United States · United States Congress · 14 November 1989
Newspaper Incentive Recycling Conservation Act of 1989 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to deny the use of the accelerated cost recovery system for determining the depreciation deduction for major newspapers that are not using the required percentage of recycled newsprint. Reduces the deduction for trade or business expenses for major newspapers that do not use such required percentage. Establishes an investment tax credit for recycling equipment.
United States · United States Congress · 8 November 1989
Authorizes the President, on behalf of the Congress, to present a gold medal to Laurance Spelman Rockefeller in recognition of his leadership on behalf of natural resource conservation and historic preservation. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to provide for the sale of bronze duplicates of the medal.
United States · United States Congress · 2 November 1989
Benjamin Franklin Memorial Fire Service Bill of Rights Act - Title I: Minting of Benjamin Franklin National Memorial Commemorative Coin - Benjamin Franklin National Memorial Commemorative Coin Act - Provides for the sale of Benjamin Franklin commemorative coins at a surcharge of which 25 percent shall be paid to the Benjamin Franklin National Memorial and the remainder be distributed in specified percentages to the National Fire Center and Museum Account, the National Hero Scholarship Account, the Firefighter's Tuition Assistance Account, the Hazardous Materials Response Computer Account, the In Search of Excellence Research and Education Account, and the Burn Research Grant Account of the Firefighter Assistance Trust Fund (Fund). Prohibits the issuance of such coins from resulting in any net cost to the Federal government. Title II: Fire Service Bill of Rights - Fire Service Bill of Rights Act - Amends the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974 to establish a fire service bill of rights. Establishes the National Fire Center and Museum in the District of Columbia to provide information about the fire service and safety to the public and fire services. Funds such museum exclusively through the Fund. Establishes a National Hero Scholarship to fund the higher education of the children or spouse of a deceased firefighter. Establishes a scholarship providing tuition assistance to firefighters for higher education in fire safety or protection. Authorizes the Administrator of the United States Fire Administration to use amounts in the In Search of Excellence Research and Education Account of the Fund to fund other specified programs under the Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974. Establishes the Firefighters Assistance Trust Fund. Places the National Academy for Fire Prevention and Control within the United States Fire Administration. Directs the Administrator to use funds from the Hazardous Materials Response Computer Account of the fund to procure computer equipment for fire services that want such equipment. Directs the Administrator to make a grant from the Burn Research Grant Account of the Fund to one national firefighter's burn foundation dedicated to reducing burn injuries. Requires the Administrator to prepare and make available to State fire marshals, upon request, a manual describing Federal procedures for disposing of surplus property and highlighting how fire services could obtain such property. Directs the Administrator to distribute to such marshals information on the infectious diseases to which firefighters are particularly vulnerable.
United States · United States Congress · 2 November 1989
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an individual income tax deduction for contributions to a savings account established to pay the educational expenses (tuition, supplies, meals, and lodging) of the taxpayer's child or certain other relatives at an institution of higher education or a vocational school. Limits the deduction to $1,500 annually (adjusted for inflation) for each account. Disallows the deduction for contributions to an account maintained for any individual aged 19 or older. Requires any account balance to be distributed after the beneficiary attains age 30. Excludes from gross income any account distributions that are: (1) used to pay educational expenses of the eligible beneficiary; or (2) transferred within 60 days to an individual retirement account. Exempts an account from taxation (except for the tax on unrelated business income of a charitable organization), unless a contributor or the beneficiary engages in specified prohibited transactions in connection with it. Imposes a ten percent surtax on distributions not used for educational purposes. Requires the account trustee to report to the Secretary of the Treasury and to the account's beneficiary concerning the account. Imposes a penalty for failure to report. Allows taxpayers who do not otherwise itemize deductions to deduct for contributions to an education savings account. Imposes penalty taxes in connection with excess contributions or prohibited transactions associated with an account. Exempts from contribution limitations any distributions from education savings accounts into individual retirement accounts. Excludes from gross income distributions from individual retirement accounts into education savings accounts.
United States · United States Congress · 2 November 1989
Declares that it is the policy of the United States to recognize Brazil's sovereign authority in the Amazon and that the United States should adopt a policy to encourage and support conservation efforts initiated by Brazil to protect the Amazon forest. Declares that the United States should redouble its efforts to address development within its own borders in an environmentally sound and sustainable manner.
