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Official portrait of Rep. Vento, Bruce F. [D-MN-4]

Rep. Vento, Bruce F. [D-MN-4]

United States · Official source

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5,601 records where Rep. Vento, Bruce F. [D-MN-4] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years

Bill· HRH.R. 2386 (101st)open

Irrigation Subsidies Reform Act of 1989

United States · United States Congress · 17 May 1989

Irrigation Subsidies Reform Act of 1989 - Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to prohibit a producer who receives Federal irrigation water at less than full cost from participating in any agricultural price and income support program.

Bill· HRH.R. 2392 (101st)open

Oil Shale Claims Act of 1990

United States · United States Congress · 17 May 1989

Amends the Mineral Lands Leasing Act of 1920 to direct the Secretary of the Interior (the Secretary) to implement an expedited validity determination program for all unpatented oil shale claims, including those for which patent applications have not been filed. Requires the Secretary to cancel invalid claims. Sets deadlines within which the Secretary must publish in the Federal Register regulations containing criteria for determining the validity of all unpatented oil shale claims. Requires the Secretary to determine the validity of such claims within two years after promulgation of the final regulations. Prohibits the issuance of any patents for oil shale claims for which an application was filed after January 24, 1989, and which does not fully comply with specified statutory requirements. Sets forth a schedule within which oil shale claim holders who have been denied a patent must elect to: (1) apply for an oil shale lease; (2) comply with diligent development requirements regarding oil shale production; or (3) make specified payments to the Secretary in lieu of diligent development. Requires the Secretary to: (1) cancel the claim of any owner who does not make such an election; and (2) annually review the claim holders' compliance with the expenditure requirements. Declares that the Multiple Minerals Development Act of 1954 and the Surface Resources Act of 1955 apply to unpatented oil shale claims. Mandates that lease or claim holders under this Act reclaim the affected site and post a bond before disturbance of the site to guarantee its reclamation. Authorizes the Secretary to issue a patent for oil shale claims for which a patent application was filed before January 24, 1989, but with respect to which all requirements were not fully met, if the Secretary determines such claims are valid and the statutory requirements are subsequently met. Limits such patents to oil shale and associated minerals. Conditions such patent upon payment to the Secretary of $2,000 per acre and expressly reserves the land surface to the United States. Declares the Multiple Minerals Development Act of 1954 and the Surface Resources Act applicable to such patents. Exempts such patent holders from the election requirements of this Act.

Bill· HRH.R. 2376 (101st)referred

Housing for the Frail Elderly Act of 1989

United States · United States Congress · 16 May 1989

Housing for the Frail Elderly Act of 1989 - Amends the Housing Act of 1959 to authorize FY 1990 appropriations (up to a certain number of units) for elderly or handicapped families' housing and related facilities assistance. States that such assistance shall be in the form of capital advances which shall not bear interest and not be required to be repaid as long as the housing remains available for elderly or handicapped families. (Current law provides assistance as interest-bearing loans.) Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to enter into 20-year contracts to repay landlords for monthly operating costs in excess of project income for very low and lower income units. Includes among operating costs: (1) rent and utilities; (2) renovations and improvements to make units more accessible to elderly or handicapped persons; and (3) services such as meals, health and personal care, and management expenses to coordinate such activities. Terminates section 8 assistance (United States Housing Act of 1937) for projects receiving elderly and handicapped assistance as provided by this Act. Limits efficiency apartment rent in a project receiving such assistance to not more than 25 percent of a resident's monthly adjusted income. Encourages sponsors to adopt apartment design flexibility. Amends the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968 to provide technical assistance to train sponsors about the availability and acquisition of such assistance. Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to permit funds to be used to provide services and service coordinators for elderly or handicapped residents in housing assisted under such Act. Limits such assistance to not more than 15 percent of service costs. Amends the Housing Act of 1949 to provide similar assistance under: (1) the Housing Act of 1949 for rural rental housing; (2) the National Housing Act for low- and moderate-income housing; and (3) the United States Housing Act of 1937 for section 8 new construction. Directs the Secretary to maintain centralized waiting lists for elderly and handicapped housing.

Resolution· HRESH.Res. 157 (101st)referred

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that Exxon Company, USA, should devote whatever resources are necessary and pay all expenses required to compensate affected parties expeditiously, mitigate impacts, and complete cleanup by September 15, 1989, of Prince William Sound and other Alaska lands and waters damaged by the Exxon Valdezoil spill.

United States · United States Congress · 16 May 1989

Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the Exxon Company must dedicate necessary resources and pay all required expenses to compensate affected parties, mitigate impacts, and complete cleanup by September 15, 1989, of Prince William Sound and other Alaska lands and waters damaged by the Exxon Valdez oil spill; and (2) the scope and thoroughness of the cleanup shall be determined by the U.S. Coast Guard to achieve maximum benefit of fish and wildlife habitat and the Alaska environment.

