United States · United States Congress · 31 March 1987
Fair Trade Wage Act of 1987 - Title I: Minimum Wage Law Applied Extraterritorially - Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to impose minimum wage requirements on U.S. foreign enterprises as defined in the Tariff Act of 1930. Prohibits importing into the United States goods produced by any such employer found in violation of the minimum wage requirements. Title II: Earnings Parity - Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to impose, in addition to any other duty, an earnings parity fee on every article produced by a U.S. foreign enterprise and imported into the United States, in order to equalize the earnings of foreign workers for U.S. foreign enterprises with the earnings of U.S. workers in the same or similar industry and occupational classification. Sets forth the formula for calculating the earnings parity fee. Title III: Trade Adjustment Assistance Trust Fund - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to establish within the Treasury a Trade Adjustment Assistance Trust Fund. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to transfer to the Trust Fund the amounts collected as earnings parity fees. Requires the Secretary of Labor to hold, and invest part of, the Trust Fund and to report to the Congress annually on the Trust Fund's economic condition. Authorizes appropriations. Title IV: Neutralization of Tax Effects - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to limit the tax deduction under the accelerated cost recovery system for substitute facilities (business facilities outside the United States which were built or bought within five years of taking out of service similar facilities located within the United States). Prohibits taking depreciation or a foreign tax credit on substitute facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 31 March 1987
Amends the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 to require executive agencies to obligate to local contractors 25 percent of obligations for construction or improvement of any public building.
United States · United States Congress · 30 March 1987
Higher Education Technical Amendments Act of 1987 - Amends provisions of the Higher Education Act of 1965 relating to: (1) the selection criteria for institutional challenge grant eligibility, including provisions for the waiver of certain requirements in certain cases when the Secretary of Education determines that such a waiver will substantially increase higher education opportunities appropriate to the needs of American Indians; (2) the value of a principal residence for the purpose of computations to determine Pell grant eligibility in certain cases involving dislocated workers or displaced homemakers; (3) the definition of "untaxed income and benefits" for the purpose of computing annual adjusted family income for Pell grant eligibility determinations; (4) the formula used in assessing institutional need for purposes of the allocation of funding for supplemental educational opportunity grants; (5) authorizations for FY 1987 through 1991 for the high school equivalency and the college assistance migrant programs; (6) special child care services for disadvantaged college students; (7) per student aggregate loan limits; (8) variable interest rates on supplemental and PLUS loans, and limitation, repayment, and refinancing criteria applicable to such loans; (9) PLUS loan deferments; (10) consolidation loans; (11) insurance program agreements to qualify loans for interest subsidies; (12) guaranty agreements for reimbursing loans; (13) the computation of the interest rate on loans under the income contingent direct loan demonstration project; (14) the financial needs assessment of students, including provisions governing the discretion of a student financial aid administrator to make necessary adjustments to allow for the treatment of individual students with special circumstances; and (15) the eligibility of preschool teachers for the Congressional Teacher Scholarship program. Amends the Higher Education Amendments of 1986 relating to: (1) effective dates; and (2) the conduct of certain required studies. Amends the General Education Provisions Act concerning the disposition of certain funds received by the Center for Education Statistics.
United States · United States Congress · 25 March 1987
Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Amendments of 1987 - Amends the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974, the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act, and the Missing Children's Assistance Act to extend the authorization of appropriations to FY 1989 through 1992.
United States · United States Congress · 25 March 1987
Atomic Veterans Compensation Act of 1987 - Amends Federal veterans' benefits provisions to establish (for purposes of eligibility for such benefits) a presumption of service-connection for the following diseases suffered by any radiation-exposed veteran: (1) all forms of leukemia, except chronic lymphatic leukemia; (2) polycythemia vera; (3) thyroid cancer; (4) bronchogenic carcinoma; and (5) female breast cancer. Requires all of the above diseases, in order to be considered service-connected, to have become manifest to a degree of ten percent or more within 30 years after the last date on which the veteran participated in a radiation-risk activity. Defines "radiation-exposed veterans" and "radiation-risk activity" for purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 25 March 1987
Acknowledges the magnanimity of the Marshall plan and the efforts of the Marshall Foundation in Lexington, Virginia, to continue the values for which George C. Marshall stood, and asks all Americans to rededicate themselves to the ideals which George C. Marshall represented. Welcomes the publication on June 5, 1987, of the fourth volume of the official biography of George C. Marshall. Designates the month of June 1987 as George C. Marshall Month.
