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United States · Official source
3,686 records where Sen. Heinz, John [R-PA] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 3 December 1987
Social Security Notch Act of 1987 - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to alter the formula for computing the primary insurance amount of individuals who attain age 65 in or after 1982 and are subject to the benefit computation rules of the Social Security Amendments of 1977.
United States · United States Congress · 1 December 1987
Title I: Heritage Preservation Commission - Establishes in the Department of the Interior the Heritage Preservation Commission to coordinate activities related to the historic preservation and economic revitalization of a specified ten-county region in western Pennsylvania whose dominant industries are iron, steel, coal, and transportation. Terminates the Commission in ten years. Title II: National Heritage Trails - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to publish in the Federal Register a specified vehicular tour route along existing public roads linking historic, scenic, and recreational sites in central and western Pennsylvania, to be known as the National Heritage Trails. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 1 December 1987
Designates the period of September 5 through September 11, 1988, as National School Dropout Prevention Week.
United States · United States Congress · 30 November 1987
Designates the week of April 10 through April 16, 1988, as National Productivity Improvement Week.
United States · United States Congress · 30 November 1987
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the current policies of the Government of Brazil toward the informatics industry (computer software and related equipment and services) impose an unreasonable burden on commerce and have worsened since the initiation of an investigation of such policies under the Trade Act of 1974. Supports the action announced by the President to raise tariffs against certain Brazilian products and to prohibit imports of certain Brazilian informatics products.
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 1987
Grants a Federal charter to the National Association of State Directors of Veterans Affairs, Incorporated.
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 1987
Amends the Internal Revenue Code and title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to provide an exemption from taxation under the Federal Insurance Contributions Act (employment tax) and from benefits under the social security program for employers and their employees in cases when both are members of religious groups opposed to participation in such a program. Requires both the employer and the employee to submit an application for the tax exemption.
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 1987
Designates the week of May 1 through May 7, 1988, as National Older Americans Abuse Prevention Week.
United States · United States Congress · 17 November 1987
Redefines the term "former prisoner of war" for purposes of veterans' benefits provisions to include any person who, while serving in the active military, naval, or air service, was forcibly detained or interned in the line of duty by the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics during World War II, under circumstances which the Administrator of Veterans Affairs finds to have been comparable to those under which persons have generally been forcibly detained or interned by enemy governments during periods of war.
United States · United States Congress · 17 November 1987
Welcomes Vladimir and Maria Slepak to the United States and salutes their courage and that of all Soviet activists fighting for human rights in the Soviet Union.
United States · United States Congress · 12 November 1987
Designates March 25, 1988, as Greek Independence Day: A National Day of Celebration of Greek and American Democracy.
United States · United States Congress · 10 November 1987
Chemical Diversion and Trafficking Act of 1987 - Amends the Controlled Substances Act to establish recordkeeping and reporting requirements for the manufacture, distribution, importation, and exportation of listed precursor and essential chemicals. Prohibits the distribution of such chemicals unless the recipient provides a certification of lawful use and proper identification. Establishes exemptions from such requirements: (1) for the distribution of such chemicals between agents or employees within a single facility; (2) for the delivery of such chemicals to or by common carriers; (3) where the Attorney General determines that such requirements are not necessary for the enforcement of this Act; and (4) where products containing such chemicals are lawfully marketed under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Establishes an import-export notice and declaration requirement for listed precursors and essential chemicals. Includes as precursor chemicals: (1) N-Acetylanthranilic acid; (2) Anthranilic acid; (3) Ergotamine tartrate; (4) Ergonovine maleate; (5) Phenylacetic acid; (6) Ephedrine; (7) Pseudoephedrine; (8) Benzyl cyanide; (9) Benzyl chloride; and (10) Piperidine. Includes as essential chemicals: (1) Potassium permanganate; (2) Acetic anhydride; (3) Acetone; and (4) Ethyl ether. Establishes a mechanism and criteria for adding or deleting chemicals from such lists. Prohibits the transfer of commercial tableting and encapsulating machines unless a certification of lawful use and proper identification are provided. Establishes reporting requirements for such transfers. Establishes criminal penalties for the unlawful: (1) possession, manufacture, distribution, sale, importation, or exportation of a precursor or essential chemical; and (2) possession, manufacture, distribution, or importation of drug manufacturing equipment, tableting or encapsulating machines, and gelatin capsules. Subjects all listed precursor and essential chemicals, drug manufacturing equipment, tableting and encapsulating machines, and gelatin capsules which have been imported, exported, manufactured, possessed, or distributed in violation of such Act (as well as all conveyances and equipment) to forfeiture to the United States. Directs the Attorney General to maintain an active program, both domestic and international, to curtail the diversion of precursor and essential chemicals. Grants the Attorney General subpoena power with respect to precursor and essential chemicals.
