United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1988
Postal Reorganization Act of 1988 - Declares that the receipts and disbursements of the Postal Service Fund: (1) shall not be included in the totals of the Federal budget or the congressional budget; (2) shall be exempt from Federal budget limitations on expenditures and net lending; and (3) shall not be counted for purposes of calculating the Federal deficit. Repeals certain limitations on postal borrowing authority. Increases the limitations on postal borrowing authority.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1988
Directs the President to: (1) withhold certain payments to the Republic of Panama under the Panama Canal Treaty of 1977 until he certifies to the Congress that Panama is being governed in fact by a government recognized by the United States; and (2) deposit such payments into an escrow account (which may be paid to Panama after such certification is made). Provides for the management of such account. Amends the Panama Canal Act of 1979 to make conforming amendments with respect to future payments to Panama.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1988
Employer Reversion Moratorium Act of 1988 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 to prohibit distributions to an employer, before October 1, 1989, of plan assets in connection with any single-employer defined benefit plan termination announced on or after March 9, 1988. Makes plan fiduciaries jointly and severally liable for breach of fiduciary duty unless assets distributed upon plan termination are either distributed to plan participants and beneficiaries or paid into a trust whose terms provide for final disposition in accordance with applicable law in effect on October 1, 1989. Requires the dissolution of such a trust and the distribution of its assets during the month of October 1989.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1988
Job Enhancement for Families Act - Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions governing the earned income tax credit to: (1) increase from $5,714 to $7,143 the amount of earned income subject to the credit; and (2) increase the credit percentage incrementally from 14 percent to 35 percent, adjusted annually for inflation, as the number of the taxpayer's dependent children increases from one to four or more.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1988
Designates the week of June 26 through July 2, 1988, as National Safety Belt Use Week. Authorizes and requests the President to: (1) urge the people to wear safety belts and use child safety seats; and (2) encourage State and local governments and concerned organizations and officials to promote greater use of these safety devices.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1988
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Federal Reserve Board should take steps to prevent electronic fund transfers between financial institutions in Panama and financial institutions in the United States until the President certifies (pursuant to the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961) that Panama has cooperated fully with the United States in preventing illegal traffic in drugs.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1988
Praises the organizers of the National Silver-Haired Congress for their efforts on behalf of older Americans. Declares that the Congress should welcome the participants and ensure the success of the National Silver-Haired Congress when it is convened in Washington, D.C. in 1989.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1988
Repeals a provision of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987 which includes employee tips within the wages on which employer social security taxes are based.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1988
Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to set 1988 through 1990 soybean support prices at $5.02 per bushel. (Currently such levels are a minimum of $4.50 per bushel for 1988 through 1990.) Requires (current law authorizes) soybean loan repayment at the lesser of prevailing world prices or the crop loan level. States that if producers of any crop are permitted to repay loans at less than the crop's loan level, cottonseed and sunflower seed prices shall be supported at traditional soybean-based levels.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1988
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt from the excise tax on diesel and aviation fuels any sales of fuel for exclusive State or local governmental use. (Under current law, the Secretary of the Treasury is authorized to issue regulations exempting such sales.) Prohibits the Secretary from requiring reporting or registration in connection with this tax exemption and exempt sales.
