United States · United States Congress · 23 September 1988
Directs the Administrator of the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention to make grants to eligible States that contain geographical areas in which a large number of juveniles participate in activities of gangs that commit crimes. Sets forth eligibility criteria, including the existence of a State law that provides for the treatment for alcohol and drug abuse, counseling, employment, and supervision of each juvenile who is released after having been found to have committed an act that would have been a crime under State law if committed by an adult. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 1988
Bootstrap Schools Act of 1988 - Directs the Secretary of Education to make grants, on a competitive basis, to eligible local educational agencies (LEAs) to enhance the quality of education provided at elementary and secondary schools through establishing bootstrap school programs. Makes an LEA eligible for such a grant if it submits an application and serves a qualified area, i.e. any area of the State in which the percentage of the population whose annual gross income does not exceed the poverty line is twice the percentage of the State population. Sets forth requirements for contents of applications. Requires that special consideration be given to applications which describe a program to: (1) serve areas in which at least 60 percent of the population has an annual gross income that does not exceed the poverty line; and (2) improve academic standards and performance at schools through measures such as: (1) open enrollment; (2) school-based management of curricula, class size, and funds; (3) professionalization of teachers, as determined by the Secretary; (4) alternative certification of teachers; (5) reduction of the number of nonteaching personnel; and (6) merit pay for teachers. Requires each LEA recipient to use the grant only for: (1) planning and outreach activities directly related to expanding and enhancing academic programs and services offered at such schools; (2) acquisition of teaching materials, books, and equipment for educational programs (including computers); and (3) teacher compensation. Requires that such use be directly related to increasing the knowledge of students attending elementary and secondary schools, under the LEA's jurisdiction, in mathematics, science, history, English, foreign languages, art, or music or to improving their vocation skills. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1989 for such grants.
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 1988
Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to direct the Secretary of Education to make grants to local educational agencies for character education programs. Requires local educational agencies to certify to the Secretary that the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag is a part of the daily program of each elementary and secondary school under their control and direction, in order to be eligible for such grants. Sets forth application requirements. Directs the Secretary to disseminate information on successful character education and development programs to State and local educational agencies, community-based organizations, and other interested individuals and organizations. Authorizes appropriations to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 1988
Public Housing Family Stability Act - Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937, as amended by the Housing and Community Development Act of 1987, to direct public housing agencies to set maximum monthly rents for their tenants.
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 1988
Family Impact Statement Act of 1988 - Requires congressional committees to prepare family impact statements to accompany each report of a bill or joint resolution that would affect families in the United States. Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to require the Congressional Budget Office to assist congressional committees in the preparation of such statements at the request of the committee. Requires each Executive agency to: (1) utilize a systematic, interdisciplinary approach that ensures the integrated use of the economic and social sciences in planning and decisionmaking that may affect families; (2) identify and develop methods and procedures that will ensure that such agency gives appropriate consideration to any potential effect of proposed actions, decisions, and activities of such agency on families; and (3) include a family impact statement in every recommendation or report on a proposal for legislation or other major Federal action which significantly affects families. Requires each Executive agency to report to the President, the Speaker of the House, and the President pro tempore of the Senate on a review of how its statutory authorities, rules, policies, or procedures affect families in the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 1988
Directs the Attorney General of the United States to make a grant to each State that has in effect a law requiring that any juvenile who is found to have committed an act that would have been a crime under State law if committed by an adult: (1) serve a term of confinement in a State correctional facility if such act was violent in nature; (2) perform community service if such act was nonviolent; and (3) pay restitution to the victim. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 1988
Directs the Attorney General of the United States to make a grant to each State that has in effect a law: (1) requiring that any juvenile who is found to have committed an act that would have been a crime under State law if committed by an adult to pay restitution to the victim; and (2) authorizing the courts of such State to require the parents of such juvenile to be jointly liable with such juvenile. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 1988
Amends the Federal criminal code to prescribe penalties for the unauthorized use of the name Visiting Nurse Association or Visiting Nurse Service or of the name or insignia of the Visiting Nurse Association of America.
