United States · United States Congress · 16 June 1987
Technology Literacy Act of 1987 - Defines "technology education" as a comprehensive educational process designed to develop a population that is knowledgeable about technology and its evolution, systems, techniques, utilization in industry and other fields, and cultural significance. Directs the Secretary of Education, subject to the availability of appropriations under this Act, to establish a program of grants to local educational agencies (LEAs), State educational agencies (SEAs), and institutions of higher education for up to ten demonstration programs in technology education for secondary schools. Sets forth grant application requirements. Directs the Secretary to consider equitable geographic distribution in making such grants. Permits such grants to be used to develop a model demonstration program for technology education with specified components. Includes among such components research and development of curriculum materials, a program to develop teacher capabilities in technology education, and multidisciplinary teacher workshops for interfacing mathematics, science, and technology education. Limits the Federal share to 75 percent of the costs of programs or projects assisted under this Act. Directs the Secretary to disseminate the results of such programs or projects so as to improve the training of educational personnel. Authorizes appropriations to carry out this Act for FY 1988 and 1991.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1987
Clean Air Standards Attainment Act of 1987 - Title I: Requirement for Nonattainment Areas - Amends the Clean Air Act to authorize States to submit a revised implementation plan for nonattainment areas unable to attain the national primary ambient air quality standard for photochemical oxidants (ozone) and/or carbon monoxide, requiring compliance no later than the end of 1992. Requires such revised plan to include: (1) a vehicle emission control inspection and maintenance program; (2) gasoline vapor recovery of hydrocarbon emissions in certain ozone nonattainment areas; (3) a schedule for implementing the use of alternative fuels or power sources; (4) emissions reductions through the adoption of reasonably available control technology in ozone nonattainment areas; and (5) compliance with the lowest achievable emission rate by new or modified major stationary sources. Requires States to develop an implementation plan for nonattainment areas where ozone exceeds the national primary ambient air quality standard by more than 50 percent and the extended compliance schedule cannot be met by the implementation of the additional requirements. Requires this implementation plan to require the identification and adoption of specific enforceable strategies and transportation control measures, including: (1) restricted vehicle use in emission concentration areas; (2) high occupancy vehicle limitations; (3) improved public transit and incentives to use such transportation; (4) the use of cleaner fuels by fleet vehicles; and (5) other traffic flow and ridesharing measures. Requires such ozone nonattainment areas to achieve an eight percent total emissions reduction annually, including major stationary sources. Permits a State to substitute a percentage that will achieve the national primary ambient air quality standard within ten years. Requires per ton fees and excess emissions penalties. Requires monies collected to be used to fund air pollution control programs under this Act. Requires compliance reports at least every three years. Requires offsetting emission reductions in such area to be at least twice as great as the amount of allowable emissions from proposed sources. Requires that the use of technology or emission reduction methods in nonattainment areas should reflect the highest ten percent achieved for the same class or category of source when meeting the lowest achievable emission rate for new or modified sources. Establishes ozone transport regions and commissions within each region to facilitate the attainment of the national air quality standard for ozone in nonattainment areas affected by emissions in other areas. Requires such commissions to identify controllable sources and other measures to attain the ozone air quality standard. Prohibits the construction or modification of a major stationary source or the award of certain Department of Transportation grants in any nonattainment area which remains a nonattainment area or which is not in compliance with plan implementation requirements. Prohibits the introduction of any pollutant into a publicly owned sewage treatment works with a Clean Water Act permit by a source not utilizing such treatment works prior to a plan implementation violation in a nonattainment area, except when the applicable implementation plan provides for an offset. Authorizes the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to make grants to facilitate the implementation of revised standards and plans. Requires activities under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act performed on the Outer Continental Shelf to comply with the requirements of the Clean Air Act as they would apply to the adjacent State. Authorizes States to control emissions from vessels within their jurisdiction. Title II: Mobile Source and Other Federal Controls - Sets emission standards for light-duty vehicles and engines: (1) for hydrocarbons after model year 1992; (2) for oxides of nitrogen after model year 1990; and (3) for particulates after model year 1990. Sets emission standards for heavy duty vehicles and engines for oxides of nitrogen during and after model year 1991 and model year 1995. Sets standards for particulates from heavy-duty diesel vehicles and engines for model years 1991 and 1994. Sets emission standards for light-duty trucks and engines during and after model year 1990 for oxides of nitrogen, hydrocarbons, particulates, and carbon monoxide. Requires motorcycles and motorcycle engines to comply with the standards for light-duty vehicles during and after model year 1992. Requires onboard hydrocarbon control technology for light-duty vehicles during and after model year 1991. Requires each, not the aggregate, of State standards to be as stringent as the Federal standards. Doubles the useful life of light duty vehicles and engines for purposes of standards established by this Act. Requires each of a manufacturer's vehicles and engines, not the average, to meet each of the emission standards of this Act. Directs the Administrator to add an idle test mode to the Federal Test Procedure for light-duty vehicles. Requires certificates of conformity to be suspended or revoked if fewer than 90 percent of new vehicles or engines tested in a sampling period conform with applicable regulations. Requires the Administrator to use State information when making determinations of nonconformity. Prohibits the sale of devices designed to be installed in a motor vehicle to defeat pollution control and other devices required by this Act. Sets forth procedures for determining civil penalties. Sets standards for sulfur content in diesel fuel after July 1, 1988. Sets standards for the Reid vapor pressure of gasoline sold during warm weather months after April 1, 1990. Sets forth procedures for determining civil penalties. Prohibits the use of fuels or additives in a motor vehicle not designed for such fuels or additives. Requires the Administrator to establish emission limitations, or standards of performance, composition, or application for hydrocarbon emissions associated with specified categories of sources, including solvents, coatings, and pesticide application. Increases criminal penalties for the knowing violation of certain sections of this Act, including applicable implementation plans and the making of false statements. Title III: Ambient Air Quality Standards - Directs the Administrator to promulgate additional national primary ambient air quality standards for ozone, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, fine particles, and acid aerosol based upon concentrations over different time periods and different conditions.
