United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1990
Urges the President to seek the consent of the Senate to the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, adopted by the United Nations on November 20, 1989.
United States · United States Congress · 21 November 1989
Violent Crime Control and Criminal Procedures Reform Act of 1989 - Title I: Federal Death Penalty Act of 1989 - Federal Death Penalty Act of 1989 - Amends the Federal criminal code to establish criteria for the imposition of the death penalty for Federal crimes. Requires the Government, for any offense punishable by death, to serve notice upon the defendant a reasonable time before trial or acceptance of a plea, that it intends to seek the death penalty and the aggravating factors upon which it will rely. Requires a separate sentencing hearing before a jury, or the court upon motion by the defendant, when the defendant is found guilty or pleads guilty to an offense punishable by death. Allows the defendant and the Government to present any information relevant to sentencing, without regard to the rules of evidence, but permits information to be excluded where its probative value is substantially outweighed by the danger of unfair prejudice, confusion of the issues, or misleading of the jury. Specifies mitigating factors which the defendant must establish by a preponderance of the information and aggravating factors which the Government must prove beyond a reasonable doubt. Sets forth special aggravating factors with respect to the crimes of treason, espionage, homicide, and attempted murder of the President. Requires the court to instruct the jury not to consider the race, color, national origin, creed, or sex of the defendant in its consideration of the sentence. Establishes procedures for appeal from a death sentence. Requires the Court of Appeals, upon considering the record and the information and procedures of the sentencing hearing, to affirm the decision if: (1) the sentence was not imposed under influence of passion, prejudice, or arbitrariness; and (2) the information supports the finding of aggravating factors. Requires the court to provide a written explanation of its determination. Prohibits requiring any employee of any State department of corrections, the Federal Bureau of Prisons, or any provider of services under contract to participate in any execution if contrary to his or her moral or religious convictions. Limits the circumstances under which the offense of delivering defense information to aid foreign governments is punishable by death. Provides for the imposition of the death penalty for: (1) murders committed by prisoners in Federal correctional institutions; (2) kidnappings which result in the death of any person; (3) attempting to kill the President of the United States (if such attempt results in bodily injury or comes dangerously close to causing the President's death); (4) murder in the aid of a racketeering activity; (5) engaging in a criminal enterprise activity which results in death; and (6) other specified offenses. Title II: Reform of Procedures for Collateral Review of Criminal Judgments - Reform of Federal Intervention in State Proceedings Act of 1989 - Amends the Federal judicial code to condition consideration of a habeas corpus claim by a prisoner on a showing of actual prejudice resulting from the Federal right violated and that: (1) State action precluded assertion of that right; (2) the Federal right did not previously exist; or (3) the factual basis of the claim could not have been discovered by reasonable diligence. Establishes a one-year statute of limitations for habeas corpus actions brought by State prisoners, and a two-year statute of limitations for similar motions made by Federal prisoners. Vests authority to issue certificates for probable cause for appeal of habeas corpus orders exclusively in the courts of appeals. Permits denial on the merits of habeas corpus writs notwithstanding the failure to exhaust State remedies. Prohibits the granting of a habeas corpus writ with respect to any claim which has been fully and fairly adjudicated in State proceedings. Title III: Exclusionary Rule Limitation Act of 1989 - Amends the Federal criminal code to provide that evidence obtained by a search or seizure undertaken in an objectively reasonable belief that it was in conformity with the fourth amendment to the U.S. Constitution is admissible. States that evidence obtained pursuant to and within the scope of a warrant constitutes prima facie evidence of such a reasonable belief, unless the warrant was obtained through intentional or material misrepresentation. States that, except as provided by statute or a rule of procedure, evidence which is otherwise admissible shall not be excluded on the ground that the evidence was obtained in violation of a law, rule, or regulation. Title IV: Firearms and Related Amendments - Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit the transfer of firearms to non-residents of the State in which the transferor resides. Provides for the disposition of forfeited firearms. Classifies as serious drug offenses for purposes of the Armed Career Criminal Act of 1984 serious drug offenses committed by juveniles. Specifies that if a conviction was for a violent felony involving the threatened or actual use of a firearm or explosives, or was for a serious drug offense, such person shall be considered convicted for purposes of this Act irrespective of any pardon, setting aside, expunction, or restoration of civil rights. Permits the judicial officer to consider pretrial detention with respect to certain firearms and explosives offenses. Provides enhanced penalties for: (1) the use of a semiautomatic firearm during a crime of violence or drug trafficking offense; and (2) possession of a firearm or explosive during the commission of such offenses. Sets forth penalties for smuggling firearms in aid of drug trafficking and for theft of firearms and explosives. Bars the sale or possession of firearms and explosives to or by persons convicted of violent or serious misdemeanor drug or narcotic offenses. Provides for the mandatory revocation of the supervised release of an individual for possession of a firearm. Increases penalties for: (1) making knowingly false, material statements in connection with the acquisition of a firearm from a licensed dealer; and (2) a second offense of using an explosive to commit a Federal felony. Prohibits the assembly of semiautomatic rifles or shotguns which are prohibited from being imported into the United States, with exceptions. Title V: Drug Testing of Defendants on Post-Conviction Release - Requires: (1) the Director of the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts to establish a program of drug testing of criminal defendants on post-conviction release; and (2) the chief probation officer in each district to arrange for the drug testing of such defendants. Requires, as an explicit condition of probation, parole, or supervised release of a defendant involving a felony or a specified violent or drug offense, that the defendant refrain from any unlawful use of a controlled substance and submit to periodic drug tests. Sets limitations on the authority to require such tests and to take action against a defendant based on test results. Title VI: Public Corruption - Anti-Corruption Act of 1989 - Amends the Federal criminal code to prescribe criminal penalties to be imposed against anyone who uses any facility of, or affects, interstate or foreign commerce to deprive or defraud the inhabitants of a State, political subdivision, or Indian tribal government of: (1) the honest services of a government official or employee; or (2) a fair and impartially conducted election process through the use of fraudulent ballots or voter registration forms, paying or offering to pay any person for voting, or the filing of fraudulent campaign reports, subject to certain conditions. Prescribes criminal penalties to be imposed against anyone who deprives or defrauds the inhabitants of the United States of the honest services of a public official. Prescribes criminal penalties to be imposed upon any official who: (1) uses interstate commerce to deprive or defraud the inhabitants of any State, political subdivision, or Indian tribal government, of the right to have government affairs conducted on the basis of complete, true, and accurate information; or (2) in order to carry out or conceal any scheme or artifice to defraud, discriminates, harasses, or takes adverse action against any employee or official of the United States or any State or political subdivision. Authorizes such an adversely affected employee or official to obtain relief through a civil action, provided such person did not participate in the scheme or artifice. Amends mail fraud provisions to prohibit use of any facility of interstate or foreign commerce in the execution of a scheme or artifice to defraud. Makes it a class B felony for a public official to corruptly demand or accept anything of value, personally or for another, in return for: (1) being influenced in the performance or nonperformance of any official act; or (2) being influenced to commit, collude in, or allow the commission of any offense against the United States or any State. Makes it a class B felony for a public official to corruptly give, offer, or promise anything of value, to an official or to another, with intent to: (1) influence any official act; (2) influence such official to commit, collude in, or allow the commission of any offense against the United States or a State; or (3) influence such official to do or omit any act in violation of such official's lawful duty. Grants Federal jurisdiction over an offense under this Act (with respect to narcotics-related corruption) which involves or is intended to further or conceal the illegal importation, manufacture, transportation, or distribution of any controlled substance or controlled substance analogue. Title VII: Facilitation of Undercover Investigations - Amends the Federal criminal code to provide that, wherever it is an element of an offense that any property was embezzled, stolen, counterfeited, or altered and that the defendant knew that the property was of such character, such element may be established by proof that the defendant, after or as a result of an official representation as to the nature of the property, believed the property to be embezzled, stolen, counterfeited, or altered.
