United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1987
Medicare Part B Catastrophic Protection Act of 1987 - Amends part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to cover all of the out-of-pocket part B expenses a beneficiary incurs in excess of $1,000 in 1988, adjusting such ceiling annually thereafter to reflect cost-of-living increases. Provides for the adjustment of Medicare payments to organizations providing health care on a prepaid basis so as to reimburse them for such excess out-of-pocket costs incurred on behalf of enrollees.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1987
Pornography Victims Protection Act of 1987 - Amends the Federal criminal code with respect to the prohibition against the sexual exploitation of children to add as a condition triggering Federal penalties that the person concerned know that a minor was transported in interstate or foreign commerce for the purpose of producing pornography. Makes it a criminal offense for any person to coerce, intimidate, or fraudulently induce an individual 18 years or older to engage in any sexually explicit conduct for the purposes of producing any visual depiction of such conduct. Grants the U.S. district courts jurisdiction to prevent and restrain violations of this Act. Authorizes the Attorney General or any person threatened with loss or damage by such conduct to institute a civil suit. Provides for treble damages for a victim who suffers physical injury, emotional distress, or property damage. Imposes civil penalties for violation of the prohibition against sexual exploitation of children.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1987
Employee Polygraph Protection Act - Prohibits any employer from using any lie detector test or examination in the work place, for both pre-employment testing and testing in the course of employment. Requires the Secretary of Labor to prepare and have printed notices setting forth this prohibition. Requires employers to post these notices. Provides penalties for violations of this Act. Exempts Federal, State, and local employees from the Act's coverage.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1987
Amends the National Housing Act to make authority permanent for: (1) title I financial institution insurance for housing renovation and modernization; (2) general mortgage insurance; (3) low and moderate income and displaced families mortgage insurance; (4) mortgage co-insurance, including rental rehabilitation and development projects; (5) mortgage insurance for armed forces' civilian employees and defense housing for impacted areas; (6) mortgage insurance for land development; (7) mortgage insurance for medical and dental group practice facilities; (8) mortgage insurance commitment limitations; and (9) graduated payment and indexed mortgage insurance. Amends the Housing Act of 1964 to make authority permanent for urban rehabilitation loan authority. Amends the Housing Act of 1949 to make authority permanent for: (1) insured loans for rental and cooperative housing and related facilities for elderly persons and families in rural areas; and (2) mutual and self-help housing grant and loan authority. Amends the National Flood Insurance Act of 1986 to make national flood insurance authority, including emergency implementation provisions, permanent.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1987
Technology Education Act of 1986 - Defines "technology education" as a comprehensive educational process designed to develop a population that is knowledgeable about technology and its evolution, systems, techniques, utilization in industry and other fields, and social and cultural significance. Directs the Secretary of Education, subject to the availability of appropriations under this Act, to establish a program of grants to local educational agencies (LEAs), State educational agencies (SEAs), consortia of public and private agencies, organizations, and institutions, and institutions of higher education for not more than ten demonstration programs in technology education for secondary schools. Sets forth grant application requirements. Directs the Secretary to consider equitable geographic distribution in making such grants. Permits such grants to be used to develop a model demonstration program for technology education with specified components. Includes among such components research and development of curriculum materials, an institute to develop teacher capabilities in technology education, and multidisciplinary teacher workshops for interfacing mathematics, science, and technology education. Limits the Federal share to 65 percent of the costs of programs or projects assisted under this Act. Requires that at least ten percent of such costs be covered by private sector contributions. Directs the Secretary to disseminate the results of such programs or projects so as to improve the training of educational personnel. Amends the Education Consolidation and Improvement Act of 1981 to direct the Secretary to make available specified amounts of discretionary funds to carry out this Act for FY 1987 through 1989.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1987
