United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1988
Radon Gas Tax Relief Act of 1988 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit a 40 percent nonrefundable income tax credit of up to $4,000 for expenditures made for radon testing in or below the taxpayer's principal residence and for the installation of property designed to reduce radon levels inside the residence. Permits an income tax deduction (both individual and corporate) for radon prevention expenditures in connection with: (1) the development of real property; (2) the construction or enlargement of any building or dwelling unit; or (3) a dwelling required to be purchased by the taxpayer under a contract with an employer covering employee relocation services (the deductible expenses must be incurred by the taxpayer-employee). Makes the tax credit and the tax deduction mutually exclusive with respect to the same expenditures. Amends Federal law to make funds available for the reimbursement of Federal employees for radon protection expenditures necessary to overcome a substantial obstacle to the salability of a principal residence being sold in conjunction with a transfer to a new location.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1988
Child Protection and Obscenity Enforcement Act of 1988 - Title I: Child Pornography - Amends the Federal criminal code to make it illegal to use a computer to transport information in interstate or foreign commerce concerning the visual depiction of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct (child pornography). Establishes criminal penalties for buying, selling, or transferring the custody of a minor: (1) knowing that, as a consequence of the sale or transfer, the minor will be used in child pornography; or (2) with the intent to promote child pornography. States that such sale or transfer must involve: (1) the minor or other actor traveling in interstate or foreign commerce; (2) communications in interstate or foreign commerce; or (3) conduct in a territory or possession of the United States. Requires any person who produces a book, magazine, periodical, film, videotape, or other matter which contains any visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct (which is shipped or intended for shipment in interstate or foreign commerce, or contains material shipped in interstate or foreign commerce) to maintain certain records regarding the performers portrayed in such conduct. Directs the Attorney General to issue regulations regarding the maintenance and availability of such records. Includes the sexual exploitation of children as a predicate offense to the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) statute. Title II: Obscenity - Makes it a Federal criminal offense to receive or possess, with the intent to distribute, obscene matter which has been transported in interstate or foreign commerce. Makes it a Federal criminal offense to knowingly use a facility or means of commerce to sell or distribute obscene matter in interstate or foreign commerce. Establishes a rebuttable presumption, with respect to Federal criminal offenses involving obscene matter, that obscene matter produced in one State (or outside the United States) which is subsequently located in another State (or in the United States) was transported, shipped, or carried in interstate (or foreign) commerce. Establishes criminal and civil forfeiture procedures with respect to Federal offenses involving obscene material and child pornography. Includes communications by means of cable or subscription television within the prohibition against broadcasting obscene language. Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to modify the penalty provisions of such Act with respect to obscene telephone communications. Amends the Federal criminal code to establish criminal penalties for the possession or sale of obscene matter on Federal property. Adds obscenity offenses to the list of crimes for which the Government may obtain wiretaps.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1988
Expresses support for the Guatemala peace accord and for the efforts of the Central American presidents in continuing the peace process. Expresses appreciation to President Oscar Arias Sanchez of Costa Rica for his continuing leadership, and urges all parties to meet their obligations under the accord.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1988
Parental Assistance With Tuition Bonds Act of 1987 - Amends Federal law relating to savings bonds and savings certificates to direct the Secretary of the Treasury to issue Tuition Bonds, a series of savings bonds, to be offered at varying maturities. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit an individual income tax deduction for the full amount paid to purchase Tuition Bonds, which must be owned by an eligible dependent under age 19. Decreases the permissible deduction for taxpayers having adjusted gross income above $30,000. Limits the amount of the deduction based on the number of persons under age 19 claimed as exemptions by the taxpayer, with a maximum of $10,000 and a minimum limit of $2,000 per person. Permits the deduction to taxpayers who do not otherwise itemize deductions. Excludes from gross income any amount received on Tuition Bond redemption to the extent these proceeds are used to pay attendance costs (tuition, fees, books, supplies, room and board) of the taxpayer-bondholder at any institution of higher education or postsecondary vocational school. Establishes penalties in the form of additional tax with respect to Tuition Bond redemption proceeds not used for educational purposes. Directs the Secretary to: (1) develop activities to support participation in the Tuition Bond program; (2) encourage payroll deductions for Bond purchase; (3) develop a program to stimulate individuals and both public and private organizations to provide needy children with access to the Bonds; (4) reinstate the Savings Stamp program to enable children to save toward Bond purchases; and (5) implement a system to effect transfer of Tuition Bonds to the relevant institutions.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1988