United States · United States Congress · 21 November 1989
Native American Repatriation of Cultural Patrimony Act - Directs Federal agencies and museums with possession or control over holdings or collections of Native American sacred objects or items of Native American group or cultural patrimony, including human remains and funerary objects, to inventory such remains and objects and investigate their geographical and tribal origins by March 31, 1992. Provides that such identification shall be based upon the best available scientific and historical documentation. Provides that if the identification process establishes by a preponderance of the evidence the Indian tribal or Native Hawaiian origin of any such objects, the agency shall notify the affected Indian tribe or Native Hawaiian organization by June 30, 1992. Provides that if a preponderance of the evidence establishes that such remains are of a particular Indian, or an individual culturally affiliated with a particular Indian tribe or believed to be a Native Hawaiian, or that such items or objects not associated with any human remains were removed from a specific burial site of such an individual, the agency, upon the request of the descendants of such Indian, Indian tribe, or Native Hawaiian or Native Hawaiian organization, shall expedite the return of such remains and funerary objects. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to establish a committee to: (1) monitor and review the implementation of such inventory and identification process and restoration activities; (2) arbitrate disputes between Indian tribes relating to the return of remains and objects; and (3) consult with Native Hawaiian organizations on matters within the scope of the work of the committee affecting Native Hawaiians. Directs the committee to report annually to the Congress on the implementation of this Act. Terminates the committee after its work has been completed. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to: (1) Indian tribes and Native Hawaiian organizations to assist them in reaching and implementing agreements with Federal agencies, and non-Federal entities, for the repatriation of such remains, items, or objects; and (2) museums to assist them in conducting such inventories and investigations. Authorizes appropriations. Provides that if a Native American group or group member asserts an interest in any remains or objects which have been excavated pursuant to a permit issued by any Federal agency, the agency head that issued the permit shall repatriate the remains and objects, upon request, notwithstanding any permit or other provision of law. Prohibits remains and objects from: (1) being considered archaeological resources except under provisions imposing civil or criminal penalties for the unauthorized excavation, removal, damage, or destruction of archaeological resources; and (2) being disturbed without the consent of the governing body or representatives of the Native American group that is culturally affiliated with the remains or objects.
United States · United States Congress · 21 November 1989
Citizens Drug Control Contributions Act of 1989 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for contributions by taxpayers with their income tax returns to the Special Forfeiture Fund (established under the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988) for drug control efforts.
United States · United States Congress · 21 November 1989
Condemns the Farabundo Marti National Liberation Front (FMLN) for initiating a military offensive on November 11, 1989. Deplores the armed seizure of a San Salvador hotel. Deplores the murder of six Jesuit priests and two women. Demands that those responsible for their murder, as well as for the bombing of the headquarters of a local labor union, be brought to justice. Deplores the continuing violence in El Salvador. Calls for a disengagement of military forces to allow international humanitarian organizations to provide medical attention and supplies to the civilian casualties. Urges the United Nations and the Organization of American States to encourage the FMLN and the Salvadoran Government to enter into a ceasefire and withdrawal of FMLN forces from urban areas. Urges the Government of El Salvador and the FMLN to resume a peaceful dialogue. Commends President Cristiani for sending representatives to the meeting scheduled in Caracas, Venezuela, to seek a political settlement of the conflict. Declares that if the Salvadoran Government fails to make every good faith effort to prosecute and punish those responsible for the November 16 murder of six Jesuit priests and two women, the Congress will review the question of aid to El Salvador. Requests the Administration to report to the Congress by February 20, 1990, on the status of the investigation of such murders. Urges the administration to provide emergency assistance to the innocent victims of the war through the International Red Cross and other appropriate channels.
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 1989
Benjamin Franklin Memorial Fire Service Bill of Rights Act - Title I: Minting of Benjamin Franklin National Memorial Commemorative Coin - Benjamin Franklin National Memorial Commemorative Coin Act - Provides for the sale of Benjamin Franklin commemorative coins at a surcharge of which 25 percent shall be paid to the Benjamin Franklin National Memorial and the remainder be distributed in specified percentages to the National Fire Center and Museum Account, the National Hero Scholarship Account, the Firefighter's Tuition Assistance Account, the Hazardous Materials Response Computer Account, the In Search of Excellence Research and Education Account, and the Burn Research Grant Account of the Firefighter Assistance Trust Fund (Fund). Prohibits the issuance of such coins from resulting in any net cost to the Federal government. Title II: Fire Service Bill of Rights - Fire Service Bill of Rights Act - Amends the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974 to establish a fire service bill of rights. Establishes the National Fire Center and Museum in the District of Columbia to provide information about the fire service and safety to the public and fire services. Funds such museum exclusively through the Fund. Establishes a National Hero Scholarship to fund the higher education of the children or spouse of a deceased firefighter. Establishes a scholarship providing tuition assistance to firefighters for higher education in fire safety or protection. Authorizes the Administrator of the United States Fire Administration to use amounts in the In Search of Excellence Research and Education Account of the Fund to fund other specified programs under the Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974. Establishes the Firefighters Assistance Trust Fund. Places the National Academy for Fire Prevention and Control within the United States Fire Administration. Directs the Administrator to use funds from the Hazardous Materials Response Computer Account of the fund to procure computer equipment for fire services that want such equipment. Directs the Administrator to make a grant from the Burn Research Grant Account of the Fund to one national firefighter's burn foundation dedicated to reducing burn injuries. Requires the Administrator to prepare and make available to State fire marshals, upon request, a manual describing Federal procedures for disposing of surplus property and highlighting how fire services could obtain such property. Directs the Administrator to distribute to such marshals information on the infectious diseases to which firefighters are particularly vulnerable.
