United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1987
Urgent Relief for the Homeless Act - Title I: Interagency Council on the Homeless Act - Interagency Council on the Homeless Act - Establishes the Interagency Council on the Homeless as the successor to the Department of Health and Human Services' Federal Task Force on the Homeless. Transfers all Task Force functions to the Council and terminates the Task Force. Sets forth Council functions, including: (1) Federal homeless program review; (2) governmental and private programs evaluation; (3) information distribution; and (4) provision of professional and technical assistance. Requires each Federal agency to report annually (the first report due within 90 days of enactment of this Act) to the Congress and the Council regarding its programs for the homeless, any impediments including statutory or regulatory restrictions affecting such programs, and efforts made to increase food, shelter, and support opportunities for the homeless. Requires the Council to report annually to the President and to the Congress regarding: (1) the nature and extent of the homeless problem; (2) Council activities in cooperation with governmental and private entities; (3) Federal programs for the homeless, and an assessment of necessary levels of Federal assistance; and (4) appropriate recommendations. Authorizes FY 1987 and 1988 appropriations. Title II: Clarification of Use of Excess Property Under the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 - Excess Property Identification Act of 1987 - Requires: (1) each Federal agency to identify excess property under its control that would be suitable for use as a shelter or to provide services to the homeless; and (2) the Administrator of General Services to report to the Council on the availability of such property. Title III: Shelter Program - Part A: General Provisions - Emergency Food and Shelter Act of 1987 - Establishes the Emergency Food and Shelter Program National Board, to be constituted by the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in accordance with the provisions of this Act. Directs FEMA to act as Federal liaison and provide support services to the Board. States that each Board-designated locality shall constitute a local board for purposes of determining fund distributions. Sets forth local board responsibilities, including: (1) coordination with other governmental assistance programs; (2) selection of grant recipients; and (3) program monitoring. Sets forth Board recordkeeping and audit provisions, including authority for access by the Comptroller General of the United States. Requires the Board to report annually to the Congress. Part B: Emergency Food and Shelter Grants - Requires the Director of FEMA, within 30 days of enactment of a law providing appropriations to carry out this part, to provide funds to the Board for grants to private nonprofit organizations and units of local government to: (1) provide shelter, food, and support services to the homeless, with attention given to homeless persons with mental and physical disabilities; (2) strengthen efforts to create more effective and innovative local programs; and (3) conduct limited rehabilitation of existing mass shelter or mass feeding facilities. Limits Board funding to only those programs carried out by nonprofit organizations and units of local government which are consistent with the purposes of this title. Prohibits the Board from carrying out programs directly. Limits administrative costs to not more than five percent of total appropriations. Requires the Board to establish written guidelines, including: (1) methods for identifying needy localities, and determining allocations; (2) eligible program costs; and (3) guidelines specifying the responsibilities and reporting requirements of the Board, its recipients and service providers. Authorizes FY 1987 appropriations, including any amount provided under Public Law 100-6 (additional funding for the Emergency Food and Shelter Program of the Federal Emergency Management Agency). Part C: Case Management - Requires the Director of FEMA, within 30 days of enactment of a law providing appropriations to carry out this part, to provide grants to the Board to be given to recipient private nonprofit organizations and units of local government under part B of this Act to provide the homeless in shelters with case management services. Requires recipients to provide or arrange for such services. Sets forth required services. States that, if feasible in certain areas, the government or private entity operating a homeless shelter shall give preference to specified Community Services Block Grant programs in arranging for the provision of case management services. Authorizes FY 1987 and 1988 appropriations. Title IV: Housing Assistance - Requires a State or urban area to submit a comprehensive homeless assistance plan for approval to the Interagency Council on the Homeless in order to receive housing assistance under this Act. Sets forth required contents of such plan, including a description of the local homeless population and the existing services available to them. Requires the Council to review and approve a plan within 30 days unless such plan fails to meet the requirements of this Act. Requires: (1) annual performance monitoring reports to the Council; and (2) the Council to carry out performance evaluations beginning with FY 1990. Authorizes additional FY 1987 and 1988 appropriations for: (1) the transitional housing program; and (2) the emergency shelter grant program. Increases the minimum allocation amounts for the emergency shelter grants program. Exempts such additional emergency shelter assistance from a specified planning requirement. Increases available budget authority for five-year contract section 8 existing housing certificates for the homeless, especially the elderly and homeless families with children. Permits such certificates to be attached to a housing unit owned by a nonprofit organization which has agreed to provide shelter and services to the homeless. Increases available budget authority for ten-year contract section 8 single room occupancy dwellings for the homeless. Requires the installation of sprinkler systems, smoke detectors, and other fire and safety improvements. Limits rehabilitation costs to $14,000 per unit, unless local conditions such as contruction or acquisition costs or fire or building codes require increases. Title V: Health Services and Mental Health Services for the Homeless - Health Services and Mental Health Services for the Homeless Act - Part A: Health Services - Amends title III (General Powers and Duties of Public Health Service) of the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services (Secretary) to make grants to public and nonprofit private entities for: (1) health services for homeless individuals; and (2) mental health services for homeless individuals who do not have a chronic mental illness. Specifies services such entities are required to provide and other requirements in order to be eligible for grants. Requires the Secretary to give preference to entities which have experience in providing comprehensive primary health care services to homeless individuals and medically underserved populations. Provides that such required services shall be provided to any homeless