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 1988
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit a nonrefundable credit of 20 percent of qualified adoption expenses paid or incurred by the taxpayer in connection with the legal adoption of a child with special needs. Limits the amount of the credit to $600.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 1988
Sanctions Against Iraqi Chemical Weapons Use Act - Sets forth congressional findings concerning Iraq's use of chemical weapons and the treatment of the Kurdish people in Iraq. Prohibits: (1) the sale to Iraq of any license for the export to Iraq of any item on the U.S. Munitions list; (2) the issuance of any license for the export to Iraq of any item on the U.S. Munitions list; (3) the export to Iraq of any goods or technology on the Export Administration Act control list; and (4) the issuance of licenses for the export to Iraq of any chemical that the President determines may be used primarily in the production of chemical weapons or devoted to chemical warfare purposes. Requires the President to impose additional sanctions against Iraq, unless he certifies to the Congress that: (1) Iraq is not using chemical weapons in violation of international law; (2) Iraq has provided reliable assurances that it will not use chemical weapons in the future; and (3) Iraq is willing to allow on-site inspections by the United Nations or other impartial observers, or other reliable means exist to ensure that Iraq is not using chemical weapons. Authorizes the following additional sanctions: (1) prohibiting or restricting the importation of oil, petroleum products, or other goods from Iraq; (2) prohibiting or restricting the export to Iraq of agricultural commodities and other goods and technology under authority of the Export Administration Act; (3) denying Government credits, guarantees of credits, and other assistance to Iraq; (4) opposing any loan or financial or technical assistance to Iraq by international financial institutions; or (5) downgrading or suspending diplomatic relations with Iraq. Specifies that contract sanctity shall apply for contracts signed before September 15, 1988. Requires the President to report to the Congress periodically on any such actions taken. Allows the President to lift any sanctions imposed pursuant to this Act if the President determines and certifies to the Congress that Iraq: (1) is not using chemical weapons; (2) has provided reliable assurances that it will not use chemical weapons in the future; and (3) is willing to allow on-site inspections by the United Nations or other impartial observers, or other means exist to ensure that Iraq is not using chemical weapons. Urges Turkey to cooperate with any United Nations or other appropriate investigation of Iraqi use of chemical weapons. Commends Turkey for its humanitarian decision to accept Kurdish refugees. Calls upon the President to: (1) bring before the United Nations the matter of Iraq's use of poison gas against its own nationals; and (2) demand that appropriate and effective measures be taken against Iraq for its repeated use of chemical weapons. Calls upon the President to seek multinational cooperation in: (1) imposing sanctions and otherwise bringing pressure on Iraq in order to obtain a cessation of Iraq's use of chemical weapons; and (2) obtaining Iraqi respect for the internationally recognized human rights of the Kurdish minority in Iraq. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the United States should cooperate with and participate in multilateral efforts to assist Kurdish refugees who are in need of medical treatment and other humanitarian aid. States that it is the policy of the United States to prohibit the export of goods and technology to Iraq that would significantly contribute to its military potential. Urges the President to review any proposed export to Iraq of goods or technology valued at over $50,000,000.
United States · United States Congress · 16 September 1988
Amends provisions of Federal law to establish a new pay schedule for the Uniformed Division of the Secret Service and the United States Park Police. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to conduct annual surveys comparing the minimum rates of basic pay for entry-level positions within the U.S. Park Police force with the minimum rates of basic pay for similar positions in the police departments in the following areas: (1) the Washington, D.C.-Maryland-Virginia Metropolitan Statistical Area; (2) the New York-Northern New Jersey-Long Island, New York-New Jersey-Connecticut Consolidated Metropolitan Statistical Area; and (3) the San Francisco-Oakland-San Jose, California Consolidated Metropolitan Statistical Area. Requires the Secretary to increase the rates of pay for entry-level positions within the U.S. Park Police as necessary to ensure that such minimum rates are comparable to the minimum rates payable for similar positions in comparable police departments. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to conduct annual surveys comparing the minimum rates of basic pay for entry-level positions within the Uniformed Division of the Secret Service with the minimum rates of basic pay for similar positions in the Washington, D.C.-Maryland-Virginia Metropolitan Statistical Area. Requires the Secretary to increase the minimum rates of basic pay for entry-level positions within the Uniformed Division of the Secret Service as necessary to ensure that such minimum rates are comparable to the minimum rates payable for such statistical area. Requires the Secretaries to give thorough consideration to the views and recommendations of appropriate employee organizations representing both police forces. Amends the District of Columbia Police and Firemen's Salary Act of 1958 to conform to provisions of this Act. Provides for conversion to the new pay schedule for pay periods on or after October 1, 1988, for the U.S. Park Police, and on September 30, 1988, for the Uniformed Division of the Secret Service. Declares that adjustments pursuant to the surveys shall be made beginning with applicable pay periods commencing on or after October 1, 1989. Amends the District of Columbia Police and Firemen's Salary Act of 1958 to provide for service step adjustments. Authorizes additional compensation for technicians of the U.S. Park Police and the Uniformed Division of the Secret Service. Provides for the payment of premium pay for night duty and Sunday work for both police forces.