Postal Service Disadvantaged Business Procurement Act of 1988 - Establishes in the United States Postal Service an Office of Disadvantaged Business Utilization to implement the goals, objectives, and purposes of this Act. Provides for the Office to be headed by a Director of Disadvantaged Business Utilization (Director). Requires the Postmaster General, after consultation with the Director, to establish annual goals for the participation by disadvantaged business concerns in procurement contracts of the Postal Service. Requires goals for prime contract awards of not less than: (1) ten percent for disadvantaged business concerns owned and controlled by other than women; and (2) five percent for disadvantaged business concerns owned and controlled by women. Sets forth the procurement authorities of the Postal Service so that it can assure that a fair proportion of total purchases for contracts for property and services are placed with disadvantaged business concerns. Authorizes the Postal Service to set aside or reduce procurement requirements for such concerns. Authorizes the Postal Service to enter into single-source negotiations with disadvantaged business concerns for the award of any contract under specified circumstances. Requires such contracts to result in a cost to the Postal Service that is fair and reasonable and that does not exceed the estimated current fair market price of the work to be performed. Entitles a disadvantaged business concern, if the Postal Service withdraws a procurement requirement because the prices offered by the concern exceed the current fair market price: (1) to a written statement, upon its request, from the Postal Service on the method used to estimate the current fair market price; and (2) to protest the use of such method to the Director. Declares the Director's decision on the protest to be conclusive. Prohibits a procurement officer from precluding any disadvantaged business concern or group of concerns from being awarded a contract on any basis dealing with the responsibility of the offeror without referring the matter for a final disposition to the Director. Requires the Postal Service to provide for prompt and expeditious payments due to disadvantaged business concerns. Requires the Postal Service to require its prime contractors to ensure timely payments to such concerns. Requires a clause in all Postal Service contracts that states the policy of the Postal Service with respect to small business concerns owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals, and that the contractor agrees with such policy. Exempts from such requirement any contract which: (1) does not exceed $10,000; (2) will be performed outside the United States (and all the subcontracts under such contract); or (3) is for personal services. Requires certain contracts which are awarded through other than the sealed bid method of procurement to contain a clause notifying potential offering companies of the provisions of this Act relating to such contracts. Requires the apparent successful offeror to negotiate with the procurement authority a subcontracting plan with specified contents before the Postal Service awards any contract, or any amendment or modification to any contract already let, which: (1) is to be awarded, or was let, through other than the sealed bid method of procurement; (2) is required to include the clause on Postal Service policy with respect to disadvantaged business concerns; (3) may exceed $1,000,000 in the case of a contract for the construction of a postal facility, or $500,000 in the case of all other contracts; and (4) offers subcontracting possibilities. Provides that if the apparent successful offeror fails to negotiate such subcontracting plan, then the offeror shall become ineligible to be awarded the contract. Prohibits the awarding of a contract to any offeror unless the procurement authority determines that the subcontracting plan provides the maximum practicable opportunity for disadvantaged business concerns to participate in the contract's performance. Authorizes the Postal Service to provide such incentives as may be deemed appropriate in order to encourage subcontracting opportunities for small business concerns owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals, except with respect to contracts let pursuant to other than the sealed bid method. Requires certain contracts to be awarded under the sealed bid method of procurement to contain a clause requiring the incorporation of a subcontracting plan. Makes the bidder selected to be awarded such contract ineligible if it fails to submit the subcontracting plan. Describes the subcontracting plan to be incorporated into contracts let under this Act with respect to providing opportunities for disadvantaged business concerns. Declares that the failure of any contractor or subcontractor to comply in good faith with the clause stating the policy of the Postal Service with respect to disadvantaged business concerns shall be a material breach of contract. Declares that any contract that does not contain a required subcontracting plan shall be considered void. Sets forth the duties of the Director with respect to subcontracting plans. Sets forth penalties for any person who makes or uses any document, writing or entry knowing it to be false for the purpose of obtaining a contract or subcontract let, or to be let, under this Act. Directs the Postal Service to establish annual goals specifically for funding agreements for research or research and development with disadvantaged business concerns. Authorizes each disadvantaged business concern to elect to retain title to any invention first conceived or first actually reduced to practice in the performance of a funding agreement. Sets