United States · United States Congress · 25 March 1987
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the President should: (1) recognize the legitimacy of the plight of the Namibian people; (2) urge the Government of South Africa to take actions to end its illegal occupation of that country and to implement U.N. Resolution 435; (3) take a role in pursuing the resumption of negotiations between South Africa and the leaders of the Namibian people; (4) reject any policy which links the implementation of Resolution 435 to the withdrawal of Cuban troops from Angola; and (5) call for the termination of U.S. business in Namibia until South Africa complies with Resolution 435.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1987
Amends the Animal Welfare Act to permit citizen suits to compel enforcement of such Act. Authorizes the court in such suits to award litigation expenses, including attorney fees, to: (1) a prevailing plaintiff; or (2) a prevailing defendant if such action is found to be frivolous, unreasonable, or without foundation.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1987
Buy American Act of 1987 - Amends the Buy American Act to prohibit an executive agency from awarding a contract for the procurement of goods produced in a foreign country whose government discriminates in awarding such contracts against U.S. individuals, firms, products, or services. Provides that such prohibition shall not apply: (1) if the goods have been assembled or manufactured in the United States and a substantial portion of the the cost of such goods is allocable to materials produced in the United States or to labor performed in the United States; and (2) to a country that is a signatory of the International Agreement on Government Procurement (Agreement) or has otherwise been granted a waiver by the President. Allows the President or the head of an agency to award a contract for the procurement of goods produced in a foreign country to which such prohibition applies if the President or the head of an agency: (1) determines that such action is necessary in the public interest or to avoid unreasonable cost or the monopolistic restriction of competition; and (2) notifies the Congress of such determination. Prohibits the denial of the award of a contract when such denial would limit the procurement of goods or would establish preference for the product of a single U.S. manufacturer. Amends the Trade Agreements Act of 1979 to require the President, by no later than January 19, 1989, and annually thereafter, to submit to the Congress a report on compliance with the Agreement by countries designated as eligible for waiver of discriminatory purchasing requirements under the Act. Requires the President, in such report, to: (1) take into account the relative impact of noncompliance with the Agreement on U.S. commerce; (2) certify whether each country is meeting its obligations under the Agreement and whether countries that are not adherents to the Agreement discriminate in the awarding of contracts against U.S. individuals, firms, products, or services. Directs the President to initiate consultations in accordance with the Agreement's dispute settlement procedures to correct problems with those adherents to the Agreement that are identified as not meeting its obligations. Provides for the revocation of the waiver of discriminatory purchasing requirements for those countries considered not in good standing with the Agreement where a dispute settlement procedure is not concluded within one year. Directs the President to instruct the United States Trade Representative, in conducting renegotiations of the Agreement, to seek improvements in the Agreement that will secure full and open competition in the award of procurement contracts. Requires the President to submit to the Congress a report on actions taken with respect to the annual report and dispute settlement procedures under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1987
Government Contractor Whistleblower Protection Act of 1987 - 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.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1987
Employee Educational Assistance Act of 1987 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the income tax exclusion for employee educational assistance programs. (Present law terminates such exclusion as of December 31, 1987.) Requires, for every taxable year beginning after 1988, an annual cost of living adjustment of the maximum excludable amount. Waives the maximum excludable amount for any educational assistance furnished by certain educational institutions to graduate students engaged in teaching or research activities for such organization.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1987
Establishes the Veterans Administration as an executive department redesignated as the Department of Veterans' Affairs. Makes technical and conforming changes, including the redesignation of the Administrator of Veterans Affairs as the Secretary of Veterans' Affairs.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1987
Information Dissemination and Research Accountability Act - Establishes in the National Library of Medicine a National Center for Research Accountability to assist in eliminating duplication of effort in Federal research proposals involving live animals. Directs the President to appoint as members of the Center 20 experts in the biomedical information sciences who are currently employed by a Federal agency in a capacity which qualifies them to make determinations as to whether research proposals involving live animals are duplicative of other research efforts. Sets forth provisions for a Director of the Center. Prohibits Federal agencies from carrying out or funding any research proposal involving live animals unless the proposal is submitted to the Center following agency approval. Prohibits Federal funding of any such proposal which the Center determines would duplicate other research completed or in process. Authorizes the Center to contract with private entities to assist in the conduct of comprehensive full-text literature searches. Directs the President to establish rules to preclude any conflict of interest in the awarding of such contracts. Authorizes the President to appoint uncompensated advisors to the Members of the Center. Directs the Center to report annually to the President and the Congress. Provides for modernization of biomedical information storage and dissemination by the National Library of Medicine. Directs the Library to: (1) acquire, in full-text form, all biomedical information owned or available for use by Federal agencies (except information already in the Library or classified for national security reasons); (2) transcribe and store in full-text all such information acquired by the Library after January 1, 1960; (3) translate into English all foreign-language biomedical information owned or used by the Library; (4) make available through modern technologies, at cost, to medical libraries all full-text biomedical information in its collection; (5) support, by grants and contracts, the creation of new information for teaching and demonstrations, including audiovisual aids and computer graphics technologies; (6) make available, at cost, such new information to research and teaching institutions; and (7) increase the number of persons trained in modern methods of biomedical information storage and dissemination technologies by making available stipends, awards, and grants to persons engaged in such training. Provides that the cost to those requesting such biomedical or such teaching and demonstration information shall include the Federal expenses incurred in acquiring and making it available. Authorizes the Library to award contracts to the private-sector data recording industry to improve: (1) the development of technologies for storage and dissemination of full-text biomedical information; and (2) dissemination of such information to medical libraries for research use. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to appoint uncompensated advisors to the Library for purposes of this Act. Requires the Library to report annually to the Congress on its progress. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 and thereafter.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1987
