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United States · Official source
2,741 records where Rep. Tauzin, W. J. (Billy) [R-LA-3] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 1989
Expresses the sense of the Congress that a postage stamp should be issued in honor of Claude Pepper.
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 1989
Designates November 16, 1989, as Interstitial Cystitis Awareness Day.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1989
Authorizes the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate to present a bronze medal to individuals: (1) who were members of the armed forces and were present in Hawaii on December 7, 1941; and (2) who participated in combat operations that day against Japanese military forces attacking Hawaii. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to strike such medals. Authorizes the Secretary to provide for the sale of bronze duplicates of the medal. Authorizes appropriations which are to be reimbursed out of the proceeds from sales of the medals.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1989
Designates the week beginning on the second Sunday in May 1990 as National Tourism Week.
United States · United States Congress · 31 May 1989
Designates the month of October 1989 as National Spina Bifida Month.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1989
Title I: General Provisions - Merchant Marine and Defense Act of 1989 - Sets forth congressional findings regarding the maritime industries and national defense. Declares that it is the policy of the United States to develop the necessary maritime resources to meet U.S. national defense and economic security requirements. Title II: Operating Differential Subsidy Reform - Amends provisions of the Merchant Marine Act, 1936 relating to the operating-differential subsidy (ODS) to: (1) allow the Secretary of Transportation, in determining whether to approve an application or revise a contract, to consider the availability of funding; and (2) prohibit the Secretary, in making such determinations, from making a distinction between persons already receiving such aid and new applicants. Revises the definition of "essential service" to include any operation determined by the Secretary to be necessary for national defense or for competitive and economical operation of U.S.-flag vessels in foreign commerce. Requires, for ODS aid, that a vessel be a militarily useful dry cargo vessel less than 20 years old and U.S.-documented. Directs the Secretary, notwithstanding any other law, to allow any qualified U.S. operator to qualify any militarily useful vessels for an ODS if the operator applies within one year of enactment of this Act, meets the requirements for such aid, and meets other requirements. Defines "qualified operator" to mean a U.S. citizen who owned, during the two years ending on the date of enactment of this Act, oceangoing vessels documented in the United States. Ends the Secretary's authority to determine suitable ocean routes and lines to foreign ports. Ends the ODS eligibility requirement that vessels be operating in an essential service. Directs the Secretary to designate ocean services, routes, and lines to not be essential services for purposes of ODS. Prohibits the Secretary from designating a route after two years after enactment of this Act unless operation on that route under an ODS is essential for national security. Repeals provisions excluding certain vessels from eligibility for an ODS. Reduces the maximum period for ODS contracts from 20 to ten years. Modifies the formula for determining the amount of ODS payments. Eliminates ODS coverage for insurance, maintenance and repair, and subsistence of officers and crews. Shields contracts in effect on the date of enactment of this Act from the changes until specified events occur. Changes the definition of "collective bargaining costs." Requires wage subsidies to be paid semimonthly rather than monthly. Prohibits the Secretary from entering into or making payments on ODS contracts for a dry cargo or dry bulk vessel that is more than 25 years old or a tanker vessel that is more than 20 years old. (Current law prohibits ODS payments for vessels that are more than 25 years old.) Directs the Secretary, in awarding and revising ODS contracts, to ensure that disruptions to parties to existing contracts are minimized. Provides for a reduction of ODS payments for a particular voyage in proportion to the amount of revenue payable under cargo preference provisions, subject to exception. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out ODS provisions so as to provide incentives for improving the efficiency of operation of vessels for which an ODS is paid. Allows the Secretary to authorize a contractor receiving an ODS for operations of a line haul vessel to own or operate certain foreign flag vessels that act as feeder vessels for that line hall vessel. Authorizes the Secretary, notwithstanding specified provisions, to enter into ODS contracts with U.S. citizens for the operation of any militarily useful vessel built in a foreign shipyard if the citizen has a foreign vessel acquisition right issued by the Secretary and if other requirements are met. Directs the Secretary to establish a program for the issuance of a foreign vessel acquisition right with respect to each oceangoing merchant vessel over a specified number of deadweight tons for which construction in the United States is started on or after enactment of this Act. Requires the program to provide for the assignment by the Secretary of the rights to any U.S. citizen. Requires amounts received as revenue under the program to be deposited in the Procure and Charter Shipyard Improvement Fund established under title XIV of the Merchant Marine Act, 1936 for use under that title. Declares that these provisions shall not be construed to authorize any vessel built or acquired outside the United States to engage in the coastwise trade. Authorizes the Secretary: (1) notwithstanding specified provisions, to enter into ODS contracts for one year after enactment of this Act with any qualified operator for the operation of any militarily useful vessel built in a foreign shipyard if the vessel meets certain requirements; and (2) on and after the date of enactment of this Act to enter into ODS contracts for operation of any vessels eligible for such subsidies by reason of these provisions, the contracts to be effective after the vessels are delivered and documented under U.S. laws. Amends the Merchant Marine Act, 1936 to modify the definition, for purposes of provisions relating to cargo preference, of the term "privately owned United States-flag commercial vessels" so as to allow certain foreign-built vessels to carry preference cargo, subject to limitation. Authorizes the Secretary, notwithstanding cargo preference limitations, to declare a foreign-built vessel eligible for preference cargo, if the Secretary is authorized to enter into an ODS contract with respect to that vessel and if other conditions are met. Title III: Procure and Charter Program - Part A: Design and Construction of Vessels and Improvement of Shipyards - Directs the Secretary of Transportation (Secretary) and the Secretary of Defense to establish a program under which amounts in the Procure and Charter Revolving Fund (Fund) must be used to: (1) fund contracts for the design in the United States of military useful merchant vessels; (2) fund contracts for the construction of such vessels in privately owned U.S. shipyards; and (3) provide assistance to such shipyards for improvements to equipment, systems, and techniques. Directs the Secretary to enter into contracts for the: (1) design and construction of prototypes of militarily useful merchant vessels; and (2) construction of militarily useful merchant vessels in accordance with such designs and prototypes. Sets forth vessel requirements, contractor eligibility requirements, and contract restrictions. Directs the Secretary to require that, as part of the contract, any person awarded a contract improve facilities and management systems of the person and achieve improvements in productivity and cost reductions through serial construction. Authorizes the Secretary to provide vessel construction contractors under these provisions financial assistance in an amount equal to one-half of the costs of improvements in vessel construction equipment, systems, and techniques to be used in carrying out the contract. Prohibits the assistance unless the Secretary determines that the assistance will result in reduced total costs and increased productivity in carrying out construction under these provisions. Limits the amount of the assistance. Authorizes appropriations from the fund as necessary for constructing an average of 12 vessels in each of the FY 1989 through 2000. Part B: Vessel Charter and Sale - Directs the Secretary to establish a program for the chartering and disposing of vessels constructed under part A of this title. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into contracts with any eligible person for the charter by the person of such vessels. Sets forth charter contract terms. Directs the Secretary, as a condition of a contract, to require: (1) a deposit to ensure the faithful performance of all requirements of the contracts, including indemnity against liens on the vessel; and (2) insurance at the expense of the person entering into the contract. Sets forth contracting procedures. Allows the Secretary to terminate a contract: (1) on a presidential proclamation that termination is required for national defense; and (2) during a national emergency declared by the President. Directs the Secretary, in chartering vessels, to avoid conferring any unfair advantage on a charterer. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation (Secretary) and the Secretary of Defense to contract for the charter of any vessel constructed under part A of this title, for use by the Department of the Navy, at rates determined by the Secretary (but not less than the prevailing commercial rate) for not more than two years. Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to contract with any private person to subcharter any vessel constructed under part A, unless the operation of the vessel under that contract will adversely affect the commercial operation of a vessel documented under U.S. laws. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation (Secretary) to sell or otherwise dispose (including by transfer to the National Defense Reserve Fleet) of a vessel constructed under this title if the vessel is not under contract and no reasonable contract offers have been received, and if other conditions are met. Mandates that the Secretary require as compensation for a vessel sold or disposed of an amount at least as much as the U.S. cost in constructing the vessel, less depreciation. Directs the Secretary, in disposing of vessels, to avoid conferring any unfair advantage on any person who acquires the vessel. Authorizes the Secretary to dispose of a vessel to any person for purposes of scrapping the vessel. Part C: Procure and Charter Revolving Fund - Establishes in the Treasury the Procure and Charter Revolving Fund, to consist of amounts deposited in and transferred to the Fund under these provisions. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to: (1) deposit in the Fund all proceeds of charters, sales, and disposals under part B of this title, all duties under specified provisions of the Tariff Act of 1930, all proceeds of issuance of foreign vessel acquisition rights under provisions of the Merchant Marine Act, 1936 as amended by this Act, and interest on such amounts; and (2) transfer to the Fund, for each of the FY 1990 through 2000, any difference between the deposited amounts and the amount authorized to be appropriated under part A of this title. Makes amounts in the Fund available to the Secretary for vessel design and construction and shipyard assistance. Terminates the Fund, with the balance reverting to the general fund of the Treasury, upon a finding by the Secretary that amounts in the Fund plus anticipated receipts are insufficient for funding construction contracts. Mandates deposit in the general fund of the Treasury of any amounts received after termination of the Fund. Part D: General Provisions - Directs the Secretary to: (1) submit an annual report to the Congress regarding matters under this title; and (2) issue regulations to carry out this title. Title IV: Simplification of Procedure for Long-Term Military Leases - Amends Federal law to exempt noncombatant oceangoing vessels from provisions relating to authorization required for certain long-term leases of vessels and aircraft by military departments. Directs the Secretary of Defense to submit an annual report to specified committees of the Congress describing each case in which the Department of the Navy is seeking, or considering seeking, to enter into a long-term charter of an oceangoing vessel under the provisions amended by this title. Title V: Vessel Prototype Design and Construction Program - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to: (1) establish a program for the design and construction of dry and liquid cargo vessel prototypes and troop carrying vessel prototypes; (2) establish guidelines for such design and construction; and (3) conduct a series of competitions for the selection of designs for vessel prototypes. Sets forth design criteria. Authorizes the Secretary to contract for the production of vessel prototype designs. Directs the Secretary to encourage such cooperation between naval architecture firms and ship building firms as may facilitate the use of modern production techniques. Directs the Secretary to contract for the construction in private U.S. shipyards of one of each vessel prototype design. Sets forth criteria for selection of shipyards. Directs the Secretary to base contract awards, to the maximum extent practicable, on consideration (in addition to other considerations required by law) of maintaining the U.S. ship building mobilization base. Requires prototypes constructed under this title to be chartered or otherwise disposed of under the program established under part B of title III of this Act. Requires information obtained through the design and construction of prototypes to be made available to private shipyards and ship suppliers. Title VI: Federal Ship Mortgage Insurance - Amends the Merchant Marine Act, 1936 to exclude from the definition of "vessel," as used in provisions relating to Federal ship mortgage insurance: (1) any vessel used primarily for offshore exploration or exploitation of petroleum; and (2) barges, tugs, towboats, and workboats. Title VII: Tax Incentives for Modernization of U.S. Shipyards - Amends provisions of the Merchant Marine Act, 1936 and the Internal Revenue Code regarding tax incentives and relating to merchant marine capital construction funds to define "reconstruction" to include general repairs to a qualified vessel to the extent that their costs exceeds a specified amount. Adds references to shipyards to the same provisions of both Acts. (Current law provides the incentives only for certain vessels and related barges or containers.) Amends the Internal Revenue Code to add qualified vessels and qualified shipyards to the list of exceptions to the termination of the regular percentage, for purposes of determining the amount of the investment tax credit. Restores, for such vessels and shipyards, the depreciation schedule which was in effect on the day before the enactment of the Tax Reform Act of 1986. Title VIII: Tariff and Trade Reform for Vessel Construction and Operation - Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to impose, when purchased or performed in a foreign country, an ad valorem duty on: (1) modifications and permanent additions to the hull, fittings, or superstructure of a vessel, including inspections required by the classifications societies, insurers, and governmental entities; and (2) vessel drydocking and all services necessary for drydocking. Excluding emergency repairs from imposition of such duty. Relieves the owner or operator of a vessel from liability for the duty if the owner or operator elects to spend, in a shipyard in the United States within five years, for equipment, repair parts or materials, or repairs, a cumulative amount at least equal to the duty. Makes an owner or operator who fails to so spend liable for the duty plus accrued interest. Requires amounts received as a duty to be deposited into the Procure and Charter Revolving Fund established by this Act. Title IX: Expansion of Cargo Reserved for U.S. Vessels - Amends cargo preference provisions of the Merchant Marine Act, 1936 to require that 100 percent of the agricultural and nonagricultural ocean-borne cargoes generated by the U.S. Government, including cargoes generated as a result of a foreign aid cash transfer program, be transported on privately owned U.S.-flag commercial vessels, subject to exception. (Current law requires that 50 percent of nonagricultural and 25 percent of certain agricultural commodities be transported on U.S.-flag commercial vessels.) States that, in authorizing a vessel which is not U.S.-registered to transport any cargo which is foreign assistance subject to the provisions being amended, the Secretary of Transportation must require that 50 percent of the cargo be transported on U.S.-registered vessels and the remainder on vessels registered in the country receiving the assistance. Title X: Increasing Defense Readiness of United States Merchant Marine - Amends the Merchant Marine Act, 1936 to direct the Secretary of Transportation, before approving any assistance under such Act for the construction of a vessel intended for use in the coastwise trade, to submit the plans to the Secretary of Defense for review and approval. Directs the Secretary of Defense to either: (1) certify that the plans are suitable for construction of a vessel which is capable of economical and expeditious conversion to use during war or national defense emergency; or (2) request changes in the plans necessary to enable that conversion. Directs the Secretary of Transportation, subject to appropriations, to pay to a person constructing a vessel in the United States after enactment of this Act to be operated in the coastwise trade, before construction begins, the costs of: (1) constructing any national defense features; (2) maintaining the features for 15 years; (3) additional operating expenses because of the features during that period; and (4) lost revenue during that period because of reduced cargo space. Declares that it is the sense of the Congress that: (1) rates paid by the Department of Defense for the carriage of ocean-borne cargoes should fully compensate the vessel owner and could be based on established commercial rates; and (2) contracts for such carriage should be awarded, compatible with sound business practice (including cost minimization), so as to enhance the strategic sealift capabilities of the U.S.-flag commercial merchant fleet. Prohibits the Department of Defense, subject to exception and after enactment of this Act, from entering into any contract for carriage of cargoes on a vessel which was: (1) not U.S.