United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1987
Disapproves the President's certification for U.S. assistance to Mexico under provisions of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 relating to countries that fail to take adequate measures to prevent narcotic drugs and other controlled substances from being sold illegally within the jurisdiction of such country to U.S. Government personnel or from entering the United States unlawfully.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1987
Disapproves the President's certification of the narcotics cooperation of Panama under provisions of the Trade Act of 1974 which would deny trade benefits to uncooperative countries.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1987
Disapproves the President's certification of the narcotics cooperation of Mexico under provisions of the Trade Act of 1974 which would deny trade benefits to uncooperative countries.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1987
Establishes the Motor Carrier Administration in the Department of Transportation, to be headed by an Administrator appointed by the President who shall report directly to the Secretary of Transportation. Creates the position of Deputy Administrator, to be appointed by the Secretary. Confers upon the Administrator duties and powers related to motor carriers and motor carrier safety under specified law. States that a decision of the Administrator implementing duties involving notice and hearing requirements is administratively final. Directs the Secretary to report to the Congress regarding a review of those Interstate Commerce Commission activities affecting motor carrier transportation which could be more efficiently performed by the Motor Carrier Administration.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1987
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the promotion of unrestricted family visits between related people of the United States and the Soviet Union is an essential part of American policy toward the Soviet Union; and (2) the President, the Secretary of State, and other administration members should raise the issue of family visitation at all appropriate opportunities in discussions with leaders of the Communist Party and the Government of the Soviet Union.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1987
Reaffirms that deposits in federally insured depository institutions, up to the statutorily prescribed amount, are backed by the full faith and credit of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1987
Pornography Victims Protection Act of 1987 - Amends the Federal criminal code with respect to the prohibition against the sexual exploitation of children to add as a condition triggering Federal penalties that the person concerned know that a minor was transported in interstate or foreign commerce for the purpose of producing pornography. Makes it a criminal offense for any person to coerce, intimidate, or fraudulently induce an individual 18 years or older to engage in any sexually explicit conduct for the purposes of producing any visual depiction of such conduct. Grants the U.S. district courts jurisdiction to prevent and restrain violations of this section. Authorizes the Attorney General or any person threatened with loss or damage by such conduct to institute a civil suit. Provides for treble damages for a victim who suffers physical injury, emotional distress, or property damage. Imposes civil penalties for violation of the prohibition against sexual exploitation of children.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1987
Africa Famine Recovery and Development Act - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to add a chapter dealing with Africa Famine Recovery and Development. Authorizes the President to provide project and program assistance for long-term development in sub-Saharan Africa. Requires the purpose of such assistance to be to help the poor majority in sub-Saharan Africa to participate in a process of long-term development through economic growth that is equitable, participatory, environmentally sustainable, and self-reliant. Declares that the general authorities and policies of the development assistance provisions of such Act apply to this Act. Requires the agency primarily responsible for administering development assistance programs to: (1) take into account the local-level perspectives of the rural and urban poor in sub-Saharan Africa during the planning and review of annual country planning documents for project assistance under this Act; (2) make available funds for a substantial expansion of development efforts by private and voluntary organizations which have demonstrated effectiveness in or commitment to the promotion of local grass-roots activities on behalf of long-term development in sub-Saharan Africa; and (3) establish simplified procedures for the development and evaluation of projects to be carried out by private and voluntary organizations. Requires that local people shall be closely involved in projects that have a local focus. Requires that the agency primarily responsible for administering development assistance programs shall ensure the participation of African women in development projects assisted by this Act. Requires the agency primarily responsible for administering development assistance programs to use the program assistance provided by this Act to: (1) help overcome shorter-term constraints to long-term development; and (2) promote reform of national economic policies to support these priorities. Requires such assistance programs to take account of the need for adjustments should recurrence of drought make it impossible to achieve the goals of the reform. Designates as the critical sectoral priorities for long-term development: (1) agricultural production and natural resources; (2) health; (3) voluntary family planning services; (4) education; and (5) income generating opportunities. Imposes minimum levels of assistance for certain critical sectors. Requires the agency primarily responsible for administering development assistance to formulate coherent country development assistance strategies. Sets forth information such strategies must analyze and address. Requires the assistance provided under this Act to be concentrated in countries that will make the most effective use of such assistance. Exempts the assistance authorized by this Act from specified limitations on the procurement of goods and services. Earmarks the uses to which local currencies generated by assistance provided under this Act and other Acts may be put. Provides that funds made available under this Act may be used to assist the countries in sub-Saharan Africa to increase their capacity to participate in donor coordination mechanisms at the country, regional, and sector levels. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1988 and 1989 for long-term development assistance for sub-Saharan Africa and for funding activities of certain international organizations. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the funding authorization should be extended whenever appropriate. Limits transfers between accounts funded by this Act. Requires the Administrator of AID to develop a plan for organizational changes within AID in order to carry out the long-term development assistance program for sub-Saharan Africa with maximum effectiveness. Sets forth changes the Administrator shall consider. Requires the Administrator to consult with specified congressional committees about such changes. Authorizes the Administrator to transfer certain funds in order to increase the AID resources for development assistance activities for sub-Saharan Africa. Requires the Administrator to develop a plan for evaluating the agency's progress in achieving the purposes of this Act. Requires the plan to provide for: (1) the establishment of specific criteria for measuring the performance of U.S. development assistance for the poor majority in sub-Saharan Africa; (2) the collection and monitoring of base-line data for future measurement of the effectiveness of such assistance; and (3) the measures by which the evaluations will be used to institutionalize learning within the agency. Requires the plan to be developed in consultation with specified congressional committees. Requires that assistance from other assistance and development programs shall be used to provide assistance fo the poor majority in sub-Saharan Africa. Authorizes the President to make available such amounts from the funds authorized by this Act as the President deems appropriate to support long-term development assistance for activities of international organizations which are consistent with the purpose of providing assistance for the poor majority in sub-Saharan Africa and are undertaken in coordination with AID. Encourages the President to use the authorities provided in this Act in coordination with activities of the multilateral development banks in sub-Saharan Africa. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to instruct the U.S. Executive Directors to the International Monetary Fund and to the relevant multilateral development banks to pursue means by which those institutions could reschedule the payments due them by the low-income countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Requires the President to ensure that the funds made available by this Act are not used by a country to repay loans. Requires the annual report by the President to the Congress on foreign assistance programs to included a report on the progress made in carrying out this Act. Provides that reprogramming notification requirements do not apply to funds used to carry out this Act. Makes conforming amendments to various Acts. Declares that, where appropriate, African famine relief activities should serve as the foundation for long-term development activities undertaken pursuant to this Act. Provides for the transfer of certain funds so that they may be used for management support activities associated with long-term development assistance. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the purposes of the African Development Foundation are consistent with the purposes of this Act. Amends the African Development Foundation Act to authorize appropriations for the African Development Foundation for FY 1988. Expresses the sense of the Congress that special efforts should be undertaken to reduce trade barriers and promote economic interchange between the United States and developing countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Requires the Comptroller General to study, and report to the Congress on, the restrictions which affect the importation of products of developing countries in sub-Saharan Africa.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1987
Authorizes and requests the President to issue a proclamation calling upon the people of the United States to observe the bicentennial of the Northwest Ordinance of 1787.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1987
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the targeted jobs income tax credit. (Present law terminates such credit for employees who begin work after December 31, 1988.) Makes permanent the authorization of appropriations with respect to the certification requirements of such tax credit.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1987
Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to prohibit U.S. defense articles from being transferred to, or used on, Cyprus by Turkey. Declares that such prohibition shall not apply to the extent that the President certifies to the Congress that: (1) there has been an armed attack on one or more parties to the North Atlantic Treaty or that such an attack is imminent; and (2) the President has approved the transfer of such defense articles. Requires the President to report periodically to the Congress: (1) specifying the number of Turkish armed forces on Cyprus; and (2) describing any U.S. defense articles on Cyprus.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1987
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an income tax deduction for interest paid or incurred on a qualified educational loan. Defines "qualified educational loan" as any indebtedness incurred to pay the educational expenses of the taxpayer or the taxpayer's spouse or dependent. (Present law requires that such a loan be secured by an interest in real property.)