Textile and Apparel Trade Act of 1987 - Limits the 1987 imports of textiles and textile products classified under a category to an amount equal to 101 percent of the total 1986 imports classified under such category. Limits the 1987 imports of nonrubber footwear classified under a nonrubber footwear category to an amount equal to: (1) the total 1986 imports of nonrubber footwear classified under such category; and (2) in the case of low priced nonrubber footwear, the total 1986 imports of low priced nonrubber footwear classified under such category. Provides for a one-percent annual growth in the amount of permitted imports of textiles and textile products after 1987. Authorizes the President to: (1) enter into trade agreements to grant new concessions as compensation, to the extent required under U.S. trade agreements for the import limits imposed by this Act; and (2) proclaim such modification or continuance of any existing duty on textiles and textile products and on nonrubber footwear as necessary to carry out such agreements. Prohibits the President from reducing any rate of duty by more than ten percent. Requires the President, before entering into such trade agreements, to consider whether such country has violated trade concessions of benefit to the United States and such violation has not been adequately offset by U.S. action or by the action of such country. Sets forth requirements governing staged rate reductions in the tariffs of articles affected by this Act. Prohibits the President, except as authorized by this paragraph, from entering into trade negotiations with any country with respect to duties on textiles, textile products, and nonrubber footwear. Prohibits the President, except as provided in this paragraph, from decreasing or proposing a decrease in any such duty by any means, including an implementing bill or a proclamation. Requires the President to report annually to the Congress on the administration of this Act. Requires the Secretary of Commerce, ten years after enactment of this Act, to study and report to the Congress on the operation of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 18 February 1987
Economic Dislocation and Worker Adjustment Assistance Act - Amends title III (Employment and Training Assistance for Dislocated Workers) of the Job Training Partnership Act to establish a Dislocated Worker Unit in the Department of Labor, which shall be responsible for the administration and supervision of the programs established under such title. Sets forth provisions for State delivery of dislocated worker services. Requires State Governors to submit to the Secretary of Labor, on a biennial basis, a State plan describing in detail the programs and activities that will be assisted with funds provided under such title. Requires the Governor to create or designate an identifiable State dislocated worker unit or office with the capability to respond rapidly, on site, to plant closings and mass layoffs. Requires the State unit to make appropriate training and reemployment assistance available to eligible dislocated workers through the use of rapid response teams or through service delivery offices or other appropriate organizations. Sets forth other requirements for the State plan and the State unit. Permits funds allocated to States under this Act to be used to: (1) provide plant-specific adjustment assistance; (2) deliver, coordinate, and integrate normal labor market services; (3) identify and correct the basic educational deficiencies of dislocated workers; (4) provide vocational and on-the-job training; (5) provide income support; and (6) for FY 1988 and 1989, continue to provide any program,activity, or service that was provided under title III before the enactment of this Act. Directs the Secretary of Labor, from funds appropriated for title III, to reserve 30 percent for demonstration, exemplary, and model programs and to allocate 70 percent among the States on the basis of: (1) number of unemployed individuals; (2) excess number of unemployed individuals; and (3) number of individuals who have been unemployed for 15 weeks or more. (Provides that 25 percent of such 70 percent allotment be made on the basis of number of workers displaced by plant closings or mass layoffs in the most recent period for which satisfactory data are available.) Directs the Secretary to promulgate standards for the conduct and evaluation of programs under title III, including a standard to encourage the establishment of worker adjustment committees. Prohibits States from providing more than 50 percent of the operating cost of such committees. Sets forth provisions for State tripartite advisory committees, made up of representatives of labor, business, and public or private nonprofit agencies. Requires such committees to review the programs and activities conducted under title III and the biennial State plans. Establishes a National Tripartite Advisory Committee, composed of representatives of business, labor, and public or private nonprofit agencies. Directs the Committee to review programs under title III and report annually to the Secretary and the Congress. Directs the Secretary to provide for an annual evaluation of the title III program, which measures success in placing dislocated workers in unsubsidized employment. Directs the Secretary to submit to the Congress a report on the activities of the Dislocated Worker Unit, as part of the annual report of the Department of Labor. Sets forth provisions for demonstration, exemplary, and model programs. Provides that, from amounts reserved for such programs: (1) up to 20 percent shall be available for grants for training loan demonstration programs; (2) up to 20 percent shall be available for grants for public works employment demonstration programs; and (3) the remaining percent, which shall be at least 70 percent, shall be available for providing training, retraining, job search assistance, placement, relocation assistance, and other aid to individuals who are affected by mass layoffs, natural disasters, and Federal Government actions (such as relocation of Federal facilities), or who reside in areas of high unemployment. Provides for a dislocated workers training loan demonstration program. Directs the Secretary to allocate amounts reserved for such program among communities having the largest number of dislocated workers. Provides for such programs in at least five but not more than ten such communities. Authorizes the Secretary to either directly conduct