United States · United States Congress · 31 October 1989
Nutrition Labeling and Education Act of 1989 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA) to deem a food misbranded unless its label states: (1) the serving size or other unit of measure customarily used; (2) the number of servings or other units per container; (3) the number of calories per serving and derived from total fat and saturated fat; and (4) the amount of total fat, saturated fat, unsaturated fat, cholesterol, sodium, total carbohydrates, complex carbohydrates, sugars, total protein, and dietary fiber per serving or other unit. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services, if there is a significant scientific basis, to: (1) require additional nutrients to be included in the labeling; or (2) exempt nutrients from the labeling requirement. Requires, for raw agricultural commodities or raw fish or shellfish, that the nutritional information be provided in a single location in the areas in which such items are offered for sale. Directs the Secretary to exempt types of such items which are infrequently consumed. Exempts from the labeling requirements food: (1) sold for immediate consumption in restaurants, or sold to restaurants for sale or use in restaurants; (2) processed and prepared in a retail establishment and not for immediate consumption in the establishment; (3) including certain infant formulas; (4) which is a medical food; (5) which is customarily processed, labeled, or repacked in substantial quantities at establishments other than those where it was originally processed or packed; (6) in packages so small that the information would be illegible; (7) which contains insignificant amounts of all the nutrients and does not make any claim with respect to the nutritional value of the food; and (8) sold by certain small businesses. Requires certain vitamins and minerals to include nutrient information in their labeling as appropriate and as specified by the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to undertake to contract with the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) to prepare a report making recommendations regarding the manner of the labeling. Directs the Secretary to determine whether any of the nutrients required to be placed on labels before enactment of this Act shall be required under provisions of this Act. Directs the Secretary to carry out consumer education regarding nutrition labeling. Sets forth the circumstances under which nutrition and health claims may and may not be made for foods. Allows proceedings for the enforcement, or to restrain violations, of the amendments made by this Act to be brought in the name of a State in which the food that is the subject of the proceedings is located (in addition to the existing authorization to bring such actions to enforce the FDCA in the name of the United States). Declares that a food which makes a claim which characterizes the relationship of its constituents to a disease or a condition in accordance with the requirements of this Act is not, solely because of such claim, a drug under specified provisions of FDCA. Prohibits a State or its subdivision from establishing or continuing in effect any: (1) nutrition labeling requirement that differs from the requirements of this Act; or (2) prohibition respecting any label health claim which differs from the requirements of this Act. Provides for exemption petitions by States if a State or local requirement would not unduly burden interstate commerce, and if other conditions are met.
United States · United States Congress · 26 October 1989
Rural Assistance and Revitalization Act of 1989 - Title I: Rural Business and Job Creation - Subtitle A: Rural Partnerships Investment Board - Establishes a Rural Partnerships Investment Board to provide lines of credit to enable eligible entities to develop rural business development revolving funds. Establishes in the Treasury a Rural Business Investment Fund. Subtitle B: Rural Capital Access Program - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a rural capital access program to encourage lending institutions to provide rural business loans. Subtitle C: Rural Economic Development Administered by the Secretary and the Rural Electrification Administration - Amends the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 to establish a position of Assistant Administrator for Economic Development in the Rural Electrification Administration (REA). Establishes within REA a technical assistance unit to advise borrowers with regard to economic and community development activities. Provides for deferred payment on economic development loans. Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to authorize water and waste facility loans for certain REA borrowers. Amends the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 to establish in the Treasury a Rural Business Incubator Fund to fund REA borrowers in order to create or operate rural business incubators. Title II: Administration - Renames the Department of Agriculture and the Secretary of Agriculture the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (Department) and the Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development, respectively. Establishes in the Department the Rural Electrification and Development Administration (Administration) to be headed by an Assistant Secretary for Electrification and Rural Development. Transfers to the Administration: (1) the REA; (2) the community facilities, water and waste disposal, and business and industry loan programs administered by the Farmers Home Administration; and (3) other development programs as the Secretary may assign to the Administration. Establishes in the Rural Development Administration (sic) an Office of Rural Policy. Title III: Information - Directs the Census Bureau to expand its data collection efforts with regard to changing rural economic conditions. Amends the Rural Development Act of 1972 to establish a rural development research grant program. Directs the Secretary to establish: (1) a National Center for Cooperative Research, Education, Training, and Development; and (2) similar regional centers. Title IV: Human Capacity - Amends the Rural Development Act of 1972 to direct the Secretary to establish an Extension Service rural economic and business development program. Amends the Farm Credit Act of 1971 to authorize Farm Credit System (System) institutions to provide technical assistance to rural communities. Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to increase the authorization of appropriations for technical assistance. Title V: Rural Infrastructure - Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to: (1) establish local income-based loan rates for health care and related facilities; (2) increase the ceiling for water and waste facility grants; and (3) establish an emergency community water assistance grant program. Title VI: Provisions Relating to Institutions of the Farm Credit System - Amends the Farm Credit Act of 1971 to authorize System institutions to participate in specified agricultural real estate and operating loan guarantee programs. Increases the scope of System institution credit. Title VII: Regulations - Requires final implementing regulations to be issued within six months of enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 24 October 1989
Shenandoah Valley Civil War Sites Study Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to study the suitability of including Shenandoah Valley Civil War sites in Virginia within the national park system. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 19 October 1989
Small Business Access Improvement Act of 1989 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit for small businesses for the expense of providing public accommodations access to the disabled. Reduces the tax deduction for expenditures to remove architectural and transportation barriers to the handicapped and elderly.
