United States · United States Congress · 20 November 1987
Authorizes the Vietnam Women's Memorial Project, Inc., to construct a statue of a woman Vietnam veteran within the Vietnam Veterans Memorial site in Washington, D.C., to honor and recognize the women of the U.S. armed forces who served in the Vietnam conflict. Expresses the sense of the Congress that after the addition of such statue, no further additions to the site should be authorized or undertaken. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to select a site for the statue within the Memorial with the approval of the Commission of Fine Arts and the National Capital Planning Commission. Makes the design proposal subject to the approval of the Secretary and such Commissions. Prohibits the United States or the District of Columbia from paying any expense of constructing the statue. Requires that the construction of such statue be commenced within five years of the date of enactment of this Act, and that funds sufficient to insure completion are certified to be available by the Secretary prior to groundbreaking, or the authority provided by this Act shall lapse. Grants the Secretary the responsibility for the statue's maintenance and care.
United States · United States Congress · 17 November 1987
Authorizes and directs the Secretary of the Senate to pay a gratuity to the children of a deceased employee of the Architect of the Capitol who was assigned to duty on the Senate side at the time of her death.
United States · United States Congress · 5 November 1987
Genocide Convention Implementation Act of 1987 - Amends the Federal criminal code to establish the criminal offense of genocide. Sets forth penalties to be imposed upon anyone who commits or attempts to commit any of the acts which constitute genocide (a fine of $1,000,000 and/or imprisonment for up to 20 years, and life imprisonment if group members are killed). Sets forth criminal penalties (a fine of $500,000 and/or imprisonment for up to five years) for directly and publicly inciting an act of genocide.
United States · United States Congress · 29 October 1987
Social Security Notch Adjustment Act - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act to establish a new alternative formula for computing the primary insurance amount (used in calculating the amount of OASDI benefits to which an individual is entitled) of workers born after 1916 and before 1930. Makes the new formula effective beginning January 1987, but provides retroactive benefits of up to $1,000 for months prior to January 1987. Excludes the earnings an individual who was born before 1917 earns in or after the year he or she reaches age 70 from the calculation of benefits payable to such individual after 1985.
United States · United States Congress · 8 October 1987
Omnibus Taxpayers' Bill of Rights Act - Requires the Secretary of the Treasury (Secretary) to prepare a statement setting forth in nontechnical terms: (1) the rights and obligations of a taxpayer and of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) during a tax audit; (2) the procedures by which a taxpayer may appeal adverse decisions, prosecute refund claims, and file complaints; and (3) the procedures that the IRS may use in enforcing revenue laws. Directs the Secretary to transmit drafts of such statement to specified congressional committees and to distribute the final statement to all taxpayers receiving annual tax filing forms from the IRS. Requires the IRS, upon taxpayer request, to conduct any interview regarding the determination or collection of any tax at a reasonable time and place convenient to the taxpayer and to the IRS, and to permit the taxpayer, at his or her own expense, to record the interview. Authorizes the IRS interviewer to record such interview if the taxpayer has been given prior notice and is provided, upon request and payment of reproduction costs, with a transcript of the recording. Requires the interviewer to explain to the taxpayer the audit process, including the taxpayer's rights with respect to the process. Requires the Secretary to abate any penalty or interest imposed on any deficiency attributable to erroneous advice in writing given to a taxpayer by an IRS officer or employee in response to such taxpayer's specific inquiry. Authorizes the IRS Ombudsman, upon application filed by a taxpayer, to issue a Taxpayer Assistance Order if, in the determination of the Ombudsman: (1) the taxpayer is suffering or is about to suffer from an unusual or irreparable loss as a result of the manner in which the internal revenue laws are being administered by the Secretary; and (2) the Secretary has failed to carry out any of his or her duties or has violated any provision of law. Allows the terms of a Taxpayer Assistance Order to require the Secretary to release property of the taxpayer levied upon or to cease or refrain from certain actions. Requires the Secretary to obey any Taxpayer Assistance Order issued by the Ombudsman. Directs the Secretary, within 90 days of this Act's enactment, to issue regulations with respect to Taxpayer Assistance Orders, including provisions to assure full, fair, and impartial due process for affected taxpayers. Amends the Inspector General Act of 1978 and other Federal law to establish within the Department of the Treasury an Office of Inspector General. Transfers to such Office the existing audit and investigation units of the Department. Sets forth criteria with respect to: (1) the authority of the Inspector General to conduct an investigation; and (2) the authority of the