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1987
Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to require each candidate for Federal office to file a declaration with the Federal Election Commission on whether such candidate intends to expend, in the aggregate, $250,000 or more from personal funds, or the funds of the candidate's immediate family, or incur personal loans in excess of such amount, in connection with the candidate's campaign. Establishes formulas to increase the limitations on contributions for a candidate in an election in which another candidate: (1) intends to expend more than $250,000; (2) intends to incur personal loans in excess of $250,000; (3) does expend or incur loans in excess of such amount; or (4) fails to file the required declaration. Requires any candidate who has declared not to exceed the personal spending limit and who subsequently does exceed such limit to file an amended declaration and to notify all other candidates for such office of such change. Prohibits a candidate who expends personal funds from repaying personal loans for an election campaign from contributions made after such election. Prohibits a candidate from expending personal funds or family funds or from incurring personal loans for a campaign at any time after 60 days before the date of the election.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1987
Amends the Federal criminal code to permit the transmission of information on sports betting from a State where such betting is legal to a foreign country where such betting is legal.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1987
Omnibus Taxpayers' Bill of Rights Act - Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to prepare a statement setting forth in nontechnical terms: (1) the rights and obligations of a taxpayer and of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) during a tax audit; (2) the procedures by which a taxpayer may appeal adverse decisions, prosecute refund claims, and file complaints; and (3) the procedures that the IRS may use in enforcing revenue laws. Directs the Secretary to transmit drafts of such statement to specified congressional committees and to distribute the final statement to all taxpayers with tax forms sent by the IRS. Amends the Inspector General Act of 1978 and other Federal law to establish within the Department of the Treasury an Office of Inspector General. Transfers to such Office the existing audit and investigation units of the Department. Prohibits the Inspector from reviewing: (1) monetary, fiscal, and tax policy; and (2) the exercise of legal judgment in the investigation and litigation of cases. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) withhold from the Inspector requested information that the Secretary determines will jeopardize the success of an ongoing investigation or litigation, confidential sources, or the national security; and (2) prohibit the Inspector from undertaking or continuing an audit or investigation under limited circumstances described in this Act. Requires the IRS, upon taxpayer request, to conduct any interview regarding a deficiency assessment at a reasonable time and place convenient to the taxpayer and to the IRS, and to permit the taxpayer, at his or her own expense, to record the interview. Authorizes the IRS interviewer to record such interview if the taxpayer has been given prior notice and is provided, upon request and payment of reproduction costs, with a transcript of the recording. Requires the interviewer to warn the taxpayer that: (1) he or she has a right to remain silent; (2) any statement the taxpayer makes may be used against him or her; and (3) he or she has the right to the presence of an attorney, certified public accountant, enrolled agent, or enrolled actuary. Permits a waiver of such rights if voluntarily and knowingly made. Amends Federal law to require the Comptroller General of the General Accounting Office to: (1) conduct audits of the IRS with respect to the efficiency, uniformity, and equity of the internal revenue laws (current law specifies no particular focus for such audits); and (2) conduct special audits or investigations of internal revenue law administration upon the request of any congressional committee or Member of Congress. Requires the Comptroller's annual report to the Congress to include specified findings concerning IRS management, efficiency, procedures, and structure. Divests of its finality a vote of the Joint Committee on Taxation to disapprove a Comptroller audit of the IRS. Designates such vote as a recommendation to disapprove an audit and makes such recommendation subject to congressional approval. Prohibits evaluations of IRS personnel based on revenue collected from taxpayers as a result of audits or investigations involving such personnel. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to prescribe criminal penalties for: (1) any investigation by an officer or employee of the United States in connection with Federal tax laws that inquires into the beliefs, associations, or activities of any individual or organization; or (2) the maintenance of any records containing information derived from such an investigation. Creates a civil cause of action in Federal court (regardless of the amount in controversy) for any taxpayer aggrieved by such prohibited investigation or recordkeeping. Authorizes both equitable remedies and awards of damages, including punitive damages, litigation costs, and reasonable attorney fees, in such cases. Extends from ten to 30 days the period between the required notice to a person who neglects or refuses to pay tax liability and a levy on such person's salary, wages, or other property. Specifies information that must be incorporated in such notice, including possible alternative actions and the appropriate appeals procedures. Adds to the circumstances triggering termination of such a levy: (1) an agreement between the taxpayer and the Secretary for payment of the liability; and (2) the Secretary's determination that the taxpayer's financial condition precludes enforceability of the liability. Revises the list of property exempt from levy to: (1) increase the exempt amount permitted for certain personal effects, the property of a business, and wages; (2) add an exemption for certain deposits in qualified institutions; and (3) provide an express exemption, except under limited circumstances specified in this Act, for the taxpayer's principal residence, a motor vehicle used by the taxpayer as the primary means of transportation to work, and any tangible personal property essential to the operation of the taxpayer's business in cases when a levy would prevent the taxpayer from carrying on such business. Prohibits a levy on any property when levy and sales expenses would exceed either the liability for which the levy is made or the fair market value of the levied property. Sets forth situations in which the Secretary must release a levy. Applies to jeopardy levies the administrative and judicial review procedures currently applicable to jeopardy assessments. Authorizes the Secretary, in certain cases, to enter into a binding agreement with a taxpayer under which such taxpayer may pay tax liability in installments. Requires the Secretary to offer in writing to enter such an agreement with any individual: (1) whose tax liability is $20,000 or less; and (2) who has not been delinquent in installment tax payments under similar agreements during a specified period. Permits the Secretary, after proper notice and a hearing, to modify or annul such an agreement upon the finding that the financial condition of the affected taxpayer has significantly changed. Requires the Secretary to abate in full any deficiency, including penalty or interest, completely attributable to erroneous advice in writing given to a taxpayer by an IRS officer or employee in response to such taxpayer's specific inquiry. Directs IRS officers and employees, when giving oral advice to a person, to inform such person that the contents of such communication are not binding on the IRS. Authorizes the IRS Ombudsman, upon application filed by a taxpayer, to issue a Taxpayer Assistance Order if, in the determination of the Ombudsman: (1) the taxpayer is suffering or is about to suffer from an unusual or irreparable loss as a result of the manner in which the internal revenue laws are being administered by the Secretary; and (2) the Secretary has failed to carry out any of his or her duties or has violated any provision of law. Allows the terms of a Taxpayer Assistance Order to require the Secretary to release property of the taxpayer levied upon or to cease or refrain from certain actions. Requires the Secretary to obey any Taxpayer Assistance Order issued by the Ombudsman. Allows an administrative appeal of tax liens. Revises the criteria according to which the Secretary determines a minimum sale price for property seized by levy and subject to a tax sale. Prohibits the Secretary from authorizing a class audit of taxpayers in a particular business or trade until each group member is given proper notice and the opportunity either to file an amended return or to challenge the Secretary's findings at a hearing. Places upon the IRS the burden of proof on all issues in all administrative and judicial proceedings between the IRS and a taxpayer. Applies the rulemaking provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act to all IRS rules and regulations prescribed by the Secretary.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1987