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 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 · 9 June 1987
Rural Letter Carriers Automobile Expense Act - Provides that, for taxable years beginning after 1986, rural mail carriers are permitted to compute the amount of the income tax deduction for use of their automobiles in performance of mail services: (1) by using a standard mileage rate for all miles of such use equal to 150 percent of the basic standard rate; or (2) without applying the limitation on deductions generally applicable in cases when the business use of the automobile accounts for 50 percent, or less, of its use. Prohibits the use of 150 percent of the basic standard mileage rate in determining the allowable deduction if the taxpayer claims an investment tax credit or depreciation deduction for such automobile.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 1987
Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) the President should endorse the original position of the United States in ongoing international negotiations to protect the Earth's ozone layer; and (2) the United States should continue to seek an international agreement which will provide for an immediate freeze in the production of the major ozone depleting chemicals at 1986 levels, an automatic reduction of not less than 50 percent in the production of such chemicals, and the virtual elimination of such chemicals.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 1987
Declares that: (1) proposals by Canada to impose discriminatory limitations on foreign companies to distribute motion pictures in Canada reflect a protectionist trade policy aimed primarily at U.S. motion picture distributors; and (2) such measures are at odds with free trade between nations and could bar completion of negotiations and Senate approval of a Free Trade Agreement between the United States and Canada.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1987
Waste Reduction Clearinghouse Act - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to establish within the Agency the Office of Waste Reduction to administer the Waste Reduction Clearinghouse. Establishes such Clearinghouse within the Agency to collect and disseminate information on: (1) waste reduction (hazardous waste) technical assistance and grant programs at the State level; and (2) technical information and research. Requires that such Clearinghouse provide on-line computer access for the public. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 2 June 1987
Designates August 1, 1987, as Helsinki Human Rights Day. Requests the President to: (1) reassert the American commitment to the Helsinki Accords; (2) raise the issue of noncompliance with such Accords with the Soviet Union, Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, the German Democratic Republic, Hungary, Poland, and Romania; (3) convey to all signatories of such Accords that respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms is vital to progress in the ongoing Helsinki process; (4) convey to U.S. allies the necessity of unity regarding such Accords; (5) continue his efforts to achieve the release of political prisoners of the Soviet Union, an increase in Soviet emigration, resolution of family reunification cases, and cessation of radio transmission jamming; (6) seek the inclusion, in any concluding document agreed to in Vienna, of a mechanism to sustain human rights progress after the Vienna Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe; and (7) convey to signatory states the desire of the United States for a result at Vienna that will not favor military security at the expense of human rights.
United States · United States Congress · 29 May 1987
Designates the week beginning June 21, 1987, as National Outward Bound Week in honor of the 25th anniversary of the first Outward Bound Outdoor Recreational Program offered in the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 27 May 1987
Renewable Resources Extension Act Amendments of 1987 - Amends the Renewable Resources Extension Act of 1978 to extend the authorization of appropriations through FY 1998.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1987
Federal Land Exchange Facilitation Act of 1987 - Amends the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 to require the Secretaries of the Interior and of Agriculture to promulgate regulations relating to the exchange of land or land interests, including the timing of appraisals and the submission of appraisals in disagreement to binding arbitration. Requires regulations governing appraisals to reflect nationally recognized appraisal standards and the differences between acquisition appraisals and transfer appraisals. Permits each Secretary to exchange land or interests of approximately equal value if to do so would be in the public interest and expedite the exchange. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1989 through 1998 for land exchange activities. States that the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act and the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act shall remain unaffected by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1987
Hazardous Materials Transportation Safety Amendments of 1987 - Amends the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act to authorize appropriations for FY 1988 and 1989. Amends the Surface Transportation Act of 1982 to direct the Secretary of Transportation to make grants to States and political subdivisions for the designation of: (1) hazardous materials transportation routes; and (2) hazardous materials parking sites. Authorizes appropriations. Amends the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act to require registered carriers of hazardous materials to maintain records of the routes followed in the transportation of certain hazardous materials to prepare an annual registration statement. Authorizes appropriations to make emergency response personnel (police and fire fighters) training grants available to States and local subdivisions for FY 1988 through 1992. Requires the Secretary to establish guidelines for emergency response training programs and to publish emergency response procedures. Requires the Secretary to: (1) conduct a hazardous materials flow study and to report the results of such study to the Congress; and (2) conduct a risks analysis regarding the transportation of high level nuclear waste and spent nuclear fuel to geologic repository sites and monitored retrievable storage sites and report the results to the Congress and the Secretary of Energy.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1987
States that the Environmental Protection Agency should encourage States to mandate the use of fuel alcohol and other oxygenate/gasoline blends in CO nonattainment areas, and neat alcohols or other clean burning alternative transportation fuels in commercial fleets in ozone nonattainment areas as optional pollution control strategies in their State Implementation Plan under the Clean Air Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 1987
Allows U.S. exporters to export agricultural commodities and products to Cuba if: (1) such commodities or products are available to Cuba from foreign exporters; and (2) such commodities or products are sold to Cuba at fair market value in exchange for cash or other goods without the assistance of Government credit.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1987
Expresses the sense of the Congress commending the Department of Agriculture on its 125th anniversary. Authorizes and requests the President to issue a proclamation commemorating such event.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1987
Agricultural Mortgage Marketing Act of 1987 - Amends the Farm Credit Act of 1971 to establish as a federally-chartered institution of the Farm Credit System (System) the Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation (Corporation). States that the Corporation shall not be liable for the debts of any other System institutions. Directs the Corporation to provide a secondary agricultural mortgage market by: (1) developing uniform underwriting, security appraisal, and repayment standards; (2) determining the eligibility of agricultural mortgage marketing facilities to contract with the Corporation for credit enhancement of specific mortgage pools; and (3) providing credit enhancement to assure the repayment of principal and interest. Sets forth provisions relating to: (1) the Board of Directors; (2) operating powers; (3) stock; (4) agricultural mortgage marketing facility certification (including revocation); (5) credit enhancement of qualified agricultural mortgage loans; (6) the required ten-percent contribution reserve (including distributions of any earnings on such reserve and loss allocation); (7) standards for qualified agricultural mortgage loans; (8) credit enhancement (including fees and limitations on liability); (9) Corporation regulation (including an annual report); and (10) exemption from Federal and State securities laws under specified conditions (including authorized investments).