Secretary in cases of audits or investigations requiring access to information of a sensitive or confidential nature. Allows the Secretary to prohibit investigations under specified circumstances. Restricts disclosure by the Inspector General of tax returns and return information. Prohibits records of tax enforcement results from being used to evaluate certain IRS personnel or to impose or suggest production quotas. Requires district directors to certify compliance with this mandate on a monthly basis. Requires the Secretary to certify that a rule proposed by the IRS is substantially the only alternative that meets the mandate of the relevant statute in order for the rule to be considered an interpretative rule (and thereby not subject to analyses under the Regulatory Flexibility Act). Amends the Regulatory Flexibility Act to require regulatory flexibility analyses to include consideration of both the direct and indirect beneficial and negative effects of a proposed or final rule. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to direct the Secretary, with limited exceptions, to send a preliminary letter of deficiency to a taxpayer prior to the mailing of a deficiency notice. Specifies required contents for tax due notices and deficiency notices, including the basis of the deficiency and a breakdown of the total amount into tax, interest, and penalty. Directs the Secretary, within 90 days of this Act's enactment, to issue regulations requiring all IRS personnel to explain and support their position in assessing any penalties or additions to tax. Requires the Comptroller General to study IRS procedures with respect to such assessments and to present findings to specified congressional committees no later than December 31, 1988. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into a binding agreement with a taxpayer under which the taxpayer may pay tax liability in installments if the Secretary determines that such an agreement will facilitate collection of the liability. Permits the Secretary, after proper notice and a hearing, to modify or annul the agreement upon the finding that the financial condition of the affected taxpayer has significantly changed. Renders such an agreement nonbinding if the taxpayer fails to pay any installment or any other tax liability when due. Extends from ten to 30 days the period between the required notice to a person who neglects or refuses to pay tax liability and a levy on such person's salary, wages, or other property. Specifies information that must be incorporated in such notice, including possible alternative actions and the appropriate appeals procedures. Adds to the circumstances triggering termination of such a levy: (1) an agreement between the taxpayer and the Secretary for payment of the liability; and (2) the Secretary's determination that the taxpayer's financial condition precludes enforceability of the liability. Revises the list of property exempt from levy to: (1) increase the exempt amount permitted for certain personal effects, the property of a business, and wages; (2) add an exemption for certain deposits in qualified institutions; and (3) provide an express exemption, except under limited circumstances specified in this Act, for the taxpayer's principal residence, a motor vehicle used by the taxpayer as the primary means of transportation to work, and any tangible personal property essential to the operation of the taxpayer's business in cases when a levy would prevent the taxpayer from carrrying on such business. Prohibits a levy on any property when levy and sales expenses would exceed either the liability for which the levy is made or the fair market value of the levied property. Permits the Secretary to demand surrender of bank accounts only after 21 days in escrow have passed since service of the notice of levy on the accounts. Sets forth situations in which the Secretary must release a levy. Applies to jeopardy levies the administrative and judicial review procedures currently applicable to jeopardy assessments. Permits a taxpayer to bring a civil action against the United States in the Tax Court for judicial review of jeopardy levies and assessments. (Under current law an action for judicial review of jeopardy assessments may be filed only in district court.) Increases the time during which a taxpayer may petition for such review. Describes the jurisdictional requirements to be applied to such actions. Allows an administrative appeal of tax liens. Grants to the Tax Court exclusive jurisdiction to enjoin premature assessments if the taxpayer has filed a timely petition for review. Provides for review of such injunctive orders by the U.S. Court of Appeals. Grants to the Tax Court jurisdiction to enforce payment by the Secretary of refunds of overpayment and interest to taxpayers. Places on the Secretary the burden of proof of justifying any failure to refund, credit, or offset relevant amounts with respect to a taxpayer. Entitles a prevailing taxpayer to: (1) an interest rate of 120 percent of the overpayment rate with respect to refunds; and (2) reasonable litigation costs. Grants to the Tax Court jurisdiction to: (1) review jeopardy assessment sales of assets; and (2) redetermine interest under certain circumstances when a taxpayer claims an overpayment of the interest. Vests in the Tax Court original jurisdiction over any civil action against the Secretary for the recovery of any tax, additions to tax, and penalties with respect to income, estate, gift, and certain excise taxes. Authorizes an award of reasonable litigation costs to the prevailing party in proceedings by taxpayers before the Internal Revenue Service. Permits a taxpayer to bring a civil action in district court for actual damages resulting from the failure of any Federal officer or employee to release a tax lien on the taxpayer's property. Permits a civil cause of action in district court for damages resulting from the careless, reckless, or intentional disregard of internal revenue laws by any Federal officer or employee. Denies damage awards in cases of contributory negligence. Authorizes a damage award, to a $10,000 maximum, to the United States in cases of frivolous or groundless claims by a taxpayer. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to prescribe criminal penalties for: (1) any investigation or surveillance authorized or conducted by an officer or employee of the United States in connection with Federal tax laws that inquires into the beliefs, associations, or activities of any individual or organization; or (2) the maintenance of any records containing information derived from such an investigation. Establishes in the Internal Revenue Service the Office for Taxpayers Services, under the supervision of an Assistant Commissioner of Internal Revenue. Directs this Assistant Commissioner to: (1) be responsible for telephone, walk-in, and educational services, and for the design and production of tax and information forms; and (2) prepare annually, for presentation to specified congressional committees, a joint report (with the Chief Problem Resolution Officer for the IRS) on the quality of taxpayer services.
United States · United States Congress · 2 October 1987
Recognizes the accomplishments of the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act in enhancing, during the past 50 years, the knowledge, conservation, management, and habitat of U.S. wildlife resources, as well as hunter education. Commends hunters and shooters for their contributions to such Act's success.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 1987
Rural Economy Act of 1987 - Title I: General Provisions - Establishes in the Department of Agriculture a Rural Development Financing Authority, headed by an Assistant Secretary of Agriculture appointed by the President, with the advice and consent of the Senate. Authorizes appropriations for the Authority for FY 1988 and subsequent fiscal years. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1988 and subsequent fiscal years for: (1) the Rural Development Financing Authority; (2) the Rural Development Loan Fund; (3) rural infrastructure grants; (4) basic community facility needs grants; (5) local capacity building grants; (6) rural technology development; (7) one-stop rural financial and technical assistance centers; and (8) State incentive grants. Title II: Business Development - Subtitle A: General Provisions - Directs the Assistant Secretary to develop a program to provide interest rate subsidies to lenders for loans to private business enterprises in rural areas. Prescribes eligibility requirements for such subsidies. Sets forth a program of rural industrialization assistance, including: (1) direct and insured loans for private business enterprises encompassing economic and environmental improvement, aquaculture, and solar energy systems; (2) joint loans for such enterprises from specified Federal departments and agencies, State agencies, and private and quasi-public financial institutions; and (3) insured and guaranteed loans for the construction or improvement of subterminal facilities. Subtitle B: Rural Development Loan Fund - Establishes in the Treasury a Rural Development Loan Fund as a revolving fund to be used for making rural development loans and rural opportunity grants. Title III: Community Development Assistance for Smaller Communities - Subtitle A: Rural Infrastructure Grants - Directs the Assistant Secretary to make grants to States, territories, and Indian tribes to provide funds for the development of local infrastructure in eligible rural communities. Sets forth allocation and program requirements. Subtitle B: Basic Community Facility Needs Grants - Directs the Assistant Secretary, in cooperation with the Administrator of the Farmers Home Administration, to make grants to specified associations to test cost-effective methods of meeting the basic needs of residents of rural areas who do not have and cannot afford safe drinking water and wastewater disposal. Title IV: Capacity Building for Local Development - Directs the Assistant Secretary to make grants to public and nonprofit private institutions: (1) to stimulate local businesses in rural areas affected by recent declines or chronic underdevelopment in basic economic sectors like agriculture; (2) to establish and operate centers of rural technology development in order to promote new processes and products that can be produced in rural areas; and (3) to establish three one-stop rural financial and technical assistance centers. Title V: State Incentive Grants - Directs the Assistant Secretary to make grants to States to fund the Federal matching contribution for State programs to promote rural development. Title VI: Administration - Sets forth nondiscrimination provisions and procedures for ensuring compliance and sanctioning noncompliance (including civil actions by the Attorney General). Sets forth remedies for noncompliance with any provision of this Act, including civil actions by the Attorney General. Provides for judicial review of any termination, reduction, or limitation of payments under this Act. Requires annual reports to the Congress on progress made in carrying out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 1987