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 1988
Constitutional Amendment - Proclaims the English language to be the official language of the United States. Prohibits the United States or any State from requiring the use of any other language. States that this article shall not prohibit any law, program, or policy to: (1) provide educational instruction in a language other than English for the purpose of making students proficient in English; (2) teach a foreign language to students who are already proficient in English; (3) protect public health and safety; or (4) allow translators for litigants, defendants, or witnesses. Authorizes the Congress and the States to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.
United States · United States Congress · 14 September 1988
Veterans' Judicial Review Act - Directs the Attorney General, when requested by the Administrator of Veterans Affairs, to provide the Administrator with advice or opinions with regard to any question of law arising under the Constitution or under any law other than a law providing benefits for veterans and their survivors and dependents. Directs the Administrator to ensure that VA rulemaking and judicial review comply with relevant provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act. Provides for judicial review of VA decisions. Revises provisions relating to the payment by the Administrator of fees to attorneys handling veterans' benefits claims. Revises provisions relating to the establishment and jurisdiction of the Board of Veterans' Appeals. Renames such body the Court of Veterans Appeals. Provides the Court with exclusive jurisdiction to consider all questions involving benefits under laws administered by the VA. Outlines procedural provisions for the Court with respect to: (1) the fee for filing a petition; (2) representation of parties and fee agreements; (3) rules of practice, procedure, and evidence; (4) the administration of oaths and procurement of testimony; (5) the filing of notice of disagreement and appeal; (6) witness fees; (7) hearings; (8) decisions; (9) availability of proceedings; and (10) the publication of reports. Outlines further administrative provisions with respect to: (1) employees and expenditures of the Court; and (2) certain fees associated with proceedings brought before the Court. Outlines provisions for the determination of the date when a decision of the Court becomes final, with a different date determined if the decision of the Court: (1) is not appealed; (2) is appealed to a Federal court, but is affirmed or dismissed by such court; or (3) is modified or reversed by the Supreme Court, or a rehearing is ordered. Provides procedural guidelines for review of a decision of the Court by the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit involved, providing that such Federal court shall have exclusive jurisdiction to review and decide any challenge to the validity of any statute or regulation or any interpretation thereof brought under these provisions and to interpret constitutional and statutory provisions. Provides that the judgment of such court shall be final, except that it may be subject to review by the Supreme Court upon certiorari. Prohibits the Court of Appeals from reviewing the facts of the appeal or the application of any law or regulation to those facts unless there is presented a constitutional issue. Provides general adjudicative authority of the VA with respect to claims made by veterans for benefits, including the following authority: (1) the right to reopen claims; (2) the right to obtain independent medical opinions; and (3) burden-of-proof standards. Authorizes the transfer of personnel and assets of the current Board of Veterans' Appeals to the Court of Veterans Appeals. Transfers any unexpended funds and any matters currently before the Board which have not been determined before the effective date of this Act. Provides for the appointment of the Chief Judge to the Court. Outlines provisions for the appointment of the remaining judges to such Court. Provides that persons who file a notice of disagreement with the VA with respect to a claims-benefit matter after the date of enactment of this Act are entitled to have the matter resolved subject to the provisions of the amendments made by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 14 September 1988
Prohibits Federal financial assistance for crime prevention to any State that does not have in effect a law permitting imposition of the death penalty and requiring imposition of the death penalty or life imprisonment without parole for: (1) any conviction of premeditated murder; and (2) any conviction of the murder of a law enforcement officer under certain circumstances.