WIC Food for Life Resolution - Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the Special Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) should receive increasing appropriations until all eligible persons are being served; and (2) an outreach program should be conducted to identify persons eligible for WIC assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1987
Small Business Prompt Payment Act Amendments of 1987 - Revises Federal law to deem the head of a Federal agency to have received an invoice on the later of: (1) the date on which the designated office or employee of an agency actually receives it; or (2) the fifth day after the date on which a property is actually delivered, or final performance of a service is actually completed, unless the contract specifies otherwise. Makes Federal prompt payment provisions applicable to the United States Postal Service. Makes the Postmaster General responsible for issuing procurement regulations, solicitation provisions, and contract clauses. Reduces the 15-day grace period for payment of interest penalties to eight days for solicitations (other than meat products and agricultural commodities) issued before October 1, 1990. Eliminates such grace period for procurement solicitations issued on or after October 1, 1990. Requires an agency to pay a double interest penalty if: (1) the agency owes the interest penalty; (2) the interest penalty is not paid to the business concern on or after the date the penalty is due; (3) the agency does not pay the penalty within ten days after such payment is made; and (4) a written demand is made within 40 days after such payment is made. Requires regulations on interest penalties, in the case of construction contracts, to provide for the payment of interest on: (1) progress payments due for more than seven days, or a longer period if the prevailing practice in private construction contracts is to provide such longer period; and (2) amounts retained during the performance of a contract, if such amounts are not paid by the required payment date. Requires regulations on interest penalties to provide for periodic payments in the case of supply or service contracts upon: (1) the submission of an invoice for supplies delivered or services performed; and (2) acceptance of supplies or services by an authorized employee or certification of performance by such an employee. Requires Government construction contractors to include a payment provision in their agreements with their subcontractors which provides for payment in accordance with prevailing industry standards. Requires the contractor to pay a late payment interest penalty to the subcontractor at the rate applicable between the prime contractor and the Government. Specifies the calculation of time for interest penalties on discount payments. Revises agency reporting requirements on interest penalty payments to include: (1) a description of agency payment practices; and (2) an analysis by the Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization for each of the various Federal agencies on the impact of such payments on small and disadvantaged businesses. Requires the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business Administration to report to the congressional committees on Small Business on current Government compliance with the payment of interest penalties and the impact on small business. Requires the Chief Counsel to monitor the compliance of all agencies and of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget with interest penalty payments. Requires the modification of the Federal acquisition regulation to implement Federal prompt payment provisions.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1987
Performing Arts Labor Relations Amendments - Amends the National Labor Relations Act to exclude specified types of employers and performers in the performing arts from coverage under unfair labor practice provisions prohibiting specified contracts or agreements between employers and labor organizations and 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, excluding employers in the broadcasting or motion picture industries, to: (1) agree with a labor organization to make membership in such organization a condition of performing arts employment; and (2) make agreements with a labor organization covering performing artists even if the majority status of the organization has not yet been established. Defines "employer" to include purchasers of musical performance services. Defines "employee" to include independent contractors engaged to perform musical services.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1987
Amends part D (Child Support and Establishment of Paternity) of title IV of the Social Security Act to require the withholding of child support payments from the non-custodial parent's wages upon the issuance or modification of a child support order. (Currently, such withholding need not occur until one month of nonpayment has elapsed.) Directs States to establish binding guidelines for child support award amounts. (Currently, such guidelines need not be binding.) Creates a rebuttable presumption that the child support award resulting from the application of such guidelines in a judicial or administrative child support proceeding is correct. Requires States to review and update all child support orders at least once every two years to ensure that they continue to comply with child support award guidelines. Gives the Federal Parent Locator Service and State child support enforcement agencies access to all employment security information in the possession or control of existing data networks. Conditions a State's eligibility for payments under titles IV or XIX (Medicaid) of the Act on its compliance with federally prescribed child support enforcement procedures.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1987
Prohibits any investments in South Africa by U.S. persons. Prohibits the importation into the United States of any article from South Africa, except for strategic minerals which the President certifies to the Congress are essential for military uses, are not sufficiently available from domestic supplies, and for which no substitutes are available. Prohibits the exportation to South Africa of any goods, technology, or other information subject to U.S. jurisdiction. Prohibits any such exportation by any person subject to U.S. jurisdiction. Exempts from such prohibition certain medical supplies and food. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to prohibit the takeoff and landing of any aircraft except for emergencies by a foreign air carrier owned by South Africa or South African nationals. Prohibits the importation into the United States of any South African gold coin. Prohibits any U.S. depository institution from accepting, receiving, or holding a deposit account from South Africa. Prohibits the United States from engaging in any military or intelligence activities in cooperation with South Africa. Authorizes the President to limit imports into the United States from a foreign country to the extent that such foreign country benefits from, or takes commercial advantage of, any prohibition imposed by this Act. Provides for the enforcement of this Act. Repeals the Comprehensive Anti-Apartheid Act of 1986 and the amendments made by that Act to the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 and the Export-Import Bank Act of 1945.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1987
Deceptive Mailings to Senior Citizens 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 Social Security Administration or Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA); (2) for the purchase of products or services which contain a seal, insignia, trade or brand name, or any other term or symbol implying Social Security Administration or HCFA 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 implying Social Security Administration or HCFA 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 · 11 March 1987
