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.
United States · United States Congress · 13 October 1987
Comprehensive Child Development Centers Act of 1987 - Amends the Head Start Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to eligible entities in rural and urban areas to pay the Federal share of the cost of projects designed to encourage intensive and comprehensive support services which will enhance the physical, social, emotional, and intellectual development of low-income children from birth to compulsory school age, including providing necessary support to their parents and other family members. Directs the Secretary to enter into contracts, agreements, or other arrangements with at least ten but not more than 25 eligible agencies to carry out such program. Lists characteristics of the eligible agency which the Secretary must consider. Authorizes the Secretary to make planning grants to eligible agencies. Limits such grants to not more than 30 in number and to one year in duration. Sets forth application requirements for such grants. Directs the Secretary to make grants to selected eligible agencies to pay the Federal share of the cost of carrying out projects for intensive and comprehensive supportive services for low-income infants, young children, parents, and other family members. Requires that rural projects receive some of these grants. Sets forth application requirements for such grants. Directs the Secretary to pay to eligible agencies with approved applications the Federal share (80 percent) of the cost of activities described in the application. Limits a planning grant to a single eligible agency to $35,000. Directs the Secretary to conduct or provide for an evaluation of the success of such projects. Requires grantees to furnish information for such evaluation. Directs the Secretary to report to the Congress by October 1, 1992, on such evaluation, with recommendations. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1988 through 1993 to carry out such program (other than the report). Authorizes appropriations for FY 1992 and 1993 for the evaluation and report.
United States · United States Congress · 8 October 1987
Medicaid Home and Community Quality Services Act of 1987 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require States to provide Medicaid coverage of community and family support services for severely disabled individuals who became disabled before age 22 and are living in a family home, foster family home, or community living facility. Requires that such services be provided in accordance with a written habilitation plan developed by an interdisciplinary team on the basis of a comprehensive assessment of the individual's strengths and the services and support necessary to: (1) enable such individual to attain or retain capabilities for independence or self-care; (2) promote interaction between disabled and nondisabled individuals within the community; and (3) enable disabled individuals who are over age 18 to engage in paid employment. Increases the age at which newly disabled individuals will be eligible for this Act's coverage so that eventually individuals who become disabled between age 22 and 50 will be covered. Lists the services which may comprise community and family support services, requiring that such services include at a minimum: (1) case management services; (2) individual and family support services; (3) specialized vocational services; and (4) protective intervention services. Excludes from such services: (1) room and board, other than room and board provided for less than six consecutive weeks and less than 12 weeks per year; (2) cash payments as a service; (3) aversive behavior intervention, management, or therapies; (4) services provided to a disabled individual living in a hospital, or skilled nursing or intermediate care facility; (5) educational services which the State makes generally available to its residents without cost and without regard to their income; and (6) services for which payment is made under title XVIII (Medicare), or part A (Aid to Families with Dependent Children) or B (Child Welfare Services) of title IV of the Act. Requires each State to make certain assurances regarding their provision of community and family support services and submit an implementation strategy to the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Requires that such implementation strategies: (1) describe the extent and scope of community and family support services provided to the severely disabled and the extent and scope of services provided to the severely disabled who are institutionalized; (2) set forth the objectives and a five-year strategy for expanding community and family support services for the severely disabled; (3) include certain procedures for transferring severely disabled, institutionalized individuals to family homes, foster family homes, or community living facilities; (4) set forth standards for the provision of community and family support services and a program for licensing and certifying all facilities and programs providing such services; (5) provide for assessments of the provision and affect of community and family support services and the correction of service deficiencies; (6) provide the public with an adequate opportunity to comment on the strategies; (7) set forth methods ensuring that the personnel providing community and family support services receive adequate training and are competent to provide such services; (8) provide that the State has in effect a management information system capable of collecting, storing, and retrieving data on the severely disabled who receive community and family support services; (9) provide an opportunity for an appeal and hearing before a hearing officer to individuals who believe themselves to be inappropriately served or denied an appropriate service, or who are being scheduled for an involuntary transfer from one living arrangement to another; (10) describe the methods to be used in administering community and family support services; and (11) set forth procedures to protect the interests of public employees who will be affected by the transfer of the severely disabled from public institutions. Allows States to provide any new community and family support service for up to three years without meeting the Medicaid requirements that they provide a service on a statewide basis and that the service be comparable in all parts of the State. Requires that intermediate care facility services for the mentally retarded include the ascertainment of the individual needs of each newly admitted individual by an interdisciplinary team within 30 days and the development of a written habilitation plan for each individual. Limits Medicaid payments to States for skilled nursing and intermediate care facility services furnished to individuals under age 65 who became disabled before age 22 to the amount payable for such services in the fiscal year ending after the enactment of this Act, increased if and by the extent to which the percentage increase in the consumer price index exceeds six percent. Makes such limitation inapplicable to facilities which have less than 16 beds or meet the size and location requirements for a community living facility. Requires States to have in effect a system to protect and advocate those rights of the severely disabled who are eligible for medical assistance which relate to the provision of such assistance. Provides Federal Medicaid matching funds for such system. Gives individuals who are adversely affected by a violation of this Act's requirements the right to bring an action to enjoin such violation. Allows States to set payment rates for community and family support services for the severely disabled. Authorizes States to treat severely disabled individuals under age 19 who are not in a medical institution as receiving benefits under title XVI (Supplemental Security Income) (SSI) of the Act for Medicaid eligibility purposes if they would be eligible for SSI benefits if institutionalized. Requires States to establish a uniform income standard for the severely disabled regardless of whether or not they are in a medical institution. Authorizes States to provide Medicaid coverage of disabled spouses and children who, except for the resources deemed to them, would be eligible for SSI benefits. Removes certain limitations on the Secretary's approval of reduction and correction plans for deficient intermediate care facilities for the mentally retarded. Makes individuals who are severely disabled and receiving or deemed to be receiving SSI benefits eligible for Medicaid as long as such qualifications continue to be satisfied. Directs the Secretary to establish, within the Health Care Financing Administration, a Bureau of Developmental Disabilities Services responsible for administering Medicaid programs for the severely disabled. Requires the Secretary to: (1) develop standards and a program for training Federal and State personnel who perform surveys of skilled nursing and intermediate care facilities to determine whether such facilities meet Medicaid participation requirements; and (2) periodically conduct studies of the reliability of such surveys and make the changes necessary to improve such reliability. Directs the Secretary to support the development of: (1) instruments to assess outcomes in the provision of this Act's services; and (2) competency-based personnel standards for agencies and organizations providing services to the severely disabled pursuant to this Act. Requires the Secretary to: (1) conduct an annual assessment of each State's compliance with this Act's requirements; and (2) issue final regulations regarding this Act's amendments prior to the first fiscal year beginning after this Act's enactment. Sets forth reporting requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 7 October 1987
Establishes the Stonewall Jackson Lake National Recreation Area, West Virginia. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to acquire land and water interests. Directs the Secretary to administer such Area. Authorizes hunting, fishing, and trapping in such Area except in designated zones. Continues existing oil and gas extraction rights. Directs the Secretary to establish an advisory commission for such Area. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1987