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 · 5 November 1987
National Historical Publications and Records Commission Amendment Act of 1987 - Provides for staggering the terms of certain appointees to the National Historical Publications and Records Commission. Entitles all Commission members to transportation expenses and per diem in lieu of subsistence. Requires the chairman of the Commission to transmit to the President and the Congress from time to time, and at least biennially, the plans, estimates, and recommendations developed and approved by it. Authorizes the Commission to conduct institutes, training, and educational programs and to sponsor fellowships related to its activities. Authorizes the Commission to disseminate information about documentary sources through guides, directories, and other technical publications. Authorizes the Commission to recommend the expenditure of appropriated or donated funds for the collecting, describing, preserving, compiling, and publishing of significant documentary sources. Authorizes the Archivist of the United States to make allocations to Federal agencies and grants to State and local public and nonprofit entities after considering the advice and recommendations of the Commission. Authorizes appropriations to the Commission for FY 1989 and each of the four succeeding fiscal years.
United States · United States Congress · 4 November 1987
Minority Business Development Act of 1987 - Redesignates the Minority Business Development Agency in the Department of Commerce as the Minority Business Development Administration. Requires the President to appoint an Administrator to head the Administration. Requires the Secretary of Commerce to report to the Congress on the organizational structure within the Administration and its organizational position in the Department of Commerce. Title I: Market Development - Empowers the Administration to: (1) assist disadvantaged businesses in penetrating domestic and foreign markets by making available to such businesses management and technological assistance, a skilled labor pool, and financial and marketing services; and (2) encourage disadvantaged firms to establish joint ventures and projects to increase their share of the market. Authorizes the Administration to provide financial assistance to public and private sector organizations to carry out this Act. Requires the Administration to consult with State and local governments for the purpose of leveraging local resources, and recommending local administrative and legislative initiatives, to promote the position of disadvantaged businesses. Authorizes the Administration to provide financial assistance to States and cities and to allocate such assistance on the basis of relative populations of disadvantaged individuals, numbers of disadvantaged businesses, and unemployment rates of disadvantaged individuals. Requires the Administration, at least 120 days before the beginning of each fiscal year, to publish in the Federal Register the actual or anticipated amount of financial assistance that will or may be available in the immediately succeeding fiscal year. Requires the Administrator, at least 60 days before the beginning of each fiscal year, to publish its response to comments received and any change in the allocation methodology. Title II: Capital Formation - Authorizes the Administration to defray all or part of the costs of pilot projects which are conducted by public or private organizations and designed to assist disadvantaged businesses in obtaining equity capital. Requires the Securities and Exchange Commission to cooperate with the Administration to promote access to securities markets for disadvantaged businesses. Establishes within the Treasury a revolving fund to be available to the Administration to provide financial assistance to qualified disadvantaged businesses through the purchase of equity investments in such businesses. Permits the Administration to provide such assistance to qualified businesses only after determining that: (1) such assistance is unavailable on reasonable terms from other sources; (2) the assistance will permit a concern to operate profitably in a reasonable period of time; (3) the proceeds will be used in a reasonable period of time for plant construction, to finance the acquisition of equipment, or to supply working capital; (4) the terms under which the assistance is provided will not be breached by the business; and (5) salaries paid by the business are reasonable. Limits the amount of equity investments that may be purchased by the Administration and be outstanding at any one time. Title III: Management Educational Development - Requires the Administration to: (1) encourage universities, business leaders, and other public and private entities, to offer scholarships, sponsor seminars, and provide internships for the benefit of disadvantaged individuals; and (2) accelerate curriculum design in support of disadvantaged business development. Title IV: Research and Information - Requires the Administration to submit to the Congress a report describing the resources needed to advance and represent disadvantaged businesses in all levels of the economic system in numbers that would have existed were it not for past discrimination. Authorizes the Administration to: (1) provide financial assistance to public and private organizations to assist the Administration in collecting data on the causes for success and failure of disadvantaged businesses and in conducting research on how economic conditions affect the development of such businesses; (2) develop and maintain a data bank on disadvantaged businesses; and (3) establish an information clearinghouse for data pertinent to disadvantaged business. Title V: Administrative and Miscellaneous Powers of the Administration - Sets forth the administrative powers of the Administration. Permits the Administrator, the Inspector General of the Department of Commerce, and the Comptroller General to examine records of each recipient of assistance. Requires the Comptroller General to review and report to the Congress on programs authorized by this Act not later than July 1, 1988. Requires the Administrator to submit an annual report on the Administration's activities to the President and specified congressional committees. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 4 November 1987
Amends the Federal Reserve Act to direct the Federal Reserve Board to prescribe regulations concerning margin requirements for transactions in financial instruments. Limits the scope of such regulations to: (1) the regulation of the terms, conditions, and amounts of credit which may be extended for the purpose of acquiring a financial instrument or meeting any minimum deposit required in connection with a futures contract involving a financial instrument; and (2) a requirement for the furnishing and maintenance of a minimum deposit in connection with the purchase or sale of a futures contract involving a financial instrument.