United States · United States Congress · 17 October 1989
Newsprint Recycling Incentives Act of 1989 - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to require producers or importers of newsprint to recycle, through methods specified under this Act, an amount of newsprint equal to at least the amount determined by multiplying the amount of newsprint produced or imported annually by such individuals by the recycling percentage established by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Authorizes such individuals to comply with this Act by: (1) recycling (through deinking) newsprint; (2) purchasing recycled newsprint to combine with shipments of virgin newsprint; or (3) purchasing recycling credits under this Act. Directs the Administrator to establish a recycling percentage that is two points higher than the existing recycling rate for newsprint. Provides for increases in such percentage of two points annually until 1999. Requires the Administrator to promulgate regulations to allow newsprint producers or importers to create or purchase recycling credits. Provides that such regulations shall require: (1) producers and importers to keep specified records; (2) producers of recycled newsprint to notify EPA of capacity to recycle old newsprint; (3) importers of recycled newsprint to notify the U.S. Customs Service of the amount of newsprint being imported and to have certifications of the accuracy of such amount from the trade representative of the country shipping such newsprint to the United States; and (4) producers and importers to report to the Administrator on the amount of recycled newsprint produced or imported annually and the number of credits purchased from, or sold to, other producers or importers. Directs the Administrator to report to the Congress on such regulations and to include: (1) a discussion of the effects of such regulations on the newsprint and newspaper industry and the environment; and (2) an evaluation of the level of the recycling percentage and whether such percentage should be increased in future years. Requires an updated report to be submitted with ten years of this Act's enactment. Applies recycling requirements to persons who produce or import more than ten tons of newsprint annually. Sets the recycling percentage at 20 percent if the Administrator fails to promulgate such regulations. Prescribes civil penalties for violations of this Act. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 17 October 1989
Directs the Attorney General to defer deportation of an alien pending disposition of aggravated felony charges and any term of imprisonment. Provides, upon State request, for the temporary Federal custody of such an alien.
United States · United States Congress · 16 October 1989
Amends the Peace Corps Act to require the Director of the Peace Corps to drape a flag over the casket of a deceased Peace Corps volunteer or former volunteer. Requires such flag to be given to such individual's next-of-kin or, if no claim is made by the next-of-kin, to a close friend or associate. Prohibits a flag from being given to any other person if a flag is given to a friend or associate.
United States · United States Congress · 12 October 1989
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) settlement of the civil war in El Salvador can only be achieved through negotiations to end hostilities and to incorporate the FMLN into the democratic process; (2) President Cristiani and the FMLN should be urged to continue the negotiating process until a successful conclusion; (3) the United States should encourage all parties, including the Salvadoran armed forces, to support the negotiations; and (4) the United States should stand ready to help implement a negotiated settlement by restructuring its assistance program to increase support for land reform and for the construction of health care and educational facilities to benefit the Salvadoran poor.
United States · United States Congress · 11 October 1989
Amends the Endangered Species Act of 1973 to ban the importation into the United States of shrimp or shrimp products originating from nations which: (1) do not require the use of turtle excluder devices by their shrimp fishing vessels; (2) allow the taking of sea turtle eggs on their beaches; or (3) engage in other activities which adversely affect the ability of the sea turtle to survive or reproduce. Requires the Secretary of Commerce to publish and periodically update a list of nations which engage in such activities. Prescribes civil and criminal penalties for violations of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 October 1989
Expresses the sense of the Congress that in determining the allocation of foreign assistance the Department of State should: (1) weigh heavily the persecution, torture, and execution of innocent Somalis by the armed forces of Siad Barre; and (2) insist upon significant improvements in human rights as a precondition to the resumption of foreign assistance to Somalia.
United States · United States Congress · 2 October 1989
Billboard Control Act of 1989 - Revises Federal provisions with respect to restrictions on outdoor advertising adjacent to interstate and Federal-aid primary highways. Specifies that a State shall be treated as failing to provide effective control of the erection and maintenance of outdoor advertising signs, displays, and devices (signs): (1) unless the State submits to the Secretary of Transportation by December 1st of each year an inventory of conforming and non-conforming signs in such State; and (2) if the State allows vegetation located on any land on which the State owns a right-of-way for a highway to be cut to improve the visibility of such signs. Requires the Secretary to submit to the Congress a detailed annual report on the extent to which each State has complied with the requirements of this Act, including a compilation of inventories and a description of the Secretary's efforts to assure that necessary directional information about facilities providing goods and services of interest to the traveling public is available to motorists. Makes exceptions to restrictions under this Act for signs which are lawfully in existence on September 1, 1989, and those located in industrial or commercial areas.
United States · United States Congress · 2 October 1989
Safe Transportation of Food Act - Prohibits any person from: (1) using a refrigerated motor vehicle in the transportation of solid waste; or (2) using a cargo tank that has been used in the transport of hazardous materials for the transportation of food. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to waive such prohibition if such waiver is not contrary to the public interest. Requires the Secretary to study measures that will provide for the safe transportation of food and hazardous materials. Directs the Secretary to submit to the Congress a report containing results of such study. Sets forth both civil and criminal penalties. Empowers the Attorney General, at the Secretary's request, to bring action in U.S. district court for equitable relief to redress any violation of this Act or any regulations issued under it.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 1989
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the credit percentage of the earned income tax credit. Allows a supplemental tax credit for individuals with children under the age of five. Authorizes advance tax credit payments by employers based on the number of qualifying children. Requires such employers to collect a certificate or statement of eligibility from the employee. Amends the Social Security Act to eliminate changes in the treatment of earned income credit in determining certain aid to families with dependent children benefits. Provides for phasing out the dependent care credit and the exclusion for dependent care assistance for taxpayers whose incomes exceed $70,000.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 1989
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to restrict the partial exclusion from income of interest on loans used to acquire employer securities to cases where the employee stock ownership plan owns at least 20 percent of: (1) each class of outstanding stock of the issuing corporation; or (2) the total value of all outstanding stock of the corporation. Limits securities acquisition loans to terms of 15 years. Limits the partial exclusion to loans of $100,000,000 or less except for employee stock ownership plans that own at least 50 percent the corporation's stock. Imposes an excise tax on: (1) the disposition of employer securities within three years of acquisition; and (2) any disposition of such securities before allocation to participant accounts, where the proceeds of disposition are not allocated to such accounts either.