Bill· HRH.R. 2323 (101st)open

Clean Air Restoration Act of 1989

United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1989

Clean Air Restoration Act of 1989 - Title I: General Provisions for Nonattainment Areas - Amends the Clean Air Act to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to publish guidelines for enhanced State monitoring of ozone, oxides of nitrogen, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carbon monoxide, and particulate matter 10 (PM 10) and for improved inventories of emissions of such substances. Directs the Administrator to establish emissions factors for estimating emissions of such substances from stationary sources which emit less than 25 tons per year of such pollutants. Requires State plan revisions submitted after this Act's enactment for ozone, carbon monoxide, or PM 10 nonattainment areas to provide for the maintenance of the attainment standard for 20 years after such submission. Directs the Administrator to periodically review and revise such plans, as necessary, to insure the maintenance of such standard. Revises the boundaries of ozone and carbon monoxide nonattainment areas which are classified as Extreme or Severe and are located within Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSA) or Consolidated Metropolitan Statistical Areas (CMSA) to include the entire MSA or CMSA. Authorizes the Administrator to modify nonattainment areas classified as Moderate or serious for ozone, carbon monoxide, or PM 10 to encompass the entire MSA or CMSA if such modification is necessary to attain the air quality standard. Requires permits issued in nonattainment areas for stationary sources to provide for: (1) quarterly reports to the permitting authority on monitoring measures; and (2) annual certifications to such authority demonstrating compliance with such permit. Prohibits the issuance of any permit unless such authority has conducted an on-site inspection of the source or emissions unit. Allows new or modified stationary sources to comply with any offset requirement for increased emissions of any air pollutant by obtaining enforceable emissions reductions of such pollutant from other sources in the same nonattainment area. Requires such reductions to be in effect by the time such sources commence operation and to insure that the total tonnage of increased emissions is offset by a greater reduction in the actual emissions from other area sources. Title II: Provisions Applicable to Ozone Nonattainment Areas - Classifies ozone nonattainment areas as Moderate, Serious, Severe, or Extreme, based upon the percentage by which the air quality standard is exceeded in the area. Authorizes the Administrator to adjust the classification of areas which would be classified in another category if the ozone level in such areas were ten percent greater or less. Requires the Administrator to promulgate special rules for rural nonattainment areas where area sources do not make significant contributions to the ozone concentration in such areas. Directs States with classified ozone nonattainment areas to submit compliance strategies to the Administrator. Requires such strategies to provide for: (1) meeting an initial milestone for emissions reductions; (2) improved monitoring of ozone, oxides of nitrogen, and VOCs; (3) annual statements from owners or operators of stationary sources showing emissions of oxides of nitrogen and VOCs; and (4) annual emissions inventories to be submitted to the Administrator. Waives the requirement for owners or operators of stationary sources which emit less than 25 tons annually of VOCs if the State provides an inventory of emissions of such sources. Applies requirements for State permits with respect to air quality standards to statements for stationary sources which emit 25 tons or more annually of oxides of nitrogen or VOCs. Deems such sources to be major stationary sources. Establishes fees to be collected by States for each ton of emissions of such substances and approval procedures for compliance strategies. Directs the Administrator to publish oxides of nitrogen and VOC emissions reduction targets for Serious, Severe, and Extreme ozone nonattainment areas. Provides for reductions or increases in such targets based upon percentage reductions or increases over a 1988 emissions inventory. Directs the Administrator to publish a VOC emissions reduction milestone for such areas to require a 20 percent reduction in emissions within four years of this Act's enactment based upon the 1988 emissions inventory. Requires additional milestones to be achieved within eight and 12 years of this Act's enactment. Sets forth attainment dates of four, eight, 12, and 16 years, respectively, for Moderate, Serious, Severe, and Extreme areas. Requires State implementation plans for Serious, Severe, and Extreme areas to be revised to include measures for meeting targets and milestones, conforming with compliance strategies, and attaining and maintaining revised ozone standards. Sets forth approval procedures for such plans. Requires the Administrator to audit biennially and, if necessary, revise such plans to assure compliance. Includes specified ratios for offsets of increased emissions by new or modified sources in permit requirements for Moderate areas. Requires compliance strategies or revised implementation plans for Serious and Severe areas to contain a permit program covering the construction and operation of certain new or modified emissions units. Requires certain emissions offsets by the time such units enter operation. Provides that such plans or strategies shall: (1) contain a motor vehicle inspection and maintenance program to reduce in-use emissions of VOCs and oxides of nitrogen in Serious areas; and (2) require the use of fill nozzles in such areas which prevent vapor discharge and vehicle fuel tank overflows on nozzle disconnect. Applies the nozzle requirement only to facilities which sell more than 10,000 gallons of gasoline per month (50,000 gallons per month in the case of certain independent small business gasoline marketers). Waives such requirement when the Administrator determines that onboard emissions control systems are in widespread use throughout the motor vehicle fleet. Requires such plans or strategies to require all buses which are purchased or leased by State or local governments after January 1, 1992, (for which such governments enter into contracts or for which engines are replaced after such date) and which are used for public transportation in Serious areas to be low-emission vehicles using low-emission fuels. Requires permits for the operation of certain existing stationary sources in Serious, Severe, and Extreme areas. Requires such strategies or plans to establish a schedule requiring at least 30 percent of the new motor vehicles registered in Severe areas by 1998 to be low-emission vehicles using low-emission fuels. Prohibits the use of an emissions reduction trading program to comply with the reasonably available control technology requirement applicable to such sources under the Clean Air Act. Requires tanks used for motor vehicle liquid fuel storage in such areas to be capable of storing methanol. Prohibits the use of Federal funds for transportation planning in such areas unless the Administrator determines that such planning uses all available techniques for reducing aggregate vehicle emissions. Requires all new motor vehicles owned or operated by persons owning or operating 15 or more vehicles in a Severe area after 1992 to be low-emission vehicles using low-emission fuels. Provides that compliance strategies and State implementation plans for Extreme areas shall contain the same requirements as those for Severe areas. Provides that, eight years after this Act's enactment, each electric utility and industrial and commercial boiler emitting more than 25 tons annually of oxides of nitrogen in such areas shall: (1) burn natural gas, methanol, or ethanol (or a comparably low polluting fuel) as a primary fuel; or (2) use advance control technology for reduction of such emissions. Establishes a schedule for increasing in annual increments the percentage of new motor vehicles registered in such areas which are low-emission vehicles. Requires all model year 2000 vehicles to be low-emission vehicles. Authorizes the establishment of traffic control measures during heavy traffic hours to reduce the use of high polluting vehicles in such areas. Allows an Extreme area to apply for a four-year extension of the attainment date. Directs the Administrator to grant such extension if the area is reasonably expected to meet minimum emissions reduction targets and the implementation plan is adequate to meet the attainment standard by the extended date. Sets forth procedures to be applied in the case of noncompliance with plan and compliance strategy requirements, including emissions offsets for new or modified stationary sources or emissions units at a ratio of three to one and a prohibition on the approval of, or awarding of Federal funds for, highway projects in non-complying areas. Sets forth deadlines for States to demonstrate that all measures in compliance strategies have been implemented and that milestones have been met. Provides for reclassification of areas or the implementation of additional measures, including economic incentive programs in Severe and Extreme areas, if a State fails to meet emissions reduction milestones or to submit a demonstration. Directs the Administrator to establish guidelines for such programs. Sets forth administrative procedures for making determinations, including provisional determinations, of attainment of air quality standards during a three-year period. Directs the Administrator to reclassify Moderate, Serious, or Severe areas which fail to meet attainment deadlines into the next, more stringent, category. Requires States with Extreme areas failing to meet such deadlines to submit plan revisions providing for: (1) emissions offsets at a ratio of three to one for new or modified sources or emissions units in such areas; and (2) an economic incentives program to aid in reducing the total tonnage of VOC and oxides of nitrogen emissions by at least five percent annually prior to attainment of the standard. Establishes an ozone transport region comprised of coastal States on the east coast between Maine and Maryland and the CMSA including the District of Columbia. Authorizes the creation of additional regions, as necessary. Directs the Administrator to establish an ozone transport commission for each region. Requires each State within a region to submit to the Administrator a revised implementation plan which requires compliance with emission levels as if the region were classified as a Serious area for ozone. Exempts regions within a State that do not contribute significantly to ozone concentrations in Serious, Severe, or Extreme areas. Permits States or subdivisions to petition the Administrator for the inclusion of another State or portion of a State within an ozone transport region. Requires the Administrator to develop criteria for determining transboundary pollution for ozone. Authorizes the Administrator to pay up to 100 percent of the program costs of such commissions for two years. Directs the Administrator to: (1) list all categories of commercial and consumer solvents, architectural and other surface coatings, pesticide applications, traffic coatings, and military specification coatings which release significant evaporative emissions of VOCs; and (2) promulgate standards biennially, for eight years, to reduce emissions from the highest priority group of such substances to the lowest feasible emissions rate. Requires the Administrator to publish a list of the 12 categories of stationary sources for which control technologies have not been published and which make the most significant contribution to the formation of ozone air pollution. Directs the Administrator to publish guidance for such sources, including guidelines for monitoring emissions of VOCs and oxides of nitrogen, and review and, if necessary, update such guidelines. Requires owners or operators of sources emitting ten tons or more of VOCs annually to reduce such emissions by a specified percentage if guidance for such source has not been published. Directs the Administrator to publish a control technology document regarding control of VOC emissions from the loading of petroleum products on or off of vessels. Provides that such emissions shall be considered to be direct emissions of the onshore terminal. Title III: Provisions Applicable to Carbon Monoxide Nonattainment Areas - Classifies carbon monoxide nonattainment areas as Moderate, Serious, or Severe. Authorizes the Administrator to adjust such classifications under conditions parallel to those for ozone nonattainment areas. Requires the Administrator to publish carbon monoxide concentration milestones for Serious and Severe areas to be achieved within four and eight years of this Act's enactment, respectively. Sets forth attainment dates of four, eight, and twelve years, respectively, for Moderate, Serious, and Severe areas. Sets forth requirements parallel to those for ozone nonattainment areas for State plan revisions, content, approval, and auditing. Requires plans for Serious and Severe areas to include: (1) motor vehicle inspection and maintenance programs to reduce in-use carbon monoxide emissions; and (2) provisions requiring the use of oxygenated fuels for all gasoline-powered motor vehicles during periods identified as having carbon monoxide concentrations potentially in excess of air quality standards. Directs the Administrator to promulgate guidelines allowing the use of marketable oxygen credits from fuels with higher oxygen contents than required to offset the sale or use of fuels with lower contents than required. Waives the oxygenated fuel requirement upon a demonstration that the use of such fuels would prevent or interfere with an area's attainment of a standard for any other air pollutant. Requires persons selling oxygenated fuel to label the fuel dispensing system accordingly. Sets forth requirements parallel to those for ozone nonattainment areas for: (1) permit programs and emissions offsets in Severe areas; (2) persons owning or operating more than 15 vehicles in such areas; and (3) funding for transportation planning. Provides for a $5 per vehicle annual registration fee in such areas. Makes registration revenues available to the State air pollution control agency for developing carbon monoxide emissions reduction strategies. Sets forth requirements parallel to those for ozone nonattainment areas for noncompliance procedures and State demonstrations. Provides for the implementation of an incentives program to reduce vehicle miles traveled in Severe areas if milestones or demonstration requirements have not been met. Provides for reclassification and plan revision procedures parallel to those required for Severe and Extreme ozone nonattainment areas. Title IV: Provisions Applicable to PM 10 Nonattainment Areas - Classifies PM 10 nonattainment areas as Serious or Severe. Sets forth attainment dates of four and eight years after this Act's enactment, respectively, for Serious and Severe areas. Directs the Administrator to publish PM 10 concentration milestones for Severe areas to require a 50 percent reduction in concentrations within four years of this Act's enactment. Sets forth requirements parallel to those for ozone and carbon monoxide nonattainment areas for: (1) State plan revisions, content, approval, and auditing; and (2) permit programs for Serious and Severe areas. Requires permits for the operation of: (1) certain existing sources in Severe areas; and (2) new, modified, and existing sources of PM 10 precursors where such emissions contribute significantly to PM 10 concentrations in nonattainment areas. Sets forth requirements parallel to those for ozone and carbon monoxide nonattainment areas for noncompliance, State demonstrations, reclassifications, and plan revisions. Allows States which have submitted plan revisions for Severe areas to apply for a two-year extension of the attainment date. Provides that three to one offset requirements shall not apply to areas granted such extensions. Waives any PM 10 requirements if determined that anthropogenic sources of PM 10 do not contribute significantly to the violation of the PM 10 standard in the area. Directs the Administrator to: (1) list all important categories of PM 10 emissions and precursors; and (2) publish biennial guidelines concerning the best available control technology for PM 10 emissions from stationary sources in the highest priority group. Requires the Administrator to promulgate regulations for PM 10 emissions reduction from existing diesel buses in Severe areas to require the use of lower polluting fuels. Requires State plans to include annual PM 10 emissions inventories to be submitted to the Administrator. Provides for revisions of such plans if air quality standards are modified. Requires plans to contain measures to improve the ambient monitoring of PM 10. Title V: Mobile Sources - Sets standards for emissions of hydrocarbons, oxides of nitrogen, carbon monoxide, and particulates from: (1) passenger cars and light duty trucks manufactured after 1991; and (2) heavy duty trucks and buses manufactured after 1990. Directs the Administrator to promulgate standards for vehicles using low-emissions fuel. Requires the Administrator to evaluate and, if necessary, revise such standards at least every four years. Directs the Administrator to establish a minimum percentage of new motor vehicles to be certified as low-emissions vehicles. Requires the Administrator to promulgate emissions standards for internal combustion engines used in any vehicle or machine manufactured after January 1, 1993. Requires such standards to be proportional to those for motor vehicle engines of comparable horsepower using the same fuel. Directs the Administrator to add an idle test to the Federal Test Procedure for emissions from light duty vehicles manufactured after 1991. Permits only ten percent of vehicles manufactured after 1990 in a selective enforcement audit to fail motor vehicle testing. Requires the Administrator to review and revise, as necessary, testing regulations to insure that vehicles are tested under circumstances reflecting actual current driving conditions. Requires each vehicle and engine to comply with the applicable emissions standard (Current law permits averaging). Provides that the useful life of vehicles and engines manufactured after 1994 shall be ten years or 100,000 miles. Makes technical amendments to prohibitions on tampering with vehicle emission control devices. Directs the Administrator to require the use of best available technology to control evaporative emissions from motor vehicles for a vehicle's useful life. Sets standards for emission of hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and evaporative hydrocarbons from motorcycles manufactured after 1991. Requires the installation of onboard emission diagnostic equipment on motor vehicles. Directs the Administrator to: (1) promulgate regulations to reduce evaporative emissions from motor vehicle fuels; and (2) establish a standard for gasoline volatility. Requires new light duty motor vehicles manufactured in the second year after standards are promulgated to be equipped with onboard evaporative emissions control systems. Provides for carbon monoxide emissions testing at 20 degrees Fahrenheit of passenger cars and light duty trucks manufactured after model year 1992. Sets emissions standards at such temperature. Title VI: Miscellaneous Provisions - Requires the Administrator to establish requirements to control air pollution from Outer Continental Shelf sources. Authorizes States adjacent to such sources to submit to the Administrator procedures for enforcing such requirements. Directs the Administrator to delegate enforcement authority to States with adequate procedures. Authorizes the Administrator to substitute maximum allowable increases in particulate matter smaller than or equal to ten micrometers (PM 10) for maximum allowable increases in such matter specified under the Clean Air Act. Authorizes the Administrator to: (1) treat Indian tribes as States under the Clean Air Act; (2) delegate to such tribes primary responsibility for assuring air pollution control; and (3) provide such tribes grant and contract assistance to carry out such functions. Outlines requirements for such authorization. Authorizes the Administrator to promulgate other means for administering such authorities where such treatment is inappropriate. Directs the Administrator to list nonattainment areas for air pollutants other than those covered by this Act when a new or revised air quality standard is promulgated. Applies the PM 10 standards, excepting attainment deadlines and provisions relating to diesel buses, to such areas. Requires the Administrator to make information regarding emissions control technology available to States and the public through a central database. Repeals provisions concerning enforcement orders and violations by owners or operators of major stationary sources. Requires States to submit plan revisions for nonattainment areas failing to meet attainment deadlines for air pollutants other than those covered by this Act. Requires new or modified sources of such pollutants to comply with provisions of this Act and applies an emissions offset ratio of three to one to such pollutants. Directs the Administrator to conduct biennial audits of motor vehicle inspection and maintenance programs in Severe or Extreme ozone or carbon monoxide nonattainment areas. Increases and expands the scope of penalties and violations of the Clean Air Act. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1990 through 1994.