United States · United States Congress · 3 November 1987
Medicare Adult Day Health Care Amendments of 1987 - Amends part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for the establishment of adult day health care programs providing certain medically supervised health services furnished by an adult day health care center in an ambulatory group care setting on a less than 24-hour basis to individuals who are 18 years of age or older and: (1) have a medical or mental impairment that, but for the provision of adult day health care, would require the provision of care in a hospital or in a skilled or intermediate care facility; or (2) cannot perform on a daily basis certain activities of daily living. Sets forth standards for such a center. Sets forth matters which, as a condition of payment, must be certified by an existing State program which determines eligibility under title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act or by a State-administered preadmission screening program meeting certain minimum requirements. Makes deductibles inapplicable to adult day health care, requiring only the payment of a specified coinsurance amount. Provides for the evaluation of plans of correction submitted by centers found not to meet the conditions of participation and for sanctions against such centers, in lieu of cancellation of certification, including civil fines and suspensions of payments. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to issue regulations regarding adult day health care programs. Requires the Secretary to adopt the standards established by the National Institute of Adult Day Care as the minimum standards for qualifying as a provider of such care.
United States · United States Congress · 3 November 1987
Targeted Revenue Assistance to Fiscally Distressed Local Governments Act - Establishes a program to provide financial assistance to fiscally distressed units of local government. Authorizes appropriations to carry out this Act. Provides that a local government unit qualifies for an assistance payment for an entitlement period only after satisfying specified criteria, including that: (1) if at least 25 percent of the pay of a public employee is paid out of such payment, such individual will receive pay at least equal to the prevailing rate of pay for individuals employed in similar public employee occupations by the government; (2) if at least 25 percent of the costs of a construction project are paid out of such payment, laborers and mechanics employed by contractors or subcontractors on the project will receive pay at least equal to the prevailing rate of pay for similar construction in the locality; and (3) the government will use specified accounting, audit, and fiscal procedure guidelines. Imposes sanctions for noncompliance. Makes allocations of special entitlements for Indian tribes, Alaskan Native villages, and the District of Columbia, based on population to be determined by a specified formula. Allocates funds to States according to a specified formula, which takes into account the "need factor" (based on the number of unemployed individuals in the State during the 36-month period immediately preceding the entitlement period) and the "relative fiscal capacity" (based on the taxable resources of the State). Sets forth the method to be used to determine the entitlement allocations for units of general local government. Sets limits on payments to local governments. Provides for reallocation of any funds not paid out. Requires the Secretary to use the most recent available information provided by the Secretary of Commerce and the Secretary of Labor before the beginning of the entitlement period to determine an allocation under this Act. Requires the Secretary to determine population on the same basis that the Secretary of Commerce determines resident population for general statistical purposes. Sets additional limitations on the use of data for entitlement allocation purposes. Requires that each unit of general local government expending payments under this Act hold at least one public hearing on the proposed use of the payment in relation to its entire budget. Requires pre-hearing disclosure of information. Requires that following adoption of the budget, the government make available to the public a summary of the budget, including the proposed use of the payment. Allows the Secretary to waive a requirement under this Act under specified conditions. Requires the Secretary to prescribe regulations for applying the Act to local governments that do not adopt budgets. Prohibits discrimination by local governments receiving payments under this Act. States that such prohibitions shall not apply where the government shows that a payment received under this Act is not used to pay for any part of the program or activity with respect to which the allegation of discrimination is made. Directs the Secretary, in cooperation with the heads of Federal and State agencies, if possible, to investigate alleged violations of the non-discrimination provisions of this Act. Requires the Secretary, after making a finding of discrimination about a unit of general local government, to submit a notice of non-compliance to that unit of government. Establishes procedures for the informal presentation of evidence by that unit of government. Allows the Secretary to suspend payments to the government under this Act, unless the government: (1) makes a compliance agreement; or (2) requests an administrative review. Establishes procedures for the administrative review of the Secretary's determination. Sets forth conditions for the suspension and termination of payments in discrimination proceedings, for the lifting of such