forth provisions to be included in each funding agreement with respect to the rights of contractors and the Postal Service to the title to any invention conceived under the agreement. Requires Postmaster General approval before the Postal Service can require the licensing to third parties of inventions owned by the contractor that were not conceived or first actually reduced to practice in the performance of work under a funding agreement. Declares that with respect to any invention in which a disadvantaged business concern has acquired title under this Act, the Postal Service has the right to require the contractor, an assignee, or exclusive licensee of such invention, to grant a nonexclusive, partially exclusive, or exclusive license in any field of use to a responsible applicant upon terms that are reasonable under the circumstances, and if the contractor, assignee, or exclusive licensee refuses such request, to grant such a license itself. Requires the Postal Service to make a written determination that such action is necessary. Prohibits a disadvantaged business concern which receives title to any subject invention and an assignee of such concern from granting to any person the exclusive right to use or sell any subject invention in the United States unless such person agrees that any products embodying the subject invention, or produced through the use of such invention, will be manufactured substantially in the United States. Sets forth the circumstances under which such prohibition will be waived. Authorizes the Postal Service to withhold from public disclosure any invention in which it owns a right, title, or interest for a reasonable time in order for a patent application to be filed. Declares that the Postal Service shall not be required to release copies of any document which is part of a patent application. Directs the Postal Service to publicize notice of certain contracting opportunities in a manner to encourage the maximum practicable participation by disadvantaged business concerns. Authorizes the Postmaster General to exempt any purchase or class of purchases from such requirement if such exemption is determined to be in the public interest or if the notice would substantially impede a legitimate acquisition objective of the Postal Service. Directs the Postal Service to provide means whereby bidders and offerors may identify themselves as a disadvantaged business concern. Requires the Small Business Administration to make a final and binding decision on all disputes regarding the size status of a firm or its status as a socially and economically disadvantaged small business concern. Requires the Postal Service to report annually to specified congressional committees on its compliance with this Act. Requires a special report to such committees if the Postal Service fails to meet procurement goals established by the Director.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1988
Commends the President, Secretary of State, and Administrator of the Agency for International Development for their response to the drought and food emergency in Ethiopia and other nations of sub-Saharan Africa, and urges them to continue efforts to preclude the onset of famine and to ensure the timely delivery of medical and other emergency relief supplies. Declares that: (1) the Government response to these food emergencies should include initiatives to prevent the dislocation of large numbers of persons across national borders and/or into relief camps; and (2) the plight of the refugees or displaced should be addressed by emphasizing the provision of basic human needs, such as food, water, and shelter.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1988
Television Violence Act of 1988 - Exempts from the antitrust laws any joint discussion, consideration, review, action, or agreement by or among persons in the television industry for the purpose of, and limited to, developing and disseminating voluntary guidelines designed to alleviate the negative impact of violence in telecast material, provided the joint action does not result in a boycott of any person. Terminates such exemption three years after enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 December 1987
Requires the Secretary of Commerce, in carrying out any decennial census, to tabulate and make public the general population of Asians and Pacific Islanders both by total and by detailed groups.
United States · United States Congress · 18 December 1987
Directs the Caribbean Basin Scholarship Commission (established by this Act) to establish and administer a scholarship program in the form of loans to enable students from eligible countries in the Caribbean Basin to study at an institution of higher education or vocational school in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. Provides that repayment of such loans will be forgiven upon the student's prompt return to such student's country of origin for a period which is at least one year longer than the period spent studying in Puerto Rico. Requires Puerto Rico to provide 50 percent of the amount appropriated to the Caribbean Basin Scholarship Fund. Permits such amount to be provided by other than cash. Establishes the Caribbean Basin Scholarship Fund. Appropriates to the Fund five percent of the amounts received in the Treasury on or after enactment of this Act that are attributable to the duties imposed on all articles imported from eligible countries. Establishes the Caribbean Basin Scholarship Commission to distribute scholarships to students in eligible countries, giving consideration to: (1) underserved and underdeveloped areas; (2) students who need financial assistance to pursue an education; and (3) institutions of higher education and vocational schools offering training or education in areas that have the greatest potential for strengthening the workforce in the Caribbean Basin. Specifies conditions for eligibility and selection of scholars.