such demonstration programs or to enter into agreements with State dislocated workers units or State or local for agreements for dislocated workers direct loan funds. public agencies or nonprofit private organizations. Sets forth provisions Provides that such loans, up to $5,000 per worker, may be used for: (1) vocational and and on-the-job training; (2) basic education and literacy instruction; (3) relocation expenses; and (4) child care services. Requires the Secretary to provide for evaluation of the direct loan approach and to report to the Congress by October 1, 1989. Provides for a public works employment demonstration program. Directs the Secretary to allocate amounts reserved for such program among cities and counties: (1) which are geographically diverse; (2) which represent urban and rural areas; and (3) for which the unemployment rate for the last six months exceeded the national average by at least two percent. Provides for such programs in at least five but not more than ten cities or countries. Makes an individual eligible to participate in such public works employment demonstration projects if the individual: (1) is an eligible dislocated worker who has been unemployed for at least 15 weeks; (2) has been unemployed or without steady employment for two years; or (3) is a recipient of aid to families with dependent children for at least two years. Requires each participant to be tested for basic reading and writing competence by the private industry council prior to employment by an assisted job project. Provides for counseling and instruction to be given to those who fail such tests. Requires each participant to have received a secondary school diploma or its equivalent, or maintain satisfactory progress toward such a diploma. Requires the private industry council to select the job projects to be assisted. Limits such employment to 32 hours per week. Sets wages at the higher of: (1) the minimum wage; or (2) the amount received in welfare or unemployment compensation, plus ten percent. Directs the private industry council for the area in which the demonstration is conducted to establish job clubs to assist eligible participants with the preparation of resumes, the development of interviewing techniques, and evaluation of individual job search activities. Directs the private industry councils to select projects which are designed to develop marketable skills and show potential for assisting participants to find jobs in the private sector. Directs the Secretary to evaluate such employment demonstration program and report to the Congress by October 1, 1989. Sets forth provisions for labor-management notification and consultation in the event of plant closings and mass layoffs. Prohibits employers from ordering a plant closing or mass layoffs until the end of a specified period after the employer notifies: (1) the employees' representative or if none, each affected employee; and (2) the State dislocated workers unit and the chief administrative officer of the local government. Prohibits an employer from ordering a plant closing or mass layoff unless the employer has met and consulted in good faith with representatives of the affected employees and the local government. Gives the employer the duty of disclosing relevant information during such consultation. Provides for protective orders to protect such information from disclosure to competitors. Makes employers who fail to notify or consult with the affected employees or their representatives liable for back pay and the cost of related benefits. Makes employers who fail to notify the State dislocated worker unit or notify and consult with the local government liable for a specified amount for each day of the violation. Makes employees or representatives of affected employees or local governments liable for violations of protective orders for the amount of financial loss suffered by the employer. Defines "employer" as any business enterprise in any State that employs: (1) 50 or more full-time employees; or (2) 50 or more employees who in the aggregate work at least 2,000 hours per week (exclusive of overtime). Defines "plant closing or mass layoff" as an employment loss for 50 or more employees of an employer at any site during any 30-day period. Expresses the sense of the Congress that employers who are not required to comply with such notice and consultation requirements should provide notice to, consult with, and disclose information to their employees about proposals to close a plant or permanently reduce its workforce. Authorizes appropriations for title III for FY 1988 and each succeeding fiscal year.
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 1987
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax-exempt organization all of whose members primarily coach football as full-time employees of four-year colleges or universities to have a pension plan with a qualified cash or deferred arrangement, provided such organization was in existence on September 18, 1986. Requires such a plan to be treated as a multiemployer plan.
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 1987
Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 with respect to air carrier mergers or acquisitions to require the Secretary of Transportation to impose, as a condition of approval of such transactions, labor protective conditions that are calculated to mitigate possible adverse effects upon air carrier employees' employment, wages, or working conditions.
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 1987
Amends Federal veterans' benefits provisions to extend indefinitely (currently ends on June 30, 1988) the required date of entry into the armed forces for eligibility for basic educational assistance entitlement for veterans (both of active-duty and Selected Reserve duty) of the All-Volunteer Force.