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 1989
Transfers all project facilities of the Vermejo reclamation project to the Vermejo Conservancy District, New Mexico. Excludes from such transfer certain contractual land arrangements entered into between the Bureau of Reclamation and the Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife.
United States · United States Congress · 8 November 1989
Authorizes the President, on behalf of the Congress, to present a gold medal to Laurance Spelman Rockefeller in recognition of his leadership on behalf of natural resource conservation and historic preservation. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to provide for the sale of bronze duplicates of the medal.
United States · United States Congress · 3 November 1989
Desert Research Center Act of 1989 - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to establish and administer a Desert Research Center in New Mexico to: (1) serve as a clearinghouse for the collection of research related to desert lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM); (2) produce educational materials for public understanding of desert ecology, management, and environmental issues; (3) assist students and researchers as an educational laboratory; and (4) provide for an evaluation of desert resources, protection needs, and efficient and environmentally sound long-term management strategies for desert resources. Specifies that research at the Center shall be directed primarily toward desert lands managed by BLM, but authorizes the Secretary to enter into cooperative agreements with others to carry out the purposes of this Act. Requires submission to the Congress of an operational plan for the Center, including: (1) a research plan; (2) an assessment of staffing needs for the first five years of operation; (3) proposed cooperative agreements; (4) an assessment of facility needs; and (5) an analysis of operational costs. Directs the Secretary to form a Desert Research Center Advisory Committee to advise the Center and the BLM on desert land research and management. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 3 November 1989
Agricultural Promotion Programs Act of 1989 - Title I: Soybeans - Soybean Promotion, Research, and Consumer Information Act - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to issue an order (subject to producer referendum) creating a soybean promotion, research, and consumer education program. Requires any such order to provide for the establishment of: (1) a United Soybean Board; (2) State soybean boards; and (3) a Soybean Program Coordinating Committee. Funds such program through producer assessments. Authorizes appropriations. Title II: Cotton - Cotton Research and Promotion Act Amendments of 1989 - Amends the Cotton Research and Promotion Act to require the Secretary of Agriculture to propose and implement alternative cotton handler orders upon request by a cotton producer or producer organization, subject to producer referenda of approval. Requires each alternative order to establish a Cotton Board to administer the order. Title III: Pecans - Pecan Promotion and Research Act of 1989 - Directs the Secretary to issue orders to pecan growers, handlers, and importers with respect to pecan promotion and research. Requires any such order to establish a Pecan Marketing Board to carry out a coordinated program of research and promotion to strengthen the pecan industry's domestic and foreign market position. Funds such program through assessments: (1) on all pecans produced in, or imported into, the United States; and (2) deducted from the first payment made to a grower for all pecans sold to a first handler. Provides for a pecan producer referendum of program approval. Authorizes appropriations. Title IV: Mushrooms - Mushroom Promotion, Research, and Consumer Information Act - Directs the Secretary to issue orders to mushroom producers, importers, and first handlers with respect to mushroom promotion, research, and consumer information. Requires such an order to establish a Mushroom Council to administer the orders and support mushroom promotion, research, and consumer information projects. Funds such activities through assessments on producers and importers. Provides for a mushroom producer referenda for approval of such orders. Authorizes appropriations. Title V: Limes - Lime Research, Promotion, and Consumer Information Act - Directs the Secretary to issue orders to lime producers, handlers, and importers with respect to lime promotion, research, and consumer information. Requires such an order to establish a Lime Board to administer such orders. Funds such activities through assessments on producers and importers. Provides for lime producer referenda for approval of such orders. Authorizes appropriations. Title VI: Potatoes - Potato Research and Promotion Act Amendments of 1989- Amends the Potato Research and Promotion Act to extend coverage to all domestic and foreign potatoes. Directs the Secretary to propose and implement an alternative potato research and promotion plan, if requested by a potato producer or producer organization, subject to approval by a producer referendum. Requires such alternative plan to establish a National Potato Promotion Board including importer representatives as well as producer and consumer representatives. Provides for producer and importer assessments. Title VII: Honey - Honey Research, Promotion, and Consumer Information Act Amendments of 1989 - Amends the Honey Research, Promotion, and Consumer Information Act to permit one of the two current Honey Board importer seats to be filled by an exporter. Exempts from honey assessments an importer, producer, or producer-handler who handles less than 6000 pounds of honey annually all of which is used at home, donated, or distributed directly through retail outlets. Provides that: (1) patents, copyrights, inventions, publications, or product formulations developed with Board funds shall belong to the Board; and (2) any funds derived therefrom shall inure to the benefit of the Board. Provides for assessments to be deducted directly from honey price support loans. Title VIII: Vidalia Onions - Prohibits the labeling of any onions as Vidalia onions unless they meet specified standards. Title IX: Prohibition on Duty Drawback - Conditions eligibility for certain agricultural export benefits on the U.S. exporter's certifying that none of such domestic commodity exports shall be used as the basis for import drawbacks (reimbursement) under the Tariff Act of 1930. Requires U.S. vegetable oil or vegetable oil products exporters to comply with this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 25 October 1989
Amends the Disaster Assistance Act of 1989 to specify that the "net value" rather than the "value" of a replacement crop shall be considered when making specified disaster payment reductions. Applies such reductions only to replanted acreage. Requires separate consideration of planted and replanted acreage in determining emergency crop loss assistance under such Act. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture in determining replacement crop value to: (1) consider only the amount of replacement crop production that is in excess of 50 percent of the county average yield for such crop; (2) base the value of the excess replacement crop production on average market prices for such crop over a representative period; (3) reduce such crop's value by 25 percent; and (4) consider historical cropping patterns. Authorizes the Secretary to make crop acreage base adjustments to reflect crop rotation practices due to natural disasters. Amends the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 to: (1) revise the formula for determining farm poundage quotas for dark air-cured tobacco and fire-cured tobacco; and (2) revise the definition of "preliminary farm yield" for other than flue-cured tobacco. Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to permit the Secretary to waive the principal due on agricultural regular or producer reserve loans in order to avoid loan collateral forfeiture.