United States · United States Congress · 11 December 1987
Authorizes the appointment of an Assistant Attorney General for State and Local Law Enforcement Matters. Sets forth the duties of the Assistant Attorney General, which include: (1) serving as an ombudsman for State and local law enforcement agencies with respect to matters involving the Department of Justice; and (2) providing staff support to coordinate the activities of the Bureau of Justice Assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 10 December 1987
Amends Federal veterans' benefits provisions to direct the American Battle Monuments Commission to establish a memorial and museum on Federal land in the District of Columbia or its immediate area to honor World War II veterans and to commemorate U.S. participation in that conflict. Directs the Commission to plan, design, construct, and oversee the operation of the memorial and museum. Establishes the World War II Memorial and Museum Advisory Board to: (1) promote the establishment of the memorial and museum and encourage the donation of private funds for construction and maintenance; and (2) recommend the site and select the design for the memorial and museum, subject to the approval of the Commission. Authorizes the Commission to solicit private contributions for such memorial and museum. Authorizes Federal funding, in addition to such private funds, for preparation, planning, establishment, construction, and maintenance of the memorial and museum. Authorizes assistance from specified Federal departments and agencies. Authorizes Federal property to be transferred to the Commission, or authorizes the Commission to purchase suitable property within the District of Columbia for the establishment of such memorial and museum.
United States · United States Congress · 10 December 1987
Designates January 28, 1988, as National Challenger Center Day. (The Challenger Center is an institution offering children and teachers activities and information derived from American space research.)
United States · United States Congress · 8 December 1987
Condemns the failure of the National Governing Council of Haiti to: (1) support a constitutional transition to democracy; and (2) provide security and adequate protection for the human rights of the people of Haiti and for the security of diplomats. Declares that it is the policy of the United States to suspend all assistance to Haiti, with exceptions, unless the democratic process set forth in the Haitian Constitution (approved March 29, 1987), especially those provisions relating to the Provisional Electoral Council, is being fully adhered to by the Government of Haiti. Directs the President to take steps to promote human rights and democracy in Haiti. Urges, specifically, that the President: (1) use the vote and influence of the United States to halt or discourage the provision of assistance to Haiti by international financial institutions and organizations and other governments; (2) undertake diplomatic initiatives to secure international cooperation to maximize diplomatic and economic pressure on Haiti; (3) suspend Haiti's eligibility for benefits under the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act; (4) furnish assistance to the news media in Haiti; (5) furnish assistance to private, voluntary and international organizations, and foreign governments, which might include U.S. participation in international peacekeeping activities; (6) sever diplomatic relations with the National Governing Council; (7) recognize an alternative entity, which is committed to a prompt transition to democracy, as the legitimate government of Haiti; and (8) impose, and seek international cooperation to multilaterally impose, an arms embargo and trade and financial sanctions against the Government of Haiti. Authorizes and urges the President to deny visas to, and exclude from admission to the United States, aliens (and family members and associates thereof) who have been involved in the denial of human rights in Haiti or in activities designed to impair Haiti's transition to democracy. Suspends all assistance to Haiti, with specified exceptions (such as assistance provided by voluntary organizations to meet humanitarian needs, assistance to enable the continuation of migrant and narcotics interdiction operations, and assistance for constitutional elections), unless the democratic process as set forth in the Haitian Constitution is fully adhered to by the Government of Haiti. Specifies that such adherence must include transition to a civilian government elected under the auspices of the Provisional Electoral Council by February 7, 1988. Authorizes the President to provide such assistance as appropriate related to the holding of elections. Requires the President to notify the Congress with respect to: (1) any such assistance provided; (2) actions taken pursuant to this Act; and (3) progress in promoting human rights and democracy in Haiti.
United States · United States Congress · 8 December 1987
Expresses the sense of the Congress that, in celebration of the millennium of the Christianization of Kievan-Rus', the Soviet Union should: (1) comply with its international obligations and allow Christians to practice their faith without harassment; (2) grant a general amnesty for all Christians who have been imprisoned because of their religious beliefs; (3) allow religious believers to practice their faith freely; (4) permit unlimited publication, distribution, and importation of religious materials; and (5) allow closed churches to reopen, new churches to be built, and theological seminaries to open or expand.