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 1987
Disaster Loan Efficiency Act - Amends the Small Business Act to authorize the Small Business Administration (SBA) to make deferred (guaranteed) disaster loans in cooperation with eligible lenders to: (1) small businesses to repair property damaged by a disaster if such damage is not compensated by insurance or otherwise and the eligible lender certifies to the SBA that it will be able to repay the loan in case of default by the borrower; and (2) small businesses or agricultural cooperatives located in a disaster area if such lender determines that such business or cooperative suffered a substantial economic injury as a result of such disaster and the eligible lender certifies to the SBA that it will be able to repay the loan in case of default by the borrower. Sets limits on the interest rates to be charged on such loans. Makes provision for the Government to pay the excess of an interest rate over four percent and to share the payment with the borrower if such interest rate exceeds ten percent. Requires the Administrator of the SBA to reimburse any lender for administrative expenses associated with such disaster loans. Allows the Administrator to sell to the public the assets of any disaster loan made before enactment of this Act. Requires the Administrator to report to specified congressional committees.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1987
Directs the Secretary of the Interior to promulgate regulations to insure that the development potential of coal subject to lease (or already under lease), as well as of coal mined from private lands, is preserved and enhanced. Mandates that such regulations require that at least 30 days before the owner or operator of any major fuel burning installation may obtain coal mined outside the United States such owner or operator notify the Secretary in writing with a statement expressing the bona fide intention to obtain such coal. Details the contents of such notice, especially price information. Requires the Secretary to place appropriate notices setting forth such information in the Federal Register and in a publication widely read by the coal industry. Requires owners or operators to notify the Secretary in writing regarding a cost comparison of foreign coal offers and domestic coal offers received during a 20-day waiting period. Requires the Secretary to publish such information in the same publications. Permits such owners or operators to obtain coal from any supplier ten days after publication of the cost comparison data. Subjects any person who violates this Act to a specified civil penalty.
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1987
Amends the Federal Tort Claims Act to allow members of the armed forces serving on active duty or on full-time National Guard duty to bring claims for damages against the United States for personal injury or death arising out of medical or dental care furnished by a medical treatment facility operated by the military or the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1987
Designates August 12, 1988, as National Civil Rights Day and requests the President to issue a proclamation calling for the ringing of church bells during a moment of silence.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1987
Young Americans Act of 1987 - Title I: Declaration of Objectives; Definitions - Sets forth the declaration of objectives and definitions under this Act. Title II: The Administration on Children, Youth, and Families - Establishes in the Office of the Secretary of Health and Human Services an Administration on Children, Youth, and Families which shall be headed by a Commissioner on Children, Youth, and Families. Sets forth the duties and functions of the Administration. Directs the Commissioner to advise, consult, and cooperate with the head of each Federal agency or department proposing or administering programs or services substantially related to the purpose of this Act. Establishes a Federal Council on Children, Youth, and Families. Directs the Council to report annually to the President. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1987 through 1990. Sets forth the administrative authority of the Commissioner under this Act. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to issue regulations for the administration of this Act. Directs the Secretary to measure and evaluate the impact of all programs authorized under this Act. Directs the Commissioner to report annually to the President and the Congress on the activities carried out under this Act and other activities delegated by the Secretary to the Administration. Directs the Commissioner, within two years after the enactment of this Act, to report to the Congress on the extent to which the need for services for the prevention and treatment of the abuse of children is unmet. Provides for advance funding under this Act. Title III: Grants for State and Community Programs for Children, Youth, and Families - Part A: General Provisions - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1987 through 1990 for grants under part A of this title (State and community planning) and under part B of this title (supportive services). Provides for State allotments for part A based on population aged 24 or younger. Sets forth requirements for a State to be eligible to participate in programs of grants to States from allotments under this title. Requires designation of a State agency to: (1) serve as an effective and visible advocate for children and youth by reviewing and commenting on all State plans, budgets, and priorities which affect children, youth, and their families and by providing technical assistance to those representing the needs of the young; (2) develop and administer the State plan; (3) coordinate all State activities related to the purpose of this Act; and (4) divide the State into district planning and service areas and designate area