individual without regard to ability to pay. Specifies requirements for any fees charged by grant recipients. Requires the Secretary to report annually to the appropriate congressional committees. Authorizes FY 1987 and 1988 appropriations. Part B: Mental Health Services - Amends title XIX (Block Grants) of the Public Health Service Act to authorize FY 1987 and 1988 appropriations. Prohibits the Secretary from using more than one percent of the amount appropriated for administration. Provides a formula for allotment of funds to States, the District of Columbia, and certain U.S. territories and possessions. Specifies how such allotments shall be used for emergency projects for homeless individuals who have chronic mental illnesses. Includes in such uses: (1) services to individuals who are homeless or who have chronic mental illness and are at risk of becoming homeless; and (2) certain training of individuals to enable them to provide services to homeless individuals. Prohibits certain uses of such allotments, including inpatient services, cash payments to recipients, and, subject to waiver by the Secretary, capital expenditures. Prohibits more than five percent of the amount paid to a State from being used for administrative costs. Sets forth application provisions. Makes applicable to allotments under the Act provisions of existing law relating to adjustments of allotments under certain circumstances, reports and audits, withholding of funds for cause, discrimination, and criminal penalties for false statements. Title VI: Assuring the Education of Homeless Children - Amends the General Education Provisions Act to require each State educational agency to adopt and implement a plan to ensure each homeless child of full and equal opportunities. Prohibits the application of State or local residency requirements so as to bar any homeless child from attending school. Sets forth requirements regarding selection of the school in which such child will be enrolled, transportation to the school selected, maintenance of the child's records, and participation in educational programs and services. Requires the Secretary to make grants to State and local educational agencies for exemplary programs for homeless students. Sets forth eligibility and application requirements. Requires the Secretary to disseminate information on such exemplary programs to other State and local educational agencies. Authorizes FY 1987 and 1988 appropriations. Title VII: Job Training for the Homeless Demonstration Project - Requires the Secretary of Labor to make grants for the Federal share of job training demonstration projects for homeless individuals. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to enter into contracts to carry out this title. Restricts eligibility for such grants to applicants located in a State which has submitted a comprehensive plan as provided for in this Act. Specifies elements required to be included in grant applications. Sets forth the purposes for which such grants may be used. Sets the Federal share of the cost of demonstration projects at 50 percent for each fiscal year. Allows the non-Federal share to be in cash or in kind. Limits the amount of grants to any State in each fiscal year to 15 percent of the total amount appropriated for this title. Requires the Secretary to annually evaluate each demonstration project and submit a report to the Interagency Council on the Homeless. Requires the Secretary to submit a final report to the President, the Congress, and the Interagency Council. Requires the Interagency Council to: (1) prepare and publish a report evaluating each project receiving assistance under this title; (2) make a determination of the relative effectiveness of such projects; and (3) make recommendations, including recommendations for legislation, to the Congress on job training programs for homeless individuals to be established on a national basis. Authorizes FY 1988 appropriations. Terminates such program on October 1, 1990. Title VIII: Nutrition - Nutrition for Homeless Individuals Act of 1987 - Part A: Food Stamp Program - Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to define "homeless individual" for purposes of such Act as defined in the Urgent Relief for the Homeless Act. Authorizes food stamp outreach for the homeless. Requires States to provide food stamps within five days of application to: (1) the homeless; and (2) persons whose combined gross income and liquid resources are less than their monthly rent and utilities. Part B: Temporary Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) - Amends the Temporary Emergency Food Assistance Act of 1983 to provide for an increased variety of commodities for distribution under the temporary emergency food assistance program (TEFAP). Increases FY 1987 TEFAP authorizations. Authorizes FY 1988 program appropriations. States that any FY 1987 or 1988 appropriations in excess of such authorizations shall be used for the homeless. Part C: Effective Date - Makes the provisions of this Act, with stated exceptions, effective not later than 160 days after enactment.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1987
Indochinese Refugee Resettlement and Protection Act of 1987 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to establish a specific time period in which the President must consult with the Congress regarding emergency refugee admissions. States that the Secretary of State shall have sole authority to admit certain South Asian refugees. Prohibits denial of refugee status to aliens who are otherwise eligible for immigrant classification. Allocates a specified number of FY 1988 through 1990 refugee admissions for: (1) East Asians; and (2) the Orderly Departure Program (from Vietnam). Expresses the sense of the Congress that under the leadership of the United States renewed efforts should be made to settle Indochinese refugees who have lived in camps for at least three years. Allocates specified numbers of FY 1988 through 1990 East Asian entries for: (1) persons who have lived in refugee camps for at least three years; and (2) other camp residents. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to allocate specified amounts from FY 1988 and 1989 authorizations for education, economic, and military training border projects in Thailand. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the international community should increase efforts to protect Indochinese refugee camps in Thailand from cross-border attacks, and that international personnel should be present on a 24-hour-a-day basis at camp "Site 2" in Thailand.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1987
Antitrust Damages Clarification Act of 1987 - Provides that no damages, costs, or attorney's fees shall be awarded under an antitrust suit with respect to the establishment or use of any rate, charge, or premium filed by a title insurance company with a State insurance department or authorized, approved, or permitted to become effective pursuant to State insurance laws.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1987