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1987
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude research facility bonds from the $150,000,000 limitation applicable to 501(c)(3) bonds (tax-exempt private activity bonds at least 95 percent of whose net proceeds are to be used only by a governmental unit or by a nonprofit charitable, religious, cultural, scientific, or educational entity (a 501(c) (3) organization)). Applies the exclusion to any bond issued as part of an issue 95 percent of whose proceeds will be used: (1) with respect to a research facility; or (2) to provide research equipment.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1987
Medicare Catastrophic Loss Prevention Act of 1987 - Amends part A (Hospital Insurance) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to remove durational limitations on Medicare coverage of inpatient hospital services, and cover 150 days of post-hospital extended care services per year, for an individual covered under parts A and B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of the Medicare program. (Individuals covered only under part A would be subject to current durational limitations on such services.) Provides that an individual covered under parts A and B of the Medicare program shall not be required to pay more than one deductible for inpatient hospital services and one deductible for blood furnished in connection with such services per year. (Currently such deductibles are imposed for each "spell of illness.") Eliminates the coinsurance requirement imposed on such individuals for extended hospital stays. Imposes a coinsurance rate, equal to 15 percent of the average per diem cost of post-hospital extended care services, for the first ten days of a part A and B beneficiary's receipt of such services per year. (Currently, the coinsurance requirement applys to days 21 through 100 of a "spell of illness" requiring such services.) Amends part B of the Medicare program to cover all of the out-of-pocket Medicare expenses which a part B beneficiary incurs in excess of $1,700 in 1988, adjusted annually thereafter to reflect changes in the cost-of-living. Provides for the adjustment of Medicare payments to organizations providing health care on a prepaid basis so as to reimburse them for such excess out-of-pocket costs incurred on behalf of enrollees. Counts amounts an organ transplant patient spends on immunosuppressive drugs toward the out-of-pocket expense limit. Imposes a monthly catastrophic coverage premium of $4 for 1988 on an individual covered under parts A and B of the Medicare program, with annual adjustments to such premium thereafter reflecting changes in the amount of catastrophic benefits paid. Imposes a smaller monthly catastrophic coverage premium on individuals who are only covered under part B of the Medicare program. Imposes a supplemental part B premium of $12 per year, adjusted annually to reflect increases in the cost of catastrophic benefits, for each $150 of income tax due in excess of $150. Sets an annual cap on the supplemental premium. Covers, as home health services, daily nursing care and home health aide services furnished for up to 21 days with a physician's certification of the need for such daily care. Covers such services on a daily basis for 45 days when provided to a part B beneficiary within 30 days of his or her hospital discharge. (Currently such care must be provided on a part-time or intermittent basis.) Defines as "homebound" (a prerequisite of eligibility for Medicare home health services) any person who has a condition which restricts his or her ability to leave the home without support or for whom leaving the home is medically contraindicated. Directs the Secretary to notify Medicare beneficiaries, when they apply for benefits under part A or enroll under part B, and annually thereafter, regarding the extent of and limitations on Medicare coverage, including the ways in which coverage differs between those who are and those who are not covered under part B. Requires the Secretary to take into account the costs incurred by organizations providing health care on a prepaid basis as a result of this Act's amendments in modifying contracts with such organizations. Requires such organizations to adjust their agreements with Medicare beneficiaries in consideration of such amendments. Directs the Secretary to request the Institute of Medicine to perform a study to determine which prescription drugs should have their costs covered by the Medicare program or counted toward the part B beneficiary's out-of-pocket expense limit. Requires the Institute to submit an interim report within six months and a final report within one year of this Act's enactment to the Secretary and the Congress regarding such study. Creates an extension period of hospice care for terminally ill beneficiaries which is to follow the two 90-day periods and the subsequent 30-day period of hospice care coverage currently provided in an individual's lifetime. Requires that State regulatory standards for Medicare supplemental health insurance policies be at least as stringent as the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) Model Standards, amended within 90 days of this Act's enactment to reflect changes made by this Act. Provides that if the NAIC Model Standards are not amended, Federal model standards shall be established and serve as the basis for evaluating State regulatory standards for Medicare supplemental health insurance policies. Requires that States use savings accrued under Medicare from catastrophic Medicare coverage to expand Medicaid (title XIX of the Act) coverage of the low-income elderly and community spouses of institutionalized individuals. Directs the Secretary to report to the Congress by October 1, 1989, on a study to be conducted by the Institute of Medicine into private and public funding options for long-term care. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress within 180 days of this Act's enactment on steps taken to eliminate the three-day prior hospitalization requirement for extended care services.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1987
Ground Water Research Act of 1987 - Title I: Programs of the Environmental Protection Agency - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to establish a national research, development, and demonstration program to support the protection, maintenance, and restoration of groundwater resources of the United States. Requires such program to include research, demonstrations, and surveys of causes, prevention, and correction of groundwater contamination. States that priority shall be given to projects which demonstrate the fate of contaminants in groundwater and develop methods and procedures for controlling pollution sources, monitoring water quality, restoring contaminated groundwater, and reducing the contaminating effects of waste materials. Directs the Administrator to investigate the effects on human health and the environment, and on the Nation's water supply needs. Directs the Administrator to establish a media-specific research committee for groundwater resources to report annually for at least five years on the major research issues of groundwater resources, the current status of the research in such issues, and a plan for the succeeding three years. Requires such report to include a list of all major policy decisions affecting groundwater, control technology projects, health effects research, and other research related to groundwater. Makes such report the management plan for the program and requires its review by the Science Advisory Board and submission to the