United States · United States Congress · 3 December 1987
Amends the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to designate the Wildcat River, New Hampshire, as a unit of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to establish a Wildcat River Advisory Commission to assist in the conservation of resources of such River. Permits land acquisition by donation only. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 1987
International Health Corps Act - Amends title III (General Powers and Duties of Public Health Service) of the Public Health Service Act to establish the International Health Corps (Health Corps), to consist of the International Health Development Corps (Development Corps) and the International Health Emergency Corps (Emergency Corps). Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services, on request of a foreign government, to assign members of: (1) the Development Corps to serve in the country to assist the country in meeting the long-term basic health care needs of its people; and (2) the Emergency Corps to provide short-term assistance in the country with regard to an ongoing medical emergency. Directs the Secretary to disseminate information on the Health Corps and request health care professionals to provide services to the Corps without compensation. Directs the Secretary to establish the International Health Corps Loan Repayment Program. Authorizes the Secretary, for each year of obligated service an individual contracts to serve in the Health Corps, to pay, up to a specified amount, the principal, interest, and related expenses on government and commercial loans for tuition, reasonable educational expenses, and reasonable living expenses. Directs the establishment of a committee to advise the Secretary on policies concerning the activities of the Health Corps. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1988 through 1990.
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 1987
Act for Better Child Care Services of 1987 - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1988 and such sums as necessary for FY 1989 through 1992 to carry out the purposes of this Act. Specifies the manner of making allotments for child care services. Requires the designation of a lead agency in each State which participates in the programs under this Act. Requires States to submit, in order to qualify for assistance under this Act, an application and plan to the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Requires each plan to cover a five-year period and to meet specified requirements for providers of child care services. Authorizes the use of State allotments: (1) by contracts with or grants to eligible child care providers, or public or private nonprofit agencies, to enable such providers or agencies to operate programs directly or by subcontract; or (2) by distributing child care certificates that parents may use as payment for child care services. Requires that a percentage of funds be reserved to enable part-day programs to extend existing hours of operation and provide full-day child care services. Authorizes the Secretary to make planning grants to States which desire to participate under this Act but cannot fully satisfy the requirements of a State plan without financial assistance. Provides for a review of the operation of a State plan during the five-year period to determine its continued eligibility for funds. Requires the Governor of each participating State to establish: (1) a State interagency advisory committee on child care to assist the lead agency in carrying out its responsibilities; and (2) a State committee on licensing to review the licensing requirements, the law, and the policies regulating child care services and programs within the State. Requires each participating State to recognized private nonprofit community-based organizations, or public organizations, as resources and referral agencies for particular geographic areas. Requires each participating State to require that all employed or self-employed persons providing licensed or regulated child care complete at least 15 hours per year of inservice, continuing education, or other training as described in this Act. Directs the Secretary to establish within the Department of Health and Human Services an Administrator of Child Care to carry out the provisions of this Act. Establishes enforcement provisions for review of State plans and monitoring of State compliance. Declares the Federal share of child care programs to be 80 percent and requires the State to demonstrate that the remaining 20 percent will be provided from other sources. Requires the Secretary to establish a National Advisory Committee on Child Care Standards to: (1) review Federal policies on child care services and such other data as appropriate; (2) submit to the Secretary proposed minimum standards for child care programs; and (3) develop and make available to lead agencies model regulations for resources and referral agencies. Terminates the committee 90 days after the date of publication of final minimum child care standards. Prohibits the use of funds under this Act for: (1) sectarian purposes or activities; (2) capital improvements to sectarian institutions; and (3) tuition.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 1987