Bill· HRH.R. 2321 (101st)open

To amend the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to limit acquisitions of control of air carriers to ensure fitness.

United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1989

Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to prohibit a person from acquiring control of an air carrier unless the Secretary of Transportation finds that such acquisition would not result in an increase in the carrier's debt-to-equity ratio to a level greater than one-to-one. Declares that the Secretary may approve an acquisition of control of an air carrier which would result in a debt-to-equity ratio increase to a level greater than one-to-one if the Secretary finds that: (1) such air carrier would continue to be fit, willing, and able following such acquisition; and (2) such acquisition would not be to the detriment of the public interest.

Bill· HRH.R. 2319 (101st)referred

Low-Income Housing Credit Act of 1989

United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1989

Low-Income Housing Credit Act of 1989 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the low-income housing income tax credit (under current law the credit will expire after tax year 1989). Permits States a one-year carryover of unused credit authority. Assigns carryovers to the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to allocate to eligible States applying for excess credit. Allows the credit only if an extended low-income housing commitment (beyond the current 15-year period) is in effect with respect to any building for the relevant taxable year. Describes procedures to effect transition to a non-low-income use in connection with such extensions. Permits the credit in connection with the acquisition of an existing building only if the taxpayer incurs rehabilitation expenditures of at least $3,000 per unit. Revises rent restrictions to: (1) declare unnecessary a required rent reduction below the initial rent if the median gross income of the area decreases; (2) permit higher rent if units are occupied by higher income individuals and the project has an operating deficit; (3) base income limitations on the number of bedrooms in a unit; and (4) use State median gross income in certain low-income housing status determinations. Broadens categories of existing buildings eligible for a waiver of the ten-year requirement for the low-income housing credit. Revises credit provisions relating to single-room occupancy units and special needs housing. Loosens restrictions that limit credit benefits in connection with buildings financed with tax-exempt bonds and below market loans. Permits the credit to be allocated: (1) on a project basis; and (2) in connection with owner-occupied buildings of four units or less if a development plan is submitted. Directs housing credit agencies to adopt plans for allocating credit amounts among projects, prohibiting the credit with respect to any building not included in such a plan. Modifies at-risk rules in connection with buildings subject to the historic rehabilitation credit and those associated with financing provided by certain nonprofit organizations. Sets the tax credit rate on a semiannual rather than monthly basis. Increases the credit in connection with buildings in high cost areas (low-income census tracts or difficult development areas).