Congress. Directs the Administrator to appoint a Groundwater Research Manager in the Office of Research and Development to carry out such plan. Directs the Administrator to establish a program of research to develop technologies for the control of groundwater pollution. Requires that such program be carried out utilizing demonstration projects through contracts, cooperative agreements, or grants. Requires the Administrator to evaluate projects on the basis of the potential of the proposed method to effectively control sources of contaminants presenting the greatest risk to human health, the environment, or groundwater and such method's potential application in other locations and circumstances as well as the technical and financial capacities of the project's proposer. Requires the Administrator to supervise and monitor such projects. Limits the Federal share to 75 percent of costs. Limits any State's share of available funds to 15 percent. Directs the Administrator to conduct a technology transfer program, including a central reference library. Requires such program to protect trade secrets from public disclosure. Directs the Administrator to list contaminants known to occur in groundwater. Requires an annual review and revision of such list, providing procedures for any person to petition for additions to such list. Requires the Director of the National Toxicology Program to develop and transmit to the Administrator a proposed research program for each listed contaminant which includes studies of chemical and physical properties, health and ecological effects, and its dispersion and persistence when released. Requires importers or manufacturers of listed contaminants to register with and report annually to the Administrator concerning amounts and other information. Establishes civil and criminal penalties for violations. Authorizes reimbursement from such manufacturers and importers for costs of such contaminants research program. Authorizes the Administrator to conduct further research if necessary. Directs the Administrator to publish criteria for each listed contaminant upon completion of its research program, based on the properties and effects of such contaminant and its association with activities which have potential to be sources of the contaminant in groundwater, including a risk assessment posed by the contaminant at various concentrations in and with respect to various uses of water. Establishes criminal penalties for the release of protected information such as trade secrets. Requires the Administrator to make grants to universities or research institutions to establish and operate four groundwater research institutes to conduct research and training and disseminate information on the protection and restoration of groundwater. Bases selection on whether such institute would be located in a region making significant use of groundwater with significant contamination problems and the capacity of such institute to carry on and lead such research. Limits the Federal share to 75 percent of costs. Designates the National Center for Ground Water Research as one of the institutes. Requires another to serve an area of primarily karstic topography and a third to serve an area of primarily intermountain glaciated geology. Earmarks funds for technology transfer. Requires the Administrator to approve and evaluate each institute's research. Directs the Administrator to conduct a series of nationwide groundwater quality assessments to identify the frequency and concentration of contaminants in groundwater associated with various categories and subcategories of sources or potential sources of contaminants. Includes monitoring at public and private wells. Establishes an assessment schedule for: (1) pesticide applications; (2) septic tanks and cesspools; (3) landfills, surface impoundments, and wastepiles; (4) Class V injection wells; (5) fertilizer applications; (6) irrigation return flows; and (7) publicly owned treatment works. Requires as preliminary phases to such assessments: (1) a survey to determine the types and distribution of sources for each category; (2) the development and preparation of techniques and protocols to be used; and (3) the preparation of health advisories for each contaminant. Requires groundwater quality assessments to determine the impact of contaminant sources on the quality of drinking water specifically and generally, and determine the vulnerability of sources of groundwater and the effectiveness of various control strategies. Requires the Administrator to notify the water system or well owner when a contaminant is found, but requires that information affecting a well owner be kept confidential. Directs the Administrator to notify the appropriate government authorities for response when a source for a contaminant is identified. Requires the Administrator to cooperate with the States and utilize the Science Advisory Board in planning and conducting assessments. Requires the Administrator to provide the Congress with a plan for implementing these requirements and a status report on each assessment which shall also be submitted to the President, the States, and the public. Requires peer review of all studies conducted under this Act. Authorizes the provision of facilities and equipment for demonstration projects under this Act, limiting construction of facilities on non-Federal land. Title II: Programs of the Geological Survey - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Geological Survey, to undertake research, investigations, appraisals, surveys, and related activities of the Nation's water resources. Authorizes the Secretary to cooperate with other government agencies and to perform such activities on a reimburseable basis, as specified. Includes regional aquifer systems analysis and a toxics hydrology program in such activities. Requires the Secretary to report to specified congressional committees and the States on the condition of the Nation's groundwater and groundwater information and monitoring programs. Directs the Secretary to establish a national groundwater quality and quantity assessment. Requires such program to coordinate government efforts in such area, seek to achieve uniform data collection, and provide information and assistance as required. Amends the Water Resources Research Act of 1984 to make conforming changes. Title III: Programs of Other Federal Agencies - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Agricultural Research Service, to establish a national research, development, and demonstration program with respect to the impact of agricultural practices on groundwater quality, including the application of pesticides and nutrients, irrigation practices, and the operation of animal feedlots. Requires the Secretary to address: (1) chemical and biological interactions and processes, including the fate and transport of substances released by agricultural practices; (2) analytical models and testing methodology; and (3) management and control. Title IV: General Provisions - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to conduct research and investigations and report to the Congress within-two years on practices for improving the efficiency of fertilizer uses in agriculture, including timing and rate of applications. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1988 and 1989. Requires the Secretary to study and report to the Congress on the chemical constituents of commercial fertilizer products sold in the United States. Authorizes appropriations. Requires the Secretary to study and report on the public health effects of nitrates, nitrosamines, and other metabolites of nutrients and nitrogen in drinking water supplies, including sources, levels of exposures, and methods and costs of control. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Administrator to conduct research and report to the Congress on developing a cost effective leak detection system for undergound storage tanks containing petroleum. Requires the use of best available technology. Authorizes appropriations. Requires the Director of the Geological Survey to study and report to State and local governments on the existing and projected use of geothermal wells on groundwater. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Administrator to conduct research and report to the Congress on the use of microbial activity to neutralize and contain hazardous or mining wastes. Authorizes appropriations. Requires the Administrator to study and report to the Congress on the impact of agricultural drainage wells on groundwater, including alternatives for drainage. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes appropriations to the Agricultural Research Board to study and report to the Congress on the impact of conservation tillage and other soil and water conservation practices on groundwater quality. Directs the Administrator to establish a national groundwater clearinghouse. Requires the President to coordinate and report to the Congress on the coordination of groundwater research activities, including agency-by-agency review. Vests in the United States any patent rights resulting from inventions created in the course of or under contract of the Administrator under this Act. Authorizes the Administrator to waive such rights in the best interests of the public and the United States, based on the need to encourage participation and other factors. Authorizes a reserve of limited rights, such as a nonexclusive license, to a contractor or inventor. Permits the Administrator to grant exclusive licenses if to do so would bring an invention to the point of commercial or practical application, so long as competition is not substantially lessened. Retains to the United States certain rights even when a waiver of rights or grants of an exclusive license is made, including reports, foreign sublicensing, and termination rights. Authorizes appropriations for the carrying out of this Act's activities.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 1987
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the period of May 23 through May 30, 1987, is recognized as Hokule'a Week, celebrating the return to Hawaii after a two and one-half year voyage of the Polynesian Voyaging Society's sailing canoe.
United States · United States Congress · 22 April 1987
Child Care Public-Private Partnership Act - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (Secretary) to establish a demonstration program of grants to local private nonprofit organizations to improve and expand child care services in the community by establishing and administering community funds for child care, in partnership with private for-profit businesses. Requires such grants to community child care funds to be used for: (1) scholarships for low-income families in child care programs; and (2) loans and grants for start-up or renovation costs for community child day care services. Limits the Federal share of such assistance. Requires any organization desiring a grant under this Act to submit to the Secretary an application, which must include among its contents assurances that: (1) for-profit private businesses will supply at least half of the matching funds required for the community child care fund; (2) the organization will establish an appropriate local advisory board; and (3) funds will be used in accordance with certain requirements. Directs the Secretary, in considering applications for approval, to: (1) ensure an equitable geographic and rural/urban distribution of assistance; and (2) give special consideration to nonprofit groups serving significant populations of low-income children in communities lacking licensed day care facilities. Requires each grant recipient to submit an annual report to the Secretary concerning the extent and effects of its program. Requires the Secretary to evaluate and audit community child care funds each year. Authorizes FY 1988 through 1990 appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 22 April 1987
Medicare Home Health Services Improvement Act of 1987 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to permit patients to receive Medicare home health services on a daily basis for up to 60 days, and longer when the patient's physician certifies that exceptional circumstances require continued daily services. Provides Medicare coverage of up to three weeks of post-hospital skilled and nonskilled home health care, as long as the cost of such benefits does not exceed the cost of care in a skilled nursing facility for an equivalent period of time. Defines as "homebound" (a prerequisite of eligibility for Medicare home health services) any person who has a condition which restricts his or her ability to leave the home without support or for whom leaving the home is medically contraindicated. Provides Medicare home health coverage for homebound individuals in need of occupational therapy. (Currently, occupational therapy is included only after an individual qualifies for home health services by reason of needing skilled nursing care or speech or physical therapy.) Requires Medicare fiscal intermediaries which perform home health payment services to provide an explanation of claim denials for home health services and promptly notify the parties requesting a reconsideration of such determinations of the results of such reconsideration. Requires fiscal intermediaries to make partial payments of disputed claims when such notice has not been transmitted within 60 days of receipt of the reconsideration request. Makes an intermediary's performance on appeals of home health care payment determinations part of the Secretary of Health and Human Services' overall appraisal of the intermediary. Requires a Medicare home health agency to: (1) protect and promote the rights of each individual under its care; (2) furnish the State licensing entity with the name and social security number of any individual hired by the agency as well as information as to whether such individual has been convicted of a felony; (3) inform the State licensing entity of changes in agency ownership or control; (4) furnish items and services through licensed health professionals or persons who have completed or are enrolled in a training program which meets minimum standards established by the Secretary by July 1988; and (5) include the patient's plan of care within its clinical records. Requires an appropriate State or local agency to conduct a standard survey every nine to 15 months and upon a change in the ownership of, or significant number of complaints against, a home health agency, of the quality of patient care provided by such agencies. Subjects home health agencies which perform poorly on such surveys to an extended survey. Directs the Secretary to evaluate the assessment process, report to the Congress on the results of such evaluation, and make appropriate modifications to such process by 1992. Requires the Secretary to develop and implement criteria and procedures for evaluating plans of correction submitted by home health agencies found out of compliance with Medicare participation requirements. Authorizes the Secretary to impose intermediate sanctions on agencies whose failure to correct deficiencies pursuant to approved plans of correction does not immediately jeopardize the health and safety of health care beneficiaries. Requires the Secretary to promulgate major Medicare rules, requirements, or policy statements through the regulatory process. Sets forth publication requirements. Directs the Secretary to publish and make available to the public without charge a directory of home health agencies certified to participate in the Medicare program, including certain information gathered with respect to each agency during the latest certification survey. Requires appropriate State or local agencies to maintain: (1) toll-free hotlines to receive complaints and answer questions regarding home health agencies in the State or locality; and (2) units with enforcement authority and access to consumer medical records and survey reports to investigate such complaints. Directs the Secretary to: (1) report to the Congress before 1988 on the appropriateness of reimbursing home health agencies on either a rural or urban basis rather than considering an agencies mix of urban and rural clientele; and (2) determine home health agency cost limits on the basis of recent agency cost reports.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1987
