United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1989
Authorizes the President to transfer a specified amount of unobligated funds of the Department of Defense for nonlethal assistance to the Nicaraguan democratic resistance that includes: (1) economic assistance for specified administrative costs; (2) gasoline, fuel, and spare parts for aircraft; (3) communication radios with batteries; (4) clothing; (5) political and civic action education programs; and (6) military training courses. Requires the Secretary of State to publish a report detailing the obligation of such nonlethal aid in the Federal Register every 90 days. Declares that the Congress will consider authorizing the President to transfer funds for providing military assistance to the resistance after February 27, 1990, unless the President has certified that the Nicaraguan Government has held free elections toward establishment of a democratic government.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1989
War Powers Reform Amendments Resolution of 1989 - Amends the War Powers Resolution to remove the requirement that the President consult regularly with the Congress during the involvement in hostilities of U.S. armed forces. Revises reporting requirements for the President for the introduction of such forces in the absence of a declaration of war. Removes the requirement of a semiannual report on the status of hostilities. Requires the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate, if petitioned by at least 50 percent (currently, 30 percent) of the membership of their respective Houses, to request the President to convene the Congress in order to consider any presidential report on U.S. armed forces involved in hostilities. Repeals a provision requiring the withdrawal of such forces after a certain period of time. Provides for the removal of such forces, in the absence of a declaration of war, if the Congress so directs by joint (currently, concurrent) resolution. Makes a joint resolution subject to priority procedures only if it is sponsored by at least 50 percent of the membership of the House in which it was introduced. Repeals current priority procedures for joint resolutions or bills and makes priority procedures applicable to concurrent resolutions applicable only to joint resolutions. Repeals specified provisions concerning the interpretation of the War Powers Resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1989
Requests the Secretary of Labor to publish specific standards for the application of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to volunteer fire departments to assure that such departments have specific rules by which to operate that will not restrict their ability to provide fire prevention services.
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1989
Authorizes the President to present a gold medal, on behalf of the Congress, to each of the following individuals in recognition of their contributions to this Nation's cultural heritage: (1) Frank Capra; (2) James Stewart; and (3) Fred Zinnemann. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to design a different gold medal for each such individual. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary to strike and sell bronze duplicates of such medals at a price sufficient to cover the costs of such duplicates and the gold medals. Requires the appropriations to be reimbursed out of the sales proceeds. Designates all such medals as National Medals.
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1989
Educational Excellence Act of 1989 - Title I: Improving Elementary and Secondary Education - Part A: Presidential Merit Schools - Presidential Merit Schools Act - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to establish the Presidential Merit Schools Program to recognize and reward public and private elementary and secondary schools that have made substantial progress in: (1) raising student educational achievement, especially in reading, writing, and mathematics; (2) creating a safe and alcohol- and drug-free school environment; and (3) reducing the dropout rate. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1990 through 1993. Authorizes State educational agencies (SEAs) to designate as a Merit School any public or private elementary or secondary school nominated through procedures established by the SEA. Sets forth requirements for selection criteria established by the Secretary of Education (the Secretary) and by SEAs. Provides that each Merit School will be awarded a Presidential Certificate of Merit, as well as funds to further its educational program. Prohibits Federal, State or local reduction of other assistance to a school because it receives such an award. Part B: Magnet Schools of Excellence - Magnet Schools of Excellence Act of 1989 - Amends ESEA to establish the Magnet Schools of Excellence Program of grants to support public elementary or secondary schools that: (1) offer the highest quality instruction in an academic or vocational discipline or create a unique and effective learning environment; (2) are open to students from beyond the immediate school attendance area; and (3) are capable of attracting students from a variety of backgrounds. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1990 through 1993. Sets forth criteria for selection of applications. Limits such grants to any one school to no more than two years, and requires satisfactory progress in order to receive the grant for the second year. Prohibits Federal, State, or local reduction of assistance to a school because it receives such an award. Part C: Alternative Certification for Teachers and Principals - Alternative Certification of Teachers and Principals Assistance Act of 1989 - Amends ESEA to establish a program of assistance for Alternative Certification of Teachers and Principals. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1990. Repeals this Part as of October 1, 1990. Part D: Presidential Awards for Excellence in Education - Amends ESEA to establish the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Education Program to recognize and reward outstanding elementary and secondary school teachers. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1990 through 1993. Makes any full-time public or private elementary or secondary school teacher of academic or vocational subjects eligible for such an award. Makes teachers of religion (other than religion as an academic discipline) ineligible. Allows various individuals, groups, or institutions to nominate teachers for such awards. Requires State panels to select award recipients using criteria approved by the Secretary. Sets the amount of such an award at $5,000, and allows the recipient to use it for any purpose. Part E: Effective Date - Sets the effective date of the amendments made by this title. Title II: National Science Scholars - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) to establish the National Science Scholars Program to recognize student excellence and achievement in the physical, life, and computer sciences, mathematics, and engineering. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1990 through 1993. Authorizes the Secretary to award scholarships to outstanding students selected as National Science Scholars by the President. Allows students who satisfy certain requirements to receive such scholarships for the first year of undergraduate study and, if they satisfy additional requirements, additional scholarships to cover the remaining undergraduate years. Directs the Secretary to appoint a panel of experts to recommend academic achievement criteria for use in the nomination of scholars. Sets forth requirements for initial and continuation awards. Sets the scholarship amount at $10,000 for an academic year, but reduces such amount based on cost of attendance and other grant or scholarship assistance, and adjusts for insufficient appropriations. Requires that scholarship recipients, to the extent they are otherwise qualified, be given priority consideration for federally financed summer employment in research and development centers. Title III: Other Programs - Amends the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1986 to establish a Drug-Free Schools Urban Emergency Grants program. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1990 through 1993. Directs the Secretary ot use program funds to award a small number of one-time grants to local educational agencies in urban areas with the most severe drug problems to assist them in developing and implementing comprehensive approaches to eliminating such problems. Amends HEA to authorize appropriations for FY 1990 through 1993 for special awards to historically Black colleges and universities. Makes institutions that receive such awards ineligible for other specified awards, and makes institutions that do not receive them eligible for those other awards.
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1989
Flag Protection and Student Accountability Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to prohibit individuals who have been convicted of desecrating the American flag from receiving Federal student financial assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1989
Urges the Government of Iran to uphold the human rights of all its nationals, including members of the Baha'i faith, and to extend the rights guaranteed by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Calls upon the President to continue to: (1) emphasize human rights improvements as an important factor in the development of relations between the U.S. and Iranian Governments; (2) cooperate with other governments to initiate and support actions by the United Nations and its agencies to promote the protection of the religious rights of the Baha'is; and (3) provide, and urge others to provide, for refugee and humanitarian assistance for those Baha'is fleeing their homelands to escape religious repression.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1989
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to eliminate restrictions on the child's insurance eligibility of individuals who are legally adopted in the United States by parents who are already entitled to old-age or disability insurance benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 1989
Designates the week of October 22 through October 29, 1989, as Drug-Free America Week. Encourages every American to wear red during such week to symbolize a commitment to a drug-free lifestyle.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1989
Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to phase-in, over four years, the requirement that nursing facilities pay nursing personnel at a rate at least equal to the mean rate paid nursing personnel employed outside such facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1989
Used Oil Recycling Act of 1989 - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to prohibit the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency from listing or identifying as a hazardous waste any: (1) recycled oil; (2) used oil transferred to a person who certifies that such oil will be rerefined, processed, or reclaimed for a beneficial purpose or stored less than 12 months prior to such transfer; and (3) used oil which has been removed from the engine of a light duty motor vehicle or household appliance by the owner, transferred to a service station dealer, and stored by the dealer for less than 12 months. Requires the Administrator to determine whether to list as a hazardous waste used oil which is a solid waste and does not satisfy the above-listed criteria. Directs the Administrator to establish management standards for the storage, testing, transportation, treatment, exportation and importation, and processing of used oil. Requires such standards to be designed to protect human health and the environment by encouraging and expanding reliance on recycling of used oil. Exempts generators of used oil from recordkeeping or reporting requirements if such generators: (1) enter into an agreement for delivery of such oil to a recycling facility whose owner or operator certifies compliance with such standards or recycles such oil; (2) do not mix the oil with any hazardous wastes; and (3) maintain necessary records relating to the oil. Prohibits mixing used oil with any hazardous waste identified under such Act except where: (1) such mixing involves an identified hazardous waste and the resulting mixture does not exhibit a characteristic identified in such Act; and (2) the used oil mixture is burned to recover useful energy such that protection of human health and the environment is assured. Deems owners or operators of facilities which process used oil for fuel to have permits for recycling activities if in compliance with management standards. Directs the Administrator to conduct inspections of such facilities to determine compliance with such standards. Requires the Administrator to implement educational programs to inform the public about the environmental and safety hazards associated with improper handling of used oil and the benefits of used oil recycling. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Administrator to promulgate regulations concerning the procurement of used oil fuel by Federal agencies subject to the requirements of the Solid Waste Disposal Act.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1989
Emergency Refugee Act of 1989 - Authorizes additional FY 1989 refugee admissions from the Soviet Union, Eastern Europe, Vietnam, the Near East, and East Asia First Asylum countries. Transfers unused FY 1989 State legalization impact assistance grant (SLIAG) funds to cover specified costs related to such admissions. Authorizes additional SLIAG FY 1990 and 1991 appropriations. Authorizes FY 1990 and 1991 appropriations for anti-discrimination in employment activities. Authorizes SLIAG funds to be used for: (1) employment training and educational outreach programs for legalized aliens; and (2) State enforcement of anti-discrimination activities. Establishes an administrative appeals process for States applying for SLIAG assistance. Gives education priority under such grants to basic citizenship skills (English language and United States history and government).
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1989
Child Care Services Improvement Act of 1989 - Title I: Choices for Working Families Credit - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the amount of the earned income tax credit and to adjust it according to the number of children in a family. Title II: Child Care Block Grant - Subtitle A: Child Care Block Grant - Amends title XX of the Social Security Act to authorize appropriations for FY 1990 through 1992 for allotments to States for grants to eligible entities for child care related projects. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (the Secretary for purposes of this title) to make allotments to States through a formula based on the number of children under 13 years of age living in a household whose income is not greater than 200 percent of the poverty level, adjusted for family size. Sets the Federal share at 80 percent of the project grants. Makes eligible for such grants: (1) local government units, including school districts; (2) nonprofit organizations; (3) professional or employee associations; (4) one or more small businesses; (5) higher education institutions; (6) hospitals or health care facilities; (7) family care providers; or (8) entities the State considers able and appropriate to carry out such a project. Allows a State to make such grants to eligible entities for: (1) child care certificate programs or scholarships enabling low-income families to obtain adequate child care; (2) community or neighborhood child care centers and homes, including renovation of public buildings for such purposes; (3) after school child care programs; (4) grants or loans for start-up costs of employer-sponsored child care programs; (5) training programs for child care providers; (6) temporary care of sick children unable to attend their regular child care programs; (7) expansion of existing part-day child care programs into full-day child care programs; (8) child care programs for homeless children; and (9) child care programs with programs to assist the elderly. Requires States to meet specified certification requirements, including establishment of standards of accreditation or licensing for family-based and group child care providers and methods of inspection and certification based on such standards. Requires annual State reports. Directs the Secretary to summarize State reports annually for the Congress. Requires grant recipients to cover between ten percent and 50 percent of the project cost with non-Federal funds. Directs each State Governor to establish an advisory council on child care. Directs the Secretary to conduct and support: (1) research on the effectiveness of early childhood education and quality child care on child growth and development; and (2) demonstration programs to test the effectiveness of innovative child care arrangements and programs (including at least ten grants to entities in accordance with subtitle B of this title). Subtitle B: Quality Child Care Demonstration Projects - Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to not more than ten eligible public agencies and private entities, in urban and rural areas, to administer child development models. Directs the Secretary to report to the Congress by April 1, 1992, on the operation of the child development models that received grants, with a summary of their evaluation reports. Subtitle C: Revolving Loan Fund - Provides assistance for State-established revolving loan funds to enable family-based child care providers to meet accreditation or licensing standards. Requires each applicant State to provide in its plan for such assistance to have established a revolving loan fund along with specified procedures and guidelines. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1990, to remain available for assistance to States for FY 1990 through 1992. Directs the Secretary to make allotments to States through a formula based on the number of children under 13 years of age. Title III: Building Blocks for Employer/Employee Child Care Partnerships - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that a plan shall not be treated as a cafeteria plan unless it provides an option to choose benefits under a dependent care assistance program. Establishes a tax credit for employers who provide qualified child care facilities. Provides that certain earnings from the provision of qualified family-based or in-home child care services are entitled to: (1) special rules for and a lower rate of self-employment tax; and (2) exemptions from wage withholding and estimated tax requirements (under the Internal Revenue Code and the Social Security Act). Title IV: Child Care Liability - Subtitle A: Child Care Liability Reform - Applies the provisions of this subtitle, with specified exceptions, to any civil action, in any State or Federal court, against any child care provider who is in compliance with the licensing or accreditation requirements of the State in which the provider is located. Makes this part inapplicable to civil actions for intentional torts. Provides that this part shall preempt and supersede Federal or State law only to the extent such law is inconsistent with this part. Sets forth certain defenses, rules, and rights which are not affected by this part. Makes joint and several liability inapplicable to any action subject to this subtitle. Makes an exception for concerted actions. Provides for reduction of awards for damages in cases of collateral sources of compensation. Sets forth standards and procedures for the award of punitive or exemplary damages in civil actions to which this subtitle applies. Provides that nonprofit corporations or local educational agencies are not liable for damages in any civil action to which this subtitle applies which is brought against a separate child care-providing corporation or business organization of which they are the parent or majority owners. Encourages States to establish expedited and simplified procedures under which nonprofit organizations and local educational agencies may inexpensively and quickly incorporate or otherwise organize such entities as separate child care providers. Subtitle B: Child Care Liability Risk Retention Group - Authorizes any State to assist in the establishment and operation of a child care liability risk retention group (i.e. a corporation or other limited liability association whose members are child care providers licensed or accredited pursuant to State or local law or standards and which otherwise satisfies specified criteria for risk retention groups). Requires State plans to: (1) identify the lead agency designated and responsible for the administration of funds under this part; (2) provide that all participants in the child care liability risk retention group are child care providers who are licensed or accredited pursuant to State or local law or standards; (3) provide for maximum membership of family-based child care providers in the group; (4) provide that the State shall use at least the amount allotted to establish or maintain a liability risk retention group for child care providers; and (5) specify how any such liability risk retention group will continue to be financed after FY 1992, including financing through contributions by the State or by members of such pool. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to review and approve State plans and to monitor State compliance with requirements of this subtitle. Provides for suspension of payments upon a finding of noncompliance. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1990 to remain available for assistance to States for FY 1990 through 1992. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to allot funds to States on the basis of the number of children under 13 years of age. Title V: President's Award for Responsive Management Policy - Establishes the President's Award for Responsive Management Policy to honor public and private sector employers who have: (1) successfully implemented in their businesses family-oriented personnel programs and policies responsive to child care needs of working parents; or (2) made significant contributions to child care projects in their communities. Directs the President, through the Secretary of Labor, to solicit nominations.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1989
Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to authorize the Director of the Bureau of Justice Assistance to make grants to assist in the construction of maximum security correctional facilities in States that have laws regarding the sentencing and incarceration of career criminals. Sets forth procedures and requirements for a State to apply for such a grant, including a reasonable assurance that the State will use non-Federal funds to pay at least half of the total cost for the construction of the facility. Establishes criteria for approval of grant applications. Authorizes the United States to recover funds calculated according to a specified formula from a State receiving a grant if, within ten years, the State ceases to operate the facility as a maximum security correctional facility or repeals its career criminal laws. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1990 through 1992.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1989
Family Educational Opportunity Act of 1989 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to remove from the computation of expected family contribution in the determination of need for assistance under the title IV (Student Assistance) Pell Grant program and other title IV student assistance programs the following assets: (1) the family's principal place of residence; (2) a family farm on which the family resides; or (3) a small business substantially owned and managed by a member or members of the family.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1989
Designates the week beginning September 1, 1989, as World War II Remembrance Week in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the outbreak of that War.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1989
Amends rule X of the Rules of the House of Representatives to establish the Committee on Drug Abuse and Control. Terminates the Select Committee on Narcotics Abuse and Control.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1989
