United States · United States Congress · 14 October 1987
Congratulates Costa Rican President Oscar Arias Sanchez on being awarded the 1987 Nobel Peace Prize. Recognizes the signing of the August 7 Guatemala peace accord as an historic achievement and an opportunity for the Presidents of Central America to work together towards peace. Urges the parties to the accord to implement all of its provisions in good faith, and pledges the Congress' support and full cooperation with respect to such implementation.
United States · United States Congress · 8 October 1987
Omnibus Taxpayers' Bill of Rights Act - Requires the Secretary of the Treasury (Secretary) to prepare a statement setting forth in nontechnical terms: (1) the rights and obligations of a taxpayer and of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) during a tax audit; (2) the procedures by which a taxpayer may appeal adverse decisions, prosecute refund claims, and file complaints; and (3) the procedures that the IRS may use in enforcing revenue laws. Directs the Secretary to transmit drafts of such statement to specified congressional committees and to distribute the final statement to all taxpayers receiving annual tax filing forms from the IRS. Requires the IRS, upon taxpayer request, to conduct any interview regarding the determination or collection of any tax at a reasonable time and place convenient to the taxpayer and to the IRS, and to permit the taxpayer, at his or her own expense, to record the interview. Authorizes the IRS interviewer to record such interview if the taxpayer has been given prior notice and is provided, upon request and payment of reproduction costs, with a transcript of the recording. Requires the interviewer to explain to the taxpayer the audit process, including the taxpayer's rights with respect to the process. Requires the Secretary to abate any penalty or interest imposed on any deficiency attributable to erroneous advice in writing given to a taxpayer by an IRS officer or employee in response to such taxpayer's specific inquiry. Authorizes the IRS Ombudsman, upon application filed by a taxpayer, to issue a Taxpayer Assistance Order if, in the determination of the Ombudsman: (1) the taxpayer is suffering or is about to suffer from an unusual or irreparable loss as a result of the manner in which the internal revenue laws are being administered by the Secretary; and (2) the Secretary has failed to carry out any of his or her duties or has violated any provision of law. Allows the terms of a Taxpayer Assistance Order to require the Secretary to release property of the taxpayer levied upon or to cease or refrain from certain actions. Requires the Secretary to obey any Taxpayer Assistance Order issued by the Ombudsman. Directs the Secretary, within 90 days of this Act's enactment, to issue regulations with respect to Taxpayer Assistance Orders, including provisions to assure full, fair, and impartial due process for affected taxpayers. Amends the Inspector General Act of 1978 and other Federal law to establish within the Department of the Treasury an Office of Inspector General. Transfers to such Office the existing audit and investigation units of the Department. Sets forth criteria with respect to: (1) the authority of the Inspector General to conduct an investigation; and (2) the authority of the Secretary in cases of audits or investigations requiring access to information of a sensitive or confidential nature. Allows the Secretary to prohibit investigations under specified circumstances. Restricts disclosure by the Inspector General of tax returns and return information. Prohibits records of tax enforcement results from being used to evaluate certain IRS personnel or to impose or suggest production quotas. Requires district directors to certify compliance with this mandate on a monthly basis. Requires the Secretary to certify that a rule proposed by the IRS is substantially the only alternative that meets the mandate of the relevant statute in order for the rule to be considered an interpretative rule (and thereby not subject to analyses under the Regulatory Flexibility Act). Amends the Regulatory Flexibility Act to require regulatory flexibility analyses to include consideration of both the direct and indirect beneficial and negative effects of a proposed or final rule. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to direct the Secretary, with limited exceptions, to send a preliminary letter of deficiency to a taxpayer prior to the mailing of a deficiency notice. Specifies required contents for tax due notices and deficiency notices, including the basis of the deficiency and a breakdown of the total amount into tax, interest, and penalty. Directs the Secretary, within 90 days of this Act's enactment, to issue regulations requiring all IRS personnel to explain and support their position in assessing any penalties or additions to tax. Requires the Comptroller General to study IRS procedures with respect to such assessments and to present findings to specified congressional committees no later than December 31, 1988. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into a binding agreement with a taxpayer under which the taxpayer may pay tax liability in installments if the Secretary determines that such an agreement will facilitate collection of the liability. Permits the Secretary, after proper notice and a hearing, to modify or annul the agreement upon the finding that the financial condition of the affected taxpayer has significantly changed. Renders such an agreement nonbinding if the taxpayer fails to pay any installment or any other tax liability when due. Extends from ten to 30 days the period between the required notice to a person who neglects or refuses to pay tax liability and a levy on such person's salary, wages, or other property. Specifies information that must be incorporated in such notice, including possible alternative actions and the appropriate appeals procedures. Adds to the circumstances triggering termination of such a levy: (1) an agreement between the taxpayer and the Secretary for payment of the liability; and (2) the Secretary's determination that the taxpayer's financial condition precludes enforceability of the liability. Revises the list of property exempt from levy to: (1) increase the exempt amount permitted for certain personal effects, the property of a business, and wages; (2) add an exemption for certain deposits in qualified institutions; and (3) provide an express exemption, except under limited circumstances specified in this Act, for the taxpayer's principal residence, a motor vehicle used by the taxpayer as the primary means of transportation to work, and any tangible personal property essential to the operation of the taxpayer's business in cases when a levy would prevent the taxpayer from carrrying on such business. Prohibits a levy on any property when levy and sales expenses would exceed either the liability for which the levy is made or the fair market value of the levied property. Permits the Secretary to demand surrender of bank accounts only after 21 days in escrow have passed since service of the notice of levy on the accounts. Sets forth situations in which the Secretary must release a levy. Applies to jeopardy levies the administrative and judicial review procedures currently applicable to jeopardy assessments. Permits a taxpayer to bring a civil action against the United States in the Tax Court for judicial review of jeopardy levies and assessments. (Under current law an action for judicial review of jeopardy assessments may be filed only in district court.) Increases the time during which a taxpayer may petition for such review. Describes the jurisdictional requirements to be applied to such actions. Allows an administrative appeal of tax liens. Grants to the Tax Court exclusive jurisdiction to enjoin premature assessments if the taxpayer has filed a timely petition for review. Provides for review of such injunctive orders by the U.S. Court of Appeals. Grants to the Tax Court jurisdiction to enforce payment by the Secretary of refunds of overpayment and interest to taxpayers. Places on the Secretary the burden of proof of justifying any failure to refund, credit, or offset relevant amounts with respect to a taxpayer. Entitles a prevailing taxpayer to: (1) an interest rate of 120 percent of the overpayment rate with respect to refunds; and (2) reasonable litigation costs. Grants to the Tax Court jurisdiction to: (1) review jeopardy assessment sales of assets; and (2) redetermine interest under certain circumstances when a taxpayer claims an overpayment of the interest. Vests in the Tax Court original jurisdiction over any civil action against the Secretary for the recovery of any tax, additions to tax, and penalties with respect to income, estate, gift, and certain excise taxes. Authorizes an award of reasonable litigation costs to the prevailing party in proceedings by taxpayers before the Internal Revenue Service. Permits a taxpayer to bring a civil action in district court for actual damages resulting from the failure of any Federal officer or employee to release a tax lien on the taxpayer's property. Permits a civil cause of action in district court for damages resulting from the careless, reckless, or intentional disregard of internal revenue laws by any Federal officer or employee. Denies damage awards in cases of contributory negligence. Authorizes a damage award, to a $10,000 maximum, to the United States in cases of frivolous or groundless claims by a taxpayer. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to prescribe criminal penalties for: (1) any investigation or surveillance authorized or conducted by an officer or employee of the United States in connection with Federal tax laws that inquires into the beliefs, associations, or activities of any individual or organization; or (2) the maintenance of any records containing information derived from such an investigation. Establishes in the Internal Revenue Service the Office for Taxpayers Services, under the supervision of an Assistant Commissioner of Internal Revenue. Directs this Assistant Commissioner to: (1) be responsible for telephone, walk-in, and educational services, and for the design and production of tax and information forms; and (2) prepare annually, for presentation to specified congressional committees, a joint report (with the Chief Problem Resolution Officer for the IRS) on the quality of taxpayer services.
United States · United States Congress · 7 October 1987
An Act to Reduce Fires Caused by Cigarettes - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to issue by rule a fire safety standard for cigarettes. Prohibits stockpiling of cigarettes between the issuing and effective dates of the standard. Provides for judicial review of the rule. Prohibits the manufacturing or importing of a cigarette unless the cigarette is in compliance with a standard issued under provisions of this Act. Declares violation of the prohibition to be a violation of provisions of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. States that this Act does not preempt any law of a State which prescribes a more stringent fire safety standard for cigarettes. Prohibits, in any civil action for damages, admitting compliance with the standard as a defense.
United States · United States Congress · 2 October 1987
Establishes the Commission on the Effects of Deregulation on Air Travel to study and make recommendations concerning the impact of a deregulated airline industry on the Federal Government's goal of promoting development of an air transportation industry that provides quality service to all regions of the country. Requires study in particular of the effectiveness of the essential air service program and rural service alternatives. Requires the Commission to submit a detailed final report to the Congress and the President. Terminates the Commission following its submission of such report. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1987
United States Coinage Reform Act of 1987 - Requires that one dollar coins be gold colored, be at least 90 percent copper, and be fabricated in the United States from natural deposits located in the United States. Redesigns the obverse side of the dollar coin to symbolize the 500th anniversary of the discovery of the New World by Christopher Columbus. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to place such coins into circulation within 18 months. Directs the Secretary to conduct a study and report to the Congress on the advisability of phasing out production of the one-cent and 50-cent coins and of rounding cash sales to the nearest five cents.
United States · United States Congress · 30 September 1987
Increases authorized appropriations to provide for completion of the Colorado River Storage Project, which provides water and power to the States of Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming.