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 1989
Crime Awareness and Campus Security Act of 1989 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 (the Act) to require, under specified student aid program participation agreements, each institution of higher education to certify that it: (1) has established a campus security policy; and (2) will submit an annual uniform crime report to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, as prescribed by the Attorney General. Requires each eligible institution of higher education participating in any program under student assistance (title IV) provisions of the Act, to prepare, publish, and distribute to all current students and employees, and to any applicant for enrollment or employment, upon request, an annual report containing specified types of information with respect to its campus security policies and campus crime statistics. Requires each such institution to make interim reports on specified types of crimes reported to campus security or local law enforcement authorities, and to distribute such reports to students and employees in a timely manner. Directs the Secretary of Education periodically to survey campus security policies, procedures, and practices and disseminate information on those that have been effective in reducing campus crime.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 1989
Larkin I. Smith Narcotic Committee Reorganization Resolution - Amends rule X of the Rules of the House of Representatives to establish the Committee on Narcotics Abuse and Control.
United States · United States Congress · 21 September 1989
Amends rule XXII of the Rules of the House of Representatives to provide that no bill or resolution, and no amendment to any bill or resolution, establishing or expressing any special interest commemoration may be received or considered in the House.
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 1989
Amends titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to permit hospitals to use Medicare and Medicaid payments as collateral for a loan.
United States · United States Congress · 13 September 1989
Farm Animal and Research Facilities Protection Act of 1989 - Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to make it unlawful to disrupt or damage a farm animal facility, its animals, or property. Sets forth penalties for violations of this Act. Allows the Secretary of Agriculture to investigate such offenses. Grants U.S. district courts jurisdiction in such cases. Provides for a private right of action.
United States · United States Congress · 13 September 1989
Legislative Line Item Veto Act of 1989 - Amends the Impoundment Control Act of 1974 to grant the President legislative line item veto rescission authority. Authorizes the President to rescind all or part of any budget authority if the President determines that such rescission: (1) would help balance the Federal budget, reduce the Federal budget deficit, or reduce the public debt; (2) will not impair any essential Government functions; and (3) will not harm the national interest. Requires the President to notify the Congress of such a rescission by: (1) special message not later than 20 calendar days after enactment of appropriations legislation; or (2) special message accompanying the budget when such rescissions have not been proposed previously for that fiscal year. Makes such a rescission effective unless the Congress, during a review period of 20 calendar days, enacts a rescission disapproval bill. Describes: (1) information to be included in the President's message; and (2) procedures to govern consideration of rescission disapproval legislation in the Senate and the House of Representatives.
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 1989
Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to provide reduced rates of interest under the Guaranteed Student Loan (Stafford Loan) program to individuals who enter the teaching profession.
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 1989
Critical Languages and Area Studies Program Assistance Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Education: (1) make grants to eligible consortia to operate critical languages and area studies programs; (2) develop, construct, and acquire educational equipment, materials, and facilities; and (3) develop teacher training programs, texts, curricula, and other activities designed to improve and expand the instruction of foreign languages at elementary and secondary schools. Authorizes appropriations for such grants for FY 1990 through 1992. Limits the maximum amount of such a demonstration grant to an eligible critical languages and area studies partnership in any single fiscal year. Sets forth reporting requirements. Requires that a consortium eligible for such demonstration grants consist of already incorporated entities located in no fewer than two States, which include at least: (1) one not-for-profit corporation with extensive experience in administering both cultural exchange programs and language and culture training programs in the United States and abroad; (2) one public or private elementary secondary school committed to providing quality language and area studies programs to its students and assisting other schools in the surrounding area; (3) one institution of higher education; and (4) one institution with extensive experience in graduate level training of language instructors.