Amends the Airport and Airway Improvement Act of 1982 to deny the use of funds provided under such Act for projects using products or services of foreign countries which are listed by the United States Trade Representative (USTR) as not offering reciprocal opportunities for American firms. Requires the USTR to: (1) determine whether each foreign country denies fair and equitable market opportunities for U.S. products and suppliers in procurement, or fair and equitable market opportunities for United States bidders, for construction projects that cost more than $500,000 and are funded by the government of such foreign country; and (2) maintain and publish annually a list of countries for which an affirmative determination is made. Allows an exception to such a denial of funds if the Secretary of Transportation determines: (1) the denial of funds would not be in the public interest; (2) products of the same class or kind are not produced or offered in the United States or in any foreign country not listed by the USTR in sufficient and reasonably available quantities and of a satisfactory quality; or (3) exclusion of such product or service from the project would increase the cost of the overall project contract by more than 20 percent.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1987
Designates the week beginning August 2 and ending August 8, 1987, as International Special Olympics Week and designates August 3, 1987, as International Special Olympics Day.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1987
Establishes the Motor Carrier Administration in the Department of Transportation, to be headed by an Administrator appointed by the President who shall report directly to the Secretary of Transportation. Creates the position of Deputy Administrator, to be appointed by the Secretary. Confers upon the Administrator duties and powers related to motor carriers and motor carrier safety under specified law. States that a decision of the Administrator implementing duties involving notice and hearing requirements is administratively final. Directs the Secretary to report to the Congress regarding a review of those Interstate Commerce Commission activities affecting motor carrier transportation which could be more efficiently performed by the Motor Carrier Administration.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1987
Rural Health Services Transition Act of 1987 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a grant program, administered through the Administrator of the Health Care Financing Administration, to assist eligible small rural hospitals in modifying their services to adjust to certain demographic changes and to changing health care needs and practices in their communities. Sets forth criteria to govern grant applications and the use of grant funds. Lists the factors the Secretary must consider in determining which hospitals will receive grants. Limits grants to a maximum of $50,000 per year and to a term of no more than two years. Restricts certain capital-related expenditures of grant moneys. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress at least every six months concerning the grant program and to submit a final report at a specified time. Authorizes appropriations from the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund for FY 1988 through 1989.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1987
Product Liability Reform Act of 1987 - Title I: Product Liability Reform Act of 1987 - Preempts inconsistent state law within limitations contained in this Act. States that this Act shall not apply to liability relating to certain nuclear incidents governed by the Price-Anderson Act and the Atomic Energy Act of 1954. Limits liability for damages in a product liability action to instances in which: (1) a person was negligent in the design, production, distribution, or sale of the product; or (2) the product was defective in such a way as to make it unreasonably dangerous, and the technology at the time the product was produced would have permitted discovery and elimination of such defect. Denies liability in instances when the injury is related to: (1) an unreasonable or unforeseeable use or alteration of the product; or (2) the failure to warn or instruct concerning danger associated with the product if that danger is apparent to a reasonable person or is a matter of common knowledge, or if the product is used in an unreasonable or unforeseeable way. Prohibits application of the doctrine of joint and several liability to product liability actions, except in cases when persons acting in concert are the proximate cause of the injury. Limits to $200,000 the amount of noneconomic damages that can be recovered. Permits structured settlements and periodic payment of damages awarded for future economic losses exceeding $100,000. Requires that damage awards be offset by amounts received as compensation for the same injury from specified collateral sources. Establishes a contingency fee schedule to govern compensation for plaintiffs' attorneys. Directs the Attorney General to provide to the Congress recommendations to encourage the creation, adoption, and use of alternative dispute resolution techniques in civil disputes filed in Federal courts. Title II: Interstate Commerce Commission Sunset Act of 1987 - Interstate Commerce Commission Sunset Act of 1987 - Amends the Interstate Commerce Act to terminate, as of October 1, 1987, the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) as an independent executive agency of the U.S. Government. Transfers to the Secretary of Transportation the functions, powers, and duties of the ICC relating to the regulation of rail transportation and to certain other surface transportation regulation. Prohibits any State or its political subdivision or any interstate or other political agency of two or more States from enacting or enforcing any law, rule, or standard relating to interstate or intrastate rates, routes, or services of motor carriers, motor private carriers, water carriers, freight forwarders, or transportation brokers. Authorizes the President to take certain action upon a determination that the government of a contiguous foreign country has engaged in unfair, discriminatory, or restrictive practices having a substantial adverse competitive impact upon certain U.S. transportation companies. Requires the Secretary of Transportation to submit to the Congress, two years from the effective date of this Act, a status report and evaluation concerning the implementation of the National Governors' Association Consensus Agenda on standards for uniform State regulation of interstate motor carriers. Transfers to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) jurisdiction over certain regulation of motor carriers, water carriers, freight forwarders, and railroad passenger carriers. Grants to the FTC the exclusive power to enforce certain regulations governing the transport of household goods. Requires the FTC, within 120 days of this Act's enactment, to review and revise such regulations to eliminate unnecessary regulation and to ensure that shippers of household goods receive adequate protection in their dealings with carriers. Identifies the administrative procedure to govern such FTC rulemaking, including provisions for judicial review. Requires such rule review and revision to be completed within one year following its initiation. Requires that all U.S. departments and agencies conform their rules to those finally promulgated by the FTC within one year after such promulgation. Repeals statutory limitations on purchases by common carriers in