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United States · Official source
2,727 records where Sen. Ford, Wendell H. [D-KY] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 1990
Prohibits the obligation of funds appropriated after this Act's enactment for procurement or military construction for the MX rail garrison missile system. Reduces current procurement and construction funds requested for such system.
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 1990
Mickey Leland Memorial Domestic Hunger Relief Act - Title I: Reducing Childhood Hunger - Subtitle A: Eliminating the Excess Shelter Deduction Cap - Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to revise and increase the excess shelter expense deduction for FY 1991 and 1992. Subtitle B: Adequacy of Food Stamp Benefits - Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to adjust the basic benefit level upwards by specified increments at the beginning of each fiscal year from FY 1991 through 1995 until it reaches 105 percent of the cost of the thrifty food plan. Subtitle C: Protecting Households in Special Circumstances - Directs the Secretary to provide for emergency allotments to eligible households to replace food lost in a disaster. Excludes from the computation of household income any State allowance (provided at least annually) for obtaining school clothes for children in school or child care. Provides for allotment increases to cover State or local sales taxes for participants in demonstration projects. Authorizes a State, on or after April 1, 1992, and with the Secretary's approval, to implement an electronic food stamp benefit transfer system. Redefines "food" with regard to the homeless for purposes of such Act. Permits State agencies to develop standard estimates of the shelter and related expenses which homeless households may reasonably be expected to incur in order to certify such households based on reported expenses not exceeding such an estimate. Title II: Promoting Self-Sufficiency - Excludes the first $50 a month received as child support from consideration as income in determining the food stamp allotments of households also receiving Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) benefits. Increases from $4,500 to $5,500 from January 1 through September 30, 1991, with annual cost-of-living adjustments to follow, the limit on the fair market value of vehicles that food stamp recipients may own. Directs the Secretary to conduct a sufficient number of demonstration projects to evaluate the effects of excluding from such vehicle calculation the value of: (1) any licensed vehicle used for certain income-producing, transportation, or shelter purposes; and (2) one licensed vehicle used for job-related or job-seeking purposes (including commuting), for pursuing education or training, or for securing food or food stamp benefits. Allows States to use their own agency-designed forms instead of forms approved by the Secretary. Allows four States to give priority in the provision of services to voluntary participants (including both exempt and nonexempt), so long as performance standards are maintained. Authorizes an employment and training program to contain programs designed to increase the self-sufficiency of recipients through self-employment. Excludes from the computation of household financial resources any nonliquid resources necessary to allow the household to carry out an approved plan for self-sufficiency. Increases the dependent care deduction for purposes of eligibility and benefit levels. Increases the limit for reimbursements to recipients for costs incurred in employment and training activities. Revises: (1) low-income student eligibility provisions; and (2) educational expense exclusions. Excludes from income computation housing assistance payments made to a third party on behalf of a household member residing in transitional housing for the homeless. Title III: Simplifying Program Administration - Requires parents and minor children who live together to apply for food stamps as a single household. Requires the Secretary to issue rules under which State agencies must develop standards for identifying (for exclusion as inaccessible resources) those kinds of resources the household is unlikely to sell for any significant return because its interest is so slight or the cost of selling would be so great. Provides that a food stamp office need not consider any resources that the AFDC or supplemental security income benefit programs have already determined to be exempt. Directs State agencies to require only one adult representative of a household to sign all declarations required in the application process on behalf of the household. Makes recipients of State or local general assistance programs categorically eligible for food stamps. Changes from mandatory to discretionary aggregate allotments for households applying for benefits after the 15th day of the month. Title IV: Hunger in Rural America - Requires State agencies to designate rural project areas where low-income persons face substantial difficulties in getting transportation. Requires issuance of coupons by mail in such areas, except where households experience mail losses exceeding certain levels. Title V: Promoting Access for the Elderly and Disabled - Declares that State agencies, with respect to the excess medical deduction for the elderly and the disabled, shall not require further verification of a change in medical expenses if the change has been anticipated for the verification period. Requires annual adjustments to the value of the minimum food stamp benefit. Permits State agencies to establish a procedure allowing households whose regular food stamp benefits do not exceed $20 per month to receive up to $60 worth for intervals of up to three months. Requires that any applicant for or recipient of supplemental security income benefits be informed of the availability of food stamp benefits. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to: (1) make grants in FY 1991 through 1993 for demonstration projects to improve food stamp participation among homeless persons and families, low-income working families with children, and elderly and disabled persons; and (2) conduct pilot projects in FY 1994 and 1995 to test new food stamp procedures aimed at increasing rural participation. Title VI: Program Administration by State Agencies - Prohibits the application of disallowances for erroneous issuances or similar actions to any State for a fiscal year before FY 1991. Title VII: Program Integrity - Prohibits a wholesale-retail food concern from redeeming food stamps as a retail store unless: (1) it does a substantial level of retail food business; or (2) the Secretary determines that failure to so authorize the store would cause hardship to food stamp households. Requires applicant wholesale or retail food stores or concerns to provide the social security numbers of their owners, officers, and on-site managers. Increases fines for food stamp trafficking. Disqualifies a food store or concern permanently for selling guns, explosives, or controlled substances for food stamps, except that a fine may be imposed in lieu of disqualification under specified circumstances. Authorizes fines for: (1) food stores or concerns that accept loose coupons; and (2) unauthorized third-party food stamp acceptance. Reduces the election period during which a household required to repay a food stamp overissuance must decide whether to make such repayment through cash refund or allotment reduction. Title VIII: Reauthorization of Programs - Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to make food stamp program authorization of appropriations permanent. Repeals allotment reduction and limitation on value provisions. Authorizes fund allocations through FY 1995 for food stamp job training. Extends through FY 1995 food stamp pilot program authority. Reauthorizes through FY 1995: (1) the nutrition assistance program for Puerto Rico; (2) the temporary emergency food assistance program under the Temporary Emergency Food Assistance Act of 1983; (3) the soup kitchen and food bank programs under the Hunger Prevention Act of 1988; (4) the commodity distribution and supplemental food programs under the Agriculture and Consumer Protection Act of 1973; (5) the distribution of surplus commodities to special nutrition projects under the Agriculture and Food Act of 1981; and (6) the nutrition education program under the Food Security Act of 1985. Title IX: Miscellaneous - Amends the Commodity Distribution Reform Act and WIC Amendments of 1987 to: (1) make the food bank demonstration project permanent; and (2) authorize State option contracts (with reimbursement by a State distribution agency) for commodity distribution programs. Directs the Secretary to study and report to the appropriate congressional committees on the feasibility of providing food stamp allotments to elderly and disabled residents of board and care homes. Increases the amount and variety of food available under the Indian reservation food distribution program. Authorizes nutrition education grants. Amends the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 with regard to the special supplemental food program for women, infants, and children (WIC) to: (1) establish a specified FY 1991 authorization of appropriations; and (2) make WIC authorizations permanent. Title X: Indian Nutrition Gardening Program - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish an Indian (including Native Alaskan) gardening grant program to establish gardening operations on Indian reservations. Directs the Extension Service to provide training and technical assistance. Authorizes FY 1991 through 1994 appropriations. Title XI: Effective Dates - Sets forth effective dates for provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 April 1990
Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to study and report to the Congress on the National School Lunch Program, including the impact on child nutrition of reductions in Federal funds and bonus commodities and of changes in State and local administrative responsibilities and costs.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1990
Expresses the condolences of the Senate on the death of the Honorable Spark M. Matsunaga of Hawaii.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1990
Textile, Apparel, and Footwear Trade Act of 1990 - Limits the 1990 imports of textiles and textile products classified under a category to an amount equal to 101 percent of the total 1989 imports classified under such category. Limits the 1990 imports of nonrubber footwear classified under a nonrubber footwear category to an amount equal to: (1) the total 1989 imports of nonrubber footwear classified under such category; and (2) in the case of high priced nonrubber footwear, the total 1989 imports of high 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 1990. Exempts from the limitations imposed under this Act imports of textiles and textile products from U.S. possessions if such articles are exempt from duty under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States and are manufactured by U.S. citizens, nationals, or permanent residents of such a possession. Limits the imports of certain sweaters made in Guam to a specified amount during FY 1990 and to such amount increased by one percent per year in subsequent years. Declares that such limitations shall not apply to Canada or Israel. Sets forth limitations on the amount of textile and textile products classified under certain import categories which may be imported from beneficiary countries under the Caribbean Basin Initiative. 