Antiterrorism and Arms Export Amendments Act of 1987 - Amends the Arms Export Control Act to prohibit the U.S. Government and U.S. persons from exporting or facilitating the export of any munitions item to any country which: (1) has repeatedly provided support for international terrorism; or (2) grants sanctuary from prosecution to any individual or group which has committed an act of international terrorism. Authorizes the President to waive such prohibition upon making specified certifications. Imposes criminal penalties for willful violations of such prohibition. Imposes civil penalties for violations of such prohibition and provides for enforcement of such civil penalties. Requires that the possibility of supporting international terrorism shall be a consideration in the issuance of arms export licenses or in arms sales. Amends the Export Administration Act of 1979 to provide that a validated license shall be required for the export of goods or technology to a country if the Secretary determines that: (1) such country grants sanctuary to or has repeatedly provided support for acts of international terrorism; and (2) such exports would contribute to the military potential of such country, would be destined to a military end-user or for military end use in such country, or would enhance the ability of such country to support acts of international terrorism. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to prohibit the provision of any assistance under such Act, the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954, the Peace Corps Act, or the Export-Import Bank Act to any country which the Secretary determines: (1) has repeatedly provided support for international terrorism; or (2) grants sanctuary from prosecution to any individual or group which has committed an act of international terrorism. Authorizes the President to waive such prohibition upon making specified certifications. Prohibits rescinding a determination that a country supports international terrorism, unless the Secretary of State, at least 90 days before the rescission would take effect, certifies to the Congress that: (1) the country has not provided support for international terrorism for the preceding six months; and (2) the country has made explicit assurances that it will not support international terrorism in the future. Amends the Arms Export Control Act and the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to require the President to notify the Congress of third country transfers of items: (1) sold under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program; (2) exported pursuant to a munitions license; or (3) provided under the Military Assistance Program (MAP). Directs the President to include in required quarterly reports to the Congress concerning military exports a listing of all defense articles or defense services transferred by the Department of Defense to other agencies of the U.S. Government. Prohibits the transfer of any munitions item by the U.S. Government to any foreign country, group, or person under the authority of a presidential determination that such a transfer is important to the national security of the United States as a significant anticipated intelligence activity, unless the President notifies certain congressional committees of such a transfer in accordance with the procedures set forth in the National Security Act of 1947 for the reporting of any intelligence activities. Revises requirements for reporting the use of foreign assistance funds where it is inadvisable to specify the nature of the use of such funds to require that such a report be transmitted to the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives rather than to the Speaker of the House. Amends the Hostage Act to specify that the President may not use any means otherwise prohibited by law in attempting to cause the release of U.S. citizens imprisoned by foreign governments. (Current law specifies that the President may not use any means amounting to acts of war.)
United States · United States Congress · 17 November 1987
Raoul Wallenberg Monument Resolution - Authorizes the Raoul Wallenberg Tribute Committee to establish a monument to honor Raoul Wallenberg on Federal land in the District of Columbia or its environs. Prohibits the United States from paying any expense of the establishment of the monument.
United States · United States Congress · 10 November 1987
Authorizes the Vietnam Women's Memorial Project, Inc., to establish a commemorative statue within the Vietnam Veterans Memorial to recognize and honor the women of the U.S. armed forces who served in the Vietnam war. Expresses the sense of the Congress that after the addition of such statue, no further commemorative works should be added to the Memorial. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to select a site for the statue within the Memorial. Makes the design proposal subject to the approval of the Secretary and the National Capital Planning Commission. Prohibits the United States and the District of Columbia from paying any expense of establishing the statue.
United States · United States Congress · 10 November 1987
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President, the Secretary of State, and the Permanent Representative of the United States to the United Nations should be commended for, and should continue, their efforts to place Cuba on the human rights agenda of the United Nations. Commends specified countries for their votes in favor of considering human rights violations in Cuba. Urges specified countries to reconsider their positions with respect to this issue. Urges the United States to: (1) take the votes into account in determining U.S. bilateral and other assistance to all countries which are members of the United Nations Human Rights Commission; and (2) continue to emphasize how other countries vote on fundamental issues, such as human rights, in determining financial support for the United Nations and for the Commission. Urges the Commission to include among the highest priorities of its human rights agenda at its 44th session in Geneva, Switzerland, in 1988, consideration of human rights violations in Cuba.
United States · United States Congress · 9 November 1987
Visually Impaired Voters Assistance Act of 1987 - Requires each State to make enlarged print voting aids and ballots available to visually impaired voters in Federal elections. Requires the chief election officer of each State to provide public notice, adapted to reach visually impaired voters, of the availability of materials under this Act. Directs the Federal Election Commission to report to the Congress, not later than one year after enactment of this Act, on the voting aids available to blind voters with respect to Federal elections in each State.
