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United States · Official source
2,495 records where Sen. Gorton, Slade [R-WA] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
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
Designates the week beginning March 5, 1990, as Federal Employees Recognition Week.
United States · United States Congress · 21 November 1989
Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to authorize FY 1991 through 1995 appropriations for the targeted export assistance program. Requires the Foreign Agricultural Service to document program funding allocation and assistance eligibility decisions. Requires the General Accounting Office to provide specified congressional committees with a program oversight report.
United States · United States Congress · 21 November 1989
Amends the Controlled Substances Act to allow the imposition of the death penalty, when the crime does not involve killing, upon individuals found to be principal organizers of a continuing criminal enterprise involving the manufacture or distribution of large quantities of illicit drugs or if the criminal enterprise receives $10,000,000 from illicit drug operations. (Current law provides for mandatory life imprisonment.) Changes minimum sentences for crimes involving the killing of law enforcement officers. Amends procedures, guidelines, and aggravating and mitigating factors relating to the imposition of the death penalty.
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 1989
Designates the week of June 10 through June 16, 1990, as State-Supported Homes for Veterans Week.
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 1989
Designates the week of May 6 through May 12, 1990, as National Drinking Water Week.
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 1989
Designates April 1990 as National Prevent-A-Litter Month.
United States · United States Congress · 17 November 1989
Anaconda Mines Drainage Treatment Act of 1989 - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to construct and maintain a water treatment plant to ensure that water flowing from Anaconda Mine sites near Butte, Montana, meet water quality standards. Provides that such plant shall be designed to treat the quantity and quality of effluent historically discharged from the Anaconda Mines. Authorizes the Secretary to operate and maintain the plant and perform sludge disposal directly or through contract with public or private entities. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 17 November 1989
Cellular Communication Competition Act - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to prohibit the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) from approving the assignment or transfer of control of a nonwireline cellular license in one of the nation's ten largest cities to a wireless telephone provider, or subsidiary thereof, unless it finds that such assignment or transfer does not reduce competition in cellular services and is otherwise in the public interest, convenience, and necessity. Outlines factors to be considered by the FCC in making such findings.
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 · 16 November 1989
Designates March 11 through March 17, 1990, as Deaf Awareness Week.
United States · United States Congress · 15 November 1989
National Recyclable Commodities Act of 1989 - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish a Bureau of Recyclable Commodities within the Department of Commerce to promote the use of recycled materials derived from municipal refuse. Requires the Secretary to gather and publish statistics on municipal refuse, pre-consumer refuse materials, specified types of materials contained in municipal refuse, and recycled materials. Provides for the annual updating of such statistics. Directs the Secretary to: (1) designate between six and ten multi-State regions for the purpose of regional data collection; and (2) collect and compile statistics for such regions. Requires the Secretary to revise the standard industrial classification system, as necessary, to facilitate the collection of statistics and other information on recycling and related activities. Requires the Secretary to identify and, to the extent practicable, standardize: (1) the types and grades of municipal refuse material covered under this Act that qualify as recyclable commodities; (2) the technical specifications applied to the use of recyclable commodities as raw materials or feedstocks for recycling; and (3) the test methods used in determining whether materials meet specifications that apply to each commodity. Provides for the periodic revisions of types and grades, as necessary. Authorizes the Secretary to assign municipal refuse materials to multiple types and grades. Requires the periodic revision of specifications and test methods to ensure continuing conformance to industry recycling standards. Directs the Secretary to establish an advisory panel to support the identification of specifications and test methods for recyclable commodities. Permits industries or local governments engaged in recycling activities to petition the Secretary for the revision of types, grades, specifications, or test methods to prevent or minimize interference with current recycling techniques. Requires the Secretary to issue a recycling advisory to potentially affected parties if a physical or chemical property or contaminant of a recyclable commodity is not adequately addressed by specifications or test methods and is interfering with: (1) current recycling techniques; (2) marketing of recycled goods manufactured from the commodity; or (3) handling of the recyclable commodity prior to recycling. Directs the Secretary to make reports available to the public, at least on a quarterly basis, on prevailing market prices for recyclable commodities. Requires the Secretary to make reports available to the public, at least annually, on: (1) the prevailing national recycling rate for each recyclable commodity; and (2) the technical and economic factors that may influence future foreign and domestic markets for recyclable commodities. Directs the Secretary to report to the Congress on the potential for expanded recycling of waste paper and paperboard, lead scrap, rubber scrap, plastic scrap, aluminium scrap, ferrous and nonferrous scrap, waste glass, and yard and food waste. Requires the Secretary to promulgate regulations requiring labeling on the recyclability and composition of nondurable goods. Sets deadlines for the promulgation of such regulations, requiring regulations for all covered items within four years of this Act's enactment. Directs the Secretary, when determining the type of label to be required on an item, to determine the recyclability of such item. Sets forth label requirements. Requires nonrecyclable items to bear a label stating that they are nonrecyclable by Federal standards. Authorizes the Secretary to establish an alternative label requirement if such alternative conveys information equivalent to labels required by this Act. Authorizes exemptions from labeling requirements if the Secretary determines that labeling will interfere with normal use or handling. Prohibits such exemption if the manufacturer's or distributor's trade name appears on the packaging, container, or nondurable good. Permits industries or local governments engaged in recycling activities to petition the Secretary for revisions of labeling requirements. Directs the Secretary to publish a standardized, national recyclability seal to further assist purchasers in identifying recyclable packaging, containers, and nondurable goods. Authorizes the Secretary, when a person is in violation of labeling requirements, to: (1) issue a recall order requiring the removal of the item from sale or distribution in commerce; or (2) commence a civil action against such person. Permits the assessment of civil penalties for noncompliance with an order. Requires the Secretary to promulgate regulations defining minimum content requirements for packaging, containers, or nondurable goods labeled as recycled. Directs the Secretary to issue and periodically revise guidelines for the use of procuring agencies in complying with this Act. Requires such guidelines to set forth information concerning the procurement of recycled items. Sets deadlines for the revision and issuance of guidelines for specified items. Requires the Secretary to establish standards for the level of recycled content in recycled paper and paperboard goods purchased by procuring agencies. Phases in minimum recycled content standards for such goods, requiring 50 percent of paper goods procured by Federal agencies to have a recycled content of at least 50 percent by 1992. Permits the Secretary to establish more stringent targets and schedules for the procurement of recycled paper goods. Authorizes the Secretary to establish minimum content standards for other items, as necessary. Requires procuring agencies which procure items designated in the guidelines to procure items composed of the highest percentage of recycled content practicable or which are in conformance with minimum content standards issued by the Secretary. Makes exceptions to such requirements if procurement items: (1) are not reasonably available within a reasonable period of time; (2) fail to meet performance standards set forth in specifications or standards of the procuring agencies; or (3) are only available at an unreasonable price. States that an unreasonable price is one which exceeds the price of alternative items by more than ten percent. Requires contracting offices at procuring agencies to require vendors to: (1) certify that the percentage of recycled content used in the contract will be at least the amount required by specifications or contractual requirements; and (2) estimate the percentage of the total material used in the contract which is recycled. Applies such requirements to contracts in which the purchase price of procurement items exceeds $10,000. Directs procuring agencies to develop affirmative procurement programs to assure that items composed of recycled materials will be purchased to the maximum extent practicable. Requires such agencies to: (1) adopt procedures equivalent to those specified in the guidelines and to set equivalent minimum content standards; and (2) maintain records on types, quantities, and percentages of items composed of recycled content which are purchased or contracted for by the agency and report such statistics annually to the Secretary. Requires the Secretary to report annually to the Congress on actions taken by Federal agencies to implement such procurement policies. Repeals a section of the Solid Waste Disposal Act concerning Federal procurement of recovered materials. Requires the Secretary to develop a program to promote the export of recyclable commodities for recycling by foreign industries. Directs the Secretary to make available to the public information identifying potential foreign buyers of recyclable commodities. Requires