Federal Employees' Political Activities Act of 1987- Prohibits an employee from using or attempting to use official authority or influence to interfere with or affect the result of any election. Prohibits an employee from using or attempting to use official authority to intimidate, threaten, coerce, command, or influence: (1) any individual for the purpose of interfering with the right of any individual to vote as the individual may choose, or of causing any individual to vote, or not to vote, for any candidate or measure in any election; (2) any person to give or withhold any political contribution; or (3) any person to engage, or not to engage, in any form of political activity. Prohibits an employee from using or attempting to use, or permitting the use of, any official information unless such information is available to the general public. Prohibits an employee from: (1) giving or offering to give a political contribution to any individual either to vote or refrain from voting, or to vote for or against any candidate or measure, in any election; (2) soliciting, accepting, or receiving a political contribution to vote or refrain from voting, or to vote for or against any candidate or measure, in any election; or (3) giving or handing over a political contribution to a superior of the employee. Prohibits an employee from soliciting, accepting, or receiving, or from being in any manner concerned with soliciting, accepting, or receiving, a political contribution: (1) from another employee (or a member of another employee's immediate family) with respect to whom the employee is a superior; or (2) in any room or building occupied in the discharge of official duties by a Federal employee or official or an individual receiving salary or compensation from the Treasury. Prohibits an employee from soliciting, accepting, or receiving a political contribution from, or giving a political contribution to, any person who: (1) has, or is seeking to obtain, contractual or other business or financial relations with the employing agency; (2) conducts operations or activities which are regulated by that agency; or (3) has interests which may be substantially affected by the performance of the employees' official duties. Directs the Special Counsel of the Merit Systems Protection Board to prescribe regulations which exempt employees from such prohibitions. Prohibits an employee from engaging in political activity: (1) while on duty; (2) in any room or building occupied in the discharge of official duties by a Federal employee or official; (3) while wearing a uniform or official insignia identifying the office or position of the employee; or (4) while using any vehicle owned or leased by the Government. Exempts certain high level political appointees from such prohibitions if the costs associated with the political activity are not paid for by money derived from the Treasury. Describes such a political appointee as one: (1) whose duties and responsibilities continue outside normal duty hours and while away from the normal duty post; (2) who is paid from an appropriation for the Executive Office of the President; (3) whose position is located within the United States; and (4) who determines policies to be pursued by the United States in its relations with foreign powers or in the nationwide administration of Federal laws. Authorizes leave without pay or accrued annual leave to an employee who is a candidate, upon request, to allow such employee to engage in activities relating to that candidacy. Declares that such request may be denied if the exigencies of the public business so require. Declares that such employee may be required to take leave without pay or accrued annual leave in order to be a candidate if activities relating to the candidacy interfere with the employee's performance of duties. Directs the Special Counsel to prescribe rules and regulations to implement this Act. Applies this Act to postal employees and employees of the Postal Rate Commission.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1987
Fair Physician Reciprocity Standards Act of 1987 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to prohibit State physician licensure reciprocity standards from discriminating against foreign medical graduates. Authorizes States to require foreign medical graduates to have more years of accredited graduate medical education than licensed physicians who are not foreign medical graduates, provided such required accredited graduate medical education does not exceed three years.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1987
Alternative Motor Fuels Act of 1987 - Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to direct the Secretary of Energy to ensure that beginning in FY 1990 the maximum practicable number of Federal passenger automobiles and light duty trucks be either methanol-powered or dual energy vehicles. Directs the Secretary to conduct studies regarding such vehicles' performance, fuel economy, safety, and maintenance costs. Requires methanol fuel to be made available to the public at locations where the Federal vehicles are fueled. States that appropriations for Federal vehicle acquisition shall apply only to that portion of the cost of methanol-powered (or dual energy) vehicles which exceeds the cost of comparable conventionally fueled vehicles. Provides that: (1) such vehicles shall not be counted in any average fuel economy calculation of the Federal passenger automobile fleet acquired in any fiscal year; and (2) the incremental cost of such vehicles over the cost of comparable conventionally fueled vehicles shall not be applied to any calculation regarding the maximum cost of individual Federal vehicles. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1990 through 1993. Requires the Secretary to establish a demonstration program to study methanol use in heavy duty trucks. Requires methanol to be made available to the public at locations where such trucks are fueled. Authorizes appropriations for such program for FY 1989 through 1992. Directs the Secretary to: (1) assist in the acquisition of buses capable of operating on compressed natural gas, methanol, and LP-gas, beginning in FY 1989; and (2) test the emissions levels, durability, and fuel economy of such buses in an urban setting (in cooperation with Federal agencies regulating motor vehicles for safety and environmental purposes). Authorizes appropriations for such program for FY 1989 through 1992. Declares that any governmental entity which receives, after January 1, 1992, Federal financial assistance to acquire buses for mass transportation in a predominantly nonattainment area, shall acquire certain types of buses which shall operate exclusively on methanol, compressed natural gas, or LP-gas. Directs the Secretary to provide supplemental grants for such bus acquisitions. Authorizes supplemental grants for the purchase and installation of facilities providing such alternative fuels. Cites circumstances under which this program will be suspended. Establishes the Interagency Commission on Methanol to develop and coordinate efforts to implement a national methanol energy policy. Requires the Commission chairperson to establish a private sector advisory panel to inform the Commission about methanol-related matters. Requires the Commission to submit interim reports to the Congress, and a final report no later than September 30, 1992. Terminates such Commission upon submission of its final report. Directs the Secretary to undertake a comparative study of methanol costs based upon natural gas, coal, and other resources, and to submit semiannual study reports. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1989. Requires that after January 1, 1989, fuel tanks and underground piping or equipment at certain retail outlets be capable of use with fuels containing 85 percent or more methanol, ethanol, or other alcohols. Precludes the voiding of any guaranty or warranty with respect to any federally acquired passenger automobile or light-duty truck after October 1, 1988, on the grounds that such vehicle is operated with nonstandard fuels. Sets forth fuel efficiency standards for: (1) methanol-powered vehicles; (2) dual energy vehicles; (3) natural gas-powered vehicles; and (4) natural gas duel energy vehicles.
United States · United States Congress · 30 September 1987
Deceptive Mailings Prevention Act of 1987 - Declares as nonmailable matter, matter which constitutes a solicitation by a non-governmental entity: (1) for the purchase of products or services which are provided free of charge or at a lower price by the Federal Government, or which are substantially the same as such products or services; (2) for the purchase of products or services and which contains a seal, insignia, trade or brand name, or any other term or symbol which reasonably could be interpreted or construed as implying Federal Government connection, approval, or endorsement; and (3) for the contribution of funds and which contains a seal, insignia, trade or brand name, or any other term which could reasonably be interpreted or construed as implying Federal Government connection, approval, or endorsement. Allows the mailing of such matter if it contains a conspicuous disclaimer that it is not a Government document. Establishes penalties for violations of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 30 September 1987
Targeted Fiscal Assistance Payments to Local Governments Act - Entitles local governments to an allocation of funds from the Local Government Targeted Fiscal Assistance (TFA) Trust Fund. Authorizes appropriations to the Trust Fund. Authorizes appropriations to the Department of Commerce for FY 1987 for administrative expenses. Sets forth eligibility requirements for TFA payments, including that funds support essential public services. Authorizes the Secretary to withhold TFA payments if a local government has not substantially complied with such requirements. Provides for special allocations of TFA funds for Indian tribes, Alaskan native villages, and the District of Columbia. Directs the Secretary to allocate TFA funds to each State (for subsequent allocation to local governments) according to a specified formula based on the need factor, the general tax effort factor, and the relative fiscal gap factor, as defined in this Act, for each State. Entitles local governments to a portion of such State's funds according to a specified formula based on the following factors, as defined in this Act, for each unit of local government relative to all units in such State: (1) the unit's population; (2) the unit's general tax effort factor; and (3) the unit's income factor. Limits the amount of such local government's allocation of State funds based upon a specified formula. Sets forth requirements relating to the use of certain information by the Secretary in determining allocations of TFA funds. Requires a unit of local government expending TFA funds to hold at least one public hearing on the proposed use of such funds in relation to its entire budget. Requires public disclosure of the local government's proposed use of TFA funds and of its proposed budget. Prohibits any discrimination based on race, color, national origin, or sex with respect to the provision of TFA funds. Prohibits discrimination in the provision of TFA funds based on age, religion, or a person's handicap. Sets forth provisions relating to: (1) the institution of administrative proceedings for violations of such prohibitions; (2) the suspension and termination of TFA payments for such violations; and (3) administrative and judicial reviews of such suspensions or terminations. Permits the Attorney General to bring a civil action in a U.S. district court against a unit of general local government that has discriminated in the provision of TFA funds. Permits a person who has been adversely affected by such discrimination to bring a civil action in an appropriate district or State court. Requires the Secretary to annually report to the Congress on: (1) the status of the Trust Fund; and (2) the administration of TFA funds. Requires each unit of general local government receiving TFA funds to annually report to the Secretary. Requires the Comptroller General to undertake a series of studies on methods to identify local governments that have low capacities to raise revenues from their own sources relative to their essential public service needs. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1987 and 1988.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 1987
United States Coinage Reform Act of 1987 - Requires that one dollar coins be gold colored, be at least 90% copper, and be fabricated in the United States from natural deposits located in the United States. Redesigns the obverse side of the dollar coin to symbolize the 500th anniversary of the discovery of the New World by Christopher Columbus. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to place such coins into circulation within 18 months and to cease production of one dollar notes within 18 months after the first of such coins are placed in circulation. Directs the Secretary to conduct a study and report to the Congress on the advisability of phasing out production of the one-cent and 50-cent coins and of rounding cash sales to the nearest five cents.