suspensions and terminations, and for resumption of payments upon attaining compliance (which may include restitution to the injured party). Delineates the types of compliance agreements and their contents. Requires the Secretary to submit a copy of the agreement to each person who filed a complaint. Authorizes the Attorney General to bring a civil action against local governments engaging in a pattern or practice in violation of this Act's anti-discrimination provisions. Specifies remedies that the court may grant. Provides for a private right of action, after the affected individual has exhausted specified administrative remedies. Allows the Attorney General to intervene in an action of general public importance. Allows a local governmental unit receiving notice from the Secretary about withholding, suspending, or terminating payments to apply for review by filing a petition with the U.S. court of appeals for the circuit in which the government is located. Allows review of that decision only by the U.S. Supreme Court. Establishes audit requirements for local governmental units which receive payments, with provisions for waiver under specified conditions. Provides for the public disclosure of the local audit. Directs the Secretary to maintain regulations providing reasonable and specific time limits for the Secretary to carry out an investigation, carry out audits and reviews, and advise a complainant of the status of such audit, investigation, or review. Directs the Comptroller General to carry out reviews as necessary for the Congress to evaluate compliance and operations under this Act. Sets forth reporting requirements by the Secretary to the Congress, and by units of general local government to the Secretary. Directs the Secretary, and the Secretary of Commerce, to undertake studies of targeted revenue payments. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 3 November 1987
Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) the ozone "hole" that forms over Antarctica poses a threat to public health and the world environment; (2) the United States should take steps toward ratification of the Montreal Protocol To Control Ozone Depleting Substances as soon as possible; (3) the President should immediately transmit the Protocol to the Senate for prompt ratification; and (4) the President should immediately call upon a sufficient number of countries to move toward ratification so that the Protocol will enter into force as soon as possible.
United States · United States Congress · 30 October 1987
Poultry Producers Financial Protection Act of 1987 - Amends the Packers and Stockyards Act, 1921 to remove live poultry handlers from marketing practices' regulation under such Act. Establishes a statutory trust for the benefit of unpaid cash sellers or poultry growers which consists of the assets of live poultry dealers with average annual live poultry sales, or average annual value of poultry obtained by purchase or growing arrangement, greater than $100,000. States that a dishonored payment instrument shall not be considered as payment. Provides that an unpaid cash seller or poultry grower shall lose such trust benefit if he or she fails to give written notice of nonpayment or dishonored payment within specified time periods to the poultry dealers. States that the trust is preserved by giving written notice to the dealer and filing such notice with the Secretary of Agriculture. Provides a cause of action for violations under such Act with respect to poultry sales, purchases, or growing arrangements. Eliminates poultry handler recordkeeping provisions. States that the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) shall have power and jurisdiction over all (marketing) transactions in commerce of poultry products. States that the Secretary may exercise jurisdiction over poultry products in prompt payment or trust proceedings (as established by this Act) in order to avoid impairment of the Secretary's jurisdiction. Requires the Secretary to: (1) notify the FTC of any intended action; and (2) not proceed further if notified within ten days that an FTC proceeding involving the same subject matter is pending. Authorizes the Secretary to seek injunctive relief for nonpayment of live poultry transactions, including growing arrangements. Requires poultry dealers to pay poultry producers within the following time limits: (1) for a cash sale, full payment by the close of business on the day after the sale; and (2) for a growing arrangement, full payment within 15 days after the week of slaughter. States that a payment delay or attempted delay shall be considered an "unfair practice" violation under such Act. Directs the Secretary, whenever he has reason to believe that a poultry dealer has violated the prompt payment or trust provisions created by this Act, to issue a written complaint and hold a hearing at least 30 days after service of the complaint. Authorizes the Secretary to issue a cease and desist order, and also to assess a civil penalty of up to $20,000 per violation, if he finds the dealer in violation of such provisions. Makes the Secretary's order final unless a poultry dealer files an appeal with the appropriate court of appeals within 30 days after service. Subjects a poultry dealer or his agents to fines of between $1,000 and $20,000 for failure to comply with the Secretary's order. Declares that this Act shall not be construed to limit or otherwise affect the power of the Federal Trade Commission under the Federal Trade Commission Act to prevent, with respect to poultry products, the use of unfair methods of competition, and unfair deceptive act or practices. Repeals title V of the Packers and Stockyards Act, 1921.