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to require that certain information relating to fund raising must be included on tax returns made by tax-exempt organizations. Specifies the information required as: (1) the name and address of each person engaged in fund raising on behalf of the organization; (2) the gross amount raised by such person; (3) the amount of compensation received by such person; (4) a description of the activities performed by such person on behalf of the organization; and (5) a description of the other fund raising activities of the organization, the amount raised from such activities, and the expenses incurred for such activities.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1987
Establishes the National Council for Trade and International Economic Policy in the Executive Office of the President to provide advice with respect to: (1) the integration of national and international policies relating to international trade, business policy, and other issues affecting the competitiveness of American industry; and (2) coordinating the functions of all departments and agencies of the U.S. Government to accomplish a more consistent international economic policy. Requires the Council to transmit to the Congress annual reports on the international trade and economic position of the United States. Requires the President to submit an impact statement to specified congressional committees 60 days before the effective date of any regulation, executive order, or executive agreement which may have a significant impact on domestic industries' ability to compete in domestic and international markets against foreign products. Allows the President to waive such requirement in order to serve the national interest or deal with emergency situations. Requires the respective committees of the Senate and the House of Representatives to include an impact statement with any reported bill or resolution which may have a significant impact on domestic industries' ability to compete in domestic and international markets against foreign products. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1987
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to include as members of a targeted group for purposes of the targeted jobs credit: (1) certain low income individuals aged 55 or older; and (2) dislocated workers.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1987
Prohibits the United States from carrying out a test of the Space Defense System (antisatellite weapon) involving the miniature homing vehicle against an object in space until the President certifies to the Congress that the Soviet Union has conducted, after enactment of this Act, a test against an object in space of a dedicated antisatellite weapon. Provides that such prohibition expires on October 1, 1988. Declares that the President should seek with the Soviet Union a mutual and verifiable treaty which limits the testing, deployment, and use of any antisatellite weapon.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1987
Amends specified provisions of Federal law relating to the refinancing of veterans' home loans to remove the requirement that a veteran must actually occupy the home in order to qualify for such refinancing.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1987
Commission on National Service Opportunities Act of 1987 - Establishes the Commission on National Service Opportunities to examine: (1) the effectiveness of existing service opportunities in the public and private sectors; (2) alternative types of national service programs; (3) the impact of potential changes in incentives for service; (4) the feasibility of incorporating existing and alternative service programs into a comprehensive national service program; (5) the need for and the desirability, feasibility, and cost of establishing and carrying out a program of mandatory national service; and (6) alternative ways to furnish educational assistance to participants in national service programs, and the costs of such alternatives. Directs the Commission to transmit a final report, with any recommendations for legislative or administrative actions, to the President and the Congress not later than 15 months after its first meeting. Directs each affected executive department and agency to submit recommendations to the President for implementing such report. Directs the President to report to the Congress on the implementation of the Commission's recommendations. Terminates the Commission 180 days after its final report is transmitted. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1988.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1987
Compassionate Pain Relief Act - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a program under which heroin shall be made available to individuals for the relief of pain from terminal cancer. Directs the Secretary, acting through the Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration, to provide for the manufacture of heroin for such program. Directs the Attorney General to promulgate regulations making heroin available for use in such program. Directs the Secretary to assure the purity of such drug. Permits physicians, hospital pharmacies, and hospice pharmacies registered under the Controlled Substances Act to prescribe heroin to terminally ill cancer patients. Requires the registration, by the Attorney General, of: (1) manufacturers of heroin to be used in the program; (2) hospice and hospital pharmacies which dispense such drug; and (3) physicians who prescribe it. Provides penalties for those who knowingly violate regulations prescribed by the Secretary. Requires the Secretary to report to specified congressional committees regarding: (1) activities under the program; and (2) research and training in pain management funded by the National Institutes of Health. Provides for the program's termination.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1987
Consumer Rail Equity Act - Reaffirms the intent of the Congress that the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976 and the Staggers Rail Act of 1980 be implemented in a manner which provides both greater competitive alternatives and adequate railroad revenues. Directs the Interstate Commerce Commission, when determining the existence or absence of effective competition, to consider only transportation competition for movement of the same commodity from the same point of origin to the same destination. States that a presumption of overall effective competition is not established by the fact that a railroad faces effective competition with respect to either a point of destination or a point of origin. Shifts the burden of proof regarding transportation rate reasonableness from the shipper to the rail carrier establishing the challenged rate. Declares that it is Federal policy to encourage and promote competitive transportation rates for domestically produced coal and other commodities in order to increase their competitive position in domestic and export markets. Directs the Commission to establish a rail cost adjustment factor which includes changes in railroad productivity, volume, and output mix. Directs the Commission to recompute and republish the Rail Cost Adjustment Factor according to prescribed guidelines. Provides that certain rail carrier rates shall be reduced to the extent of any subsequent decreases in rail cost adjustment factors. Confirms the Commission's authority to promulgate rates set forth in a specified adjudication. Includes within the standards used to determine railroad revenue adequacy: (1) identification of revenues, expenses, and investment base reasonably related to rail transportation service; (2) straight-line depreciation of assets reasonably related to rail transportation service, minus deferred tax reserves resulting from accelerated depreciation; and (3) actual cost of debt capital