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 1987
Nursing Shortage Relief Act of 1987 - Amends title VIII (Nurse Training) of the Public Health Service Act to add a new part on initiatives to reduce nursing shortages. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (Secretary) to establish a special advisory committee to develop a comprehensive plan regarding long-term solutions to problems in recruiting and retaining nurses. Requires nurses to be included on the committee. Directs the Secretary to determine whether a nonprofit private entity with a record in supporting innovative health initiatives has completed or is completing a project to demonstrate and evaluate innovative hospital nursing practice models. Requires models to include initiatives to: (1) restructure the role of the hospital nurse, through changes in the composition of hospital staff and through innovative approaches for interaction between hospital administration and nursing personnel; (2) test innovative wage structures for nurses; and (3) evaluate the effectiveness of providing benefits such as pensions, sabbaticals, and payment of educational expenses for nurses. Directs the Secretary, if the Secretary so determines, to make a grant to the nonprofit private entity for dissemination of information describing the results of such project. Directs the Secretary, if no such project has been or is being completed, to make grants for carrying out such projects and disseminating the results. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1988 through 1990. Directs the Secretary to make grants to or enter into contracts with public and nonprofit private entities accredited for the training of nurses for projects to: (1) demonstrate and evaluate innovative nursing practice models regarding long-term health care services in the home or in long-term care facilities; and (2) develop collaborative clinical practice setting alternatives for nursing students. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1988 through 1990. Directs the Secretary to make grants to and enter into contracts with public and nonprofit private entities to develop, establish, and operate at least one and not more than five regional model professional nurse recruitment centers to recruit individuals to enter into programs to train nurses. Directs the Secretary, in making grants, to ensure inclusion of not less than one center in a rural area. Sets forth requirements for centers. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1988 through 1990. Directs the Secretary to make grants to develop and establish local educational outreach and nurse recruitment programs. Directs the Secretary, in making grants, to give priority to applicants carrying out associated degree programs in nursing education that train not more than 20 nursing students per year and have arrangements with baccalaureate degree nursing programs. Requires grant funds to be used for identifying a local area's long-term nursing needs, designing local recruitment programs, and providing for the modification and expansion of existing nursing programs. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1988 through 1990.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 1987
Federal Equal Employment Opportunity Reporting Act of 1987 - Requires each Federal entity, in the 90-day period beginning on the first October 1 in each five fiscal year period beginning in FY 1988, to send the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission a written plan pertaining to each of the five previous fiscal years with respect to job applications, hiring, training, and promoting of employees. Requires such plan to detail data for each separate component and installation of the entity and for the entity as a whole. Prescribes the contents of such plans, including data for each EEO group on whether underrepresentation, under-utilization, or an adverse impact exists and, if so, data on affirmative action goals for each employment category affected. Requires that, for each fiscal year (after the first) of each five-year period, each Federal entity submit an annual report concerning the status of the entity's plan, including an update on progress made in achieving the goals and timetables specified in such plan. Directs the Commission to review such reports and, if a continuing manifest imbalance is found, to require an entity to: (1) take additional steps to identify and remove barriers to equal employment opportunity; and (2) develop additional affirmative action goals and timetables. Requires the Commission to publish in the Federal Register, by June 1 of 1988 and of each fifth calendar year thereafter, the identity of each Federal entity which fails to file such a plan, and by January 31 of each fiscal year, the identity of each Federal entity that fails to timely submit the report required under such plan. Requires the head of any Federal entity which fails to file such a plan or report to submit a statement of reasons for the failure to the Commission, or to request an informal hearing to state such reasons orally by December 31. Authorizes the Commission to summon witnesses and compel the production of evidence in the course of investigating such failure. Requires the Commission to issue an order mandating the submission of such plan or report by March 31. Directs the Commission to commence a civil action to compel submission of such plan or report if the entity has not complied with the order by April 30. Authorizes any employee of or applicant for employment with such entity, or a labor organization recognized by such entity, to commence a civil action in an appropriate district court to compel the head of the entity to submit such plan or report if the Commission has failed to commence such an action within two years after the appropriate April 30 deadline. Requires the Commission, at least once every five years, to make an on-site examination with respect to at least one component or installation of each Federal entity, of the program management, data collection monitoring and evaluation, personnel practices, barrier analysis, employee training and recruitment, and sexual harassment prevention measures of such entity. Requires the Commission to conduct a full program audit of each Federal entity that: (1) is subject to this Act's filing and reporting requirements and that fails to develop and implement an effective affirmative action plan or to show sufficient progress in carrying out such plan; or (2) receives complaints from a substantial number of employees alleging a violation of title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Requires the Commission to: (1) conduct full program audits of at least five Federal entities per year; (2) communicate its proposed audit findings to the head of the Federal entity audited and allow such entity an opportunity to respond before issuing such findings; (3) include in each such audit a thorough examination of the entity's strategies, procedures, resources, and commitment with respect to affirmative action; and (4) conduct such an audit within one year after commencing a civil action to compel the head of such an entity to submit a plan or report under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 1987
Designates a segment of the Appalachian development highway system known as Corridor V (within Alabama State boundaries) as the Robert E. (Bob) Jones, Jr. Highway.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 1987
Amends Federal law regarding the exemption authority of the Interstate Commerce Commission with respect to rail carriers to prohibit the waiving of a rail carrier's obligation under the Railway Labor Act or collective bargaining agreements. Sets forth a separation allowance schedule for employees adversely affected by the disposition of certain rail carrier lines. Establishes a ceiling for such separation allowance of $30,000 (periodically adjusted for inflation). Entitles such employees to the right of first hire in seniority order to a substantially equivalent position by the rail carrier obtaining the rail lines from such employees' previous rail carrier employer. States that such separation allowance and right of first hire apply to: (1) certain financial assistance offers to avoid rail abandonment and discontinuance; and (2) specified actions for which the Commission grants an exemption.
United States · United States Congress · 21 September 1987
Requires U.S. coins to be redesigned, at the discretion of the Secretary of the Treasury, over the next six years. Requires the reverse side of the first coin redesigned to commemorate the bicentennial of the U.S. Constitution for a two-year period. Requires that any profits from the sale of uncirculated and proof sets of U.S. coins be deposited in the Treasury and used solely to reduce the national debt.