Aircraft Collision Avoidance Act of 1987 - Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to direct the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration to complete development of the collision avoidance system known as TCAS-II so that it will be operable under visual and instrument flight rules and will be upgradable to the performance standards applicable to the collision avoidance system known as TCAS-III. Requires the Administrator to: (1) implement a development and certification schedule resulting within 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act in the completion of TCAS-II certification; (2) report monthly to the Congress on TCAS-II development and certification; (3) require that civil aircraft with a maximum passenger capacity of more than 30 seats have an operational TCAS-II within 30 months after the certification of such system; and (4) require that automatic pressure altitude-encoding equipment be operated on certain civil aircraft operating in a high traffic density area. Requires the Administrator to complete as soon as possible research, development, and certification of the TCAS-III collision avoidance system. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 1987
Amends the Petroleum Marketing Practices Act to make it unlawful for any petroleum refiner or manufacturer to introduce into retail commerce motor fuels containing either benzene, toluene, or xylene. Sets forth permissible levels of naturally occuring benzene, toluene, or xylene. Permits petroleum fuel manufacturers or refiners to introduce into retail commerce such additives at levels exceeding the permissible if the retail dispensing pump prominently displays a warning of the health dangers posed by exposure to such additives. Prescribes: (1) the size and content of such labeling information; and (2) the testing procedure for the benzene content of motor fuels.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 1987
Permits the amendment of bills in the Senate implementing certain trade agreements if the amendments relate to the domestic or foreign waterborne commerce of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 1987
Authorizes and directs the Secretary of the Senate to pay a gratuity to the surviving spouse of a deceased employee of the Architect of the Capitol assigned to duty on the Senate side at the time of his death.
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 1987
Declares that the Congress: (1) expresses its solidarity with the citizens of Iran and extends its wish that the people of Iran will soon enjoy an end to the Iran-Iraq war and to internal repression; (2) supports an official U. S. policy of completely halting the shipment of arms to the Government of Iran; (3) urges the President to cooperate with the United Nations to bring about an end to government-sponsored torture in Iranian prisons and to pressure Iran to permit inspection of Iranian prisons by an international delegation; and (4) expresses support for all efforts made through the U.N. Security Council to pressure the Khomeini Government to end the Iran-Iraq war.
United States · United States Congress · 16 September 1987
Acknowledges the historical debt of the United States to the Iroquois Confederacy and other Indian nations for their demonstration of democratic principles and their example of a free association of independent Indian nations. Reaffirms the government-to-government relationship between the United States and Indian tribes. Reaffirms the trust responsibility and obligation of the Government to Indian tribes, including Alaska Natives. Acknowledges the need to exercise good faith in upholding treaties with the various tribes.
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 1987
Sentencing Guidelines Transition Act of 1987 - Amends the Comprehensive Crime Control Act of 1984 to delay the implementation of the sentencing guidelines developed by the U.S. Sentencing Commission. States that such guidelines will only apply to offenses committed after the effective date of the Sentencing Reform Act of 1984.
United States · United States Congress · 7 August 1987
Mississippi River National Heritage Corridor Act of 1987 - Establishes the Mississippi River National Heritage Corridor, which includes Arkansas, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Tennessee, and Wisconsin. Establishes the Mississippi River National Heritage Corridor Commission to prepare within two years a plan which includes an inventory and an assessment of the natural, economic, and historic resources of the Corridor. Requires the Commission to assist States within the Corridor and political subdivisions to preserve the values of the Corridor. Requires the Commission to collect and disseminate information related to the Corridor. Directs the Commission to assist in the development of the Great River Road. Requires the Commission to report biennially to the Secretary of the Interior and the chief executive officer of a Corridor State on the activities of the Commission. Directs the Secretary to assist and review the Commission in its work. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1989 through 1991.
United States · United States Congress · 7 August 1987
Designates the week of May 2 through May 8, 1988, as National Drinking Water Week to enhance awareness of drinking water issues and recognition of the difference that drinking water makes to health, safety, and quality of life.