United States · United States Congress · 13 September 1988
Prohibits the proposed export of Hughes Aircraft Model HS-601 Spacecraft (commercial communications satellites) together with related defense articles and technical assistance to the People's Republic of China.
United States · United States Congress · 9 September 1988
Authorizes the President, on behalf of the Congress, to present a gold medal to the family of Brigadier General Herbert Wassom in recognition of the dedicated public service of General Wassom. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to provide for the sale of bronze duplicates of the medal.
United States · United States Congress · 9 September 1988
Authorizes the President, on behalf of the Congress, to present a gold medal to the family of the late Arnold Raphel, the U.S. Ambassador to Pakistan, in recognition of his dedicated public service. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to provide for the sale of bronze duplicates of the medal.
United States · United States Congress · 9 September 1988
Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to require applications of States and local governments for block and discretionary grants under such Act to include a certification that individuals who are convicted of first degree murder under the law of the State and sentenced under such law to imprisonment for life without possibility of parole are not granted any unescorted release from imprisonment.
United States · United States Congress · 9 September 1988
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Secretary of Labor, in cooperation with the ACTION Agency, should publicize and promote projects under the Retired Senior Volunteer Program and the Older American Community Service Employment Program that encourage and recruit older individuals to provide child care services in community-based child care centers.
United States · United States Congress · 9 September 1988
Recognizes the 100th anniversary of the Loyal Order of Moose and commends the accomplishments of its members in providing service in the spirit of voluntarism.
United States · United States Congress · 11 August 1988
Constitutional Amendment - Requires each committee of the Congress to be appointed so that the voting strength of each political party on that committee reflects the relative voting strength of that political party in the relevant House.
United States · United States Congress · 10 August 1988
States the sense of the Congress that the President or the Congress should immediately abrogate the Panama Canal Treaties of 1977 and the Treaty Concerning the Permanent Neutrality and Operation of the Panama Canal and that the Congress should repeal the Panama Canal Act of 1979.
United States · United States Congress · 9 August 1988
States that no action should be taken on the granting of export licenses unless the President makes a finding that the approval of exports to nonmarket satellite launching entities, including the Soviet Union and the People's Republic of China, will not adversely affect U.S. national security, foreign policy, or other interests.
United States · United States Congress · 9 August 1988
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 · 4 August 1988
Pays tribute to the friendship between the Republic of Korea and the United States. Supports the choice of Seoul as the host city for the 1988 Summer Olympic Games and commends the Seoul Olympic Organizing Committee for its work. Urges the Democratic People's Republic of Korea to participate in the Games as an important gesture in the reduction of tensions in northeast Asia.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1988
Amends accounting provisions of the Internal Revenue Code to provide that the percentage completion method shall not be required in the case of any residential construction contract that the taxpayer expects to be completed within one year.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1988
Commends President Vassiliou of Cyprus and Turkish Cypriot leader Denktash for agreeing to meet to resolve the Cyprus issue. Congratulates United Nations Secretary General Javier Perez de Cuellar for arranging the meeting and expresses support for continued U.N. mediation in Cyprus.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1988
Designates July 27, 1989, as National Korean War Veterans Recognition Day and expresses the gratitude of the Congress and the Nation for the contributions made by the Korean War veterans.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 1988
Veterans' Health-Care Programs Amendments of 1988 - Amends Federal veterans' benefits provisions to prohibit the Administrator of Veterans Affairs from furnishing treatment and rehabilitation for alcohol or drug dependence or abuse disabilities of veterans after September 30, 1991. Extends through FY 1992 the authority of the President to authorize the Administrator to contract with the Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC) in the Republic of the Philippines to provide for payments for care in the VMMC for eligible U.S. veterans. Extends through FY 1992 the authority of the Administrator to make grants annually to the VMMC for equipment upgrading and replacement and rehabilitation of the physical plant and facilities. Increases the amount of grants authorized. Excludes personnel hired for services provided to the Department of Defense under sharing agreements for health care resources between the Veterans Administration (VA) and the Department of Defense from any ceiling