United States · United States Congress · 21 September 1987
Anti-Apartheid Petroleum Sanctions Act - Provides for divestiture of U.S. investments in the oil industry in South Africa unless the following conditions are met within six months of enactment of this Act: (1) certification by the President to the Congress that South Africa has freed Nelson Mandela and all political prisoners and has entered into good faith negotiations with truly representative leaders of the black majority for a new political system or has totally dismantled apartheid; and (2) enactment of a joint resolution approving such certification. Provides for expedited consideration of such joint resolution. Requires the divestiture of U.S. investments in the oil industry in South Africa to be effective six months after such six month period. Prohibits any Federal agency from issuing a lease or permit for the exploration, development, or production of coal, gas, or oil to anyone who violates the divestiture provision of this Act. Provides for enforcement of this Act. Sets forth additional penalties for violations of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 16 September 1987
Amends the Carl D. Perkins Vocational Education Act to include single pregnant women under provisions for the use of funds and the distribution of assistance under such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 16 September 1987
Amends part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to limit the rate of increase of the part B premium to the rate of increase of part B benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 1987
Urges the German Democratic chief of state Erich Honecker to: (1) repeal the order directing East German border guards to shoot to kill anyone who attempts to cross the Berlin Wall; and (2) issue an order to tear down the Berlin Wall.
United States · United States Congress · 9 September 1987
Equal Opportunity for Medical Licensure and Reciprocity Act of 1987 - Prohibits discrimination against any person who graduated from a medical school outside the United States and who is a licensed physician in the United States: (1) in equal access to practice medicine within any U.S. jurisdiction; (2) by law, regulation, policy, or requirements; and (3) by conditions or requirements which differ from the conditions or requirements as applied to graduates of U.S. medical schools. Applies the prohibition to any medical specialty as well as to the general practice of medicine. Prohibits the Secretary of Health and Human Services from making a grant, loan guarantee, or interest subsidy to, or for the benefit of, any school of medicine, unless the application contains assurances that the school will not discriminate against a graduate of a non-U.S. medical school. Requires any State, in order to be eligible to receive payments under title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act, to adopt medical licensure and medical reciprocity standards which provide equal opportunity to any graduate of a non-U.S. medical school, as compared to any graduate of a U.S. medical school, provided the non-U.S. medical school graduate has completed the U.S. postgraduate training and obtained a license to practice medicine in any U.S. State.
United States · United States Congress · 7 August 1987
Centers of Excellence in Geriatric Research and Training Act of 1987 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Director of the National Institute on Aging to enter into cooperative agreements with and make grants to public and private nonprofit entities to pay costs of development or expansion of centers of excellence in geriatric research and training. Requires each such center to use the facilities of a single institution or be formed from a consortium. Requires centers to conduct research into the aging processes and into diagnosis and treatment related to aging, advanced training programs, programs to develop individuals capable of conducting research, and educational and training activities for students of the health professions. Requires centers to place primary emphasis on training physicians to train other physicians and students in geriatrics. Requires the Director to conduct an evaluation and report annually to the Congress. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1988 through 1990.
United States · United States Congress · 6 August 1987
Quality Control Amendments of 1987 - Amends the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 to extend the moratorium on the reduction of payments to States for high erroneous payment rates under part A (Aid to Families with Dependent Children) of title IV of the Social Security Act through FY 1988. (Currently, such moratorium is set to expire at the close of June 1988.) Includes payments to States under title XIX (Medicaid) of the Act within such moratorium. Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to place a moratorium on penalties for high erroneous payment rates under the Food Stamp program through FY 1988.
United States · United States Congress · 6 August 1987
Defense Contractor Profits Review Act - States as a policy of the Congress that firms contracting with the Federal Government to provide goods and services for the national defense should receive a reasonable profit, and that such goods and services should be procured in an economical and effective manner. States as a purpose of this Act to provide the Federal Government with the information needed to determine the reasonableness of defense contractor profits. Amends Federal defense procurement provisions to outline action to be taken by the head of a defense agency if it is determined that a defense contractor has made excessive profits. Requires such agency head to first give such defense contractor 45 days to respond before making a determination that such contractor made excessive profits. Requires any defense contractor covered under this Act, no later than 120 days after the end of such contractor's annual financial reporting period, to provide the Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) with a profits information report. Requires such profits information report to include specified information and also to distinguish between such contractor's business with the Federal Government and such contractor's other business. Requires the DCAA to review each such report in order to determine if any contractor has made excessive profits. States that the head of an agency and the DCAA shall have access to all information of a defense contractor that is required in order to make such determinations. Requires the confidentiality of any such information received. Authorizes review of such information by the Comptroller General, as well as access to any such information. Directs the head of an agency to require that compliance with such information disclosure provisions is a condition of each contract entered into between such agency and a defense contractor. Requires the head of the agency, at least once every three years, to conduct a study of profits made by defense contractors under contracts made with such agency, including a comparison of the profits made by such contractor from defense agencies as compared to profits made by such contractor from other businesses. Directs the head of the agency, no later than December 31 annually, to report to the President, the Congress, and the Comptroller General concerning any such profit studies. Directs the head of the agency to prescribe regulations to carry out this Act. Defines terms as used under this Act, and requires such regulations to be prescribed no later than 120 days after the enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 August 1987
Comprehensive Alzheimer's Assistance, Research, and Education Act of 1987 (CARE) - Title I: Public Health Service Programs with Respect to Alzheimer's Disease - Repeals provisions of the Public Health Service Act relating to Alzheimer's disease (Alzheimer's) and creates, in title III (relating to the general powers and duties of the Public Health Service) of the Act a new part K on Alzheimer's. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants and enter into cooperative agreements to assist grantees in establishing and maintaining, with respect to Alzheimer's and related disorders, centers for: (1) conducting basic and clinical research, training, and dissemination of clinical information; (2) demonstrating advanced diagnostic, prevention, treatment, and management methods; (3) conducting programs of community education; and (4) maximizing research. Specifies purposes for which grant funds may and may not be used. Limits support for a center to five years, with extensions by the Secretary of up to five years if recommended by a technical and scientific peer review group. Directs the Secretary, in carrying out these provisions, to consult with the directors of specified National Institutes of Health. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1988 through 1990. Authorizes the Secretary, acting through the Director of the National Institutes of Health and the Director of the National Institute of Mental Health, to make grants and enter into contracts to enable grantees to conduct basic and clinical research regarding Alzheimer's and related disorders. Directs the Secretary, in carrying out these provisions, to consult with the directors of specified National Institutes of Health. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1988 through 1990. Authorizes the Secretary, acting through the Director of the National Institute of Mental Health, to make grants and enter into contracts to enable grantees to conduct research and demonstration projects with respect to teaching the families of individuals with Alzheimer's or related disorders methods for providing appropriate care and managing stress. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1988 through 1990. Authorizes the Secretary, acting through the Commissioner on Aging, to make grants and enter into contracts to enable grantees to conduct demonstration projects with respect to teaching the families of individuals with Alzheimer's or related disorders methods for providing appropriate care and managing stress. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1988 through 1990. Authorizes the Secretary, acting through the Director of the National Institute on Aging, to make grants and enter into contracts to enable grantees to conduct long-term care research with respect to Alzheimer's disease and related disorders and with respect to the coordination of long-term care services. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1988 through 1990. Authorizes the Secretary, acting through the Director of the National Center for Health Services Research, to make grants and enter into contracts to enable grantees to conduct research with respect to developing methods for improving the delivery of supportive services to individuals with Alzheimer's disease or related disorders and with respect to the coordination of long-term care services. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1988 through 1990. Directs the Secretary to develop a plan for a research program for the study of Alzheimer's and related disorders. Specifies elements for which the plan must provide. Requires research under the plan to be carried out through the National Institutes of Health. Directs the Secretary to submit the plan to the President and the Congress. Directs the Secretary to make grants to States to plan, establish, and operate programs to provide specified services regarding Alzheimer's or related disorders. Specifies purposes for which grant funds may not be used. Limits grants to three years, subject to annual evaluation by the Secretary. Limits the amount of a grant and its portion of the costs of the program for which it is made. Directs the Secretary to annually evaluate the grant programs. Authorizes the Secretary to contract with private entities to conduct the evaluation. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1988 through 1990. Directs the Secretary, acting through the Administrator of the Alcohol, Drug Abuse, and Mental Health Administration, to require, as a condition of receiving funds under provisions of part B (Alcohol and Drug Abuse and Mental Health Services Block Grant) of the Public Health Service Act, that a State must agree that activities carried out under a specified provision will include increased provision of mental health services related to Alzheimer's and related disorders. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1988 through 1990. Authorizes the Secretary, acting through the Director of the National Institute on Aging, to make grants to assist grantees in providing training programs and continuing education programs, regarding Alzheimer's or related disorders, to health care professionals, health care paraprofessionals, and family caregivers. Specifies eligible types of grant recipients. Directs the Secretary to ensure that grants are equitably geographically distributed. Authorizes the Secretary, acting through the Director of the National Institute on Aging, to make grants to the Alzheimer's centers established by this Act to assist in developing curricula for such training programs and continuing education programs. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1988 through 1990. Directs the Secretary, acting through the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration, to initiate a study regarding specified health manpower needs related to Alzheimer's disease, related disorders, and other disorders requiring long-term care services. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1988 through 1990. Directs the Secretary to establish a National Alzheimer's Disease Education Program for: (1) promoting the coordination of health care financing, service, research, education, and training programs; (2) collecting, through the Clearinghouse on Alzheimer's Disease, information on research and treatment programs; (3) making such information available to specified groups and to the general public; and (4) providing technical assistance to States and public and private organizations. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1988 through 1990. Title II: Improvement of Services Under Medicare and Medicaid Programs - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to review the levels of reimbursement provided under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act for home health services, extended care services, and inpatient hospital services relating to an advanced stage of Alzheimer's or a related disorder and adjust the levels to accurately reflect the reasonable amount required to provide adequately for services furnished. Requires each State plan approved under title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to report to the Secretary on how the levels of reimbursement under the plan for home health services, nursing facility services, inpatient hospital services, and community-based care take into account special needs regarding an advanced stage of Alzheimer's or a related disorder. Directs the Secretary to modify contracts with utilization and quality control peer review organizations under part B (Peer Review) of title XI of the Social Security Act to ensure that the organizations conduct adequate and representative quality of care reviews on patients who require intensive home health services or extended care services. Requires States, as a condition of approval of a State plan under Medicaid, to provide assurances that the State is providing for the conduct of adequate and representative quality of care reviews on patients who require intensive home health services, nursing facility services, or other long-term care services. Directs the Secretary to review and report to the Congress regarding whether specified types of facilities participating under the Medicare or Medicaid program limit or restrict the services they provide to individuals with Alzheimer's or a related disorder. Directs the Secretary to provide for research and demonstration projects concerning methods of improving the delivery of health care services to Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries with Alzheimer's disease or a related disorder. Specifies projects to be included. Directs the Secretary to provide for an evaluation of the research and demonstration projects and submit a report to the Congress. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1988 through 1990. Requires funds, to the extent that research and demonstration projects relate to Medicare beneficiaries, to be appropriated from the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund. Authorizes the Secretary to waive compliance with the requirements of part B (Peer Review) of title XI, title XVIII (Medicare), and title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act as necessary to conduct these research and demonstration projects.
United States · United States Congress · 6 August 1987
Amerasian Homecoming Act - Provides for the admission as an immigrant into the United States (for two years beginning 90 days after enactment of this Act) of an alien residing in Vietnam who: (1) was born in Vietnam after January 1, 1962, and before January 1, 1976, and whose father was a U.S. citizen; or (2) is the spouse, child, or mother, or has acted as the next of kin (with specified limitations) of such an alien. Requires on-site consular interviews in making such determinations. Provides for an eight-month period of visa validity. Provides, with regard to such aliens, for: (1) the waiver of specified exclusionary grounds under the Immigration and Nationality Act; and (2) specified (refugee) assistance under such Act. Directs the Attorney General, in cooperation with the Secretary of State, to submit program reports to the Congress annually for three years.
United States · United States Congress · 6 August 1987
Urges the leadership of the Government of Chile to take steps to: (1) assure that military rule should end in Chile no later than by 1989, as outlined in the 1980 constitution; (2) ensure that the next democratically-elected leaders of Chile are chosen from civilian candidates; (3) assure voting procedures for the electoral process which are fair and based upon universal and equal suffrage; (4) implement procedures to ensure that the vote will be accurately counted and subject to independent verification; and (5) ensure that prior to any electoral process, freedom of assembly and expression are fully restored and non-violent government opponents are given fair access to every means of communication, including television.
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1987
Child Labor Exploitation Prevention Act of 1987 - Prohibits the importation of products which have been produced by child labor in violation of internationally recognized child labor rights. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to maintain and annually revise a list of such products. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to notify any foreign manufacturer of such products of such prohibition. Grants U.S. district courts jurisdiction over civil actions brought by persons to enjoin the importation of such products. Requires the Secretary of State to assess the status of internationally recognized child labor rights as part of the annual country report on human rights. Requires the Secretary of State to identify which countries enforce, and which producers fail to comply with, internationally recognized child labor rights.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1987
Methanol and Alternative Fuels Promotion Act of 1987 - Amends the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act to authorize the Secretary of Transportation to revise the dual fuel passenger automobile driving range for automobiles operating on certain ethanol or methanol mixtures. Provides that for any ten consecutive model years between 1993 and 2005, a dual fuel passenger automobile manufacturer shall receive an average fuel economy increase according to specified guidelines. Declares that if a manufacturer makes methanol or ethanol powered or dual fuel passenger automobiles, the fuel economy of an automobile shall be based on the fuel content of the methanol or ethanol mixture used to operate it. Directs the Secretary to report annually to the Congress regarding ethanol and methanol promotion. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to declare that the determination of tax to be imposed regarding methanol-, ethanol-, or natural gas-powered or dual fuel passenger automobiles shall be based on the fuel economy rating established under the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1987
Amends the Agricultural Act of 1980 to require the Secretary of Agriculture to submit an annual report to the Congress on food bank special nutrition projects. (Under current law, a final report was due on January 1, 1984.) Directs the Secretary to: (1) carry out at least one food bank demonstration project in each of the standard Federal regions; and (2) report to the Congress, not later than January 3, 1990, on such projects. Terminates the Secretary's authority with respect to the demonstration projects December 31, 1990.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 1987
Airline Passenger Protection Act of 1987 - Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to add a new "Title XVII: Airline Passenger Protection." Requires the Secretary of Transportation (the Secretary to publish monthly reports regarding: (1) late flight arrivals; (2) a listing of the top 500 aviation markets; (3) lost and damaged baggage; (4) the percentage of cancelled flights; (5) the percentage of passengers bumped; (6) missed connections at hubs; and (7) the number of passenger complaints filed with the Department of Transportation. Mandates that: (1) such reports be made available to the public by any air carrier controlled ticket agent; (2) toll-free telephone numbers be established by air carriers and the Secretary for handling passenger complaints; and (3) that such telephone numbers accompany airline ticket purchases. Requires the Secretary to establish a telephone number system which provides airline passengers with comparative air carrier service information. Prohibits: (1) airline ticket sales unless the purchaser receives written notification regarding the air carrier's policy concerning cancellations and amenities; and (2) economically motivated flight cancellations. Requires air transportation advertisements to state whether availability is limited and whether restrictions apply. Prescribes guidelines for the air transportation of airline ticket holders if the issuing air carrier has become a bankrupt debtor since the ticket purchase. Sets forth time limits for: (1) processing lost or damaged baggage; and (2) purchase price refunds for certain airline tickets. Prohibits an air carrier from making available to a ticket agent certain computerized reservation system information on flight schedules and fares of twor or more carriers if the order in which the schedules appear is determined according to a specified format. Requires the Secretary to revise existing airline consumer complaint procedures of the Department of Transportation. Terminates this Act ten years after the date of enactment. Establishes civil penalties for violations including: (1) late performance reports; (2) false or misleading performance reports; or (3) economically-motivated flight cancellations.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 1987
Interstate Compact - Appalachian States Low-Level Radioactive Waste Compact Consent Act- Grants congressional approval to the Appalachian States Low-Level Radioactive Waste Compact, which provides for cooperation among the States of Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and any other eligible State (Maryland or Delaware, if either should become a party) in the management of low-level radioactive waste.