Congressional Advisory Panel on Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome Act of 1987 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants for the development, establishment, and operation of a congressional advisory panel on acquired immune deficiency syndrome (panel). Directs the Secretary to request the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences to submit grant applications for the establishment and operation of such panel, with provision for grants to other appropriate nonprofit private entities if the Institute submits no application. Sets a timetable to govern the establishment of the panel. Requires the panel to: (1) advise the Congress and the President concerning acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS); (2) analyze and make recommendations for changing health care services and specified public health activities relating to AIDS; (3) monitor the spread of AIDS among given populations; (4) evaluate certain research activities associated with AIDS; (5) assess various efforts, including coordination of efforts among geographic areas, to provide education and share information about AIDS; (6) study the legal and ethical issues relating to AIDS, including their civil rights implications; (7) examine problems encountered by AIDS victims in the areas of employment, education, housing, and insurance; (8) study the effect of AIDS on the armed services; (9) identify financial resources available to address various components of the AIDS issue; and (10) encourage participation by both public and private entities in efforts to prevent and treat AIDS and to assist AIDS victims. Sets forth qualifying criteria relating to the panel and its activities that must be met by applicants for grants to develop, establish, or operate the panel. Requires that the Secretary submit to the President and to each appropriate congressional committee specified data relating to the panel's activities. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1988 through 1992.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1987
Amends the National Housing Act to limit the Government National Mortgage Association mortgage guarantee fee to six basis points. Sets administrative fees at September 1, 1985, levels, except that they may be increased to cover increased administrative costs.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1987
Textile and Apparel Trade Act of 1987 - Limits the 1987 imports of textiles and textile products classified under a category to an amount equal to 101 percent of the total 1986 imports classified under such category. Limits the 1987 imports of nonrubber footwear classified under a nonrubber footwear category to an amount equal to: (1) the total 1986 imports of nonrubber footwear classified under such category; and (2) in the case of low priced nonrubber footwear, the total 1986 imports of low priced nonrubber footwear classified under such category. Provides for a one percent annual growth in the amount of permitted imports of textiles and textile products after 1987. Authorizes the President to: (1) enter into trade agreements to grant new concessions as compensation, to the extent required under U.S. trade agreements for the import limits imposed by this Act; and (2) proclaim such modification or continuance of any existing duty on textiles and textile products and on nonrubber footwear as necessary to carry out such agreements. Prohibits the President from reducing any rate of duty by more than ten percent. Requires the President, before entering into such trade agreements, to consider whether such country has violated trade concessions of benefit to the United States and such violation has not been adequately offset by U.S. action or by the action of such country. Sets forth requirements governing staged rate reductions in the tariffs of articles affected by this Act. Prohibits the President, except as authorized by this paragraph, from entering into trade negotiations with any country with respect to duties on textiles, textile products, and nonrubber footwear. Prohibits the President, except as provided in this paragraph, from decreasing or proposing a decrease in any such duty by any means, including an implementing bill or a proclamation. Requires the President to report annually to the Congress on the administration of this Act. Requires the Secretary of Commerce, ten years after enactment of this Act, to study and report to the Congress on the operation of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1987
Extends adverse action provisions of Federal law regarding Federal employees (concerning removal, suspension for more than 14 days, reduction in grade or pay, or furlough for 30 days or less) to Postal Service employees who: (1) are preference eligibles; (2) are supervisors or employees engaged in confidential personnel work; and (3) have completed one year of continuous service in the same or similar positions. Authorizes the Director of the Office of Personnel Management to obtain judicial review in the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit if: (1) the Director determines that the Board of Governors of the Postal Service erred in interpreting a civil service law, rule, or regulation affecting personnel management, and that the Board's decision will have a substantial impact on a civil service law, rule, regulation, or policy directive; or (2) the Postal Service makes such determination regarding postal personnel management.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1987
Amends the Saccharin Study and Labeling Act to extend to May 1, 1992, the period during which the Secretary of Health and Human Services may not take certain actions to restrict the continued use of saccharin or of any food, drug, or cosmetic containing saccharin.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1987
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to eliminate tax-exempt interest on specified private activity bonds as an item of tax preference for purposes of alternative minimum tax or as a consideration in determining a corporation's adjusted net book income or current earnings.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1987
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a farmer an income tax deduction for specified agricultural products donated to a State for the care of individuals adversely affected by a major natural disaster. Sets the amount of such deduction at the fair market value of the charitable contribution minus production costs for which the taxpayer has taken a deduction.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1987
Amends the Tariff Schedules of the United States to implement changes in the tariff treatment of the following products pursuant to the United States-European Communities Agreement on Citrus and Pasta: (1) anchovies; (2) certain cheeses; (3) satsuma oranges (mandarin); (4) olives; (5) capers; (6) paprika; (7) cider; (8) olive oil; and (9) certain pastas. Directs the President to increase the amount of the limitation imposed upon imported cheeses produced in the European Communities.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1987
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the proposed rescission of budget authority for community development block grants (R87-46) should be disapproved.
United States · United States Congress · 17 February 1987
Establishes the Veterans Administration as an executive department redesignated as the Department of Veterans' Affairs. Makes technical and conforming changes, including the redesignation of the Administrator as the Secretary of Veterans' Affairs.