on full-time VA employees. Extends premium pay for nurses for work performed during certain hours or for overtime work to licensed practical or vocational nurses and nurse assistants of the VA Department of Medicine and Surgery (the Department). Excludes Department employees appointed and paid under general Federal provisions governing appointments in the competitive service from any Federal veterans' benefits provisions limiting employment outside of the VA. Revises provisions to include nurses who are retired military personnel and who are necessary to meet emergency employment needs in the category of Department personnel who are exempt from reductions in retirement pay under Federal provisions regarding pay administration in the competitive service. Waives parking fees at VA medical facilities for certain Department health-care employees who are eligible for basic pay increases. Provides that fees prescribed by the Administrator for parking facilities which are acquired by lease may be in effect only during the original term of the first lease by the VA of such facility. Rescinds a certain VA medical regulation relating to the use of community nursing home facilities. Authorizes the Administrator, as part of a pilot program to assist medical schools which are primarily State-supported, to transfer all right, interest, and title of the United States in certain medical equipment to such schools. Prohibits the VA canteen service from contracting for the performance by any individual not employed by the United States of any activity that would otherwise be performed by an individual employed by the United States who is compensated with nonappropriated funds. Declares that the head of such service may not be required to report to any VA official other than the Administrator and Deputy Administrator. Authorizes the Administrator, upon the recommendation of the Chief Medical Director of the VA, to appoint qualified individuals in the competitive civil service to the Department without regard to Federal provisions regarding examination, certification, and appointment in the competitive service. Requires the Administrator to apply the principles of preference for hiring established under such Federal provisions. Directs the Administrator, during FY 1989 and 1990, to carry out a pilot program in one medical region of the Department for an improved management system for amounts payable to the United States arising from programs administered by the Department. Requires the Administrator to develop an automated program to carry out billing and collection of fees. Sets forth the requirements of such program and the allocation of amounts received by the VA through such program. Provides that the amounts retained and allocated shall be used for: (1) pay and other personnel benefits to enhance the recruitment and retention of Department health-care employees; and (2) the supplement of medical equipment accounts of medical centers at which such accounts are deficient. Authorizes appropriations. Requires the Administrator, by October 1, 1988, to compile a list of individuals eligible for medical care under veterans' benefits provisions regarding survivors and dependents of certain veterans. Provides that the Administrator may pay benefits only to persons on such list. Directs the Administrator, no later than October 1, 1988, to establish a procedure for the periodic review of the need for, and the cost effectiveness of, such medical care. Requires the Inspector General of the VA to report to the Senate and House Veterans' Affairs Committees on the Administrator's compliance with the establishment of such list and the procedure of such review. Directs the Administrator to study alternative methods for providing for the costs of such medical care and to report such study to the Congress. Authorizes appropriations. Makes military dependents who are eligible for medical care under Federal provisions regarding the armed forces eligible for health care under sharing agreements for health-care resources between the VA and the Department of Defense. Provides that certain non-physician directors of the VA Department of Medicine and Surgery shall be career appointees in the Senior Executive Service.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 1988
Condemns the Romanian Government's systematic violation of human rights. Protests the planned program of destruction of traditional settlements in violation of human rights, minority cultural rights, and property rights. Urges institutional reforms by the Romanian Government to comply with international agreements, including the Helsinki Final Act of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Urges continued presidential and Secretary of State action to bring about reforms. Urges the President not to consider providing any special benefit for Romania until a thorough human rights reform is instituted, including substantial actual improvement in the right of emigration, the rights of national minorities, and freedom of religion.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 1988
Designates September 13, 1989, as Uncle Sam Day in honor of Samuel Wilson of the city of Troy, New York, on the occasion of the 200th anniversary of the city. (Samuel Wilson was the progenitor of the national symbol, Uncle Sam.)
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 1988
Amends rule XXIV and rule I of the Rules of the House of Representatives to require the rendering of the Pledge of Allegiance in the House at the start of each legislative day.