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 a country has violated trade concessions of benefit to the United States and the violation has not been adequately offset. Sets forth requirements governing staged rate reductions in the tariffs of articles affected by this Act. Prohibits the President, except as authorized by this Act, 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 Act, 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 its operation. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to establish a pilot program for the issuance and sale to U.S. companies at public auction of import licenses applicable to categories of textiles. Terminates such licensing program on December 31, 1991, and requires a report to the Congress on its administration.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1990
Yosemite National Park Centennial Medal Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to strike and sell medals in commemoration of the centennial of Yosemite National Park, California, in 1990. Requires that all sales of such medals include a surcharge of $2 each. Requires that all surcharges be paid to an endowment fund for the benefit of the Park to be administered by the National Park Foundation. Requires that the net income from the fund be paid to the Secretary of the Interior to fund special supplemental projects relating to back country trail development and rehabilitation and the preservation of Sequoia groves within the boundaries of the Park. Requires the Secretaries to enter into a memorandum of agreement to allow: (1) the Secretary of the Treasury to deliver medals to the Secretary of the Interior; and (2) the Secretary of the Interior to provide for the sale of the medals in National Park facilities. Grants the Comptroller General the right to examine all records of the National Park Foundation which are related to such medals.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1990
Designates September 16 through 22, 1990, as National Rehabilitation Week. Urges each State Governor and local government chief executive to issue proclamations calling upon their citizens to observe such week with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1990
Designates July 19, 1990, as Flight Attendant Safety Professionals' Day.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1990
Designates the week beginning July 22, 1990, as Lyme Disease Awareness Week.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1990
Soybean Graduated Equity Loan Program Act of 1990 - Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to make recourse loans available to soybean producers for each of the 1991 through 1995 crops of soybeans. Prescribes a general formula for the calculation of loan levels, dependent on applicable soybean-corn equity rates and soybean-cotton equity rates. Sets forth ceilings on the amount of soybeans of any crop that may be placed under loan, graduated from 75 percent down to 45 percent according to the size of the carryover of soybeans stocks at the end of each marketing year. Provides for loan terms and soybean program announcements. Sets the soybean marketing year to run from September 1 through August 31. Directs the Secretary, for each of the 1991 through 1995 crops, to permit producers on a farm to plant soybeans on up to 25 percent of the combined wheat, feed grain, cotton, and rice acreage bases of the farm. Limits to program benefits under this Act alone any producers who make such plantings.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1990
Dairy Stabilization Act of 1990 - Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to set forth 1991 through 1995 milk price support and adjustment levels.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1990
Acknowledges that Jerusalem is and should remain the capital of the State of Israel. Declares that Jerusalem must remain an undivided city in which the rights of every ethnic religious group are protected. Calls upon all parties involved in the search for peace to maintain their efforts to bring about negotiations between Israel and Palestinian representatives.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1990
Amends the Airport and Airway Improvement Act of 1982 to authorize appropriations for FY 1991 and 1992 for air navigation facilities. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1991 and 1992 for: (1) specified research, engineering and development, and demonstration projects; and (2) research and development on preserving and enhancing airport capacity (including improvements to airport design standards, airport maintenance, airport operations and airport environmental concerns). Provides for reimbursement during such fiscal years of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for providing the Federal Aviation Administration with weather reporting services.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1990
Nonconventional Fuels Production Incentives Act of 1990 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend for two years the credit for producing fuel from a nonconventional source. Provides for the treatment of gas produced from a tight formation in the same manner as other types of nonconventional fuel.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1990