the Secretary to develop a program to promote the export of recycled goods produced in the United States. Directs the Secretary to integrate this program with existing programs promoting such exports. Requires the Secretary to publish and make available to the public statistics and information on recycling and related activities collected pursuant to this Act on a cost-reimbursable basis. Requires the Secretary to conduct a national advertising campaign that promotes recycling and the purchase of recycled goods. Authorizes the Secretary to publish recycling rates for specific refuse materials or recyclable commodities and for types of containers, packaging, or goods. Directs the Secretary to make grants to accredited institutions of higher education to establish at least four to six recycling research centers in the United States. Requires the Secretary to establish such centers equitably among the regions of the United States. Directs each center to carry out at least one project relating to research on the composting of yard waste, food waste, or waste paper and paperboard. Authorizes such centers, as necessary to conduct research, to enter into contracts with: (1) persons involved in recycling activities; (2) State and local governments; and (3) nonprofit private entities which are exempt from Federal taxation. Limits the Federal share of grants to 80 percent of the total cost of establishing and operating the research center. Prohibits the use of such grants for the acquisition of real property or for building construction. Requires at least 40 percent of the funds made available to each center to be allocated to projects performed jointly by the center and local governments with expertise in areas critical to such research. Sets forth grant selection criteria. Requires the Secretary to establish a program for the source separation and collection of materials contained in refuse from Federal agencies. Directs the Secretary to issue guidelines for such program. Requires Federal office facilities with more than 25 workers to carry out such programs. Provides for the retention by a Federal agency of any funds received from the sale of collected materials and any savings in refuse disposal costs resulting from the implementation of such programs. Authorizes the Secretary to conduct an independent technical assessment of any product specification or standard that may: (1) disfavor the use of a recyclable commodity as a substitute for comparable virgin feedstocks or raw materials in the manufacture of the product; and (2) have a substantial adverse impact on existing or potential markets for the recyclable commodity. Prohibits the Secretary from reviewing specifications or standards established by individual firms or persons. Requires the Secretary to publish and make available to the public the findings of the technical assessment. Permits industries or local governments engaged in recycling activities to petition for an independent technical assessment of any specification or standard. Requires the Secretary to establish an interagency working group to assist in the development of regulations and guidelines and the collection of information required by this Act. Sets forth provisions concerning citizen suits and judicial review of final regulations. Authorizes appropriations.
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 · 13 November 1989
Designates 1990 as the Bicentennial Anniversary of the Legacy of Benjamin Franklin.
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 · 8 November 1989
Amends the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act) to require sequestration for a fiscal year if the deficit for the preceding fiscal year exceeds the maximum deficit amount target by more than $10,000,000,000. Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to make it out of order in the Senate or the House of Representatives to consider any concurrent resolution on the budget that sets forth amounts and levels that are not determined based upon the economic and technical assumptions of the Congressional Budget Office.
United States · United States Congress · 8 November 1989
Authorizes the President, on behalf of the Congress, to present a gold medal to Laurance Spelman Rockefeller in recognition of his leadership on behalf of natural resource conservation and historic preservation. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to provide for the sale of bronze duplicates of the medal.
United States · United States Congress · 7 November 1989
Authorizes the President to designate May 1990 as Neurofibromatosis Awareness Month.
United States · United States Congress · 2 November 1989
Grants a Federal charter to the Supreme Court Historical Society, Incorporated, a nonprofit Corporation organized under the laws of the District of Columbia. Requires the Corporation to report annually to the Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 31 October 1989
Amends the Indian Alcohol and Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act of 1986 to permit Indian tribes and tribal organizations to purchase or lease land or facilities after entering into an agreement with the Secretary of the Interior requiring that such land or facilities be used for emergency shelters and halfway houses for Indian youth who are alcohol or drug abusers. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 31 October 1989
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude the imposition of employer social security taxes on cash tips.