United States · United States Congress · 17 February 1987
Amends the National Housing Act to make authority permanent for: (1) title I financial institution insurance for housing renovation and modernization; (2) general mortgage insurance; (3) low and moderate income and displaced families mortgage insurance; (4) mortgage co-insurance, including rental rehabilitation and development projects; (5) mortgage insurance for armed forces' civilian employees and defense housing for impacted areas; (6) mortgage insurance for land development; (7) mortgage insurance for medical and dental group practice facilities; and (8) graduated payment and indexed mortgage insurance. Amends the Housing Act of 1964 to make authority permanent for urban rehabilitation loans. Amends the Housing Act of 1949 to make authority permanent for: (1) insured loans for rental and cooperative housing and related facilities for elderly persons and families in rural areas; and (2) mutual and self-help housing grants and loans. Amends the National Flood Insurance Act of 1986 to make national flood insurance authority, including emergency implementation provisions, permanent.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1987
Construction Industry Labor Law Amendments of 1987 - Amends the National Labor Relations Act to provide that in the construction industry two or more business entities engaged in the same or similar work shall be deemed a single employer if they have: (1) substantial common ownership; (2) common management; or (3) common control. Applies the terms of a collective bargaining agreement regarding employees of such business entities to all other business entities comprising the same single employer within the geographical area covered by the agreement. States that collective bargaining agreements may only be repudiated after the National Labor Relations Board certifies election results in which a majority of the employees select a bargaining representative other than the representative with whom such agreement was made. Expresses the sense of the Congress that violence and coercion are inimical to the collective bargaining process and that employees and labor organizations in the building and construction industry should never use or condone violence in fulfilling the objectives of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1987
Omnibus Trade Act of 1987 - Title I: Authority to Negotiate Trade Agreement - Grants the President, during a specified ten-year period, the authority to enter into multilateral trade agreements to reduce or eliminate trade barriers or distortions whenever the President determines that such barriers to, or distortions of, international trade: (1) unduly burden or restrict U.S. foreign trade or adversely affect the U.S. economy; or (2) are likely to result in such a burden, restriction, or effect. Limits the amount of reduction in duty that such agreements may involve. Authorizes the President, during a specified ten-year period, to enter into bilateral trade agreements with foreign countries providing for the reduction or elimination of trade barriers or distortions. Provides that such a bilateral trade agreement may be entered into only if: (1) the foreign country requested the negotiation of such an agreement; and (2) the President provides 60 days' notice to specified congressional committees and consults with such committees. Requires the President, before entering into negotiation of such a multilateral or bilateral trade agreement, to determine: (1) whether state trading enterprises account for a significant share of the exports of such foreign country or of the goods of such country that are subject to import competition; and (2) whether such state trading enterprises unduly burden or restrict, or adversely affect U.S. foreign trade or the U.S. economy or are likely to result in such a burden, restriction, or effect. Authorizes the President, if a country's state trading enterprises meet such criteria, to enter into a multilateral or bilateral trade agreement with such country only if such agreement provides that the state trading enterprises: (1) will make non-governmental purchases and sales in international trade in accordance with commercial considerations; and (2) will give U.S. businesses adequate opportunity to compete for participation in such purchases and sales. Provides that a multilateral or bilateral trade agreement may be entered into only if the trade agreement: (1) meets at least one of the negotiating objectives described in this Act; (2) provides for the reciprocal exchange of obligations among the signatories to the agreement; (3) provides a reasonable likelihood that the United States can enforce the obligations of such agreement; and (4) complements and reinforces existing agreements with non-signatory countries and existing U.S. agreements on related economic subjects. Requires the President, before entering into such a multilateral or bilateral trade agreement, to consult with specified congressional committees. Requires the U.S. Trade Representative to consult with interested congressional committees on a continuing basis in order to inform the Congress of trade negotiations and the progress in meeting, and obstacles to achieving, U.S. trade negotiating objectives. Provides that a multilateral or bilateral trade agreement entered into under this Act shall enter into force with respect to the United States if: (1) the President has notified the Congress of the intent to enter into such an agreement; (2) after entering into the agreement the President submits the final legal text of the agreement to the Congress together with other specified materials; and (3) the implementing bill is enacted. Authorizes the President to make certain recommendations to the Congress in order to ensure that a foreign country that receives benefits under a trade agreement is subject to obligations under the agreement. Imposes limitations on the use of expedited congressional procedures for the consideration of an implementing bill or approval resolution relating to such trade agreements. Declares that the overall objectives of the United States in international trade negotiations shall be to obtain: (1) more open, fair, and equitable market access; (2) the reduction or elimination of barriers and other trade-distorting practices; (3) an appropriate overall balance between benefits and concessions within the agricultural, manufacturing, mining and service sectors; and (4) improved management of the new global economy. Sets forth the principal objectives in negotiating such agreements. Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to declare that the principal U.S. negotiating objectives under the import relief provisions of such Act shall be to eliminate or reduce foreign barriers to equitable access by U.S. persons to foreign development technology. Requires the United States, in pursuing such objectives, to take into account U.S. policies in licensing or otherwise making available to foreign persons technology and other information developed by U.S. laboratories. Provides termination and reservation authority for trade agreements entered into under this Act. Requires the President to determine, after a specified five-year period, whether any major industrial country has failed to make reciprocal concessions under a trade agreement. Requires the President to recommend certain legislation to the Congress with respect to such a country if the country has failed to make such concessions. Provides that no political party shall dominate the membership of specified trade advisory committees. Requires the President to make the same determinations regarding state trading enterprises before a foreign country accedes to a multinational trade agreement to which the United States is a party that the President is required to make before entering into negotiation of a multilateral or bilateral trade agreement under this Act. Requires the President, if a country's state trading enterprises meet such criteria, to reserve the right of the United States to withhold extension of such agreement between the United States and such country. Provides that, if a country's state trading enterprises meet such criteria such trade agreement shall not apply between the United States and such country until: (1) such country and the United States enter into an agreement providing that the state trading enterprises will make certain purchases and sales in accordance with commercial considerations and will afford U.S. businesses an opportunity to compete for such purchases and sales; or (2) a bill which approves the extension of such agreement between the United States and such foreign country is enacted. Provides for expedited congressional consideration of such an implementing bill. Requires the President to begin bilateral negotiations on an expedited basis with each foreign country which pegs its currency to the U.S. dollar to ensure that such country regularly adjusts the exchange rate between its currency and the dollar to reflect underlying economic fundamentals. Requires the President to submit to the Congress a semi-annual report on such negotiations and developments in the exchange rates. Title II: Enhancing Competitiveness - Subtitle A: Positive Adjustment in Import-Impacted Industries - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to change the chapter providing for import relief. Provides that a petition for eligibility for import relief for the purpose of facilitating orderly adjustment to import competition may be filed with the International Trade Commission (ITC) by any entity which is representative of an industry. Requires the petition to include a statement describing the specific purposes for which import relief is being sought. Requires the ITC to begin an investigation to determine whether an article is being imported in such increased quantities as to be a substantial cause of serious injury, or threat of serious injury, to a competing domestic industry upon: (1) request of the President or the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR); (2) resolution of specified congressional committees; or (3) filing of a petition. Requires the ITC, in making such determination, to consider all relevant economic factors. Lists certain factors to be considered, including, with respect to serious injury, the inability of a significant number of firms to operate domestic production facilities at a reasonable profit and, with respect to threat of serious injury: (1) export targeting by a foreign government; (2) the existence of affirmative antidumping or countervailing duty determinations relating to a specified country; (3) the extent of the inability of the domestic industry to maintain its research