Designates February 17 through 23, 1991, as National Visiting Nurse Associations Week.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1990
Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) the Federal Government should be responsible for establishing a national interstate transportation system; and (2) the President, in coordination with Federal transportation, environmental, trade, and commerce officials, should work to develop a national policy on transportation.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1990
Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and Protection Act - Designates a specified area in Florida as the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Prohibits, with specified exceptions, the following activities within such Sanctuary: (1) the operation of vessels carrying cargo or servicing offshore installations; and (2) mining, mineral extraction, or hydrocarbon exploration, development, or production. Requires the Secretary of Commerce to prepare a management plan to insure the protection of the marine environments within the Sanctuary. Prohibits any Federal activity from adversely affecting such Sanctuary unless the head of the Federal agency undertaking it complies with specified procedures. Sets forth civil penalties for violations. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1990
Amends the Internal Revenue Code and the Social Security Act to provide that agricultural workers exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act are exempt from certain employment tax requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1990
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that agricultural workers exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act are exempt from withholding tax requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1990
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that payment under a life insurance contract on the life of an insured who is terminally ill be treated as a death benefit, making such payment eligible for tax exclusion from gross income. Provides that any reference to life insurance shall be treated as referring to a qualified terminal illness rider. Provides for the tax treatment of such riders. Describes such a rider as one which provides for payments to an individual upon the insured's becoming terminally ill. Provides that applicants for or recipients of assistance under the Social Security Act may not be required to elect to receive accelerated death benefits under life insurance policies.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1990
Designates the week of June 24 through June 30, 1990, as National Sheriffs' Week in honor of the 50th anniversary of the National Sheriffs' Association.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1990
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the enactment of the 25th anniversary of the Older Americans Act of 1965 and its successful implementation should be recognized; (2) the contributions at all levels of the aging network fostered by this Act should be recognized; and (3) the Congress and citizens should reaffirm their support for the Act and its primary goals.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1990
Amends the Comprehensive Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1986 to direct the Secretary of the Treasury to reimburse, from customs user fees (except from those collected for the processing of merchandise), each appropriation from which amounts were paid for the provision of additional customs personnel and equipment and other necessary expenses.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1990
Directs the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration to prepare a revised edition of the Senate Election Law Guidebook, which shall be printed as a Senate document.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1990
Repeals the provision of the Revenue Reconciliation Act of 1989 which requires the withholding of income tax from wages paid for agricultural labor. Requires the Internal Revenue Code to be applied as though such provision had not been enacted.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1990
Amends rule XXVI of the Standing Rules of the Senate to require publication of Senate committee rules in the Congressional Record by March 1 of the first year of each Congress. (Currently, the rule requires publication in the Record by March 1 of each year.) Delays the effect of any amendment to committee rules until it is published in the Congressional Record.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1990
Declares that the Congress urges the administration not to submit any proposal to include civil air transport services under the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), or the proposed General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS), and to oppose any proposals by other nations now or in the future which would allow any rights or benefits with respect to such services to be included under such agreements.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1990
Authorizes the use of the atrium of the Senate Hart Office Building on March 5, 1990, for a musical performance by the Western Kentucky University Choir.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1990