United States · United States Congress · 30 October 1987
Medicare Nursing Practice and Patient Care Improvement Act of 1987 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to enter into contracts with hospitals and nursing homes which provide services to individuals eligible to receive benefits under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide grants for demonstrating and evaluating the cost-effectiveness of innovative nursing practice models. Requires such models to include: (1) the integration of case management and patient care; (2) the testing of innovative payment structures for nurses; and (3) the improvement of work schedules and other benefits for nurses. Authorizes appropriations from the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund for FY 1989 through 1991. Sets forth information and reporting requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 30 October 1987
Designates the period of February 8 through February 14, 1988, as National Burn Awareness Week.
United States · United States Congress · 29 October 1987
Economic Stabilization and Recovery Act of 1987 - Directs the Federal Reserve Board (Board) to reduce the discount rate (interest rate on loans to member banks) to five percent. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury, in conjunction with the Board's action, to make efforts to achieve a coordinated, simultaneous, multilateral interest rate reduction among the major industrialized nations known as the G-5.
United States · United States Congress · 22 October 1987
Steel Retirement Benefits Funding Act of 1987 - Establishes a Steel Retirement Benefits Authority consisting of the Secretaries of the Treasury, Labor, and Commerce, the Executive Director of the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC), and one presidential appointee with experience in the steel industry. Requires the Authority to establish and operate the steel retirement benefits program and investment fund under this Act. Directs the Authority to agree to pay the qualified retirement benefits of a qualified steel corporation if such corporation will meet certain pension and health coverage requirements, certain asset transfer requirements, and other terms and conditions. Requires the Authority to assume liability for payment of the qualified retirement benefits and to pay a corporation in ten annual installments, each equal to one-tenth of the present value of the benefits plus interest. Requires that the Authority's payments be transferred directly to the trust which is part of the qualified pension plan from which the retirement benefits are paid. Allows such payments to be made to an employee welfare benefit plan to pay retiree health benefits in any plan year for which retirement benefits are fully funded. Provides that such payments will not be treated as trust or plan assets or as a contribution made by the corporation for certain Internal Revenue Code purposes. Provides that, if such an agreement is terminated, Authority payments will stop and benefit liability will revert to the corporation. Makes the corporation liable to the Authority at the time of such termination for any amounts paid out which exceed the value of the assets transferred. Provides that any excess value of such assets will revert to the corporation. Directs the Authority to issue and sell to the steel retirement benefits investment fund (established under this Act) obligations which are convertible to assets of corporations transferred to the Authority. Provides that such obligations shall be in amounts sufficient to make required payments to the corporations, pay the debt service on all issued obligations, and cover program administrative costs of the Authority and the Fund. Provides that such obligations shall be direct obligations of the United States and shall bear interest at a rate not greater than that for comparable U.S. Treasury certificates with the same maturity. Requires qualified corporations to continue to maintain pension and retiree health benefit plans. Allows corporations which filed for bankruptcy before 1987 to be qualified if they resume such plan operation or enter into an agreement for payment of plan benefits with the PBGC. Allows corporations which file for bankruptcy in 1987 or later to be qualified if they continue to maintain such plans. Sets forth an asset transfer requirement. Requires a qualified corporation to transfer to the Authority stock, stock warrants, or other equity instruments in, or debt or other assets of, the corporation in an amount sufficient to meet the Authority's obligations and the need to attract investors to the Fund, taking into account the availability of other sources of funds to the Authority. Sets forth provisions for the period the agreement between the Authority and a corporation is in effect. Requires a corporation to apply for such agreements within six months after enactment of this Act. Directs the Authority to establish a steel retirement benefits investment fund (the Fund). Requires the Authority to transfer to the Fund obligations sold by it to the Fund and the assets transferred to the Authority by corporations. Directs the Authority to make interests in the Fund available to the general public and to hold any interests remaining unsold. Requires that qualified retirees have separated from service during the period beginning on January 1, 1982, and ending on the date of enactment of this Act. Authorizes the Authority to extend such eligibility to retirees who separate from service within two years after the date of enactment. Includes survivors under the definition of qualified retiree. Holds a qualified steel corporation liable for qualified retirement benefits when it sells or transfers a steel facility.
United States · United States Congress · 20 October 1987
Amends the Federal Unemployment Tax Act to exempt from State unemployment tax law coverage (providing for payments in lieu of unemployment fund contributions) any service performed in the employ of a tax-exempt private elementary or secondary school that is operated primarily for religious purposes. Applies this exemption retroactively to services performed after 1977.