United States · United States Congress · 7 August 1987
Declares that the Congress strongly urges that the Free Trade Area Agreement being negotiated by the United States and Canada not contain any changes in the maritime policy and laws of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 6 August 1987
Federal Aviation Administration Independent Establishment Act of 1987 - Establishes the Federal Aviation Administration as an independent Federal agency to succeed the Federal Aviation Administration of the Department of Transportation. Transfers to such independent agency all functions vested in the Federal Aviation Administration currently in the Department of Transportation, and all functions vested in such Department which are administered through the Federal Aviation Administration or are related to it. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1987
Establishes, effective January 1, 1988, a separate appropriation account in the contingent fund of the Senate to be known as the Senators' Official Personnel and Office Expense Account (Senators' Account). Transfers to the Senators' Account all moneys available under accounts known as the Senators' Clerk Hire Allowance Account and the Senators' Official Office Expense Account. Amends the Supplemental Appropriations Act, 1973 to modify provisions relating to authorized payments from the contingent fund. Includes as new provisions authorization of payments for the following: (1) telecommunications equipment and services subject to regulations as may be promulgated by the Committee on Rules and Administration; (2) reimbursement for costs incurred in the preparation of required official reports, and the acquisition of mailing lists to be used for official purposes, and in the mailing, delivery, or transmitting of matters relating to official business; (3) reimbursement for expenses incurred for publications printed or recorded in any way for auditory and visual use, including subscriptions to books, newspapers, magazines, clipping, and other information services; (4) reimbursement for expenses incurred for additional office equipment and related services; and (5) reimbursement for charges officially incurred for recording and photographic services and products. Sets forth provisions to address the limitation on salaries and expenses for the transition period of January 1, 1988, through September 30, 1988, and for fiscal years thereafter. Removes the dollar limitation on reimbursable expenses for those individuals selected by a Senator to serve as panelists on nominating boards to make recommendations for nominees for Federal judgeships or service academies. Provides that such expenses shall be treated as a Senators' official office expense. Amends the Legislative Appropriations Act, 1978 to repeal a specified provision which reduces the legislative assistance allowance of a Senator who is chairman or ranking minority member of a committee.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 1987
Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation Technology Competitiveness Act of 1987 - Sets forth specified national goals for the current wind, photovoltaics, and solar thermal energy programs. Requires the President's budget requests for FY 1989 to contain the recommendations of the Secretary of Energy for specified Department of Energy research and development programs for 1995, including biofuels energy systems, solar buildings energy systems, ocean energy systems, and geothermal energy. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1988 through 1990 for: (1) the wind energy research program; (2) the photovoltaic energy systems program; (3) the solar thermal energy systems program; (4) the biofuels energy systems program; (5) the solar buildings energy systems program; (6) the ocean energy systems program; and (7) the geothermal program. Mandates that the President's budget requests for FY 1990 include the Secretary's recommendations or proof of concept proposals for certain renewable energy projects. Requires the Secretary to submit an options analysis to the Congress regarding the accelerated commercialization of specified renewable energy technologies. Requires the President's budget requests for FY 1989 and 1990 to include the Secretary's recommendations of amounts to be set aside for energy conservation research and development initiatives. Authorizes appropriations for specified energy conservation research and development programs for FY 1988 through 1990. Directs the Secretary to establish joint research and development ventures in specified energy technologies and to report to the Congress on the implementation of such plans. Directs the Secretary to establish the following advisory bodies: (1) Advisory Committee on Photovoltaic Village Energy Systems; (2) Advisory Committee on Wind Energy Village Energy Systems; (3) Advisory Committee on Solar Thermal Community Total Energy Systems; (4) Advisory Committee on Energy Performance in Factory-Made Housing; (5) Advisory Committee on Advanced District Cooling Technology; (6) Advisory Committee on Integrated Renewable Energy Systems; (7) Advisory Committee on Energy Conservation and Renewable Energy Technology Exports; and (8) Federal Energy Analysis Team. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1988 through 1993 for such joint ventures. Requires the Secretary to evaluate and report to the Congress on the efforts of the Committee on Renewable Energy, Commerce and Trade to promote renewable energy technology exports. Authorizes appropriations for such Committee activities for FY 1988 through 1990. Requires the Secretary to make annual reports to the Congress regarding the research programs and ventures under this Act. Requires each annual submission of the National Energy Policy Plan to be accompanied by a three-year strategic plan for energy technology research, development, and demonstration, including energy conservation and renewable energy technologies.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 1987