-built; or (2) documented in the United States after enactment of this Act. Directs the Secretary of Transportation (Secretary) and the Secretary of Defense to establish a national maritime industries research and development program to carry out commercial water-borne and commercial intermodal transportation and strategic sealift-related research and development. Makes the Secretary responsible for administering the program and lists areas which must be included in the program. Directs the two Secretaries to jointly establish the Maritime Research and Development Advisory Board. Directs the Secretary, as a condition of a research and development project under these provisions, to require that private industry pay a portion of the cost of the project. Limits the Federal share to 66 percent and the non-Federal share to a specified dollar amount for each fiscal year. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1991 through 2001. Title XI: Maritime Labor Reform - Repeals provisions of Federal law relating to merchant mariners' documents. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation, notwithstanding any law, to issue regulations to: (1) allow performance of both deck and engine duties on vessels by qualified personnel; (2) establish the numbers and qualifications of the crew and the watch on vessels; (3) create and keep current licensed and unlicensed personnel ratings; and (4) govern the requirements and standards for documentation of licensed and unlicensed personnel of vessel crews. Directs the Secretary to conduct a study and report to the Congress regarding methods for reducing allowable compensation for port and shipyard workers' injuries and disabilities under the Longshoremen's and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act to a level comparable to other industrial occupations. Title XII: Miscellaneous - Directs the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Transportation, the Secretary of Commerce, the Administrator of the Federal Maritime Commission, and the U.S. Trade Representative to jointly submit an annual report to the Congress regarding unfair foreign trade practices that affect the U.S.-flag merchant marine and maritime industries. Directs the Secretary of Defense to submit an annual report to the Congress regarding specified current and projected maritime defense matters. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to include certain information in an annual report to the Congress required by specified provisions of the Merchant Marine Act, 1936.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1989
Coast Guard Authorization Act of 1989 - Authorizes appropriations for the Coast Guard for FY 1990 for: (1) operation and maintenance; (2) acquisition, construction, rebuilding, and improvement for aids to navigation, shore and offshore facilities, vessels, and aircraft; (3) research, development, test, and evaluation; and (4) retirement pay and benefits. Authorizes the end strength for active-duty personnel of the Coast Guard for FY 1990. Specifies the authorized average military training student load for the Coast Guard for FY 1990. Authorizes the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating (Secretary) to: (1) acquire additional icebreakers by either lease or purchase, as the Secretary determines best; and (2) ensure that any such vessel meets the requirements of specified provisions of Federal law for a vessel to be constructed for any of the armed forces. Makes technical amendments to the Act To Prevent Pollution from ships. Amends Federal law providing for continuity of grade for Coast Guard vice admirals when reappointed to another position as vice admiral to include reappointment of a vice admiral as an admiral. Amends Federal law relating to appointment of Coast Guard personnel to require appointment to the grade of lieutenant (junior grade) or lieutenant to be made by the President without the advice and consent of the Senate. Directs the Secretary to furnish the board that recommends continuation of captains on active duty with the number of officers that may be so recommended, which number must be no less than 50 percent (currently 75 percent) of the number considered. Authorizes the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating, in certain circumstances, to adjust the date of appointment of Coast Guard Reserve officers, including in cases arising before enactment of this Act. Authorizes the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to carry out a pilot program to establish and maintain a junior reserve officers training program in Dade County, Florida, as part of the Maritime and Science Technology Academy established by the public school system in that county. Prohibits, notwithstanding any other law, any officer or employee of the United States from contracting for procurement of performance of any function being performed by Coast Guard personnel as of January 1, 1989, before: (1) the Secretary of Transportation has performed a study under a specified Office of Management and Budget circular with respect to that procurement; (2) the Secretary has performed a study to determine the impact of that procurement on the multimission capabilities of the Coast Guard; (3) a request for approval of that procurement is submitted to the Congress; and (4) the procurement is approved by specified committees of the Congress. Requires contracts awarded by the Coast Guard for construction or services in States with an unemployment rate higher than the national average to include a provision requiring the contractor to employ local residents. Empowers the Secretary of Transportation, in certain circumstances, to waive such requirement. Extends the termination of the Rules of the Road Advisory Council and the Towing Safety Advisory Committee to September 30, 1992. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to submit to the Congress reports on: (1) the options available to control the infestation of the Great Lakes by exotic species from ballast water; (2) the costs incurred by the Coast Guard in providing security at Kennebunkport, Maine; (3) those U.S. ports through which large quantities of oil or other hazardous cargoes are transported, and the costs to the United States of establishing adequate vessel traffic systems in those ports; and (4) the needs for outfitting existing Coast Guard aircraft with surveillance and reconnaissance equipment to assist in law enforcement, and the cost of that equipment. Directs the Secretary to: (1) seek reimbursement of such Kennebunkport, Maine, costs from the Secretary of the Treasury; and (2) submit to the Congress a plan for closing existing gaps in radar coverage along the U.S. coastline on the Gulf of Mexico and the southeastern U.S. coastline on the Atlantic Ocean.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1989
Older Americans' Freedom to Work Act of 1989 - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to remove the limitation on the amount of outside income which beneficiaries who have attained retirement age may earn without incurring a reduction in benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1989
Designates November 19 through November 25, 1989, as National Family Caregivers Week.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1989
Garnishment Equalization Act of 1989 - Provides for the treatment of Federal pay in the same manner as non-Federal pay with respect to garnishment.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1989
Designates the period of November 20 through November 26, 1989, as National Adoption Week.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1989
Designates September 14, 1989, as National DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) Day.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1989
Designates January 7 through January 13, 1990, as National Law Enforcement Training Week.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1989
Designates 1990 as the International Year of Bible Reading.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1989
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the United States should delay the implementation of the transfer to Panama of administrative authority and control of the Panama Canal for a period of twice the number of days during which: (1) General Manuel Noriega remains in Panama, or remains in any official position with the Government of Panama, after the date of the adoption of this resolution; or (2) the President determines that there is not a freely-elected democratic government in Panama.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 1989
Family Choices in Child Care Act of 1989 - Title I: Tax Credit for Families with Young Children - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit for every child under six in low and moderate-income families. Provides a phaseout of the dependent care tax credit for taxpayers whose adjusted gross incomes exceed $50,000. Makes such tax credit applicable only to the care of individuals who are handicapped. Reduces the tax exclusion for dependent care assistance, except as it applies to the handicapped. Title II: Incentives for Employer-Provided Child Care Benefits - Subtitle A: Credit for Employer Expenditures for Certain Dependent Care Assistance Programs - Allows a tax credit for employers who pay or incur qualified dependent care assistance program expenditures. Subtitle B: Presidential Awards for Outstanding Child Care Projects - Authorizes the President to make presidential awards to individuals and organizations in the private sector for outstanding child care projects. Subtitle C: Study of Barriers to Liability Insurance for Employer-Provided Child Care - Requires the Secretary of Labor to report to the appropriate congressional committees on a study concerning market barriers that might prevent access to liability insurance for child care at or near employee worksites. Title III: Clearinghouse on Child Care Services - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish in the Department of Health and Human Services a clearinghouse on child care services.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1989