United States · United States Congress · 17 February 1988
Grants congressional consent to the Southern States Energy Compact and to certain supplementary agreements entered into pursuant to such Compact. Identifies the following as eligible party States: Arkansas; Alabama; Georgia; Delaware; Florida; Kentucky; Louisiana; Oklahoma; Puerto Rico; Virgin Islands; Maryland; Tennessee; Mississippi; Missouri; North Carolina; South Carolina; Texas; West Virginia; and Virginia. Repeals a specified Act granting the consent of the Congress to the Southern Interstate Nuclear Compact.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1988
Child Protection and Obscenity Enforcement Act of 1988 - Title I: Child Pornography - Amends the Federal criminal code to make it illegal to use a computer to transport information in interstate or foreign commerce concerning the visual depiction of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct (child pornography). Establishes criminal penalties for buying, selling, or transferring the custody of a minor: (1) knowing that, as a consequence of the sale or transfer, the minor will be used in child pornography; or (2) with the intent to promote child pornography. States that such sale or transfer must involve: (1) the minor or other actor traveling in interstate or foreign commerce; (2) communications in interstate or foreign commerce; or (3) conduct in a territory or possession of the United States. Requires any person who produces a book, magazine, periodical, film, videotape, or other matter which contains any visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct (which is shipped or intended for shipment in interstate or foreign commerce, or contains material shipped in interstate or foreign commerce) to maintain certain records regarding the performers portrayed in such conduct. Directs the Attorney General to issue regulations regarding the maintenance and availability of such records. Includes the sexual exploitation of children as a predicate offense to the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) statute. Title II: Obscenity - Makes it a Federal criminal offense to receive or possess, with the intent to distribute, obscene matter which has been transported in interstate or foreign commerce. Makes it a Federal criminal offense to knowingly use a facility or means of commerce to sell or distribute obscene matter in interstate or foreign commerce. Establishes a rebuttable presumption, with respect to Federal criminal offenses involving obscene matter, that obscene matter produced in one State (or outside the United States) which is subsequently located in another State (or in the United States) was transported, shipped, or carried in interstate (or foreign) commerce. Establishes criminal and civil forfeiture procedures with respect to Federal offenses involving obscene material and child pornography. Includes communications by means of cable or subscription television within the prohibition against broadcasting obscene language. Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to modify the penalty provisions of such Act with respect to obscene telephone communications. Amends the Federal criminal code to establish criminal penalties for the possession or sale of obscene matter on Federal property. Adds obscenity offenses to the list of crimes for which the Government may obtain wiretaps.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1988
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt from the gasoline excise tax any sale of gasoline to a State or local government (or to a purchaser for resale to such government) for its exclusive use.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1988
Amends the Toxic Substances Control Act to change to November 1, 1989 (or February 1, 1990, if no regulations have been promulgated by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency) the date by which a local educational agency (LEA) must submit an asbestos management plan developed pursuant to regulations under such Act to the Governor of the State. Changes to August 1, 1990, the date by which each LEA must begin the implementation of such plan. Changes to May 1, 1989, the date by which the LEA must inspect for asbestos-containing material in each school building under its authority. Changes to November 1, 1989, the date by which such LEAs must implement an operation and maintenance plan with respect to friable asbestos-containing material in school buildings. Changes to February 1, 1990, the date by which LEAs must develop an asbestos management plan for submission to the Governor of the State.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1988
Amends the Internal Revenue Code with respect to the excise tax on diesel and aviation fuels. Prohibits imposition of the tax on the sale of these fuels to any purchaser (or purchaser for resale to a second purchaser) for use on a farm for farming purposes or for any other use not as a fuel in a diesel-powered highway vehicle or train. (Although fuel sold for these purposes is tax-exempt under current law, provisions of the Revenue Act of 1987 require purchasers to pay the tax and subsequently apply for a refund based on nontaxable uses of the fuel.)
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1988
Amends the Internal Revenue Code with respect to the excise tax on diesel and aviation fuels. Prohibits imposition of the tax on the sale of these fuels to any purchaser (or purchaser for resale to a second purchaser) for use on a farm for farming purposes or for any other use not as a fuel in a diesel-powered highway vehicle or train. (Although fuel sold for these purposes is tax-exempt under current law, provisions of the Revenue Act of 1987 require purchasers to pay the tax and subsequently apply for a refund based on nontaxable uses of the fuel.)
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1988
Commends the President, Secretary of State, and Administrator of the Agency for International Development for their response to the drought and food emergency in Ethiopia and other nations of sub-Saharan Africa, and urges them to continue efforts to preclude the onset of famine and to ensure the timely delivery of medical and other emergency relief supplies. Declares that: (1) the Government response to these food emergencies should include initiatives to prevent the dislocation of large numbers of persons across national borders and/or into relief camps; and (2) the plight of the refugees or displaced should be addressed by emphasizing the provision of basic human needs, such as food, water, and shelter.
United States · United States Congress · 18 December 1987
Expresses the sense of the Congress that Project Impact of the Combined Accident Reduction Effort should be supported by every State and should be recognized as a model project to educate the Nation's youth regarding the impact of drug and alcohol abuse upon driving safety.