United States · United States Congress · 14 October 1987
Veterans' Agent Orange Disabilities Act of 1987 - Creates a non-rebuttable presumption that, for the purposes of wartime disability compensation for Vietnam veterans, the following diseases shall be considered to have been incurred in, or aggravated by, active military, naval, or air service in Vietnam during the Vietnam era: (1) non-Hodgkin's lymphoma; (2) lung cancer becoming manifest within 25 years of service; and (3) a disease that, in accordance with this Act, is determined to be reasonably associated with damage to or suppression of the immune system resulting from exposure to dioxin or any other toxic herbicide used in Vietnam and that is listed in regulations prescribed by the Administrator of Veterans Affairs. Requires the Administrator to enter into an agreement with an appropriate nonprofit private scientific organization to: (1) conduct a survey of all scientific studies of the effects of dioxin and other toxic herbicides used by the United States in Vietnam on humans or animals; and (2) determine what (if any) diseases are reasonably associated with damage to or suppression of the human immune system as a result of exposure to such herbicides. Designates the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) as the appropriate nonprofit organization, unless: (1) the NAS does not enter into such an agreement with the Administrator; (2) the Administrator has notified the veterans' committees of an alternative organization; and (3) 90 days have elapsed since such notification. Requires that the scientific organization report to the Administrator and the veterans' committees on the name of each disease determined to be reasonably associated with human immune system damage or suppression within one year after enactment of this Act. Directs the Administrator to prescribe regulations listing each such disease within 90 days of receipt of such report, unless a disease is specifically excluded by law. Directs the Administrator to periodically (but not less than annually) survey additional completed studies to determine whether any diseases should be added to the list. Requires that the Administrator: (1) compile and analyze, on a continuing basis, all clinical data obtained by the VA in connection with physical examinations and treatment furnished after November 3, 1981, to veterans who were exposed to dioxin or any other such toxic substance; and (2) submit to the Senate and House of Representatives' Committees on Veterans' Affairs a semiannual report containing such compilation and analysis, along with a discussion of the disabilities identified or treated by the VA, the Administrator's explanation for the incidence of such disabilities, and other reasonable explanations for the incidence of such disabilities.
United States · United States Congress · 13 October 1987
Designates January 28, 1988, as National Challenger Center Day. (The Challenger Center is an institution offering children and teachers activities and information derived from American space research.)
United States · United States Congress · 13 October 1987
Designates the week of November 8 through November 14, 1987, as National Food Bank Week.
United States · United States Congress · 9 October 1987
Extends until December 31, 1987, the authority of a bankruptcy trustee to pay benefits to retired former employees under a plan, fund, or program maintained or established by the debtor (through the purchase of insurance or otherwise) for the purpose of providing medical, surgical, or hospital care benefits, or benefits in the event of sickness, accident, disability, or death.
United States · United States Congress · 9 October 1987
Designates April 1988 as Trauma Awareness Month.
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 · 7 October 1987
Medicare Access Protection Act of 1987 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to require that agreements with fiscal intermediaries mandate that: (1) notice be made and a reconsideration procedure be made available to the provider and the individual with respect to whom a claim for home health services is made in the event of denial of the claim on the ground that the service is not medically necessary; and (2) the intermediary consult, at least biannually, with service providers, beneficiaries, and the Health Care Financing Administration with respect to problems with any of the activities of the intermediary. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop and distribute to each provider a standard form concerning rights of coverage and appeal and practical steps required for initiating appeals. Requires the Secretary to ensure that the standard document is made available to any individual covered: (1) at the time the individual begins to receive home health, post-hospital extended care, or extended care services; and (2) whenever a fiscal intermediary makes an appealable determination regarding such services.
United States · United States Congress · 7 October 1987
An Act to Reduce Fires Caused by Cigarettes - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to issue by rule a fire safety standard for cigarettes. Prohibits stockpiling of cigarettes between the issuing and effective dates of the standard. Provides for judicial review of the rule. Prohibits the manufacturing or importing of a cigarette unless the cigarette is in compliance with a standard issued under provisions of this Act. Declares violation of the prohibition to be a violation of provisions of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. States that this Act does not preempt any law of a State which prescribes a more stringent fire safety standard for cigarettes. Prohibits, in any civil action for damages, admitting compliance with the standard as a defense.