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 1989
Stratospheric Ozone Layer Protection Act - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to issue regulations prohibiting the installation, maintenance, and repair of motor vehicle air conditioners after 1990, unless equipment certified as meeting standards set by the Society of Automotive Engineers for the extraction and reclamation of refrigerants is used. Requires service entities to document the number of air conditioners serviced and the amount of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) purchased and sold by such entities. Prohibits, after FY 1989, the sale of a CFC coolant in containers containing less than 15 pounds of such coolant if such container does not have a warning label indicating the danger such coolant poses to the stratospheric ozone layer. Prohibits, after 1990, the sale of any CFC coolant for use in a motor vehicle air conditioner: (1) other than for commercial or industrial use; and (2) in a container containing less than 15 pounds of such coolant. Prohibits the sale in, or export from, the United States of any motor vehicle manufactured after model year 1992 which contains an air conditioner using CFCs. Requires the Administrator to study and report to the Congress on the use of ozone-depleting chemicals, substitutes for such chemicals, and opportunities for recycling and recovery of such chemicals. Directs the Administrator, no later than January 15, 1991, to study and report to the Congress on ways to accomplish the systematic retrieval, storage, and reuse of CFCs from refrigerators, air conditioners, and motor vehicles facing immediate disposal. Directs the Administrator, no later than January 15, 1992, to study and report to the Congress on current information concerning ozone depletion and the development of motor vehicles which employ air conditioners using refrigerants other than CFCs. Directs the Secretary and the Administrator to consult with motor vehicle dealers and other appropriate business entities to publicize this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 1989
Designates October 27, 1989, as National Hostage Awareness Day in recognition of the 42d birthday of Terry Anderson and his fifth year in captivity. States that efforts should be made to have such date declared International Hostage Day by the United Nations. States that all Federal and international agencies should increase efforts to secure the release of the remaining hostages in Lebanon. Calls for prayer on such date for the release of all U.S. and foreign hostages in Lebanon.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1989
Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1989 - Amends title VII (Equal Employment Opportunities) of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to deem a prima facie violation of such title to have been made out by proof that the representation of the protected group is significantly less in the position or among the benefit recipients in question than among the qualified applicants (or likely qualified applicants) for the position, or the eligible persons (or likely eligible persons) for the benefit. Allows a defendant to rebut the showing by proving that each part of the selection process was a business necessity.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1989
Adult Literacy and Employability Act of 1989 - Title I: Literacy Coordination - Establishes a Joint Presidential-Congressional Task Force on Adult Literacy. Requires the Task Force to report to the Council for Literacy Coordination established by this Act. Terminates the Task Force six months after its last member is appointed. Authorizes appropriations for the Task Force for FY 1990. Establishes the Cabinet Council for Literacy Coordination (the Council). Requires the Council to report annually to the Congress and the President. Authorizes appropriations for the Council for FY 1990 through 1993. Amends the Department of Education Organization Act to establish in the Department of Education an Office of Adult Literacy, to be administered by a Director of such Office. Requires the Director to: (1) coordinate the administration of literacy programs within the Department; and (2) work with the Cabinet Council for Literacy to coordinate related activities. Establishes the National Center for Adult Literacy as a nonprofit corporation which will not be an agency or establishment of the Federal Government. Divides the Center into a research institute, a technical assistance and training institute, and a policy analysis institute. Requires an annual report to the Congress. Authorizes appropriations for the Center for FY 1990 through 1994. Directs the Chairperson of the Council to make grants to States for a network of State or regional adult literacy resource centers. Authorizes appropriations for such grants for FY 1990 through 1992 and succeeding fiscal years. Requires each State that receives adult literacy assistance under an applicable Federal program to: (1) establish a State advisory board on literacy; and (2) submit a State literacy coordination plan. Requires the State Governor to report annually to the Council. Title II: Investment in Literacy - Amends the Adult Education Act (AEA) to increase and extend through FY 1995 the authorization of appropriations for AEA programs. Revises allotment provisions. Requires limitations on the use of funds to: (1) eliminate a cap on high school equivalency certificate programs; and (2) require that a specified amount be used to support adult education and literacy services provided by community-based organizations and nonprofit volunteer agencies. Includes among projects for which State must expand a portion of their AEA allotments: (1) development and expansion of innovative programs; and (2) support for statewide volunteer technical assistance activities. Eliminates certain maintenance of effort requirements. Authorizes the Chairperson of the Council to make matching challenge grants to State for investment in adult literacy instruction staff training and educational technology. Allows States, for purposes of matching such grants, to reserve specified portions of funds for FY 1990 through 1995 under specified Federal laws. Requires that States receiving such grants make available federally-assisted adult literacy program equipment, facilities, or training services, when not in program use or when surplus capacity exists, to other adult literacy programs (without charge or in certain circumstances at cost). Authorizes appropriations for such challenge grants for FY 1990 and succeeding fiscal years. Establishes a Literacy Leader Training Fund. Directs the Secretary of Education (the Secretary), through the Office of Adult Literacy, to make scholarship grants from the Fund to individuals pursuing careers in adult education, instruction, management, research, or innovation, for education or research to expand their expertise. Authorizes appropriations for such purposes for FY 1990 and succeeding fiscal years. Amends the Library Services and Construction Act (LSCA) to establish a library literacy demonstration program. Directs the Secretary to make grants to State and local public libraries for model innovative programs for delivery of adult literacy services, including development of technology-based centers. Requires that a peer review panel advise on grant criteria and application review, and that an expert in library literacy activities administer such program in the Department of Education. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1990 through 1994 for such library literacy demonstration program. Extends through FY 1994 the authorization of appropriations for other LSCA library literacy programs. Title III: Family Literacy - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to direct the Secretary to carry out through the Office of Adult Literacy the Secretary's functions under the Even Start program (which integrates early childhood education and adult education for parents). Title IV: Workplace Literacy - Amends the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) to provide for workplace literacy skills and programs. Revises State education coordination and grant programs to provide financial assistance for any State education, labor, or economic development agency (or consortia) to enhance provision of statewide workplace literacy training and education through cooperative agreements between appropriate agencies and organizations. Requires that at least 75 percent of funds for such activities be used to improve program quality by means such as application of learning technology, model program development, and investment in staff training and services targeted at participants lacking workplace skills. Revises general program requirements for the service delivery system to require private industry councils to give priority to participant placements with businesses and industries that have a workplace literacy program or are willing to develop one with other public and private agencies. Makes individuals lacking workplace literacy skills eligible for adult and youth training program services. Requires, beginning in program year 1990, that at least 40 percent of adult program participants in each service delivery area (SDA) be in need of and be offered basic training through an individual workplace literacy plan. Requires assessment and testing of each potential participant's workplace literacy skills and employment skills. Allows participants who have been placed in employment to continue workplace literacy training until they have achieved their goal or for at least two years, whichever is earlier. Requires SDAs to provide such training for such duration to participants who need and would benefit from it. Allows such training to include workplace literacy training and English-as-a-second-language. Requires such activities to be described in an individualized workplace literacy plan for each participant, including goals based on participant needs. Requires that eligible dislocated workers lacking workplace literacy be offered basic skills training for at least a two-year period from the date of entry into the program. Establishes a Workplace Literacy Demonstration Program. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to make grants for joint ventures of business, industry, or labor (or consortia) cooperating with State, County, or local governments or private industry councils (or consortia) to provide large-scale model development approaches to improving the basic workplace skills of the workforce. Requires the use of such funds for: (1) basic skills training; (2) specific program offerings; (3) assessments of individual and workplace skill needs; (4) program evaluations; and (5) technology-based learning environments. Sets forth matching requirements for grantees. Requires independent evaluation of such programs. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1990 through 1995 for such programs.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1989
Recyclable Consumer Plastics Act of 1989 - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish within the EPA an Office of Recycling Research and Information. Sets forth the functions of such office, including establishing a mandatory resin content labeling system for sorting plastic for recycling. Requires the Director of the Office to make grants to State, county, and local governments and nonprofit organizations to carry out studies for the purpose of minimizing the environmental impact of post-consumer plastic materials disposal. Sets forth required studies. Requires the Director to submit a report to the Congress describing the findings, conclusions, and recommendations of the studies. Directs the Director to make grants to State, county, and local governments and nonprofit organizations to carry out pilot projects for the purpose of developing and demonstrating technology for the recycling or composting (or both) of municipal solid waste and sewage sludge. Sets forth required types of projects. Requires the Director to submit a report to the Congress describing the findings, conclusions, and recommendations of the projects. Earmarks funds appropriated to the EPA for purposes of making grants and carrying out other activities authorized by this Act. Imposes civil and criminal penalties upon any person who distributes, sells, delivers, or otherwise provides any post-consumer plastic product which is not properly labeled as required by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1989
Benjamin Franklin National Memorial Commemorative Coin Act - Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to issue a specified number of five-dollar gold coins, one-dollar silver coins, and half-dollar clad coins in commemoration of the bicentennial of the death of Benjamin Franklin. Provides that such coins shall be considered legal tender. Requires the Secretary to begin issuing such coins on October 1, 1989. Directs the Secretary to obtain silver for the minting of such coins from stocks of silver held by the Secretary or from any other federally owned stocks of silver and to obtain gold pursuant to authority under existing law. Provides that the design of such coins shall be selected by the Secretary after consultation with the Chairman of the Benjamin Franklin National Memorial at the Franklin Institute and the Chairman of the Commission of Fine Arts. Specifies the sales price of such coins as the face value plus costs. Requires that all sales of such coins include a surcharge of $35 per coin for five-dollar coins, $7 per coin for one-dollar coins, and $2 for half-dollar coins. Requires that all surcharges received by the Secretary from the sale of such coins shall be paid to the Benjamin Franklin National Memorial (The Franklin Institute): (1) to restore and renovate the Memorial; (2) to construct or renovate certain adjoining areas of the Franklin Institute; (3) to establish an endowment to ensure the continued upkeep and maintenance of the Memorial; (4) for exhibits in the Memorial or certain adjoining areas of the Institute; and (5) for funds for construction of certain facilities and for the acquisition and preservation of artifacts relating to Franklin. Authorizes the Comptroller General to audit such payments. Prohibits the minting of such coins under this Act after December 31, 1990. Requires the Secretary to ensure that the minting and issuance of such coins shall not result in any net costs to the Government.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 1989
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the Secretary of the Army should investigate whether James L. Cadigan should be awarded the Medal of Honor for heroism in combat during World War II; and (2) if the Secretary recommends making such award, the Congress should consider appropriate legislation.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 1989
Commends the citizens of the Sioux City, Iowa, tri-State area for their heroism and volunteerism in providing assistance to the passengers and crew of crashed United Airlines Flight 232.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 1989