Constitutional Amendment - Requires the Congress and the President, prior to each fiscal year, to agree on an estimate of total receipts (except those derived from borrowing) for that fiscal year by enactment of a joint single subject resolution. Prohibits outlays for that year (except those for repayment of debt principal) from exceeding this amount unless the Congress, by a three-fifths roll call vote of each House, authorizes a specific excess of outlays over receipts. Requires a three-fifths roll call vote of each House to increase the public debt. Directs the President to submit a balanced budget to the Congress. Requires the approval of a majority of the total membership of each House by roll call vote before any bill to increase revenue may become law. Waives these provisions when a declaration of war is in effect.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1989
Designates October 16, 1989, and October 16, 1990, as World Food Day.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 1989
Recognizes the two centuries of service by the U.S. Coast Guard.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 1989
Alternative Fuels Incentive Act of 1989 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit an income tax credit for investments in qualified clean-burning (natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas, or alcohol) motor vehicle fuel property. Permits a 20 percent credit from 1990 through 1999, phasing out the credit in five percent increments annually thereafter to reach zero percent at the end of 2002. Applies the credit to depreciable property that is: (1) equipment designed either to modify a motor vehicle so that it will be propelled only be a clean-burning fuel or to assist in delivering such fuel into such vehicles; or (2) a motor vehicle propelled by clean-burning fuel. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to make credit-equivalent payments to States and to local governments in connection with qualified property.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 1989
Davis-Bacon Reform Act of 1989 - Amends the Davis-Bacon Act to increase from $2,000 to $250,000 the threshold amount subjecting certain contracts to such Act and requiring them to specify the minimum wages to be paid to laborers and mechanics. Directs the Secretary of Labor to establish as the prevailing wage for a class of laborers or mechanics the entire range of wages being paid to a corresponding class of such workers in the particular urban or rural subdivision of the State in which the work is to be performed. Sets out the means for determining such prevailing wage in cases when more than a single wage is being paid to corresponding classes of workers. Excludes from the computation of wages the basic hourly rates of pay for workers on local Federal projects. Establishes a separate classification for helpers of laborers or mechanics, with their prevailing wages to be determined on the basis of the corresponding class of helpers. Prohibits the division of contracts into units of $250,000 or less for purposes of avoiding wage computation under such Act. Provides for administrative enforcement of such prohibition. Applies the increased contract amount threshold for coverage provided in this Act to other related Federal laws which use the Davis-Bacon Act prevailing wage rate determination requirements. Provides that wages found to be due to laborers and mechanics pursuant to the Davis-Bacon Act shall be paid to them directly from accrued payments withheld under the contract, in accordance with specified regulations issued by the Secretary of Labor. (Currently the Comptroller General makes such payments.) Directs the Administrator of General Services (rather than the Comptroller General) to distribute a list to all Federal agencies giving the names of persons or firms that the Secretary of Labor (rather than the Comptroller General) has found to have disregarded their obligations to employees and subcontractors. Amends the Copeland Act to require certain contractors or subcontractors to furnish compliance statements concerning weekly wages at the beginning, midpoint, and conclusion of the period covered by the contract, instead of every week as the wages are paid. Requires such statements at least every three months. Directs the Secretary of Labor and the Comptroller General to submit to the Congress annual reports describing the effects of the Davis-Bacon Act, the Copeland Act, and this Act on local wages and on local and national economies.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1989
Commission on the Mississippi River National Heritage Corridor Act of 1989 - Establishes the Commission on the Mississippi River National Heritage Corridor to investigate and make recommendations regarding: (1) the creation of a Mississippi River National Heritage Corridor, to run through Arkansas, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Tennessee, and Wisconsin; and (2) other issues affecting the growth and development of the Corridor. Terminates such Commission 90 days after submission of a specified report. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1989
National Voter Registration Act of 1989 - Requires each State to establish procedures with respect to elections for Federal office to permit voter registration by: (1) application in person simultaneously with application for a motor vehicle driver's license; (2) mail application; and (3) application in person at designated Federal, State, and private sector locations. Declares that this Act does not apply to any State that has no voter registration requirement with respect to elections for Federal office. Requires each State to establish a uniform and nondiscriminatory program to confirm the registration of voters in such State. States that challenges to the qualifications of an individual to vote in an election for Federal office may be made on the day of the election only as provided by State law. Provides for individuals with and without documentary proof of qualification to vote. Sets forth a special procedure to enable an individual to vote when his registration to vote cannot be verified. Requires each State to: (1) assure that any eligible applicant who submits his or her application 30 days before the election is registered to vote in the election; (2) require the appropriate State election official to notify each applicant of the disposition of the application; (3) provide that the name of a voter may not be removed from the official list of eligible voters for failure to vote or any other reason except death, criminal conviction, mental incapacity, change in residence, or voter request; and (4) inform those who register pursuant to this Act of voter eligibility requirements and penalties provided by law for submission of a false voter registration application. Requires the Federal Election Commission to report on the impact of this Act on the administration of elections for Federal office. Requires each State to designate a chief State election official to coordinate State functions under this Act. Provides a private right of action for an individual aggrieved by a violation of this Act. Provides for the awarding of attorney fees to the prevailing party, other than the United States. Imposes criminal penalties upon any person who: (1) intimidates, threatens, or coerces any person for registering or voting or exercising any right under this Act; or (2) deprives or defrauds the inhabitants of a State of a fair and impartially conducted election process. Authorizes appropriations necessary to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1989
Precludes veterans entitled to benefits under the All Volunteer Force Educational Assistance Program from receiving other veterans' educational assistance. Terminates other veterans' educational assistance as of June 30, 1993.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1989
Designates September 8, 1989, as National Pledge of Allegiance Day. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Christopher Columbus Quincentenary Jubilee Commission should include the centennial observance of the Pledge of Allegiance in its commemorative activities.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1989
Designates February 18 through February 24, 1990, as National Visiting Nurse Associations Week.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 1989