Anti-Terrorism Sanctions Act of 1989 - Requires the President to revoke the most-favored-nation trade status of certain foreign countries that repeatedly support international terrorism. Prohibits duty-free treatment for the products of such countries under the Trade Act of 1974 or the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act. Prohibits the Secretary of Commerce from consulting with the governments of such countries regarding international travel and tourism. Allows the President to waive any sanction under this Act with respect to any foreign country if such waiver would be in the best interests of the United States. Requires the President to give 30 days' notice to the Congress concerning any waiver.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1989
Requires the cost-of-living adjustments in FY 1990 for persons receiving military retired pay or an annuity under a veterans' survivors' benefits program to take effect. Prohibits any reduction or suspension of such adjustments under any presidential order or any other provision of law, except applicable Federal armed forces provisions.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1989
Urges the British Government to ensure direct elections in 1991 and 1994 to the Legislative Council of Hong Kong. Calls upon the President to communicate to the People's Republic of China and the British Government the importance the United States attaches to the democratic and human rights of Hong Kong's citizens and the retention of Hong Kong's capitalist system.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1989
Acid Deposition Control Act of 1989 - Title I: Stationary Sources - Amends the Clean Air Act to require each Governor to submit to the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency for approval a two-phased plan establishing emission limitations and compliance schedules for sulfur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen emissions from fossil fuel fired electric utility steam generating units in the State. Requires reductions in sulfur dioxide emissions by 1994 (phase I) and reductions in oxides of nitrogen and further reductions in sulfur dioxide by 1998 (phase II). Directs each Governor to submit to the Administrator for approval an emissions limitations plan for such units, other than electric utilities' units, requiring both sulfur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen emissions reductions by 1998. Requires the Administrator to conduct and update an annual inventory of sulfur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen emissions from stationary sources. Directs the Administrator to identify the total statewide potential reductions in such emissions and to transmit such information to the State. Requires each Governor to submit to the Administrator a plan for establishing emission limitations from stationary sources of industrial process emissions to achieve such State's potential reductions by 1998. Requires the Administrator to study and report to the Congress by June 30, 1994, on the reductions achieved during phase I, granting the Congress an opportunity to legislate by the start of 1995 against the implementation of phase II. Grants States an opportunity to modify disapproved plans. Establishes emissions standards and Administrator-promulgated plans for States without an approved plan. Requires units in such States to submit a compliance plan and schedule to the Administrator. Directs the Administrator to impose fees on the generation and importation of electric energy if a utility is eligible for Federal subsidies to cover rate increases attributable to emission reduction requirements. Limits such fee to a maximum of 1/2 mill per kilowatt hour and makes it inapplicable to the generation of electric energy within the United States by hydroelectric or nuclear power. Prohibits the application of such fees after December 31, 1997. Prescribes civil penalties for violations in connection with such fees. Establishes the Acid Deposition Control Fund to provide for subsidies to electric utilities to cover rate increases attributable to emission reduction requirements. Prohibits the payments of subsidies to any utility, unless the State's Governor has assured that such rate increases are: (1) equivalent for residential electric utility ratepayers throughout the State; and (2) made level over the period during which such requirements are in effect. Prohibits costs for any technological system of emission reduction from being attributed to such requirements, unless such system meets specified conditions. Authorizes the Administrator to provide financial assistance to the owners or operators of stationary sources to promote the use of innovative technologies to control sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and other emissions from fossil fuels covered under the Clean Air Act. Sets forth eligibility and evaluation requirements. Allows State plans to provide for the use of innovative technology if contingent emission limitations are included in such plans. Authorizes the Administrator to impose fees on the generation of electric energy in such States to promote the use of innovative technologies. Prescribes civil penalties for violations in connection with such fees. Directs the Administrator to revise standards for emissions of nitrogen oxides for electric utility steam generating units burning bituminous or subbituminous coal. Requires the Administrator to promulgate standards for such emissions from nonelectric utility units which are new sources over a certain capacity. Title II: Emissions from Mobile Sources - Establishes emission standards for: (1) oxides of nitrogen from passenger cars and trucks manufactured after model year 1990; and (2) hydrocarbons from trucks manufactured after model year 1991. Directs the Administrator to promulgate regulations setting a maximum percentage for the sulfur content of motor vehicle diesel fuel. Prohibits any manufacturer or processor of diesel fuel from selling or introducing into commerce any fuel not in compliance with such regulations after January 1, 1991. Directs the Administrator to promulgate regulations to require the use of either hydrocarbon control technology by motor vehicles manufactured after model year 1991, or gasoline vapor recovery of hydrocarbon emissions emanating from the fueling of motor vehicles, or both.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1989