Long-Term Investment, Competitiveness, and Corporate Takeover Reform Act of 1990 - Amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to reduce from ten days to five days the period within which the owner of more than five percent of certain securities must file ownership disclosure statements. Prohibits additional purchases by such a person until such statements have been filed. Requires that tender offers (and invitations therefor) be held open for at least 45 business days, and that well-financed offers (not highly leveraged) be held open for at least 30 business days. Increases the open-offer period to 95 business days if a qualified employee stock ownership plan announces its intention to acquire additional securities on substantially equivalent terms. Entitles an issuer of securities to the profits realized by a five-percent shareholder who: (1) made a tender offer within six months preceding any disposition of the securities; and (2) held such securities less than six months prior to dispositions. Requires the new owner of a plant or facility acquired through such securities transactions to abide by the terms of any existing collective bargaining agreement for a 180-day period after commencing operations. Requires the new owner to engage in good-faith collective bargaining to cover the unexpired term of any preacquisition collective bargaining agreement. Sets guidelines under which Federal banking agencies must review and increase the reserve requirements of depository institutions whose loans are involved in highly leveraged transactions. Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 to prohibit pension plans from making more than 30 percent of their annual income from stock, securities, options, or forward contracts held for less than three months. Requires pension plan fiduciaries to consider long-term and short-term plan interests when making equity transactions. Prohibits the use of pension plan residual assets to finance acquisition of the employer's securities (including the redemption or restructuring of any indebtedness incurred in connection with the acquisition). Amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to prohibit corporate management or affiliates from acquiring substantially all of an issuer's securities unless: (1) at least 45 days have elapsed between public announcement and acquisition consummation; and (2) an independent appraiser's report of the proposed acquisition is made available at least 20 days prior to acquisition consummation. Mandates a 50-percent cash margin requirement for tender offers and disclosure of all fees and financing expenses involved in a leveraged transaction.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1990
Designates the week beginning on October 7, 1990, and ending October 13, 1990, as Mental Illness Awareness Week.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1990
Directs the Committee on Rules and Administration to prepare a revised edition of the Standing Rules of the Senate. Requires that such standing rules be printed as a Senate document. Provides for the printing of 2500 additional copies for the use of the Committee on Rules and Administration.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1990
Designates April 1990 as National Recycling Month.
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1990
Designates July 3, 1990, as Idaho Centennial Day.
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1990
Amends rule XXXV of the Standing Rules of the Senate to limit to $300 the aggregate value of gifts which a Member, officer, or employee of the Senate may knowingly accept during a calendar year from lobbyists with no direct interest in legislation before the Congress. Raises from $35 to $75 the minimum value of gifts to which the rule applies. Includes entertainment within the definition of gifts. Places limits on domestic and foreign travel for which Members, officers, or employees of the Senate may accept reimbursement. Amends rule XXXIV to require the Select Committee on Ethics to transmit a financial disclosure report filed by each congressional officer and employee to the head of his or her employing office. Amends rule XXXVII to prohibit any Senate employee who must file a financial disclosure report from participating as a Senate employee in any contact with any executive or judicial agency in non-legislative matters affecting any non-governmental person in which the employee has a significant financial interest. Provides for a written waiver from his employing authority if the employee's participation is necessary. Amends rule XLI to authorize the Majority and Minority Leaders of the Senate to designate an employee of their respective leadership staffs to perform political fund activities.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1990
Designates April 29 through May 5, 1990, as Jewish Heritage Week.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1990
Designates April 22 through April 28, 1990, as National Crime Victims' Rights Week.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1990
National Commemorative Events Advisory Act - Establishes the President's Advisory Commission on National Commemorative Events to: (1) establish criteria for recommending to the President that a proposed commemorative event be approved or disapproved; (2) review proposals for national commemorative events submitted in accordance with procedures published by the Commission; and (3) issue recommendations to the President concerning each proposal reviewed.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1990
Designates May 6 through May 12, 1990, as Be Kind to Animals and National Pet Week.
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
Prohibits the Secretary of the Army from proceeding with the divestiture of specified locks and dams of the Kentucky River, Kentucky, pursuant to the Water Development Act of 1986, until he has complied with the terms of the Memorandum of Understanding between the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Kentucky as approved on February 22, 1985.