and development expenditures; and (4) the extent to which articles are being diverted to the United States because of export or import restraints in a third country. Sets forth the methods to be used by the ITC to determine the relevant domestic industry, including requiring the ITC to treat as part of an industry only its domestic production even if the industry also imports. Defines "substantial cause" to mean a cause which is important and not less than any other cause. Requires the ITC to: (1) investigate and report on efforts made by firms and workers in the industry to compete more effectively; and (2) investigate any factors which may be contributing to increase imports and, if the ITC has reason to believe that the increased imports are attributable to dumping, to notify the appropriate agency. Declares that imports of competitive articles by domestic producers shall not be considered a factor indicating the absence of serious injury or threat of serious injury to such industry. Requires the ITC to examine factors other than imports which may be a cause of injury or threat of injury to the domestic industry. Requires the ITC to hold public hearings in import relief investigations. Requires the ITC to make a determination within 150 days of the start of an import relief investigation. Prohibits an import relief investigation with respect to a domestic industry which during the preceding ten years was the subject of a previous investigation that resulted in: (1) tariff changes, import quotas, or orderly marketing agreements; or (2) the granting of an antitrust exemption to such domestic industry. Prohibits for one year any import relief investigation, except for good cause, of the same subject matter as a previous investigation that did not succeed in obtaining relief. Requires the President to impose provisional import relief if the President finds that critical circumstances exist. Sets forth limitations on the duration of such relief. Declares that critical circumstances exist if a significant increase in imports over a short period of time has led to circumstances in which a delay in the imposition of relief would cause damage to the domestic industry that would be difficult to remedy under the regular import relief procedure. Permits a petition which alleges import injury to a perishable product to be filed with the Secretary of Agriculture with a request that emergency relief be granted. Sets forth the procedure and timetable for granting such emergency relief. Requires the USTR to establish a plan development group for the domestic industry producing articles like, or directly competitive with, the article that is the subject of the import relief investigation. Requires such group to be established whenever the ITC begins any import relief investigation. Requires each plan development group to consist of officials from various Federal agencies and individuals who are representative of the firms and of the workers in the domestic industry. Requires each plan development group to prepare for the industry concerned as assessment of current problems and a competitive enhancement strategy that sets forth objectives and steps that workers and firms could undertake to: (1) improve the industry's competitiveness; (2) assist the industry to adjust to new methods of competition; (3) lead to a domestic industry that can compete after the expiration of any import relief actions; and (4) adjust to import competition through the orderly transfer of resources to alternative uses. Sets forth information to be included in such assessment and strategy. Requires the report on such assessment and strategy to be submitted to the ITC and to the petitioner, if any, within 120 days after the ITC starts the import relief investigation. Requires a petitioner for import relief to file an adjustment plan with the ITC within seven days (later if authorized by the ITC) of the ITC finding that import relief is warranted. Authorizes any trade association, firm, union, or group of workers that represents a significant portion of the affected domestic industry to file such an adjustment plan with the ITC if the import relief action was not initiated by petition. Requires the ITC to select one plan if more than one adjustment plan is submitted. Requires the adjustment plan to set forth: (1) the specific objectives of the import relief being requested (including the facilitation of orderly transfer of resources to alternative uses or other means of adjusting to competition); (2) a schedule for achieving such objectives; and (3) a description of actions which will be taken to achieve such objectives. Sets forth factors that may be addressed in such adjustment plan. Requires the USTR to present to the ITC and to the President the opinions of the heads of various Federal agencies on the viability of such adjustment plans. Requires the ITC, after an adjustment plan is submitted, to try to obtain, on a confidential basis, commitments from the members of the domestic industry regarding: (1) how such members intend to act upon the objectives and actions set forth in such plan; and (2) any other actions such members intend to take to foster the objectives of the adjustment plan. Requires the ITC to transmit such commitments to specified Federal officials, on a confidential basis. Provides for administration of the plan development groups. Exempts participation in plan development groups from the antitrust laws. Requires the ITC to report to the President on the determination made by the ITC in an import relief investigation. Sets forth information to be included in such report. Requires the ITC, if it determines that import relief is warranted, to: (1) recommend actions which the President is authorized to take that (alone or in combination with other actions) create a reasonable expectation that the domestic industry can compete successfully with imports after the termination of the import relief; or (2) if the ITC finds no such reasonable expectation, recommend actions which the President is authorized to take that are necessary to provide for the orderly transfer of such industry's resources; (3) determine, for purposes of limiting import relief actions, the amount of any change in import restrictions which would prevent or remedy the serious injury or threat of serious injury caused by imports; and (4) include specified information in the report to the President, including a description of the short- and long-term effects of the implementation of the recommendation on other domestic industries and consumers. Limits the extent of the impact of, and the duration of, the import relief recommended by the ITC. Provides for public hearings by the ITC on its recommendations. Requires the ITC to: (1) consider specified factors in making such recommendations; (2) report to the President on import relief determinations within 180 days of the start of the investigation; and (3) furnish additional information to the President upon request. Requires the President, if the ITC makes an affirmative unanimous determination that import relief is warranted, to take, within 30 days of receipt of the ITC report: (1) the actions recommended by the ITC; or (2) other actions which are at least substantially equivalent to the actions recommended by the ITC. Requires the President to submit a draft of a bill waiving the above requirement and containing the actions the President has decided to take if the President decides that: (1) actions other than those recommended by the ITC or their substantial equivalent should be taken; or (2) no action should be taken. Provides for expedited congressional consideration of such bill. Provides for congressional veto (by enactment of a joint resolution of disapproval) of the President's decision to take other action or no action. Requires the President, if the ITC determines in a non-unanimous vote that import relief is warranted, to: (1) take import relief actions that create a reasonable expectation that the domestic industry can compete successfully with imports after the termination of such relief; or (2) take actions to provide for the orderly transfer of the resources of the domestic industry to other productive pursuits if the President does not find such a reasonable expectation. Declares that the President shall not be required to take any import relief action following a non-unanimous import relief determination by the ITC if the President determines that the import relief would be deterimental to national security or would cause serious injury to a domestic industry. Sets forth the timetable for actions by the President in import relief actions. Sets forth the import relief actions the President is authorized to take, including providing trade adjustment assistance and antitrust exemptions, directing the initiation of antidumping and countervailing duty investigations, and entering into multilateral negotiations. Sets forth the criteria for granting antitrust exemptions and initiating antidumping actions. Limits the amount of increase of any duty provided as import relief. Limits the extent of any quantitative restriction on imports that is imposed as import relief. Postpones the implementation of import relief is the President publishes notice of intent to negotiate an orderly marketing agreement. Provides for administration, review, and termination of import relief actions taken by the President. Provides for termination of import relief if the USTR finds that: (1) a domestic industry has failed to implement the recommended objectives and actions specified in the adjustment plan submitted to the ITC or the actions declared in the confidential information submitted in connection with such plan; and (2) such failure is not justified by changed circumstances and has adversely affected overall implementation of the objectives specified in the plan. Limits the duration, with specified exceptions, of import relief actions to: (1) eight years; or (2) the period of time in which the domestic industry can compete successfully without import relief or the period of time in which an orderly transfer of resources can be completed. Provides for one five-year extension of import relief. Provides for reducing import relief every three years if the import relief lasts more than three years. Authorizes the President, if an orderly marketing agreement is negotiated, to suspend or terminate import relief provisions dealing with tariff modifications. Provides for the reduction or termination of import relief actions if: (1) no commitments were made to the ITC by any members of the domestic industry; and (2) the President makes a specified determination relating to achievement of the objectives of the import relief actions. Requires the ITC to evaluate