agencies for children, youth, and families. Requires area agencies to develop area advocacy plans. Requires each such plan to determine for young individuals the extent of the need within the area with respect to: (1) physical and mental health; (2) physical shelter; (3) educational opportunity; (4) training and apprenticeship programs leading to employment; (5) civic, cultural, and recreational activities; and (6) opportunities for participation in decisions concerning the planning and managing of their lives. Requires the plan to evaluate the use of resources in meeting such need. Requires State plans to be based upon area plans. Requires State plans to provide assurances that the State agency will establish and operate an out-of-home placement care ombudsman program. Provides that part A State allotments may be used to make grants to States for paying up to 75 percent of the cost of administration of its State plan. Part B: Supportive Services - Directs the Commissioner to make grants to States under approved State plans to demonstrate successful program approaches to service gaps identified through State and area planning and advocacy efforts. Lists eligible services under this part. Provides that part B appropriations may be used to make grants for paying up to 85 percent of supportive services. Title IV: White House Conference on Young Americans - 1990 White House Conference on Young Americans - Directs the President to call a White House Conference on Young Americans in 1990. Provides that the Conference shall be planned and conducted under the direction of the Secretary of Health and Human Services in cooperation with the Commissioner on Children, Youth, and Families and the heads of other appropriate Federal agencies. Requires the final report of the Conference to be submitted to the President within 180 days following the date on which the Conference is adjourned. Directs the Secretary, within 90 days after submission of the report, to transmit to the President and the Congress recommendations for administrative action and legislation necessary to implement the report's recommendations. Sets forth provisions for the administration of the Conference. Directs the Secretary to establish an advisory committee to the Conference and such other committees as may be necessary to assist in planning, conducting, and reviewing the Conference. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1988 through 1990 to carry out this title.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1987
West Virginia National Interest River Conservation Act of 1987 - Title I: New River Gorge National River - Amends the National Parks and Recreation Act of 1978 to modify the boundary of the New River Gorge National River. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to enter into cooperative agreements with State or local agencies for fire and law enforcement services on a reimbursable basis. Directs the Secretary to acquire the necessary lands and develop access to the River near Cunard. Permits motorized towing of whitewater rafts as an interim measure. Revises flow rates for the summer months. Title II: Gauley River National Recreation Area - Establishes the Gauley River National Recreation Area. Requires the Secretary to submit within three years to specified congressional committees a report on any boundary modifications for such Area. Permits hunting and fishing except in designated zones. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into cooperative agreements with State or local agencies for fire and law enforcement services on a reimbursable basis. Requires the Secretary to improve access to such Area through facility construction, road maintenance, and/or land acquisition. Earmarks lands and projects related to the operation of the Summersville Project for special management. Authorizes appropriations. Establishes the Gauley River National Recreation Area Advisory Committee to assist in developing a management plan for such Area. Terminates such Committee after ten years. Title III: Meadow National Wild River - Amends the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to designate a segment of the Meadow River, West Virginia, as a component of the wild and scenic rivers system. Title IV: Bluestone National Scenic River - Amends the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to designate a segment of the Bluestone River, West Virginia, as a component of the wild and scenic rivers system. Title V: General Provisions - Requires the Secretary to cooperate with State and local authorities for developing and promoting recreational resources in West Virginia. Permits the State to act to control the insect simulium jenningsi within the areas designated by this Act. Requires the Secretary to establish a public awareness program within specified counties of West Virginia to explain the significance of the wild and scenic river designations made by this Act. Requires the Secretary to report to specified congressional committees on such program. Requires the Secretary to consolidate offices and administration of the areas designated by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1987
Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to limit the maximum monthly assessments under any system of access charges for telephones established by the Federal Communications Commission.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1987
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income any expense reimbursement allowances received by a State police officer. Limits the amount of such exclusion to a maximum of six dollars per day. Defines "expense reimbursement allowance" to mean any statutory allowance (or allowance negotiated in accordance with State law) to reimburse a State police officer for specified expenses incurred in connection with the performance of his duties (including the cost of meals purchased while on duty). Prohibits the deduction for expenses for which the taxpayer has received such allowance.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1987