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 1988
Women's Business Ownership Act of 1988 - Title I: Congressional Findings and Purposes - Sets forth congressional findings and purposes with respect to small businesses owned and controlled by women. Title II: Demonstration Projects - Amends the Small Business Act to direct the Small Business Administration (SBA) to provide financial assistance to private organizations to conduct demonstration projects giving financial, management, and marketing assistance to small businesses, including start-up businesses, owned and controlled by women. Describes application criteria. Requires the SBA to report to the congressional Small Business Committees on the projects. Terminates authority for this pilot program on October 1, 1991. Authorizes appropriations. Title III: Procurement Assistance - Amends the Small Business Act to include small business concerns owned and operated by women as a discrete group for purposes of Government contracts and subcontracts and procurement programs. (Current law governing these programs refers expressly only to small business concerns and small business concerns owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals as groups targeted for assistance.) Instructs the Director of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization of each Federal agency to designate a Women-in-Business Specialist to be responsible for programs designed to assist concerns owned and controlled by women. Directs Federal agencies, in their procurement activities, to engage in affirmative action to identify and solicit offers from small businesses owned and controlled by either women or socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. Title IV: Access to Capital - Amends the Consumer Credit Protection Act to prohibit the Federal Reserve Board, except under limited circumstances, from exempting from such Act's provisions any class of transactions that are primarily for personal, family, or household purposes, or business or commercial loans made available by a financial institution. Limits to five years any exemption authorized under the circumstances specified in this Act, unless a subsequent determination is made that the exemption remains appropriate. Requires lenders to keep records relating to loans and to provide written notice to applicants of their right to receive notice of reasons for a loan denial. Authorizes the SBA to establish a certified loan program for lenders that display knowledge and proficiency with respect to SBA regulations and programs. Directs the SBA to encourage small business loans of $50,000 or less under both this new program and the preferred lenders program in FY 1989 through 1991 by permitting participating lenders to: (1) use their own forms without regard to SBA paperwork; and (2) retain one-half of the loan guarantee fee. Requires SBA reporting to specified congressional committees in connection with the certified loan program. Directs the Federal Reserve Board, the Comptroller of the Currency, the Department of Commerce, and the SBA jointly to study levels of availability of and demand for debt and equity capital by small businesses, as well as innovative financing techniques to meet any unmet demand. Requires reporting to the congressional Small Business Committees. Title V: National Women's Business Council - Establishes the National Women's Business Council to review the status of women-owned businesses nationwide and to develop detailed multiyear plans in connection with both private and public sector actions to assist and promote such businesses. Requires annual reporting to both the President and the Congress. Title VI: Statistical Data and Effect on Other Programs - Directs: (1) the Bureau of Labor Statistics to include in its census reports on women-owned businesses specified information on sole proprietorships, partnerships, and corporations; (2) the Bureau of the Census to include in its Business Census data the number of corporations that are 51 percent or more owned by women; (3) the SBA's Office of the Chief Counsel for Advocacy to report on the most cost-effective and accurate ways to gather and present the statistics required in these census reports; and (4) Federal agencies to report to the Office of Federal Procurement Policy the number of first-time contract recipients that are small businesses owned and controlled either by women or by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. Requires the President's annual Report on Small Business and Competition to include in separate detail information relevant to small businesses owned and controlled either by women or by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals.
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 1988
Egg Producers' Financial Protection Act of 1988 - Amends the Packers and Stockyards Act, 1921 to establish a statutory trust for the benefit of unpaid egg producers or egg handlers from the inventories of, and proceeds from, such eggs or egg products held by egg purchasers with an average annual value of eggs (by purchase or production arrangement) greater than $50,000. States that a dishonored payment instrument shall not be considered as payment. Provides that an unpaid producer or handler shall lose such trust benefit if he or she fails to give written notice of nonpayment or dishonored payment to the purchaser within specified time periods and by filing such notice with the Secretary of Agriculture. Includes egg purchase and production activities under the enforcement provisions of such Act. Includes egg purchasers under the recordkeeping provisions of such Act. States that the Secretary may only exercise jurisdiction over egg producers in prompt payment or unreasonable or discriminatory practices proceedings in order to avoid impairment of the Secretary's jurisdiction. Authorizes the Secretary to seek injunctive relief in egg payment disputes. Provides administrative enforcement authority for egg trust and prompt payment provisions under such Act. Requires a purchaser to pay a producer or handler in full within 14 days of the transfer of possession of such eggs. States that a payment delay or attempted delay shall be considered an "unfair practice" violation under such Act. States that the amendments made by this Act shall not be construed to: (1) affect the Secretary's authority with respect to live poultry or poultry products; or (2) affect the Federal Trade Commission's authority to prevent unfair competition or practices in commerce.