Bill· HRH.R. 2307 (101st)referred

East-West Trade and Human Rights Enhancement Act of 1989

United States · United States Congress · 10 May 1989

East-West Trade and Human Rights Enhancement Act of 1989 - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to declare that a nonmarket economy country: (1) that is not eligible to receive nondiscriminatory treatment (most-favored-nation treatment) may not thereafter be granted such treatment unless the President determines that it is satisfactorily implementing internationally recognized worker rights; or (2) that is eligible for such treatment shall continue to be eligible subject to its recognition of fundamental human rights. States that the eligibility of such a country, if in effect within three years after enactment of this Act, shall terminate unless the President determines that it is recognizing such worker rights. Terminates three years after enactment of this Act the eligibility of nonmarket economy countries currently exempted from the human rights requirements of such Act unless the President determines that they are satisfactorily implementing worker rights. Requires the President, after making an affirmative determination that a nonmarket economy country is implementing such worker rights, to monitor the condition of such rights in that country. Authorizes the President to grant special tariff treatment for goods produced by one or more qualified cooperative enterprises in any nonmarket economy country that is not eligible for commercial benefits with the United States, if the President considers that such treatment will encourage that country to implement changes necessary to enable it to become eligible. Prohibits the President from granting such tariff treatment unless he submits to the Congress a report containing certain specifications. Provides for the suspension or withdrawal of such special treatment by the President. Authorizes the President to enter into bilateral commercial agreements that provide most-favored-nation treatment to countries previously denied such treatment provided that such country is taking steps to extend internationally recognized worker rights to its own workers. Establishes the United States-Nonmarket Economy Cooperative Enterprise Foundation to increase the trade and commercial linkages between the United States and cooperative enterprises in nonmarket economy countries. Establishes in the Treasury the Enterprise Foundation Trust Fund. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to transfer specified funds from the general fund into the Trust Fund. Authorizes appropriations.

Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 116 (101st)referred

Expressing the sense of Congress regarding the problem of geographical variations under the current medicare physician reimbursement system.

United States · United States Congress · 10 May 1989

Expresses the sense of the Congress that the problem of geographical variation in physician reimbursement under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act needs to be addressed so that only those variations justified by regional differences in the cost of medical practice or the need to maintain access to high quality health care are permitted.

Bill· HRH.R. 2273 (101st)open

Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990

United States · United States Congress · 9 May 1989

Americans with Disabilities Act of 1989 - Title I: General Prohibition Against Discrimination - Declares that it shall be discriminatory, on the basis of disability, to deny opportunities or to afford them unequally, to provide opportunities less effectively (or differently or separately, unless necessary for effectiveness), to assist an organization or individual that discriminates, or to otherwise limit opportunities enjoyed by others. Prohibits the use of standards, criteria, or administrative methods that have the purpose or effect of discrimination or perpetuate discrimination. Declares it discriminatory to deny equal opportunities because of the relationship or association of an individual with another individual with a disability. Allows as a defense to a charge of discrimination that an application of standards or criteria has been demonstrated to be both necessary and substantially related to the ability of an individual to take advantage of the essential components of the opportunity, and that the taking advantage cannot be accomplished by reasonable accommodations, modifications, or the provision of auxiliary aids or services. Title II: Employment - Prohibits discrimination by any employer, employment agency, labor organization, or joint labor-management committee against any qualified individual with a disability in job application procedures, hiring or discharge, compensation, advancement, training, and other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment. Lists types of actions construed to be discrimination. Makes the remedies set forth in specified provisions of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and other specified Federal law available to any individual who believes that he or she is being or is about to be subjected to discrimination in violation of this Act. Title III: Public Services - Declares that no qualified individual with a disability shall be excluded from the participation in, denied the benefits of, or subjected to discrimination by a State, or by an agency, political subdivision, or other instrumentality of a State. Lists types of actions deemed, for purposes of this Act and specified provisions of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, to be discrimination with regard to public transportation. Makes the remedies and rights set forth in specified provisions of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 available to any individual who believes that he or she is being or is about to be subjected to discrimination in violation of this Act. Title IV: Public Accommodations and Services Operated by Private Entities - Prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in the enjoyment of any place of public accommodation. Lists types of actions construed to be discrimination. Prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in public transportation services provided by a private entity that is primarily engaged in transporting people, but that is not in the principal business of air transportation. Lists types of actions construed to be discrimination. Makes specified provisions of the Fair Housing Act relating to enforcement available, subject to exception, to any aggrieved individual. Title V: Telecommunications Relay Services - Defines "telecommunications relay services" to mean services that enable simultaneous communication between individuals who use telecommunications devices for the deaf (TDDs) or other nonvoice terminal devices and individuals who do not use such devices. Declares it discriminatory for any common carrier that offers telephone services to the public to fail to provide interstate or intrastate telecommunication relay services that are equal to those provided to their customers who are able to use voice services, except in any State in which services are provided through an entity designated by the State. Declares it discrimination by a State that makes such a designation if the State fails to provide interstate or intrastate relay services that are equal to those provided to their voice customers. Makes specified provisions of the Fair Housing Act relating to enforcement available, subject to exception, to any aggrieved individual. Requires the Federal Communications Commission to enforce this title. Makes specified provisions of the Communications Act of 1934 apply with respect to the enforcement of this title. Provides for cease and desist orders by the Commission and for monetary penalties. Title VI: Miscellaneous Provisions - Prohibits retaliatory discrimination against any individual because of actions related to this Act. Declares that a State shall not be immune under the 11th Amendment to the Constitution from an action in Federal court for a violation of this Act. Requires the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board to issue minimum guidelines to supplement the existing Minimum Guidelines and Requirements for Accessible Design. Allows the awarding of reasonable attorney's fees, in certain circumstances, in any action or proceeding under this Act.

Bill· HRH.R. 2288 (101st)referred

Rape Prevention Act of 1989

United States · United States Congress · 9 May 1989

Rape Prevention Act of 1989 - Directs the Attorney General to make grants to public and nonprofit private community organizations for the purpose of establishing or operating local projects to combat rape and other forms of sexual assault. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1990 through 1994.