Title I: Recognition of Injustice and Apology on Behalf of the Nation - States that the Congress accepts the findings of the Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians and recognizes that a grave injustice was done to both citizens and resident aliens of Japanese ancestry by the evacuation, relocation, and internment of civilians during World War II. Title II: United States Citizens of Japanese Ancestry and Resident Japanese Aliens - Requests the President to offer pardons to those convicted of violating laws during the internment period whose conduct was based on a refusal to accept racially or ethnically discriminatory treatment. Provides that Federal departments and agencies that review applications for restitution of positions, status, or entitlement lost during the internment period shall review such applications giving full consideration to the findings of the Commission. Establishes within the Treasury a Civil Liberties Public Education Fund. Authorizes appropriations for the Fund. Requires the Attorney General to pay $20,000 from the Fund in compensation to each surviving internee. Establishes a Board of Directors which shall be responsible for making disbursements from the Fund. Provides that disbursements from the Fund shall be used to: (1) sponsor research and public educational activities dealing with the internment; (2) fund studies of similar civil liberties abuses; (3) prepare and distribute hearings and findings of the Commission; and (4) promote the general welfare of the ethnic Japanese community in the United States. Title III: Aleutian and Pribilof Islands Restitution - Aleutian and Pribilof Islands Restitution Act - Establishes within the Treasury the Aleutian and Pribilof Islands Restitution Fund. Directs the Administrator of the Fund (the Aleutian/Pribilof Islands Association) to make restitution for certain Aleut losses sustained in World War II. Requires the Administrator to establish a trust of $5,000,000 and to distribute the interest of such trust for: (1) the benefit of the elderly, disabled, or seriously ill; (2) students in need of scholarship assistance; (3) preservation of Aleut cultural heritage and historical records; (4) the improvement of community centers of affected Aleut villages; and (5) other purposes to improve Aleut life. Authorizes the Administrator to rebuild and restore churches and church property damaged or destroyed in Aleut villages during World War II. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to make payments of $12,000 from the fund to eligible Aleuts for any uncompensated personal property losses. Provides that such payments shall not be considered income or receipts for purposes of Federal taxes or determining eligibility for Federal benefits or assistance. Authorizes appropriations. Requires the Secretary of the Army to implement a program for the removal and disposal of live ammunition, obsolete buildings, abandoned machinery, and other hazardous debris remaining in populated areas of the lower Alaska Peninsula and the Aleutian Islands. States that the authority contained in this Act shall be supplemental to the authority of the Secretary of Defense in administering the Environmental Restoration Defense Account and shall be exercised only in the event that such account is inadequate to eliminate hazardous military debris from populated areas of the Lower Alaska Peninsula and the Aleutian Islands. Authorizes appropriations. Provides that bidding rights for surplus Federal property might be exercised by the Aleut Corporation in lieu of conveyance of Attu Island to the Aleut people, such island having been designated as wilderness. States that the bidding rights shall be exercised by the Aleut Corporation without any preference over any other bidder. Provides that an amount equal to $500 for each acre traditionally occupied by the Aleut people on Attu Island shall be transferred to the Corporation account established by this Act and made available to the Corporation for such bidding.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1987
Directs the Secretary of the Interior to review and approve all tax ordinances proposed by an Indian tribe which would be imposed upon nontribal persons on an Indian reservation. Prohibits the Secretary from approving any such ordinances for two years after enactment of this Act. Directs the President to appoint a commission to review the economic impact of tribal taxes upon Indian reservations and to report to the Congress within one year after enactment of this Act. Authorizes funds to be made available for two years to the Secretary to alleviate economic hardship on Indian reservations and to assist with emergency educational and employment needs. Authorizes funds for two years to the Secretary of Health and Human Services to alleviate emergency health care needs on Indian reservations.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1987
Partnership for Excellence in Education Act of 1987 - Authorizes the Secretary of Education to make grants to States to pay the Federal share (50 percent) of the cost of authorized activities conducted by eligible partnerships. Defines "eligible partnership" to mean a local educational agency joining with business concerns (including utility companies), nonprofit private organizations, institutions of higher education, professional associations, museums, hospitals, libraries, educational television stations, and appropriate State and local public agencies. Authorizes appropriations to carry out this Act for FY 1988 through 1991. Allows an eligible partnership to use payments under this Act for: (1) the use of volunteers from community organizations, businesses, and other members of the eligible partnership to serve as consultants, lecturers, role models, teaching assistants, and other personnel in the elementary and secondary schools of a local educational agency; (2) the use of secondary school students in the work of other members of the eligible partnership in order to observe and participate in an actual work environment; (3) the conduct of computer clubs and other similar extracurricular activities, particularly activities involving the use of modern technologies, in the secondary schools of local educational agencies; (4) the use of school facilities and personnel of a local educational agency for job training and remedial education for workers in the community; (5) the establishment of advisory councils for the eligible partnership consisting of business leaders and community volunteer leaders; (6) the conduct of State-wide activities, including the provision of technical assistance and the furnishing of incentive grants to the advisory councils of eligible partnerships at the local level in the State; and (7) such other collaborative activities as the State economic development agency determines will contribute to carrying out the purposes of this Act. Sets forth requirements for State and local applications. Directs the Secretary to conduct an annual evaluation of grants made under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1987