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 1988
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an income tax deduction for interest on a qualified educational loan incurred to pay the educational expenses (tuition, fees, books, supplies, reasonable living expenses) of the taxpayer, spouse, or dependent. Permits an exclusion from gross income of scholarship amounts used for a student's reasonable living expenses while attending school away from home.
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 1988
Amends rule XXIV and rule I of the Rules of the House of Representatives to require the rendering of the Pledge of Allegiance in the House at the start of each legislative day.
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 1988
Veterans' Reassurance Act of 1988 - Title I: Claims Generally - Establishes new claims and adjudication procedures for veterans seeking benefits through the Veterans Administration (VA). Authorizes the Administrator of Veterans Affairs, for the purpose of conducting a proceeding in connection with a claim for benefits, to administer oaths, examine witnesses, and receive evidence. Provides that any party in a proceeding before the Administrator shall be afforded the opportunity to: (1) examine and obtain copies of all documents to be used by the VA in such proceeding; (2) present witnesses and evidence; (3) present oral and written arguments; (4) submit rebuttal evidence; and (5) present medical opinion evidence and request the Administrator to seek advisory medical opinions. Provides that, when there exists in the evidence a substantial disagreement with respect to an issue material to the outcome of the proceeding, the Administrator shall determine whether there is an approximate balance of the evidence favoring and opposing a finding in favor of the claimant on such issue. Provides that if such a balance exists, the issue shall be determined in favor of the claimant. Provides that the procedures under this Act for the consideration of claims for benefits under laws administered by the VA shall be exclusive with respect to hearings, investigations, and proceedings for such claims. Requires the Administrator, in the case of a disallowance of a claim for benefits within the VA, to provide the claimant and the claimant's authorized representative, at each stage of the proceedings, written notice of the procedural rights of the claimant. Authorizes the Administrator to issue subpoenas for the attendance of witnesses when necessary. Provides that a claim that has been disallowed shall be reopened and reconsidered by the Administrator upon the presentation of new and material evidence. Provides that communications between any claimant and any individual recognized as a representative, agent, attorney, or individual with power of attorney for such claimant respecting any claim under laws administered by the VA shall be privileged from disclosure to the same extent as communications between attorney and client. Directs the Administrator to approve a reasonable attorneys' fee to be paid for the prosecution of such a claim. Provides that such fee shall be payable only to the extent that an agreement between the claimant and the claimant's attorney so provides. Provides maximum amounts permitted for such fees, with adjustments permitted biennially to such maximum amounts to reflect changes in the cost of living. Provides that an individual recognized as a representative, agent, attorney, or one acting with the power of attorney for a claimant may be held liable for an injury arising out of the preparation or presentation of a claim only to the extent that such injury is due to the intentional conduct of such individual, with the party alleging such misconduct bearing the burden of proof in such cases. Provides instances where an organization may be held liable for such misconduct. Provides that rulemaking by the Administrator in such claims shall have the same judicial review procedures provided to all Federal administrative rulemaking procedures. Empowers the courts of appeals with jurisdiction to review any order of the Administrator upon petition of any aggrieved person, as long as such appeal is filed within 60 days after the order is made public. Title II: Board of Veterans' Appeals - Establishes the United States Board of Veterans' Appeals (the Board) as an independent agency in the executive branch. (Currently, such Board exists, but within the VA.) Outlines administrative provisions concerning composition, terms of office, and other matters relating to such Board. Requires the Chair of the Board (appointed by the President) to submit annual reports to the appropriate committees of the Congress. Requires current members of the existing Board of Veterans' Appeals to automatically become interim members of the Board and to serve in such capacity until a successor has been appointed or one year has passed, whichever occurs earlier. Authorizes the Board, when it reconsiders a case, to expand the reviewing