Requires that documentation be submitted with vouchers for payments or reimbursements from the contingent fund of the Senate. Makes this resolution applicable with respect to vouchers submitted on and after October 1, 1987, or upon the adoption of this resolution if such adoption occurs at a later date. Repeals Senate Resolution 170, 96th Congress, which required that documentation be submitted with vouchers for reimbursements out of Senators' Official Expense Accounts.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 1987
Authorizes the reimbursement of per diem expenses of witnesses appearing before the Senate or Senate committees for travel to and from the place of examination and for each day in attendance. Repeals S. Res. 538, 96th Congress, which provided for reimbursements for such witnesses.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 1987
Prohibits Senate offices from incurring official mail costs for FY 1988 in excess of the amounts allocated to such offices in accordance with this resolution. Requires the Committee on Rules and Administration to determine such costs. Urges the House of Representatives to make similar expenditure limitations. Directs the Committee to prescribe: (1) a recordkeeping system to ensure that allocated amounts are not exceeded; and (2) a procedure to transfer portions of an allocation from one Senate office to another.
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 1987
Grants the Sergeant at Arms of the Senate the authority, with respect to telephone equipment and services provided to any user on a reimbursable basis, to make such certification as may be necessary to establish such services and equipment as official, issue invoices, and receive payment for such services and equipment by certification, voucher, or otherwise. Authorizes the Sergeant at Arms, subject to the approval of the Committee on Rules and Administration, to establish reasonable charges for telephone equipment and services provided to any user which may be in addition to that regularly authorized by the Committee. Provides for making expenditures or obligations for such equipment and services from the contingent fund of the Senate. Directs the Sergeant at Arms to report to the Committee, as the Committee may direct, on expenditures made, and revenues received, under this Act. Requires the Sergeant at Arms to advise the Committee on any dispute regarding payments to and from the fund which have remained unresolved for at least 60 days.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 1987
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through 1992 the period during which qualified mortgage bonds and mortgage credit certificates may be issued. (Under current law, authority for these programs is due to expire as of 1989.)
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 1987
Methanol and Alternative Fuels Promotion Act of 1987 - Amends the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act to authorize the Secretary of Transportation to revise the dual fuel passenger automobile driving range for automobiles operating on certain ethanol or methanol mixtures. Provides that for any ten consecutive model years between 1993 and 2005, a dual fuel passenger automobile manufacturer shall receive an average fuel economy increase according to specified guidelines. Declares that if a manufacturer makes methanol- or ethanol-powered or dual fuel passenger automobiles, the fuel economy of an automobile shall be based on the fuel content of the methanol or ethanol mixture used to operate it. Directs the Secretary to report annually to the Congress regarding ethanol and methanol promotion. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to declare that the determination of tax to be imposed regarding methanol-, ethanol-, or natural gas-powered or dual fuel passenger automobiles shall be based on the fuel economy rating established under the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 1987
Amends the Civil Rights Attorney's Fee Awards Act of 1976 to provide that judicial officials shall not be liable for any costs, including legal fees (unless such action was clearly in excess of their jurisdiction), or injunctive relief (unless a declaratory decree was violated or declaratory relief was unavailable) in any proceeding brought against such official for actions taken in an official capacity.
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 1987
Authorizes and requests the President to present a gold medal to Lawrence Eugene Doby and posthumously to Jack Roosevelt Robinson in recognition of their achievements in baseball and their contributions to the advancement of civil rights. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary to cause bronze duplicates of the gold medals to be coined and sold at a price sufficient to cover the cost of such duplicates and gold medals.