and reasonable estimates of the current cost of equity capital. Requires the Commission, when making revenue adequacy determinations, to consider specified indicators of a rail carrier's financial status. Requires the Commission to determine, on an annual basis, which rail carriers are earning adequate or inadequate revenues and to determine for each rail carrier the revenues required to achieve or maintain revenue adequacy. Allows (current law requires) the Commission to exempt persons from application of this Act when: (1) such application is not necessary to implement Federal transportation policy; and (2) the Commission finds there is no market dominance involved in the affected transaction. Mandates that the rates and practices application to such exempt persons shall not be considered a matter subject to the jurisdiction of the Commission. Requires any rail carrier providing service under certain line rates to participate in competitive joint rail rates through practicable interchange connections (or publish a competitive proportional rate) if requested to do so by a rail carrier (or shipper or receiver) who has an actual or practicable interchange connection. Directs the Commission, upon petition of any interested party, to require certain terminal facilities owned by a rail carrier in interstate or foreign commerce to be used by another rail carrier if the Commission finds: (1) it is in the public interest to do so; and (2) that the owner of such terminal facility will not suffer substantial impairment of its own business interests. Directs the Commission to require, upon petition by an interested party, that rail carriers enter into reciprocal switching agreements if such an agreement is in the public interest or necessary to provide alternative competitive rail service. Directs the Commission to establish reciprocal switching compensation at a level not to exceed the current percentage of the actual variable costs for such service (unless the carrier demonstrates that a higher level is reasonable and necessary). Revises railroad line abandonment procedures to provide that a rail carrier must wait one year before resubmitting a previously denied abandonment application, unless a substantial change in circumstances can be shown. Requires the Commission to hold hearings in communities affected by a proposed railroad line abandonment if requested to do so by community protestants. Requires the Commission to base its abandonment determination upon financial data regarding the facility proposed to be abandoned rather than upon financial data regarding industry-wide averages. Directs the Commission, when considering any application for a certificate of abandonment or discontinuance, to disregard the impact on traffic volume of any surcharge imposed under specified parts of this Act (unless the surcharge improves the financial performance of the line). Subjects to Commission review any State decision regarding intrastate rates, rules, and practices if a party to such State proceedings petitions for Commission review. Requires the Commission to take action on such petition within 120 days of its receipt. Authorizes the Commission to vacate a State decision found inconsistent with this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1987
Expresses the sense of the Congress that volunteer work should be listed on employment application forms and taken into account by employers when hiring.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1987
Declares that the Congress applauds the recent initiative by the heads of state of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras and congratulates them on the significant contribution made by such initiative toward ending armed conflict and reinforcing democracy in Central America. Declares that the Congress supports such initiative and looks forward to the summit meeting in Guatemala as the next phase in this effort of the Central American heads of state to forge a lasting peace in Central America.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1987
National Health Service Corps Amendments Act of 1987 - Title I: National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program, under which the U.S. Government, in exchange for at least two years of Corps service in a health manpower shortage area, will repay student loans related to the medical professional education of eligible health care personnel. Sets forth eligibility requirements for participation in the loan repayment program. Directs the Secretary to provide to applicants specified information concerning the rights and liabilities of an individual whose application is approved. Requires the Secretary to give priority to the applications of individuals whose training is in a health care specialty needed by the Corps. Lists provisions that must be incorporated in the written contract between the Secretary and a successful applicant. Describes the scope of repayments available under the program, including government and commercial loans received by the individual for tuition expenses, all other reasonable educational expenses, or reasonable living expenses as determined by the Secretary. Authorizes the Secretary to make loan repayments to a maximum of $20,000 for each year the recipient individual contracts to serve in the Corps. Requires the Secretary, by March 1 of each year, to submit to the Congress a report containing specified data relating to the loan repayment program. Establishes a formula for determining the amount of damages that the United States will be entitled to recover in the event of breach of contract by the individual loan payment grantee. Requires the Secretary to report annually on January 20 to specified congressional committees certain data relating to the personnel needs of the Corps and the means proposed for filling them. Authorizes appropriations for certain scholarships and loan repayments. Title II: Further Revisions and Extensions of the Program for the National Health Service Corps and Further Technical and Conforming Amendments - Sets forth procedures to be followed and data to be considered by the Secretary before removing certain areas from those designated as having a health manpower shortage. Adds ability to pay for health services to the criteria indicative of need for the purpose of designating health manpower shortage areas. Revises provisions relating to: (1) the private practice service option of the Corps; and (2) deadlines applicable to the Secretary when providing notice to certain individuals concerning obligated service in the Corps. Changes the program under which former Corps members may receive special loans to enter full-time clinical private practice in a health manpower shortage area by eliminating the option whereby an individual could engage in such practice for only one year in exchange for a loan of $12,500. Authorizes appropriations to the National Health Service Corps program for FY 1988 through 1990.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1987