United States · United States Congress · 3 November 1987
Technology to Educate Children With Handicaps Act - Amends the Education of the Handicapped Act to add provisions for assistive device resource centers. Directs the Secretary of Education to make grants to States to pay the Federal share of the cost of establishing assistive device resource centers. Directs the Secretary to make State allotments based on the number of handicapped children. Sets forth a minimum State allotment. Requires that each center serve severely handicapped: (1) infants and toddlers; (2) children and youth; and (3) individuals who have attained 21 years of age if the State plan prescribes a targeted population of such individuals. Requires each center to: (1) train and assist specialists in local educational agencies and nonprofit community organizations to evaluate a handicapped student's potential to benefit from assistive devices; (2) instruct teachers, therapists, paraprofessionals, parents, and handicapped students in the appropriate use of assistive devices; (3) provide follow-up services and collect data to determine the effectiveness of the services provided; (4) develop a statewide service delivery system for severely handicapped children; (5) be able to assist in the development of assistive devices to meet the needs of handicapped individuals; (6) disseminate information to local educational agencies and nonprofit community organizations; and (7) provide in-service training to specialists, teachers, parents, and others on the benefits of assistive devices to promote improved educational performance and increased interaction between handicapped and nonhandicapped individuals. Requires each State to assure priority of services for handicapped children from birth through age 21. States that nothing in this Act precludes the provision of center services to handicapped individuals who are no longer eligible for services under the Education of the Handicapped Act. Requires each center to establish an Advisory Committee. Prohibits Federal funds from being used for the operations of such Committee. Sets forth required contents of State allotment applications. Allows any public agency or private nonprofit organization or institution to apply to a State for a grant to establish a center. Makes the Federal share of the cost 70 percent in FY 1988, 65 percent in FY 1989, and 60 percent in FY 1990. Authorizes appropriations to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 November 1987
CIA Accountability Act of 1987 - Directs the Comptroller General to audit the financial transactions and evaluate the programs and activities of the Central Intelligence Agency: (1) on the initiative of the Comptroller General; or (2) when requested by the Chairman or the ranking minority member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence or the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. Requires the Comptroller General to provide the results of such audit to the Committees and the Director of Central Intelligence. Authorizes the Comptroller General to inspect and copy any written or recorded information in the possession or control of the Agency. Requires that the Comptroller General be provided access to officers and employees of the Agency unless the President determines, in a written report, that access to certain personnel is not in the national interest. Requires the Comptroller General, in consultation with the congressional committees, to establish procedures to protect all classified and other sensitive information from unauthorized disclosure. Requires all workpapers of the Comptroller General and all records and property of the Agency used during an audit to remain in Agency facilities. Directs the Director of Central Intelligence to expedite security clearance reviews on General Accounting Office personnel who may have access to classified or other sensitive information during an audit or evaluation.
United States · United States Congress · 31 October 1987
Amends the Federal Land Policy Management Act to authorize the issuance of rights-of-ways on public lands for the construction or operation of a non-Federal dam, diversion, or appurtenant project works for the generation of electric energy if consistent with the public interest or applicable management plan. Requires public participation in processing proposed right-of-ways. Requires the Federal agency or agencies with jurisdiction over the surface to prepare any necessary environmental impact statement under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. Authorizes the charging of fees to an applicant to offset administrative costs.
United States · United States Congress · 29 October 1987
Directs the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Director of the National Park Service, to study and report to the Congress on national forest lands within the Smith River watershed region in Northern California and Southern Oregon and to recommend the means of permanent Federal protection for such resources. Requires that the study include a cost-benefits analysis of protecting such resources and enhancing the region's recreational potential. Prohibits timber sales on such lands until the Congress has had a fixed period in which to examine the study. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to compensate counties for lost timber sales during that period, subject to adjustment if the interim protection is extended.
United States · United States Congress · 29 October 1987
Designates the week beginning September 11, 1988, as Total Education Awareness Week, recognizing that the educational experience should address the total needs of children, including their intellectual, psychological, social, and physical needs.
United States · United States Congress · 28 October 1987
Designates the week of November 13 through November 19, 1988, as National Cult Awareness Week in commemoration of the tenth anniversary of the tragedy at Jonestown, Guyana.
United States · United States Congress · 21 October 1987
Colonia Water and Sewage Service Act - Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to make grants to public bodies and private nonprofit organizations for the installation or improvement of the operation or maintenance of facilities (and necessary related equipment) for the storage, treatment, purification, or distribution of water, and the collection, treatment, or disposal of waste, in rural areas in the United States within 30 miles of the Mexican border. Amends the Housing Act of 1949 to direct the Secretary of Housing to make loans, grants, and combined loans and grants to eligible very-low income families or persons (including the nonelderly) in rural areas in the United States within 30 miles of the Mexican border for the cost of repairs, improvements, and additions to provide sanitary waste facilities and convenient and sanitary water supplies. Authorizes appropriations for such purposes.
![Official portrait of Rescom. Fuster, Jamie B. [D-PR-At Large]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/f000435_200.jpg)