United States · United States Congress · 30 September 1987
Youth Employment Services Act of 1987 - Amends the Job Training Partnership Act to establish a demonstration program for employment opportunities for severely disadvantaged youth. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to carry out such programs with specified funds. Defines an eligible severely disadvantaged youth as one who: (1) is between 16 and 20 years old; (2) is economically disadvantaged; (3) has dropped out of elementary or secondary school, or has received a secondary school degree but has both reading and mathematics skills below the eighth grade level; (4) has not participated in an education or training program in the nine months preceding the month in which he or she enrolls in the program under this Act; and (5) has less than 150 hours work experience in a specified nine-month period. Requires program grant applicants to form eligible partnerships, which shall include a public agency or private nonprofit organization and a business concern or association. Allows program funds to be used for: (1) individual assessment; (2) intensive basic skills training combined with vocational training and/or work experience; (3) support services; (4) job development and placement services; (5) a monitoring period after program completion, with support services to assist in retaining employment or advancing toward an educational degree; and (6) other appropriate services to further job placement. Sets forth provisions relating to the allocation and number of demonstration grants. Set forth program agreement requirements. Sets forth provisions for program payments and the Federal share of program costs. Directs the Secretary to evaluate services provided by eligible partnerships funded under this Act. Directs the Secretary to report to the Congress on such evaluation. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1988 through 1990 to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 1987
National American Indian Museum and Memorial Act - Title I: Establishes within the Smithsonian Institution a memorial to the American Indian people to be known as the National Museum of the American Indian, Heye Foundation, to provide for the study, research, collection, and exhibition of aboriginal Americans and their culture. Designates a specified area in the District of Columbia as the site of the Museum. Authorizes the Smithsonian to accept the transfer of all assets of the Museum of the American Indian, Heye Foundation, in New York City. Provides for the construction of a building for the Museum at the District of Columbia site, a Museum Support Center in Suitland, Maryland, and a permanent exhibition facility in New York City. Provides that the Heye Foundation's collection will not be merged with the Smithsonian's collection. Provides that the proceeds from the sale of property acquired through the transfer of the Foundation's assets will be maintained for the exclusive benefit of the Museum. Establishes the Trustees of the National Museum of the American Indian, Heye Foundation, to assist the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian on matters relating to the Museum. Grants the Trustees sole authority to: (1) dispose of and acquire additional Museum property; and (2) determine the policy for displaying artifacts. Requires the Trustees to submit annual reports to the Board of Regents and the Congress. Requires the Foundation's employees serving at the time of the transfer to be offered employment by the Smithsonian. Pledges that the United States will provide the funds needed to maintain and operate the Museum. Authorizes appropriations. Title II: Establishes a memorial within the Museum to commemorate the contributions of Indians and Alaska Natives to the United States and to house certain skeletal remains. Expresses the intent of the Congress that the memorial and Museum be completed within five years of the enactment of this Act. Requires the Secretary of the Smithsonian to determine the tribal origin of all skeletal remains of Indians and Alaska Natives under the control of the Smithsonian. Requires the Secretary to inter in the memorial all skeletal remains of Indians and Alaska Natives covered by a written statement to the Congress certifying that such remains: (1) have not been identified as being associated with a specific Indian tribe or group of Alaska Natives; or (2) have been identified as being associated with a specific Indian tribe or group of Alaska Natives which requests the interment of such remains in the memorial; and (3) are not likely to be the subject of any Indian claim or dispute. Requires the Museum to establish a Board of Design for the memorial, the majority of whose members shall be of American Indian or Alaska Native ancestry. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 1987
(Reported jointly to Sen. from the Sel. Comm. on Indian Affairs; and Rules & Admin., amended, S.Rept.100-494) American Indian Regional Museum Act of 1987 - Authorizes the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution, at such time as the United States acquires the Museum of the American Indian, to establish as part of such Museum permanent regional exhibition facilities in various geographic regions of the United States. Directs that each facility provide exhibit space and serve as an educational center, highlighting the historic, artistic, and cultural achievements of the Indian people of the region. Requires each facility to sponsor and coordinate a variety of traveling representative exhibits to schools and local communities in each region. Directs the Board to appoint an Advisory Council within each region to work with the Institution to establish museum policy, to oversee museum curation and acquisitions, and to provide technical assistance for the regional facility. Grants preference to American Indians and Alaskan Natives for membership on such Councils. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 1987
Amends part A (General Provisions) of title XI of the Social Security Act to establish a National Commission on Children which is to serve as a forum on behalf of children and report to the Congress and the President by September 30, 1988, regarding questions relating to: (1) the health of children; (2) social and support services for children and their parents; (3) education; and (4) poverty among children.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 1987
Indian Art and Culture Institute Transition Act - Amends the Higher Education Amendments of 1986 to require the Secretary of the Interior to provide technical and support assistance to the Institute of American Indian and Alaska Native Culture and Art Development (Institute) until October 1, 1989 (currently October 1, 1988), unless the Institute's Board of Trustees provides otherwise. Requires that the transfers of functions of the Institute of American Indian Arts to the Institute be completed by June 1, 1988. Continues the Secretary's control of the Institute until the earlier of: (1) June 1, 1988; or (2) a date agreed to be the Board and the Secretary. Requires the Secretary to enter into a contract with the University of New Mexico which shall: (1) include all administrative systems which are customary for a national art institute; (2) require the University to provide technical assistance to the Institute and establish an advisory council that makes recommendations on the operation of the contract; (3) allow the University to fulfill its obligations through subcontracts; (4) provide for the expiration of the contract within six months, but allow an extension; and (5) provide for any materials the University furnishes to become the Institute's property. Requires the advisory council to consist of: (1) a delegate of the executive director of the National Congress of American Indians; (2) a delegate of the president of the American Indian Higher Education Consortium; and (3) at least five individuals knowledgeable about Indian arts and culture, a majority of whom shall be Indians.
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 1987
Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act Amendments of 1987 - Title I: Administrative Provisions - Amends the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act to require the Secretary (hereinafter refers to the Secretary of Health and Human Services, the Secretary of the Interior, or both, as appropriate) to prescribe the records recipients of Federal financial assistance must keep by promulgating regulations under the Administrative Procedure Act. Provides that multi-year contract recipients of such assistance must keep quarterly financial statements, an annual specified single-agency audit, and a brief annual program report. Title II: Indian Self-Determination Act Amendments - Directs the Secretary, upon the request of any Indian tribe or tribal organization (currently, Indian tribe) to enter into a self-determination contract (currently, contract) with such Indian tribe or tribal organization, for: (1) the transfer of certain hospitals and health services; (2) construction programs administered by the Secretary for which appropriations are made to agencies other than the Department of Health and Human Services or the Department of the Interior; and (3) any program for the benefit of Indians without regard to the agency of the Department of Health and Human Services or the Department of the Interior within which it is performed. Requires the Secretary, within 90 days after receiving a proposal for a self-determination contract, to approve it (currently, may initially decline to enter into a contract) unless he makes specified findings. Entitles Indian tribes and tribal organizations to contract for any program or function operated by the Federal Government. Authorizes the Secretary, upon the request of an Indian tribe or tribal organization, to consolidate two or more mature self-determination contracts into one contract. Requires the Secretary, when he declines to enter into a self-determination contract, to provide assistance (currently, provide to the extent practicable) to the Indian tribe or tribal organization. Exempts liability for interest prior to judgment or for punitive damages from the requirement that a carrier which provides liability insurance to an Indian tribe or tribal organization must waive its right to raise the tribe's sovereign immunity from suit as a defense. Provides that a tribal organization or Indian contractor carrying out a contract, grant agreement, or cooperative agreement regarding claims for personal injury resulting from the performance of medical, surgical, dental, or related functions is deemed to be part of the Public Health Service with respect to claims for personal injury. Repeals the authority of the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make contracts with tribal organizations for hospital and health facility functions. Directs the Secretary, upon the request of any Indian tribe or tribal organization, to provide technical assistance on a non-reimbursable basis to: (1) develop new self-determination contracts authorized by this Act; (2) provide for the assumption by such Indian tribe or tribal organization of contracts for certain health, education, and welfare programs; and (3) modify proposals for self-determination contracts which the Secretary has declined to approve. Exempts self-determination contracts from the provisions of the Office of Federal Procurement Policy Act. Makes permanent the provision of Federal law which permits Federal employees who transfer to tribal employment to retain civil service benefits. Extends the length of self-determination contracts to three years (currently, one year) for a new contract and five years (currently, three years) for a mature contract, unless the appropriate Secretary determines that a longer term would be advisable. Requires that a request for retrocession of a contract requested by an Indian tribe or tribal organization shall become effective within one year (currently, 120 days). Authorizes the appropriate Secretary, in connection with self-determination contracts, to: (1) donate to an Indian tribe or tribal organization the title to any personal property exceeding the needs of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Indian Health Service or the General Services Administration, including purchases made with funds under self-determination contracts; and (2) acquire excess or surplus Government property for donation to an Indian tribe. Repeals a restriction on the minimum amount of self-determination contracts. Provides that the funds for self-determination contracts shall: (1) include all costs incurred by an Indian tribe or tribal organization in connection with such contract; (2) not be reduced to make base funding available for any new self-determination contract; (3) not be less than the appropriate Secretary would have otherwise provided for direct operation of the programs; (4) not be reduced by the Secretary in subsequent years except by a reduction in congressional appropriations; and (5) not be reduced by the Secretary to pay for Federal functions or for the costs of Federal personnel displaced by a self-determination contract. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Secretary of the Interior to report annually to the Senate Select Committee on Indian Affairs, the House Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs, and the Senate and House Appropriations Committees on the implementation of this Act. Prevents Indian tribes and tribal organizations from being held liable for uncollectable indirect costs from Federal agencies, except for the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Indian Health Service. Prohibits Indian tribes and tribal organizations from being held liable for amounts of indebtedness attributable to underrecoveries or overrecoveries of indirect costs. Requires the Secretary to give notice of any disallowance of costs before removing any program from the Indian Priority System. Requires the Secretary to add indirect costs to the amount of funds provided for direct costs for self-determination contracts for the first year and for each subsequent year that the program remains continuously under contract. Gives to the Federal district courts, concurrent with the United States Claims Court, original jurisdiction over any civil action or claim against the appropriate Secretary arising under this Act. Prohibits unilateral modification of self-determination contracts by the United States and sets forth provisions relating to such modifications. Applies the Equal Access to Justice Act to administrative appeals by Indian tribes and tribal organizations regarding self-determination contracts. Applies the Contract Disputes Act to such contracts.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 1987
Coronado National Trail Study Act of 1987 - Amends the National Trails System Act to provide for a study of the Coronado Trail, the route taken by the Spanish explorer through Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas, for inclusion in such System.