United States · United States Congress · 30 September 1987
Youth Employment Services Act of 1987 - Amends the Job Training Partnership Act to establish a demonstration program for employment opportunities for severely disadvantaged youth. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to carry out such programs with specified funds. Defines an eligible severely disadvantaged youth as one who: (1) is between 16 and 20 years old; (2) is economically disadvantaged; (3) has dropped out of elementary or secondary school, or has received a secondary school degree but has both reading and mathematics skills below the eighth grade level; (4) has not participated in an education or training program in the nine months preceding the month in which he or she enrolls in the program under this Act; and (5) has less than 150 hours work experience in a specified nine-month period. Requires program grant applicants to form eligible partnerships, which shall include a public agency or private nonprofit organization and a business concern or association. Allows program funds to be used for: (1) individual assessment; (2) intensive basic skills training combined with vocational training and/or work experience; (3) support services; (4) job development and placement services; (5) a monitoring period after program completion, with support services to assist in retaining employment or advancing toward an educational degree; and (6) other appropriate services to further job placement. Sets forth provisions relating to the allocation and number of demonstration grants. Set forth program agreement requirements. Sets forth provisions for program payments and the Federal share of program costs. Directs the Secretary to evaluate services provided by eligible partnerships funded under this Act. Directs the Secretary to report to the Congress on such evaluation. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1988 through 1990 to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 30 September 1987
Directs the Office of Personnel Management to arrange for the conversion of a portion of a Government employee's life insurance policy to long-term care insurance.
United States · United States Congress · 30 September 1987
Expresses the appreciation of the Congress to the City of Philadelphia, the National Park Service, and We the People 200, Inc., for their hospitality during the ceremonies commemorating the bicentennial of the Great Compromise.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 1987
Designates the month of October 1987 as National AIDS Awareness and Prevention Month.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 1987
Requests and authorizes the President to designate June 6 through June 12, 1988, as National Fishing Week.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 1987
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the administration should oppose the implementation of the European Community directive which will limit U.S. access to such Community's agricultural markets; (2) if the European Community denies U.S. meat imports based on unsubstantiated standards or standards not applied to all Community members, the administration should adopt countermeasures; and (3) the administration should communicate to the Community that the United States views the directive as inconsistent with such Community's obligations under the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade.
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 1987
Amends the Tariff Schedules of the United States to suspend the duty on N-Methyl aniline and M-Chloro aniline through December 31, 1990.
United States · United States Congress · 9 September 1987
Commemorates on September 9, 1987, the 100th birthday of Alf Landon and extends to him affectionate greetings and best wishes.
United States · United States Congress · 7 August 1987
Amends Federal law to authorize the Secretary of the Treasury, with the approval of the President, to issue educational savings bonds, a form of non-transferable savings bond that: (1) pays interest only if redeemed after 12 months of issuance; and (2) ceases to bear interest at the end of the tenth year after issuance. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from the gross income of an individual any interest on educational savings bonds redeemed within 300 months of issuance to the extent: (1) the aggregate face amount of the bonds is $1,000; and (2) the interest is used to pay the higher education expenses (tuition, fees, books, supplies, meals, and lodging) of a dependent at either an institution of higher education or a vocational school.
United States · United States Congress · 7 August 1987
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an individual a 15 percent nonrefundable income tax credit for contributions made to a savings account established to pay the educational expenses (tuition, supplies, meals, and lodging) of an individual at an institution of higher education or a vocational school. Limits the credit to $150 per year per account. Adjusts this limit annually for inflation. Provides that no account may have more than one beneficiary and that no individual may be a beneficiary of more than one account. Disallows the credit for contributions to an account maintained for any individual who, during the relevant taxable year, either attains age 21 or begins attending an eligible educational institution. Identifies the criteria and requirements applicable to an education savings account. Permits the exclusion from the gross income of the taxpayer-contributor of payments and distributions from an education savings account as long as such amounts: (1) are used exclusively for the educational expenses of the eligible beneficiary; (2) are rolled over into another education savings account; or (3) are distributions of excess contributions before the due date of the tax return. Provides that for the ten tax years beginning when the beneficiary attains age 25, ten percent of the amount paid or distributed from an education savings account to pay the educational expenses of that individual shall be included in his or her gross income each year. Exempts the education savings accounts themselves from taxation unless they cease to be proper education savings accounts because either the contributor-taxpayer engages in prohibited transactions or the account's beneficiary pledges the account as security. Establishes penalties in the form of additional tax when account funds or distributions are used for other than educational purposes. Requires that the trustee of an education savings account report to the Secretary of the Treasury and to the account's beneficiary on the maintenance of the account. Establishes a six percent excise tax on excess contributions to an educational savings account. Provides that contributions to an education savings account shall not be subject to gift tax. Establishes a five percent excise tax on amounts connected with any prohibited transaction with respect to an education savings account. Establishes a penalty for failure to file required reports concerning the education savings account. Excludes from the gross income of an individual any distributions from an education savings account used exclusively for that individual's educational expenses (deferring taxation of these amounts until the beneficiary attains age 25).