the effectiveness of the import relief actions after holding public hearings and to report to the President and to the Congress on such evaluation. Subtitle B: Trade Competitiveness Assistance - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to change the eligibility requirements for trade adjustment assistance for workers and firms. Refers to trade adjustment assistance as trade competitiveness assistance. Authorizes the certification of workers and firms as eligible for such assistance if there are increases in imports of articles that are competitive with articles to which the workers (through their firms) or the firms provide essential parts or services. Requires a worker, in order to receive cash assistance, to: (1) be enrolled in a training program approved by the Secretary of Labor; (2) have completed such a program; or (3) have received a written certification from the Secretary or the relevant State or State agency that it is not feasible or appropriate to approve a training program for such worker. Prohibits payment of such assistance to such worker if the worker has failed to begin, or has ceased to participate in, such training program without justifiable cause until the worker begins or resumes participation in such training program. Requires the Secretary to report annually to specified congressional committees on the number of workers who received certifications on the non-feasibility or inappropriateness of job training during the preceding year. Increases the maximum trade readjustment allowance to an amount equal to 78 (currently 52) times the amount of one week's trade readjustment allowance. Provides that such increase shall apply to a worker who receives a certification of non-feasibility of job training. Requires that, if the Secretary approves training for adversely affected workers, the training must be reasonably available. Provides that such training may be paid for directly or through a voucher system. Limits the total amount of payments for training for each adversely affected worker to $4,000. Requires each cooperating State agency (agency which provides trade adjustment assistance services) to advise adversely affected workers of training opportunities as soon as practicable. (Current law requires the agency to provided such advice within 60 days of receiving an application for training.) Terminates on September 30, 1991, trade adjustment assistance programs for workers, technical assistance for firms, and the imposition of import fees to fund such programs. Authorizes appropriations for trade adjustment assistance for workers and for firms through FY 1989. (Current law authorizes such appropriations through FY 1991.) Establishes within the Treasury a Trade Competitiveness Assistance Trust Fund. Provides for its funding. Requires the amounts in the Trust Fund to be used to: (1) pay drawbacks and refunds of the duty imposed on all imports by this Act; and (2) carry out trade adjustment assistance for workers and firms to the extent and in such amounts as provided by appropriations Acts. Prohibits the use of the amounts in the Trust Fund to pay certain loans guaranteed under programs for trade adjustment assistance for firms. Directs the President to undertake negotiations to change the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) to allow countries to impose a small uniform duty on all imports in order to use the revenue from such duty to fund trade adjustment assistance programs. Directs the President to report to the Congress six months after enactment of this Act on the progress of such negotiations. Directs the President to report to the Congress as soon as the GATT allows the imposition of such a duty. Imposes an additional duty on all imports into the United States, including those imports granted duty-free treatment, with specified exceptions. Title III: Unfair International Trade Practices Investigations - Subtitle A: Mandatory Responses to Unfair Distortion of International Trade - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to require the national trade estimate prepared annually by USTR to include a list of the trade barriers of each foreign country and an estimate of the value of additional U.S. goods and services and the value of additional foreign direct investment by U.S. persons that would have been exported to, or invested in, each foreign country if each of such trade barriers did not exist. Requires the USTR to consider the value of such U.S. exports and investments in determining the trade distorting impact of such trade barriers. Changes the date on which such annual report (to be known as the National Trade Estimate) is due to March 31. Requires the President, if a country is identified in the 1986 National Trade Estimate as a country that has foreign trade barriers and the USTR determines that such country maintains a consistent pattern of barriers and market distorting practices, to initiate negotiations with such country to eliminate such barriers. Requires the USTR to determine, within 30 days of enactment of this Act, with respect to each such country whether such country maintains such a pattern of market barriers. Declares that Japan is such a country. Requires the President to report to the Congress by December 31, 1988, on the effects of any agreements reached by such negotiations. Requires the USTR to initiate investigations with respect to those trade barriers identified in the National Trade Estimate which constitute significant trade barriers or distortions and which are likely to be: (1) unjustifiable; or (2) unjustifiable, unreasonable or discriminatory and restrictive of U.S. commerce and, if eliminated, are likely to result in the greatest expansion of U.S. exports. Exempts the USTR from initiating an investigation under (2) if such an investigation would be detrimental to other efforts to eliminate such barriers. Defines significant barriers to and distortions of trade. Requires the USTR to determine within nine months of the start of an investigation, whether: (1) the United States is being denied any trade rights; or (2) the trade practices being investigated constitute unfair practices. Requires the USTR to provide an opportunity for the presentation of the views of interested parties and to obtain advice from appropriate advisory bodies either before or after making such determination depending upon whether expeditious action is required. Requires the USTR to make the determination more quickly (within six months) if export targeting is alleged. Requires the President to take the actions necessary to enforce U.S. trade rights and to eliminate unfair trade practices if such determination is affirmative. Sets forth the time frame in which such actions must be taken. Authorizes the President to postpone taking such actions if the President makes a specified certification to the Congress. Prohibits the President from granting more than two postponements. Declares that the President is not required to take any actions if: (1) the contracting parties to the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) make a determination that conflicts with the USTR's determination of unfair trade practices; (2) an agreement is entered into between the United States and the foreign country involved and the affected domestic industry or the petitioner agrees that such agreement adequately offsets the unfair trade practices and enforces U.S. trade rights; or (3) the investigation of such trade practices was not initiated by a finding in the National Trade Estate of unjustifiable trade barriers and the President submits a specified certification to the Congress. Terminates any actions taken in response to such investigations after seven years if there is no request for continuation of the action. Provides for formal review, upon request, of the necessity of the continuation of the action request. Requires the USTR to report to the Congress on such review. Authorizes the President to modify or terminate an action taken pursuant to such an investigation if: (1) the contracting parties to the GATT have determined, or a GATT panel of experts has reported, that the action violates U.S. international obligations or that the trade practice to which the action responds is not a violation of, or inconsistent with, a trade agreement or does not impair U.S. benefits under a trade agreement; (2) an offsetting trade agreement has been reached; or (3) the burden on the U.S. economy of the denial of trade rights or of the unfair trade practices has increased. Includes foreign trade practices that threaten to burden or restrict U.S. commerce among the trade practices to which the USTR must respond. Defines "burden on U.S. commerce" to include: (1) foreign trade practices which have an adverse effect on trade between the United States and another foreign country; (2) the subsidization of exports that results in the displacement of U.S. exports to another foreign country; (3) the imposition of import restrictions or export performance requirements that result in the diversion of the exports of another foreign country to U.S. markets; and (4) the enforcement of trade restraining agreements that result in the diversion of the exports of another foreign country to U.S. markets. Requires foreign instrumentalities and territories to be treated as foreign countries. Authorizes the President, in reaction to unfair foreign trade practices, to: (1) enter into agreements that offset or eliminate any burden on U.S. commerce resulting from such practices; or (2) withdraw or refrain from proclaiming benefits under the Generalized System of Preferences for the country involved. Includes within the definition of unreasonable trade practices: (1) export targeting; or (2) a requirement that intellectual property be licensed to the foreign country concerned or to a firm in such country or that technical information be submitted to such country as a condition of importation into such country. Defines "export targeting" to include any government plan consisting of a combination of coordinated actions that are bestowed on a specific enterprise, industry, or group the effect of which is to assist the enterprise, industry, or group to become more competitive in exports. Sets forth actions included within the definition of export targeting. Adds to the definition of service sector access authorization reference to a foreign supplier of goods related to a service. Includes within the definition of "unjustifiable trade practices" trade practices: (1) which enable a state trading enterprise to compete in international trade or make purchases or sales in international trade without depending on commercial considerations; (2) through which a foreign country assists a state trading enterprise in