Disapproves the proposed rescission (R87-70) of budget authority for Veterans Administration medical care. Requires the amount of such budget authority proposed for rescission to instead be made available for obligation no later than the date of enactment of this joint resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1987
Reaffirms the sense of the Congress that the one-percent loan origination fee charged by the Veterans Administration (VA) to veterans obtaining a home loan guaranteed by the VA should not be increased. Requests the President to request additional appropriations if he finds that additional funding for the VA home loan guarantee program is required.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1987
Amends Federal military personnel provisions to exempt retired members of the armed forces who are called to active, full-time duty with the American Battle Monuments Commission from certain number and grade limitations on officers of the armed forces.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1987
Preborn Children's Civil Rights Act of 1987 - Prohibits the use of Federal funds to perform, promote, or do research on any procedure to take the life of a preborn child (except for medical procedures required to prevent the death of either the pregnant women or her preborn child). Prohibits the Federal Government from entering into any contract for insurance which provides for payment or reimbursement for abortion services. States that no institution receiving Federal financial assistance shall: (1) discriminate against any employee, applicant, or student on the basis of that person's opposition to abortion; or (2) require any employee or student to participate, directly or indirectly, in abortion procedures, counseling, or an insurance program which includes abortion coverage. States that attorney's fees shall not be allowed in any civil action involving a law prohibiting or restricting abortions. Provides for Supreme Court review of lower court decisions which declare State and local anti-abortion statutes unconstitutional.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1987
Constitutional Amendment - Declares that the right to life is the paramount and most fundamental right of a person. Defines "person" to include the unborn for the purpose of the right to life guarantee. States that nothing in this article shall prohibit a law allowing medical procedures required to prevent the death of either the pregnant woman or the unborn offspring.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1987
Veterans' Administration Adjudication Procedure and Judicial Review Act - Title I: Adjudication Procedures - Codifies, for Veterans Administration (VA) adjudication purposes, the burden of proof and reasonable doubt standards currently provided for by VA regulation. States that a claimant has the burden of submitting sufficient evidence to justify a claim, and that if an approximate balance of positive and negative evidence exists regarding the merits of a claim, the VA is to resolve such doubt in favor of the claimant. States that VA subpoenas may be served either by personal delivery or by registered or certified mail. Requires the chairman of the Board of Veterans' Appeals to submit an annual report to the appropriate congressional committees concerning the Board's current handling of cases and projections for the subsequent fiscal year. Requires the Board to: (1) provide notice to a claimant and an opportunity for a hearing before a decision may be based on "additional official information" received after a Board decision has previously been made; and (2) make its decision exclusively on evidence and material of record in the proceeding. Removes the requirement that new material sufficient to allow the Board to reopen a previously disallowed claim be in the form of official reports. Provides that the Board's discretionary authority to reopen a claim will not be diminished by a judicial decision following an appeal as provided for by this Act. Requires the Board to mail to the claimant notice of its decision and the reasons for such decision. Provides that, upon the request of a claimant, the Board shall provide an independent advisory medical opinion when there exists substantial medical disagreement with respect to a material issue in a veteran's appeal. Sets forth new procedural rules for adjudication hearings regarding: (1) oaths, affirmations, and witness examination; (2) admissibility of evidence; (3) procedural rights of claimants; (4) disqualification of a hearing officer; (5) the record of the proceedings and the claimant's right to examine and obtain a copy of such record; and (6) the exclusiveness of veterans' adjudication procedures and rights prescribed by the Administrator. Requires the Administrator to provide at each stage of the appeal proceedings written notice to a claimant of the claimant's procedural rights. Directs the Administrator to conduct a study of two alternative claims resolution methods: one, a new intermediate-level adjudication process; the other, an enhanced schedule of formal Appeals Board hearings. Directs the Administrator to report to the Congress on such studies. Title II: Veterans Administration Rule Making - Includes the VA's rulemaking procedures under the relevant provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act. Title III: Judicial Review - Provides for judicial review of VA decisions in the Federal court system. States, with regard to jurisdiction: (1) the definition of final decision; (2) that judicial review of a final decision in a claim for benefits may be obtained in a civil action brought within 180 days of the Board's mailing of notice of its decision, and that such action shall be brought in Federal district court; (3) that the VA shall file the various materials