Department of International and Industry Trade Act of 1987 - Title I: Findings; Definitions - Sets forth congressional findings and definitions related to this Act. Title II: Department of International Trade and Industry - Establishes an independent Department of International Trade and Industry which shall be administered by a Secretary of International Trade and Industry. Requires that the Secretary shall be the U.S. Trade Representative. Sets forth the functions of the Secretary. Requires the Secretary to be: (1) Chairman of the Board of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation; (2) Chairman pro tempore of the interagency organization established by this Act; and (3) Deputy Chairman of the National Advisory Council on International Monetary and Financial Policies. Directs the Secretary to consult with the Secretary of Agriculture on all matters which potentially involve international trade in agricultural products. Requires that the Secretary shall be Chairman and the Secretary of Agriculture shall be Vice Chairman of any negotiation that includes discussion of international trade in agricultural products. Authorizes the Secretary, except where expressly prohibited by law, to assign the responsibility for conducting an international trade negotiation to the head of another Federal agency if the subject matter of the negotiation is related to the functions of that agency. Establishes the position of Deputy Secretary of International Trade and Industry. Makes the Deputy Secretary Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Export-Import Bank. Establishes positions within the Department of under secretaries, assistant secretaries, general counsel, inspector general, and other senior positions, including: (1) Permanent Representative to the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade; (2) Chief Negotiator for Textile Matters; (3) Director General of the United States Foreign and Commercial Services; (4) Deputy Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks; (5) Director of Small Business Trade Assistance; (6) Intergovernmental Adviser; (7) Director of the National Technical Information Service; (8) Director of the Office of Telecommunications and Information; (9) Director of the Office of Competitive Analysis; and (10) Administrator for Productivity and Technology. Establishes in the Executive Office of the President an Economic Security Council to advise the President on the integration of national and international policies relating to international trade, business policy, and the competitiveness of American industry. Creates a staff for the Council, headed by an Economic Security Adviser. Requires the President, if the provisions of a regulation, executive order, or executive agreement may have a significant impact on the international economic competitiveness of significant domestic product and service industries, to submit a statement to specified congressional committees describing the likely impact of such provisions. Requires such statement to be submitted at least 60 days before the regulation, order, or agreement will take effect. Authorizes the President to waive the impact statements if, in order to serve the national interest or to deal with an emergency situation, the regulation, order, or agreement must take effect immediately. Requires that the report of a bill or resolution which contains provisions that would have a significant impact on the international economic competitiveness of significant domestic product and service industries shall contain a statement describing the likely impact of such provisions. Establishes within the Department the Office of Competitive Analysis, which shall provide information and analysis for the Secretary, the Department, and the Congress with respect to trade policy, trade negotiating strategy, and other policies affecting the competitiveness of domestic industries. Requires the Office of Competitive Analysis to report annually to the Congress on economic and technological developments affecting the competitive position of U.S. industry. Directs the Secretary to convene an industry sector competitiveness council for specified industry sectors to assess actual or potential dislocation, challenge, or opportunity for the industry involved and to formulate recommendations for business, government, and labor. Establishes within the Department the Administration for Productivity and Technology, composed of the Patent and Trademark Office, the Office of Telecommunications and Information, and the National Technical Information Service. Establishes within the Department the Office of Small Business Trade Assistance to provide information to small businesses concerning import relief remedies and export promotion. Requires the establishment of a system for paying reasonable expenses incurred by small businesses in connection with administrative proceedings under import relief laws. Limits payments to $50,000 plus 50 percent of the excess over $50,000. Authorizes appropriations for such purposes. Requires an annual report by the Office on its operations to specified congressional committees. Title III: Transfers to the Department of International Trade and Industry - Transfers to the Secretary all functions of the U.S. Trade Representative and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative. Transfers to the Secretary, except for functions transferred by title IV: (1) all functions of the Secretary of Commerce; (2) all functions of the Department of Commerce; and (3) all functions of specified officers within the Department of Commerce. Title IV: Transfers from the Department of Commerce - Subtitle A: Bureau of the Census - Establishes the Bureau of the Census as an independent agency. Transfers the Bureau of the Census of the Department of Commerce to the Bureau. Sets forth the powers and duties of the Bureau of the Census. Directs the President to report to the Congress, within 90 days of the effective date of this Act, on the coordination of statistical functions between the Bureau and the Department involved in carrying out certain statistical functions. Subtitle B: Economic Development Administration - Transfers the Economic Development Administration of the Department of Commerce to the Department of Agriculture. Subtitle C: Minority Business Development Agency - Transfers the Minority Business Development Agency of the Department of Commerce to the Small Business Administration. Subtitle D: National Bureau of Standards - Transfers the National Bureau of Standards to the National Science Foundation. Subtitle E: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration - Continues the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration as a separate executive agency. Title V: Administrative Provisions - Subtitle A: Personnel Provisions - Sets forth provisions dealing with personnel, including officers and employees, experts and consultants, and voluntary and uncompensated services. Subtitle B: General Administrative Provisions - Sets forth provisions dealing with: (1) the power of the Secretary to delegate functions; (2) the succession of officers within the Department: (3) the authority of the Secretary to reorganize the Department; (4) the authority of the Secretary to issue rules and regulations; (5) the establishment of a working capital fund for the Department; (6) the transfer of funds; and (7) other administrative matters. Authorizes appropriations Title VI: Transitional, Savings, and Conforming Provisions - Provides for transfers of other functions of the Secretary of Commerce which are not dealt with in earlier titles. Sets forth transitional, savings, and conforming provisions relating to changes made by this Act. Makes conforming amendments to the Inspector General Act of 1978, the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, the Trade Act of 1974, the Foreign Service Act of 1980, the International Travel Act of 1961, and the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965. Amends the National Security Act of 1947 to state that it is the intent of the Congress that the Secretary of International Trade and Industry be invited to National Security Council meetings at which trade matters are considered. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to require that the Secretary shall be the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation and that the Director of the United States International Development Cooperation Agency shall be the Vice Chairman of such Board. Terminates the Department of Commerce. Title VII: Effective Date and Interim Appointments - Sets forth the effective dates for provisions of this Act. Provides for interim appointment of certain officers.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1987