Municipal Solid Waste Incinerator Act of 1989 - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to publish guidelines for identifying materials which should be removed from solid waste before its incineration in a municipal solid waste incinerator. Directs the Administrator to promulgate regulations applicable to the operation and management of municipal solid waste incinerators and to the disposal or recycling and reuse of municipal solid waste incinerator ash. Prohibits the disposal of ash in units that are created as a result of vertical expansion of an existing waste disposal facility unless it is demonstrated that there will be no settling of waste that would impair the integrity of the liners. Requires that landfills into which such ashes are disposed provide for groundwater monitoring and: (1) place such ashes in a monofill having a leachate collection system and a single liner designed and operated to prevent the migration of any constituent into such liner; or (2) have two or more liners and a leachate collection system above and between such liners. Provides that landfill design requirements shall not apply to alternatively-designed units if demonstrated that such designs prevent such migration. Directs the Administrator to prescribe criteria and testing procedures for identifying the hazardous properties of municipal incinerator ash so that ash which does not exhibit such properties may be placed in sanitary landfills meeting current criteria under specified conditions. Requires ash which is hazardous to human health or the environment to be treated prior to recycling or reuse. Requires States to adopt and implement a permit program (or revise an existing program) to ensure that municipal solid waste incinerators and persons who deal with such ash comply with the Administrator's regulations and this Act's requirements. Prohibits, four years after this Act's enactment, the operation of incinerators and the receipt of ash for treatment, storage, disposal, reuse, or recycling without a permit or prior approval under a State program. Grants States primary enforcement authority with respect to such programs if they provide for compliance with requirements of this section. Requires civil penalties imposed against local governments for violations of this Act to be deposited into a trust fund for programs that serve to enhance the protection of human health and the environment. Sets forth transitional provisions.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 1989
Consumer Telecommunications Services Act of 1989 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to authorize a telephone operating company or its affiliate to: (1) provide information services, including electronic publishing; and (2) manufacture and provide telecommunications equipment and customer premises equipment, notwithstanding any current restriction or obligation imposed by antitrust laws on the lines-of-business in which a telephone operating company or its affiliates may engage. Prohibits any telephone operating company (TOC) or its affiliate which is engaged in the provision of information services from failing to provide: (1) to other information service providers, opportunities for interconnection (for information services) to the telephone exchange facilities of such company which are comparable and which comply with all necessary regulations prescribed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC); or (2) common carriage for the delivery of information services. States that any common carriage regulations prescribed by the FCC shall not relieve a TOC of the obligation to comply with certain orders or any additional regulations prescribed by the FCC concerning open network architecture plans and related requirements. Prohibits any TOC from engaging in electronic publishing in any State using such company's exchange service facilities unless the Commission determines that such TOC does not exercise monopoly control over electronic publishing services in that State. Outlines factors to be considered for the making of such a determination. Prohibits a TOC which has been permitted to commence electronic publishing pursuant to a determination by the FCC from updating information provided by any electronic yellow pages service in any State more frequently than once per month during the first two years after such TOC: (1) establishes an information services gateway system in such State; and (2) commences the provision of electronic yellow pages services using such gateway system. Provides certain exemptions from such prohibitions. Directs the FCC to consult with the Secretary of Commerce and the Attorney General in prescribing regulations to carry out the information services provisions of this Act, but to maintain the exclusive authority to prescribe such regulations. States that such regulations shall supersede all earlier regulations with respect to the provision of information services by TOCs. Prohibits a TOC that is engaged in the business of manufacturing and providing telecommunications equipment and customer premises equipment from failing to provide to other telecommunications equipment manufacturers opportunities to sell such equipment to such TOC which are comparable to the opportunities which the TOC provides to itself or any of its affiliates. Requires any such TOC to comply with all regulations prescribed by the FCC with regard to such telecommunications equipment manufacturers. Requires the FCC to ensure that: (1) manufacturing by a TOC will not harm either competition among manufacturers of telecommunications equipment in the United States or the customers of such telephone exchange services; and (2) the methods by which such companies are required to provide comparable opportunities to other telecommunications equipment manufacturers to sell such equipment to such company are consistent with the public interest. Directs the FCC to consult with the Secretary of Commerce and the Attorney General in prescribing regulations regarding telecommunications equipment manufacturers under this Act, but to maintain exclusive authority to prescribe such regulations. States that such regulations shall supersede all earlier regulations with respect to the manufacture or provision of telecommunications equipment by TOCs. Requires a TOC: (1) to comply with regulations as prescribed by the FCC concerning limitations on the disclosure of customer proprietary network information to any information service personnel of such TOC or its affiliate; (2) to disclose such information, upon request by the customer, to an information service provider designated by the customer; and (3) if such company provides such information to information service personnel of such TOC, to provide such information on the same terms and conditions to any other information service provider upon reasonable request. Prohibits any TOC engaged in either the provision of information services or the manufacture and provision of telecommunications equipment and customer premises equipment under this Act from failing to establish and administer a cost allocation system which effectively prevents the cost of providing such services or manufacturing such equipment from being subsidized by telephone exchange services, or vice versa. Directs the FCC to establish regulations regarding such cost allocation systems. Outlines requirements to be contained in such regulations and provides specific costs which must be included in the cost-allocation system used by such TOCs. Requires the FCC to ensure that economic risks of lines of business of TOCs are not borne by telephone exchange service ratepayers in the event of a business failure. Prohibits the collection of debt from a TOC engaged in the provision of telephone exchange services for a debt incurred by such TOC in its information services division or its manufacturing division. Directs the Commission to prescribe regulations governing the accountability for the transfer of assets between a telephone operating company and its affiliates. Empowers the FCC with the authority to regulate TOCs to carry out this Act. Requires each TOC engaged in any line of business authorized by this Act to comply with certain annual audit requirements. Directs the FCC to adopt rules providing for an expedited review of complaints alleging discriminatory interconnection in violation of the Communications Act of 1934. Provides time constraints for such expedited review. Provides rules of construction concerning the effect of the provisions of this Act on cable television restrictions, State law concerning the regulation of intrastate communication service, and interexchange restrictions.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1989
Consumer Coal Royalty Rate Amendment Act of 1989 - Amends the Mineral Leasing Act to reduce the statutory minimum ad valorem royalty rate on coal purchase contracts entered into prior to March 1, 1989, from 12 1/2 percent to six percent of the value of coal. Exempts coal leases of Indian tribal or allotted lands from such royalty reduction. Permits the Secretary of the Interior to determine a lesser rate for coal from underground mining operations.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1989
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend the targeted jobs income tax credit through 1992 (under current law the credit will expire after December 31, 1989). Amends the Economic Recovery Tax Act of 1981 to authorize appropriations through FY 1992 in connection with the targeted jobs credit. Raises from 23 to 25 years the age limitation with respect to economically disadvantaged youth targeted for credit purposes. Adds as a targeted group under the credit economically disadvantaged individuals who have completed a qualified drug rehabilitation program.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1989
Amends accounting provisions of the Internal Revenue Code to permit licensed used automobile dealers to use the installment method in connection with retail sales of any automobile that is more than three years old at the time of the sale if: (1) the sales price is $6,000 or less; and (2) the installment obligation arises solely from the sale in question and has a term of 36 months or less.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1989