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 1987
Medicaid Home and Community Quality Services Act of 1987 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require States to provide Medicaid coverage of community and family support services for severely disabled individuals who became disabled before age 22 and are living in a family home, foster family home, or community living facility. Requires that such services be provided in accordance with a written habilitation plan developed by an interdisciplinary team on the basis of a comprehensive assessment of the individual's strengths and the services and support necessary to: (1) enable such individual to attain or retain capabilities for independence or self-care; (2) promote interaction between disabled and nondisabled individuals within the community; and (3) enable disabled individuals who are over age 18 to engage in paid employment. Increases the age at which newly disabled individuals will be eligible for this Act's coverage so that eventually individuals who become disabled between age 22 and 50 will be covered. Lists the services which may comprise community and family support services, requiring that such services include at a minimum: (1) case management services; (2) individual and family support services; (3) specialized vocational services; and (4) protective intervention services. Excludes from such services: (1) room and board, other than room and board provided for less than six consecutive weeks and less than 12 weeks per year; (2) cash payments as a service; (3) aversive behavior intervention, management, or therapies; (4) services provided to a disabled individual living in a hospital, or skilled nursing or intermediate care facility; (5) educational services which the State makes generally available to its residents without cost and without regard to their income; and (6) services for which payment is made under title XVIII (Medicare), or part A (Aid to Families with Dependent Children) or B (Child Welfare Services) of title IV of the Act. Requires each State to make certain assurances regarding their provision of community and family support services and submit an implementation strategy to the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Requires that such implementation strategies: (1) describe the extent and scope of community and family support services provided to the severely disabled and the extent and scope of services provided to the severely disabled who are institutionalized; (2) set forth the objectives and a five-year strategy for expanding community and family support services for the severely disabled; (3) include certain procedures for transferring severely disabled, institutionalized individuals to family homes, foster family homes, or community living facilities; (4) set forth standards for the provision of community and family support services and a program for licensing and certifying all facilities and programs providing such services; (5) provide for assessments of the provision and affect of community and family support services and the correction of service deficiencies; (6) provide the public with an adequate opportunity to comment on the strategies; (7) set forth methods ensuring that the personnel providing community and family support services receive adequate training and are competent to provide such services; (8) provide that the State has in effect a management information system capable of collecting, storing, and retrieving data on the severely disabled who receive community and family support services; (9) provide an opportunity for an appeal and hearing before a hearing officer to individuals who believe themselves to be inappropriately served or denied an appropriate service, or who are being scheduled for an involuntary transfer from one living arrangement to another; (10) describe the methods to be used in administering community and family support services; and (11) set forth procedures to protect the interests of public employees who will be affected by the transfer of the severely disabled from public institutions. Allows States to provide any new community and family support service for up to three years without meeting the Medicaid requirements that it provide a service on a statewide basis and that the service be comparable in all parts of the State. Requires that intermediate care facility services for the mentally retarded include the ascertainment of the individual needs of each newly admitted individual by an interdisciplinary team within 30 days and the development of a written habilitation plan for each individual. Limits Medicaid payments to States for skilled nursing and intermediate care facility services furnished to individuals under age 65 who became disabled before age 22 to the amount payable for such services in the fiscal year ending after the enactment of this Act, increased if and by the extent to which the percentage increase in the consumer price index exceeds six percent. Makes such limitation inapplicable to facilities which have less than 16 beds or meet the size and location requirements for a community living facility. Requires States to have in effect a system to protect and advocate those rights of the severely disabled who are eligible for medical assistance which relate to the provision of such assistance. Provides Federal Medicaid matching funds for such system. Gives individuals who are adversely affected by a violation of this Act's requirements the right to bring an action to enjoin such violation. Allows States to set payment rates for community and family support services for the severely disabled. Authorizes States to treat severely disabled individuals under age 19 who are not in a medical institution as receiving benefits under title XVI (Supplemental Security Income) (SSI) of the Act for Medicaid eligibility purposes if they would be eligible for SSI benefits if institutionalized. Requires States to establish a uniform income standard for the severely disabled regardless of whether or not they are in a medical institution. Authorizes States to provide Medicaid coverage of disabled spouses and children who, except for the resources deemed to them, would be eligible for SSI benefits. Removes certain limitations on the Secretary's approval of reduction and correction plans for deficient intermediate care facilities for the mentally retarded. Makes individuals who are severely disabled and receiving or deemed to be receiving SSI benefits eligible for Medicaid as long as such qualifications continue to be satisfied. Directs the Secretary to establish, within the Health Care Financing Administration, a Bureau of Developmental Disabilities Services responsible for administering Medicaid programs for the severely disabled. Requires the Secretary to: (1) develop standards and a program for training Federal and State personnel who perform surveys of skilled nursing and intermediate care facilities to determine whether such facilities meet Medicaid participation requirements; and (2) periodically conduct studies of the reliability of such surveys and make the changes necessary to improve such reliability. Directs the Secretary to support the development of: (1) instruments to assess outcomes in the provision of this Act's services; and (2) competency-based personnel standards for agencies and organizations providing services to the severely disabled pursuant to this Act. Requires the Secretary to: (1) conduct an annual assessment of each State's compliance with this Act's requirements; and (2) issue final regulations regarding this Act's amendments prior to the first fiscal year beginning after this Act's enactment. Sets forth reporting requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 7 August 1987
Farm Credit Act of 1987 - Title I: Farm Credit Revolving Fund; Franchise Taxes; Purchase of Stock - Amends the Farm Credit Act of 1971 to repeal provisions governing: (1) the central reserve maintained by the Farm Credit Administration (FCA) for the Farm Credit System (FCS); (2) mergers of similar FCS banks; (3) the authority of the Secretary to purchase obligations issued by the Farm Credit System Capital Corporation (Capital Corporation); (4) the initial capitalization of the Capital Corporation; (5) the tax status of obligations issued jointly by the Capital Corporation and FCS banks; and (6) certain limitations on sales by FCS institutions of tracts of real estate. Directs the FCA to purchase stock to: (1) prevent impairment of FCS institution stock; (2) restore any impairment to such stock; or (3) provide collateral for obligations issued by an FCS bank to finance its lending operations. Identifies the resulting resource as the Farm Credit Revolving Fund. Requires the FCA, beginning in 1993, to mandate the retirement of such stock when the need for Government-owned stock is reduced or nonexistent. Mandates the availability of revolving fund monies to purchase obligations of the Farm Credit Banks Insurance Corporation and to make loans to the Loan Restructuring Corporation. Directs the FCA to make payments to holders of certain FCS associations placed in liquidation to ensure that they receive par value for the stock. Empowers the FCA, through the FCA Board, to make and issue non interest-bearing notes to the Secretary of the Treasury (Secretary) to obtain funds for the revolving fund as necessary to permit the FCA to carry out required stock purchases, as well as loan and payment obligations. Requires the Secretary to purchase these notes, up to a maximum total of $6,000,000,000. Prohibits the issue of obligations to obtain funds to purchase stock of FCS institutions after 1992. Imposes a franchise tax, earmarked for the revolving fund, on each FCS bank and production credit association. Forgives such tax to the extent it would result in an impairment of the institution's stock. Imposes an additional franchise tax, effective in 1993, on FCS banks or associations in which the FCA holds stock. Reduces this tax to the extent of any amount the institution either paid to the United States for the retirement of any of its FCA-held stock or contributed to another FCS bank or association to permit it to retire FCA-held stock. Directs the FCA, after notice and an opportunity for a hearing, to suspend the charter of any institution that fails to comply with franchise tax obligations. Permits the issuance of nonvoting Federal land bank stock to the FCA for this Act's purposes. Prohibits: (1) the payment of dividends on such FCA-held stock; and (2) patronage refunds in a year during which the FCA holds stock in the land bank. Applies corresponding prohibitions to Federal land bank associations. Fixes minimum funding requirements for reserves maintained by Federal land banks and Federal land bank associations. Establishes obligation contribution percentages with respect to these reserves. Grants to the FCA the first lien on stock and participation certificates it holds in Federal land banks and land bank associations. Permits the issuance of nonvoting Federal intermediate credit bank stock to the FCA for this Act's purposes. Prohibits: (1) the payment of dividends, unless authorized by the FCA Board, in any year when the FCA holds stock in the bank; and (2) the retirement of stock or of participation certificates if the FCA holds stock in the bank. Establishes a framework and procedures to govern: (1) the annual application of the net earnings of an intermediate credit bank in which the FCA holds stock; and (2) the absorption of its net losses. Includes provisions for the establishment of a reserve account. Exempts allocations to such an account from Federal income taxes. Prohibits a Federal intermediate credit bank from paying patronage refunds in a year when the FCA holds stock in the bank. Grants priority to FCA-owner stock (after liabilities are paid) for purposes of distribution of assets on liquidation. Permits the issuance to the FCA of nonvoting stock of a production credit association (PCA) for this Act's purposes. Prohibits: (1) the payment of dividends (other than preferred stock) in any year when the FCA holds stock in the PCA; and (2) patronage refunds in a year during which the FCA holds stock in the PCA. Grants to the FCA the first lien on stock and participation certificates it holds in a PCA. Grants a limited tax exemption to PCAs and their property, funds, and income. Permits the issuance to the FCA of nonvoting stock of banks for cooperatives for this Act's purposes. Grants to the FCA first lien on stock it holds in the bank. Establishes a framework and procedures to govern the annual application of the net earnings of a bank for cooperatives in which the FCA holds stock. Includes provision for the creation of a surplus account. Grants a limited tax exemption to banks for cooperatives, their property, funds, and income Empowers the FCA expressly to invest in the stock of FCS banks and associations out of the pertinent revolving fund and to require the stocks' retirement. Title II: Loan Restructuring - Amends the Farm Credit Act of 1971 to repeal the December 31, 1987, sunset review of the Farm Credit System Capital Corporation. Changes the name of the Capital Corporation to the Loan Restructuring Corporation (LRC). Requires the FCA board to revoke the charter of the LRC on December 31, 1990, unless it unanimously adopts a one-year extension. Directs the LRC to: (1) hold, restructure, collect, sell, and otherwise administer nonperforming assets participated in or acquired from other FCS institutions; and (2) provide technical assistance to FCS institutions in connection with borrower loan restructing activities. Provides for an LRC Board of Directors. Transfers generally the corporate powers of the Capital Corporation to the LRC. Adds the power to: (1) carry out a loan restructuring program; and (2) grant forbearance on, restructure, or liquidate any loan participated in or acquired from an FCS institution. Repeals a number of powers relating to the issuance and sale of obligations, the administration of financial assistance, the purchase of nonaccrual loans and assets, and the purchase of certain assets from associations undergoing liquidation. Rescinds any required Capital Corporation purchase or assessment taken between July 31, 1986, and the date of this Act's enactment. Orders a refund of such funds, as well as contributions under loss-sharing agreements, to contributor institutions. Requires the LRC and each farm credit district to have in place within 60 days of this Act's enactment a policy that includes: (1) a case-by-case review of nonaccrual loans to determine whether they should be considered for forbearance, restructuring, or liquidation; and (2) a case-by-case review of all high-risk loans to determine appropriate measures to prevent them from becoming nonaccrual loans. Describes required policy contents, including mandatory provisions indicating that forbearance will be granted to the maximum extent possible to avoid losses to the institution, and that restructuring will be effected in ways that would enable borrower repayments without impairing the borrower's standard of living if specified conditions are met. Requires each farm credit district board to establish a Special Credit Team to help the district's banks and associations in dealing with nonaccrual and high-risk loans. Mandates that each district plan establish an appeals procedure with respect to loans determined to be ineligible for restructuring. Describes criteria to be met by the appeal process. Prohibits an FCS institution from requiring a borrower to provide additional collateral or from foreclosing certain loans as a result of the borrower's failure to do so. Permits a borrower, upon application, to retain possession and occupancy of qualified homestead property for between three and five years, in certain cases of foreclosure, bankruptcy, or involuntary liquidation. Describes the eligibility requirements to be met by affected borrowers. Grants to the borrower the right of first refusal with respect to the homestead property at the end of the prescribed occupancy period. Makes homestead provisions inapplicable in cases when appraisal indicates that the value of the acquired real estate prior to the separation of the homestead would exceed the sum of the values of each component property. Prohibits an FCS institution from: (1) selling any agricultural land acquired as a result of loan foreclosure, bankruptcy, or voluntary loan liquidation if the sale would have a substantial adverse effect on the agricultural land values in the area where the real estate in question is located; or (2) combining for sale or lease acquired real estate tracts when the size of the resulting tract substantially exceeds that of an average farming or ranching operation in the area where the tracts are located. Requires FCS institutions to subdivide tracts that are larger than the average family farming or ranching operation before offering them for sale or lease. Mandates that: (1) offers to sell or lease property acquired by an FCS institution (other than offers to another FCS institution) be public offers; and (2) the sale or lease of such property be based on competitive bidding. Directs the FCA to issue regulations to govern such bidding, including provisions to ensure: (1) actual notice to the previous owner of the availability of the property; and (2) sale or lease to the highest bidder, subject to the previous owner's right of first refusal. Sets forth similar but distinct provisions to govern leases of property for terms of between five and ten years to family farmers or ranchers. Requires that each of these leases contain an option to buy the property when the lease term expires. Requires persons (beginning in 1990) who enter into installment sales agreements or similar financing arrangements, to purchase FCS acquired property to buy stock or participation certificates in the pertinent institution. Requires each FCS institution holding acquired property on the date of this Act's enactment to sell or lease the property within four years. Applies the same four-year requirement to subsequently acquired property, with the reference date being that on which the institution acquires the property. Transfers the functions and role of the Federal Farm Credit Capital Corporation to the Loan Restructuring Corporation. Lists documents and information that FCS institutions must provide to borrowers, including interest rate data and corporate materials. States that any person who suffers legal wrong or who is aggrieved or adversely affected by the violation in question has the right to sue: (1) an FCS institution for violations of duty, standard, or limitation or of corollary FCA orders; or (2) the FCA for failure to perform duties. Grants jurisdiction in such cases to Federal district courts, without regard to the amount in controversy. Title III: Insurance of Obligations of Farm Credit Banks; Liability of Banks on Obligations - Amends the Farm Credit Act of 1971 to create a Farm Credit Banks Insurance Corporation, under the direction of the FCA Board, having as its duty to insure the notes, bonds, and similar obligations of eligible FCS banks. Enumerates corporate powers. Requires each FCS bank to apply for insurance within 90 days of this Act's enactment. Describes required contents for such applications. Directs the Corporation to reject the application of any bank having unsafe financial policies or management. Prescribes: (1) the extent of insurance to be provided; (2) the assessment of premiums to be paid (not