cases of interlocking directorates. Title III: Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act of 1987 - Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act of 1987 - Amends the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act of 1987 to repeal, with specified exemptions, the average fuel economy standards for passenger automobiles. Mandates that fuel economy for any model type shall be measured according to procedures (established by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)) which produce results that simulate conditions of actual use. Mandates that such procedures require that fuel economy be conducted in conjunction with specified emission tests conducted under the Clean Air Act. Directs the EPA Administrator to determine by rule that quantity of diesel oil which is the equivalent of one gallon of gasoline. Sets forth guidelines under which any manufacturer is authorized to file a petition for judicial review of certain fuel economy or record-keeping rules promulgated by the Administrator. Repeals the requirement that manufacturers submit certain reports to the Secretary of Transportation. Requires every manufacturer to maintain records and submit reports. Amends automobile labeling requirements to provide that each automobile manufactured in any model year after the enactment of this Act shall bear a label in a prominent place stating that written information regarding fuel economy comparison among automobiles shall be made available by the EPA Administrator. Directs the EPA Administrator to compile fuel economy data to be included on such labels. Treats violations of such labeling requirements as violations of: (1) the Automobile Information Disclosure Act; and (2) the Federal Trade Commission Act regarding unfair or deceptive business practices. Repeals specified sections of the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act. Directs the EPA Administrator to determine average fuel economy for any manufacturer that has a need to determine carryback credits.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1987
Reaffirms that deposits in federally insured depository institutions, up to the statutorily prescribed amount, are backed by the full faith and credit of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1987
Tongass Timber Reform Act - Amends the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act to repeal the ongoing appropriations for timber utilization in the Tongass National Forest, Alaska. Repeals the requirement for identifying lands unsuitable for timber production in such forest, and repeals the reporting requirement on the adequacy of timber supply from such forest lands. Requires the biennial report on such Forest to include the impact of timber management on subsistence resources, wildlife, and fisheries habitats.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1987
Africa Famine Recovery and Development Act - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to add a chapter dealing with Africa Famine Recovery and Development. Authorizes the President to provide project and program assistance for long-term development in sub-Saharan Africa. Requires the purpose of such assistance to be to help the poor majority in sub-Saharan Africa to participate in a process of long-term development through economic growth that is equitable, participatory, environmentally sustainable, and self-reliant. Declares that the general authorities and policies of the development assistance provisions of such Act apply to this Act. Requires the agency primarily responsible for administering development assistance programs to: (1) take into account the local-level perspectives of the rural and urban poor in sub-Saharan Africa during the planning and review of annual country planning documents for project assistance under this Act; (2) make available funds for a substantial expansion of development efforts by private and voluntary organizations which have demonstrated effectiveness in or commitment to the promotion of local grass-roots activities on behalf of long-term development in sub-Saharan Africa; and (3) establish simplified procedures for the development and evaluation of projects to be carried out by private and voluntary organizations. Requires that local people shall be closely involved in projects that have a local focus. Requires that the agency primarily responsible for administering development assistance programs shall ensure the participation of African women in development projects assisted by this Act. Requires the agency primarily responsible for administering development assistance programs to use the program assistance provided by this Act to: (1) help overcome shorter-term constraints to long-term development; and (2) promote reform of national economic policies to support these priorities. Requires such assistance programs to take account of the need for adjustments should recurrence of drought make it impossible to achieve the goals of the reform. Designates as the critical sectoral priorities for long-term development: (1) agricultural production and natural resources; (2) health; (3) voluntary family planning services; (4) education; and (5) income generating opportunities. Imposes minimum levels of assistance for certain critical sectors. Requires the agency primarily responsible for administering development assistance to formulate coherent country development assistance strategies. Sets forth information such strategies must analyze and address. Requires the assistance provided under this Act to be concentrated in countries that will make the most effective use of such assistance. Exempts the assistance authorized by this Act from specified limitations on the procurement of goods and services. Earmarks the uses to which local currencies generated by assistance provided under this Act and other Acts may be put. Provides that funds made available under this Act may be used to assist the countries in sub-Saharan Africa to increase their capacity to participate in donor coordination mechanisms at the country, regional, and sector levels. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1988 and 1989 for long-term development assistance for sub-Saharan Africa and for funding activities of certain international organizations. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the funding authorization should be extended whenever appropriate. Limits transfers between accounts funded by this Act. Requires the Administrator of AID to develop a plan for organizational changes within AID in order to carry out the long-term development assistance program for sub-Saharan Africa with maximum effectiveness. Sets forth changes the Administrator shall consider. Requires the Administrator to consult with specified congressional committees about such changes. Authorizes the Administrator to transfer certain funds in order to increase the AID resources for development assistance activities for sub-Saharan Africa. Requires the Administrator to develop a plan for evaluating the agency's progress in achieving the purposes of this Act. Requires the plan to provide for: (1) the establishment of specific criteria for measuring the performance of U.S. development assistance for the poor majority in sub-Saharan Africa; (2) the collection and monitoring of base-line data for future measurement of the effectiveness of such assistance; and (3) the measures by which the evaluations will be used to institutionalize learning within the agency. Requires the plan to be developed in consultation with specified congressional committees. Requires that assistance from other assistance and development programs shall be used to provide assistance fo the poor majority in sub-Saharan Africa. Authorizes the President to make available such amounts from the funds authorized by this Act as the President deems appropriate to support long-term development assistance for activities of international organizations which are consistent with the purpose of providing assistance for the poor majority in sub-Saharan Africa and are undertaken in coordination with AID. Encourages the President to use the authorities provided in this Act in coordination with activities of the multilateral development banks in sub-Saharan Africa. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to instruct the U.S. Executive Directors to the International Monetary Fund and to the relevant multilateral development banks to pursue means by which those institutions could reschedule the payments due them by the low-income countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Requires the President to ensure that the funds made available by this Act are not used by a country to repay loans. Requires the annual report by the President to the Congress on foreign assistance programs to included a report on the progress made in carrying out this Act. Provides that reprogramming notification requirements do not apply to funds used to carry out this Act. Makes conforming amendments to various Acts. Declares that, where appropriate, African famine relief activities should serve as the foundation for long-term development activities undertaken pursuant to this Act. Provides for the transfer of certain funds so that they may be used for management support activities associated with long-term development assistance. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the purposes of the African Development Foundation are consistent with the purposes of this Act. Amends the African Development Foundation Act to authorize appropriations for the African Development Foundation for FY 1988. Expresses the sense of the Congress that special efforts should be undertaken to reduce trade barriers and promote economic interchange between the United States and developing countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Requires the Comptroller General to study, and report to the Congress on, the restrictions which affect the importation of products of developing countries in sub-Saharan Africa.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1987
Authorizes and requests the President to issue a proclamation calling upon the people of the United States to observe the bicentennial of the Northwest Ordinance of 1787.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1987
Federal Trade Commission Act Amendments of 1987 - Amends the Federal Trade Commission Act to deny authority to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to find a method of competition unfair (in any action under the Sherman Act) if such method of competition would be held to constitute State action. Denies the FTC authority to: (1) study, investigate, or prosecute agricultural cooperatives for any action not in violation of antitrust Acts; or (2) study or investigate agricultural marketing orders. Repeals the authority of the FTC to pay attorneys fees, expert witness fees, and other costs of participating in a rulemaking proceeding. Prohibits the FTC from instituting a civil action, in cases involving consent orders, to obtain civil penalties for unfair or deceptive acts or practices. Permits a district court to review certain FTC determinations of law which found an act or practice unfair or deceptive. Permits the FTC to issue a notice of proposed rulemaking for certain rules only where it has reason to believe that the unfair or deceptive acts or practices are prevalent. Revises the effective dates for cease and desist orders issued by the FTC. Applies FTC civil investigative demand procedures only to acts, practices or methods of competition declared unlawful by a law. Requires that an unfair act or practice must be likely to cause substantial injury to consumers which is not reasonably avoidable by consumers themselves and not outweighed by countervailing benefits to consumers or to competition. Excludes Federal credit unions from the FTC's unfair acts and practices regulatory authority. Directs the National Credit Union Administration Board to promulgate and enforce regulations concerning unfair acts and practices by credit unions. Denies FTC authority to initiate any new rulemaking proceeding which results in a rule prohibiting commercial advertising on the basis that such advertising constitutes an unfair act or practice in or affecting commerce. Directs the FTC to submit to appropriate congressional committees a report describing complaints made, investigations undertaken, recommendations and opinions given, and consent agreements and other dispositions made by the Commission. Requires that such report shall also contain a statement of the reasons for the termination of any matter. Provides for congressional review and veto of final rules promulgated by the FTC. Makes any such rule effective unless a joint resolution of disapproval is enacted into law within 90 days of the rule's submission. Directs the FTC to report to specified congressional committees on instances in which predatory pricing practices in such industries have been suspected or alleged. Prohibits the FTC from intervening in the proceedings of any Federal or State agency without first notifying specified congressional committees at least 60 days in advance, or as soon as practicable. Directs the FTC to investigate the marketing of imitation Native American arts, crafts, and jewelry. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1988 through 1990, including a specified amount in each fiscal year for regional FTC offices.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1987
Product Liability Reform Act of 1987 - Title I - States that this Act governs any civil action brought against a manufacturer or product seller for harm caused by a product. Supersedes any inconsistent State law applicable to recovery in such actions. States that U.S. district courts shall not have jurisdiction over civil actions pursuant to this Act. Title II - Establishes the National Commission on Product Liability Awards to: (1) compile, evaluate, and publish information on current product liability awards; and (2) provide guidance in developing jury instructions and in modifying jury awards. Authorizes appropriations. Title III - Allows any person seeking recovery for harm caused by a product to bring a civil action against the product's manufacturer or seller. Establishes uniform standards for punitive damages awards and liability for noneconomic losses. Allows punitive damages to be awarded, if permitted by applicable law, where the claimant establishes by clear and convincing evidence that the harm suffered was the result of conduct manifesting the manufacturer's or seller's intentional or conscious disregard for the safety of persons who might be harmed by the product. States that the liability of each defendant for noneconomic loss shall be joint and several (unless any defendant's liability for such loss is substantially disproportionate to the liability for the entire loss, in which case such defendant's liability shall be several only). Allows the court, in a civil action brought under this Act, to: (1) set aside the verdict where the amount of compensatory damages is found to be excessive or inadequate, unless the affected parties agree to modification; and (2) set aside that portion of a verdict attributable to punitive damages found to be excessive, unless the affected parties agree to modification.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1987
Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to limit annual imports of milk protein products (casein) to 50 percent of the average annual amount imported during the period 1981 through 1985. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a preferential import licensing system for such products based on the availability of domestic substitutes.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1987
Product Liability Reform Act - Title I: States that this Act governs any civil action brought against a manufacturer or product seller for harm caused by a product. Supersedes any inconsistent State law regarding recovery in such actions. States that U.S. district courts shall not have jurisdiction over civil actions pursuant to this Act. Title II: Establishes procedures by which any party may serve upon any other party offers to settle claims. Holds any offeree who rejects a settlement offer and fails to substantially prevail in the action liable for the claimant's attorney's fees and costs. Allows the parties to pursue State established or recognized voluntary alternative dispute resolution procedures. Allows the court to assess reasonable attorney's fees and costs against any offeree who unreasonably refuses to proceed pursuant to such procedures. Title III: Allows any person seeking recovery for harm caused by a product to bring a civil action against the product's manufacturer or seller. Establishes uniform standards of product seller liability. Subjects a product seller to liability if the claimant establishes by a preponderance of the evidence that: (1) the product seller did not exercise reasonable care with respect to the product; or (2) the product failed to conform to an express warranty made by the product seller. Treats a product seller as a manufacturer where: (1) the manufacturer is not subject to service of process under the laws of any State in which the action might be brought; or (2) the court determines that the claimant would be unable to enforce a judgment against the manufacturer. Allows punitive damages to be awarded, if permitted by applicable law, where the claimant establishes by clear and convincing evidence that the harm suffered was the result of conduct manifesting the manufacturer's or seller's conscious, flagrant indifference to the safety of those who might be harmed by the product. Provides that punitive damages may not be awarded where: (1) a drug or medical device was approved or is generally recognized as safe by the Food and Drug Administration; or (2) an aircraft was certified by the Federal Aviation Administration under the Federal Aviation Act of 1958. Establishes uniform statutes of limitation and repose for product liability actions. Imposes penalties for the destruction or concealment of material relevant to product liability actions. Requires any damage award to be reduced by the amount of workers' compensation benefits paid. States that the liability of each defendant for noneconomic damages shall be several and not joint. Bars recovery where the claimant in a product liability action is under the influence of alcohol or any drug and more than 50 percent responsible for the harm. Title IV: Requires the Secretary of Commerce to provide the Congress with an annual report analyzing the impact of this Act on product liability insurance.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1987
Nuclear Waste Policy Act Amendments of 1987 - Amends the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 to remove the statutory requirements and deadlines for second and subsequent nuclear waste repositories (thus eliminating Department of Energy authority to site such repositories). Removes the volume limitations placed upon first repositories. Directs the Secretary of Energy to revise the repository mission plan to reflect the provisions of this Act and to submit such revisions within six months after enactment of this Act. Prohibits the Secretary from expending funds from the Nuclear Waste Fund for any activity relating to a second or subsequent repository.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1987
Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to permit individuals to engage in industrial homework (including sewing, knitting, jewelry, or craftmaking) or perform any service in or about their place of residence as employees of any employer covered by such Act if the employer complies with minimum wage and maximum hours requirements under such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1987
Omnibus Taxpayers' Bill of Rights Act - Requires the Secretary of the Treasury 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 with tax forms sent by the IRS. 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. Prohibits the Inspector from reviewing: (1) monetary, fiscal, and tax policy; and (2) the exercise of legal judgment in the investigation and litigation of cases. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) withhold from the Inspector requested information that the Secretary determines will jeopardize the success of an ongoing investigation or litigation, confidential sources, or the national security; and (2) prohibit the Inspector from undertaking or continuing an audit or investigation under limited circumstances described in this Act. Requires the IRS, upon taxpayer request, to conduct any interview regarding a deficiency assessment 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 warn the taxpayer that: (1) he or she has a right to remain silent; (2) any statement the taxpayer makes may be used against him or her; and (3) he or she has the right to the presence of an attorney, certified public accountant, enrolled agent, or enrolled actuary. Permits a waiver of such rights if voluntarily and knowingly made. Amends Federal law to require the Comptroller General of the General Accounting Office to: (1) conduct audits of the IRS with respect to the efficiency, uniformity, and equity of the internal revenue laws (current law specifies no particular focus for such audits); and (2) conduct special audits or investigations of internal revenue law administration upon the request of any congressional committee or Member of Congress. Requires the Comptroller's annual report to the Congress to include specified findings concerning IRS management, efficiency, procedures, and structure. Divests of its finality a vote of the Joint Committee on Taxation to disapprove a Comptroller audit of the IRS. Designates such vote as a recommendation to disapprove an audit and makes such recommendation subject to congressional approval. Prohibits evaluations of IRS personnel based on revenue collected from taxpayers as a result of audits or investigations involving such personnel. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to prescribe criminal penalties for: (1) any investigation 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. Creates a civil cause of action in Federal court (regardless of the amount in controversy) for any taxpayer aggrieved by such prohibited investigation or recordkeeping. Authorizes both equitable remedies and awards of damages, including punitive damages, litigation costs, and reasonable attorney fees, in such cases. 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 carrying 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. 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. Authorizes the Secretary, in certain cases, to enter into a binding agreement with a taxpayer under which such taxpayer may pay tax liability in installments. Requires the Secretary to offer in writing to enter such an agreement with any individual: (1) whose tax liability is $20,000 or less; and (2) who has not been delinquent in installment tax payments under similar agreements during a specified period. Permits the Secretary, after proper notice and a hearing, to modify or annul such an agreement upon the finding that the financial condition of the affected taxpayer has significantly changed. Requires the Secretary to abate in full any deficiency, including penalty or interest, completely attributable to erroneous advice in writing given to a taxpayer by an IRS officer or employee in response to such taxpayer's specific inquiry. Directs IRS officers and employees, when giving oral advice to a person, to inform such person that the contents of such communication are not binding on the IRS. 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. Allows an administrative appeal of tax liens. Revises the criteria according to which the Secretary determines a minimum sale price for property seized by levy and subject to a tax sale. Prohibits the Secretary from authorizing a class audit of taxpayers in a particular business or trade until each group member is given proper notice and the opportunity either to file an amended return or to challenge the Secretary's findings at a hearing. Places upon the IRS the burden of proof on all issues in all administrative and judicial proceedings between the IRS and a taxpayer. Applies the rulemaking provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act to all IRS rules and regulations prescribed by the Secretary.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1987
Intergovernmental Regulatory Relief Act of 1987 - Title I: Review of Intergovernmental Regulations - Requires the President, within 30 days after submitting the annual Federal budget, to submit to the Congress a report specifying and evaluating the economic costs, noneconomic costs, and additional direct costs to State and local governments of complying with intergovernmental regulations during the most recently completed fiscal year, the fiscal year in progress, and the next two fiscal years. Defines an "intergovernmental regulation" as a Federal regulation that requires a State or local government to take certain actions or to comply with certain conditions in order to receive Federal assistance. Specifies the required contents of such report, which include: (1) an estimate of the economic and noneconomic benefits that will be provided to each State government and to all local governments in such State as a result of compliance with each such regulation during each fiscal year; and (2) proposals for legislation and administrative actions to change regulations in order to reduce compliance costs or to achieve a more favorable balance between costs incurred and benefits received. Directs the President to consider the potential for reducing State and local compliance costs by promulgating intergovernmental regulations using means such as performance standards, special provisions for small governments, marketable rights, economic incentives, compliance reforms, and simplified procedures to certify the compliance of Federal assistance recipients with Federal requirements. Authorizes the President to delegate the responsibility of preparing such report to the Director of the Office of Management and Budget or the head of any other Federal agency. Directs the responsible official to prescribe standards to be used by agencies in estimating the compliance costs and benefits of intergovernmental regulations. Directs each agency to furnish such official with the information required in such report for the regulations administered by such agency. Title II: Compensation of State and Local Governments for Additional Direct Costs - Prohibits any Federal agency or U.S. court from requiring State or local governments, in any fiscal year, to comply with any intergovernmental regulation which takes effect on or after enactment of this Act and which is promulgated pursuant to a significant law, unless sufficient funds have been provided to reimburse such governments for the total amount of additional direct costs such governments will incur in complying with such regulation in such fiscal year as estimated by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO). Defines a "significant law" as any Federal law which is likely to result in total additional direct costs to all State and local governments of $25,000,000 or more in a fiscal year or to have exceptional fiscal consequences for a geographic region or a particular level of government. Declares that a Federal agency or U.S. court may require such compliance in any fiscal year in which the Congress passes a joint resolution which waives the requirement for reimbursement of direct costs. Requires the Director of the CBO to transmit to the President and the Congress by September 1 of each year a report specifying an estimate of the total amount of additional direct costs that will be incurred in the upcoming fiscal year and next succeeding fiscal year by State and local governments in complying with each intergovernmental regulation promulgated pursuant to a significant law. Directs the chairmen of the congressional committees having jurisdiction over any significant law under which an intergovernmental regulation is promulgated to propose, to a bill providing funds for each fiscal year in which such regulation will be in effect, an amendment to appropriate funds to reimburse State and local governments for the total amount or applicable percentage of additional direct costs they will incur in complying with such regulation. Sets forth the procedures for reimbursements of such additional direct costs by Federal agencies to States and by the States to local governments. Title III: Miscellaneous - Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to revise the definition of a "significant bill or resolution" by reducing the annual cost to State or local governments likely to result from such a bill or resolution from $200,000,000 to $100,000,000. (The Act requires the CBO to submit to each congressional committee reporting such a bill or resolution an estimate of the cost which would be incurred by State and local governments in complying with such bill or resolution in the fiscal year in which it is to become effective and in each of the four succeeding fiscal years.)