Toxic Substances Control Act Amendments Act of 1987 - Amends the Toxic Substances Control Act to add an additional title, the Federal Building Asbestos Hazard Abatement Act of 1987. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to promulgate regulations, within 360 days of enactment, for asbestos hazard abatement in Federal and other buildings. Requires such regulations to address: (1) building inspections; (2) appropriate response actions based upon potential or actual degree of significant damage; (3) the implementation of response actions; (4) an operations and maintenance program; (5) periodic surveillance needs; (6) the transportation and disposal of asbestos-containing waste material; and (7) management plans for each covered building requiring periodic inspections by accredited personnel, response actions when appropriate, and warning labels on any asbestos-containing material still in routine maintenance areas. Requires that such plans be approved by the Administrator and be available to the public. Sets forth guidelines and a compliance schedule should the Administrator fail to promulgate regulations within the prescribed period. Directs the Administrator to develop a model accreditation plan for States for individuals who inspect, manage, abate, and analyze asbestos problems. Requires asbestos contractors to be accredited by an equivalent or more stringent plan. Requires all Federal buildings to be inspected for asbestos within 180 days of the promulgation of regulations. Requires the Administrator to develop and periodically revise a schedule of non-Federal buildings to be inspected. Authorizes the Administrator to take emergency response measures where asbestos in a Federal or a covered building may be hazardous and adequate owner's actions have not been taken. Requires the building owner to be notified before emergency action is taken. Authorizes the Administrator to seek: (1) cost reimbursement; and (2) injunctive relief whenever asbestos in a covered building poses an imminent and substantial endangerment to human health or the environment. Prohibits the Federal leasing of any building not inspected for asbestos. Prohibits discrimination against whistleblowers. Sets forth the duties of an Asbestos Ombudsman, including receiving and responding to requests for information and grievances and making recommendations.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1987
Expresses the sense of the Senate that if a foreign country uses import licenses to restrict or prohibit the importation of U.S. agricultural commodities into such country and similar agricultural commodities of such country are imported into the United States free of such restrictions, the President should: (1) give priority in all trade negotiations with such country to the establishment of reciprocal market access agreements for such agricultural commodities; or (2) establish a similar import licensing system for such agricultural commodities.
United States · United States Congress · 8 April 1987
Amends the Meat Import Act of 1979 to include lamb and the import of lamb within the provisions of such Act relating to regulations and restrictions concerning various meat imports. Limits the aggregate quantity of lamb which may be entered (imported) in any calendar year under such Act. Allows such amount to be increased or decreased in relation to an increase or decrease in the domestic production of lamb. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture, within 30 days after the enactment of this Act, to prescribe necessary regulations to convert live lamb into a poundage suitable for purposes of applying the import limitations required under this Act. Requires the Secretary to conduct a study to determine whether a disproportionate quantity of lamb meat is entered quarterly into the United States. Directs the Secretary, by the later of June 1, 1988, or 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, to report the results of such study to the Senate Finance Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1987
Volunteer Protection Act of 1987 - Prescribes circumstances under which volunteers working for nonprofit organizations or government entities shall be immune from personal civil liability. Requires each State to certify to the Secretary of Health and Human Services before the beginning of each fiscal year (commencing with FY 1989) that it has enacted or has in effect a State law which provides such immunity. Requires the Secretary to reduce by one percent the fiscal year allotment which would otherwise be made to such State to carry out the Social Services Block Grant Program under title XX of the Social Security Act if such law is not in effect.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1987
Encourages State and local governments and local educational agencies to provide quality daily physical education programs for all children from kindergarten through grade 12.
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 1987
Amends the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 to permit Rural Electrification Administration borrowers to prepay Federal Financing Bank loans without penalties if: (1) private capital is used to replace such loans; and (2) any savings will be used to avoid future rate increases, passed on to customers, or used to improve the borrower's financial strength.
United States · United States Congress · 31 March 1987
Older Americans Act of 1987 - Amends the Older Americans Act of 1965 to authorize appropriations for FY 1988 through 1992 for the Federal Council on the Aging. Authorizes the Commissioner on Aging to request the technical assistance and cooperation of other agencies and units of the Department of Health and Human Services in administering programs providing grants for State and community programs on aging. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1988 through 1992 for State and community programs on aging which include programs providing nutrition services, supportive services, surplus commodities, or cash payments in lieu of food commodities, to older individuals. Authorizes States to transfer up to 30 percent of their grant amounts for programs on aging between support service and nutrition programs. Adds the National Association of State Units on Aging to the list of organizations with whom the Commissioner is to consult when developing quality and efficiency criteria for State home-delivered meal programs for the aged. Directs the Commissioner to provide funding for research activities which will yield information, within three years of this Act's enactment, concerning the aged and their needs. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1988 through 1991 for: (1) research and discretionary programs concerning the aged and the training of personnel working on behalf of the aged; (2) the older American community service employment program; (3) grants to Indian tribes for the provision of supportive and nutritional services to older Indians; and (4) the older Americans personal health education and training program.