to exceed two-tenths of one percent of the proceeds of the obligation); (3) the establishment of a reserve; (4) procedures for terminating insurance; and (5) actions to be taken against banks that violate duties or engage in unsafe or unsound practices. Mandates that, beginning in 1993, any minimum capital adequacy requirement in connection with the aggregate obligations of a bank or banks be established at a level to reduce, to the extent practicable, the risk of loss to the Corporation. Prohibits a bank from participating in a joint issuance of obligations due and payable after 1992 unless it is insured by the Corporation. Sets forth the order of liability of affected banks with respect to certain consolidated or system-wide obligations issued between January 1, 1988, and December 31, 1992. Title IV: Real Estate Lending; Interest Rates - Amends the Farm Credit Act of 1971 to prohibit Federal land banks from making agricultural real estate mortgage loans to persons who are not bona fide farmers or ranchers, an defined by this Act. Requires each Federal land bank to make available to eligible borrowers long-term real estate mortgage loans having terms of at least 15 years at a fixed interest rate. Caps the permissible interest rate on such loans at two percent above the average interest rate on the bank's obligations of comparable maturities during the preceding 12 months. Provides for differential interest rate programs for loans of Federal land bank association members. Caps the permissible interest rate on all the agricultural loans of a bank at two percent above the average interest rate on obligations issued by the bank during the preceding 12 months. Permits the FCA to authorize a higher interest rate under certain circumstances. Restricts loans to no more than 75 percent of the appraised value to the real estate security (the current general restrictions is 85 percent). Permits an 85 percent limitation in case of young or beginning farmers or ranchers. Sets standards for determining appraised value. Directs each Federal land bank to: (1) require borrower financial statements at least triennially; (2) establish a future payment plan into which participating borrowers could pay amounts to be offset against indebtedness. Caps the permissible interest rate on short- and intermediate-term loans of production credit associations at two percent above their discount rate. Allows a differential interest rate program for member loans only upon stockholder approval. Requires FCA approval for certain loans. Title V: Service Organizations - Amends the Farm Credit Act of 1971 to direct the FCA to revoke the charter issued to the Farm Credit Corporation of America as of FY 1990, unless a majority of the members of the boards of directors of each Federal land bank association, production credit association, farm credit district, and the Central Bank for Cooperatives votes to permit its continuation. Bars from the charter of the Federal Farm Credit Banks Funding Corporation (Funding Corporation) provisions that would permit the Funding Corporation to set policy or otherwise assume responsibilities of other FCS institutions with regard to member-borrower services. Directs the FCA, within 30 days of this Act's enactment, to amend the charter of the Funding Corporation to provide for a board of directors. Requires the Funding Corporation to report annually to each FCS bank and association and to specified congressional committees detailing its bond placements, budget, costs, and expenses. Prohibits the FCA from issuing a charter to any new service corporation unless specifically authorized by an Act of Congress. Title VI: Mergers - Amends the Farm Credit Act of 1971 with respect to mergers of various FCS institutions. Provides for a mandatory 60-day cooling off period before a voluntary merger of FCS associations becomes effective. Requires association seeking voluntary merger: (1) to notify stockholders of the meeting date before any meeting at which they will vote on the merger; and (2) to provide a statement of the advantages and disadvantages associated with the merger. Conditions mergers of similar FCS banks on the unanimous approval of the FCA Board. Shifts from the FCA to the FCA Board the responsibility for assuring nondiscriminatory treatment of associations that disapprove mergers. Directs the FCA to issue regulations to provide for and govern reconsideration by stockholders of voluntary mergers of associations between January 1, 1986, and the date of this Act's enactment. Title VII: Boards of Directors - Amends the Farm Credit Act of 1971 to revise membership provisions with respect to the boards of directors of Federal land bank associations, production credit associations, the Central Bank for Cooperatives, and farm credit districts. Permits outside directors for the first two entities and requires them for the latter two. Establishes procedures by which FCS bank stockholders may establish or abolish a separate board of directors. Sets forth membership requirements applicable to such a board. Title VIII: Amendments to Title V of the Farm Credit Act of 1971; Miscellaneous - Amends the Farm Credit Act of 1971 to limit the annual compensation of a farm credit district director to $15,000. Revises membership provisions applicable to the FCA Board, as well as provisions relating to its internal operation and to the responsibilities of the Chairman. Subjects certain of the Chairman's personnel appointments and the Chairman's establishment of advisory committees to Board approval. Grants to the Board additional powers with regard to bank mergers and the salary scale or rate of compensation of certain FCS institution employees. Empowers the FCA to appoint a farm credit appraiser for each farm credit district. Shifts: (1) from the Chairman of the FCA board to the Board itself various determinations affecting examinations of FCS institutions; and (2) from the FCA to the FCA Board certain decision and appointments in connection with receiverships or conservatorships of FCS institutions. Prohibits any farm credit district board, bank board, or bank officer or employee from removing any director or officer of any production credit association or Federal land bank association. Sets forth provisions with respect to FCA examinations of Federal land bank associations, requiring them at least once every five years. Prohibits FCS institutions from contracting for an independent audit of FCS institutions or certain other financial institutions unless the agreement covers no more than two years and is entered into under competitive bidding procedures. Directs each Federal land bank financing all or part of the stock of a Federal land bank association to charge a loan origination fee, to a maximum of two percent of the loan amount, in connection with loans made by a bank to a borrower. Prohibits the financing of such a fee. Prohibits the requirement of Federal land bank association stock prior to full payment of the loan. Excepts loans in default from this prohibition. Requires that Federal land bank or production credit association loan applications clearly state specified information concerning the amount of stock required to be purchased and its retirement. Title IX: Farmers Home Administration Loan Restructuring - Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to: (1) implement within 60 days of this Act's enactment a policy under which all nonaccrual farm ownership and operating loans held by the Farmers Home Administration (FmHA) and loans made by a Federal or State chartered bank, savings and loan association, or other legally organized lending agency that have been guaranteed by the Secretary are to be reviewed on a case-by-case basis to determine whether they should be considered for forbearance, restructuring, or liquidation; and (2) provide for a case-by-case review of all high-risk loans held by the FmHA to determine appropriate measures to prevent such loans from becoming nonaccrual loans. Authorizes the Secretary to pursue to final connection all loan-related claims against third parties assigned to the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to: (1) grant forbearance on nonaccrual and high-risk loans to the maximum extent possible to avoid FmHA losses; and (2) to restructure loans in ways that would enable borrower repayments without impairing the borrower's standard of living if specified conditions are met. Requires that the Secretary establish an appeals procedure with respect to loans determined to be ineligible for restructuring. Describes criteria to be met by the appeal process. Prohibits the Secretary from requiring any borrower to provide additional collateral or from foreclosing certain loans as a result of the borrower's failure to do so. Permits a borrower, upon application, to retain possession and occupancy of qualified homestead property for between three and five years in certain cases of foreclosure, bankruptcy, or involuntary liquidation. Describes the eligibility requirements to be met by affected borrowers. Grants to the borrower the right of first refusal with respect to the homestead property at the end of the prescribed occupancy period. Directs the Secretary to permit a borrower to redeem real property acquired through legal process during the year following the date of judgment or the period prescribed under State law, whichever is longer. Applies State law to the redemption process. Fixes priorities as to borrower preference for redemption purchases. Revises farmland disposition provisions to give previous owners or operators the right of first refusal with respect to a lease of a property and preference with respect to the awarding to management contracts governing the property. Authorizes the Secretary to sign a contract to lease land to its owner before the Secretary actually acquires the property. Requires that previous owners be given written notice of the potential sale or lease of property. Applies appeals procedures to denials of applications or disputes with respect to leases or purchase agreements. Directs the Secretary to release from the sale of any loan-securing property an amount sufficient both to assure the borrower's family a reasonable standard of living and to pay all necessary farm operating expenses. Title X: State Mediation Program - Establishes guidelines for State farm loan mediation programs. Enumerates criteria to be met by a State in order to qualify for the matching grant program instituted in this title. Lists the requirements to be met by the farm loan mediation program of a State, including provisions with respect to mediator training and duties and applications for mediation. Creates a program of matching grants to the States under which the Secretary must provide financial assistance to a qualifying State for the operation and administration of its farm loan mediation program. Limits the amount of such a grant to: (1) no more than 50 percent of the costs of the operation and administration of the State's program; and (2) $1,000,000 per year per State. Directs the Secretary to prescribe rules requiring each guarantee or insurance program under the Secretary's jurisdiction to: (1) cooperate in good faith with requests for information or for analysis; and (2) present and explore debt restructuring proposals advanced during the course of any farm loan mediation program. Mandates corresponding rulemaking by the FCA with respect to FCS institutions. Authorizes FY 1988 through 1991 appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 6 August 1987
Federal Aviation Administration Independent Establishment Act of 1987 - Establishes the Federal Aviation Administration as an independent Federal agency to succeed the Federal Aviation Administration of the Department of Transportation. Transfers to such independent agency all functions vested in the Federal Aviation Administration currently in the Department of Transportation, and all functions vested in such Department which are administered through the Federal Aviation Administration or are related to it. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 6 August 1987
Prohibits any U.S. assistance for Panama unless the President certifies to the Congress that: (1) the Government of Panama has demonstrated substantial progress in efforts to assure civilian control of the armed forces and that the Panama Defense Forces and its leaders have been removed from nonmilitary activities and institutions; (2) the Government of Panama has established an independent investigation into allegations of illegal actions by members of the Panama Defense Forces; (3) a nonmilitary transitional government is in power in Panama; and (4) freedom of the press and all other constitutional guarantees to the Panamanian people are restored. Exempts from such prohibition: (1) assistance provided through private and voluntary organizations; (2) the donation of food or medicine; (3) disaster relief assistance; (4) refugee assistance; (5) assistance under the Inter-American Foundation Act; and (6) educational assistance for Panamanians in the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 6 August 1987
Honors the late Portuguese diplomat, Dr. Aristides de Sousa Mendes do Amaral e Abranches, for his extraordinary acts of mercy and justice during World War II.
United States · United States Congress · 6 August 1987
Declares that the Senate: (1) renews its condemnation of the continued Vietnamese occupation of Cambodia; (2) condemns the trading policies of the Japanese Government which allow its private business sector to engage in developmental trade with Vietnam and previously allowed Japanese corporations to trade with Cuba; and (3) condemns specific Japanese practices regarding trade with Vietnam which provide long-term credits and developmental equipment.
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1987
Establishes the Glorieta Battlefield National Historic Site, New Mexico, associated with the Civil War, to be administered as part of the Pecos National Monument. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to acquire lands. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 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 resources 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: (1) severely handicapped infants and toddlers; (2) severely handicapped children and youth; and (3) severely handicapped 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 · 30 July 1987
National Education Savings Trust Act of 1987 - Title I: Establishment of National Education Savings Trust - Establishes the National Education Savings Trust. Creates a Board of Trustees including the Secretaries of Education and of the Treasury, ex officio, and representatives of postsecondary education institutions and of the general public, to be appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate. Creates under the jurisdiction and control of the Board an Advance Tuition Payment Fund. Sets forth the general duties of the Board, including paying money directly to postsecondary institutions. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury, as Managing Trustee, to invest portions of Fund moneys in interest-bearing obligations of the United States or in federally-guaranteed obligations. Sets forth restrictions on uses of the Fund. Requires the Board to make annual reports to the Congress. Allows a purchaser to enter into an agreement with the Trust for the purchase of an advance tuition payment plan for use by a qualified beneficiary to pay a portion of the tuition and fees required to attend a postsecondary education institution. Sets forth required contents and design of advance tuition payment plan agreements. Directs the Trust to provide that a purchaser may purchase an advance payment tuition plan for an eligible beneficiary at any time following the beneficiary's birth. Sets forth certain restrictions and conditions for termination of agreements and for refunds upon termination. Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to provide that not more than 75 percent of any corpus or income under any advance tuition payment agreement from the Trust with respect to which the student is a qualified beneficiary shall be considered as income or resources with respect to any student in determining eligibility for assistance under any program funded under title IV of such Act. Provides that nothing in this Act shall be construed to permit a postsecondary education institution to request information concerning an advance tuition payment plan agreement with the Trust unless such information relates to eligibility for Federal financial assistance under title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 or some other Federal law. Provides that nothing in this Act shall be construed to permit any postsecondary education institution to charge any differential in the cost of attendance at such institution for qualified beneficiaries of such a plan agreement. Authorizes appropriations for a period not to exceed seven fiscal years after the date of enactment of this Act. Directs the Board to notify the Congress whenever, prior to the end of such period, it determines that the Trust is self-supporting. Title II: Tax Treatment of Advance Tuition Payment Plan Agreements - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax deduction in an amount equal to the applicable percentage of the amount paid in cash by the taxpayer to the Trust under any advance tuition payment plan agreement. Makes the applicable percentage: (1) 100 percent if the adjusted gross income of the taxpayer is not over $25,000; (2) 50 percent if between $25,000 and $60,000; (3) 25 percent if between $60,000 and $100,000; and (4) zero percent if over $100,000. Reduces such dollar amounts by 50 percent in the case of a married individual filing a separate return. Provides for a cost-of-living adjustment for years after 1988. Allows such deduction only if: (1) the taxpayer is the qualified beneficiary under the agreement and is not the dependent of another taxpayer; or (2) the taxpayer is entitled to a specified deduction with respect to the qualified beneficiary under such agreement for the taxable year. Limits maximum deductible payments per beneficiary to $2,000 for any taxable year and $48,000 for all taxable years. Disallows such deduction for the taxable year in which the beneficiary dies or attains age 30 or for any year thereafter. Disallows such deduction to a taxpayer who is a dependent of another taxpayer. Disallows such deduction with respect to a beneficiary who is the taxpayer's spouse, unless the taxpayer is entitled to an exemption for the spouse and files a joint return. Deems payments to an advance tuition payment plan agreement as made for the preceding taxable year if they are made not later than the time prescribed by law for filing the return. Provides that the deduction for payments under advance tuition payment plan agreements is also allowable to taxpayers who do not itemize deductions. Excludes from gross income any amount paid from the Trust to any postsecondary education institution pursuant to any advance tuition payment plan agreement. Includes in the gross income of the person to whom the amount is paid any other amount paid for the Trust which is not described in the preceding sentence. Adds a penalty tax for such refunds from the Trust, except where the beneficiary under the agreement dies (the penalty is equal to 20 percent of gross income, or ten percent of gross income for taxable years ending before the qualified beneficiary attains age 25).