such competition, purchases, or sales; or (3) which fail to afford U.S. firms adequate opportunity, in accordance with customary business practice, to compete for participation in purchases from, or sales to, state trading enterprises. Defines "denial of benefits" under a trade agreement to include foreign trade practices that: (1) nullify, impair, or impede attainment of the objectives of such agreement; (2) constitute an unfair trade concession requirement for any product or service within the purview of such agreement. Defines "unfair trade concessions requirement." Authorizes the President, in order to meet U.S. international obligations, to take actions to compensate foreign governments for actions taken with respect to unfair foreign trade practices. Subtitle B: Improvement in the Enforcement of Antidumping and Countervailing Duties - Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to require the administering authority, if there is an affirmative finding that countervailing duties are warranted and the petition alleges that a subsidy is inconsistent with the Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures or if a countervailing duty investigation is commenced and the administering authority has reason to believe that a subsidy is inconsistent with the Agreement, to: (1) notify the Customs Service of such determination and direct customs officers to collect information on imports of the type of merchandise that is the subject of the investigation; (2) order the suspension of liquidation of such imports that are entered, or withdrawn from warehouse, on or after the publication of the notice of such determination; and (3) begin monitoring the volume of such imports to determine whether there has been a surge of such imports since the countervailing duty investigation petition was filed or the investigation commenced. Prohibits a determination of the existence of a surge of imports until 60 days after the petition was filed or the investigation commenced. Terminates the suspension of liquidation if the preliminary determination of the administering authority is that no subsidy is being provided. Requires the administering authority to order the posting of security for unliquidated entries of affected imports if the administering authority makes a preliminary determination that an inconsistent subsidy exists and there has been a surge of such imports. Terminates any suspension of liquidation and requires the release of any security posted with respect to such imports if a countervailing duty investigation is terminated. Provides that the final determination of whether there is a subsidy which is inconsistent with the Agreement and whether there was a surge of imports may be affirmative even if the preliminary determination was negative. Deletes the requirement that the ITC also determine whether there is material injury that will be difficult to repair and whether the material injury resulted from the surge of imports. Terminates the suspension of liquidation of such imports and releases any security posted with respect to such imports if the final determination of the administering authority is that there is no inconsistent subsidy or surge of imports or the final determination of the ITC is that there is no material injury but that there is a threat of material injury or that the establishment of an industry in the United States is materially retarded. Deletes the provision that prohibits any determination as to the presence of critical circumstances with respect to non-duty-free imports. Requires the administering authority, if there is an affirmative finding of the need to impose an antidumping duty or if an antidumping duty investigation is initiated by the administering authority, to: (1) notify the Customs Service of such determination and direct customs officers to collect information on imports of the type of merchandise that is the subject of the investigation; and (2) begin monitoring the volume of such imports to determine whether there has been a surge of such imports since the antidumping petition was filed or the investigation commenced. Prohibits a determination of the existence of a surge of imports until 60 days after the petition was filed or the investigation commenced. Suspends the liquidation of duties on such imports starting 70 days after the antidumping petition is filed or the investigation is commenced. Terminates such suspension of duties if the preliminary determination is that the imports are being sold or are likely to be sold at less than fair market value (are being dumped). Requires the administering authority to order the posting of security for unliquidated entries of affected imports if the administering authority makes a preliminary determination that goods are being dumped. Terminates the suspension of liquidation and requires the release of any security posted with respect to such imports if an antidumping duty investigation is terminated. Provides that the final determination of dumping may be affirmative even if the preliminary determination was negative. Deletes the provision that required the final determination of the ITC to include a finding as to whether a retroactive duty should be imposed on dumped imports. Requires the administering authority, if it determines that merchandise is imported into the U.S. customs territory by, or for, a manufacturer, producer, seller, or exporter for the purpose of absorbing antidumping duties on behalf of a U.S. purchaser, to declare the importation a sham transaction and direct customs officers to treat the U.S. purchaser as the importer solely liable for such duties. Sets forth factors to consider in determining whether a transaction is a sham transaction. Prohibits the ITC from determining that there is no material injury or threat of material injury to U.S. producers of fungible products by reason of imports of such products solely on the basis of evidence that: (1) sales of such imports were not the first sales or offers at a reduced price in the relevant market; (2) similar price declines occurred in comparable markets; (3) U.S. producers also import such products; or (4) U.S. producers of the products are profitable. Requires the administering authority to investigate whether diversionary input dumping is occurring whenever: (1) the administering authority has reasonable grounds to suspect that such dumping is occurring; (2) a specified type of material or component is routinely used as a major material or component in manufacturing or producing the merchandise under investigation; and (3) generally accepted trade statistics indicate that, after the issuance of an antidumping duty order or the entry into force of an international agreement relating to the importation into the United States of such material or component, the quantity or market share of shipments to the United States of such material or component has decreased or the rate of increase of such shipments has decreased and shipments to the United States of the merchandise under investigation have increased. Sets forth the timetable for preliminary and final determinations by the administering authority as to the existence of diversionary input dumping. Provides that the foreign market value of merchandise that constitutes diversionary input dumping shall be the constructed value of the merchandise. Provides for increasing the cost of the material or component that is found to be involved in diversionary input dumping. Requires the administering authority, if the merchandise involved in a dumping investigation is exported from a nonmarket economy country and it is not possible to accurately determine the foreign market value of such merchandise from the information submitted by such country, to determine the foreign market value on the basis of the trade-weighted average price at which comparable merchandise is sold by a specified eligible market economy country. Provides for determining such foreign market value when there is no eligible market economy producer. Provides a special rule for imports of fungible products. Defines "nonmarket economy country" and "eligible market economy country." Authorizes the administering authority to suspend an antidumping investigation involving a nonmarket economy country if specified conditions are met. Requires the Commissioner of Customs and the ITC to provide the administering authority, upon request, with a copy of all public and proprietary information that they possess that is relevant to dumping proceedings involving merchandise from such countries. Authorizes a domestic producer of an article that is like a component part or a downstream product to petition the administering authority to designate a downstream product for monitoring by the ITC. Sets forth information to be included in the petition. Requires the administering authority to determine whether there is a reasonable likelihood that imports of the downstream product will increase as an indirect result of any diversion with respect to component parts. Sets forth factors the administering authority may take into account in making such determination. Requires the ITC to make quarterly reports to the administering authority regarding the ITC monitoring of a downstream product. Requires the administering authority to review the reports of the ITC and: (1) consider such information in determining whether to initiate an antidumping or countervailing duty investigation regarding a downstream product; and (2) request the ITC to cease its monitoring if the information indicates that imports are not increasing and there is no reasonable likelihood of diversion with respect to component parts. Title IV: Intellectual Property Rights - Subtitle A: Intellectual Property Remedies - Makes unlawful (and therefore subject to remedies for unfair trade practices) the importation or sale within the United States, if a related industry exists in the United States or is being established, of articles that: (1) infringe a U.S. patent or copyright or are produced by a process covered by a U.S. patent; or (2) infringe a trademark. Makes it unlawful to import a semiconductor chip product in a manner that constitutes infringement of a registered mask work. Sets forth the manner of determining whether a U.S. industry exists. Authorizes the ITC to terminate an investigation into unfair practices in the import trade by issuing a consent order or on the basis of a settlement agreement. Authorizes a complainant to petition the ITC to issue an order for the exclusion of certain articles during an investigation into unfair practices in the import trade. Sets forth the timetable for action by the ITC. Authorizes the ITC to grant preliminary relief with respect to violations involving intellectual