United States · United States Congress · 18 December 1987
Declares that the President should award the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Martha Raye in honor of her service in the form of entertainment and nursing care to members of the U.S. armed forces.
United States · United States Congress · 17 December 1987
Amends employment tax provisions of the Internal Revenue Code and the Social Security Act to grant independent contractor status to any individual fish or shellfish processor whose compensation is based on the quantity of fish or shellfish peeled, shucked, filleted, or otherwise processed.
United States · United States Congress · 10 December 1987
Rail Safety Improvement Act of 1987 - Amends the Federal Railroad Safety Act of 1970 to authorize appropriations for FY 1988 through 1990. Requires the Federal Railroad Administration to establish, and report to certain congressional committees regarding the results of, specified grade crossing demonstration projects. Authorizes appropriations for grade crossing safety improvements. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to implement a mandatory licensing program for railroad operators and engineers. Outlines the requirements of such program. Entitles individuals who have been denied an operator's license to an administrative hearing. Provides that an individual who has been convicted of operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance will not be prohibited from holding a railroad operator's license if such individual has successfully completed a rehabilitation program established by a rail carrier or approved by the Secretary subsequent to such conviction. Mandates the use of certain automatic train control systems on all trains operating after July 1, 1990, on the main line of the Northeast Corridor between Washington, D.C., and Boston, Massachusetts. Requires the Secretary to conduct a feasibility study regarding automatic train control systems, including satellite relay and transponder systems, on rail corridors on which passengers or hazardous materials are carried. Makes it unlawful for any person (including railroad personnel) to fail to comply with any rules prescribed by the Secretary. Increases the maximum civil penalty for such violations from $2,500 to $10,000 (and $25,000 for specified violations). Authorizes the Secretary to prohibit an individual from performing safety-sensitive functions if such individual's violation of a rule, regulation, order, or standard is shown to make that individual unfit for such functions. Directs the Secretary to promulgate proscriptions against willful tampering with railroad safety or operational monitoring devices. Establishes a civil penalty for railroads operating a track with tampered or disabled monitoring devices. Directs the Secretary to: (1) report to certain congressional committees the results of an inquiry into whether training standards are necessary for train dispatchers; (2) promulgate standards and regulations regarding railroad highway grade crossings; and (3) report to certain congressional committees the results of an inquiry into whether to require that all trains be equipped with event recorders to enhance safety. Provides for an expedited proceeding by the National Railroad Adjustment Board of any railroad employee dispute or grievance alleging certain discriminatory practices. Cites circumstances under which the Secretary is authorized to disclose the name of a railroad employee who has provided information regarding alleged railroad safety violations. Mandates that railroad accident reports which assign human error as a factor include an explanatory statement by the employee whose error is alleged. Outlines circumstances under which the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) (or the owner of any facility which presents a danger to Amtrak property, employees or passengers) may petition the Secretary for relocation assistance or other remedial measures to obviate such danger. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary to promulgate regulations for: (1) the safety of maintenance-of-way employees; and (2) the fencing of rail yards in heavily populated areas in order to prevent injury to non-railroad personnel.
United States · United States Congress · 10 December 1987
Panama Canal Revolving Fund Act - Amends the Panama Canal Act of 1979 to terminate the present Panama Canal Commission Fund and Panama Canal Emergency Fund and establish in the Treasury a Panama Canal Revolving Fund (Fund). Makes amounts in such Fund available to carry out the authorized purposes, functions, and powers of the Panama Canal Commission (Commission). Provides that such Fund shall consist of the balance of the Panama Canal Commission Fund, the balance of unexpended appropriations to the Commission, the balance of the Panama Canal Emergency Fund, toll receipts, and all other receipts of the Commission. Allows the Commission to withdraw funds from the Fund to defray emergency and operating expenses if authorizing legislation has not been enacted for a fiscal year, subject to specified conditions and a reporting requirement. Authorizes the Commission to borrow up to a specified amount from the Treasury. Provides for the calculation and payment of interest to the Fund. Adds working capital requirements to the list of expenditures of the Commission. Authorizes using tolls from the Panama Canal to pay for working capital requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 8 December 1987
Amends the Internal Revenue Code with respect to the targeted jobs income tax credit. Extends the credit to employees who begin work in 1989 through 1991. (Current law terminates the credit for employees who begin work after December 31, 1988.) Includes as a targeted group individuals aged 65 or older who are members of economically disadvantaged families. Revises the minimum employment period requirement for purposes of this credit.