International Financial Security Act of 1989 - Amends the Export Administration Act to state congressional findings that loans and other transfers of capital to the Soviet Union and its allies increase the ability of those countries to obtain sensitive goods and technology and to more easily divert funds to purposes inimical to U.S. interests. Declares that it is U.S. policy to use export controls to: (1) restrict the export of capital, the extension of credit, or the transfer of financial resources to destinations or persons abroad in order to promote the national security, including antiterrorism, the foreign policy interests of the United States, the advancement of emigration of Soviet Jews and other ethnic minorities, and human rights policies of the Soviet Union and other East Bloc countries; and (2) restrict the export of goods and technology where such export will likely support terrorism against U.S. citizens or benefit terrorists or countries supporting international terrorism. Authorizes the President to restrict the export or transfer of: (1) goods and technology if such export will likely support terrorism against U.S. citizens or benefit terrorists or countries supporting international terrorism; and (2) money or other financial assets to the governments of Warsaw Pact countries or countries supporting international terrorism. Provides for negotiations with other countries to obtain their cooperation with such export controls on capital, goods, and technology. Requires export license applications for the export of capital to be submitted to the Secretary of the Treasury, who shall make all determinations with respect to such application. Requires the annual report on the administration of the Export Administration Act of 1979 to include a report on actions taken to carry out export controls on capital. Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act to require that any notice of a change in control of an insured bank include the nationality of the person or persons making the acquisition. Sets forth criminal penalties for violation of any change in control requirement. Requires Federal banking agencies to disapprove any proposed acquisition which would result in the ownership or control of an insured bank by a Warsaw Pact country or a national agency or instrumentality of any such country. Requires federally-insured banks to include in reports of condition and reports to shareholders, and make available to the public, information concerning the number and amount of each untied loan made to any Warsaw Pact country.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1989
Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to establish in the Treasury the Textile Machinery Modernization Fund. Appropriates revenues from customs duties imposed on textile machinery and parts imported into the United States to such fund for research projects for the modernization of the U.S. textile machinery industry.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1989
Terrorist Alien Removal Act of 1989 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to make terrorist activity (as defined by this Act) grounds for deportation. Establishes removal procedures for alien terrorists, including a special removal hearing which shall be open to the public.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1989
Foreign Aid Impact Assessment Act - Requires the President to submit to the Congress, by December 31, 1989, 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 · 15 March 1989
Research and Experimental Credit Extension and Reform Act of 1989 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the income tax credit for qualified research expenditures by repealing the provisions that would terminate the credit for expenses incurred or paid after 1989. Revises the method for computing: (1) base period research expenses, adding a factor reflecting the gross national product growth rate; and (2) the tax credit, adding an alternative computation component. Applies the credit to in-house research expenses that the taxpayer pays or incurs for the principal purpose of using the research results in the active conduct of a future trade or business.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1989
Television Violence Act of 1989 - Exempts from the antitrust laws any joint discussion, consideration, review, action, or agreement by or among persons in the television industry for the purpose of, and limited to, developing and disseminating voluntary guidelines designed to alleviate the negative impact of violence in telecast material, provided the joint action does not result in a boycott of any person. Terminates such exemption three years after enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1989
Eliminates post-1968 service in the National Guard as a prerequisite to civil service retirement credit for former National Guard technicians. Amends the National Guard Technicians Act of 1968 to eliminate post-1968 service as a prerequisite for National Guard technicians for receipt of credit in the determination of length of Federal civil service for purposes of leave, Federal employees' death and disability compensation, group life and health insurance, severance pay, tenure, and status. Sets forth rules for applying provisions of this Act to affected individuals.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1989
Recognizes the National Fallen Firefighters' Memorial at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland, as the official national memorial to volunteer and career firefighters who die in the line of duty.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1989
Expresses disapproval of the refusal of the U.S.S.R. to recognize the sovereignty of the Baltic Republics. Designates June 14, 1989, as Baltic Freedom Day. Authorizes and requests the President to call upon the Soviet Union, the Federal Republic of Germany, and the Democratic Republic of Germany to renounce the acquisition or absorption of the Baltic Republics by the Soviet Union as a result of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1989
