Code regulations. Outlines administrative provisions concerning such NRCs, including the creation of a board of directors, general powers, and State laws applicable to such NRCs. Empowers the Inspector General of the VA with the right to examine the records of each NRC. Requires each NRC to submit annual reports to the Administrator on its activities. Requires each NRC board member and each VA employee involved in NRC functions to submit to the Administrator an annual statement certifying awareness of Federal conflict of interest regulations. Prohibits any NRC from being established after September 30, 1990. Amends Federal veterans' benefits provisions to authorize the Administrator to enter into agreements for the recruitment and retention of registered nurses at those VA medical centers with a significant shortage of registered nurses. Provides that any such agreement entered into will require the registered nurse to agree to serve in the VA for a period of time of not less than two nor more than four years. Authorizes the Administrator to pay incentive pay at specified rates for nurses consenting to enter into such agreements. Requires repayment to the VA by any registered nurse receiving such incentive pay and failing to complete the agreed-upon period of service. Allows the Administrator to authorize the use of the official seal and other symbols of the VA by any person who makes a significant gift or contribution to the Administrator for the support of special recreational activities which further the rehabilitation of disabled veterans. Prohibits any appropriation for a major medical facility project unless both the Senate and the House Veterans' Affairs Committees have adopted a resolution approving such project and setting forth the estimated cost of such project. Authorizes the Chief Medical Director of the VA's Department of Medicine and Surgery to waive certain license requirements for the appointment of a practical or vocational nurse or physical therapist if: (1) such person is to be employed in a research position having no direct responsibility for patient-care services; or (2) such person is to be employed in a country other than the United States and the licensure or registration of such person is in the country in which the person is to serve. Authorizes the Director to waive a required internship for employment as a psychologist if the position is a research or academic position with no responsibility for direct patient-care services. Authorizes the Administrator to make additional personnel appointments of pharmacists and occupational therapists within the VA for the care and treatment of veterans. Authorizes special pay for such medical personnel who agree to serve for a specified period of time. Authorizes the Veterans' Canteen Service to operate child day care centers at VA medical facilities for the care of the children of VA employees. Authorizes the Service to establish reasonable charges for the provision of such care. Requires the Administrator to assign suitable employees to the operation of such day care centers. Requires the Administrator, when entering into a contract which would convert an activity formerly performed by Federal employees into an activity performed by a Government contractor, to receive responsible bids from at least two financially autonomous bidders before such a contract may be awarded. Establishes an income limit for determining a veteran's eligibility for VA domiciliary care.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1987
Federal Employees' Political Activities Act of 1987- Prohibits an employee from using or attempting to use official authority or influence to interfere with or affect the result of any election. Prohibits an employee from using or attempting to use official authority to intimidate, threaten, coerce, command, or influence: (1) any individual for the purpose of interfering with the right of any individual to vote as the individual may choose, or of causing any individual to vote, or not to vote, for any candidate or measure in any election; (2) any person to give or withhold any political contribution; or (3) any person to engage, or not to engage, in any form of political activity. Prohibits an employee from using or attempting to use, or permitting the use of, any official information unless such information is available to the general public. Prohibits an employee from: (1) giving or offering to give a political contribution to any individual either to vote or refrain from voting, or to vote for or against any candidate or measure, in any election; (2) soliciting, accepting, or receiving a political contribution to vote or refrain from voting, or to vote for or against any candidate or measure, in any election; or (3) giving or handing over a political contribution to a superior of the employee. Prohibits an employee from soliciting, accepting, or receiving, or from being in any manner concerned with soliciting, accepting, or receiving, a political contribution: (1) from another employee (or a member of another employee's immediate family) with respect to whom the employee is a superior; or (2) in any room or building occupied in the discharge of official duties by a Federal employee or official or an individual receiving salary or compensation from the Treasury. Prohibits an employee from soliciting, accepting, or receiving a political contribution from, or giving a political contribution to, any person who: (1) has, or is seeking to obtain, contractual or other business or financial relations with the employing agency; (2) conducts operations or activities which are regulated by that agency; or (3) has interests which may be substantially affected by the performance of the employees' official duties. Directs the Special Counsel of the Merit Systems Protection Board to prescribe regulations which exempt employees from such prohibitions. Prohibits an employee from engaging in political activity: (1) while on duty; (2) in any room or building occupied in the discharge of official duties by a Federal employee or official; (3) while wearing a uniform or official insignia identifying the office or position of the employee; or (4) while using any vehicle owned or leased by the Government. Exempts certain high level political appointees from such prohibitions if the costs associated with the political activity are not paid for by money derived from the Treasury. Describes such a political appointee as one: (1) whose duties and responsibilities continue outside normal duty hours and while away from the normal duty post; (2) who is paid from an appropriation for the Executive Office of the President; (3) whose position is located within the United States; and (4) who determines policies to be pursued by the United States in its relations with foreign powers or in the nationwide administration of Federal laws. Authorizes leave without pay or accrued annual leave to an employee who is a candidate, upon request, to allow such employee to engage in activities relating to that candidacy. Declares that such request may be denied if the exigencies of the public business so require. Declares that such employee may be required to take leave without pay or accrued annual leave in order to be a candidate if activities relating to the candidacy interfere with the employee's performance of duties. Directs the Special Counsel to prescribe rules and regulations to implement this Act. Applies this Act to postal employees and employees of the Postal Rate Commission.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 1987
Foreign Aid Impact Assessment Act - Requires the President to submit to the Congress, by December 31, 1988, and December 31 of each third year thereafter, a report analyzing the impact and effectiveness of U.S. economic assistance provided during the preceding three fiscal years. Directs that such report include for each recipient country: (1) an analysis of the impact of such assistance on the country's economic development, including a description of the specific objectives sought and the extent to which they were not achieved and why; (2) a description of the amount and nature of the assistance provided by other donors during that period; (3) a discussion of the commitment of the host government to addressing the country's needs in each development sector; (4) a description of the trends in each sector; (5) statistical and other information necessary to the evaluation; and (6) a comparison of the analysis provided in the report with relevant analyses by international or nongovernmental organizations or donor countries. Requires that each report: (1) be submitted to the Congress as a separate document; and (2) identify those countries in which economic assistance has been most and least successful, explain why the assistance was not more successful, and specify what the United States has done as a result.