United States · United States Congress · 24 October 1989
Indian Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act - Amends the Federal criminal code to impose a fine on: (1) any health care practitioner, teacher, day care worker, counselor, or law enforcement officer who knows of or suspects child abuse or neglect in Indian country and fails to report it immediately to the local child protective services or law enforcement agency; or (2) any person who supervises, or has authority over, such an individual and inhibits or prevents that report. Makes anyone reporting such abuse, neglect, or actions immune from civil and criminal liability provided such report is based upon their reasonable belief and is made in good faith. Prohibits any provision protecting or requiring confidentiality between doctors and patients or husbands and wives from applying or serving as a defense with respect to child abuse. Requires the local law enforcement or child protective services agency which initially receives a report of child abuse: (1) to immediately notify, and report to the other agency; (2) within 36 hours, to investigate and prepare a report on the allegations of abuse or neglect; and (3) to prepare a final written report on such allegations after completing the investigation. Prohibits disclosure of the identity of any person reporting child abuse or neglect, without the consent of that individual, to any person other than a court of competent jurisdiction or an employee of an Indian tribe, a State, or the Federal Government, who needs to know the information in performance of his or her duties. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to establish within the Department of the Interior a central registry of reports of abuse and neglect of children in Indian country. Requires such registry to contain: (1) local law enforcement and child protective services agency written reports on child abuse and neglect; (2) the status of investigations or prosecutions of such allegations; (3) any credible evidence to support such allegations; and (4) any determination that such allegations are unfounded. Provides that any report that is determined to be unfounded shall be expunged by the Secretary from the registry three years after such determination is made. Permits the Secretary to amend information in the registry to correct any error or false statement in such report upon receiving the application of any person alleged in a report to have committed abuse or neglect. Declares that the decision of the Secretary regarding such an application shall be final and not subject to judicial review. Limits access to such reports to the reporting medical practioner, the child's custodian or guardian, the courts, appropriate departments of social services and law enforcement, and the alleged offender. Allows employers seeking information about potential or current employees to access those reports which do not identify or provide assistance in identifying the child. Directs the Secretary to report annually to the Congress on the number and status of such reports. Allows Federal, State, and Indian agencies to share information regarding incidents of child abuse and neglect. Allows local law enforcement and child protective services agency officials to interview the child and obtain photographs and x-rays, of the child without parental consent if they have reason to believe the child has been abused or neglected. Directs the Secretaries of the Interior and Health and Human Services (HHS) to: (1) conduct an investigation of the moral character of each individual considered for appointment to a position that involves regular contact with, or control over Indian children; and (2) prescribe minimum standards of moral character for individuals appointed to those positions which shall ensure that none of such individuals are guilty of specified criminal offenses. Requires each Indian tribe or tribal organization that receives funds under the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act to: (1) conduct an investigation of the moral character of each individual employed by the Indian tribe or tribal organization in a position that involves regular contact with or control over Indian children; and (2) employ in those positions only individuals who meet minimum standards of moral character. Amends the Victims of Crime Act of 1984 to: (1) increase the ceilings of the Crime Victims Fund from $125,000,000 to $135,000,000 through FY 1991 and from $150,000,000 to $160,000,000 thereafter through FY 1994; (2) limit deposits in the Fund for crime victim compensation and assistance grants to amounts between $110,000,000 and $125,000,000; and (3) make available additional amounts in the Fund for Indian child abuse prevention and treatment grants. Directs the Secretary of HHS, through the Indian Health Service, to establish an Indian Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Grant Program to provide grants of up to $500,000 to any Indian tribe or inter-tribal consortium for the establishment on Indian reservations of treatment programs for Indians who have been victims of child sexual abuse. Sets forth guidelines for applications for such grants. Requires grants recipients to: (1) provide such information as the Secretary may require to evaluate their program and ensure that grant funds were expended properly; and (2) submit a final report to the Secretary at the close of the grant term.
United States · United States Congress · 24 October 1989
Designates the week of December 3 through December 9, 1989, as National Autism Week. Designates 1990 as the National Silver Anniversary Year for the Autism Society of America.
United States · United States Congress · 20 October 1989
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal provisions that establish nondiscrimination requirements for coverage and benefits under certain statutory employee benefit plans. Reinstates prior nondiscrimination rules and modifies other provisions relating to nontaxable benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 19 October 1989
Title I: Capital Gains Provisions - Subtitle A: Reduction in Capital Gains Tax - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to reduce the capital gains tax for noncorporate taxpayers. Establishes a scale for determining such deduction up to a maximum of 35 percent after owning assets for seven years. Provides for not taking into account net capital gain under the phaseout of the 15-percent rate and personal exemptions. Provides for recapturing the gain from disposition of certain depreciable property. Subtitle B: Alternative Capital Gains Rate for Corporations - Reduces the alternative capital gains tax for corporations by establishing a scale for determining such tax rate based on ownership of assets for three to 15 years. Subtitle C: Indexing of Certain Assets for Purposes of Determining Gain - Provides for indexing assets held for more than two years as an option for individuals who elect not to take advantage of the lower capital gains rate. Title II: Individual Retirement Plus Accounts - Allows individuals to establish individual retirement plus accounts with tax treatment similar to that for individual retirement plans. Makes contributions to such accounts nondeductible. Provides for qualified distributions from such accounts, other than for general retirement purposes, including special purposes distributions made for the purchase of a first home and for medical or educational purposes. Prohibits special purpose distributions from being made during the first five years of the account.
United States · United States Congress · 16 October 1989
Declares that the Congress acknowledges and appreciates the commitment, devotion, and sacrifices of present and former military families. Designates November 20, 1989, as National Military Families Recognition Day.