United States · United States Congress · 8 December 1987
Expresses the sense of the Congress that, in celebration of the millennium of the Christianization of Kievan-Rus', the Soviet Union should: (1) comply with its international obligations and allow Christians to practice their faith without harassment; (2) grant a general amnesty for all Christians who have been imprisoned because of their religious beliefs; (3) allow religious believers to practice their faith freely; (4) permit unlimited publication, distribution, and importation of religious materials; and (5) allow closed churches to reopen, new churches to be built, and theological seminaries to open or expand.
United States · United States Congress · 10 November 1987
Authorizes the Vietnam Women's Memorial Project, Inc., to establish a commemorative statue within the Vietnam Veterans Memorial to recognize and honor the women of the U.S. armed forces who served in the Vietnam war. Expresses the sense of the Congress that after the addition of such statue, no further commemorative works should be added to the Memorial. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to select a site for the statue within the Memorial. Makes the design proposal subject to the approval of the Secretary and the National Capital Planning Commission. Prohibits the United States and the District of Columbia from paying any expense of establishing the statue.
United States · United States Congress · 29 October 1987
Designates the week beginning September 11, 1988, as Total Education Awareness Week, recognizing that the educational experience should address the total needs of children, including their intellectual, psychological, social, and physical needs.
United States · United States Congress · 28 October 1987
Designates the week of May 2 through May 8, 1988, as National Drinking Water Week to enhance awareness of drinking water issues and recognition of the difference that drinking water makes to health, safety, and quality of life.
United States · United States Congress · 22 October 1987
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) Nicaragua should undertake specified reforms, such as reinstating due process and fair trials, ending torture, conducting free elections, allowing an uncensored free press, ensuring the right to strike and to publish for unions, ceasing attacks against civilians, and ending the forced relocation of Indians and Creoles; and (2) all countries in Central America should continue to work toward achieving the democratic principles and processes specified in the August 7, 1987, Central American peace accord.
United States · United States Congress · 15 October 1987
Designates March 18, 1988, as National Energy Education Day to promote and enhance energy education programs at all grade levels of public and private schools.
United States · United States Congress · 13 October 1987
Department of Veterans Affairs Act - Redesignates the Veterans Administration (VA) as the Department of Veterans Affairs (the Department), an executive department within the executive branch of the Government. Provides that the Department shall be headed by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, to be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Designates as other principal officers of the Department the Deputy Secretary, the Chief Medical Director, and the Chief Benefits Director. Provides for the temporary continuation of service of the current Administrator, Deputy Administrator, Chief Medical Director, and Chief Benefits Director of Veterans Affairs. Establishes within the Department eight Assistant Secretaries, each of whom shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, to perform such functions as the Secretary may prescribe. Directs the Secretary to assign to one such Assistant Secretary all functions regarding the National Cemetery System and the State cemetery grant program. Outlines functions which the Secretary shall assign to the Assistant Secretaries. Provides for the temporary continuation of the performance of such functions by present personnel until such functions are assigned to an individual appointed as Assistant Secretary under this Act. Redesignates the current VA's Department of Medicine and Surgery as the Veterans Health Services Administration of the Department. Redesignates the VA's current Department of Veterans Benefits as the Veterans Benefits Administration of the Department, whose primary function shall be to administer nonmedical programs which provide assistance to veterans, their dependents, and their survivors. Establishes within the Department the Office of the General Counsel. Redesignates the current Office of Inspector General of the VA as the Office of Inspector General of the Department. Provides that any references to departments or positions under the current VA system shall be considered to be references to such departments and positions of the Department as modified under this Act. Provides continuing effect of all legal documents, suits, actions, and property and resources of the current VA. Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, after appropriate congressional consultation, to prepare and submit to the Congress proposed legislation containing technical and conforming amendments to reflect the changes made under this Act. Requires such legislation to be submitted no later than six months after the enactment of this Act. Provides that any spending authority of the Department is subject to available amounts as provided in appropriation Acts.
![Official portrait of Rep. Tauzin, W. J. (Billy) [R-LA-3]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/t000058_200.jpg)