United States · United States Congress · 25 October 1989
Tourism Policy and Export Promotion Act of 1989 - Declares it to be the national goal to increase U.S. export earnings from U.S. tourism and transportation services with an eye toward: (1) the elimination of the travel and tourism export deficit of the United States and the U.S trade deficit; and (2) the achievement of a travel and tourism export surplus. Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to require the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to identify foreign trade barriers to U.S. travel and tourism. Requires the USTR to submit the National Trade Estimate to the President and the Senate Committees on Finance and Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Amends the International Travel Act of 1961 to require each annual tourism trade development plan to focus on those countries in which tourism trade development has the greatest potential for increasing travel and tourism export revenues. Declares that the Congress finds that increased efforts directed at the promotion of rural tourism will contribute to the economic development of rural America. Establishes the Rural Tourism Foundation. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 24 October 1989
Designates the week of December 3 through December 9, 1989, as National Autism Week. Designates 1990 as the National Silver Anniversary Year for the Autism Society of America.
United States · United States Congress · 23 October 1989
Low Income Treatment Assistance Program Act of 1989 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to make allotments to States, based on the number of cases of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) in each State, for FY 1990 through 1992, to provide assistance in the provision of therapeutics determined to prolong life or prevent the serious deterioration of health arising from AIDS or Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) disease in eligible individuals. Describes eligible individuals as those having AIDS or related conditions and low incomes. Requires an initial report to the Congress and a follow-up efficacy report assessing the program established under this Act. Requires the National Commission on Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome to recommend program improvements for long-term solutions to providing care of AIDS patients.
United States · United States Congress · 20 October 1989
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal provisions that establish nondiscrimination requirements for coverage and benefits under certain statutory employee benefit plans. Reinstates prior nondiscrimination rules and modifies other provisions relating to nontaxable benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 20 October 1989
Designates February 4 through February 10, 1990, as National Burn Awareness Week.
United States · United States Congress · 20 October 1989
Designates the period of December 3 through December 9, 1989, as National American Indian Heritage Week.
United States · United States Congress · 19 October 1989
Title I: Capital Gains Provisions - Subtitle A: Reduction in Capital Gains Tax - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to reduce the capital gains tax for noncorporate taxpayers. Establishes a scale for determining such deduction up to a maximum of 35 percent after owning assets for seven years. Provides for not taking into account net capital gain under the phaseout of the 15-percent rate and personal exemptions. Provides for recapturing the gain from disposition of certain depreciable property. Subtitle B: Alternative Capital Gains Rate for Corporations - Reduces the alternative capital gains tax for corporations by establishing a scale for determining such tax rate based on ownership of assets for three to 15 years. Subtitle C: Indexing of Certain Assets for Purposes of Determining Gain - Provides for indexing assets held for more than two years as an option for individuals who elect not to take advantage of the lower capital gains rate. Title II: Individual Retirement Plus Accounts - Allows individuals to establish individual retirement plus accounts with tax treatment similar to that for individual retirement plans. Makes contributions to such accounts nondeductible. Provides for qualified distributions from such accounts, other than for general retirement purposes, including special purposes distributions made for the purchase of a first home and for medical or educational purposes. Prohibits special purpose distributions from being made during the first five years of the account.
United States · United States Congress · 19 October 1989
Designates the week of November 12 through November 18, 1989, as Community Foundation Week.
United States · United States Congress · 19 October 1989
Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) the United States should continue its leadership role by encouraging all parties to the Angolan civil war to remain committed to the goals of the Gbadolite Declaration which calls for a ceasefire and the establishment of a commission for the negotiation of peace and national reconciliation; (2) the Congress should support the withdrawal of all foreign forces from Angola, an immediate resumption of the ceasefire, face-to-face negotiations between UNITA and the MPLA, the formation of a government of national unity, and the implementation of free and fair elections; (3) the United States should offer support to President Mobutu in his mediation effort; and (4) the United States should continue its policy of appropriate and effective support for UNITA until such objectives are achieved.