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 1987
Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation Technology Competitiveness Act of 1987 - Sets forth specified national goals for the current wind, photovoltaics, and solar thermal energy programs. Requires the President's budget requests for FY 1989 to contain the recommendations of the Secretary of Energy for specified Department of Energy research and development programs for 1995, including biofuels energy systems, solar buildings energy systems, ocean energy systems, and geothermal energy. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1988 through 1990 for: (1) the wind energy research program; (2) the photovoltaic energy systems program; (3) the solar thermal energy systems program; (4) the biofuels energy systems program; (5) the solar buildings energy systems program; (6) the ocean energy systems program; and (7) the geothermal program. Mandates that the President's budget requests for FY 1990 include the Secretary's recommendations or proof of concept proposals for certain renewable energy projects. Requires the Secretary to submit an options analysis to the Congress regarding the accelerated commercialization of specified renewable energy technologies. Requires the President's budget requests for FY 1989 and 1990 to include the Secretary's recommendations of amounts to be set aside for energy conservation research and development initiatives. Authorizes appropriations for specified energy conservation research and development programs for FY 1988 through 1990. Directs the Secretary to establish joint research and development ventures in specified energy technologies and to report to the Congress on the implementation of such plans. Directs the Secretary to establish the following advisory bodies: (1) Advisory Committee on Photovoltaic Village Energy Systems; (2) Advisory Committee on Wind Energy Village Energy Systems; (3) Advisory Committee on Solar Thermal Community Total Energy Systems; (4) Advisory Committee on Energy Performance in Factory-Made Housing; (5) Advisory Committee on Advanced District Cooling Technology; (6) Advisory Committee on Integrated Renewable Energy Systems; (7) Advisory Committee on Energy Conservation and Renewable Energy Technology Exports; and (8) Federal Energy Analysis Team. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1988 through 1993 for such joint ventures. Requires the Secretary to evaluate and report to the Congress on the efforts of the Committee on Renewable Energy, Commerce and Trade to promote renewable energy technology exports. Authorizes appropriations for such Committee activities for FY 1988 through 1990. Requires the Secretary to make annual reports to the Congress regarding the research programs and ventures under this Act. Requires each annual submission of the National Energy Policy Plan to be accompanied by a three-year strategic plan for energy technology research, development, and demonstration, including energy conservation and renewable energy technologies.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 1987
National Trails System Improvements Act of 1987 - Amends the National Trails System Act to retain to the United States interests in abandoned railroad rights-of-way. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to manage such lands unless they can be incorporated into a conservation system unit or a national forest. Authorizes the Secretary to transfer such lands under the Secretary's management to qualified entities for public recreational purposes. Authorizes the Secretary to sell such lands which are not adjacent to public lands after offering State or local governments an opportunity to purchase such lands. Requires sale proceeds to be deposited in the Trails Fund established in the Treasury to be used for trail maintenance and loans to State or local agencies or other organizations for the acquisition of new trails. Requires the Secretaries of the Interior and the Treasury to report annually to the appropriate congressional committees on such Fund. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1988 through 1992 for administration. Authorizes appropriations for the Fund for FY 1988 and 1989.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 1987
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through 1992 the period during which qualified mortgage bonds and mortgage credit certificates may be issued. (Under current law, authority for these programs is due to expire as of 1989.)
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 1987
Methanol and Alternative Fuels Promotion Act of 1987 - Amends the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act to authorize the Secretary of Transportation to revise the dual fuel passenger automobile driving range for automobiles operating on certain ethanol or methanol mixtures. Provides that for any ten consecutive model years between 1993 and 2005, a dual fuel passenger automobile manufacturer shall receive an average fuel economy increase according to specified guidelines. Declares that if a manufacturer makes methanol- or ethanol-powered or dual fuel passenger automobiles, the fuel economy of an automobile shall be based on the fuel content of the methanol or ethanol mixture used to operate it. Directs the Secretary to report annually to the Congress regarding ethanol and methanol promotion. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to declare that the determination of tax to be imposed regarding methanol-, ethanol-, or natural gas-powered or dual fuel passenger automobiles shall be based on the fuel economy rating established under the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 1987
Family Security Act of 1987 - Replaces the Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) (part A of title IV of the Social Security Act) program with the Child Support Supplement (CSS) program. Title I: Child Support and Establishment of Paternity - Subtitle A: Child Support - Amends part D (Child Support and Establishment of Paternity) of title IV of the Social Security Act to require the withholding of child support payments from the non-custodial parent's wages upon the issuance or modification of a child support order. Waives such withholding requirement when both parents agree to an alternative arrangement or the State finds good cause to rely on an alternative arrangement. Amends part A of title IV of the Act to exclude the first $50 of child support payments which were due for a prior month from the determination of a family's need for CSS payments in the month during which such payments were received. Amends part D of title IV of the Act to require States to review State guidelines for child support award amounts at least once every five years. Makes such guidelines binding upon judges or other State officials unless the judge or official, pursuant to criteria established by the State, finds good cause to ignore such guidelines. Requires that child support awards established under such guidelines be reviewed at least once every two years. Requires the review of a child support award which was not established under such guidelines to adjust it in accordance with such guidelines if either parent requests such review and the State determines that the award should be reviewed. Gives parents at least 30 days notice of pending review or adjustment of a child support award. Subtitle B: Establishment of Paternity - Establishes State performance standards for the establishment of paternity which require the State's paternity establishment percentage for a fiscal year to be: (1) at least 50 percent; (2) the State's percentage for FY 1987 increased by three percentage points for each fiscal year after FY 1988; or (3) equal to or greater than the average percentage for all States. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to modify such requirements to take into account variables which may affect a State's ability to meet such requirements. Directs the Secretary to report annually to the Congress regarding the data upon which State paternity establishment percentages are based and the performance of States in establishing paternity. Raises the Federal matching rate to 90 percent (from 68 percent in FY 1988) for laboratory costs incurred in determining paternity. Subtitle C: Improved Procedures for Child Support Enforcement and Establishment of Paternity - Requires the Secretary to establish time limits within which a State must accept and respond to requests for assistance in establishing and enforcing child support orders. Directs the Secretary to establish an advisory committee, composed of State officials involved in the Child Support Enforcement program, with which the Secretary must consult before issuing regulations regarding such time limits. Requires the issuance of final regulations by the first day of the seventh month after this Act's enactment. Requires States to establish automatic data processing and information retrieval systems to assist in the administration of the Child Support Enforcement program within ten years of the State's submittal (by October 1, 1989) of an advance planning document for such system to the Secretary, or, if earlier, by the date specified by the State in such document. Authorizes the Secretary to waive the Act's requirements for such documents and systems if the State has an alternative system which is in substantial compliance with the Act's requirements. Sets the Federal share of establishing such a system at 90 percent so long as time limits have not been exceeded. Directs the Secretary of Labor to give the Secretary prompt access to wage and unemployment compensation claims information and data maintained by the Department of Labor and State employment security agencies. Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Act to require States to collect the social security numbers of both parents when their child is born for use by State agencies administering Child Support Enforcement programs unless the State finds good cause for not requiring such numbers. Establishes the Commission on Interstate Child Support which, by October 1, 1988, must hold one or more national conferences on reform of interstate child support procedures. Directs the Commission to submit a report to the Congress by October 1, 1989, containing recommendations for improving the interstate establishment and enforcement of child support and for revising the Uniform Reciprocal Enforcement of Support Act. Terminates the Commission on October 2, 1989. Authorizes appropriations for such Commission. Title II: Joint Opportunities and Basic Skills Training Program - Amends part A of title IV of the Act to require States to establish, within three years of this Act's enactment, a job opportunities and basic skills training program (Program) which helps needy children and parents avoid long-term welfare dependence. Requires private sector involvement in planning and Program design to assure that participants are trained for jobs that will actually be available in the community. Requires non-exempt CSS recipients to participate in such Program if State resources permit such level of participation and necessary child care is available to participants. Allows exempt CSS recipients to participate on a voluntary basis. Authorizes States to require or allow absent fathers who are unemployed and unable to meet child support obligations to participate in the Program. Exempts from Program participation an individual who: (1) is ill, incapacitated, or of advanced age; (2) is needed in the home because of the illness or incapacity of another member of the household; (3) is a parent or relative of a child under age three or, at the State's option, less than age three but not less than age one (such exception applies to only one parent in a two-parent family and may be made inapplicable to both parents if the State provides the family with child care); (4) works more than 30 hours or more per week; (5) is a child under age 16 or attending elementary, secondary, or vocational school full time; (6) is a woman in the third trimester of pregnancy; or (7) resides in an area of the State where the Program is not available. Prohibits the requirement that the parent or a relative of a child under age six who is not the principal earner participate in the Program for more than 24 hours a week. Provides that if an individual is attending a school or a course of vocational or technical training designed to lead to employment when he or she would otherwise commence participation in the Program, such attendance may constitute satisfactory participation in the Program, though the costs of such schooling or training shall not be covered by the CSS program. Requires States to make an initial assessment of the education and employment skills of each Program participant and on that basis develop an employability plan for each participant which, to the maximum extent possible, reflects the participant's preferences. Authorizes the State to: (1) require each participant to then negotiate a contract with the State which specifies the duration of his or her participation as well as the activities the State will conduct and services it will provide in the course of such participation; and (2) assign to each participating family a case manager who is responsible for obtaining, on the family's behalf, any other services which may assure the family's effective participation. Requires State Programs to provide a broad range of services and activities, including: (1) high school or equivalent education; (2) remedial education to achieve basic literacy and instruction in English as a second language; (3) post-secondary education as appropriate; (4) work supplementation programs; (5) community work experience programs; (6) job search, training, and placement services; and (7) other employment, education, and training activities as determined by the State and allowed by the Secretary. Requires non-exempt custodial parents who have not attained age 22 or successfully completed a high school education to participate in high school or equivalent education, or literacy or English language education. Authorizes States to require such parents to participate in training or work activities if they fail to make good progress in educational activities or if their participation in such activities is inappropriate. Requires each work assignment to be consistent with the physical capacity, skills, experience, health, family responsibilities, and place of residence of each participant and not involve unreasonable travel. Gives participants the opportunity for a fair hearing in the event of a dispute involving his or her work assignment. Prohibits: (1) wage rates for work assignments from being set at less than the greater of the Federal or State minimum wage; and (2) work assignments which displace a currently employed worker or position, impair existing contracts for services or collective bargaining agreements, or fill the job of a worker who has been laid off or fired. Prohibits States from requiring participants to accept a job which would result in a loss of income to the participant's family unless the State maintains the family's income level through supplementary payments. Requires that Program activities be coordinated with Job Training Partnership Act programs and any other relevant employment, training, and education programs available in the State. Authorizes any State to institute a work supplementation program under which such State reserves sums which would otherwise be payable to program participants as child support supplements and uses such sums instead to subsidize jobs for such participants. Authorizes any State to establish a community work experience program to provide experience and training for individuals not otherwise able to obtain employment. Limits such programs to projects which serve a useful public purpose, utilizing, if possible, the participant's prior training, experience, and skills. Requires that other Program activities be coordinated with the community work program so that job placement has priority over participation in such program. Authorizes States to require individuals to participate in job search activities for up to eight weeks after applying for child support supplements and for up to eight weeks in any 12-month period thereafter. Subjects the families of individuals who are required to participate in the Program and fail to do so without good cause to the reduction or elimination of child support supplements. Continues sanctions for a minimum of three months if such individual failed to participate on a previous occasion and for six months if such noncompliance has occurred more than one time previously. Requires the State to notify recipients of any failure to comply with work or training requirements and the actions which must be taken to terminate the sanction. Sets the Federal matching rate for Program costs at 90 percent up to a specified dollar amount and 60 percent thereafter. Sets such rate for administrative costs (for needs assessments, case management services, and agency-client contracts) at 50 percent. Reduces the rate of Federal reimbursement for non-administrative Program expenditures to 50 percent if: (1) more than 40 percent of the non-Federal share of such expenditures is contributed in-kind; or (2) less than 60 percent of such expenditures is targeted at individuals who have received child support supplements for 30 of the preceding 60 months, are custodial parents under age 22 who have not completed and are not enrolled in high school, or are parents in families that are eligible for supplements by reason of the unemployment of the principal earner. Requires States to provide child care (or day care for an incapacitated individual living in the home of a dependent child) for families to the extent that it is necessary to an individual's participation in work, education, and training activities. Provides coverage for certain transportation and other work-related expenses. Sets forth technical and conforming amendments. Requires the Secretary to: (1) publish final Program regulations within one year of this Act's enactment; (2) submit recommended Program performance standards to the Congress within five years of this Act's enactment; (3) study State implementation of the Program; and (4) select five States to participate in three-year demonstration projects to study the relative cost-effectiveness of different approaches for assisting long-term CSS recipients under the Program. Sets forth cost-effectiveness study reporting requirements. Authorizes appropriations for the State implementation study for FY 1988 through 1990 and for the cost-effectiveness study for FY 1988 through 1992. Title III: Transitional Assistance for Families After Loss of CSS Eligibility - Provides a family which loses CSS eligibility due to an increase of earned income with nine months of transitional child care if the State determines such assistance to be necessary for continuing employment and the family has received child support supplements for three of the preceding six months. Terminates transitional child care if the family ceases to include a dependent child or the caretaker relative engages in certain conduct prohibited under the CSS program. Requires families to contribute to the costs of such care on the basis of their ability to pay for such care. Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Act to require a State to continue a family's Medicaid eligibility for four months after the family loses CSS eligibility because of increased earnings if the family has received supplement payments for three of the preceding six months, and for an optional five additional months if the family has received the entire four months of extended Medicaid coverage. Terminates extended Medicaid coverage if the family ceases to include a dependent child or the caretaker relative engaged in certain conduct prohibited under the CSS program. Authorizes States to provide the extended Medicaid coverage by paying a family's expenses for health insurance offered by the caretaker relative's employer (or, if more cost-effective, by the absent parent's employer) or a family's expenses, during the five-month extension period, for enrollment in a group health plan offered to the caretaker relative, a group health plan offered by the State to its employees, or a health maintenance organization. Denies a family the five-month extension period if its earnings exceed 185 percent of the Federal poverty level. Requires States to impose a premium on families receiving the five months of extended coverage, but prohibits its exceeding ten percent of the amount by which a family's monthly earnings exceed $581 (as adjusted to reflect changes in the cost of living). Title IV: Family Living Arrangements - Amends part A of title IV of the Act to condition an unmarried minor parent's receipt of CSS payments on his or her residence with a parent, legal guardian, or other adult relative, or in an adult-supervised supportive living arrangement. Makes such requirement inapplicable if: (1) such individual has no living parent or legal guardian or is not allowed to live with such parent or legal guardian; (2) the health and safety of the child or minor parent would be jeopardized if such individual lived with the parent or legal guardian; (3) such individual has not lived at home for at least one year prior to the child's birth or making a claim for CSS payments; or (4) the State otherwise finds good cause for waiving the requirement. Requires that (where possible) CSS payments be made to the parent or legal guardian on behalf of the minor parent and child. Authorizes States to require minor parents who have not graduated from high school to attend school (and parent-training classes when available) on at least a part-time basis as a condition of their receipt of CSS payments. Alters the definition of a "dependent child" to include a child who is poor because of the unemployment of the principal earner in the family. Authorizes States to increase the number of hours which an individual who received a CSS payment in the preceding month may work and remain eligible for such payments. (Currently, an individual must work less than 100 hours per month to maintain such eligibility.) Authorizes States to count for up to four of the six quarters of work required of a parent in the 13 quarters preceding application for CSS payments such parent's: (1) full-time attendance as an elementary or secondary school student; (2) full-time attendance in a vocational or technical training course; and (3) participation in a Job Training Partnership Act education or training program. Title V: Benefit Structure Improvements - Requires each State to make scheduled reevaluations of its need and payment standards for CSS benefits at least once every five years and report to the Secretary and the Congress regarding the results of the reevaluations. Title VI: Demonstration Projects - Authorizes the Secretary to approve, as alternatives to the CSS program, five-year demonstration projects testing: (1) New York State's Child Support Supplement Program; and (2) Washington State's Family Independence Program. Directs the Secretary to enter into an agreement with four States, by April 1, 1988, for the conduct of two-year demonstration projects testing and evaluating model procedures for reviewing child support award amounts. Provides Federal coverage for 90 percent of the costs of such projects. Requires the Secretary to report the results of such projects to the Congress within six months after completion of all such projects. Amends part A of title IV of the Social Security Act to establish a program providing grants to States selected to conduct demonstration projects testing whether CSS housing costs can be reduced by constructing and rehabilitating permanent housing for rental to CSS recipients who would otherwise require CSS emergency assistance in the form of temporary housing. Provides that, to be eligible for selection as one of two States authorized to conduct such a project, a State must: (1) be currently providing CSS emergency housing assistance; (2) have an acute need for Federal assistance by virtue of the large number of homeless CSS families, and shortages of low-income housing, in the jurisdiction(s) where such project would be conducted; and (3) submit a plan to achieve significant cost savings over a ten-year period through the conduct of such project. Requires that such grants be used to provide permanent housing which is: (1) owned by the State, an instrumentality of the State, or a nonprofit organization; (2) available to families who have been unable to find decent housing at rents that can be paid with CSS aid for shelter; and (3) located in jurisdictions experiencing a critical shortage of such housing. Requires that: (1) the most costly temporary housing be retired from use in the emergency assistance program as permanent housing becomes available for occupancy, unless temporary housing is demonstrably needed; and (2) the costs of providing permanent housing be lower than costs which would be incurred if, instead, the State made CSS emergency assistance payments providing temporary housing. Sets the State contribution to the cost of constructing or rehabilitating such housing at at least the current State CSS share increased by ten percent. Authorizes appropriations for the grant program for each of the first five fiscal years following FY 1987. Amends part A (General Provisions) of title XI of the Act to authorize the Secretary to make grants to States for one- to five-year demonstration projects for CSS children testing financial incentives and alternative approaches to reducing school dropouts, encouraging skill development, and avoiding welfare dependence. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to States for demonstration projects designed to increase compliance with child access provisions of court orders. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1988 and 1989. Directs the Secretary to report to the Congress on the effectiveness of such projects by July 1990. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to States for three-year demonstration projects testing innovative methods for providing suitable foster care arrangements and other necessary social and medical services for infants abandoned by their parents or removed from their parents' custody and placed in a hospital's care. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1988 through 1990. Directs the Secretary to make grants to between five and ten States for three-year demonstration projects increasing the availability of child care in communities by the acquisition or renovation of child care facilities, and the provision of child care transportation services. Favors States that propose to conduct the project primarily in communities having fewer than 50,000 inhabitants. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress regarding such projects by October 1, 1991. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1989 through 1991. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to up to five States for demonstration projects testing whether the employment of parents of dependent children receiving child support supplements as day care providers will facilitate the conduct of the Program and afford a significant number of families a realistic opportunity to avoid welfare dependence. Title VII: Payments to American Samoa, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands - Amends part A (General Provisions) of title XI of the Act to include American Samoa in the CSS program. Limits Federal funding for American Samoa's program to $1,000,000 for any fiscal year. Increases the total amount of Federal payments which may be made to Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands in any fiscal year under titles I (Grants to States for Old-Age Assistance for the Aged), X (Grants to States for Aid to the Blind), XIV (Grants to States for Aid to the Permanently and Totally Disabled), XVI (Grants to States for Aid to the Aged, Blind, or Disabled), and parts A (Aid to Families with Dependent Children) and E (Foster Care and Adoption Assistance) of title IV of the Act. Title VIII: Waiver Authority - Amends title IV of the Act to add a new "Part F: Waiver Authority," which sets forth the required content of State applications to the Secretary for the approval of demonstration projects experimenting with methods to more effectively assist the poor and reduce their welfare dependence. Prohibits the Secretary from approving the conduct of more than ten projects under part F at any one time. Permits applications to include within their proposed projects: (1) title IV programs; (2) social service block grants under title XX of the Act; and (3) any non-Federal public program within the State which is designed to alleviate poverty. Protects individuals and families included in a project from having their benefits reduced below what they would have been in the absence of the project. Requires State applications for projects involving work, education, or training activities to contain specified assurances, including assurances that: (1) mandatory participants in such activities be provided with child care; and (2) work assignments will not displace current employees or impair existing contracts or collective bargaining agreements. Prohibits the Federal share of project funding from being greater than the Federal share in the absence of such project under the programs included in the project. Authorizes the Secretary to approve projects replacing current entitlement programs with new entitlement programs provided such replacement does not cause a large increase or decrease in Federal funding. Requires the Secretary to notify a State of the approval or disapproval of its project within four months of the submission of the application. Sets forth reporting requirements. Provides that such projects shall terminate after five years unless the State Governor or Secretary terminates the project sooner. Title IX: Technical and Conforming Amendments Relating to Replacement of AFDC Program by Child Support Supplement Program - Sets forth technical and conforming amendments relating to the replacement of the AFDC Program by the CSS program. Title X: Reorganization and Redesignation of Title IV; General Conforming Amendment Relating to Such Reorganization and Redesignation - Reorganizes and redesignates the parts of title IV of the Act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 1987
Indian Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Act of 1987 - Amends the Indian Health Care Improvement Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Indian Health Service, to provide health promotion and disease prevention services to Indians. Requires the Service to coordinate the Department of Health and Human Services' activities involving health promotion or disease prevention for Indians. Requires the Secretary to conduct a study of: (1) Indians' health promotion and disease prevention needs; (2) activities which would best meet such needs; (3) the resources required to meet such needs; and (4) the resources currently available. Requires the Secretary to develop comprehensive three-year and ten-year plans for providing disease prevention and health promotion services to Indians. Requires the Secretary to submit to the Congress a report on the study of health promotion and disease prevention needs of Indians, including tribal health plans and recommendations for legislation. Requires the Secretary to establish at least one demonstration project to determine the most effective means of: (1) providing health promotion and disease prevention services; (2) encouraging Indians to adopt good health habits; (3) reducing health risks to Indians; (4) reducing Indians' medical expenses; (5) training Indians in health promotion and disease prevention services; and (6) providing training to Service employees. Requires the Secretary to submit to the Congress a final report on the demonstration project. Requires the Secretary to maintain a Community Health Representative Program for the Service to: (1) provide for the training of Indians as health paraprofessionals; and (2) use such paraprofessionals in the provision of health care to Indian communities. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Program, to: (1) provide a high standard of paraprofessional training to Community Health Representatives; (2) develop a curriculum that provides instruction in health promotion and disease prevention activities; (3) identify the needs of Community Health Representatives for continuing education; (4) closely supervise Community Health Representatives; (5) review and evaluate the work of Community Health Representatives; and (6) ensure that the health care activities are consistent with the traditional health care practices and cultural values of Indian tribes. Directs the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Health and Human Services to coordinate efforts in health promotion, disease prevention, and health education among Indian youth, including: (1) establishing minimum health outcome objectives for schools operated by and under contract with the Bureau of Indian Affairs; (2) coordinating resources and programs to combat alcohol and drug abuse; (3) providing time for Service personnel to conduct training seminars for teachers in such schools; and (4) providing for the inclusion of tribal representatives in training. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to encourage the involvement of the parents of Indian youth in training seminars on health promotion, disease prevention, and health education. Allows the Secretary to include in contracts with urban Indian health care programs and any tribal organization under the authority of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act a requirement that the tribal organization provide health promotion, disease prevention, and health education to the communities it serves.