Amends the Endangered Species Act Amendments of 1988 to require the Secretary of Commerce to delay the effective date of certain regulations concerning sea turtle conservation to the date two years after the Secretary's submission of an independent review. (Current law delays such regulations until May 1, 1990, for inshore areas and May 1, 1989, for offshore areas.) Provides that such regulations shall not go into effect for inshore areas if determined that other conservation measures are equally effective in reducing sea turtle mortality by shrimp trawling. Requires the Secretary to modify such regulations accordingly.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1989
Save, America Act of 1989 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from the gross income of an individual up to $5,000 ($10,000 for joint returns) of interest earned on a passbook savings account in a federally insured bank, savings and loan or similar institution, or credit union.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1989
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that Federal excise taxes should not be increased.
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1989
Holloway-Schulze Toddler Tax Credit Act of 1989 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow the custodial parent a refundable income tax credit for each dependent child under the age of six (five in 1990 through 1993). Establishes the credit amount as the lesser of $1,000 or 12 percent of income below $10,000 for a single qualified dependent. Limits application of the credit to two eligible dependents. Reduces the credit for taxpayers earning more than $10,000. Makes this credit and the employment-related dependent care credit mutually exclusive. Applies phase-in amounts for tax years beginning in 1990 through 1993. Indexes post-1994 credit amounts. Provides for advance toddler tax credit payments by employers to employees who provide certification of eligibility. Requires taxpayers to file information returns to reflect these payments. Reduces the amount of the employment-related dependent care credit for taxpayers with adjusted gross income above $50,000. Disallows application of the credit with respect to a taxpayer's dependent under age 13 who is physically and mentally capable of self-care. Repeals the income tax exclusion applied in connection with amounts furnished to an employee in accordance with an employer dependent care assistance program.
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 1989
Childless Veterans Assistance Act of 1989 - Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide procreative services and reimbursement for adoption expenses to veterans (or their spouses) with a service-connected inability to procreate. Prohibits the Secretary from reimbursing a veteran for adoption expenses: (1) until after the adoption is final; (2) that are paid to or for the veteran under any other program administered by the Federal Government or by a State or local government; or (3) in an amount greater than $2,000 per child or $4,000 total per veteran.
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 1989
Designates October 25, 1989, as National Arab-American Day.
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 1989
Designates the week of September 24, 1989, as Religious Freedom Week.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1989
Bridge Administration Transfer Act - Transfers from the Secretary of Transportation to the Secretary of the Army, with specified exceptions, the administration of bridges and causeways over navigable waters, including all related authority, functions, and duties. Makes such transfer effective one year after enactment, or on earlier dates the Secretary of the Army prescribes and publishes in the Federal Register. Makes conforming amendments to the Rivers and Harbors Appropriations Act of 1899, the Bridge Act of 1906, the Truman-Hobbs Act, the General Bridge Act of 1946, and the International Bridge Act of 1972. Directs the Secretary of the Army to submit to the Congress a compilation of Federal laws relating to waterway structure administration, together with recommendations for consolidation or amendments.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1989
Missing Service Personnel Act of 1989 - Requires the responsible uniformed service commander, after receiving notice that a person under his command is missing, to conduct an informal investigation to determine such person's whereabouts and, if appropriate, to place such person in a missing status. Requires the commander, if a person has been placed in such status, to notify the officer holding general court-martial authority over such person (or, in the case of a missing civilian, the Secretary concerned), who shall convene a board of initial inquiry within 45 days. Requires such board to: (1) investigate evidence relating to the disappearance of such person; (2) recommend whether to continue such person in a missing status or make a finding that such person has deserted, is absent without leave, or is dead; and (3) report its recommendations and findings. Provides for the convening of a board of further inquiry, if a board of initial inquiry recommends that such person be continued in a missing status, within one year of such recommendation. Requires such board to analyze any information which has become available since the board of initial inquiry issued its report, to determine whether such person should be continued in a missing status or declared dead, and to report its findings. Directs the Secretary concerned, upon the written request of a member of the immediate family of a missing person who, before the date of the enactment of this Act, was determined by the Secretary to be dead, to: (1) convene a board of further inquiry to determine whether such finding of death should be upheld or such person should be placed in a missing status; and (2) report its findings. Requires the Secretary, within three years after a board of further inquiry recommends a missing status for any person, to reconvene such board to review such status. Specifies the composition of such boards. Directs the Secretary to invite each member of the immediate family of the missing person to the meetings of a board of initial inquiry unless attendance would place such member in danger. Requires the Secretary to: (1) invite family members of missing persons to meetings of boards of further inquiry; (2) schedule such meetings at convenient locations and times; (3) provide such family members with reasonable notice of such meetings; and (4) open such meetings to the general public. Authorizes each board to hold meetings, take testimony, receive evidence, and secure directly from any U.S. department or agency any information necessary to carry out its duties. Provides for the appointment of counsel by the officer or Secretary concerned to represent the missing person. Requires that, if a board determines that a missing person is dead, it shall include in its report a detailed description of the location and date of death, whether the body has been recovered, and whether a licensed practitioner of forensic medicine determined that the body recovered is that of the missing person. Prohibits any such board from declaring a missing person dead unless: (1) evidence other than the passage of a period of less than 50 years suggests that such person is dead; (2) no evidence which reasonably suggests that such person is alive is in the possession of the Government; (3) representatives of the Government have made a complete search of the area where such person was last seen (unless the United States is not granted access to such area); and (4) Government representatives have checked the records of the government or entity having control over the area where such person was last seen (unless the Government is not granted access to such records). Provides for judicial review of determinations of death upon the filing of a written petition by any member of the missing person's immediate family. Directs the Secretary of the uniformed service in which a missing person serves to make certain that such person's personnel file contains all information in the possession of Federal departments and agencies pertaining to the disappearance or whereabouts of such person. Requires the Secretary to make certain that, if classified information is withheld, such file contains: (1) a notice that the information exists; and (2) a notice of the date of the most recent review of the classification status of the information. Sets forth penalties for knowingly withholding information pertaining to the disappearance or whereabouts of a missing person from that person's personnel file. Requires the Secretary concerned to make the contents of such file available to a member of the immediate family of such person upon written request.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1989
Natural Gas Decontrol Act of 1989 - Amends the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978 to declare that the price guidelines for the first sale of natural gas do not apply to: (1) expired, terminated or post-enactment contracts executed after the date of enactment of this Act; (2) certain renegotiated contracts; and (3) gas produced from a well the surface drilling of which began after a specified date. Repeals wellhead price controls.