United States · United States Congress · 4 October 1989
White Sands Fair Compensation Act of 1989 - Establishes the White Sands Fair Compensation Commission within the Department of the Interior to evaluate and pay claims filed by individuals who owned ranching units or mining claims on lands of the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico, taken by the U.S. Government in 1975. Provides that U.S. lease payments between 1942 and 1975 shall not be considered in determining values. Allows such individuals to appeal decisions of the Commission to the Secretary of the Interior for a final ruling to determine the amount of such payment. Prohibits the filing of such claims one year after the enactment of this Act. Prohibits the filing of such appeals 30 days after such an individual is notified of the determination of such payment amount. Terminates the Commission one year after completing action on all claims filed under this Act. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 4 October 1989
Amends the Medicare Catastrophic Coverage Act of 1988 to repeal provisions: (1) setting a cap on an individual's out-of-pocket expenses under part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act; (2) establishing the Prescription Drug Payment Review Commission and outpatient drug study and reporting requirements; (3) creating the Federal Catastrophic Drug Insurance Trust Fund and the Medicare Catastrophic Coverage Account; and (4) imposing a supplemental Medicare premium on Medicare beneficiaries whose tax liability equals or exceeds $150. Amends part A (Hospital Insurance) of the Medicare program to cover post-hospital extended care services for up to 100 days in a calendar year and other extended care services to the extent the Secretary of Health and Human Services finds will not result in an increase of Medicare expenditures or after the acute care nature of the benefit. (Currently, coverage of extended care services is provided for up to 150 days in a calendar year.) Modifies the methods of determining the coinsurance amount required of recipients of post-hospital extended care services. Directs the Secretary to report to the Congress by February 1, 1990, on reasons for the unexpected increase in cost estimates of Medicare extended care services, including recommendations for further modification of such coverage while the provision of long-term care benefits receives consideration. Limits Medicare drug benefits to immunosuppressants and home IV drugs. Provides for the annual adjustment of the Medicare part B premium in a manner which takes into account this Act's changes in catastrophic coverage. Requires Medicare supplemental insurance policies from which individuals terminated their coverage as of January 1, 1989, (or the earliest renewal date thereafter) to offer such individual a continuation of coverage under terms respecting treatment of pre-existing conditions and group rating of premiums which are at least as favorable as terms which existed on December 31, 1988. Directs the Secretary to: (1) take this Act's amendments into account in determining the payments to be made to health maintenance organizations; (2) require such organizations to adjust their agreements with Medicare beneficiaries in consideration of such amendments; and (3) notify Medicare beneficiaries of changes made by this Act's amendments.
United States · United States Congress · 3 October 1989
Amends title XVI (Supplemental Security Income) (SSI) of the Social Security Act to make the U.S. residency requirement for SSI eligibility inapplicable to a child who is a U.S. citizen residing with a parent who is working outside the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 3 October 1989
Amends the Federal criminal code to impose mandatory minimum sentences for committing violent felonies against individuals aged 65 or over. Prohibits suspended, probationary, and concurrent sentences. Prohibits parole and any plea bargaining agreements that would result in the defendant's serving less than the minimum sentence. Prohibits the defendant from participating in a home incarceration program before the end of the sentence.
United States · United States Congress · 2 October 1989
Designates the week of October 22 through October 29, 1989, as National Red Ribbon Week for a Drug-Free America. Recognizes and commends the hard work and dedication of certain individuals and organizations and urges activities that support community and alcohol education during such week. Encourages Americans to wear or display red ribbons during such Week to present and symbolize their commitment to a healthy, drug-free lifestyle, and to develop an attitude of intolerance to the use of drugs.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 1989
Designates November 11, 1989, as Washington Centennial Day in recognition of the economic, social, and historic contributions of Washington State to the United States over the past century.
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 1989
United States Congressional Gift of Democracy to Poland Resolution - Requires the Speaker and Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Majority and Minority Leaders of the Senate, and the Librarian of Congress to assign staff to travel to Poland and: (1) assess the training and equipment needs of the Polish Sejm and Senate; (2) assist Poland in developing an effective Parliament; and (3) within 30 days of completing such assessment, submit a report to the Congress and Librarian of Congress on its findings. Requires the leadership of the Congress, upon receipt of such report, to identify and secure the means to implement an appropriate U.S. congressional gift of democracy to Poland in the form of equipment and training for the new Senate and Sejm. Encourages the leadership to coordinate this effort with private and public sector experts and with parliaments in Western Europe. Provides for reimbursement of travel expenses.
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 1989
National Teacher Act of 1989 - Title I: Loan Forgiveness for Teachers - Directs the Secretary of Education (the Secretary) to assume the obligation to repay specified portions of a Stafford loan (a student loan made, insured, or guaranteed under specified provisions of the Higher Education Act of 1965) for any borrower employed as a full-time teacher in a public or nonprofit private elementary or secondary school which is: (1) in the school district of a local educational agency eligible for assistance under chapter 1 of the Education Consolidation and Improvement Act of 1981; and (2) determined to have more than 30 percent of its enrollment made up of children who are counted under specified provisions of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. Limits the number of schools which may be involved. Provides for cancellation of increasing portions of such student loans for a one to five-year period of such teaching service. Provides also for forgiveness of portions of student loans for borrowers who return to higher education after graduation to obtain a teaching certificate. Provides for repayment of such specified portions of principal and interest by the Secretary to the eligible lender or holder. Title II: Class Size Research and Demonstration Project - Class Size Demonstration Act of 1989 - Directs the Secretary to make demonstration grants to local educational agencies having elementary and secondary schools with large classes in order to demonstrate the advantages of reducing the size of classes. Provides for the Federal share of program payments. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1990 through 1994. Title III: Model Programs in Teacher Preparation and Promising Practices - Authorizes the Secretary to pay to State and local educational agencies, State higher education agencies, institutions of higher education, individual elementary or secondary schools, or nonprofit private organizations the Federal share of costs of establishing and operating model programs demonstrating: (1) effective and innovative approaches to teacher preparation; (2) effective methods for alternative preparation; and (3) promising practices for teacher classroom instruction or site-based organizational management with the participation of teachers. Sets forth special rules and priorities relating to such grant awards and their size and scope, and examples of types of projects for which such funds may be used. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1991 through 1996. Title IV: New Careers for Teachers - Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to eligible recipients to pay the Federal share of costs of establishing and operating programs to attract minority candidates to teaching careers. Makes eligible for such grants consortia of institutions of higher education and local educational agencies working with the State educational agency and the appropriate State or local teacher credentialing body. Provides that such grants shall be for five years and awarded under a competitive bidding process. Allows grant funds to be used to pay tuition, release time, and child care stipends for program participants. Directs the Secretary to provide for continuing evaluation of such projects and report to the Congress two years after enactment of this Act. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1990 through 1994. Title V: National Teacher Academies - Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to institutions of higher education, private nonprofit education organizations, or combinations of such entities to establish and operate national teacher academies. Requires one such academy in each of the following subject areas commonly taught in elementary and secondary schools: (1) mathematics; (2) English, reading, and language arts; (3) civics and government; (4) basic skills and literacy instruction; (5) the arts, including art, music, and the performing arts; (6) history and geography; (7) economics; (8) life sciences; (9) physical sciences; and (10) foreign languages. Requires academy staff to be selected from the most accomplished and prominent scholars in the relevant fields. Provides that such grants shall be for five years, and awarded under a competitive bidding process. Requires special consideration for eligible recipients that have demonstrated effectiveness in establishing and administrating a national network of individuals who assist in teacher training programs at State and local levels. Limits such awards to eligible applicants who have demonstrated expertise in both the subject area and in-service teacher training. Requires grant funds to be used for: (1) in-service training for teachers and administrators; (2) summer institutes; (3) leadership team training for congressional district academies; and (4) support services for congressional district academies, including national networks of individuals, consulting assistance, and information services. Requires that specified numbers of school administrators and teachers from each congressional district participate in summer institutes. Directs the Secretary to evaluate the work of each national academy biennially, and make evaluation results available to the Congress and the public. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1990 through 1994. Title VI: Congressional District Teacher Academies - Directs the Secretary to allot to each State educational agency funds to establish and operate congressional district teacher academies. Requires that one such academy be established in each congressional district in each of the subject areas specified under title V provisions for national teacher academies. Allows the State educational agency to combine several of the authorized congressional district academies into a single academy in States where several congressional districts serve a local educational agency, or in States of small geographic size (containing less than three congressional districts). Provides that such grants shall be for five years, and renewable, and awarded under a competitive bidding process. Provides that academies for specified U.S. territories and possessions in the Pacific are to be combined into a single academy for each subject area, and administered by the Center for the Advancement of Pacific Education, in Honolulu, Hawaii, or its successor. Requires that such grant funds shall be used to: (1) provide in-service training programs for teachers; and (2) pay costs of release time, stipends, college or university credit, curricular materials, and other expenses. Requires eligible recipients to establish: (1) a three-person leadership team, if they seek a grant under this title; and (2) a ten-member steering committee, if they seek a grant under this Act. Requires each State educational agency receiving financial assistance under this title to evaluate biennially the work of each congressional district academy and report to the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to submit a summary of such reports to the Congress biennially. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1990 through 1994.