Bill· HRH.R. 2254 (101st)referred

Construction Safety, Health, and Education Improvement Act of 1989

United States · United States Congress · 4 May 1989

Construction Safety, Health, and Education Improvement Act of 1989 - Amends the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 to establish in the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) an Office of Construction Safety, Health, and Education (the Office) to ensure safe and healthy working conditions in the performance of construction work. Provides that the Office shall be headed by a Director appointed by the Secretary of Labor (the Secretary). Directs the Secretary to employ additional OSHA inspectors to carry out Office duties. Requires the Director to designate an Office employee to serve as small business liaison. Authorizes the Secretary to issue regulations providing for certain exemptions from this Act for specified types of construction projects, operations, or construction contractors, conditioned on compliance with alternative requirements capable of promoting employee safety and health. Directs the Secretary to establish an effective and fair system for construction worksite inspections, concentrating resources on construction worksites and operations with a high potential for fatalities or serious injuries and illnesses. Requires, when establishing inspection priorities, that due weight be given to employer compliance with standards and recordkeeping and reporting requirements. Gives priority to inspection of projects and worksites of owners and employers having a higher than average incidence or severity of injuries or illnesses for the type of construction involved. Requires each construction contractor to maintain accurate records of accidents and injuries at a construction worksite. Requires an employer to report to the appropriate regional office of OSHA by telephone or telegraph, within 24 hours after its occurrence, any incident involving construction work that results in: (1) a serious injury; (2) a fatality; (3) a structural failure that leads to the collapse of a place of employment; or (4) a potential collapse of a place of employment. Requires the employer to submit a written followup report with specified information. Directs the Secretary to conduct site inspections to investigate all such reports, as well as all reports of those categories of serious injuries the Secretary prescribes. Requires such inspections within 24 hours after receipt of the telephone or telegraph report, unless site conditions would make inspection dangerous. Requires the construction contractor to prevent destruction of evidence. Directs the Secretary to make public a narrative description of the occurrence. Requires the construction safety specialist to provide the Secretary a notice containing specified information on a construction project prior to commencement of work, unless it is necessary to perform such work immediately to prevent injury to persons, and notice is given to the Secretary as soon as practicable. Requires the construction safety specialist, at project completion at one-year intervals during the project, to report to the Secretary all fatalities and serious injuries and illnesses and all structural failures. Directs the Secretary to issue standard forms for such purposes. Requires a construction contractor to establish a written safety and health program, to be managed by a construction safety specialist or other employee of the contractor. Sets forth the requirements of such a program, including evaluations of perceived hazardous conditions and analyses of perceived harmful material or substance. Requires such evaluations and analyses to be conducted, upon an employee's or employee representative's request by a construction safety professional and to be reported or denied in writing. Requires a construction contractor to develop and maintain an onsite project safety and health plan for each construction project that: (1) includes a construction process plan; (2) includes a hazard analysis; and (3) meets other specified requirements. Requires the construction safety specialist to provide a copy of the plan to each employer on the project before work commences. Requires the construction safety specialist to notify the responsible contractors of, and direct them to correct, any hazards, violations of safety or health law, or failure to comply with the program. Requires such notification to be reduced to writing as soon as practicable, and copies provided to the responsible contractors and, upon request, to all affected employers, employees, employee representatives, and the Secretary. Requires a construction contractor to ensure that a construction safety specialist is hired and retained and performs the duties prescribed by the Act at a construction worksite. Gives the construction contractor overall responsibility for the safety of the construction worksite with respect to construction safety, rules, and practices. Requires the contractor to ensure that subcontractors and supervisors are informed of the construction safety specialist's identity and duties, and to require them to comply with the specialist's health and safety policies at the worksite. Requires a construction safety specialist to: (1) ensure worksite compliance with the onsite plan and with guidelines of the Secretary and the Advisory Committee on Construction Safety and Health; (2) maintain a detailed worksite safety report; and (3) upon discovery of a hazard, order the contractor to eliminate it and inform the contractor, owner, and Secretary of any imminent dangers. Sets forth required qualifications of a construction safety specialist. Sets forth other responsibilities of a specialist. Establishes in OSHA a Construction Safety and Health Training Academy, to be headed by a Director appointed by the Secretary. Directs the Academy to: (1) train employees of the Office who conduct construction worksite inspections; and (2) train and certify construction safety specialists who have fulfilled requirements of a standardized training course and testing program. Revises Federal law relating to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Increases criminal penalties for any employer's willful violations of such Act which result in serious injury or death to an employee. Makes employers who cause such results through specified criminal negligence also liable to such penalties. Amends the Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards Act to grant the Advisory Committee on Construction Safety and Health specified powers to carry out its functions. Directs the President, in the budget message, to separate the appropriation account for construction industry safety activities from that of nonconstruction activities under such Act and the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970.

Bill· HRH.R. 2225 (101st)referred

Retirement Payment Delivery Assurance Act of 1989

United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1989

Retirement Payment Delivery Assurance Act of 1989 - Amends the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974, the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977, the Foreign Service Act of 1980, the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement Act of 1964 for Certain Employees, and other Federal law to provide that if the day designated for the delivery of benefit payments occurs on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal public holiday, then the following retirement benefit checks shall be mailed a day earlier than usual: (1) railroad retirement annuities; (2) military retired and retainer pay and annuities based on such pay; (3) Federal employee retirement annuities; (4) black lung benefits; (5) foreign service retirement benefits; and (6) benefits under the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System.

Bill· HRH.R. 2184 (101st)open

Facsimile Advertising Regulation Act

United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1989

Facsimile Advertising Regulation Act - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 with respect to telephone facsimile machines (equipment which has the capacity to reproduce text or images into an electronic signal, transmit such signal over a regular telephone line, receive such signals, and produce a copy of the transmitted text and images). Makes it unlawful for any person in the District of Columbia or in interstate or foreign communications, by means of a telephone, to use any telephone facsimile machine (fax machine) or other electronic device to send any unsolicited advertisement to the fax machine of any person whose number is on record with a common carrier as the number of one objecting to receipt of such advertisements. Directs each common carrier to maintain a list of persons who notify them of their objection to receiving such unsolicited advertisements by fax machines. Directs the Federal Communications Commission to revise the regulations governing fax machines to require that any such machine which is manufactured six months after the enactment of this Act and used for the distribution of unsolicited advertising be equipped to identify the date and time sent, an identification of the business sending the advertising, and the telephone number of the sending machine.

Bill· HRH.R. 2168 (101st)referred

Privacy for Consumers and Workers Act

United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1989

Privacy for Consumers and Workers Act - Requires employers who engage in electronic monitoring to provide each affected employee with prior written notice describing specified aspects of the electronic monitoring directly affecting the employee. Requires employers to notify prospective employees at personal interviews or meetings of existing forms of electronic monitoring which may directly affect them and, upon request, provide them with the written notice provided to employees. Requires employers to provide affected employees with some form of visual or aural notice that indicates that electronic monitoring is taking place, at periodic intervals unless the monitoring is continuous during each of the employee's shifts. Requires employers to provide affected customers with some form of visual or aural notice, at periodic intervals, indicating that telephone service observation is taking place. Requires employers to permit employees or their authorized agents to have access to all personal data obtained by electronic monitoring of their work. Prohibits employers from collecting personal data on an employee which is not relevant to the employee's work performance. Prohibits employers from disclosing personal data obtained by electronic monitoring to any person or business except to the individual employee to whom that data pertains or without the employee's prior written consent, unless disclosure would be: (1) to the employer's officers and employees who need it to perform their duties; (2) to a law enforcement agency for a criminal investigation or prosecution; or (3) pursuant to a proper court order. Prohibits employers from using personal data obtained by electronic monitoring as the exclusive basis for individual employee performance evaluation or disciplinary action, unless the employee is given an opportunity to review the data within a reasonable time after it is obtained. Prohibits employers from using personal data or collective data obtained by electronic monitoring as the sole basis for setting production quotas or work performance expectations. Prohibits employers from maintaining, collecting, using, or disseminating personal data obtained by electronic monitoring which describes how an employee exercises First Amendment rights, unless such use is: (1) expressly authorized by statute or by the employee; or (2) pertinent to and within the scope of an authorized law enforcement activity. Sets forth the following enforcement provisions: (1) civil penalties; (2) injunctive actions by the Secretary of Labor; and (3) private civil actions. Prohibits waiver of rights and procedures provided by this Act, unless such waiver is part of a written settlement by the parties to a pending action or complaint. Directs the Secretary of Labor to issue rules and regulations to carry out this Act within six months. Makes this Act inapplicable to otherwise permissible electronic monitoring by law enforcement agencies in criminal investigations.

Law· HJRESH.J.Res. 253 (101st)enacted

Designating September 8, 1989, as "National Pledge of Allegiance Day".

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.

Bill· HRH.R. 2123 (101st)referred

Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Amendments of 1989

United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1989

Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Amendments of 1989 - Amends the Toxic Substances Control Act to prohibit persons from having a financial interest in both the contractor who prepares a school asbestos plan and the contractor who implements such plan. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to promulgate regulations concerning air monitoring for asbestos to require that: (1) such monitoring be based on electron microscopy with a certain analytical sensitivity; (2) such monitoring be conducted in a manner most likely to detect asbestos; and (3) no person may have a financial interest in both the monitoring contractor and the contractor performing the response action. Requires the model school asbestos contractor accreditation plan for States to include a State-approved contractor training course and require that those who have passed the accreditation exam engage in supervised work experience before achieving accreditation. Directs the Administrator and the States to establish procedures for terminating accreditation. Requires the Administrator to review and report to the Congress on procedures in effect in some States to expedite accreditation reciprocity and the need and feasibility of developing a model procedure. Authorizes the Administrator to distribute an advisory model to States. Directs the Administrator to: (1) develop and implement a plan for conducting random, on-site school inspections to ensure that asbestos response actions are carried out in a manner that protects human health and the environment; (2) promulgate regulations to require school asbestos contractors to provide assurances of financial responsibility for all liabilities resulting from their work; and (3) promulgate regulations to delineate the division of responsibility between the EPA and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration for worker safety under the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response program. Authorizes school employees who are directed to conduct emergency repairs or operations and maintenance activities which may involve asbestos to refuse to conduct such activities unless they are provided with proper equipment and training and allowed to follow safe work practices. Directs the Administrator to promulgate regulations requiring owners of Federal, State, and commercial buildings to conduct asbestos inspections and, if asbestos is present, develop and implement asbestos management plans for such buildings. Sets deadlines for the implementation and completion of such activities. Provides for notification of the building occupants and the State Governor or Administrator, as appropriate, prior to undertaking such activities. Imposes civil monetary penalties against building owners who violate such regulations. Directs the Administrator to develop and report to the Congress on a system for monitoring asbestos-containing material removed from schools to assure that it is transported and disposed of in a manner protective of human health and the environment. Establishes an Asbestos Abatement Scientific Commission to assess available asbestos response actions for their effectiveness and appropriateness in protecting human health and the environment. Sets forth reporting requirements.