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Exxon Company USA has not fulfilled its obligation to clean up the oil spill caused by its tanker in Prince William Sound in Alaska, and that Exxon should take appropriate steps to ensure a thorough cleanup, including maintaining monitoring crews during the winter, until the oil spill is completely cleaned up.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1989
Veterans Agent Orange Exposure and Vietnam Service Benefits Act of 1989 - Provides that the disease of chloracne in Vietnam veterans shall be considered to have been service-connected if such disease became manifest to a ten percent or more degree of disability within one year after the last date on which the veteran performed such service in Vietnam. Presumes the following diseases to be service-connected for veterans who performed active service in Vietnam during the Vietnam era, notwithstanding that there is no record of evidence of such disease during the period of such service: (1) non-Hodgkins lymphoma; (2) soft-tissue sarcoma; and (3) melanoma and basal cell carcinoma. Provides a presumption of service-connection in the case of a Vietnam veteran suffering from a disease associated with effects of exposure to certain dioxins or other herbicide agents during such service in Vietnam. Directs the Secretary to prescribe regulations listing a positive association between any disease and the biological effects of exposure to an herbicide agent in Vietnam. Requires the Secretary to update such list continually. Requires the Secretary, in prescribing and revising such list, to obtain by contract the determinations and estimates of a contract scientific organization. Requires such organization to: (1) determine which diseases have any degree of association with the biological effects of exposure to an herbicide agent; and (2) estimate the extent of association between each such disease and each such biological effects. Requires the organization to determine such association specifically with respect to non-Hodgkins lymphoma, each soft-tissue sarcoma, lung cancer, and each other cancer. Outlines contract provisions required in such agreements between the Secretary and the scientific organization, including surveys, evaluations, and periodic determinations. Requires such scientific organization to provide reports to the Secretary and the Senate and House Veterans' Affairs Committees regarding its determinations and evaluations. Requires such organization to determine, in the effect of a positive association, whether there is a reasonable basis for concluding that a Vietnam veteran with the highest level of exposure to that herbicide agent in Vietnam was exposed to such agent under the circumstances necessary for such biological effects. Requires a report from the organization to the Secretary and the veterans' committees when there is no such reasonable basis found. Requires the Secretary to make certain determinations and follow-up reports after receiving such reports from the contract scientific organization, including the issuance of a report to the veterans' committees and the promulgation of positive association regulations, if necessary. Requires benefits to be continued even though a disease is removed from the regulations listing diseases having positive associations. Terminates such contracting authority ten years after the first day of the fiscal year in which a scientific organization transmits its first report to the Secretary. Provides special effective dates. Directs the Secretary to compile and analyze all clinical data that: (1) is obtained by the Department in connection with examinations and treatment of veterans for disabilities related to exposure to certain herbicides or to service in Vietnam; and (2) is likely to be scientifically useful in determining the association, if any, between the disabilities of such veterans and their exposure to such herbicides and other toxic substances. Requires the Secretary to submit an annual report to the veterans' committees concerning such analysis and its results. Directs the Secretary to consult with the Director of the National Institutes of Health Research and Grants Division (NIH) before compiling and analyzing such information. Requires the Director of NIH to review each annual report submitted by the Secretary and transmit to the Secretary an evaluation of the contents of each report. Directs the Secretary to establish and maintain a system for the collection and storage of voluntarily contributed samples of blood and tissue of veterans who performed active service in Vietnam during the Vietnam era. Outlines provisions concerning the security and authorized uses of such specimens, as well as limitations on the acceptance of such samples. Requires the Secretary to consult with the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) to the extent that an agreement has been reached with the NAS serving as the contract scientific organization for the Secretary. Requires the Secretary to consult with the Director of the Medical Follow-up Agency in the event of no agreement with NAS. Directs the Secretary to establish a program to provide for the conduct of studies of the feasibility of conducting additional scientific research on health hazards resulting from: (1) exposure to dioxin; (2) exposure to other toxic agents in herbicides used in support of U.S. and allied military operations in Vietnam during the Vietnam era; and (3) active military, naval, or air service there. Requires the Secretary to report to the veterans' committees on the results of such studies. Requires the Secretary to consult with the NAS before undertaking such studies and requires the NAS, to review such studies and report recommendations to the Secretary and the veterans' committees, to the extent provided under any agreement between the Secretary and NAS. Amends the Veterans' Benefits Improvement Act of 1988 to require the Secretary to annually furnish updated information to veterans listed in the Department of Veterans Affairs' Agent Orange Registry on health risks resulting from exposure to dioxin or other toxic agents in herbicides as a result of service in Vietnam during the Vietnam era. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to report to the veterans' committees on the research being conducted to develop treatments for psychological absorption of dioxin and other toxic agents used in herbicides by the United States in Vietnam, including research relating to exposure to dioxin and other toxic agents outside Vietnam. Extends through December 31, 2000, the eligibility for hospital and nursing home care for veterans exposed to toxic substances in Vietnam. Amends the Veterans' Benefits Improvement Act of 1988 to authorize direct consultation between the Ranch Hand Advisory Committee and Department of the Air Force scientists conducting the Ranch Hand Study (a study of the long-term health effects of exposure to phenoxy herbicides and contaminants). Requires the preparation and submission of annual reports and a final report in connection with such study.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1989
Managed Health Care Access and Cost Containment Act of 1989 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to States to study, plan, and develop State basic health plans for individuals under age 65 who are not eligible for Medicare (title XVIII of the Social Security Act) benefits, who do not have access to employer-sponsored health coverage, and whose family income does not exceed limits set by the State. Sets forth reporting requirements. Authorizes FY 1990 appropriations for such grants.