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 1987
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit a partnership, S corporation, or personal service corporation, unless it is part of a tiered structure, to elect to have a taxable year other than the required one, but generally only if the deferral period of the taxable year elected is three months or less. (Current law requires partnerships, S corporations, and personal service corporations, in most cases, to conform their taxable years to the calendar years used by their owners.) Subjects the principals of a partnership or S corporation electing to change taxable years to additional estimated tax requirements to offset any tax deferral resulting from such election. Imposes deduction limitations on a personal service corporation that changes taxable years. Provides that an election with respect to taxable year shall be made by the partnership, S corporation, or personal service corporation and shall be binding on all partners and shareholders. Sets forth the formula for determining the additional tax requirement when a taxpayer: (1) is a partner or shareholder in at least one such entity during any applicable election years of the entity that end within the taxpayer's taxable year; and (2) has an aggregate deferred tax exceeding $200 with respect to the entity. Describes payment procedures. Requires the inclusion of specified information on returns filed by partnerships and S corporations that elect to use a non-required taxable year. Limits the tax deduction permitted to a personal service corporation for amounts paid or incurred with respect to employee-owners when such a corporation: (1) elects to have a taxable year other than the required one; and (2) fails to meet certain minimum distribution requirements regarding non-dividend amounts paid to owners.
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 1987
Designates the week beginning November 15, 1987, as African American Education Week. Authorizes and requests the President to issue a proclamation calling upon: (1) the Department of Education and State and local governments to support activities observing such week; (2) schools and communities with African Americans to demonstrate their commitment to the education of African Americans; and (3) community organizations to intensify their support of academic excellence by African Americans.
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 1987
Air Passenger Protection Act of 1987 - Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to direct the Secretary of Transportation to: (1) promulgate regulations requiring air carriers to submit to the Secretary on a monthly basis certain information regarding scheduled domestic air transportation; (2) publish such information in the Federal Register and in monthly public reports; (3) amend regulations regarding computerized airline reservation systems to require that specified flight times and related data be made available to the public; (4) promulgate regulations establishing certain uniform air carrier practices; (5) establish a 24-hour toll-free airline consumer hotline; and (6) establish an Advisory Committee to report to the Secretary and the Congress regarding the appropriate level of capacity in the air traffic control system.
United States · United States Congress · 1 July 1987
Provides for payment from the contingent fund of the Senate for: (1) receptions, meals, and food-related expenses of Members of the Senate who are serving on the Commission on the Bicentennial of the United States Senate; and (2) expenses of Members who participated in the special ceremony on July 17, 1987, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in honor of the bicentennial of the Constitution and in commemoration of the Great Compromise of the Constitutional Convention.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 1987
Pet Protection Act of 1987 - States that any person using for any research purpose any animal acquired directly or indirectly from any animal shelter or from individuals who have not bred and raised such animal on their own premises shall not be eligible to receive Federal funds under any grant or research protocol of the National Institutes of Health.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 1987
Student Loan Amendments Act of 1987 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to revise the insurance premium rule for the guaranteed student loan program. Requires the collection of a single insurance premium which shall be applied uniformly to all loans. Requires that such premium be not less than 0.5 percent nor more than three percent of the principal amount of the loan. Provides that a multistate guaranty agency may set the premium for each State for which it has received advances as the designated State guarantor, with a single uniform rate to be set for the balance of the activity of the agency with other States. Permits a guaranty agency, after 60 days' notice, to cease to guarantee loans for students at an otherwise eligible institution if the cumulative default rate of loans at such institution in repayment exceeds 25 percent of the amount insured by the guaranty agency which holds the preponderance of the value of the loans outstanding at such institution (unless the guarantor is the designated State guaranty agency in the State where the eligible institution is located and insures loans for the lender of last resort in that State under specified provisions).