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 1987
Home Equity Loan Consumer Protection Act of 1987 - Amends the Truth in Lending Act to impose additional disclosure requirements for any open end credit plan secured by a consumer's dwelling. Specifies the information to be disclosed as information regarding annual interest rates, finance charge conditions, fees, changes in variable interest rates, and a statement that in the event of any default the consumer risks loss of the dwelling. Imposes additional disclosure requirements for advertisements of open end credit plans secured by consumers' dwellings. Requires such advertisements to disclose a statement of any minimum or fixed amount which could be imposed, periodic rates expressed as annual percentage rates, and any other term which the Federal Reserve Board may by regulation require. Prohibits the use of advertisements for any home equity loan which refer to such loan as "free money" or as a "loan at prime." Requires the Federal Reserve Board to develop and prepare a pamphlet for distribution to consumers which contains: (1) a general description of open end credit plans secured by consumer dwellings and the terms and conditions on which such loans are generally extended; and (2) a discussion of the potential advantages and disadvantages of such plans.
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 1987
Amends the Head Start Act to prohibit the Secretary of Health and Human Services from excluding from eligibility to receive discretionary payments any Head Start agency that then serves less than one-third of the children eligible to participate in its Head Start program.
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 1987
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit a partnership, S corporation, or personal service corporation, unless it is part of a tiered structure, to elect to have a taxable year other than the required one, but generally only if the deferral period of the taxable year elected is three months or less. (Current law requires partnerships, S corporations, and personal service corporations, in most cases, to conform their taxable years to the calendar years used by their owners.) Subjects the principals of a partnership or S corporation electing to change taxable years to additional estimated tax requirements to offset any tax deferral resulting from such election. Imposes deduction limitations on a personal service corporation that changes taxable years. Provides that an election with respect to taxable year shall be made by the partnership, S corporation, or personal service corporation and shall be binding on all partners and shareholders. Sets forth the formula for determining the additional tax requirement when a taxpayer: (1) is a partner or shareholder in at least one such entity during any applicable election years of the entity that end within the taxpayer's taxable year; and (2) has an aggregate deferred tax exceeding $200 with respect to the entity. Describes payment procedures. Requires the inclusion of specified information on returns filed by partnerships and S corporations that elect to use a non-required taxable year. Limits the tax deduction permitted to a personal service corporation for amounts paid or incurred with respect to employee-owners when such a corporation: (1) elects to have a taxable year other than the required one; and (2) fails to meet certain minimum distribution requirements regarding non-dividend amounts paid to owners.
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 1987
United States Secret Service Uniformed Division Salary Adjustment Act of 1987 - Amends the District of Columbia Police and Firemen's Salary Act of 1958 to increase the salary of members of the United States Secret Service Uniformed Division. Increases the following benefits for such members: service steps, premium pay, technician's pay, clothing allowances, and service longevity compensation.
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 1987
United States Park Police Salary Adjustment Act of 1987 - Amends the District of Columbia Police and Firemen's Salary Act of 1958 to increase the salary of members of the United States Park Police. Increases the following benefits for such members: service steps, premium pay, technician's pay, clothing allowances, and service longevity compensation.
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 1987
Title I: Trade and Technology Policy - Subtitle A: Department of Industry and Technology - Part I: General Provisions - Economic Competitiveness, International Trade, and Technology Development Act of 1987 - Sets forth congressional findings with respect to U.S. international competitiveness. Part II: Establishment and Organization - Establishes the Department of Industry and Technology (Department) as an executive department which shall be administered by a Secretary of Industry and Technology (Secretary). Provides for the appointment by the President of the Secretary and a Deputy Secretary of Industry and Technology. Sets forth the functions of the Secretary, including: (1) to seek and promote new opportunities for U.S. products in the world marketplace; (2) to assist U.S. businesses in developing export markets; and (3) to develop programs to promote U.S. international economic and technology policy. Establishes within the Department the Office of Under Secretary for Industry. Provides that such office shall be administered by the Under Secretary of Industry and Technology for Industry. Declares that such office shall be composed of: (1) the Office of Economic Analysis; (2) the Office of Trade Development; (3) the United States and Foreign Commercial Service; (4) the Office of Economic Development; (5) the Bureau of the Census; (6) the Minority Business Development Agency; (7) the Office of Small Business Trade Remedy Assistance; (8) the Office of the Chief Economist; and (9) the Office of Strategic Resources. Provides for the establishment of such offices and the transfer to such offices of specified functions of the Department of Commerce and the United States International Trade Commission. Establishes within the Department the Office of the Under Secretary for Technology. Provides that such office shall be administered by the Under Secretary of Industry and Technology for Technology. Declares that such office shall be composed of: (1) the Advanced Civilian Technology Agency; (2) the Office of Technology Information; (3) the Patent and Trademark Office; (4) the National Bureau of Standards; and (5) the Office of Communications and Information. Provides for the establishment of such offices and the transfer to such offices of specified functions of the Department of Commerce. Establishes within the Office of Technology Information the National Technical Information Service and the Office of International Technology Monitoring. Establishes within the Department the United States Travel and Tourism Administration and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Requires the appointment within the Department of two additional Assistant Secretaries of Industry and Technology, a General Counsel, and an Inspector General. Part III: Advanced Civilian Technology Agency - Establishes within the Department the Advanced Civilian Technology Agency. Provides that such Agency shall be administered by an Administrator. Sets forth the functions of such Agency. Establishes within such Agency the National Advanced Civilian Technology Advisory Board to provide advice on agency activities and programs to the Secretary, the Under Secretary of Industry and Technology for Technology, and the Administrator. Authorizes the Secretary, through the Administrator, to make grants and enter into contracts and cooperative agreements with research and development organizations to support long-term projects for: (1) research and development of new or advanced technology for the private sector of the U.S. economy; and (2) research concerning the commercial adaptation of such technology. Sets forth requirements with respect to such grants and contracts. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1989 through 1991. Part IV: Transfers to the Department - Transfers functions of the Department of Commerce and of the Trade Remedy Assistance Office of the International Trade Commission to the Secretary. Part V: Administrative Provisions - Sets forth administrative provisions dealing with: (1) Department of Industry and Technology personnel; (2) the power of the Secretary to delegate functions; (3) the succession of officers within the Department; (4) the authority of the Secretary to reorganize the Department; (5) the authority of the Secretary to issue rules and regulations; (6) the establishment of a working capital fund for the Department; and (7) other administrative matters. Requires the Secretary to submit a report to the President for transmission to the Congress. Sets forth conforming amendments. Subtitle B: Trade Functions - Part I: General Provisions - Establishes as an independent agency the United States Trade Administration (Administration) which shall be headed by the United States Trade Representative (USTR). Provides for the appointment of four Deputy USTRs. Establishes within the Administration the Office of Trade Enforcement Programs. Provides that such Office shall be headed by the Director of Trade Enforcement Programs. Provides for the appointment of a General Counsel and a Chief Textile Negotiator for the Administration. Establishes within the Executive Office of the President the Office of Trade Policy Coordination. Provides that such office shall be headed by the USTR. Sets forth the functions of the Administration. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the USTR shall: (1) be the senior representative on any body that the President may establish for providing the President advice on international trade; and (2) be included as a participant in all international economic summits. Transfers the Office of the USTR, including all functions performed by the USTR, to the USTR appointed under the Administration. Transfers all functions of the Secretary of Commerce relating to trade to the USTR. Part II: Administrative Provisions - Sets forth provisions dealing with: (1) personnel issues; (2) the power of the USTR to delegate functions; (3) succession of officers within the Administration; (4) the authority of the USTR to reorganize the Administration; (5) the authority of the USTR to issue rules and regulations; (6) the establishment of a working capital fund for the Administration; and (7) other administrative matters. Requires the USTR to submit a report to the President for transmission to the Congress. Subtitle C: Economic Policy Council - Directs the President to establish the Economic Policy Council (Council) within the Executive Office of the President. Declares that the Council shall advise the President on national and international economic policies. Subtitle D: Transitional, Savings, and Conforming Provisions - Sets forth transitional, savings, and conforming provisions relating to changes made by this Act. Terminates the Department of Commerce and the Office of the USTR in the Executive Office of the President. Authorizes appropriations. Title II: Interagency Committees and Commissions - Subtitle A: Council on Economic Competitiveness - Part I: Establishment of Council - Establishes as an independent agency the Council on Economic Competitiveness. Sets forth the duties of the Council, including to: (1) collect and provide information concerning U.S. economic competitiveness; (2) serve as a clearinghouse that identifies and monitors Federal, State, and local programs devised to increase U.S. competitiveness; and (3) report annually to the President and the Congress on the ability of the United States to be internationally competitive. Provides that the principal administrative officer of the Council shall be an Executive Director, who shall be appointed by such Council. Sets forth the powers of the Council. Requires the Council, at the request of the President or the leaders of the House or Senate, to consult with the President on issues related to U.S. economic competitiveness. Authorizes the Council to convene industry sector competitiveness subcouncils which shall encourage U.S. industries to become competitive. Requires the Council to monitor the effect of international trade and foreign activities in science and technology on U.S. industries. Requires the Council to transmit a report to the Congress and to the President containing Council recommendations for changes in Federal policy necessary to implement competitiveness policies. Requires the Council to transmit annually to the President and to the Congress a report setting forth the goals to achieve a more competitive U.S. economy. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1988. Part II: Budget Impact on Competition - Requires the President to include in the annual Federal budget submitted to the Congress for FY 1989 through 1992 an analysis by the Office of Management and Budget of the budget's impact on the economic competitiveness of U.S. business and the U.S. balance of payments, including projections, based upon the best information available at the time, for Government borrowing, domestic savings, private domestic investment, the merchandise trade and current accounts, and foreign indebtedness. Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to require that a similar analysis, prepared after consultation with the Director of the Congressional Budget Office, be included in the report of the Committee on the Budget of each House of Congress which accompanies each concurrent resolution on the budget for FY 1989 through 1992. Subtitle B: National Trade Data Bank - Establishes the National Trade Data Committee. Sets forth the functions of the Committee, including to: (1) formulate and implement an economic and trade information policy to assure the timely collection of data on trends in international economics and trade; (2) direct the Secretary of Commerce to establish a National Trade Data Bank to provide the private sector and Government officials with economic and trade data for policymaking and export promotion; (3) formulate policies to encourage international organizations and foreign countries to adopt systems to report foreign trade statistics; and (4) present recommendations to the Congress concerning changes needed to improve the accuracy of U.S. trade information. Requires the Secretary of Commerce, after receiving instructions from the Committee, to establish and manage the Data Bank. Subtitle C: Financial Acquisitions Review - Financial Acquisitions Review Act of 1987 - Sets forth congressional findings with respect to U.S. financial institutions conducting business in foreign countries. Establishes the Interagency Financial Acquisitions Review Board (Board) as an independent agency. Requires the Board to review any proposed foreign acquisition of a U.S. business that provides financial services. Sets forth the powers of the Board. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle D: Commission on United States Trade in the 1990's - Establishes the Commission on United States Trade in the 1990's. Requires the Commission to study and make recommendations concerning U.S. international trade and export practices. Terminates the Commission on January 1, 1989. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1988 and 1989. Subtitle E: Studies - Requires the Secretary of Commerce to conduct annually a study to: (1) identify U.S. barriers to U.S. exports; (2) estimate the increased value of U.S. export that would result from the elimination of such barriers; and (3) examine national security concerns with respect to such barriers. Requires the Secretary of Commerce to submit an annual report to the Congress on such study. Requires the Secretary of Commerce to conduct a study to determine the labor and physical resource needs of: (1) the U.S. economy; (2) critical technologies; and (3) emerging technologies. Requires the Secretary of Commerce to conduct a study to determine the relationship between the manufacturing base and other commercial activity, especially in the area of services of high technology. Requires the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to conduct an annual study to determine the impact on the domestic and foreign competitiveness of U.S. firms caused by the financial and regulatory systems (including antitrust laws) of those foreign countries which engage in practices that constitute barriers to trade or distortions of trade. Subtitle F: Interagency Coordinating Committee on Federal Participation in Sematech - Interagency Coordinating Committee on Federal Participation in Sematech Act of 1987 - Establishes the Interagency Coordinating Committee on Federal Participation in Sematech and an Advisory Council on Federal Participation in Sematech. Defines "Sematech" as a consortium of United States semiconductor manufacturers, materials manufacturers, equipment manufacturers, academic institutions, and Federal agencies, established for the purpose of: (1) conducting research concerning advanced semiconductor manufacturing techniques; and (2) developing techniques to adapt manufacturing expertise to a variety of semiconductor products. Requires the Committee, within 90 days after enactment of this Act, to report to the Congress its recommendations about whether the Federal Government should participate in Sematech. Specifies the contents of a favorable report. Outlines the duties of the Committee should a majority vote to support Federal participation. Requires the provision of grants and other financial assistance to Sematech in such an event, but limits the Federal share of costs to 50 percent. Makes the Committee a liaison between Federal agencies and private participants in Sematech. Directs the Committee to require Sematech to submit annual reports and provide for biennial audits. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1988 through 1992. Subtitle G: State Job Bank Systems; Pension Study - Amends the Job Training Partnership Act to require the Secretary of Labor to make funds available through the United States Employment Service for the development of State job bank systems. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1988. Requires the Secretary of Labor to commence a study of the feasibility of providing portability for pensions and health benefits for dislocated workers. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle H: Committee on Symmetrical Access to Technological Research - Establishes the Committee on Symmetrical Access to Technological Research. Sets forth the functions of the Committee, including to: (1) study the general concept of symmetrical access, which is the availability of equally valued technological knowledge and research across countries; (2) construct a description of the degree of symmetrical access between the United States and its major trading partners; and (3) recommend negotiating goals for the U.S. Trade Representative to follow in negotiations with foreign countries which are designed to increase symmetrical access between the United States and such countries.
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 1987
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Federal excise taxes on gasoline and diesel fuel should not be increased as a means of reducing the Federal deficit.
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 1987
Amends the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS) to include otherwise eligible persons who are also entitled to Medicare benefits. Provides for payment under the CHAMPUS program of health care expenses to the extent that such expenses are not payable under Medicare or any other insurance or health plan. Requires a person claiming a benefit under this Act to certify the costs of all charges.
United States · United States Congress · 9 July 1987
Urges the administration to continue to reject efforts by Canadian negotiators to: (1) have the U.S. cabotage trades, including the transport of energy resources, opened to Canadian vessels; and (2) eliminate the ad valorem duty on vessel repairs performed in Canadian shipyards.
United States · United States Congress · 1 July 1987
Directs the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration to: (1) conduct a study of methods of screening persons and property to be carried in air transportation in order to detect dangerous weapons, explosives, and incendiary devices; and (2) report to the Congress on the study results.