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1989
Authorizes the President to present a gold medal, on behalf of the Congress, to each of the following individuals in recognition of their contributions to this Nation's cultural heritage: (1) Frank Capra; (2) James Stewart; and (3) Fred Zinnemann. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to design a different gold medal for each such individual. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary to strike and sell bronze duplicates of such medals at a price sufficient to cover the costs of such duplicates and the gold medals. Requires the appropriations to be reimbursed out of the sales proceeds. Designates all such medals as National Medals.
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1989
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose a three percent excise tax on wholesale sales of paper and paper products that do not contain the minimum amount of recycled materials in accordance with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidelines. Increases the tax rate by one percent each year to reach a maximum 12 percent rate for sales during 2000 and thereafter. Directs the EPA Administrator to issue guidelines for products not already designated by relevant guidelines.
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1989
Designates September 1989 as National Library Card Sign-Up Month.
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1989
Designates November 17, 1989, as National Philanthropy Day.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1989
Employee Pension Protection Act of 1989 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to revise fiduciary standards applicable to pension plan assets to account for duties with respect to assets of terminated plans. Establishes fiduciary standards to apply to employer reversions upon plan termination, requiring an employer to establish and maintain a complete replacement plan or a substantial replacement plan in connection with the termination. Prescribes requirements to govern both types of plans. Links the establishment of either of these new plans to the amount of any employer reversion, requiring the new plans to have assets sufficient to pay all liabilities to participants and their beneficiaries. Considers any plan fiduciary or sponsor to be jointly and severally liable for violation of ERISA if requirements regarding complete replacement or substantial replacement plans upon plan termination are not met at any time during the five-year period beginning on the date of final distribution of assets from the terminated plan. Describes fiduciary duties to govern the distribution of plan assets to participants and beneficiaries upon plan termination in cases when the employer does not set up a replacement or substantial replacement plan. Institutes fiduciary duties with respect to distributions of plan assets upon termination in direct trustee-to-trustee transfers to individual retirement plans. Directs the Secretary of Labor to prescribe reporting requirements in connection with these transfers.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1989
Amends provisions of Federal law relating to protection and relief of merchant seamen to require an individual in charge of a documented vessel to report to the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating a complaint of a sexual offense prohibited under provisions of Federal criminal law relating to sexual abuse. Amends the Magnuson Fishery Conservation and Management Act to make it unlawful to assault or interfere with an observer on a vessel under the Act. Adds such actions to provisions listing criminal offenses and their punishments.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1989
Used Oil Recycling Act of 1989 - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to prohibit the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency from listing or identifying as a hazardous waste any: (1) recycled oil; (2) used oil transferred to a person who certifies that such oil will be rerefined, processed, or reclaimed for a beneficial purpose or stored less than 12 months prior to such transfer; and (3) used oil which has been removed from the engine of a light duty motor vehicle or household appliance by the owner, transferred to a service station dealer, and stored by the dealer for less than 12 months. Requires the Administrator to determine whether to list as a hazardous waste used oil which is a solid waste and does not satisfy the above-listed criteria. Directs the Administrator to establish management standards for the storage, testing, transportation, treatment, exportation and importation, and processing of used oil. Requires such standards to be designed to protect human health and the environment by encouraging and expanding reliance on recycling of used oil. Exempts generators of used oil from recordkeeping or reporting requirements if such generators: (1) enter into an agreement for delivery of such oil to a recycling facility whose owner or operator certifies compliance with such standards or recycles such oil; (2) do not mix the oil with any hazardous wastes; and (3) maintain necessary records relating to the oil. Prohibits mixing used oil with any hazardous waste identified under such Act except where: (1) such mixing involves an identified hazardous waste and the resulting mixture does not exhibit a characteristic identified in such Act; and (2) the used oil mixture is burned to recover useful energy such that protection of human health and the environment is assured. Deems owners or operators of facilities which process used oil for fuel to have permits for recycling activities if in compliance with management standards. Directs the Administrator to conduct inspections of such facilities to determine compliance with such standards. Requires the Administrator to implement educational programs to inform the public about the environmental and safety hazards associated with improper handling of used oil and the benefits of used oil recycling. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Administrator to promulgate regulations concerning the procurement of used oil fuel by Federal agencies subject to the requirements of the Solid Waste Disposal Act.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1989
Title I: Findings and Definitions - National Fish and Wildlife Enhancement Act of 1989 - Sets forth congressional findings and definitions. Title II: Oil and Gas Leasing on National Wildlife Refuges - Mandates that all oil and gas leasing receipts (including receipts from the sale of sand and gravel) be deposited into the Refuge Revenue Sharing Fund. Exempts oil and gas leases on Alaskan units of the National Wildlife Refuge System from such mandate (other than the Arctic and Teshekpuk-Utukok National Refuges). Amends the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA) to repeal, with the commencement of the first coastal plain lease sale, the proscription against oil and gas leasing within the Arctic Refuge. Directs the Secretary of the Interior (the Secretary) to initiate, through the Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Director), a coastal plain oil and gas leasing program. Makes this Act the sole authority for oil and gas leasing and regulation on the coastal plain. Suspends all lease sales, in the event that the State of Alaska initiates a judicial challenge to the division of revenues between the State and the Federal Government, until a final decision has been issued. Directs the Secretary, through the Director, to publish draft competitive oil and gas coastal plain leasing regulations within six months after the date of enactment of this Act. Declares a certain "Final Legislative