constituting the record in a case together with its answer to the claimant's complaint; (4) that the court may render a decision on the pleadings; and (5) that the judicial review procedures established under this Act shall not apply to insurance and home loans. States, with regard to the reviewing court's scope of review, that such court: (1) shall decide questions of law and interpret constitutional, statutory, and regulatory provisions, but that questions of fact (unless unsupported by substantial evidence) will not be subject to a trial de novo; and (2) in reviewing a final decision of the VA which is adverse to a party solely because such party failed to comply with VA procedures, may only review questions concerning such procedures. Sets out provisions regarding remand, survival of actions, and appellate review. Title IV: Attorneys' Fees - Authorizes the Administrator to allow attorneys' fees above the present $10 maximum if the appealing party's claim is allowed by the VA after an initial denial. States that such fee shall be the lesser of: (1) the fee agreed upon by the party and attorney; (2) $500, unless the Administrator approves a greater amount; or (3) if the party and attorney have entered into a contingent-fee agreement, not more than 25 percent of the total of any past-due benefits awarded on the basis of such party's claim. Provides for the approval of attorneys' fees in successful veterans' claims brought before a court as provided for under this Act. States that such fees shall be determined by such court, and in contingent-fee agreements such fees shall not exceed 25 percent of the total of any past-due benefits awarded on the basis of such claim. Authorizes attorneys' fees of up to $750 in certain unsuccessful veterans' claims. Prohibits the VA from authorizing payment to a claimant's attorney based on past-due benefits unless such benefits are owed as of the date of the VA's or a court's award. States that such provisions regarding attorneys' fees shall only apply to claims for benefits under the laws administered by the VA and shall not apply in cases in which the VA is the plaintiff or in which other attorneys' fees statutes are otherwise controlling. Title V: Effective Dates - Sets forth the effective dates for this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1987
Prohibits making any funds available for assistance for the Nicaraguan democratic resistance during the period between the date of enactment of this Act and November 15, 1987, unless the President and the Congress take specified actions.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1987
American Footwear Industry Self-Help Act of 1987 - Directs the Secretary of Commerce (the Secretary) to estimate and publish annually the number of pairs of nonrubber footwear purchased in the United States (domestic consumption). Limits the percentage of nonrubber footwear that may be imported for such estimated domestic consumption during certain 12-month periods over five years. Directs the Secretary to allocate such import limitations among foreign countries, taking into consideration: (1) average levels of imports for the period 1978 through 1982; (2) findings of unfair trade practices with respect to nonrubber footwear products; (3) recent market trends; and (4) such other considerations as the Secretary deems appropriate. Directs the Secretary and the Secretary of the Treasury to take all necessary actions to enforce this Act. Authorizes the Secretaries to issue such implementing regulations as necessary to effect the purposes of this Act and to enforce its provisions.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1987
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a refundable income tax credit for expenses incurred in the care of elderly family members. Sets such credit at 30 percent of the expenses incurred for taxpayers with incomes of $25,000 or less. Reduces the rate of such credit, but not below 20 percent, by one percent for each $2,000 of taxpayer income in excess of $25,000. Limits such credit to taxpayers with an adjusted gross income of less than $75,000. Imposes a maximum $10,000 limit on the amount of elderly care expenses that can be taken into account. Defines "qualified family member" as any individual who: (1) is related to the taxpayer by blood or marriage; (2) is at least 70 years of age, is diagnosed with senile dementia of the Alzheimer type, or is disabled; and (3) has a family income of $15,000 or less. Defines "qualified elderly care expenses" as payments for: (1) home health agency services; (2) homemaker services; (3) adult day care; (4) respite care; or (5) certain health care equipment and supplies.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1987
Constitutional Amendment - Prohibits the Government's expenditures from exceeding its revenues in any fiscal year, except in cases of national emergency as determined by a three-fifths vote of the Congress. Prohibits total Government expenditures during a fiscal year from exceeding 20 percent of the gross national product for the preceding calendar year.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1987
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the proposed rescissions of budget authority for the Department of Housing and Urban Development for the community development block grant program (R87-46) and for the urban development action grant program (R87-47) should not be approved. Requires that funds withheld under these proposed rescission requests be made available for obligation. Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to resume the funding allocation and application processing appropriate to the respective grant programs.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1987
Expresses the opposition of the Congress to proposals in the FY 1988 Budget which would reduce the capacity of the Veterans Administration to provide health care to eligible veterans.