property. Provides that the ITC may issue cease and desist orders in addition to or in lieu of exclusionary orders. Increases the penalty for violations of such orders. Requires the ITC to presume the facts alleged in the complaint are true and to issue, upon request, an exclusion from entry or a cease and desist order or both under certain circumstances. Authorizes the ITC to prescribe sanctions for abuse of discovery and abuse of process. Authorizes the ITC to order the forfeiture of an article imported in violation of the import trade unfair practices section if: (1) the importer had previously attempted to import the article; (2) the article was previously denied entry into the United States; and (3) upon such previous denial of entry the Secretary of the Treasury had provided the importer with a specified written notice. Provides that a person who has been previously found to be in violation of the provisions relating to unfair import practices may petition the ITC for a finding that such person is no longer in violation of such provisions or for a modification or rescission of an exclusion. Excludes intellectual property imported by or for the United States from certain exclusion orders. Provides for the protection of the confidentiality of information submitted to the ITC or exchanged among the parties in cases involving unfair import practices. Subtitle B: Access to Technology - Requires the USTR in conjunction with the National Science Foundation to: (1) monitor the transfer of technology between the United States and foreign countries; and (2) report annually to specified congressional committees on such transfers. Requires the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary) to designate a Foreign Commercial Service Officer in a foreign country to monitor and report on the status of the intellectual property system in such country. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize the President to furnish assistance for programs to aid less developed countries in developing and implementing adequate intellectual property laws and in developing their own indigenous technology. Requires the Secretary to identify the technical assistance needs of such countries. Requires the Secretary to establish the United States Intellectual Property Training Institute to train individuals of developing countries in both management and technical skills regarding the protection of intellectual property. Provides for financing the Institute. Title V: National Security - Amends the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 to grant the Secretary of Commerce (the Secretary) the responsibility for investigating, upon request, the effects of imports on national security. Requires the Secretary to report to the President on such investigation within six months of receiving the request that starts the investigation. Requires the Secretary to notify the Secretary of Defense concerning any such investigation. Requires the Secretary of Defense to conduct a separate defense needs assessment of the article affected by such imports. Requires the Secretary of Defense to report to the Secretary on such assessment within three months. Requires the Secretary's report to the President on such investigation to include a statement by the Secretary of Defense concurring or disagreeing with the Secretary's findings and explaining such concurrence or disagreement. Requires any portion of such report to be published if it is not: (1) classified as being clearly detrimental to the national security; and (2) proprietary information. Requires the President to : (1) decide whether or not to take action based on such report within 90 days of receiving it; and (2) explain the decision. Title VI: Formulation of United States Trade Policy - Requires the head of each Federal agency, before taking any major action that may affect international trade, to study, and publish a report on, the potential impact such action will have on U.S. international trade and on the international competitiveness of U.S. firms. Exempts emergency actions and certain other actions from such reporting requirement. Requires the head of each Federal agency to include such report with any proposed legislation made to the Congress. Amends the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 to establish in the Executive Office of the President the National Trade Council, which shall: (1) advise the President on the coordination of national and international policies relating to trade; (2) assess U.S. international trade policies and objectives; (3) consider policies on matters of common interest to Federal agencies concerned with international trade; (4) consider the relationship between the U.S. standard of living and U.S. trade policies; and (5) evaluate the effects of U.S. trade policies and objectives on the national security. Provides for consultations between members of the Council and representatives of the private sector. Requires the Council to report to the President as appropriate or upon request of the President. Terminates the Trade Policy Committee. Establishes the National Trade Data Committee to: (1) establish and maintain a National Trade Data Bank; (2) analyze information in the National Trade Data Bank; (3) disseminate such information to export businesses in a timely manner; and (4) coordinate the gathering and dissemination of commercial information relating to international trade by the Federal Government. Sets forth information to be included in the National Trade Data Bank. Requires each Federal agency to cooperate in providing information for assimilation into the National Trade Data Bank. Requires the Committee to report annually to the Congress: (1) assessing the current quality, comprehensiveness, and accessibility of trade data; (2) describing actions that have been taken and that are planned to be taken pursuant to this Act; (3) recommending actions which would ensure that U.S. citizens and firms obtain access to foreign data banks that is similar to the access provided foreign citizens and firms to the National Trade Data Bank; and (4) recommending other legislative actions. Exempts from the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 certain actions taken to carry out this Act. Title VII: Agriculture - Declares that it is U.S. policy to increase agricultural exports, to recapture the U.S. market share in agricultural trade, and to support programs to make U.S. exports more competitive abroad. Sets forth other policy objectives relating to agriculture. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to make available certain commodities to cooperator organizations which shall use the commodities to establish demonstration projects designed to expand markets for U.S. agricultural commodities and products. Requires that there be at least 850 full-time employees during each of FY 1987, 1988, and 1989 in the Foreign Agricultural Service of the Department of Agriculture. Expresses the sense of the Congress that such a number of employees should make it possible for the Service to devote greater resources to developing markets for U.S. agricultural commodities and products. Requires an agricultural attache who is reassigned from abroad to counsel agricultural producers on means of increasing exports and agricultural market development and promotional activities. Requires at least 60 percent of the personnel resource time of agricultural attaches who are stationed abroad to be devoted to market development and promotional activities for U.S. agricultural commodities. Authorizes the Secretary to contract with an individual for services to be performed outside the United States as necessary in order to carry out market development activities for U.S. agricultural commodites. Establishes within the Service an Office of International Market Development and Export Promotion to coordinate all market development, promotional, export enhancement, export credit, and targeted export assistance programs. Requires the Office to report annually to specified congressional committees on the market development programs. Establishes within the Office a unit to monitor the quality of agricultural exports. Requires the unit to: (1) act as liaison with the Federal Grain Inspection Service, private U.S. exporters, foreign governments, and U.S. agricultural attaches overseas; (2) receive and respond to complaints about the quality of U.S. agricultural exports; and (3) identify problems in foreign markets concerning the quality of U.S. commodities and ensure that notice of such problems is provided to the relevant entities for quick response and follow-up. Establishes within the Office a unit to evaluate the overall effectiveness of the market development and promotional programs of the Service. Requires the unit to report annually to specified congressional committees on such programs. Earmarks at least 50 percent of the FY 1987 increase in funding of the Service to be used to create new markets for U.S. agricultural commodities in developing markets. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1987 for trade shows and exhibitions conducted by the Service. Sets forth the ways the increase in funding for trade shows shall be used. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1987 for program management and support activities of the Service and for its market promotion and trade development activities. Requires some of the increased funding to be used to provide adequate staff for: (1) the development of markets for high value-added products; and (2) the improvement of the quality of agricultural exports. Establishes within the Department of Agriculture an Export Market Development Advisory Committee to: (1) review all U.S. agricultural market development and export enhancement programs; and (2) make recommendations for the improvement of such programs.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1987
Digital Audio Recorder Act of 1987 - Requires digital audio recording devices in commerce to contain a copy-code scanner. Prohibits the deactivation or bypassing of such scanners. Entitles an aggrieved party to damages which can include actual or statutory damages and impoundment, destruction, or modification of the violating device. Permits the Secretary of Commerce to exempt certain devices used exclusively for legitimate business purposes. Terminates this requirement after three years.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1987
Amends the Tax Reform Act of 1986 to repeal the provision which disallows the treatment of certain technical personnel as self-employed individuals for employment tax purposes. Specifies that the Internal Revenue Code shall be applied and administered as if such provision had not been enacted.