Environmental Impact Statement" to be adequate to satisfy Federal law. Sets forth environmental policy guidelines for such regulations, including a mandatory analysis of the direct, indirect, and cumulative impacts of oil and gas development. Sets forth general procedures and conditions for competitive oil and gas leasing, including expedited judicial review of administrative actions relating to such leasing, bonding requirements, and environmental stipulations. Directs the Secretary to establish a Federal-State Interagency Task Force for the Arctic Refuge, within 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act, to assist the Secretary, acting through the Director, in the development and implementation of an oil and gas exploration program that will avoid significant adverse impact upon fish, wildlife, and the environment. Sets forth Task Force responsibilities and membership. Grants the Secretary (acting through the Director) exclusive authority to grant a right-of-way across the coastal plain for purposes of a common carrier transportation or utility system corridor. Prohibits granting a permanent right-of-way until the first competitive coastal plain lease sale has been held. Mandates that the right-of-way standards for oil and gas pipelines across the coastal plain be consistent with the remainder of the pipeline outside the Arctic Refuge. Prohibits the construction of more than two new port facilities necessitated by oil or gas development that affects the Arctic Refuge along a specified coastal area. Prohibits the construction of any port facility within a distance of one and a half miles on either side of Pokok Bluffs (a polar bear denning habitat). Prohibits port facility or offshore causeway construction without prior consultation with specified fish and wildlife agencies. Grants the Secretary enforcement powers for violations of this Act, including power to issue compliance orders and assess civil and criminal penalties. Imposes joint, several, and strict liability for pollution and damages to wildlife and the environment caused by discharge or development activities involving oil, gas, or hazardous substances. Grants the Secretary the right to accomplish control and removal at the expense of the responsible party. Requires the Secretary to: (1) revise a specified Arctic Refuge conservation plan to include the Arctic Refuge coastal plain; (2) consult with affected State, native villages, regional corporations, and Canada in evaluating the impact of oil and gas exploration upon fish and wildlife; and (3) report biennially to congressional committees regarding the status of the oil and gas leasing program and its impact upon wildlife and the environment. Amends the Refuge Revenue Sharing Act to direct the Secretary to segregate oil and gas leasing revenues on the Arctic and Teshekpuk-Utukok National Wildlife Refuges (including sand and gravel sale revenues) from all other revenues deposited into the Refuge Revenue Sharing Fund. Outlines the manner in which such revenues shall be apportioned. Amends the Migratory Bird Hunting Stamp Act to direct the Secretary to segregate excess oil and gas leasing revenues from all other monies within the Migratory Bird Conservation Fund. Amends the Migratory Bird Conservation Act to authorize approval by the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission of any acquisition recommendation made by the Secretary relating to: (1) the North American Waterfowl Plan (signed with Canada in 1986); and (2) land and water interests which would be acquired out of segregated oil and gas leasing revenues (including sand or gravel sale revenues) on the Arctic and Teshekpuk-Utukok National Wildlife Refuges. Outlines the manner in which such funds shall be allocated. Establishes the Fish and Wildlife Enhancement Trust Fund to promote fish and wildlife conservation. Provides for an initial endowment of such Fund from oil and gas leasing revenues, including sand or gravel sale revenues on the Arctic and Teshekpuk-Utukok National Wildlife Refuges. Requires the Director to submit annual summaries of trust fund expenditures to the appropriate congressional committees. Establishes as a National Wildlife Refuge and as a unit of the National Wildlife Refuge System the Teshekpuk-Utukok National Wildlife Refuge. Requires the Director to prepare a comprehensive conservation plan for such Refuge. Sets forth a limited oil and gas leasing moratorium within such Refuge. Continues the local use of coal as fuel. Repeals certain statutory prohibitions applicable to subsurface coastal plain property interests owned by the Arctic Slope Regional Corporation or surface property rights owned by the Kaktovik Inupiat Corporation. Precludes the authorization of exploratory drilling involving such property interests (with specified exceptions) until the day after the first lease sale is held pursuant to this Act. Applies environmental stipulations of the final regulations issued pursuant to this Act to all oil and gas exploration, development, and production activities involving such property interests. Requires all surface disturbance activities involving such property interests to be undertaken in accordance with a plan of operations to be approved by the Director. Confers full land reclamation liability upon coastal plain oil and gas leaseholders and holders of rights-of-way. Establishes the Coastal Plain Liability and Reclamation Fund within six months of a commercial discovery within the coastal plain and capitalizes such Fund with royalties from commercially produced crude oil or natural gas. Authorizes appropriations for impact aid for affected governments and communities. Directs the Secretary to establish an impact aid grant program for such entities, and to submit to the Congress the results of a study of projected impact aid needs. Requires the Secretary, through the Director, to establish a program to restore and enhance seriously eroded, degraded, or converted U.S. wetlands. Directs the Secretary to identify and prepare enhancement and restoration plans for wetlands that have been seriously affected by conversions or erosion. Sets forth plan requirements. Authorizes appropriations from the Wetlands Restoration and Enhancement Account to carry out such activities. Prohibits the exchange of any part of the Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge without congressional approval. Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions - Amends the Migratory Bird Conservation Act to provide that lease terms shall, at a minimum, address the same wildlife conservation and protection matters that are applicable to the access and development of reserved non-Federal mineral interests in National Wildlife Refuge System areas. Amends the Fish and Wildlife Improvement Act to authorize appropriations for each fiscal year through FY 1998 for the Secretary of the Interior to implement the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance Especially as Waterfowl Habitat. Amends the Refuge Administration Act to provide that specified Federal criminal law does not preclude the use of aircraft and motor vehicles in implementation of approved management plans on national wildlife refuges.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1989
Natural Gas Decontrol Act of 1989 - Amends the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978 to declare that the price guidelines for the first sale of natural gas do not apply to deliveries taking place under: (1) expired, terminated, or post-enactment contracts executed after the date of enactment of this Act; (2) certain renegotiated contracts; and (3) gas produced from a well the surface drilling of which began after a specified date. Repeals wellhead price controls.