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 1987
Amends the Internal Revenue Code with respect to the corporate income tax exclusion of contributions to the capital of the taxpayer. Includes as a qualifying contribution any amount of money or property received by a regulated public utility (a utility required to provide electric energy, gas, water, or sewage disposal services) that: (1) is a contribution in aid of construction (as defined by regulations to be promulgated by the Secretary of the Treasury); (2) meets certain expenditure requirements; and (3) is not included in the taxpayer's rate base. Excludes amounts paid as customer connection fees.
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 1987
Urges the German Democratic chief of state Erich Honecker to: (1) repeal the order directing East German border guards to shoot to kill anyone who attempts to cross the Berlin Wall; and (2) issue an order to tear down the Berlin Wall.
United States · United States Congress · 6 August 1987
Amends Federal veterans' benefits provisions concerning the basic educational assistance program for active-duty and reserve members of the armed forces to require an individual to choose whether or not to participate in such program at the close of such individual's basic training period. (Currently, such decision is required to be made at the time the individual enters into active duty as a member of the active or reserve forces.) Revises provisions concerning the amount of monthly basic pay to be deducted from the pay of an individual who chooses to participate in the basic educational assistance program to allow deductions over a 24-month period. Authorizes a member of the armed forces who is entitled to such basic educational assistance to transfer to one or more of such member's dependents all or any part of such member's entitlement to such assistance. Directs the Secretary of the military department concerned and the Administrator to prescribe regulations concerning the transfer of such member's basic educational assistance entitlement. Provides such assistance to the person to whom such entitlement is transferred under the same terms and conditions as apply to the member, except that such assistance may only be provided: (1) while the member originally entitled to such assistance continues on active duty; or (2) upon the death, discharge, or completion of active duty by the member originally entitled to such assistance. Prohibits such assistance from being transferred to an individual other than a child, spouse, or surviving spouse of the member originally entitled to such assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 6 August 1987
Federal Financial Management Improvement and Public Accountability Act - Establishes: (1) the Office of the Chief Financial Officer of the United States in the Executive Office of the President; (2) an Assistant Secretary for Financial Management in each executive department; and (3) a Controller in each executive agency. Requires officers to be appointed to such positions by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Requires the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to: (1) provide central direction and monitoring of the executive agencies in the management of their financial activities; (2) ensure that the President and the Congress are fully informed of the Government's financial management condition; (3) maintain the central accounting and reporting records of the Government; (4) use an accrual method of accounting to prepare an annual report of the consolidated financial position of the Federal Government; (5) publish and distribute copies of such report to the Congress, State Governors, and the general public; (6) prepare the budget of the Government for each fiscal year and a budget forecast for the five succeeding fiscal years using the cash basis method of accounting and an accrual method of accounting; and (7) review the performance indicators developed by agency heads to evaluate programs under which an agency expends $25,000,000 in a single fiscal year. Directs the Comptroller General to: (1) prescribe the manner in which generally accepted accounting principles may be applied in preparing required reports and budgets under this Act; (2) audit the annual report of the CFO and performance indicators developed by heads of executive agencies; and (3) report to the President and the Congress on the results of such audits. Requires each Assistant Secretary and Controller to: (1) maintain a strategic financial management plan for the department or agency; (2) participate in the appointment, development, and evaluation of financial managers of such department or agency; and (3) produce consolidated financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Requires the budget of each department and agency to contain a line item for its Assistant Secretary or Controller based on its strategic financial management plan. Establishes in the executive branch the Federal Finance Council, which shall consist of the CFO and the Assistant Secretaries, as an advisory body on financial management objectives, information requirements, plans, operations, and activities. Directs the President to transfer to the Office of the CFO: (1) such functions of the executive agencies as the President determines are properly related to the functions of the Office; and (2) such personnel, property, and records of such agencies as are related to the transferred functions.
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1987
Child Labor Exploitation Prevention Act of 1987 - Prohibits the importation of products which have been produced by child labor in violation of internationally recognized child labor rights. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to maintain and annually revise a list of such products. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to notify any foreign manufacturer of such products of such prohibition. Grants U.S. district courts jurisdiction over civil actions brought by persons to enjoin the importation of such products. Requires the Secretary of State to assess the status of internationally recognized child labor rights as part of the annual country report on human rights. Requires the Secretary of State to identify which countries enforce, and which producers fail to comply with, internationally recognized child labor rights.