Bill· HRH.R. 2095 (101st)open

Abandoned Mine Reclamation Act of 1989

United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1989

Abandoned Mine Reclamation Act of 1989 - Amends the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 to mandate that certain reclamation fees and earned interest be used as funding sources for the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund. Permits the annual transfer of certain moneys in the Fund to the Secretary of Agriculture for the reclamation of rural lands. Directs the Secretary of the Interior (the Secretary) to credit to the Fund any income derived from investment of Fund money in certain public debt securities. Extends from August 3, 1992, to September 30, 2007, the termination date for authority to collect reclamation fee payments. Revises the guidelines for the allocation of funds among States and Indian tribes having an approved abandoned mine reclamation program. Directs the Secretary to: (1) maintain an annually updated inventory of lands and water eligible for reclamation or drainage abatement expenditures; and (2) provide technical and financial assistance to States and Indian tribes to enable them to update such inventory. Revises the guidelines under which the Secretary may fill voids and seal mine openings which constitute a public health and safety hazard. Requires the Secretary to ensure that funds used for emergency reclamation activities abate all adverse effects of coal mining practices existing at the affected project. Sets forth a modified reclamation fee schedule pertaining to coal mining operations certified by States and Indian tribes as having achieved the reclamation purposes of this Act. Declares that States and Indian tribes which make such certification shall continue to receive reclamation allocations as long as they maintain an approved abandoned mine reclamation program. Increases from 100,000 to 300,000 tons the annual tonnage production limits of small coal surface mining operators eligible for certain Federal technical assistance in determining the probable hydrologic consequences of operations and the results of test borings or core samplings required for permit applications.

Bill· HRH.R. 2098 (101st)referred

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend the targeted jobs credit through 1992 and to expand the targeted groups with respect to whom such credit is allowed.

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.

Bill· HRH.R. 2080 (101st)referred

To amend title II of the Social Security Act to provide that the child's insurance benefits of a disabled individual who has attained age 18 will not terminate solely by reason of marriage to an individual eligible for supplemental security income benefits under title XVI of such Act for so long as the individual's eligibility under title XVI continues.

United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1989

Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to continue to provide child's insurance benefits to an eligible individual who has attained age 18 and marries an individual who has attained age 18 and is eligible for Supplemental Security Income (title XVI of the Act) benefits.

Bill· HRH.R. 2065 (101st)open

Tropical Forestry Initiative Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1989

Tropical Forestry Initiative Act - Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to conduct a research program that focuses on methods to slow or reverse tropical deforestation. Directs the Secretary to enter into a memorandum of understanding with the Secretary of the Interior setting forth the methods by which the Secretary of the Interior will assist in accomplishing the purposes of this Act. Requires the President's proposed budget to the Congress to specifically identify funds to be spent on such research. Authorizes and directs the Secretary to administer an Institute of Tropical Forestry in Puerto Rico to: (1) conduct long-term research that includes the designation and management of units that protect tropical forests, the relationship between the atmosphere and such forests, sustainable economic development and regeneration and restoration of such forests, and the effects of deforestation on various environmental and economic factors; and (2) provide assistance that includes technology transfer from such research, the training of foreign researchers, and the promotion of research by other institutions. Authorizes and directs the Secretary to manage the Caribbean National Forest (also known as the Luquillo Experimental Forest) as a model of tropical forest management for use in international outreach, study, training, and research. Requires the Secretary to construct the necessary training and educational facilities in such forest. Authorizes appropriations.

Bill· HRH.R. 2022 (101st)referred

To establish certain categories of nationals of the Soviet Union and nationals of Indochina presumed to be subject to persecution and to provide for adjustment to refugee status of certain Soviet and Indochinese parolees.

United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1989

Provides for the establishment of categories of aliens who are subject to persecution in the Soviet Union or in Indochina (Vietnam, Cambodia, or Laos) and therefore admissible as refugees into the United States. Deems Jews and Evangelical Christians in the Soviet Union as such a category. Provides for the adjustment of status to refugee status for certain Soviet and Indochinese parolees residing in the United States.

Bill· HRH.R. 2025 (101st)referred

Live Performing Arts Labor Relations Amendments

United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1989

Live Performing Arts Labor Relations Amendments - Amends the National Labor Relations Act to exclude specified types of employers and performers in the live performing arts from coverage under unfair labor practice provisions: (1) prohibiting specified contracts or agreements between employers and labor organizations; and (2) prohibiting specified actions of labor organizations to force or require cessation of dealings with others, joining of labor or employer organizations, or recognition of or negotiation with labor organizations not certified as representative. Permits such employers to: (1) agree with a labor organization to make membership in it a condition of performing arts employment; and (2) make agreements with a labor organization covering performing artists even if its majority status has not yet been established. Defines "employer" to include purchasers of live musical performance services. Defines "employee" to include independent contractors engaged to perform live musical services.

Bill· HRH.R. 2060 (101st)referred

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to deny the deduction for any removal or liability cost attributable to an oil spill from a vessel in navigable waters.

United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1989

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to disallow an income tax deduction for business expenses incurred as removal or liability costs resulting from a spill or other discharge of oil being transported by or for the taxpayer from a vessel onto waters subject to the Clean Water Act. Excludes discharges caused by an act of God, an act of war, negligence on the part of the U.S. Government, or an act or omission of a third party. Applies this deduction denial retroactively with respect to amounts incurred in taxable years 1989 and thereafter.

Bill· HRH.R. 1935 (101st)referred

Oilspill Bill

United States · United States Congress · 13 April 1989

Oilspill Bill - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to disallow any income tax deduction for oil or hazardous substances cleanup costs, including related legal expenses, unless: (1) the Secretary of the Treasury receives certification from the relevant authority that the taxpayer has made a good faith effort to comply with specified Federal environmental law; or (2) the discharge was caused by an act of God, an act of war, negligence on the part of the U.S. Government, or an act or omission of a third party. Prohibits any loss resulting from disallowance of such a deduction from being offset by the net operating loss deduction. Transfers the revenue resulting from the disallowance to an account made available for subsequent transfer to: (1) the revolving fund under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act for expenses related to removal of discharged oil; or (2) the Hazardous Substance Superfund. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to: (1) report to specified congressional committees an estimate of the decrease in Federal revenues between January 1, 1970, and December 31, 1988, by reason of the allowance of applicable cleanup costs; and (2) report annually to the same committees the amount expended on environmental cleanup costs and the amount accruing to the new cleanup account.

Bill· HRH.R. 1864 (101st)open

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to simplify the antidiscrimination rules applicable to certain employee benefit plans.