United States · United States Congress · 1 July 1987
Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to transfer specified monkeys used in research at the Institute for Behavioral Research in Silver Spring, Marylands, to Primarily Primates, Inc., an animal sanctuary in San Antonio, Texas.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 1987
Satellite Home Viewer Copyright Act of 1987 - Amends the copyright law to require statutory licensing of secondary transmissions of a primary transmission made by a superstation if such secondary transmission is made by a satellite carrier to the public (or to a distributor to the public) for private viewing for a charge. Prohibits the carrier from altering such transmission or discriminating against a distributor. Requires the satellite carrier to deposit semiannually with the Register of Copyrights both royalty fees and a statement of account. Requires distribution of such fees to copyright owners according to the accounting and specified procedures. Requires the Copyright Royalty Tribunal to conduct a proceeding to determine distribution if a controversy exists. Requires voluntary negotiation of fees or fees set by compulsory arbitration if no voluntary agreement is filed with the Copyright Office. Authorizes judicial review of decisions of the Tribunal concerning the adoption or rejection of the arbitration. Terminates this Act on December 31, 1995.
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 1987
Requests and authorizes the President to conduct a White House conference on Child Abuse not earlier than September 1, 1989, and not later than September 30, 1991. Requires the conference to be planned and conducted under the direction of the Advisory Board on Child Abuse and Neglect. Provides for the cooperation of Federal departments and agencies. Requires the final report of the Conference to include a statement of a comprehensive coherent national policy on children, youth, and families. Requires the Board and the Secretary of Health and Human Services to submit their recommendations following the report. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 1987
Medicare Prescription Drug Catastrophic Protection Act of 1987 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to cover catastrophic expenses for outpatient prescription drugs and insulin (outpatient drugs) under part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of the Medicare program. Sets the annual deductible for such coverage at $250 for 1989, with subsequent annual adjustments of such deductible reflecting changes in the cost of medical care. Covers all costs in excess of such deductible provided the cost for each drug does not exceed payment limits based on the average cost for each drug. Authorizes the Secretary to deny payment for outpatient drugs which are prescribed or dispensed with excessive frequency or in excessive quantities. Authorizes a pharmacy to enter into an agreement with the Secretary of Health and Human Services to accept payment under part B of the Medicare program on an assigned basis for outpatient drugs furnished to part B enrollees. Sets forth the obligations of participating pharmacies, including the requirements that they: (1) charge Medicare beneficiaries no more for drugs than they charge the general public; (2) keep patient records for all outpatient drugs dispensed to such beneficiaries; (3) assist beneficiaries in determining whether or not their expenses have exceeded the annual deductible; and (4) offer to counsel each of their beneficiaries on the appropriate use of such drugs and the availability of therapeutically equivalent outpatient drugs. Requires the Secretary to provide each participating pharmacy with: (1) a distinctive emblem indicating its status as such; and (2) information on the payment limits established for outpatient drugs. Requires Medicare carriers which make determinations or payments with respect to outpatient drugs to offer to receive requests from participating pharmacies for payments for such drugs through electronic communications and respond to requests by such pharmacies as to whether or not an individual has paid the deductible for such drugs. Directs the Secretary to: (1) take this Act's amendments into account in estimating the adjusted average per capita cost used in computing payments to be made to health maintenance organizations; and (2) require such organizations to adjust their agreements with Medicare beneficiaries in consideration of such amendments. Provides Medicare coverage of all State and local government employees.
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 1987
Medicare Long-Term Home Care Catastrophic Protection Act of 1987 - Amends part A (Hospital Insurance) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide part A coverage of long-term home care furnished through home health agencies to chronically ill individuals who are under a physician's care. Requires physicians to establish and periodically review a written plan of long-term home care for each of their patients who receive such coverage. Lists the services which comprise long-term home care. Defines a "chronically ill individual" as an individual who requires assistance with at least two daily living activities or has a similar level of dependency due to cognitive impairment. Holds monthly payments for long-term home care to 75 percent of the average monthly payment under the Medicaid program (title XIX of the Act) for skilled nursing facility services. Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of such Act to cover, under part A of the Medicare program, long-term home care provided to children who: (1) are chronically ill and require assistance with at least two daily living activities; or (2) require a medical device to compensate for the loss of a vital body function and substantial and ongoing nursing care to avert death or further disability. Holds monthly payments for the latter category of children to the amount which would be payable under the Medicaid program if such children were institutionalized. Adds a new title XXI to the Social Security Act entitled "Home Care Quality Assurance." Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to promulgate a home care consumers' bill of rights which includes rights: (1) facilitating consumer participation in the planning and delivery of services; (2) requiring consumer notification regarding services, charges for services, and the termination or reduction of services; (3) protecting consumer dignity, privacy, and property; and (4) ensuring service from properly trained and competent individuals. Requires home health agencies to: (1) satisfy Medicare home care agency requirements; (2) provide consumers with copies of the home care bill of rights; (3) implement grievance review procedures and provide copies of such procedures to consumers; (4) provide consumers with schedules of the services to be provided; (5) have methods for identifying and reviewing a home care consumer's needs and coordinating the provision of services with other home health agencies; (6) ensure that each home care provider whom they employ or have under contract receives training; and (7) evaluate annually and supervise each home care provider whom they employ or have under contract. Conditions coverage of durable medical equipment services on providers: (1) issuing written instructions to and training the home care consumer and staff in the operation of such equipment; and (2) formulating an emergency plan for providing services to the consumer. Directs the Secretary to establish procedures for conducting an equal number of announced and unannounced surveys of a home health agency's compliance with title XXI participation conditions, with more frequent surveys required for agencies with poor compliance records. Authorizes the Secretary to contract with States having survey procedures equivalent to those the Secretary would otherwise apply to conduct such compliance surveys and transmit their results to the Secretary annually. Directs the Secretary to develop procedures for reviewing State surveys, with more frequent review required if peer review organizations (PROs) find at least ten percent of State-surveyed agencies to have serious or chronic quality of care problems. Directs the Secretary to promulgate regulations, within one year of this Act's enactment, pursuant to which PROs shall monitor the provision of home health services, devoting at least 75 percent of their efforts to quality assurance. Requires the inclusion of: (1) both documentary review and personal interviews of home care consumers and providers in the PRO review process; and (2) representatives of home care providers and consumers in PRO membership. Requires the Secretary to establish a Consumer Board to oversee the review activities of PROs. Directs the Board to report to the Secretary and the State's chief executive on October 1 of each year regarding such review activities. Requires the Secretary to develop methods for monitoring continuity in the provision of health care and outcome-orientated criteria for monitoring the quality of home care. Requires that PROs: (1) establish and operate statewide toll-free hotlines for receiving home care questions and complaints; and (2) assist consumers in resolving home care quality problems. Directs Consumer Boards and PROs to cooperate with State and local officials in educating consumers regarding quality assurance programs and the assistance available for consumers with quality assurance problems. Requires the Secretary to issue regulations which impose sanctions against agencies and providers failing to comply with this Act. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress on January 1 of each year regarding the availability, adequacy, and use of sanctions. Requires the Secretary to develop incentives to contractor compliance with title XXI participation conditions, including an annual directory of home care agencies having a consistent record of compliance with such conditions. Directs the Secretary to: (1) encourage States to develop home care provider licensing and certification policies; and (2) issue a biennial report on State implementation of such policies. Establishes a Home Care Quality Assurance Council with which the Secretary must consult in implementing and administering title XXI of the Social Security Act. Directs the Secretary to award grants for home care agency and provider training programs and to furnish States and home health agencies and providers with training materials. Directs the Secretary to: (1) conduct, and issue a report regarding, studies on home care quality assurance measures; and (2) report to the Congress on January 1 of each year regarding the nature and performance during the preceding fiscal year of the home care quality assurance system. Authorizes appropriations from the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund to carry out title XXI. Directs the Secretary to issue regulations by 1988 for implementing title XXI. Permits disabled individuals to purchase part A (Hospital Insurance) Medicare coverage during the 24-month waiting period preceding their entitlement to such coverage. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to subject all of an individual's wages and self-employment income to the Hospital Insurance tax.
![Official portrait of Rep. Wise, Robert E., Jr. [D-WV-2]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/w000654_200.jpg)