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1987
International Security and Development Cooperation Act of 1987 - Title I: Military Assistance and Sales and Related Programs - Amends the Arms Export Control Act to authorize appropriations for FY 1988 and 1989 for the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program. Limits the aggregate amount of FMS credit which may be extended for FY 1988 and 1989. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize appropriations for FY 1988 and 1989 for: (1) the military assistance program (MAP); and (2) international military education and training (IMET). Specifies that human rights training shall be an important component in IMET programs. Earmarks a specified amount of IMET for the U.S. Army School of the Americas. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1988 and 1989 for international peacekeeping operations. Authorizes the President to enter into cooperative training agreements with major non-NATO allies. Authorizes the President to contract for the procurement of the replacement of major defense equipment if the eligible country or international organization provides the United States with a dependable undertaking which will assure against any loss on the contract. Authorizes the President to provide financing to Israel for the procurement by leasing of defense articles from U.S. commercial suppliers if the President determines that such an arrangement would be justified for compelling foreign policy or national security reasons. Allows loan agreements made on market rate terms since October 1, 1984, to be amended to fix the interest rates applicable to undisbursed funds as of the time each disbursement is made. Authorizes the President to waive the interest penalty on FMS arrearages under specified circumstances. Requires that, for FY 1988 and 1989, $250,000 of the registration fees for munitions control licenses shall be credited to a Department of State account to be made available (without fiscal year limitation) for the payment of expenses incurred in automating munitions control functions and processing munitions control license applications. Disqualifies for FMS financing for 12 months any contract of a person convicted or debarred for a violation of the Arms Export Control Contol Act or International Traffic in Arms Regulations. Requires the biennial review of international traffic in arms regulations. Extends for two years, from 1987 to 1989, the authority for Israel to enter into leases from Department of Defense stocks on a no-cost, reciprocal basis. Prohibits the sale of antitank shells containing a depleted uranium component to any country except member nations of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) or countries designated as major non-NATO allies. Excludes military salaries from the price of foreign military sales for which FMS financing is provided on a forgiven loan basis. Prohibits the use of funds from the FMS Guaranty Reserve Fund under specified circumstances. Title II: Economic Support Fund - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1988 and 1989 for the Economic Support Fund (ESF). Allows such funds to be used for emergency assistance through FY 1989. Requires countries receiving funds from the ESF to maintain segregated accounts for cash transfers. Requires that ESF assistance to countries with an annual per capita income of less than $2,500 must be used to promote long-term development. Specifies guidelines for such long-term development. Prohibits the use of ESF assistance for port or terminal construction projects which would have a significant negative impact on the export of U.S. agricultural commodities. Specifies that ESF assistance may be provided to a foreign country as a cash transfer only if the President determines that the needs of that country and the interests of the United States would be better met by a cash transfer. Requires that not less than 50 percent of any such cash transfers shall be used for U.S. financing of the purchase of U.S. goods and services. Earmarks a specified amount of ESF funds for FY 1988 and 1989 to be used by the Trade and Development Program in carrying out the program of tied-aid credits for U.S. exports. Prohibits the use of ESF funds for the construction, operation, or maintenance of any nuclear facility in a foreign country unless the President certifies that the proposed recipient: (1) is a party to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons or the Treaty for the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons in Latin America; (2) cooperates fully with the International Atomic Energy Agency; and (3) pursues nonproliferation policies consistent with those of the United States. Title III: Development Assistance - Authorizes appropriations to carry out agriculture, rural development, and nutrition programs for FY 1988 and 1989. Prohibits the use of any such funds for any program for the growth or production in a foreign country of an agricultural commodity for export which would compete with a similar commodity grown or produced in the United States. Authorizes additional appropriations for FY 1988 and 1989 for the Child Survival Fund. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1988 and 1989 for population planning programs and health and disease prevention programs. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1988 and 1989 for education and human resources development. Sets aside 30 percent of such funds for basic education programs in developing countries whose effect is to reduce illiteracy and extend basic education. Extends the Cooperative Development Program from 1988 to 1989. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1988 and 1989 for energy, private and voluntary organizations, and selected development activities. Specifies conditions pertaining to assistance provided for agricultural development, water development, and energy development. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1988 and 1989 for the Private Sector Revolving Fund. Extends from 1987 to 1989 the existing earmark of funds for programs to assist in the protection of biological diversity in developing countries. Provides that loans made at or near market rates of interest to private borrowers may be compromised if the President determines that repayment to the United States would be made more likely. Limits the use of development assistance funds to projects or sector programs. Sets forth congressional findings urging the fuller utilization of private indigenous orgnizations and cooperatives in the planning and implementation of development assistance activities. Increases the earmark for funding available to private voluntary organizations and cooperatives from 13.5 to 15 percent of devolopment assistance funds. Authorizes the use of loan repayments from heavily indebted developing countries for development projects in those countries. Authorizes the extension of credit and other assistance to micro and small enterprises of the poor majority in developing countries. Sets forth guidelines and requirements for such program. Earmarks a specified amount of funds to be made available in FY 1988 and 1989 for activities relating to research on and the treatment and control of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) in developing countries. Sets aside not less than ten percent of the funds made available in FY 1988 and 1989 for development assistance and African famine recovery and assistance for the activities of business concerns owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. Title IV: Other Assistance Programs and Authorizations - Part A: Foreign Assistance Act Programs - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1988 and 1989 for the American Schools and Hospitals Abroad program. Extends the authority to enter into commitments under the Housing Investment Guaranty Program (HIG) from 1988 to 1990. Raises the ceiling on aggregate guarantees to a total of $2,308,000,000. Increases the authority to borrow from the Treasury to meet guaranty reserve requirements from $40,000 to $100,000,000. Extends the Agricultural and Productive Credit and Self-Help Community Development Programs from 1988 to 1990. Authorizes the Trade Credit Insurance Program to extend loan guarantees not to exceed $200,000,000 in total contingent liability for each fiscal year 1988 and 1989. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1988 and 1989 for: (1) voluntary contributions to international organizations and programs; (2) international disaster assistance activities; (3) antiterrorism assistance; (4) the trade and development program; and (5) operating expenses of the Agency for International Development (AID). Authorizes separate appropriations for FY 1988 and 1989 for the Office of the Inspector General of AID. Part B: Public Law 480 and Section 416 Programs - Amends the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954 to include the promotion of the conservation and study of biological diversity within programs for self-help measures by developing countries and as an activity for which local currencies derived from the sale of agricultural commodities can be used. Requires the Development Coordination Committee Food Aid Subcommittee to respond within 45 days to all proposals submitted by nonprofit voluntary agencies or cooperatives with the concurrence of the appropriate U.S. field mission or submitted directly by field missions. Extends the earmark of funds through FY 1989 for the farmer-to-farmer program. Encourages the Secretary of Agriculture to approve agreements making agricultural commodities available on a multiyear basis, subject to the availability of necessary agricultural commodities each fiscal year. Expresses the sense of the Congress concerning the annual minimum level of food assistance. Title V: International Narcotics Control - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1988 and 1989 for international narcotics control programs. Requires the Secretary of State to use not less than $500,000 of narcotics control funds in each of FY 1988 and 1989 to finance research on and the development and testing of safe and effective herbicides for use in the aerial eradication of coca. Earmarks $1,000,000 in grant military assistance funds in each of FY 1988 and 1989 to be used for defensive arms for aircraft used in narcotics control eradication or interdiction efforts. Earmarks $2,000,000 in military education and training assistance for each of FY 1988 and 1989 for education and training in the operation and maintenance of aircraft used in narcotics control interdiction and eradication efforts for countries in Latin America and the Caribbean. Allows the reallocation of funds withheld from countries which fail to take adequate steps to halt illicit drug production or trafficking to countries which have taken such adequate steps or have met their illicit drug eradication targets. Allows the waiver of restrictions on U.S. assistance for certain major drug-trafficking countries if the President makes a specified certification to the Congress. Amends the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1986 to revise reporting requirements concerning certain countries. Requires the President to conduct a review of U.S. narcotics raw material policy to determine U.S. reliance on illicit opium gum from foreign sources. Sets restrictions on Indian certification under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 unless India acts to eliminate illicit opium production. Prohibits the provision of economic and military assistance to Bolivia unless the President certifies that Bolivia has enacted legislation to establish legal coca requirements and make unlicensed coca production illegal. Specifies that in making determinations with respect to Peru regarding narcotics control cooperation the President shall give foremost consideration to whether the Government of Peru made substantial progress in meeting its coca eradication targets during the previous year. Limits the amount of narcotics control assistance provided to Mexico in each of FY 1988 and 1989. Urges the Assistant Secretary of State for International Narcotics Matters to give greater attention and resources to cooperative non-major drug transit countries. Earmarks funds for such assistance. Authorizes additional appropriations for activities aimed at increasing awareness of the effects of production and trafficking of illicit narcotics on source and transit countries. Title VI: Europe and the Middle East - Earmarks funds for FMS financing for Israel for each of FY 1988 and 1989 and for ESF assistance for Israel. Earmarks funds for FMS financing for Egypt for each of FY 1988 and 1989 and for ESF assistance for Egypt. Provides that a limited amount of ESF assistance may be provided as a cash transfer under the condition that Egypt will undertake additional and significant economic reforms. Earmarks a specified amount of funds for FY 1988 and 1989 to be made available only for regional cooperative programs in the Middle East in accordance with the International Security and Development Cooperative Act. Authorizes the use of certain deobligated funds for projects in the Middle East and for additional assistance for American hospitals abroad. Declares the United States supports the West Bank and Gaza development initiative. Requires the Secretary of State to report to the Congress on U.S. efforts to encourage other members of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development to contribute to West Bank and Gaza economic development. States that FMS financing for Jordan is provided in the the recognition of the progress Jordan has made for peace in the Middle East. Expresses the sense of the Congress that no FMS financing for Jordan may be used for procurement of U.S. advanced aircraft, new air defense weapons systems, or other new advanced military weapons systems. Requires the Secretary of State to report to the Congress on the activities and capabilities of Iraq, Iran, Syria, and Libya with regard to chemical, biological, and radiological weapons. Earmarks funds for FMS financing and for grant MAP assistance for Greece in FY 1988 and 1989. Imposes a ceiling for each of FY 1988 and 1989 for grant MAP assistance and FMS financing to Turkey. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should ask the Government of Turkey to reduce substantially the number of its military personnel on Cyprus. Requires the President to request a communication from the Government of Turkey on its efforts to determine the status of U.S. citizens missing since the 1974 Cyprus conflict. Earmarks funds for ESF assistance to Cyprus for each of FY 1988 and 1989. Provides that a specified amount of such funds shall be made available only for bicommunal development projects. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act to prohibit defense articles of U.S. origin from being transferred to, or used on, Cyprus by Turkey or Greece. Allows certain exceptions to such prohibition. Requires additional information to be provided in required presidential reports regarding activities on Cyprus of foreign armed forces. Extends through FY 1989 the authority to provide excess defense articles for NATO southern flank countries and major non-NATO allies on the southern and southeastern flank of NATO. Authorizes the use of Polish currencies to benefit the handicapped and orphans and for the study of events related to the Holocaust in Poland. Extends through FY 1989 the availability of funds for assistance for agricultural activities in Poland. Amends the Anglo-Irish Agreement Act of 1986 to authorize appropriations for U.S. contributions to the Anglo-Irish International Fund. Requires addition information to be included in the required annual report to the Congress required on economic conditions prevailing in Egypt, Israel, Turkey, and Portugal. Revises requirements concerning the due date of required reports to the Congress regarding peace negotations on the Cyprus dispute and U.S. participation in the Multinational Force and Observers. Title VII: Western Hemisphere - Part A: Central America - Expresses congressional support of the peace initiative in Central America by the Government of Costa Rica. States that U.S. policy should be designed to encourage the Governments of Central America to provide full cooperation, protection, and other support to human rights organizations. Expresses the sense of the Congress that it is possible to furnish the needed nonmilitary assistance for Central America over a longer period of time than originally recommended by the National Bipartisan Commission on Central America without negatively affecting the goals and objectives identified by the Commission. Prohibits the provision of any military aircraft to any country in Central America unless specified committees of the Congress are notified at least 15 days in advance. Requires the Secretary of State to notify such committees whenever any helicopters or other aircraft for military use are provided to any country in Central America by any foreign country. Prohibits the use of funds in FY 1988 and 1989 for programs and projects administered by the Regional Office for Central America and Panama which were not being funded as of September 30, 1987. Prohibits the use of any U.S. assistance to El Salvador and Guatemala for the forced relocation of the civilian population for civil defense patrols, or for political mobilization and propaganda activities. Establishes certain reporting and certification requirements for rural resettlement programs in Guatemala, or for programs or projects in El Salvador under the aegis of the United to Reconstruct Program (UPR). Requires the suspension of any U.S. assistance to any country in Central America if the elected President of that country is deposed by military coup or decree. Extends provisions requiring the President to report to the Congress with respect to U.S. objectives in El Salvador. Extends provisions prohibiting the use of any military assistance to Guatemala for the procurement of weapons or ammunition. Requires the President to report to the Congress on the extent to which the Government of Guatemala has investigated and prosecuted those responsible for human rights violations against civilians. Expresses the sense of the Congress that specified amounts of funds should be used to assist the implementation of agrarian reform in Guatemala if the Government of Guatemala initiates effective agrarian reform programs. Extends provisions requiring that funds authorized for migration and refugee assistance which are to be used for refugee assistance for Nicaraguan Indian refugees shall be channeled through various specified international agencies and organizations. Prohibits the use of such funds to facilitate the involuntary repatriation of Salvadoran refugees who are in Honduras. Expresses the sense of the Congress concerning the efforts of Costa Rican President Oscar Arias Sanchez to establish a durable peace in Central America and supporting such attempts to end the regional military conflict and strengthen democracy through diplomatic initiatives. Earmarks a specified amount of ESF funds for Costa Rica. Authorizes the use of funds previously authorized to assist in the implementation of the Contadora agreement for expenses incurred in the implementation of an agreement resulting from the regional peace initiative proposed by President Arias of Costa Rica. Sets forth congressional findings with respect to U.S. policy toward Panama. Prohibits the use of funds for assistance to Panama in FY 1988 unless the President certifies to the Congress that the Government of Panama is taking meaningful and appropriate steps to ensure that the 1989 presidential and parliamentary elections will be free, fair, and honest. Places similar restrictions on funds for Panama in FY 1989. Prohibits the United States from entering into any agreement or understanding under which a recipient of U.S. economic or military assistance or purchaser of U.S. military equipment shall provide assistance of any kind to any persons or groups engaging in an insurgency or other act of rebellion against the Government of Nicaragua. Prohibits the provision of assistance during FY 1988 and 1989 to police forces and prison authorities in El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras Part B: South America - Prohibits any U.S. military assistance for Paraguay during FY 1988 and 1989 unless the President certifies that the Government of Paraguay has ended the practice of torture, restored political rights, and taken steps toward internal reconciliation and a pluralistic democratic system. Earmarks a specified amount of ESF funds for Uruguay for FY 1988 and 1989. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Government of Chile has not taken steps to adopt and implement internationally recognized workers rights to workers in that country. Suspends, during FY 1988 and 1989, the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) from insuring or financing any project in Chile. Allows the provision of military training assistance to Brazil or Argentina as long as such countries continue to have democratically elected governments. Part C: The Caribbean - Earmarks a specified amount of funds for economic assistance for Haiti for each of FY 1988 and 1989. Imposes certain conditions on the provision of such funds for Haiti. Earmarks a specified amount of ESF funds for FY 1988 to be made available for the Caribbean Community groups (CARICOM) for use in conducting: (1) a comprehensive study of the economic development needs of the Caribbean region; and (2) a feasibility study of a Caribbean food corporation. Earmarks a specified amount of development assistance funds and ESF funds for each of FY 1988 and 1989 that shall be available only to assist electric utilities in the Eastern Carribbean in developing a common services program and to provide technical assistance and training to such utilities. Amends the Arms Export Control Act to change from February 1 to May 1 the due date of the annual report on the amount and nature of Soviet military assistance. Part D: Provisions Relating to the Region Generally - Provides that for FY 1988 and 1989 U.S. military assistance may be provided to a country in Latin America or the Caribbean only if that country has a democratically elected civilian government and requests such assistance. Specifies that for FY 1988 and 1989 not more than 30 percent of the amounts allocated for ESF assistance for Latin America and the Caribbean may be allocated for any single country. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1988 and 1989 for the Inter-American Foundation. Extends from FY 1987 to FY 1989 the authority of the President to furnish to countries and organizations in order to strengthen the administration of justice in countries in Latin America and the Caribbean. Specifies that to the fullest extent possible such assistance shall be provided through multilateral or regional institutions. Specifies the types of assistance authorized. Prohibits U.S. military involvement in the program. Earmarks specific amounts of funds for El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Peru, Colombia, and Haiti. Prohibits any such assistance to Paraguay. Specifies that any such assistance to Chile shall be subject to certain limitations. Requires the Administrator of the Agency for International Development to establish and administer a program of scholarship assistance, in cooperation with State governments, universities, community colleges, and businesses, to provide scholarships in the form of loans to enable students from eligible countries in the Caribbean and Central America to study in the United States. Authorizes the Administrator to make grants to States to provide assistance for such program. Authorizes the use of ESF funds allocated for Latin American and Caribbean regional programs to be used to carry out such program. Title VIII: Africa - Part A: Africa Famine Recovery and Development - Africa Famine Recovery and Development Act - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to add a chapter dealing with Africa Famine Recovery and Development. Authorizes the President to provide project and program assistance for long-term development in sub-Saharan Africa. Requires the purpose of such assistance to be to help the poor majority in sub-Saharan Africa to participate in a process of long-term development through economic growth that is equitable, participatory, environmentally sustainable, and self-reliant. Declares that the general authorities and policies of the development assistance provisions of such Act apply to this Act. Requires the agency primarily responsible for administering development assistance programs (responsible agency) to: (1) take into account the local-level perspective of the rural and urban poor in sub-Saharan Africa during the planning and review of annual country planning documents for project assistance under this Act; (2) make available funds for a substantial expansion of development efforts by private and voluntary organizations which have demonstrated effectiveness in or commitment to the promotion of local grass-roots activities on behalf of long-term development in sub-Saharan Africa; (3) establish simplified procedures for the development and evaluation of projects to be carried out by private and voluntary organizations; and (4) consult with other organizations in order to identify relevant private and voluntary organizations. Requires the close consultation and involvement of local people in projects that have a local focus. Requires the responsible agency to ensure the participation of African women in development projects assisted by this Act. Requires the responsible agency to use the program assistance provided by this Act to: (1) help overcome shorter-term constraints to long-term development; and (2) promote reform of national economic policies to support these priorities. Sets forth examples of national economic policy reforms which can be supported by assistance provided by this Act. Requires such reforms to include provisions to protect vulnerable groups, especially poor farmers and the urban poor, from possible negative consequences of such reforms. Requires assistance for such reforms to take account of the need for adjustments should recurrence of drought make it impossible to achieve the goals of the reforms. Designates as the critical sectoral priorities for long-term development: (1) increased agricultural production and the maintenance and restoration of renewable natural resources; (2) improved health conditions; (3) voluntary family planning services; (4) improved relevance and efficiency of education; and (5) development of income generating opportunities for the unemployed and underemployed. Imposes minimum levels of assistance for certain critical sectors. Requires the responsible agency to formulate coherent country development assistance strategies. Sets forth information such strategies must analyze and address. Requires the assistance provided under this Act to be concentrated in countries that will make the most effective use of such assistance. Exempts the assistance authorized by this Act from specified limitations on the procurement of goods and services. Specifies uses for local currencies generated by assistance provided under this Act and other Acts. Provides that funds made available under this Act may be used to assist the countries in sub-Saharan Africa to increase their capacity to participate in donor coordination mechanisms at the country, regional, and sectional levels. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1988 through 1992 for long-term development assistance for sub-Saharan Africa and for funding activities of certain international organizations. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the authorization should be extended whenever appropriate. Limits transfers between accounts funded by this Act. Requires the Administrator of the Agency for International Development (AID) to develop a plan for organizational changes within AID in order to carry out the long-term development assistance program for sub-Saharan Africa with maximum effectiveness. Sets forth changes the Administrator shall consider. Requires the Administrator to consult with specified congressional committees about such changes. Authorizes the Administrator to transfer certain funds in order to increase the AID resources for development assistance activities for sub-Saharan Africa. Requires the Administrator to develop a plan for evaluating AID's progress in achieving the purposes of this Act. Requires the plan to provide for: (1) interim evaluations; (2) the establishment of specific criteria for measuring the performance of U.S. development assistance for the poor majority in sub-Saharan Africa; (3) the collection and monitoring of base-line data for future measurement of the effectiveness of such assistance; and (4) the measures by which the evaluations will be used to institutionalize learning within AID. Requires the plan to be developed in consultation with specified congressional committees. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Office of Technology Assessment should: (1) conduct independent evaluations of AID's performance in providing development assistance to the poor majority in sub-Saharan Africa; and (2) report on such evaluations to specified congressional committees. Requires that assistance from other assistance and development programs be used to provide assistance to the poor majority in sub-Saharan Africa. Authorizes the President to make available such amounts from the funds authorized by this Act as the President deems appropriate to support long-term development assistance for activities of international organizations which are consistent with the purpose of providing assistance for the poor majority in sub-Saharan Africa and which are undertaken in coordination with AID. Encourages the President to use the authorities provided in this Act in coordination with activities of the multilateral development banks in sub-Saharan Africa. Entitles any country in sub-Saharan Africa to debt rescheduling if: (1) that country had an average per capita income in 1984 of less that $550; and (2) at any time between October 1, 1987, and September 30, 1992, an International Monetary Fund standby agreement is in effect with respect to that country, an economic adjustment program of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development is in effect with respect to that country, or the President makes a specified certification to the Congress regarding economic policy reforms in such country. Provides that the debt rescheduling shall consist of a five-year grace period on all payments to the United States on specified types of loans. Requires the annual report by the President to the Congress on foreign assistance programs to include a report on the progress made in carrying out this Act. Provides that reprogramming notification requirements do not apply to funds used to carry out this Act. Makes conforming amendments to various Acts. Declares that, where appropriate, African famine relief activities should serve as the foundation for long-term development activities undertaken pursuant to this Act. Provides for the transfer of certain funds so that they may be used for management support activities associated with long-term development assistance. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the purposes of the African Development Foundation are consistent with the purposes of this Act. Amends the African Development Foundation Act to authorize appropriations for the African Development Foundation for FY 1988 and 1989. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Office of Technology Assessment should conduct an independent evaluation of the performance of the African Development Foundation in carrying out its purposes and in assuring the sustainability and replicability of the development efforts which the Foundation supports. Expresses the sense of the Congress that special efforts should be undertaken to reduce trade barriers and promote economic interchange between the United States and developing countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Requires the Comptroller General to study, and report to the Congress on, the restrictions which affect the importation of products of developing countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Part B: Other Provisions Relating to Subsaharan Africa - Requires that agreements with countries in Africa for the use of funds to finance imports by those countries require that those imports be used to meet long-term development needs in those countries in accordance with specified criteria. Requires annual reports from AID on the extent to which such criteria have been met. Earmarks through FY 1992 development assistance funds to assist sector projects supported by the Southern Africa Development Coordination Conference (SADCC). Specifies that 50 percent of such funds shall be made available for the transportation sector, and the remaining amount shall be made available for other specified sectors. Limits economic assistance to Zaire to the assistance provided under the terms of the Africa Famine Recovery and Development Act. Specifies that such assistance shall be provided to the maximum extent practicable through private and voluntary organizations, and prohibits ESF assistance to Zaire. Places a ceiling on MAP funds for FY 1988 and 1989. Prohibits FMS financing for Zaire for FY 1988 and 1989. Withholds ESF assistance and grant military assistance for Liberia pending certifications concerning economic reforms and human rights reforms. Declares that it is the policy of the United States that the provision of security assistance for Kenya for FY 1988 and 1989 shall bear a relation to the Government of Kenya taking significant steps toward improving human rights conditions in Kenya. Declares that it is the policy of the United States that the provision of security assistance for the Sundan for FY 1988 and 1989 shall bear a relation to the Government of the Sudan making progress toward reading a political settlement with all parties the conflict in the south of Sudan. Declares that it is the policy of the United States that the provision of any future security assistance to Mozambique shall bear a relation to the Mozambique Government's taking significant steps toward improving human rights conditions. Specifies that any economic assistance to Mozambique shall be used solely for assistance to the private sector of the economy of Mozambique and shall be channeled to nongovernmental entities in Mozambique to the maximum extent practicable. Requires the President to conduct a study of the extent to which the purpose of the prohibition on the export of crude oil and refined petroleum products to South Africa is being rendered less effective by direct or indirect sales of oil and petroleum products to South Africa from other countries. Requires the President to report to the Congress on the results of such study. Requires the President to study and report on attempts to undermine other import sanctions against South Africa. Part C: Northern Africa - Declares that it is U.S. policy to base security assistance to Tunisia for FY 1988 and 1989 on the expectation that the Government of Tunisia will take steps to advance both political stability and economic and social progress. Earmarks a specified amount of ESF funds for assistance to Tunisia in each of FY 1988 and 1989. Declares that it is U.S. policy to support a negotiated political solution to the conflict in the Western Sahara taking into account the principle of the self-determination as outlined in the 1981 Nairobi resolution. Title IX: Asia and the Pacific - Part A: East Asia and the Pacific - States that the Congress deplores the continued violation of the sovereignty and territorial independence of Cambodia by Vietnam and calls upon Vietnam to negotiate to restore self-determination in Cambodia and to withdraw its troops from Cambodia. Extends from FY 1987 to 1989 the authority of the President to make available a limited amount of grant military assistance and ESF assistance to non-Communist resistance forces in Cambodia. Declares that the Congress would encourage a wide range of non-official contacts between the United States and Vietnam to improve understanding between the two countries and to facilitate the solution of unresolved problems. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the United States should encourage the Government of Japan in its efforts to expand trade relations with Israel and to end compliance by Japanese commercial enterprises with the Arab economic boycott of Israel. Amends the Arms Export Control Act to delete an annual report requirement concerning South Korean force modernization and the U.S. role in mutual security efforts. Earmarks funds for FY 1988 for grant military assistance and ESF assistance for the Philippines. Makes available for FY 1989 not less than the amount necessary to provide the remaining amount of military and economic assistance specified in the 1983 amendment to the agreement between the United States and the Philippines concerning military bases. Earmarks a specified amount of funds for FY 1988 and 1989 to assist in the implementation of agrarian reform in the Philippines if the Government of the Philippines initiates an effective agrarian reform program and requests U.S. assistance. Earmarks a specified amount of development assistance funds for each of FY 1988 and 1989 for South Pacific regional programs. Specifies that a certain amount of such funds shall be available for scholarships for study at post-secondary institutions of education in the United States. Authorizes the stockpiling of defense articles in Thailand. Limits the amount of additions to such stockpile in FY 1988 and 1989. Expresses the sense of the Congress concerning refugees from Southeast Asia. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should use available authority and appropriations to provide support in FY 1988 and 1989 for humanitarian projects in Laos directly associated with joint United States-Laotian cooperative efforts to resolve questions concerning Vietnam era prisoners of war or those missing in action. Part B: South Asia - Authorizes the use of development assistance funds and ESF funds for assistance to the Afghan people. States that the primary purpose of U.S. economic assistance for Bangladesh is to foster economic development and political pluralism. Requires the President to take specific factors into account in determining whether to provide economic assistance to Bangladesh. Expresses the sense of the Congress encouraging the growth of contacts between India and Israel. Extends through 1989 the waiver for assistance to Pakistan. Specifies that any waiver shall cease to be effective if the President certifies that India has formally accepted the application of appropriate, verifiable, and reliable safeguards to all its nuclear materials. Prohibits the sale of any airborne early warning aircraft to Pakistan unless the President makes certain certifications to the Congress. Prohibits the provision of any defense articles to Pakistan which are not suitable for defending against the threat to Pakistan posed by the Soviet Union. States that U.S. assistance for Pakistan is intended to promote democratic and representative government and respect for internationally recognized human rights in Pakistan. Specifies that any assistance