Committee Process Reforms of 1989 - Amends rule X of the Rules of the House of Representatives to require each standing committee, not later than March 1 in the first session of a Congress, to adopt its oversight plans in a meeting open to the public. Requires the committees to submit such plans to the Committee on House Administration, which shall, not later than March 15 in the first session of a Congress, report such plans to the House with recommendations. Authorizes the Speaker of the House to appoint special ad hoc oversight committees to review specific matters within the jurisdiction of two or more committees. Amends rule XI to require each committee to include in its biennial report to the House a separate section summarizing its legislative and oversight activities during that Congress. Directs the Speaker of the House initially to refer each bill, resolution, or other matter to one committee of principal jurisdiction. Eliminates the Speaker's authority to refer any such matter initially to two or more committees for concurrent consideration, however the Speaker continues to have authority to make sequential referrals to multiple committees. Requires standing committees to be elected by the House within seven legislative days (currently, seven calendar days) after the commencement of a Congress. Requires standing committees to hold organizational meetings not later than three legislative days after election. Requires the membership of each committee (except the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct), select committee, and conference committee (and each subcommittee, task force, or subunit thereof) to reflect the ratio of majority to minority Members. Provides that such ratio be reflected for standing committees at the beginning of each Congress, and for select and conference committees at the time of appointment. Prohibits any standing committee from establishing more than six subcommittees, and any Member serving at any one time on more than four subcommittees. Defines subcommittee as any subunit of a standing committee established for a period of more than six months. Prohibits the vote by any member of any committee or subcommittee from being cast by proxy. Requires open meetings unless disclosure of matters to be considered would endanger national security, tend to defame, degrade, or incriminate any person, or otherwise violate any law or rule of the House, or involve committee personnel. Provides that a majority of members of each committee or subcommittee shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of any business. Requires committee rollcall votes on a motion to report any bill or resolution of a public character to include the names of members voting for and against. Requires each nonrecord vote to include the names of those Members actually present at the time the bill or resolution is ordered reported. Requires that a draft copy of each report of a measure or recommendation be made available to the Members of the appropriate committee at least one legislative day prior to the date such measure is scheduled to be reported. Makes an exception for the Committee on Rules in specified cases. Requires prior committee or subcommittee approval before the public dissemination of any print, document, or other material intended for such public dissemination, other than reports on measures or recommendations. Requires the printing of a specified disclaimer in boldface type on the cover of such materials if committee members are not afforded the opportunity to include views. Lists the types of materials for which such requirements do not apply. Provides for the consideration of any order of business resolution from the Committee on Rules which provides for the consideration of unreported bills. Prohibits the House from considering any primary expense resolution until the Committee on House Administration has reported and the House has adopted a resolution establishing the committee staff personnel ceiling for the year. Requires such committee to specify in any primary or supplemental expense resolution the number of staff positions authorized therein. Authorizes the House to consider any supplemental expense resolution in excess of such ceiling by a vote of two-thirds of the Members present. Prohibits the overall staff ceiling of the 101st Congress from exceeding 90 percent of the total committee staff personnel employed at the end of the 100th Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1989
Authorizes the Secretary of each military department concerned to accept for original enlistment in the armed forces, the reserves, and the Coast Guard certain aliens not already admitted for permanent residence in the United States. Requires such aliens to satisfy any other enlistment qualifications prescribed by the Secretary concerned. Provides that, if within 60 days after the commencement of war or an emergency declared by the Congress, the Congress fails to increase the number of aliens authorized to serve in the armed forces and the Coast Guard, the President may set such number. Requires any alien taking an oath of enlistment to also declare an intention to become a citizen of the United States. Authorizes the chief executive officer of any State, territory, or possession of the United States to provide for the enlistment of aliens in the organized militia. Limits the number of aliens authorized to be enlisted during any fiscal year. Requires at least two-thirds of such enlisted members to be reserved for the Army National Guard. Provides the same conditions of enlistment for such aliens as stated above for aliens enlisting in the U.S. armed forces and Coast Guard. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to direct the Attorney General, in consultation with the Secretary concerned or other proper State, possession, or territorial official, to adjust to a temporary lawfully-admitted status any alien who: (1) is an enlisted member of the armed forces or militia; (2) establishes that he or she is otherwise admissible as an immigrant; (3) has not been convicted of any felony or three or more misdemeanors committed in the United States; and (4) has not assisted in the persecution of any person on account of race, religion, nationality, or membership in a particular social group. Requires any spouse or child of such alien to satisfy such requirements (except for the enlistment requirement) in order to have his or her status adjusted. Directs the Attorney General to adjust such status to lawfully admitted for permanent residence for an alien who: (1) serves no less than three years of honorable service in the armed forces or militia and is not released or discharged under other-than-honorable conditions; (2) applies for such adjustment within a specified time after such service if the Secretary or chief executive officer concerned approves such application; and (3) is admissible as an immigrant. Directs the Attorney General, upon petition by the Secretary or chief executive officer concerned, to waive such three-year service requirement condition for any alien who was wounded in action or held captive or with respect to a family member of an alien killed in action. Provides that certain numerical limitations on the number of aliens lawfully admitted into the United States under the Immigration and Nationality Act shall not apply to the aliens admitted under this Act. Prohibits the Attorney General from deporting, detaining, or taking any other adverse action against an alien who has submitted an application for enlistment under this Act pending determination of such enlistment.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1989
Title I: Federal Victim's Services and Protections Compliance Act - Federal Victim's Services and Protections Compliance Act - Directs the Attorney General to: (1) establish an evaluation system for law enforcement officers which rates such officers on their compliance with specified laws protecting victims of crimes; and (2) use such evaluation system to create standards governing services to victims and witnesses in Federal cases and to serve as a model to States and localities. Requires the Office for Victims of Crime to report periodically to the public, the Congress, and the President on victim protections and on compliance with this Act. Title II: The Federal Child Victim's Bill of Rights - Amends the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure to authorize a court to order that testimony of a child be taken in a room other than the courtroom and be televised by closed circuit equipment to be viewed by the court. Limits the parties who may be present during the child's testimony. Authorizes the court to: (1) require a party to be sequestered in an adjacent room or behind a screen or mirror that permits the party to see and hear the child during the child's testimony but does not allow the child to see or hear the party (requires the court, in such cases, to ensure that the party and counsel can confer during testimony and to provide an opportunity for cross examination); (2) order that the testimony of a child be taken by recorded deposition for use at trial; (3) admit into evidence the recorded statements of a child describing sexual conduct performed with or on the child, if specified conditions are met; and (4) permit the use of anatomical dolls, puppets, or toys which the court determines may aid the testimony of a child in describing such sexual conduct. Establishes procedures for: (1) determining the competency of a child to be a witness; and (2) protecting the identity of the child victim and the confidentiality of specified information. Prohibits the release of such information except as authorized by the court or to the accused or accused's counsel. Specifies that there is no statute of limitation within which a prosecution must be commenced for any sex offense involving a victim under 18 years of age. Directs or authorizes the court to appoint a guardian ad litem to protect the interests of the minor under specified circumstances. Grants a child under 18 years of age, while testifying at or attending a judicial proceeding, the right to be accompanied by a parent, victim/witness counselor, or other adult designated by the court. Specifies the role of such attendant. Provides for expedited procedures for the prosecution of any action involving a dangerous crime against children. Requires any physician, social worker, or specified other individuals (medical personnel, teachers, and anyone who has reasonable cause to believe that a child is abused or neglected) to report to the appropriate authorities. Makes: (1) reporters immune from liability under this Act; and (2) failure to report a class A misdemeanor. Title III: Child Care Worker Employee Background Check - Requires each Federal agency hiring individuals determined to have supervisory or disciplinary authority over children to require a report of the criminal history of specified employees.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1989
Nuclear Decommissioning Reserve Fund Act of 1989 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) decrease from 34 percent to 15 percent the rate of the tax imposed on the income of any Nuclear Decommissioning Reserve Fund; and (2) remove restrictions on permitted investments of Fund monies.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1989
Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to set forth the following conditions for a presidential waiver of the prohibition on assistance to Communist countries: (1) the government of such recipient country no longer maintains a centrally-planned economy based on the principles of Marxism-Leninism and respects and observes internationally recognized standards of human rights; and (2) such assistance will encourage the deliverance of such recipient country from dependence on other Communist countries. Expands the list of Communist countries to which assistance is prohibited to include Cambodia, Guyana, Afghanistan, Laos, South Yemen, Angola, Benin, Congo, Mozambique, Nicaragua, and Ethiopia. Requires the President to report to the Congress every three months on the steps being taken by the governments of Communist countries receiving U.S. humanitarian disaster relief assistance to alleviate the conditions that make such assistance necessary.