United States · United States Congress · 16 October 1989
Small Governments Regulatory Partnership Act of 1989 - Title I: Establishment of the Office for Small Government Advocacy and Small Government Coordinators - Establishes within the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) the Office for Small Government Advocacy (OSGA) to: (1) receive complaints, criticisms, and suggestions concerning the regulatory policies and activities of agencies which affect small governments (governments of localities with populations of less than 50,000); (2) represent the views and interests of small governments before such agencies; (3) develop proposals for changes in such policies and activities to fulfill the purposes of this Act and communicate such proposals to appropriate agencies; (4) monitor the costs and other burdens of Federal regulation on small governments and make proposals for eliminating excessive or unnecessary regulatory burdens; (5) monitor agency compliance with regulatory function analysis provisions applicable to small governments; (6) oversee and consult with the Small Government Coordinators; (7) chair the Interagency Committee of Small Government Coordinators; and (8) consult and cooperate with the Small Government Advisory Council. Requires OSGA to be managed by a Director who is familiar with small government needs and problems with the Federal regulatory process. Requires the Director to submit an annual report to the Congress which includes: (1) a summary of proposals and actions taken pursuant to such proposals; (2) a detailed assessment of the costs and other burdens of Government regulation on small governments; (3) a description of the Director's activities under regulatory function analysis provisions; (4) an account of agency compliance with such provisions; and (5) a summary of the activities of the Interagency Committee and the Small Government Advisory Council. Requires such report to be based upon the information submitted by Small Government Coordinators. Establishes within certain Federal agencies a Small Government Coordinator to be responsible for: (1) representing the small government perspective on agency rules and policies; (2) overseeing agency efforts to comply with regulatory function analysis as applied to small governmental jurisdictions; (3) overseeing establishment of agency small government data banks; (4) reporting annually to the Director on his or her activities and involvement in rulemaking processes; and (5) participating in the Interagency Committee. Establishes within OMB the Interagency Committee to coordinate the programs, plans, activities, and policies of the Small Government Coordinators. Requires the Director to establish a Small Government Advisory Council to advise him or her to ensure that OSGA programs and policies are familiar to, and meet the needs of, small governments. Requires the Council to report annually to the Director on its activities. Title II: Small Government Considerations in the Analysis of Regulatory Functions - Authorizes the Director to appear as amicus curiae in any action brought in a U.S. court to review a rule to present his or her views with respect to its effect on small governmental jurisdictions. Revises provisions concerning regulatory function analysis to increase the scope of analysis of regulatory impact on small entities. Revises the contents of initial regulatory flexibility analyses to include: (1) a description of data resources including outreach efforts used in making certain determinations; and (2) a statement as to whether adequate information was available to determine the number of small businesses, organizations, and governmental jurisdictions affected by the proposed rule and the significance of that impact. Prohibits application of provisions relating to regulatory flexibility analysis descriptions of significant alternatives to certain proposed rules and application of final regulatory flexibility analysis to any proposed or final rule, if the agency head certifies that the rule will not have a significant impact on a substantial number of small entities. Requires agencies to publish such certification in the Federal Register with the general notice of proposed rulemaking, along with a statement explaining the reasons for such certification. Title III: Data Banks on Small Governments - Directs the General Accounting Office (GAO) to issue a report which develops and assesses: (1) at least three measures of the impact of the implementation of Federal regulations on small governments; and (2) a standard designation of government size categories which agencies can use in data collection on such governments. Requires Government Coordinators to establish and oversee data banks on small governments which shall contain all information collected by the agency relating to the impact of Federal regulations on such governments for use as an agency-wide resource to develop regulatory burden estimates. Directs the head of each agency with a Small Government Coordinator to require its offices to assist such Coordinator by contributing all information it has collected that relates to the impact of the implementation of Federal regulations on small governments. Directs Small Government Coordinators to issue guidelines to govern such information to facilitate establishment and maintenance of such data banks. Requires such guidelines to include a designation of the three measures developed by GAO and standard government size categories.