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 1989
Excellence in Teaching Act - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1990 through 1994 to carry out this Act. Directs the Secretary of Education (the Secretary) to seek cost-sharing by State and local entities, higher education institutions, and nonprofit organizations for any program assisted under this Act. Directs the Secretary to: (1) evaluate the teacher corps and senior teacher corps programs; and (2) report on it to the appropriate congressional committees within three years after enactment of this Act. Directs the Secretary to designate an office within the Department of Education (the Department) to coordinate activities under this Act. Directs the Secretary to report annually to the Congress on teachers and the teaching profession. Title I: Teacher Corps - Teacher Corps Recruitment and Induction Act of 1989 - Part A: Teacher Corps - Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) make grants to State educational agencies (SEAs) to conduct teacher corps activities; and (2) award scholarships to teacher corps members. Bases the amounts of such grants to SEAs on school-age population. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish teacher corps selection criteria for States to use; (2) disseminate information about availability of teacher corps scholarships; (3) award such scholarships to individuals recommended by SEAs; (4) review and approve SEA applications for grants; (5) make awards to SEAs; (6) designate an office within the Department for liaison and coordination with participating SEAs; (7) foster communication among teacher corps members; and (8) collect scholarship repayments. Specifies authorized uses of grant money by SEAs. Allows LEAs to use grant funds to carry out induction programs for new teacher corps members (and other new teachers), ensuring that teacher corps members participate in one for at least one year, including work with a designated mentor teacher. Requires the SEA, in cooperation with the State higher education agency, to select teacher corps members according to the Secretary's criteria, subject to the Secretary's review. Requires special consideration for those who intend to teach handicapped, limited English proficient, or preschool age students, or in an inner city school. Sets forth individual application requirements. Sets forth SEA grant application requirements. Provides that an SEA shall be disqualified from any future financial assistance under this title: (1) if it fails to maintain accurate records on teacher corps members to ensure compliance with scholarship conditions; or (2) if it fails to notify the Secretary upon a change of status rendering a member in violation of such conditions. Sets forth LEA grant application requirements. Makes individuals eligible to receive such scholarships for up to two years during enrollment in any of the following programs of study: (1) the last two years of a baccalaureate degree; (2) one or two years of a masters or other postbaccalaureate specialist degree; or (3) two years of an associate's degree in early childhood education or development, or one year of a child development associate credential program. Makes individuals in other associate degree programs eligible for the third and fourth year for a baccalaureate degree. Makes individuals with a bachelor's degree who wish to enter teaching from another profession eligible for such a scholarship for the instruction necessary to enter the teaching profession in the State where they wish to teach. Allows such instruction to be provided while the individual is employed as a provisional teacher, at the discretion of the SEA and LEA. Limits the amount of such a scholarship to an individual to the lesser of $8,000 or the cost of attendance per year for a maximum of two years. States that such scholarship shall be considered in determining eligibility for student assistance under title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965. Directs the Secretary, in addition to such scholarship amounts, to award teacher corps members without a masters degree a scholarship of up to $2,000 during any of the first three years of employment as a teacher, to defray the costs of pursuing post-baccalaureate instruction. Allows the SEA in any State experiencing a shortage of mathematics and science teachers to recommend that the Secretary give special consideration for teacher corps scholarships to individuals committed to teaching mathematics or science in elementary or secondary schools. Prescribes eligibility requirements. Requires scholarship agreements to include assurances of satisfactory academic progress and participation in teaching-related activities during the course of study, and of teaching for: (1) five years in a geographic area, or substantial field of expertise, of shortage, as determined by the SEA; (2) four years in an inner city school; or (3) four years if the student received a mathematics and science scholarship under special consideration provisions. Allows members to transfer to another LEA or to another State with a program, upon approval of the sending or receiving LEA or State. Prescribes additional assurances such agreements must include. Provides for repayment of scholarships and for cancellation of such obligation under specified conditions. Provides for publication of, and recruitment for, the teacher corps scholarship program, particularly for minority students. Part B: Senior Teacher Corps - Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) make grants to SEAs to conduct senior teacher corps activities; and (2) award scholarships to senior teacher corps members. Authorizes the Secretary to use funds to: (1) establish senior teacher corps selection criteria for States to use; (2) disseminate information about availability of such scholarships nationally, and especially to LEAs with high minority enrollment; (3) award such scholarships to individuals recommended by SEAs; (4) review and approve SEA applications for grants; (5) make awards to SEAs (6) foster communication among teacher corps members; and (7) collect scholarship repayments. Specifies authorized uses of grant money by SEAs. Makes individuals who have been employed as teachers for eight or more years with full professional State certification eligible to apply for membership in the senior teacher corps. Sets forth requirements for individual applications, selection by SEAs, and review by the Secretary. Directs the SEA to give special consideration to individuals who intend to: (1) use a sabbatical period to improve or acquire skills in science or mathematics or in order to teach or provide related services to handicapped, limited English proficient, or preschool age students; or (2) teach students in inner city schools, following the sabbatical period. Sets forth SEA grant application requirements. Requires that an SEA be disqualified from any future financial assistance under this title: (1) if it fails to maintain accurate records on senior teacher corps members to ensure compliance with scholarship conditions; or (2) if it fails to notify the Secretary upon a change of status rendering such member in violation of such conditions. Directs the Secretary to award members a scholarship equal to one-half of their usual annual salary to enable them to participate in specified programs and activities during a sabbatical period. Requires such scholarship agreements to include assurances that members will: (1) spend a half-year sabbatical to participate in certain approved programs or activities; (2) work as a teacher, following the sabbatical, for five years in the State through which the award was made, or for four years in an inner city school in that State (except that they may transfer upon approval of both the sending and receiving State); (3) during the period of such work, upon LEA approval, participate as a mentor in an induction program for new teachers or otherwise contribute to the teacher corps programs; (4) during the period of such work, help in developing in-service training programs; and (5) participate in activities fostering communication among senior teacher corps members. Provides for repayment of scholarships by members violating such agreements, and for cancellation of such obligation under specified conditions. Provides for publicity of and recruitment for the senior teacher corps scholarship program, particularly for minority teachers and in LEAs with above-average