United States · United States Congress · 31 March 1987
Airline Consumer Rights Act of 1987 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to require commercial air carriers engaged in the transportation of passengers in the United States (including foreign air and commuter air carriers) to report to the Secretary on a monthly basis specified information regarding flight delays, cancellations, reroutings, luggage status performance, and "bumped" passengers. Requires the Secretary to make such information available to the public at all public airports in a timely fashion. Directs the Secretary to require that each such air carrier disclose to each passenger at the time of ticket purchase specified information regarding flight cancellations, overbookings, delays, liability for luggage, and food and restroom accommodations on such flight. Directs the Secretary to prohibit air carriers from advertising a fare for any flight at a particular price unless the carrier offers at least one-third of the seats for such flight at the advertised price, or unless the air carrier makes a general disclosure that fewer than one-third of such seats are available at that particular price. Prohibits any air carrier from cancelling a flight for economic reasons unless reasonable efforts are made to notify each passenger and to make similar service available within a reasonable time. Establishes a civil penalty for violations of regulations under this Act. Directs the Secretary to establish a 24-hour toll-free consumer hotline and to prominently publicize such hotline's availability at airports.
United States · United States Congress · 27 March 1987
Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to authorize the Secretary of Transportation to enter into contracts with air carriers for the provision of essential air service to small communities. Prescribes guidelines for such contracts. Authorizes appropriations. States that this Act shall terminate upon the expiration of the ten-year period following the date of its enactment.
United States · United States Congress · 25 March 1987
Future Teacher Training Corps Act - Amends title V (Teacher Corps and Teacher Training Programs) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to establish a new program of Future Teacher Training Corps Fellowships. Directs the Secretary of Education to allot program grant funds to each State on the basis of school-age population. Directs State Governors to appoint Selection Review Panels to select fellowship recipients. Requires that recipients be interested in teaching careers and to agree to teach in areas of the State where there is a shortage of elementary or secondary school teachers or in fields of study where there is a shortage of such teachers. Sets forth guidelines for selection procedures. Sets forth program grant application requirements for States. Limits each such fellowship to not more than: (1) $5,000 for each year of graduate education in preparation to become an elementary or secondary school teacher; and (2) two years of such graduate education. Sets forth fellowship conditions. Requires fellowship repayment in cases of noncompliance with fellowship agreements, with specified exceptions. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1988 through 1991 to carry out this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to award up to 5,000 fellowships during each of those fiscal years.
United States · United States Congress · 25 March 1987
Nuclear Waste Transportation Prohibition Through Urbanized Areas Act of 1987 - Prohibits the transportation of high level radioactive waste or spent nuclear fuel by or for the Department of Energy to any temporary or permanent storage facility operated by or for such Department through an area designated as an urbanized area if the affected local government can identify a safer route.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1987
Amends Federal law regarding railroad lines operation and construction to direct the Interstate Commerce Commission to send a copy of a rail carrier's construction, acquisition, or operations applications (including all relevant agreements between the parties concerned) to the chief executive officer of each State (including the regulatory agencies designated by such officer) affected by such application. Grants such State officer (or designated agency) a specified time within which to submit a written protest regarding the application. Directs the Commission, upon receipt of a protest, to review the proposed transaction within a specified period to determine whether an exemption from statutory review is appropriate. Requires the Commission to determine whether the public convenience and necessity require or permit the proposed transaction if the Commission finds that such transaction does not fall under the review exemption.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1987
Amends the Tax Reform Act of 1986 to provide that the required study of the source rules for sales of inventory shall be conducted by the Secretary of the Treasury in conjunction with the Secretary of Commerce and the United States Special Trade Representative or their delegates. (Present law requires that such study be performed solely by the Secretary of the Treasury.) Extends from September 30, 1987, to September 30, 1988, the date by which such study must be submitted to specified Committees of the Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1987
National Ambient Air Quality Amendments Act of 1987 - Amends the Clean Air Act to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to propose national primary ambient air quality standards for sulfur dioxide and for nitrogen dioxide concentrations over a period of not more than one hour unless such standard is determined not necessary to protect public health. Establishes standards for 1990 and after should the Administrator fail to act. Requires the Administrator to propose a revised national primary ambient air quality standard for ozone concentrations over a one-hour period, unless found unnecessary to protect human health. Establishes a standard for July 1, 1991, and after should the Administrator fail to act. Directs the Administrator to propose a national primary ambient air quality standard for acid aerosols and their precursors, unless it is determined that such a standard is unnecessary to protect human health. Requires that the standard be promulgated or the determination made by 1992. Requires the Administrator to propose a national secondary ambient air quality standard for ozone concentrations unless it is determined that such standard is unnecessary to protect natural resources or other elements of the public welfare. Requires that the standard be promulgated or the determination made by 1992. Requires that such standard be different from the primary one absent a determination that the primary standard will protect the public welfare. Directs the Administrator to propose a national secondary ambient air quality standard for fine particulates, unless it is determined that such standard is unnecessary to protect natural resources or other elements of the public welfare. Requires that the standard be promulgated or the determination made by 1992. Requires States to conduct separate public hearings on the implementation of national secondary ambient air quality standards. Requires the implementation of secondary standards for ozone or fine particles to be attained within three years of an approved State plan. Permits extensions as specified. Requires State implementation plans for national primary ambient air quality standards to prohibit emissions from stationary sources which contribute to atmospheric concentrations or loadings of pollutants or transformation products which could reasonably be expected to have an adverse effect on the public health, welfare, or environment of another State or country. Requires the Administrator to promulgate implementing regulations by 1989.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1987
Health-protective Ambient Standard Act - Amends the Clean Air Act to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to publish revised air quality criteria for photochemical oxidants (ozone), sulfur dioxide, and particulates. Requires the Administrator to promulgate national primary ambient air quality standards for such substances as specified, including a one hour standard for sulfur dioxide.
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