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 1987
Authorizes and requests the President to present a gold medal to Lawrence Eugene Doby and posthumously to Jack Roosevelt Robinson in recognition of their achievements in baseball and their contributions to the advancement of civil rights. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary to cause bronze duplicates of the gold medals to be coined and sold at a price sufficient to cover the cost of such duplicates and gold medals.
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 1987
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit a partnership, S corporation, or personal service corporation, unless it is part of a tiered structure, to elect to have a taxable year other than the required one, but generally only if the deferral period of the taxable year elected is three months or less. (Current law requires partnerships, S corporations, and personal service corporations, in most cases, to conform their taxable years to the calendar years used by their owners.) Subjects the principals of a partnership or S corporation electing to change taxable years to additional estimated tax requirements to offset any tax deferral resulting from such election. Imposes deduction limitations on a personal service corporation that changes taxable years. Provides that an election with respect to taxable year shall be made by the partnership, S corporation, or personal service corporation and shall be binding on all partners and shareholders. Sets forth the formula for determining the additional tax requirement when a taxpayer: (1) is a partner or shareholder in at least one such entity during any applicable election years of the entity that end within the taxpayer's taxable year; and (2) has an aggregate deferred tax exceeding $200 with respect to the entity. Describes payment procedures. Requires the inclusion of specified information on returns filed by partnerships and S corporations that elect to use a non-required taxable year. Limits the tax deduction permitted to a personal service corporation for amounts paid or incurred with respect to employee-owners when such a corporation: (1) elects to have a taxable year other than the required one; and (2) fails to meet certain minimum distribution requirements regarding non-dividend amounts paid to owners.
United States · United States Congress · 16 July 1987
Vietnam Veterans' Readjustment Counseling Program Preservation Act of 1987 - Amends Federal veterans' benefits provisions concerning administrative reorganizations within the Veterans Administration (VA) to disallow in any fiscal year the transfer or termination of 25 or more full-time equivalent employees providing readjustment counseling services, unless the Administrator of Veterans Affairs (the Administrator) first submits to appropriate congressional committees a report containing a detailed plan and justification for such reorganization. Expands the eligibility for readjustment counseling and related mental health services (currently available only to Vietnam veterans) to include as eligible for such assistance any veteran or person who served on active-duty after May 7, 1975, in an area during a period in which hostilities occurred. Authorizes such services, upon request, to any veteran who served on active-duty during World War II or the Korean Conflict. Requires such assistance to include an assessment of whether the person or veteran has mental or psychological problems associated with such individual's active service. Directs that professional, paraprofessional, and lay personnel trained to provide readjustment counseling services for veterans, who complete two years of continuous employment in such training program, shall be converted by the Administrator to a career-conditional or career employment status within a specified period after the completion of such training. Directs the Administrator, no later than 60 days after the enactment of this Act, to submit to the Senate and House Veterans' Affairs Committees (the veterans' committees) a report on the implementation of such requirement. Prohibits any Vet Center in existence on July 1, 1987, from being closed or relocated unless the Chief Medical Director of the VA's Department of Medicine and Surgery (the Chief Medical Director): (1) determines that such closure or relocation will not adversely affect readjustment counseling services provided to eligible persons in the geographical area served by such Center; (2) in case of such a move, certifies to the Veterans' Committees in a detailed plan and justification that the average annual budget and personnel ceiling provided to such Center in each of the three fiscal years prior to such move will remain available to furnish readjustment counseling services for three full fiscal years following such move; (3) certifies in such plan that the number of personnel affected by such closure or move, together with the number of personnel affected by all other closures or moves or administrative reorganizations within the VA, will total 25 or fewer full-time equivalent employees within the same fiscal year; and (4) provides the Veterans' Committees, at least 60 days prior to any such closure or move, a detailed plan and justification which have given full consideration to certain specified factors, including the distribution of veterans in areas served by such Centers, distances required for travel to such Centers, acceptability to personnel of such closures, and the availability of other entities to provide such services. Extends until April 1, 1988, the due date of a report from the Administrator to the Veterans' Committees on the effectiveness of providing sufficient readjustment counseling services to Vietnam-era veterans. Authorizes the Vet Centers, in addition to providing readjustment counseling services, to provide other assistance (such as benefits application assistance) that the Administrator is authorized to furnish to such veterans. Defines "Vet Centers" as facilities operated by the VA and situated apart from VA general health-care facilities. Amends the Veterans' Health Care Amendments of 1983 to extend until October 1, 1987, the due date of a report from the Administrator to the Veterans' Committees concerning a study of post-traumatic stress disorder and other post-war psychological problems experienced by Vietnam veterans.
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 1987
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that the prohibition against indirect income tax deductions through pass-through entities shall not apply to any regulated investment company whose shares are: (1) continuously offered pursuant to a public offering; (2) regularly traded on an established securities market; or (3) held by or for at least 500 persons at all times during the taxable year.
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 1987
Department of Energy National Laboratory Cooperative Research Initiatives Act - Amends the Federal Non-Nuclear and Energy Research and Development Act of 1984 to add this Act as a new title. Title I: Establishment of United States Industry and Department of Energy Laboratory Centers for Research on Enabling Technologies for High-Temperature Superconducting Applications - Directs the Secretary of Energy (the Secretary) to form the Council for Research on Enabling Technologies to set research goal and strategies regarding critical enabling technologies in high-temperature superconductors, and to set guidelines for the release of technical findings and developments made by cooperative research centers (established by this Act). Mandates that such centers research enabling technologies for superconducting materials and applications at National Laboratories with appropriate university and private industry participants. Directs the Secretary to seek cost sharing with participating private industries in the establishment of such centers. Title II: Mapping the Human Genome - Establishes within the Department of Energy the National Policy Board on the Human Genome to coordinate various government research activities regarding the mapping of the human genome. Directs the Secretary of Energy to establish the Human Genome Consortium comprised of industry, university, and government agencies to disseminate among the domestic companies the knowledge and intellectual property resulting from cooperative research. Sets forth research objectives. Title III: Semiconductor Technology Manufacturing Excellence Initiative - Directs the Secretary of Defense to initiate and implement a semiconductor manufacturing research program (the Initiative) regarding the practical implications of such technology. Directs the Secretary of Defense to coordinate such implementation with the Secretary of Energy and Department of Energy national laboratories, and other specified bodies. Directs the Secretary of Energy to make semiconductor technology research a line item in the Department of Energy's research and development budget for inclusion in the annual budget submitted to the Congress by the President. Sets forth guidelines for cooperative research and development agreements at national laboratories of the Department of Energy. Directs the Secretary of Energy to establish an advisory committee regarding the most effective use of national laboratories' facilities and personnel. Sets forth such advisory committee's membership and administration. Declares that not more than 50 percent of the cost of the Semiconductor Research Initiative may be paid for with Federal funds. Authorizes appropriations to the Department of Energy for FY 1988 through 1990 for such Initiative. Title IV: Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies - Directs the Secretary of Energy to establish six regional Institutes for Entrepreneurial Studies at six universities (each associated with a National Laboratory) to conduct work-study programs. Prescribes guidelines for university selection, the Institutes' Governing Board, and the work-study program. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 1987
Air Passenger Protection Act of 1987 - Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to direct the Secretary of Transportation to: (1) promulgate regulations requiring air carriers to submit to the Secretary on a monthly basis certain information regarding scheduled domestic air transportation; (2) publish such information in the Federal Register and in monthly public reports; (3) amend regulations regarding computerized airline reservation systems to require that specified flight times and related data be made available to the public; (4) promulgate regulations establishing certain uniform air carrier practices; (5) establish a 24-hour toll-free airline consumer hotline; and (6) establish an Advisory Committee to report to the Secretary and the Congress regarding the appropriate level of capacity in the air traffic control system.
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 1987
Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) the President should continue to make clear the support of the United States for the Haitian people's efforts to establish a democracy; (2) Haiti's National Council of Government should respect and abide by decisions made by the Provisional Election Council in conducting elections called for under the new Haitian constitution; (3) the Haitian armed forces should respect human rights and exercise restraint in carrying out their duties; and (4) all Haitians need to work to avoid further violence and allow the democratic transition to proceed in a peaceful atmosphere.