United States · United States Congress · 13 April 1989

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish a new test for determining whether an employee health plan meets the new (section 89) nondiscrimination requirements for coverage and benefits. Considers a plan as meeting the requirements if: (1) it does not contain eligibility provisions that discriminate in favor of highly compensated employees; (2) the taxable benefit of any highly compensated employee is limited to 133 percent of the premium made available to 90 percent of the employees who are not in this category; and (3) the employer maintains at least one qualified plan that consists primarily of core health benefits and does not require employee weekly contributions of more than $10 per week ($25 for family coverage) (indexed for inflation), and at least 90 percent of all employees who are not highly paid employees are eligible to participate in such a plan. Revises the definition of "highly compensated employee." Increases from 17 1/2 hours to 25 hours per week the threshold number of work hours triggering requirements with respect to part-time employees. Adjusts benefits and requirements in connection with employees who work less than 30 hours per week. Applies the requirements separately in connection with employees covered by a collective bargaining agreement. Permits an employer to disregard leased employees in connection with requirements if specified conditions are met. Imposes a 34 percent tax on employers in connection with amounts paid or incurred during any taxable year under a specified employee benefit plan that does not meet enumerated general criteria, including that it be in writing, be maintained exclusively for the benefit of employees, and provide for employee notice about benefits. Repeals nondiscrimination provisions as applied to group-term life insurance. Amends the Technical and Miscellaneous Revenue Act of 1988 to delay application of the requirements with respect to retired employees. Requires employers to report to highly compensated employees amounts of taxable fringe benefits. Imposes a penalty for failure to report.

Bill· HRH.R. 1861 (101st)referred

Government Contractor Whistleblower Protection Act of 1989

United States · United States Congress · 12 April 1989

Government Contractor Whistleblower Protection Act of 1989 - Prohibits a Federal contractor from taking reprisal actions against its officers or employees for disclosing information to a Federal agency regarding performance of a contract with such agency which indicates: (1) a violation of law; or (2) mismanagement, gross waste of funds, abuse of authority, or a danger to public health or safety. Sets forth civil penalties and remedies for violations of this Act.

Bill· HRH.R. 1816 (101st)referred

Older Americans Child Care Employment Amendments of 1989

United States · United States Congress · 12 April 1989

Older Americans Child Care Employment Amendments of 1989 - Amends the Older Americans Community Service Employment Act to require the Secretary of Labor to enter into agreements with public or private nonprofit agencies or organizations for the conduct of no more than 100 experimental projects employing individuals who are age 55 or older in providing day care to children. Requires that such agencies or organizations: (1) receive one-third of their funding from non-Federal sources; (2) charge families a day care fee which is proportional to their financial resources; (3) provide day care in facilities other than private residences; and (4) be subject to the most comprehensive State licensing requirements or regulatory standards applicable to similar day care providers in the State. Prohibits the making of grants pursuant to this Act to more than two agencies or organizations in each State in any fiscal year. Authorizes appropriations for such projects.

Bill· HRH.R. 1839 (101st)referred

To amend the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act to repeal the authority of the Secretary of Transportation to reduce passenger automobile fuel economy standards below the level set by such Act and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 12 April 1989

Amends the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act to repeal the authority of the Secretary of Transportation to reduce the average fuel economy standard below the level set by such Act. Declares certain regulations pertaining to such standards ineffective as of 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act.

Bill· HRH.R. 1852 (101st)referred

Community Housing Partnership Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 April 1989

Community Housing Partnership Act - Title I: Housing Education and Organizational Support Grants for Community Based Housing Projects - Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to provide housing education and organizational support grants directly to nonprofit organizations or indirectly to States and cities to assist such organizations. Authorizes permanent appropriations beginning with FY 1989. Title II: Community Housing and Partnership Grants - Authorizes the Secretary to provide community partnership grants directly to nonprofit organizations or indirectly to States and cities to assist such organizations. Divides appropriations among: (1) urban community housing partnership grants; (2) State community housing partnership grants; and (3) direct community housing partnership grants. Sets forth the following eligible activities: (1) technical assistance and site control loans; (2) seed-money loans; (3) matching grants or loans; and (4) technical and management assistance for nonprofit sponsors. Sets forth rental project and home ownership eligibility provisions, including: (1) occupancy by lower income families; (2) profit limitations; (3) funding coordination; (4) tax treatment; and (5) affirmative action requirements. Authorizes permanent appropriations beginning with FY 1989. Title III: General Provisions - Defines specified terms for purposes of this Act.

Bill· HRH.R. 1762 (101st)open

Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 1989

United States · United States Congress · 11 April 1989

Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 1989 - Title I: Amendments to Acts - Amends the Consumer Product Safety Act (CPSA) to revise rulemaking procedures in cases when the Consumer Product Safety Commission finds that there may be an unreasonable risk of injury associated with a product and a consumer product safety rule would reduce the risk. Directs the Commission to study and report to the Congress on the feasibility of requiring each manufacturer of a product subject to a consumer product safety rule to help defray rulemaking costs. Permits the Commission to rely only upon existing voluntary consumer product safety standards that have been issued after consideration of the views of interested parties. Amends the CPSA, the Federal Hazardous Substances Act (FHSA), and the Flammable Fabrics Act to require the Commission to develop procedures to monitor compliance with product safety standards. Allows interested parties to petition the Commission to issue a rule or amendment to reduce the risk of injury associated with a product. Prescribes procedures in connection with such petitions, including a cause of action to compel rulemaking. Revises administrative features relating to the Commission to: (1) direct the President, when making appointments to the Commission, to consider individuals with consumer product safety backgrounds; (2) establish the position of Director of Compliance, to be filled by an attorney; (3) set a minimum personnel level; and (4) permit qualified disclosure of certain information. Authorizes any State attorney general and any other official charged with enforcing State consumer product safety laws to bring a civil action for relief in connection with violations of rules or orders issued under the CPSA or the FHSA, to determine whether a consumer product presents a substantial product hazard. Prescribes procedures in connection with these actions, including judicial appeals to compel the Commission to initiate determinations concerning product safety if a petition is ignored. Sets standards to apply when the Commission is determining whether a consumer product presents a substantial product hazard. Prohibits the Commission, in this context, from engaging in cost-benefit analysis with respect to risks presented to the public. Prohibits such analysis also in connection with both Commission and court determinations relating to actions involving imminently hazardous consumer products. Adds civil penalties to the criminal penalties imposed in connection with violations of the Federal Hazardous Substances Act. Directs the Commission to establish an agenda and priorities for its actions prior to each fiscal year. Authorizes appropriations through FY 1991 for the Commission. Title II: Related Provisions - Directs the Commission to: (1) study and report to the Congress on whether a special flammability standard is needed for sleepwear (other than for children); (2) pursue its pending proceedings to establish a safety standard for cigarette lighters; and (3) study and report to the Congress on whether a minimum age requirement should be established for operators of amusement park rides. Revises the CPSA definition of "amusement ride." Includes amusement rides expressly within the framework of such Act, subjecting them to public disclosure and inspection requirements and to notification and remedy provisions applicable to substantial product hazards when serious injury occurs. Directs the Commission to issue rules in this regard by July 1, 1990. Directs the Commission to: (1) report to the Congress on its activities to reduce exposure of individuals to an enumerated list of indoor air pollutants; (2) issue a consumer product safety standard to require cautionary labeling in connection with certain toys intended for use by children at least three years old; (3) submit to the Congress a report including specified information about particular products that pose a major hazard to children; and (4) conduct a survey to determine compliance with voluntary industry manufacturing guidelines designed to reduce the entrapment of children in reclining chairs and report the results to the Congress. Requires the Commission to initiate proceedings to establish a safety standard for reclining chairs if a substantial lack of compliance is found.