to Pakistan may be provided only if the President certifies to the Congress that Pakistan has made progress concerning human rights and democracy. Requires the President, in making determinations with respect to Pakistan's anti-narcotics efforts, to take into account Pakistan's accomplishments in a number of specific areas. Expresses the sense of the Congress concerning a settlement of the conflict in Sri Lanka. Places a ceiling on the amount of development assistance which can be provided to India in each of FY 1988 and 1989. Title X: Peace Corps - Authorizes appropriations for the Peace Corps for FY 1988 and 1989. Revises rules concerning the purchase and hire of passenger motor vehicles for the transportation or the direct overseas support of volunteers. Authorizes the sale at cost of technical publications produced by the Peace Corps. Specifies that a certain amount of the proceeds from such sales may be credited to the currently applicable appropriation for the Peace Corps. Title XI: Miscellaneous Provisions - Requires that local currencies generated from assistance provided under certain provisions of the Foreign Assistance Act shall be deposited in a special account to be used for long term development purposes. Makes permanent the comprehensive reports currently required on all assistance provided to Latin America under the Foreign Assistance Act and the Arms Export Control Act. Specifies certain information to be provided in such reports. Revises rules concerning the reprogramming of funds made available under the Foreign Assistance Act or the Arms Export Control Act. Provides that required foreign assistance allocation reports must be submitted within 30 days of enactment of appropriations for foreign assistance, except for continuing resolutions of less than 60 days. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Agency for International Development (AID) should not extend loans to countries unable to service existing AID loan obligations, unless it can be demonstrated that the country's debt-service problem is temporary and nonrecurring. Requires additional information to be included in reports to the Congress concerning debt rescheduling and accelerated loan repayments. Deletes provisions concerning certain information to be included in annual foreign assistance reports. Prohibits using U.S. foreign aid funds in any way that would result in corrupt personal financial gain for any person or for any purpose other than the purpose for which the assistance was provided. Directs the President to establish strict accounting procedures for U.S. foreign aid funds and to establish sanctions for misuse of such funds. Requires all foreign assistance agreements entered into more than 90 days after enactment of this Act to incorporate the procedures and sanctions established by this Act. Requires the President to report to the Congress on the steps taken to establish such procedures and sanctions. Requires the Secretary of State to coordinate all training and other assistance provided by the U.S. Government to the police, prison authorities, and other law enforcement agencies of any foreign government. Requires the Secretary to make annual reports to the Congress concerning such assistance. Authorizes the President to reduce the amount of ESF assistance to countries which import sugar from Cuba. Requires the President to instruct AID missions and U.S. diplomatic missions to analyze the impact of proposed multilateral development bank (MDB) loans and for transmittal to the Secretary of the Treasury. Requires the semiannual publication of lists of proposed MDB loans that may have adverse impacts on the environment, natural resources, public health, or indigenous peoples. States that the Congress encourages the Administrator of AID to make greater use of independent labor unions in carrying out development assistance, disaster assistance, ESF, and Africa famine recovery and development programs. Adds to the list of countries designated as Communist countries for purposes of the Foreign Assistance Act the following countries: (1) the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan; (2) the People's Democratic Republic of Ethiopia; (3) the People's Democratic Republic of Yemen; (4) the People's Republic of Angola; and (5) the People's Republic of Kampuchea. Requires the President to specify in certain reports to the Congress the period of duration of any waiver on the prohibition of assistance under the Foreign Assistance Act to any Communist country. Title XII: Additional Assistance for Base Rights Countries - Authorizes additional appropriations for each of FY 1988 and 1989 to be made available only to meet U.S. security assistance requirements arising from agreements providing for U.S. access to military facilities in foreign countries. Provides that the aggregate foreign military sales financing ceiling for FY 1988 and 1989 shall be deemed increased by the amount appropriated under this title. Requires that funds authorized by this title be used in a manner consistent with the maintenance of military balance in the Eastern Mediterranean. Specifies that assistance provided for Greece and Turkey with funds authorized by this title shall be in addition to the amounts provided by other provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 1987
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the President should direct the appropriate agencies to establish a systematic method for encouraging, screening, and processing Soviet defectors and prisoners of war in Afghanistan; (2) Soviet defectors and prisoners of war who request political asylum should be granted such asylum and transported to the United States; (3) the President should seek to establish a framework under which Soviet defectors would be helped in adapting to American life; and (4) the President should direct the appropriate agencies to broadcast into the Soviet Union and Afghanistan information concerning the Soviet Union's actions in Afghanistan and the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 1987
Declares that the House of Representatives: (1) expresses its full support for General John Vessey in negotiations with Vietnam to determine the fate of Americans missing in action in Southeast Asia, to facilitate the return of the remains of those deceased missing in action, and to discuss humanitarian issues; and (2) calls on Vietnam to respond positively to the concerns of the American people in a humanitarian context.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 1987
Requires the submission to the Secretary of Defense of any proposed agreement between an agency of the United States or any educational institution and the government of a proscribed county (as defined by the Export Administration Act of 1979) which may involve the exchange or transfer of any scientific or technological information. Requires that any further drafts of such agreements must be submitted to the Secretary before and after negotiations have been completed and before the agreement is signed by the parties. Requires that any such agreement which is entered into by a department or agency of the United States must be submitted to the Congress as an international agreement. Authorizes the President to issue such regulations as may be necessary to carry out this Act. Provides that any educational institution that violates this Act shall be subject to penalties under the Export Administration Act of 1979.
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 1987
Designates October 15, 1987, as National Safety Belt Use Day. Authorizes and requests the President to issue a proclamation calling on the people to wear safety belts and have their children use child safety seats, and encouraging public safety and law enforcement agencies to promote these devices.
![Official portrait of Rep. Smith, Christopher H. [R-NJ-4]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/s000522_200.jpg)