minority enrollments. Title II: Professional Development Academies - Professional Development Academy Establishment Act of 1989 - Provides for establishment of professional development academies which: (1) are operated by partnerships including one or more LEAs and one or more higher education institutions offering teacher training programs; and (2) provide in-service training and other activities to teachers and administrators. Directs the Secretary to provide funds for such academies through allotments to SEAs in States with approved applications or grants to LEAs or LEA consortia in States not receiving such allotments. Bases such allotments and grants on school-age population. Provides for State and local applications for and uses of such funds. Sets the Federal share at 50 percent of the cost of planning, establishing, and operating such academies. Requires States receiving such assistance to pay 80 percent of the non-Federal share from non-Federal sources. Title III: Minority Teacher Recruitment - Minority Teacher Recruitment Act of 1989 - Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to carry out programs and activities to: (1) improve recruitment and training opportunities for ethnic minority members in education; and (2) increase the number of minority teachers in elementary and secondary schools. Sets forth application requirements and authorized uses of such funds by LEAs, higher education institutions, SEAs, and State higher education agencies. Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) to authorize historically Black colleges and universities to use certain grants to establish or enhance a teacher education and certification preparation program to qualify students for public elementary or secondary school teaching in the State. Amends HEA provisions for Student Assistance Special Programs for Students from Disadvantaged Backgrounds to authorize the Secretary to make grants for Summer Institutes for Future Teachers (SIFT). Makes eligible to receive such SIFT grants higher education institutions, LEAs, SEAs, State higher education agencies, public or private nonprofit organizations, or professional associations representing teachers, counselors, or administrators. Sets forth application requirements, selection criteria, and authorized uses of funds. Sets limits on the maximum SIFT stipends for students. Limits the maximum amount of funds which may be used for such SIFT grants and conditions any such funding upon a specified minimum appropriation level for all such Special Programs. Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to revise provisions for magnet schools assistance to include components for interesting students in, and educating them for, teaching careers. Directs the Secretary to: (1) conduct a study of alternative ways to increase minority participation in the teaching profession; and (2) report on study results to the appropriate congressional committees within two years. Title IV: Bilingual Teacher Enhancement Act - Bilingual Teacher Enhancement Act of 1989 - Amends title VII (the Bilingual Education Act) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to authorize the Secretary to make grants for bilingual teacher enhancement through activities to: (1) increase the number of teachers trained to teach limited English proficient students; (2) provide in-service training for teachers of limited English proficient students; and (3) train all teachers in techniques for educating language minority students. Sets forth application requirements and authorized uses of such funds by higher education institutions with existing teacher education programs, by SEAs, and by LEAs. Requires grant recipients to coordinate such programs with other Federal, State, and local programs which train teachers of limited English proficient students. Requires linkage or coordination whenever a recipient under this title also receives a professional development academy grant. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1990 through 1993 for such bilingual teacher enhancement grants. Title V: Early Childhood Development Teacher Enhancement Act - Early Childhood Development Teacher Enhancement Act of 1989 - Authorizes the Secretary to make grants for activities and programs to increase the number of teachers trained to teach preschool age children in early childhood education and development programs. Makes eligible to receive such grants higher education institutions, SEAs, LEAs, or private nonprofit institutions. Requires recipients to include in their programs curricula regarding young children with special needs. Requires linkage or coordination whenever a recipient under this title also receives a professional development academy grant. Sets forth application requirements and authorized uses of funds in post-baccalaureate, undergraduate, and associate degree or credential programs. Amends the Child Development Associate Scholarship Assistance Act of 1985 to include part of the costs of training among those costs which must be covered by scholarship assistance under such Act. Increases the amount authorized to be appropriated to carry out such Act for FY 1990, and extends its authorization of appropriations through FY 1994. Title VI: Teachers of Children with Handicaps Enhancement - Teachers of Children with Handicaps Enhancement Act of 1989 - Authorizes the Secretary to make grants for activities and programs to increase, through preservice and in-service training, the preparedness of mainstream classroom teachers for the participation of children with handicaps in their classrooms. Make eligible to receive such grants higher education institutions with teacher training programs, SEAs, and LEAs. Sets forth application requirements and authorized uses of funds. Requires that such grants be awarded on a competitive basis. Requires linkage or coordination whenever a recipient under this title also receives a professional development academy grant. Title VII: Mathematics and Science Teacher Enhancement - Mathematics and Science Teacher Enhancement Act of 1989 - Authorizes the Director of the National Science Foundation to make grants to SEAs, LEAs, higher education institutions, or private nonprofit organizations, or consortia, to: (1) establish or upgrade teacher in-service training in substance and skills for elementary, middle, and secondary school teachers of mathematics and science; and (2) engage in other projects to improve student learning in mathematics and science. Bases grant awards on quality of application and degree to which the applicant will meet the needs of the school population to be served, with special consideration for applicants which will serve populations including members of minority groups historically underrepresented in mathematics and science. Requires linkage or coordination whenever recipients under this title also receive professional development academy grants. Sets forth application requirements and authorized uses of funds. Includes among program requirements: (1) in-service training for elementary school teachers; (2) cultural and gender sensitivity training; (3) in-service training program dissemination through the Star School telecommunications network, for those recipients who also receive Star Schools Assistance; (4) coordination with activities and services funded under the Dwight D. Eisenhower Mathematics and Science Education Act, and with other mathematics and science teacher training programs in the State; and (5) cost-sharing. Requires the Director to: (1) conduct an independent evaluation of the effectiveness of curricular reforms in mathematics and science education; and (2) report evaluation results to the appropriate congressional committees within four years. Amends the National Science Foundation Assistance Act of 1988 to increase the amounts of various authorizations of appropriations. Title VIII: School Based Management/Shared Decisionmaking Incentive - School Based Management/Shared Decisionmaking Incentive Act - Amends the Fund for the Improvement and Reform of School and Teaching Act to authorize the Secretary to make grants to LEAs to provide incentives to test school based management/shared decisionmaking programs at school sites, and to evaluate and disseminate results. Requires linkage or coordination whenever a recipient under this title also receives a professional development academy grant. Describes, and delineates responsibilities under, the process of school based management/shared decisionmaking. Sets