United States · United States Congress · 7 August 1987
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for the establishment of education savings accounts as tax-exempt entities (except with respect to the tax on unrelated business income of charitable organizations). Identifies the criteria applicable to such accounts, which must be established exclusively for the purpose of paying the educational expenses (tuition, supplies, meals, and lodging) of an individual at an institution of higher education or a vocational school. Limits the amount of contributions to such an account to $1,000 per calendar year. Adjusts this limit annually for inflation. Provides that no account may have more than one beneficiary and that no individual may be a beneficiary of more than one account. Requires any balance in an education savings account to be distributed after the beneficiary attains age 25. Permits the exclusion from the gross income of the taxpayer-contributor of payments and distributions from an education savings account as long as such amounts: (1) are used exclusively for the educational expenses of the eligible beneficiary; (2) are rolled over into another education savings account; or (3) are distributions of excess contributions before the due date of the tax return. Provides that for the ten tax years beginning when the beneficiary attains age 25, ten percent of the amount paid or distributed from an education savings account to pay the educational expenses of that individual shall be included in his or her gross income each year. Retains the tax-exempt status of the accounts themselves unless they cease to be proper education savings accounts because either the contributor-taxpayer engages in prohibited transactions or the account's beneficiary pledges the account as security. Establishes penalties in the form of additional tax when account funds or distributions are used for other than educational purposes. Requires that the trustee of an education savings account report to the Secretary of the Treasury and to the account's beneficiary on the maintenance of the account. Establishes a six percent excise tax on excess contributions to an education savings account. Provides that contributions to an education savings account shall not be subject to gift tax. Establishes a five percent excise tax on amounts connected with any prohibited transaction with respect to an education savings account. Establishes a penalty for failure to file required reports concerning the education savings account. Excludes from the gross income of an individual any distributions from an education savings account used exclusively for that individual's educational expenses (deferring taxation of these amounts until the beneficiary attains age 25).
United States · United States Congress · 7 August 1987
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an individual a 15 percent nonrefundable income tax credit for contributions made to a savings account established to pay the educational expenses (tuition, supplies, meals, and lodging) of an individual at an institution of higher education or a vocational school. Limits the credit to $150 per year per account. Adjusts this limit annually for inflation. Provides that no account may have more than one beneficiary and that no individual may be a beneficiary of more than one account. Disallows the credit for contributions to an account maintained for any individual who, during the relevant taxable year, either attains age 21 or begins attending an eligible educational institution. Identifies the criteria and requirements applicable to an education savings account. Permits the exclusion from the gross income of the taxpayer-contributor of payments and distributions from an education savings account as long as such amounts: (1) are used exclusively for the educational expenses of the eligible beneficiary; (2) are rolled over into another education savings account; or (3) are distributions of excess contributions before the due date of the tax return. Provides that for the ten tax years beginning when the beneficiary attains age 25, ten percent of the amount paid or distributed from an education savings account to pay the educational expenses of that individual shall be included in his or her gross income each year. Establishes a 15 percent tax on the investment income of an education savings account unless it ceases to be a proper education savings account because either the contributor-taxpayer engages in prohibited transactions or the account's beneficiary pledges the account as security. (In such cases, regular capital gains tax rates would apply.) Establishes penalties in the form of additional tax when account funds or distributions are used for other than educational purposes. Requires that the trustee of an education savings account report to the Secretary of the Treasury and to the account's beneficiary on the maintenance of the account. Establishes a six percent excise tax on excess contributions to an educational savings account. Provides that contributions to an education savings account shall not be subject to gift tax. Establishes a five percent excise tax on amounts connected with any prohibited transaction with respect to an education savings account. Establishes a penalty for failure to file required reports concerning the education savings account. Excludes from the gross income of an individual any distributions from an education savings account used exclusively for that individual's educational expenses (deferring taxation of these amounts until the beneficiary attains age 25).
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 · 6 August 1987
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to eliminate the retroactive certification of employees for purposes of the income tax credit for certain expenses of work incentive programs. Applies such amendment to credits first claimed after March 11, 1987.
United States · United States Congress · 6 August 1987
Grants a Federal charter to the American Philatelic Society.
United States · United States Congress · 6 August 1987
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase from 50 percent to 67 percent the amount of research and development expenditures that a company must allocate to income from sources within the United States. Establishes a special rule for the qualified research and experimental expenditures required by governmental entities. Requires companies to report on a consolidated basis with respect to the expenditures associated with this source rule.
United States · United States Congress · 6 August 1987
Declares that the Senate: (1) renews its condemnation of the continued Vietnamese occupation of Cambodia; (2) condemns the trading policies of the Japanese Government which allow its private business sector to engage in developmental trade with Vietnam and previously allowed Japanese corporations to trade with Cuba; and (3) condemns specific Japanese practices regarding trade with Vietnam which provide long-term credits and developmental equipment.