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 1987
Major Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Amendments of 1987 - Amends the Disaster Relief Act of 1974 to make eligible for assistance for the repair, restoration, reconstruction, and replacement of damaged facilities special purpose local governments such as levee districts, irrigation districts, and reclamation districts. Declares that the Federal share of such assistance shall not be less than 75 percent (currently, such assistance must not exceed 100 percent). Requires the President to issue rules which provide for the recognition of differences existing among urban, suburban, and rural lands to facilitate adequate removal of debris and wreckage from large lots. Declares the Federal share of assistance for debris removal to be 75 percent. Provides for temporary housing assistance for up to 18 months after the date of a major disaster. Authorizes the President to extend such period for an additional 18 months due to extraordinary circumstances. Declares the Federal share of such assistance to be 100 percent of eligible costs. Provides that temporary housing assistance may not be used for reconstruction or rehabilitation of damaged property when the cost of such assistance exceeds the cost of other applicable types of housing. Sets forth notification requirements for the President when persons apply for temporary housing assistance, including: (1) all forms of assistance available; (2) criteria that must be met to qualify for each type of assistance; (3) limitations which apply to each type of assistance; and (4) the address and telephone number of offices responsible for assisting applicants. Requires that housing assistance account for the applicant's location of and travel time to: (1) the applicant's place of business; (2) schools which family members may attend; (3) any home or place of business whose destruction or damage is the result of the major disaster which created the need for assistance; and (4) crops or livestock the applicant tends which provide 25 percent or more of the applicant's annual income. Includes in the individual and family grant program an authorization for the President to make grants to States for land use and construction projects designed to mitigate future major disaster-related loss. Authorizes a State to expend up to ten percent (currently, three percent) of any such grant for administrative expenses. Increases the limitation on such grants for families and individuals from $5,000 to $10,000. Repeals the restriction that crisis counseling be provided only through the National Institute of Mental Health. Removes the authority of the President to make grants to States for the removal of damaged timber from private lands. Provides that appeals arising from assistance decisions must be acted upon within 60 days of the receipt of such appeal. Declares that eligibility for Federal disaster assistance begins on the date: (1) of the occurrence of the disaster; or (2) on which eligible costs are incurred, whichever is earlier. Declares that disaster assistance shall not be restricted to limit assistance to a particular geographic area. Sets forth procedures for State governors to request declarations by the President that a major disaster exists. Requires such request to be based on a finding that effective response to such disaster is beyond the capabilities of the State and local governments and that Federal assistance is necessary. Describes general and essential assistance that the President may provide. Authorizes the President to contribute up to 50 percent of the cost of hazard mitigation measures. Establishes an emergency assistance program. Sets forth procedures for State governors to request the President to declare an emergency. Describes general Federal assistance under such an emergency. Limits the amount of emergency assistance to $5,000,000, which may be exceeded if the President finds it necessary. Requires the President to report to the Congress on the nature and extent of an emergency when such limitation is exceeded. Requires public and private nonprofit facilities in flood hazard areas to maintain flood insurance. Declares that major disaster and emergency assistance shall not be considered income or a resource when determining benefit levels for Federal programs. Requires the President to establish comprehensive standards to be used to assess the efficiency and effectiveness of Federal emergency and major disaster response programs administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Authorizes the Federal Government to recover the cost of assistance from any person whose negligent act or omission, or whose act or omission while engaged in ultrahazardous activity, resulted in an emergency or major disaster. Directs the President to conduct audits and investigations necessary to ensure compliance with this Act. Revises provisions relating to criminal and civil penalties. Increases from $25,000 to $50,000 the maximum amount of grants to States for improvement, maintenance, and updating of State plans. Renames the Disaster Relief Act of 1974 the Major Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1987
Quality Control Amendments of 1987 - Amends the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 to extend the moratorium on the reduction of payments to States for high erroneous payment rates under part A (Aid to Families with Dependent Children) of title IV of the Social Security Act through FY 1988. (Currently, such moratorium is set to expire at the close of June 1988.) Includes payments to States under title XIX (Medicaid) of the Act within such moratorium. Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to place a moratorium on penalties for high erroneous payment rates under the Food Stamp program through FY 1988.
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 1987
Amends the Federal criminal code to allow the National Association of State Racing Commissioners, State racing commissions, and authorities that regulate parimutuel wagering to: (1) use the facilities of the National Crime Information Center to receive, share, store, and disseminate criminal identification records; and (2) submit fingerprints to the Attorney General for identification and a criminal history records check.
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 1987
Rural Letter Carriers Automobile Expense Act - Provides that, for taxable years beginning after 1986, rural mail carriers are permitted to compute the amount of the income tax deduction for use of their automobiles in performance of mail services: (1) by using a standard mileage rate for all miles of such use equal to 150 percent of the basic standard rate; or (2) without applying the limitation on deductions generally applicable in cases when the business use of the automobile accounts for 50 percent, or less, of its use. Prohibits the use of 150 percent of the basic standard mileage rate in determining the allowable deduction if the taxpayer claims an investment tax credit or depreciation deduction for such automobile.
![Official portrait of Sen. Ford, Wendell H. [D-KY]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/f000268_200.jpg)