Bill· HRH.R. 1746 (101st)open

Wetlands No Net Loss Act of 1989

United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1989

Wetlands No Net Loss Act of 1989 - Requires the Secretary of the Interior to designate a nonprofit organization as a Wetlands Preservation Trust if such organization: (1) is established for the purpose of acquiring ownership interests in wetlands, former wetlands, and related property and for restoring, creating, or preserving wetlands; and (2) meets, and submits an application in accordance with, the Secretary's requirements. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to create special rules for contributions of land to such Trusts. Applies the 50 percent limitation on charitable contribution deductions to contributions of wetlands to such Trusts. Permits a ten-year carryover for excess contributions. Extends the deadline for the exchange of property held for productive use or investment if such contributions are made as part of such exchanges. Permits the carryover of unused deductions on a taxpayer's last return if such taxpayer dies before the close of the last taxable year for which such deductions could have been allowed. Authorizes the Secretary, acting through the Office of Wetlands Identification and Preservation, to make grants to States from the Wetlands Preservation Account for the implementation of State Wetlands Conservation Plans. Outlines requirements of such Plans. Prohibits the Secretary from approving any Plan that: (1) excludes any area of State wetlands solely on the basis of that area being less than a minimum size; or (2) excludes from Plan administration areas of wetlands the preservation of which is significant for achieving the purposes of this Act. Amends the Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956 to require the Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to establish the Office of Wetlands Identification and Preservation within the Service. Requires the Director, acting through the Office, to: (1) identify all U.S. wetlands and associated uplands which are suitable for preservation; (2) produce and make available to the public maps of such lands; and (3) carry out title III of the Emergency Wetland Resources Act of 1986 (State and Federal Wetland Acquisition). Authorizes the Director, acting through the Office, to enter into agreements with private persons to carry out wetlands preservation. Permits such agreements to provide for: (1) the transfer of wetlands to Trusts; and (2) technical assistance to owners of wetlands who enter into such preservation agreements. Establishes the Wetlands Preservation Account. Requires at least 60 percent of Account funds to be available for grants to States. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to deposit into such Account amounts received in the form of: (1) criminal penalties for certain permit violations of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act; and (2) civil and administrative penalties under such Act. Directs the Secretary to transfer annually to the Account $300,000,000 from the Land and Water Conservation Fund. Authorizes appropriations. Requires the head of each executive agency to: (1) complete an inventory of all wetlands and associated uplands owned or managed by the agency; and (2) implement a plan for the protection of wetlands included in the inventory. Requires such agencies to submit such plans to the head of the Office and the Secretary of the Interior. Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to transfer the authority to issue permits for discharge of dredge and fill material from the Secretary of the Army to the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Office. Revises provisions regarding reporting requirements. Repeals a provision requiring the submission of comments on permit applications. Prohibits the Secretary of the Army from authorizing any dredging of wetlands under the Rivers and Harbors Appropriations Act of 1899 without the prior approval of the Secretary of the Interior. Requires the Director of the Office of Technology Assessment to study and report to the Congress on: (1) incentives under Federal and State laws for the protection and management of wetlands; (2) potential modifications to existing Federal laws to improve their effectiveness in creating such incentives and to increase the permanence of such protection; and (3) ways in which the Federal Government may encourage State and local governments to create additional incentives for the protection and management of wetlands by private individuals.

Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 235 (101st)referred

To designate April 28, 1989, as "Workers Memorial Day".

United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1989

Designates April 28, 1989, as Workers Memorial Day in tribute to those workers who have lost their lives because of work place injuries and illnesses. Directs the Congress to rededicate itself through appropriate legislation to strengthening occupational safety and health protection.

Bill· HRH.R. 1699 (101st)referred

To award congressional gold medals to Frank Capra, James Stewart, and Fred Zinnemann.

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.

Bill· HRH.R. 1702 (101st)referred

National Guardianship Rights Act of 1989

United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1989

National Guardianship Rights Act of 1989 - Grants the following rights to allegedly incapacitated individuals with respect to guardianship proceedings: (1) the nonwaivable right of prompt notice that includes specified required contents; (2) the right to a convenient forum; (3) the right to be present at all proceedings, unless disability prevents attendance; (4) the right to counsel; and (5) the right to an independent professional guardianship evaluation team of specified membership to examine the individual, report, and be available for cross examination during the guardianship proceedings. Requires dismissal of the guardianship action if the team determines the individual to be free of any incapacity. Grants the right to a jury in a guardianship proceeding, as well as the right to present evidence, call witnesses, and cross examine. Requires clear and convincing evidence that an individual is incapacitated and that no less restrictive form of intervention is available before a guardianship order may be issued. Discounts age as a basis for determining incapacity. Limits both the scope and duration of transfers of responsibility for the care and protection of an incapacitated person or the management of his or her estate to the minimum necessitated by the particular incapacity. Permits the individual to retain all rights not expressly transferred in the guardianship order. Dissolves the order if its justification ceases to exist. Grants to an incapacitated individual the right to a competent and trained guardian. Prohibits convicted felons from serving as guardians. Permits the right of appeal and the right to a prompt reconsideration of the determination of incapacity, the guardianship order, or the choice of guardian. Requires: (1) guardians to report to the court at least annually on the financial, mental, physical, and personal status of the incapacitated person; and (2) courts to investigate at least annually the well-being of persons protected under their guardianship orders. Directs States to submit to the Attorney General implementation plans indicating compliance with this Act. Describes procedures and timetables associated with these plans, including mandatory sanctions for States that fail to comply. Empowers the Attorney General to make grants to the States to enable compliance with this Act. Enumerates permitted grant uses. Describes application and selection procedures. Authorizes appropriations. Permits States to impose additional or more extensive protections that do not conflict with this Act.

Bill· HRH.R. 1704 (101st)referred

Tropical Forest Protection Act of 1989

United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1989

Tropical Forest Protection Act of 1989 - Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to instruct the U.S. executive directors of specified multilateral development banks to promote the preservation of tropical forests or other endangered ecosystems and species in debtor developing countries by enabling such countries, through debt reduction or restructuring, to buy back private debt at discount rates in the secondary market if such countries: (1) convert an agreed upon amount of debt to local currency for use in "debt-for-nature swap" programs for the protection of such forests, ecosystems, or species; or (2) demonstrate a commitment to the protection of such forests in the form of such swaps for set asides or conservation easements. Directs the Secretary to instruct such directors to consult with one another to promote debt suspension in such countries as long as environmental protection commitments are maintained. Requires the Secretary to instruct the U.S. executive director to the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development to initiate discussions with other directors and management of the Bank and propose a three-year environmental sector lending program for countries with such commitments to: (1) reduce the future need for lending for reforestation and restoration of environmentally degraded areas; and (2) be based on the estimated long-term economic return expected from the sustainable use and protection of tropical forests and the benefits from maintenance of biological diversity and climate stabilization. Directs the Secretary to instruct such directors to promote policies which: (1) assist in strengthening nongovernmental organizations in such countries by providing technical assistance and support for environmental protection activities; and (2) encourage international collaboration for information exchange and project enhancement with environmental protection organizations.

Bill· HRH.R. 1676 (101st)referred

Consumer Products Safe Testing Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1989

Consumer Products Safe Testing Act - Prohibits Federal department or agency heads from considering LD50 test results when determining product safety, labeling, or transportation requirements for purposes of Federal regulation. (LD50 is a procedure whereby toxicity is measured in terms of the median dose that will kill 50 percent of the test animals within a specified time.) Requires Federal department and agency heads to: (1) review and evaluate directives that call for the use of an animal toxicity test; and (2) promulgate regulations specifying the use of nonanimal alternatives. Requires that animal toxicity testing regulations be subject to periodic agency review and to public comment in certain cases.

Bill· HRH.R. 1690 (101st)referred

Emergency Phone System Equal Access Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1989

Emergency Phone System Equal Access Act - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require that any telecommunication system that is operated by a provider of public safety services, used to provide public safety emergency answering services, and manufactured, imported, or installed in the United States more than one year after the enactment of this Act be readily accessible to hearing- and speech-impaired individuals.

Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 87 (101st)open

Concerning Iranian persecution of the Baha'is.

United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1989

Urges the Government of Iran to uphold the human rights of all its nationals, including members of the Baha'i faith, and to extend the rights guaranteed by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Calls upon the President to continue to: (1) emphasize human rights improvements as an important factor in the development of relations between the U.S. and Iranian Governments; (2) cooperate with other governments to initiate and support actions by the United Nations and its agencies to promote the protection of the religious rights of the Baha'is; and (3) provide, and urge others to provide, for refugee and humanitarian assistance for those Baha'is fleeing their homelands to escape religious repression.

Bill· HRH.R. 1661 (101st)open

Employee Pension Protection Act of 1989

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.