United States · United States Congress · 21 November 1989
Trade and Technology Promotion Act of 1989 - Title I: General Provisions - Sets forth congressional findings with respect to U.S. international competitiveness. Title II: Department of Industry and Technology - Part A: Establishment, Organization, Officers and Administration - Establishes the Department of Industry and Technology (Department) as an executive department which shall be administered by a Secretary of Industry and Technology (Secretary). Provides for the appointment by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate of the Secretary and a Deputy Secretary of Industry and Technology. Sets forth the functions of the Secretary, including: (1) to seek and promote new opportunities for U.S. products in the world marketplace; (2) to assist U.S. businesses in developing export markets; and (3) to develop programs to promote U.S. international economic and technology policy. Establishes within the Department: (1) the Office of the Under Secretary for Industry; (2) the Office of the Under Secretary for Technology; and (3) the Office of the Under Secretary for Trade Enforcement. Authorizes appropriations. Part B: Advanced Civilian Technology Agency - Establishes within the Department the Advanced Civilian Technology Agency. Provides that such Agency shall be administered by an Administrator, who shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Sets forth the functions of such Agency. Authorizes the Secretary, through the Administrator, to make grants and enter into contracts and cooperative agreements with research and development organizations to support long-term projects for: (1) research and development of new or advanced technology for the private sector of the U.S. economy; and (2) research concerning the commercial adaptation of such technology. Sets forth requirements with respect to such grants and contracts. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1991 through 1993. Part C: Export-Import Bank of the United States - Amends the Export-Import Bank Act of 1945 to make the Secretary the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Export-Import Bank of the United States. Authorizes appropriations. Part D: Overseas Private Investment Corporation - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to make the Secretary the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation. Authorizes appropriations. Part E: The National Security Council - Amends the National Security Act of 1947 to include the Secretary, the Secretary of the Treasury, and the United States Trade Representative as members of the National Security Council. Authorizes appropriations. Part F: Interagency Export Enhancement Committee - Establishes the Interagency Export Enhancement Committee within the Executive Office of the President. Requires the Secretary to coordinate the domestic and international programs of all Federal agencies related to the enhancement of U.S. export capabilities. Authorizes appropriations. Part G: Transfers to the Department - Transfers functions of the Department of Commerce and the Trade Development Program of the Department of State to the Secretary. Part H: Administrative Provisions - Sets forth administrative provisions dealing with: (1) Department of Industry and Technology personnel; (2) the power of the Secretary to delegate functions; (3) the succession of officers within the Department; (4) the authority of the Secretary to reorganize the Department; (5) the authority of the Secretary to issue rules and regulations; (6) the establishment of a working capital fund for the Department; and (7) other administrative matters. Requires the Secretary to submit a report to the President for transmission to the Congress. Sets forth conforming amendments. Title III: Establishment of National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Within the Environmental Protection Agency - Part A: Establishment of Administration - National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Act of 1989 - Establishes the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration within the Environmental Protection Agency. Part B: Administrative Provisions - Sets forth administrative provisions dealing with the Administration. Title IV: Assistant to the President for Science and Technology - Establishes an Assistant to the President for Science and Technology in the Executive Office of the President. Authorizes appropriations. Title V: Overseas Library of Congress Trade Office - Amends the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946 to direct the Librarian of Congress to establish an Office of Trade Information within the Congressional Research Service. Declares that the function of the Office is to provide Members of Congress with information concerning United States and foreign trade and investment. Authorizes appropriations. Title VI: Transitional, Savings, and Conforming Provisions - Sets forth transitional, savings, and conforming provisions relating to changes made by this Act. Title VII: Miscellaneous - Sets forth provisions relating to: (1) effective dates; (2) interim appointments of officers required by this Act; and (3) authorization of appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 1989
Designates April 1990 as National Prevent-A-Litter Month.