United States · United States Congress · 9 July 1987
Title I: Loan Repayment Program - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish the Indian Health Service Loan Repayment Program in order to assure an adequate supply of trained physicians, dentists, nurses, and other health professionals for the Indian Health Service. Limits participation in the program to individuals who: (1) are full-time students in the final year of a course of study in an accredited educational institution in a State approved by the Secretary; (2) are in a graduate training program in a course of study approved by the Secretary; or (3) have a degree in medicine or other health profession which is approved by the Secretary. Requires that an applicant for the Program be eligible for, or hold, an appointment as a commissioned officer in the Service or be eligible for selection for civilian employment by the Service. Requires an applicant for the Program to submit an application and sign a contract to accept repayment of educational loans and remain in the Service for the applicable period of obligated service. Requires the Secretary to include in the application and contract forms a summary of the rights and liabilities of an individual whose application is approved. Allows the Secretary to approve only applications from individuals who are trained in a health profession or specialty needed for the Service and to extend a preference to Indians. Provides that an individual becomes a participant in the Program only upon the Secretary's approval of his application and acceptance of his contract. Requires under the contract that: (1) the Secretary agree to pay educational loans on behalf of an individual and to accept such individual in the Service; and (2) the individual agree to accept such loan payments, remain in his course of study until completion, maintain an acceptable level of academic standing, provide certification of the degree awarded in the profession approved by the Secretary, and serve for at least two years in a health program maintained by the Service or by any Indian tribe or organization under a contract with the Secretary. Requires any contract to disclose: (1) that any financial obligation of the United States is contingent upon funds being appropriated; (2) a statement of damages to which the United States is entitled for an individual's breach of the contract; and (3) other statements of the rights and liabilities of the individual and the Secretary. Provides that a loan repayment will consist of a payment of the principal, interest, and related expenses on loans for: (1) tuition expenses; (2) other reasonable education expenses; and (3) reasonable living expenses. Limits to $25,000 the amount of loan repayments for each year of obligated service an individual agrees to service. Provides that individuals who enter into written contracts while undergoing academic training will not be counted against any employment ceiling affecting the Department of Health and Human Services. Requires the Secretary to submit to the Congress annual reports showing: (1) the number and type of health profession training of individuals receiving loan payments; (2) the educational institutions where such individuals are receiving their training; (3) the total number of applications filed and the number filed for each type of health profession; (4) the total number of contracts entered into and the number entered into for each profession; and (5) the amount of loan payments made. Authorizes the Secretary to conduct recruiting programs for the Program. Provides that the authority to detail the Service's personnel will not apply to individuals during their period of obligated service under the Program. Requires each individual who has entered into a written contract with the Secretary to remain in the full-time clinical practice of his profession in the Service for the period required under the contract. Requires the Secretary to determine if the obligated service will be in the Regular or Reserve Corps of the Public Health Service or as a civilian employee of the Indian Health Service. Requires the Secretary to give individuals information regarding the advantages and disadvantages of service as a commissioned officer in the Public Health Service or as a civilian employee of the Indian Health Service. Requires individuals to notify the Secretary before completing training of their desire to be an officer of the Public Health Service. Provides that if an individual does not qualify for appointment as a commissioned officer in the Public Health Service, the Secretary shall appoint such individual as a civilian employee of the Indian Health Service. Allows the Secretary to defer an individual's training completion date to permit an internship, residency, or other advanced clinical training. Provides that no period of internship, residency, or other advanced clinical training shall be counted toward satisfying a period of obligated service. Makes an individual liable for the amount the United States has paid on his behalf under the contract if the individual: (1) fails to maintain an acceptable level of academic standing, voluntarily terminates enrollment or is dismissed from an educational institution in the final year of a course of study; or (2) fails to complete a graduate training program. Entitles the United States to recover specified damages from an individual who breaches his contract by failing either to begin a period of obligated service or to complete such a period. Provides that any obligation of an individual under the Loan Repayment will be cancelled upon his death. Authorizes the Secretary to waive or suspend any obligation under the Program if compliance is impossible or would involve extreme hardship. Describes conditions permitting obligations under the Program to be released by a discharge in bankruptcy. Requires the Secretary to submit to the Congress annual reports on the number of providers of health care who will be needed for the Service, the number of scholarships the Secretary proposes to provide under the National Health Service Corps Scholarship program, and the number of individuals for whom the Secretary proposes to make loan repayments under the Loan Repayment Program during the next three fiscal years. Authorizes appropriations. Title II: Other Recruitment and Retention Provisions - Authorizes the Secretary to reimburse health professionals seeking positions in the Service for travel expenses incurred in visiting an area where they may be assigned. Authorizes appropriations. Requires the Secretary to award grants to Indian tribes to enable them to test innovative techniques to recruit, place, and retain health professionals. Authorizes appropriations. Requires the Secretary to establish a program for all of the Service's employees to receive educational instruction in the history of the tribes they serve and the Service. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary to provide grants to colleges and universities to expand and maintain the Indians into Medicine Program (INMED). Requires universities applying for such funds to agree to provide a program which: (1) provides recruitment for health professions to Native American communities; (2) incorporates an advisory board comprised of representatives of tribes and communities which will be served by the program; (3) provides summer preparatory programs for Native American students; (4) provides tutoring, counseling, and support for students enrolled in a health career program; and (5) employs qualified Native American staff. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress on the INMED program. Authorizes appropriations. Requires the Secretary to establish a program to enable health professionals who have worked for the Service for a substantial period to pursue advanced training or research in areas of study where a need exists. Directs the Secretary to provide incentive special pay to: (1) commissioned medical officers of the Regular and Reserve Corps of the Public Health Service; assigned to positions for which recruitment or retention is difficult in the Indian Health Service; and (2) civilian medical officers of the Service assigned to positions for which recruitment is difficult. Directs the Secretary to establish and update annually a list of positions of health care professionals of the Service for which recruitment or retention is difficult and to pay a bonus to persons in such positions.. Directs the Secretary to establish programs using flexible and compressed work schedules for health professionals of the Service. Exempts such persons from limitations on premium pay for overtime. Directs the Secretary to pay a retention bonus to employees of the Service who have: (1) completed three years of employment; or (2) completed service obligations as the result of acceptance of any Federal scholarship or any Federal education loan repayment; and (3) made an agreement with the Service for continued employment for at least one year. Requires that the retention bonus provide for a higher annual rate for multi-year agreements than for single year agreements, that the entire payment be made at the beginning of the term of service, and that physicians failing to complete the term of service refund the full amount. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish a three-year demonstration project which uses foreign medical graduates to assist in providing health care in Service facilities; and (2) develop a program to assess the abilities of each foreign medical graduate participating in the project, provide individualized orientation and work assignments to each participant, and prepare each participant to obtain a license as a physician assistant. Directs the Secretary to select at least ten individuals to participate in the demonstration project who: (1) had been licensed to practice medicine in their countries of origin and had done so for at least five years; (2) are proficient in English; (3) are citizens or permanent residents of the United States; and (4) originate from countries which are friendly with the United States. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress on the demonstration project. Authorizes appropriations. Requires the Secretary to establish an advisory panel composed of physicians or other health professionals of the Service, representatives of tribal health boards, and a representative of an urban health care organization to investigate and report to the Congress on administrative policies and regulatory procedures which impede the recruitment of physicians and health care professionals by the Service. Provides that an employee is entitled to an annuity if he was employed in the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Indian Health Service, a tribal organization, or any combination thereof continuously from December 5, 1979 (currently December 21, 1972) to the date of his separation.
United States · United States Congress · 9 July 1987
Federal Science, Technology, and Acquisition Revitalization Act of 1987 - Authorizes Federal agencies to establish alternative personnel management systems for scientific, technical, and acquisition employees in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). Includes in each such system a Senior Scientific, Technical, and Acquisition Personnel Service (comparable to the Senior Executive Service) for such employees who are specially qualified. Sets forth provisions for scientific, technical, and acquisition employees relating to employment authority and compensation. Sets forth transition provisions for employees designated as subject to an alternative personnel management system. Requires the head of each agency to regularly review the level of professional competence and professional training needs of the scientific and technical work force and the acquisition work force. Directs the Comptroller General to review and evaluate the systems established under this Act and report to the Congress and OPM within five years of its enactment.
United States · United States Congress · 8 July 1987
Declares that the Congress encourages all Americans to read the Constitution within one year of its 200th anniversary and strongly encourages Members of Congress, Federal judges, and officials of the executive branch to set the example in studying this cornerstone of democratic government.
United States · United States Congress · 7 July 1987
Authorizes the Director of the U.S. Information Agency to: (1) provide for educational exchanges between U.S. and Soviet youths under 21; and (2) award higher education scholarships to exceptional students under 25 who are studying in the Soviet Union in programs approved by their own higher education institutions and maintaining satisfactory proficiency. Earmarks specified funds for FY 1988 and 1989 to carry out this Act. Refers to the activities specified in this Act as the Samantha Smith Memorial Exchange Program.
United States · United States Congress · 1 July 1987
Veterans' Beneficiary Travel Reimbursement Restoration Act of 1987 - Amends Federal veterans' benefits provisions relating to the payment of travel expenses for veterans traveling to a Veterans Administration (VA) health care center for treatment to direct the Administrator of Veterans Affairs, in exercising the authority to make such payments, to make such payments to the following persons: (1) a person receiving veterans' benefits for or in connection with a service-connected disability; (2) a veteran receiving veterans' pension benefits; (3) a veteran whose annual income does not exceed the annual veterans' pension rate or who is unable to defray the expenses of such travel; (4) a person whose travel to a VA facility was incident to a scheduled compensation and pension examination; and (5) a veteran whose travel to a VA facility was required to be performed by a special mode of travel which was either authorized beforehand by the Administrator, or was in connection with a medical emergency. Authorizes the Administrator to deduct from the amount otherwise payable an amount equal to $3.75 for each trip to or from a VA facility. Provides a maximum amount authorized to be so deducted from the reimbursed expenses of veterans making six or more one-way trips during the following calendar month or months. Authorizes the Administrator to increase proportionately the amount permitted to be deducted whenever the amount of the reimbursement itself is increased. Directs the Administrator, with respect to any fiscal year in which he or she exercises the authority to make such payments, to make an allocation to each VA facility, before October 1 of each year, to enable the head of such facility to make such payments to veterans using such facility and authorized to receive such payments. Directs the head of each such facility to use such funds solely for such payments. Directs the Chief Medical Director of the VA's Department of Medicine and Surgery, when it is determined that insufficient payments have been made at any such facility, to authorize payments to be made for the proper amounts, unless the Chief Medical Director determines that making such payments at such lesser level would be in the best interests of furnishing care and services to eligible veterans at such facility. Permits any funds authorized for the making of such payments, but unexpended, to be used by the head of any such facility for support of other authorized direct-health care purposes. Directs the Administrator to take all appropriate steps to facilitate the establishment and maintenance of a program under which organizations or individuals who are volunteering their services to the VA would take responsibility for the transportation of such veterans, without reimbursement from the VA, primarily those residing in those areas which are geographically accessible to such facilities, who seek services or benefits from such VA facilities. Directs the Administrator, no later than six months after the enactment of this Act, to report to the Senate and House Veterans' Affairs Committee on the implementation of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 1987
Amends Federal veterans' benefits provisions to establish a presumption of service-connection (for purposes of eligibility for veterans' benefits) for former prisoners of war suffering from the following conditions after active service: (1) peripheral neuropathy; (2) spastic colon; and (3) peptic or duodenal ulcers. Decreases from six months to 90 days the amount of time a former prisoner of war must have been incarcerated in order to be eligible for outpatient dental services.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 1987
Pet Protection Act of 1987 - States that any person using for any research purpose any animal acquired directly or indirectly from any animal shelter or from individuals who have not bred and raised such animal on their own premises shall not be eligible to receive Federal funds under any grant or research protocol of the National Institutes of Health.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1987
Quality Control Amendments of 1987 - Amends the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 to extend the moratorium on the reduction of payments to States for high erroneous payment rates under part A (Aid to Families with Dependent Children) of title IV of the Social Security Act through FY 1988. (Currently, such moratorium is set to expire at the close of June 1988.) Includes payments to States under title XIX (Medicaid) of the Act within such moratorium. Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to place a moratorium on penalties for high erroneous payment rates under the Food Stamp program through FY 1988.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1987
Small Business Retirement and Benefit Extension Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) to cease, as of 1988, the application of special rules for employee benefit plans that are top-heavy. (A top-heavy plan is one in which the value of plan benefits for specified "key" employees exceeds 60 percent of those for all employees under the plan.) Establishes, as a component of the general business credit against income tax, a credit for the administrative costs incurred by an employer having 100 of fewer employees in maintaining a qualified employee pension plan. Limits such credit to a maximum of $3,000 ($4,500 in the case of a defined benefit plan). Reduces the amount of the credit when the average number of employees during a relevant period exceeds 50. Amends the Tax Reform Act of 1986 and the IRC to: (1) apply nondiscrimination rules for coverage and benefits to certain employee benefit plans as of 1991 (currently 1988); (2) extend from 1987 to 1989 the effective date of amendments relating to the definition of "compensation" with respect to pension, profit-sharing, and stock bonus plans; (3) render nontaxable any annuities purchased for employees by a nongovernmental tax-exempt entity; (4) repeal certain restrictions on distributions of contributions under salary reduction arrangements; (5) delay the effective date for the application of nondiscrimination requirements to tax-sheltered annuities; and (6) repeal the 15 percent tax imposed on excess distributions from qualified retirement plans. Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 to provide, for the administrator of an employee benefit plan having fewer than 100 participants, simplified reporting requirements with respect to supplying plan descriptions and annual reports to plan participants and beneficiaries. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the required Government forms currently in use with respect to qualified retirement plans are not designed so that a person with no experience in the area of employee benefits could complete them. Directs the Secretaries of the Treasury and of Labor to: (1) redesign such forms as they pertain to plans having fewer than 100 participants; and (2) report to the Congress on their actions in this regard. Amends the IRC to provide that if an employer does not operate an on-premises eating facility for employees, 50 percent of the employer's share of an off-premises meal furnished to an employee shall be treated as a de minimis fringe benefit (not includible in the employee's income) provided that: (1) the employer pays no more than one-third of the cost of the meal; (2) a maximum of one meal per working day is provided; and (3) the meal is furnished during normal business hours.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1987
Polish Permanent Resident Adjustment Act of 1987 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to authorize the adjustment of status to permanent resident for certain Polish nationals who have continuously resided in the United States since July 21, 1984. Requires such aliens to apply for status adjustment within two years of enactment of this Act.
![Official portrait of Sen. Bingaman, Jeff [D-NM]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/b000468_200.jpg)