forth application requirements and authorized uses of funds. Requires recipients to submit annually specifed information on such programs to the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to: (1) within one year, compile and analyze such information and submit the analysis to the appropriate congressional committees; and (2) within two years, evaluate programs funded under this title and other such programs to determine their effectiveness in improving school performance. Increases the authorization of appropriations under such Act, and limits to the amount of such increase the amount which may be reserved for such program grants. Title IX: Teacher Recognition - Teacher of the Year Recognition Act - Directs the Secretary to design and implement a recognition program for teachers designated by the Council of Chief State School Officers as teachers of the year and the national teacher of the year. Includes among program requirements: (1) ceremonies and informational briefings in Washington, D.C., including at least one major event sponsored by the Congress; (2) program design consultation with educational organizations; (3) payment of expenses of teacher participants; and (4) authorization to accept gifts and contributions. Directs the Secretary to designate and procure medals to be presented to such teachers by the President or a designee. Authorizes the Secretary to work with State, local, and other organizations to encourage State and local recognition programs to honor outstanding teachers and other educators.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 1989
Authorizes the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate to present a bronze medal to individuals who: (1) were members of the armed forces and were present in Hawaii on December 7, 1941; and (2) participated in combat operations that day against Japanese military forces attacking Hawaii. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to strike such medals. Authorizes the Secretary to provide for the sale of bronze duplicates of the medal. Authorizes appropriations which are to be reimbursed out of the proceeds from sales of the medals.
United States · United States Congress · 20 September 1989
United Services Organization's 50th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue not more than a specified number of five dollar gold coins, one dollar silver coins, and half dollar clad coins to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the United Services Organizations (USO). Requires such coins to be emblematic of USO Services to military service personnel and families. Sets forth certain features of such coins and provides for their design, issuance, and sale. Terminates the minting of such coins after February 4, 1991. Requires surcharges from the sale of such coins to be deposited in a coinage profit fund and used for USO programs and to reduce the national debt. Directs the Secretary to report to the Congress semiannually through December 31, 1992, on activities under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 September 1989
Indian Employment Opportunity Act of 1989 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an Indian employment opportunity credit for qualified employment expenses of eligible employers on Indian reservations. Allows a carryback and carryover of unused credit. Disallows an expense deduction for that portion of wages or salaries that equals the allowable credit. Amends the Federal criminal code to establish penalties for the bribery of tribal officials.
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 1989
Amends the Water Resources Research Act of 1984 to extend the authorization of appropriations through FY 1994. Authorizes additional appropriations through FY 1994 for additional research which focuses on water problems and issues of a regional or interstate nature beyond those of concern only to a single State and which relate to specific program priorities identified jointly by the Secretary of the Interior and the research institutes. Extends through FY 1994 the authority of the Secretary to make grants for research concerning any aspect of a water resource-related problem which the Secretary deems to be in the national interest. Authorizes the Secretary to make additional grants for technology development concerning any aspect of water resources which the Secretary may deem to be of State, regional, or national importance. Authorizes the Secretary to establish conditions for the matching of such grant funds by the recipient of any grant or contract. Outlines grant application requirements. Authorizes appropriations for such grants through FY 1994. Authorizes the Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Agriculture and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, to enter into such contracts or cooperative agreements as appropriate with national laboratories to carry out water resources research, development, and demonstration projects, including a study of the effects of potential climate changes on surface and ground water quality and quantity and the elimination of the contamination of ground water aquifers. Authorizes appropriations for such research and development agreements through FY 1994.
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 1989
Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) South Korea has erected an unfair trade barrier against U.S. citrus imports under the guise of a health (Alar) concern; (2) the South Korean Government should condemn false claims of Alar in U.S. grapefruits; (3) the South Korean Government should accept the use of standardized chemical residue tests; and (4) the United States will not tolerate the practice of erecting agricultural trade barriers disguised as health claims.
United States · United States Congress · 14 September 1989
Mickey Leland Minority Economic Impact Revitalization Act - Title I: Minority Economic Impact Revitalization - Authorizes the Director of the Office of Minority Economic Impact of the Department of Energy (the Office) to establish a working capital program providing loans and venture capital to minority and women-owned business enterprises to commercialize technologies developed through the Department, provide start-up capital for enterprises in the energy technology fields, and strengthen businesses dealing with the Department. Prescribes the eligibility criteria for such businesses. Requires the Secretary of Energy to select from among bids submitted to him an administrative financial institution (AFI) to administer the loan program component. Requires the AFI to establish a loan committee to oversee loan applications. Requires such committee and the Secretary to jointly establish a scheme for the participation of additional financial institutions. Authorizes a minority business enterprise (MBE) to request the participation of a specific financial institution with which it conducts business. Outlines loan application procedures. Sets a five-year maximum loan term. Authorizes an MBE to request technical or managerial assistance through the central Energy Related Minority Business Enterprise Center of the Department. Authorizes the Secretary to establish venture capital partnerships with venture capital organizations. Amends the Department of Energy Organization Act to direct the Secretary of Energy to: (1) provide financial assistance in the form of grants to an MBE to assist its full participation in the Department's research, development, and contract activities; and (2) limit the use of such assistance to providing funds necessary for such MBEs to bid for and obtain contracts. Authorizes the Secretary to hire a specified number of additional personnel to administer the working capital program. Directs the Office to coordinate and develop: (1) Department of Energy programs involving historically black colleges and universities; and (2) the Minority Financial Institution Deposit Program. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1991 to the Department for a working capital program and for an economic development program involving the establishment of a central energy-related minority business enterprise development center in the Office. Title II: Nuclear Waste Fund - Amends the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 to authorize the Secretary of Energy to request the Secretary of the Treasury to invest excess Nuclear Waste Fund monies in the Minority Bank Deposit Program of the Department of the Treasury.