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 1989
Limits the amounts that may be incurred by a Senate office for official mail costs (OMCs) for non-election fiscal years and election fiscal years to the amounts allocated by the Committee on Rules and Administration. Requires the Committee to determine: (1) the amount appropriated for OMCs of the Senate for each fiscal year; (2) the amount necessary for OMCs of Senate offices other than Senators for each fiscal year; (3) the amount necessary to be reserved for contingencies; (4) for each non-election fiscal year, the amount available for allocation to all Senators; and (5) for each election fiscal year, the amounts necessary for OMCs of Senators-elect, newly elected Senators, Senators whose service will end on January 3 of such fiscal year, and all other Senators. Directs the Committee to make allocations to: (1) each Senate office (other than a Senator-elect) for each fiscal year; and (2) each Senator-elect, newly elected Senator, Senator whose service will end on January 3 of an election fiscal year, and all other Senators for each fiscal year according to a specified formula based on the relative population of each State. Sets limitations on the distribution of amounts reserved for contingencies. Provides for the distribution of contingency funds remaining unused at the end of a fiscal year in accordance with the regular OMC allocation formula. Requires the Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper of the Senate to send: (1) to each Senator an itemized statement of the cost of postage and paper and of the other operating expenses incurred as a result of mass mailings processed during each calendar quarter, including the total cost per capita in the State represented by the Senator; and (2) to the Committee a compilation of all such statements. Limits mass mailings by Senators to two sheets of legal size paper (or the equivalent). Requires the Committee to: (1) monitor all expenditures for official mail by all Senate offices; and (2) promulgate regulations to assure compliance by each Senate office with the allocations, allowances, and restrictions provided for in this Act, including regulations prescribing a procedure for the transfer of portions of an allocation from one Senate office to another. Requires all mass mailings by Senate offices to be printed, prepared, and mailed by the Senate Service Department and mailed under the frank. Sets forth additional provisions regarding: (1) limitations on the number of pieces of mass mail allowed as franked mail during any fiscal year; and (2) the amount of paper and envelopes provided to Senators and specified committees and offices. Makes this Act effective only with respect to FY 1990.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 1989
Makes corrections in the enrollment of H.R. 1396 (Securities Acts Amendments of 1989) with respect to the exempt status of a certain Kentucky public utility holding company.
United States · United States Congress · 17 November 1989
Designates May 1990 as Worldwide Bluegrass Music Month.
United States · United States Congress · 16 November 1989
Eliminates post-1968 service in the National Guard as a prerequisite to civil service retirement credit for former National Guard technicians. Amends the National Guard Technicians Act of 1968 to eliminate post-1968 service as a prerequisite for National Guard technicians for receipt of credit in the determination of length of Federal civil service for purposes of leave, Federal employees' death and disability compensation, group life and health insurance, severance pay, tenure, and status. Sets forth rules for applying provisions of this Act to affected individuals.
United States · United States Congress · 15 November 1989
Cable Television Consumer Protection Act of 1989 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to authorize a franchising authority to regulate rates of a cable system for the provision of basic cable services and for installing or renting equipment necessary for the receipt of such services if the franchise authority determines that the cable system is not subject to effective competition. Presumes effective competition if: (1) fewer than 30 percent of the households in the cable community subscribe to the cable service of such cable system; or (2) the cable community is served by more than one multichannel video programming distributor (MVPD). Outlines the circumstances under which a cable community shall be considered to be served by more than one MVPD. Requires a franchising authority authorized to regulate rates to establish a fair and efficient method for such regulation, in consultation with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the operator of any affected cable system. Requires each cable operator that relies upon compulsory licensing for secondary transmissions by its cable system (known hereafter as a participating operator) to carry the signals of qualified local broadcast stations (local non-cable stations) in accordance with this Act. Requires each participating operator to carry a specified number of qualified local broadcast stations, such number increasing with the amount of usable activated channels of such participating operator. Requires, among the signals of qualified local broadcast stations to be carried by each participating operator, the carriage of signals of at least: (1) one qualified noncommercial educational television station for an operator with fewer than 54 usable activated channels; and (2) two such stations for an operator with 54 or more usable active channels. Allows a participating operator discretion in selecting which local broadcast signals shall be carried on its cable system once the minimum number of qualified local broadcast stations presented on its system exceeds the minimum number required under this Act, with specified conditions. Makes the carriage of the minimum required number of noncommercial educational television stations nondiscretionary. Requires, when feasible, the signal of the qualified local broadcast station on the cable system to be carried on the same channel on which the local broadcast station