United States · United States Congress · 12 October 1989
Safe Transportation of Food Act - Prohibits any person from: (1) using a refrigerated motor vehicle in the transportation of solid waste; or (2) using a cargo tank that has been used in the transport of hazardous materials for the transportation of food. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to waive such prohibition if such waiver is not contrary to the public interest. Requires the Secretary to study measures that will provide the safe transportation of food and hazardous materials. Directs the Secretary to submit to the Congress a report containing results of such study. Sets forth both civil and criminal penalties. Empowers the Attorney General, at the Secretary's request, to bring action in U.S. district court for equitable relief to redress any violation of this Act or any regulations issued under it.
United States · United States Congress · 5 October 1989
Designates October 9 through October 15, 1989, as National Morgan Horse Week.
United States · United States Congress · 4 October 1989
Amends the Medicare Catastrophic Coverage Act of 1988 to repeal provisions: (1) setting a cap on an individual's out-of-pocket expenses under part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act; (2) establishing the Prescription Drug Payment Review Commission and outpatient drug study and reporting requirements; (3) creating the Federal Catastrophic Drug Insurance Trust Fund and the Medicare Catastrophic Coverage Account; and (4) imposing a supplemental Medicare premium on Medicare beneficiaries whose tax liability equals or exceeds $150. Amends part A (Hospital Insurance) of the Medicare program to cover post-hospital extended care services for up to 100 days in a calendar year and other extended care services to the extent the Secretary of Health and Human Services finds will not result in an increase of Medicare expenditures or after the acute care nature of the benefit. (Currently, coverage of extended care services is provided for up to 150 days in a calendar year.) Modifies the methods of determining the coinsurance amount required of recipients of post-hospital extended care services. Directs the Secretary to report to the Congress by February 1, 1990, on reasons for the unexpected increase in cost estimates of Medicare extended care services, including recommendations for further modification of such coverage while the provision of long-term care benefits receives consideration. Limits Medicare drug benefits to immunosuppressants and home IV drugs. Provides for the annual adjustment of the Medicare part B premium in a manner which takes into account this Act's changes in catastrophic coverage. Requires Medicare supplemental insurance policies from which individuals terminated their coverage as of January 1, 1989, (or the earliest renewal date thereafter) to offer such individual a continuation of coverage under terms respecting treatment of pre-existing conditions and group rating of premiums which are at least as favorable as terms which existed on December 31, 1988. Directs the Secretary to: (1) take this Act's amendments into account in determining the payments to be made to health maintenance organizations; (2) require such organizations to adjust their agreements with Medicare beneficiaries in consideration of such amendments; and (3) notify Medicare beneficiaries of changes made by this Act's amendments.