section of the Board to a maximum of 12 members. (The current maximum is three.) Outlines procedures of the Board to be followed: (1) if the votes of the members of a section sitting on a question are equally divided; (2) when reconsidering or remanding a case to correct obvious error in the record or upon the basis of new or additional information; (3) when furnishing notice to the claimant of any new or additional information proposed to be considered; and (4) when notifying a claimant upon reaching a decision in a case. Provides that all questions on claims for benefits under laws administered by the VA shall be subject to review by the Board. Authorizes a claim disallowed by the Board to be reopened and allowed where new and material evidence is presented or other good cause for reopening is shown. Authorizes the Board to set aside as unlawful any rule, regulation, interpretation, or other order of the Administrator that is contrary to the Constitution or laws of the United States, under special review procedures as enumerated in this Act. Provides that the courts of appeals shall have jurisdiction to review final decisions of the Board acting or refusing to act to set aside a rule, regulation, or other order of the Administrator, but such jurisdiction shall extend only to the review of such decisions. Outlines provisions concerning timeliness of such appeals. Authorizes the Board to issue subpoenas to compel the attendance of witnesses. Allows the payment of fees and mileage in the same manner as witnesses are paid in U.S. district courts. Authorizes affidavits and depositions to be taken, and oaths and affirmations to be administered by the Board, the Administrator, or any individual authorized to do so in the State where the action is located. Provides that evidence taken by the Board need not be admissible under the Federal Rules of Evidence, but the Board may provide for the exclusion of irrelevant, immaterial, or unduly repetitious evidence. Authorizes the Board to remand the case to the Administrator or receive the evidence itself where a claimant seeks to present evidence that was not presented to the Administrator. Provides procedural rights to parties presenting such evidence to the Board in such cases. Provides that, whenever the Board finds that there exists in the evidence of record a substantial disagreement among the credible findings or opinions of physicians with respect to an issue material to the outcome of a case, the Board shall determine whether there is an approximate balance of evidence favoring and opposing a finding in favor of the claimant on such issue. Provides that if such balance exists, the issue shall be determined in favor of the claimant. Provides that if such a balance does not exist, the Board shall arrange for an advisory medical opinion in accordance with specified procedures. Authorizes appropriations to the Board. Title III: Technical Amendments - Provides for the transfer of unexpended balances of appropriations, allocations, and other funds available for functions transferred to the Board of Veterans' Appeals established under this Act, as determined by the Director of the Office of Management and Budget.
United States · United States Congress · 12 July 1988
President's Pro-Life Act of 1988 - Prohibits the use of Federal funds for abortions, except when continuing the pregnancy would endanger the mother's life.
United States · United States Congress · 12 July 1988
Prohibits the Federal Communications Commission from adopting revisions of the rules and policies in the proceeding "Policy and Rules Concerning Rates for Dominant Carrier," CC Docket 87-313, unless the changes expressly provide for: (1) the proper functioning of the long-term support mechanisms for the carrier common line rates administered by the National Exchange Carrier Association; (2) the maintenance of uniform nationwide long distance rates by dominant interexchange carriers; and (3) the use of an industry-wide rate of return to determine costs for access tariffs and to calculate the Universal Service Fund. Requires the FCC to report to the Congress the compliance of revisions with these conditions. Postpones effectiveness of any rule or policy revisions until 60 days have elapsed during which both Houses of the Congress are in session.
United States · United States Congress · 12 July 1988
Prohibits the extension of nondiscriminatory treatment (most favored nation status) to the products of a country which is a signatory to the Final Act of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (Helsinki Final Act) and whose products were not receiving such nondiscriminatory treatment as of May 1, 1988, unless the President certifies to the Congress that such country is either in complete or substantially complete compliance with such Final Act, particularly the human rights and humanitarian affairs provisions.
![Official portrait of Rep. Solomon, Gerald B. H. [R-NY-22]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/s000675_200.jpg)