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 1989
Drug War Bond Act of 1989 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to issue: (1) Drug War Bonds for a three-year period with a 12-year maturity date; and (2) Drug War Stamps to evidence payments for or on account of such bonds. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude the interest earned on such War Bonds from an individual's gross income. Authorizes a taxpayer to designate a specified portion of any tax overpayment or make cash contributions to the War on Drugs Trust Fund (established by this Act). Authorizes the Attorney General to make expenditures from the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund into the War on Drugs Trust Fund. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish the War on Drugs Trust Fund. Transfers to such Fund: (1) proceeds from the sale of Drug War Bonds and stamps; and (2) certain cash contributions and portions of tax overpayments. Prescribes expenditures from the War on Drugs Trust Fund, including the construction of Federal prison facilities and education and rehabilitation programs. Precludes the receipts and disbursements from the War on Drugs Trust Fund from being included in either the congressional budget totals or in the budget totals as submitted by the President. Exempts the receipts and expenditures from the War on Drugs Trust Fund from: (1) statutory expenditure and lending limitations; and (2) certain orders issued under the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act). Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress on programs established by this Act. Directs the Attorney General to make recommendations to the Congress regarding the merits of privatizing Federal prisons.
United States · United States Congress · 19 July 1989
Dolphin Protection Consumer Information Act of 1989 - Provides for the labeling of all tuna products as "DOLPHIN SAFE" if the products are, in their entirety: (1) not caught with specified nets or technologies; and (2) regardless of the country of origin, sold or consumed in the United States. Requires tuna products sold or consumed in the United States and not so labeled to bear the statement: "The tuna in this product has been captured with technologies that are known to kill dolphins." Deems a can, box, or package containing any tuna product mislabeled if it is not labeled as required by these provisions, or if its label contains any false or misleading information pertaining to dolphins, whales, or other cetaceans. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, through the Food and Drug Administration, to conduct inspections to determine if tuna products are being labeled in accordance with provisions of this Act. Authorizes any person to commence a civil action against the Secretary where there is alleged a failure of the Secretary to perform the inspection. Provides for injunction proceedings, jurisdiction, burden of proof, trial by jury, and awarding of costs. Authorizes any U.S. citizen to seek an injunction or restraining order. Provides for criminal penalties.
United States · United States Congress · 12 July 1989
Amends the Carl D. Perkins Vocational Education Act to establish a national demonstration program for educational performance agreements. Authorizes appropriations for such program for FY 1990 through 1995.
United States · United States Congress · 11 July 1989
Professional Medical Liability Reform Act of 1989 - Establishes within the Department of Justice a program to fund the creation and operation of State medical liability arbitration panels. Confers upon such panels original and exclusive jurisdiction to hear all claims of medical malpractice that are not against the United States. Catalogs the powers of the panels. Sets forth standards applicable to panel decisions, including provisions relating to choice of law, timetable to govern decisionmaking, criteria relating to expert witnesses, and guidelines for the transmission of a written decision to the parties. Permits admission of evidence of collateral sources of compensation for injuries and requires a mandatory offset of amounts from such sources against damage awards. Authorizes panels to dismiss frivolous claims. Directs panels to determine the amount of damages owed to the plaintiff by a defendant found to be professionally negligent. Permits States to provide judicial enforcement of such damage awards if not promptly paid. Limits recovery for noneconomic loss to a maximum of $250,000, with provision for a cost of living adjustment every three years. Authorizes periodic payment of awards under certain circumstances. Prescribes procedures and standards to govern judicial review of a panel decision. Requires the panel to report to the State insurance commissioner and to the appropriate licensing or certification body within 30 days in cases when a defendant has been found guilty of professional negligence or when a settlement agreement is reached. Requires that the appropriate board make such report available for public inspection and that the commissioner promptly notify each liability insurance provider in the State concerning findings of negligence and the terms of any settlement agreement. Permits the State to authorize liability insurance providers to adjust their rates for persons found liable by a panel or who have entered into certain settlement agreements. Establishes a schedule of attorney fees in professional negligence actions. Provides for installment payment of such fees according to a formula specified in this Act. Subjects an attorney violating fee provisions to civil liability, with jurisdiction over such actions granted to Federal district courts. Requires each State to establish programs to: (1) study the causes of professional negligence in the interest of developing means to prevent or reduce its incidence; (2) review the authority and operations of State medical liability claims plans, risk management bodies, and appropriate health care professional licensing or certification entities; and (3) develop educational materials relating to professional negligence and standards of health care practice. Directs the State health commissioner to develop programs to identify, investigate, and report on incidents of professional negligence and to encourage facilities to take action to prevent future negligence. Fixes a statute of limitations for professional negligence actions. Encourages States to permit parties to a claim filed with a panel to enter into a settlement agreement at any time prior to a panel decision. Subjects such a settlement to the same attorney fee schedule that governs panel decisions. Directs the Attorney General to make specified payments to States eligible for medical liability panel funds according to a specified timetable and schedule. Requires the Governor of a recipient State to report to the Attorney General within one year after receipt of payment concerning the use of such payment. Authorizes the Attorney General to determine the allocation of funds to qualifying States and prescribes guidelines for such determinations. Empowers the Attorney General to make decisions concerning compliance with this Act, termination of allocations and repayment of funds in the event of noncompliance, and reallocation of funds according to guidelines in this Act. Sets forth procedures, a timetable, and standards to govern application by the Governor of any State for the certification of programs to qualify a State for funding under this Act. Makes decisions by the Attorney General concerning noncompliance, the termination of allocations, State repayment of funds, and the reallocation of funds final and not subject to judicial review. Directs the Attorney General to promulgate regulations to implement the provisions of this Act. Authorizes appropriations beginning in FY 1990.
![Official portrait of Rep. Smith, Peter [R-VT-At Large]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/s000601_200.jpg)