Omnibus Taxpayers' Bill of Rights Act - Requires the Secretary of the Treasury (Secretary) to prepare a statement setting forth in nontechnical terms: (1) the rights and obligations of a taxpayer and of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) during a tax audit; (2) the procedures by which a taxpayer may appeal adverse decisions, prosecute refund claims, and file complaints; and (3) the procedures that the IRS may use in enforcing revenue laws. Directs the Secretary to transmit drafts of such statement to specified congressional committees and to distribute the final statement to all taxpayers with tax forms sent by the IRS. Amends the Inspector General Act of 1978 and other Federal law to establish within the Department of the Treasury (Department) an Office of Inspector General (Inspector). Transfers to such Office the existing audit and investigation units of the Department. Prohibits the Inspector from reviewing: (1) monetary, fiscal, and tax policy; and (2) the exercise of legal judgment in the investigation and litigation of cases. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) withhold from the Inspector requested information that the Secretary determines will jeopardize the success of an ongoing investigation or litigation, confidential sources, or the national security; and (2) prohibit the Inspector from undertaking or continuing an audit or investigation under limited circumstances described in this Act. Requires the IRS, upon taxpayer request, to conduct any interview regarding a deficiency assessment at a reasonable time and place convenient to the taxpayer and to the IRS, and to permit the taxpayer, at his or her own expense, to record the interview. Authorizes the IRS interviewer to record such interview if the taxpayer has been given prior notice and is provided, upon request and payment of reproduction costs, with a transcript of the recording. Requires the interview to warn the taxpayer that: (1) he or she has a right to remain silent; (2) any statement the taxpayer makes may be used against him or her; and (3) he or she has the right to the presence of an attorney, certified public accountant, enrolled agent, or enrolled actuary. Permits a waiver of such rights if voluntarily and knowingly made. Amends Federal law to require the Comptroller General (Comptroller) of the General Accounting Office to: (1) conduct audits of the IRS with respect to the efficiency, uniformity, and equity of the internal revenue laws (current law specifies no particular focus for such audits); and (2) conduct special audits or investigations of internal revenue law administration upon the request of any congressional committee or Member of Congress. Requires the Comptroller's annual report to the Congress to include specified findings concerning IRS management, efficiency, procedures, and structure. Divests of its finality a vote of the Joint Committee on Taxation to disapprove a Comptroller General audit of the IRS. Designates such vote as a recommendation to disapprove an audit and makes such recommendation subject to congressional approval. Prohibits evaluations of IRS personnel based on revenue collected from taxpayers as a result of audits or investigations involving such personnel. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to prescribe criminal penalties for: (1) any investigation by an officer or employee of the United States in connection with Federal tax laws that inquires into the beliefs, associations, or activities of any individual or organization; or (2) the maintenance of any records containing information derived from such an investigation. Creates a civil cause of action in Federal court (regardless of the amount in controversy) for any taxpayer aggrieved by such prohibited investigation or recordkeeping. Authorizes both equitable remedies and awards of damages, including punitive damages, litigation costs and reasonable attorney fees, in such cases. Extends from ten to 30 days the period between the required notice to a person who neglects or refuses to pay tax liability and a levy on such person's salary, wages, or other property. Specifies information that must be incorporated in such notice, including possible alternative actions and the appropriate appeals procedures. Adds to the circumstances triggering termination of such a levy: (1) an agreement between the taxpayer and the Secretary for payment of the liability; and (2) the Secretary's determination that the taxpayer's financial condition precludes enforceability of the liability. Revises the list of property exempt from levy to: (1) increase the exempt amount permitted for certain personal effects, the property of a business, and wages; (2) add an exemption for certain deposits in qualified institutions; and (3) provide an express exemption, except under limited circumstances specified in this Act, for the taxpayer's principal residence, a motor vehicle used by the taxpayer as the primary means of transportation to work, and any tangible personal property essential to the operation of the taxpayer's business in cases when a levy would prevent the taxpayer from carrying on such business. Prohibits a levy on any property when levy and sales expenses would exceed either the liability for which the levy is made or the fair market value of the levied property. Sets forth situations in which the Secretary must release a levy. Applies to jeopardy levies the administrative and judicial review procedures currently applicable to jeopardy assessments. Authorizes the Secretary, in certain cases, to enter into a binding agreement with a taxpayer under which such taxpayer may pay tax liability in installments. Requires the Secretary to offer in writing to enter such an agreement with any individual: (1) whose tax liability is $20,000 or less; and (2) who has not been delinquent in installment tax payments under similar agreements during a specified period. Permits the Secretary, after proper notice and a hearing, to modify or annul such an agreement upon the finding that the financial condition of the affected taxpayer has significantly changed. Requires the Secretary to abate in full any deficiency, including penalty or interest, completely attributable to erroneous advice in writing given to a taxpayer by an IRS officer or employee in response to such taxpayer's specific inquiry. Directs IRS officers and employees, when giving oral advice to a person, to inform such person that the contents of such communication are not binding on the IRS. Authorizes the IRS Ombudsman, upon application filed by a taxpayer, to issue a Taxpayer Assistance Order if, in the determination of the Ombudsman: (1) the taxpayer is suffering or is about to suffer from an unusual or irreparable loss as a result of the manner in which the internal revenue laws are being administered by the Secretary; and (2) the Secretary has failed to carry out any of his or her duties or has violated any provision of law. Allows the terms of a Taxpayer Assistance Order to require the Secretary to release property of the taxpayer levied upon or to cease or refrain from certain actions. Requires the Secretary to obey any Taxpayer Assistance Order issued by the Ombudsman. Allows an administrative appeal of tax liens. Revises the criteria according to which the Secretary determines a minimum sale price for property seized by levy and subject to a tax sale. Prohibits the Secretary from authorizing a class audit of taxpayers in a particular business or trade until each group member is given proper notice and the opportunity either to file an amended return or to challenge the Secretary's findings at a hearing. Places upon the IRS the burden of proof on all issues in all administrative and judicial proceedings between the IRS and a taxpayer. Applies the rulemaking provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act to all IRS rules and regulations prescribed by the Secretary.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1987