United States · United States Congress · 2 October 1989
Designates the week of October 22 through October 29, 1989, as National Red Ribbon Week for a Drug-Free America. Recognizes and commends the hard work and dedication of certain individuals and organizations and urges activities that support community and alcohol education during such week. Encourages Americans to wear or display red ribbons during such Week to present and symbolize their commitment to a healthy, drug-free lifestyle, and to develop an attitude of intolerance to the use of drugs.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 1989
Satellite Television Fair Marketing Act - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require anyone who encrypts satellite delivered programming for private viewing to: (1) make it available for private viewing by home satellite antenna users; (2) establish reasonable character and financial criteria for distributors of such programming; and (3) not discriminate between distributors for cable television subscribers and distributors for satellite antenna users, or among distributors offering similar distribution services to home satellite antenna users. Prohibits the manufacture or sale of equipment which makes possible the reception of encrypted satellite delivered programming without the authorization of the person encrypting such programming. Provides for the private enforcement of this Act. Directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to undertake a notice of inquiry, conduct a semiannual review, and report to the Congress concerning the effect of decoder price and availability on the ability of consumers to receive satellite television programming. Requires such inquiry to examine: (1) the economic impact on consumers resulting from manufacturers' measures to secure encryption technologies in existing and future devices required to receive satellite television programming; (2) whether lack of competition in the manufacture of home satellite television encryption equipment has produced artificially high consumer prices for such equipment; and (3) whether a single manufacturing licensing source restricts the evolution of competition among various providers of such equipment to distributors, retail entities, and consumers. Requires the FCC to include the development and integration of satellite television encryption and transmission standards in any current and future inquiries regarding high definition television technologies. Directs the Federal Trade Commission to investigate the competitiveness of the market for satellite television programming for home satellite antenna owners and, if necessary, to establish remedies to produce a competitive market. Requires the FCC to initiate a rulemaking to facilitate the provision of network broadcasting signals to persons unable to adequately receive a signal over the air from a local licensee.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 1989
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for the treatment of passive timber activities under the passive loss rules.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 1989
Designates November 11, 1989, as Washington Centennial Day in recognition of the economic, social, and historic contributions of Washington State to the United States over the past century.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 1989
Designates October 1989 as National Spina Bifida Month.
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 1989
Directs the Secretary of Education to make a grant to Jackson State University in Jackson, Mississippi, to establish the Margaret Walker Alexander National African-American Research Center on its campus in recognition of, and to commemorate, the literary contributions of Margaret Walker Alexander. Requires the application for the grant to contain provisions to ensure that the Center will serve as a national center for the study, research, and teaching of African-American literature and history and as a repository for papers and memorabilia relating to the lives of individuals noted for their work in African-American literature and history. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1990.
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 1989
Designates February 16, 1990, as Lithuanian Independence Day.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 1989
Designates October 28, 1989, as National Women Veterans of World War II Day.
United States · United States Congress · 20 September 1989
United Services Organization's 50th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue not more than a specified number of five dollar gold coins, one dollar silver coins, and half dollar clad coins to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the United Services Organizations (USO). Requires such coins to be emblematic of USO Services to military service personnel and families. Sets forth certain features of such coins and provides for their design, issuance, and sale. Terminates the minting of such coins after February 4, 1991. Requires surcharges from the sale of such coins to be deposited in a coinage profit fund and used for USO programs and to reduce the national debt. Directs the Secretary to report to the Congress semiannually through December 31, 1992, on activities under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 September 1989
Recognizes September 25, 1989, as the 200th anniversary of the Bill of Rights. Encourages schools and civic enterprises to observe such anniversary by reading and discussing the meaning of the Bill of Rights.
United States · United States Congress · 14 September 1989
Special Needs Adoption Assistance Act of 1989 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax deduction for qualified adoption expenses. Allows such deduction whether or not a taxpayer itemizes deductions. Directs the Office of Personnel Management to establish a demonstration program under which an employee is reimbursed for qualifying adoption expenses incurred in connection with the adoption of a child with special needs. Requires a report to the President and the Congress by October 1, 1992, on such program.
United States · United States Congress · 14 September 1989
Designates November 1989 as An End to Hunger Education Month.
United States · United States Congress · 13 September 1989
Grants a one-year stay of deportation to a named individual.
United States · United States Congress · 13 September 1989
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to specify the frequency of deposits of payroll taxes (social security and withheld income taxes) by small local government employers.
United States · United States Congress · 13 September 1989
Designates October 1989 as Country Music Month.
United States · United States Congress · 7 September 1989
Commends the crew members of, and Federal Aviation Administration personnel involved with, United flight 232 for their efforts on behalf of the passengers of that flight.