is normally carried over the air or upon a channel mutually agreed upon by the broadcaster and the principal operator. Outlines other required standards for the retransmission by a principal operator of the qualified local broadcast stations required under this Act. Requires local signals carried in fulfillment of this Act to be carried on the lowest-priced tier of basic cable service offered by the participating operator. Requires a participating operator to: (1) identify, upon request, those local broadcast signals carried on its system in fulfillment of requirements of this Act; and (2) provide written notice to a qualified local broadcast station, the franchising authority of such cable system, and subscribers of such system at least 30 days prior to either deleting or repositioning such signal on its cable system. Prohibits a participating operator from accepting money or other consideration for the carriage of local broadcast signals as required under this Act. Authorizes a qualified local broadcast station to file a complaint with the FCC when it believes that a participating operator is not complying with signal carriage requirements enumerated under this Act. Outlines administrative procedures for FCC review and rulings on such complaints. Amends provisions concerning renewal of cable television franchises to direct the franchising authority to issue written requests for: (1) a renewal proposal from the incumbent cable operator; and (2) proposals for a new franchise from any other person who notifies the franchising authority of its interest in providing cable service in the relevant area. Directs the franchising authority to provide prompt public notice of all cable franchise proposals received and to commence an administrative proceeding to determine the disposition of each such proposal. Outlines factors to be considered by the franchising authority in determining the disposition of such proposals, including the quality, reasonableness, and compliance of such proposals with community standards as well as standards of existing franchise law and regulations. Requires the franchising authority to issue a written decision to parties submitting proposals. Requires a franchising authority to grant an incumbent cable operator's renewal proposal if the franchising authority finds that the operator's performance and proposal satisfy all applicable standards. Repeals current provisions under the Communications Act of 1934 concerning the proper bases for denial of a proposal for renewal of a cable franchise. Provides that, in any First Amendment claim against a franchising authority or governmental entity arising from the regulation of cable communications or a decision to grant or deny a franchise or otherwise regulate a cable operator, any relief shall be limited to injunctive relief, declaratory relief, and attorneys' fees, except to the extent that such a claim involves activities of such authority or entity as an owner of a cable system. Requires a franchising authority, in establishing cable franchise requirements, to specifically identify those broad categories of programming and other services that are essential to the operation of a cable system in the public interest in that community, including broadcasting in a foreign language or towards a particular minority group. Authorizes any person aggrieved by the failure of a cable operator to meet the required technical standards of a franchise to petition the FCC for an order compelling compliance with such standards. Prohibits any entity engaged in the production, creation, or distribution of video programming that is owned or controlled by, or affiliated with, one or more cable systems from discriminating in the price, terms, or availability of its programming among cable systems, cable operators, or other MVPDs who purchase such programming for delivery to consumers. Allows such person to impose reasonable, nondiscriminatory requirements for creditworthiness, service, and financial stability, and allows price differentials which are attributable to cost differentials in the creation, sale, delivery, or transmission of such programming or which are made in good faith to meet the low price of a competitor. Prohibits, after October 31, 1989, any cable operator from controlling cable systems that individually or collectively provide service to more than 15 percent of all cable subscribers in the United States. Provides an exception for a cable operator who already controls 15 percent or more of such service on such date if that operator: (1) does not acquire additional interests in cable systems; and (2) reduces its interest so that, within one year after the enactment of this Act, such percentage is within that permitted. Authorizes the FCC to waive such prohibition in individual cases for up to six months. Provides that any civil action challenging the provision of this Act relating to the carriage of local broadcast signals by cable operators shall be heard by a district court. Provides that any action holding such a provision unconstitutional shall be reviewable as a matter of right by direct appeal to the Supreme Court if such appeal is filed within 20 days after such holding.
United States · United States Congress · 15 November 1989
Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to allow State Medicaid matching payments to include private funds donated by hospitals to the State and State taxes imposed with respect to the provision of Medicaid items and services.
United States · United States Congress · 9 November 1989
Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide outpatient medical services to a former prisoner of war for any disability.
United States · United States Congress · 7 November 1989
Natural Gas Cofiring Promotion Act of 1989 - Directs the Secretary of Energy to: (1) implement a research and demonstration program of cofiring (of natural gas and coal) in utility and large industrial boilers in order to determine optimal natural gas injection levels for environmental and operational benefits; and (2) provide financial assistance for half the costs of such cofiring technology projects. Authorizes appropriations.