Ocean Transportation Practices Act of 1987 - Directs the Federal Maritime Commission (the Commission) to investigate whether unfair trade practices are used in the ocean transportation of goods transported in the foreign commerce of the United States. Requires the Commission to find an unfair trade practice when the acts, policies, or practices of a foreign country unreasonably impair the transportation of goods in the foreign commerce of the United States by vessels documented under the laws of the United States. Outlines further standards to be used by the Commission in making such determinations. Outlines action to be taken by the Commission if an unfair trade practice is found to exist. Provides for civil liability for the owner of a foreign vessel found to be engaging in unfair trade practices if certain negotiated actions are not taken within a specified time period. Requires any final action by the Commission under this Act to be reported to the Congress in writing within 60 days. Directs that any civil penalties collected as the result of enforcement of this Act are to be deposited into the Maritime Displacement Account. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to use the amounts so deposited to assist vessels affected by unfair trade practices to gain access to the trades. Directs the Secretary to prescribe regulations to carry out this provision.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1987
Authorizes the President, on behalf of the Congress, to present a gold medal to Mrs. Jesse Owens in recognition of the late Jesse Owens' athletic achievements and humanitarian contributions to public service, civil rights, and international goodwill. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to sell bronze duplicates of the medal.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1987
Foreign Agents Compulsory Ethics in Trade Act of 1987 - Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit the President, the Vice President, certain high-level Federal officials and employees, certain high-ranking active-duty members of the uniformed services, and Members of Congress from representing or advising foreign principals on matters of direct and substantial U.S. interest during the four-year period after cessation of Federal employment. Authorizes the Attorney General to grant a waiver to such prohibition unless the proposed conduct could harm the national interests or create an undue appearance of conflict of interest. Authorizes the Attorney General, upon reason to believe that a person is engaging or about to engage in conduct in violation of this Act, to petition the appropriate U.S. district court for an order prohibiting such conduct. Establishes civil and criminal penalties for violations of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1987
Federal Financial Management Improvement Act - Establishes: (1) the Office of the Chief Financial Officer of the United States in the Executive Office of the President; (2) an Assistant Secretary for Financial Management in each executive department; and (3) a Controller in each executive agency. Requires officers to be appointed to such positions by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Requires the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to: (1) provide central direction and monitoring of the executive agencies in the management of their financial activities; (2) ensure that the President and the Congress are fully informed of the Government's financial management condition; and (3) maintain the central accounting and reporting records of the Government. Requires each Assistant Secretary and Controller to: (1) maintain a strategic financial management plan for the department or agency; and (2) participate in the appointment, development, and evaluation of financial managers of such department or agency. Requires the budget of each department and agency to contain a line item for its Assistant Secretary or Controller based on its strategic financial management plan. Establishes in the executive branch the Federal Finance Council, which shall consist of the CFO and the Assistant Secretaries, as an advisory body on financial management objectives, information requirements, plans, operations, and activities. Directs the President to transfer to the Office of the CFO: (1) such functions of the executive agencies as the President determines are properly related to the functions of the Office; and (2) such personnel, property, and records of such agencies as are related to the transferred functions.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1987
Pornography Victims Protection Act of 1987 - Amends the Federal criminal code with respect to the prohibition against the sexual exploitation of children to add as a condition triggering Federal penalties that the person concerned know that a minor was transported in interstate or foreign commerce for the purpose of producing pornography. Makes it a criminal offense for any person to coerce, intimidate, or fraudulently induce an individual 18 years or older to engage in any sexually explicit conduct for the purposes of producing any visual depiction of such conduct. Grants the U.S. district courts jurisdiction to prevent and restrain violations of this Act. Authorizes the Attorney General or any person threatened with loss or damage by such conduct to institute a civil suit. Provides for treble damages for a victim who suffers physical injury, emotional distress, or property damage. Imposes civil penalties for violation of the prohibition against sexual exploitation of children.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1987
Employee Polygraph Protection Act - Prohibits any employer from using any lie detector test or examination in the work place, for both pre-employment testing and testing in the course of employment. Requires the Secretary of Labor to prepare and have printed notices setting forth this prohibition. Requires employers to post these notices. Provides penalties for violations of this Act. Exempts Federal, State, and local employees from the Act's coverage.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1987
Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1987 - Amends title IX (Prohibition of Sex Discrimination) of the Education Amendments of 1972 to define the phrase "program or activity" and the term "program" to mean all of the operations of the following entities, any part of which is extended Federal financial assistance: (1) a department, agency, special purpose district, or other instrumentality of a State or local government; (2) a State or local government agency which distributes such assistance and the agency or department to which such assistance is extended; (3) a college, university, or other postsecondary institution, or public system of higher education; (4) a local educational agency, system of vocational education, or other school system; and (5) a corporation, partnership, or other private organization. States that such terms do not include any operation of an entity which is controlled by a religious organization. Amends the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, and the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to define the phrase "program or activity" to mean all of the activities of the aforementioned entities.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1987
Amends the National Housing Act to make authority permanent for: (1) title I financial institution insurance for housing renovation and modernization; (2) general mortgage insurance; (3) low and moderate income and displaced families mortgage insurance; (4) mortgage co-insurance, including rental rehabilitation and development projects; (5) mortgage insurance for armed forces' civilian employees and defense housing for impacted areas; (6) mortgage insurance for land development; (7) mortgage insurance for medical and dental group practice facilities; (8) mortgage insurance commitment limitations; and (9) graduated payment and indexed mortgage insurance. Amends the Housing Act of 1964 to make authority permanent for urban rehabilitation loan authority. Amends the Housing Act of 1949 to make authority permanent for: (1) insured loans for rental and cooperative housing and related facilities for elderly persons and families in rural areas; and (2) mutual and self-help housing grant and loan authority. Amends the National Flood Insurance Act of 1986 to make national flood insurance authority, including emergency implementation provisions, permanent.