United States · United States Congress · 20 January 1987
Title I: General Accounting Office Investigation and Report - Directs the Comptroller General to: (1) within 60 days of enactment of this Act, begin an investigation concerning displaced nationals of El Salvador and Nicaragua; and (2) report to the Speaker of the House and to the President of the Senate within one year of initiating such investigation. Requires determinations to be made, with respect to displaced Salvadorans and Nicaraguans living in El Salvador, Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala, or Mexico of: (1) the number and location of such persons; (2) their place of origin in El Salvador or Nicaragua and the period of, and reason for, their displacement; (3) their current living conditions, with particular attention to questions of personal safety and the availability of food and medical assistance; (4) current efforts to provide such necessities; and (5) the impact of the wars in El Salvador and Nicaragua. Requires assessments to be made, in the case of Salvadorans and Nicaraguans returned from the United States to their country, of: (1) their conditions upon return, with particular attention to any human rights violations; and (2) the extent to which these persons have become displaced persons in their country. Requires the investigation, with respect to Salvadorans and Nicaraguans unlawfully in the United States, to: (1) compare the situation in El Salvador and Nicaragua with previous cases of administrative grants of extended voluntary departure under the immigration laws; (2) describe U.S. policies respecting the treatment of other aliens in the United States in similar circumstances; and (3) describe the policies of all other countries in which Salvadorans or Nicaraguans have sought refuge as those policies concern the return of such persons to their country. Title II: Congressional Review - Provides for the referral of such report to the appropriate congressional committees for committee hearings (within 90 days of continuous session after the referral of such report) and committee reports (within 270 days of continuous session after the referral of such report). Title III: Temporary Stay of Deportation - Prohibits the Attorney General from detaining or deporting aliens until the Congress completes its review of the Comptroller General's report of those aliens who: (1) are nationals of El Salvador or Nicaragua; (2) have been continuously present in the United States since before January 20, 1987; (3) are deportable on specified noncriminal grounds; and (4) have signed an agreement to voluntarily leave the United States at the end of such stay of deportation period. States that such period of stay of deportation shall not count as a period of physical presence in the United States for purposes of deportation suspension and status adjustment. States that during such stay of deportation period the alien: (1) shall not be considered to be permanently in the United States; (2) shall not be eligible for public assistance; and (3) may be deemed ineligible for public assistance by a State or any of its political subdivisions.
United States · United States Congress · 20 January 1987
Amends titles II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) and XVI (Supplemental Security Income) of the Social Security Act to treat multiple sclerosis victims as permanently disabled and eligible for disability benefits under such titles regardless of their ability to engage in substantial gainful activity.
United States · United States Congress · 8 January 1987
Freedom From Vertical Price Fixing Act of 1987 - Provides that in a civil antitrust action relating to price fixing under the Sherman Act, evidence that a seller terminated the sale or supply of goods or services to a dealer after receiving a communication about price competition from a competitor of such dealer shall be sufficient to raise the inference that such manufacturer and competitor engaged in price fixing. Provides that evidence that the seller and a purchaser of goods or services agreed to establish the resale price of such good or service shall be sufficient to establish that such seller and purchaser engaged in price fixing.
United States · United States Congress · 8 January 1987
English Proficiency Act - Directs the Secretary of Education to establish within the Office of Adult Education a program of grants for English literacy programs for individuals of limited English proficiency. Allows such grants to provide for support services including child care and transportation costs for program participants. Provides that such grants may be made to community-based organizations, local education agencies, tribally-controlled schools, institutions of higher education (including community colleges), public libraries, and prisons. Sets forth grant application requirements. Limits grants to not more than three years' duration. Requires that at least 50 percent of grant funds go to community-based organizations with the demonstrated capability to administer English proficiency programs. Requires grant recipients to report annually to the Secretary. Directs the Secretary, through the Office of Adult Education, directly and through grants and contracts, to carry out demonstration programs to: (1) develop innovative approaches and methods of literacy education for individuals of limited English proficiency; and (2) establish a nationwide clearinghouse on literacy education for individuals of limited English proficiency. Requires the Secretary, directly and through grants and contracts, to evaluate and annually audit programs funded under this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to accept grants, gifts, or bequests of money for the purposes of this Act. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1988 through 1990. Limits to ten percent the portion of funds available under this Act which may be used for demonstration programs and evaluation.
![Official portrait of Rep. Staggers, Harley O., Jr. [D-WV-2]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/s000779_200.jpg)