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1987
Telecommunications Trade Act of 1987 - Title I: Actions to Achieve Competitive Opportunities - Directs the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), within six months of enactment of this Act, to: (1) identify and analyze all acts, policies, and practices in the markets of foreign countries that deny to U.S. telecommunications firms competitive opportunities that are substantially equivalent to the competitive opportunities available to foreign companies in U.S. markets; and (2) determine which of such acts, policies, or practices denies trade agreement benefits to the United States, is unjustifiable and burdens or restricts U.S. commerce, or otherwise has the effect of nullifying or impairing any benefit to the United States under any agreement or impeding attainment of any objective of any agreement to which the United States is a party. Sets forth factors to be considered in making such analysis and determination. Authorizes the USTR to exclude a country from investigation if the USTR determines that the potential market in such country for U.S. telecommunications products and services is not substantial. Requires the USTR to report to the Congress within six months of enactment of this Act on such analysis and determinations. Directs the President to begin negotiations with those countries which deny U.S. telecommunications firms substantially equivalent competitive opportunities to enter into trade agreements which provide such opportunities to U.S. telecommunications firms. Sets forth the objectives of the negotiations. Directs the President, if unable to enter into such an agreement to take, within two years of enactment of this Act, whatever actions within certain limits are necessary to achieve such objectives. Directs the President to take those actions which most directly affect trade in telecommunications products and services with the country concerned. Sets forth the actions the President is authorized to take in such circumstances. Directs the USTR, if a country does engage in unfair trade practices, to take whatever actions within certain limits are necessary to fully offset such acts, policies, and practices, and to restore the balance of concessions between the United States and such foreign country. Requires the USTR to review annually the extent to which a foreign country's policies meet the negotiating objectives achieved by trade agreements. Directs the USTR to take specified actions if the foreign country is not in compliance with such trade agreement or has adopted an unfair trade act, policy, or practice. Sets forth the actions the USTR is authorized to take. Directs the President and the USTR to consult with the Secretary of Commerce, the Federal Communications Commission, and a specified interagency trade organization to determine appropriate actions against foreign countries. Directs the USTR to provide the opportunity for presentations of views by interested parties for purposes of identifying the objectives of trade negotiations and determining appropriate actions against foreign countries. Directs the President to keep the Congress informed of: (1) the negotiating priorities and objectives for each country involved; (2) the assessment of negotiating prospects; and (3) any U.S. concessions which might be included in negotiations to achieve such objectives. Title II: Trade Agreement Authority - Authorizes the President, during the three years following enactment of this Act, to enter into trade agreements which meet specified objectives with foreign countries which provide for: (1) the harmonization, reduction, or elimination of duties or restrictions, barriers, or other distortions to international trade; or (2) the prohibition of or limitations on the imposition of duties or restrictions, barriers, or other distortions to international trade. Authorizes the President to enter into trade agreements with a foreign country to grant concessions as compensation in order to maintain the general level of reciprocal and mutually advantageous concessions if: (1) the President has taken action because no trade agreement could be reached under this Act; and (2) the USTR is not required to take action against such country under this Act. Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions - Authorizes the importation of a product that is subject to registration or approval by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) only if: (1) such product conforms with all applicable FCC regulations; and (2) the information which is required on a specified FCC form is provided to the appropriate customs officer at the time of entry into the United States. Directs the FCC, the Secretary of Commerce, and the USTR to provide enforcement assistance to the Secretary of the Treasury upon request. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to provide the Congress with information on such imports at least twice a year. Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to include within the definition of service sector access authorization any authorization that permits access to the U.S. market to a foreign supplier of goods related to a service. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to report to the Congress at least once every two years on the impact of U.S. domestic policies and practices on the growth and international competitiveness of the U.S. telecommunications industry.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1987
Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) no funds appropriated for vocational education for FY 1987 should be rescinded; and (2) the Federal Government should continue its funding commitment to vocational education for future years.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1987
Textile and Apparel Trade Act of 1987 - Limits the 1987 imports of textiles and textile products classified under a category to an amount equal to 101 percent of the total 1986 imports classified under such category. Limits the 1987 imports of nonrubber footwear classified under a nonrubber footwear category to an amount equal to: (1) the total 1986 imports of nonrubber footwear classified under such category; and (2) in the case of low priced nonrubber footwear, the total 1986 imports of low priced nonrubber footwear classified under such category. Provides for a one percent annual growth in the amount of permitted imports of textiles and textile products after 1987. Authorizes the President to: (1) enter into trade agreements to grant new concessions as compensation, to the extent required under U.S. trade agreements for the import limits imposed by this Act; and (2) proclaim such modification or continuance of any existing duty on textiles and textile products and on nonrubber footwear as necessary to carry out such agreements. Prohibits the President from reducing any rate of duty by more than ten percent. Requires the President, before entering into such trade agreements, to consider whether such country has violated trade concessions of benefit to the United States and such violation has not been adequately offset by U.S. action or by the action of such country. Sets forth requirements governing staged rate reductions in the tariffs of articles affected by this Act. Prohibits the President, except as authorized by this paragraph, from entering into trade negotiations with any country with respect to duties on textiles, textile products, and nonrubber footwear. Prohibits the President, except as provided in this paragraph, from decreasing or proposing a decrease in any such duty by any means, including an implementing bill or a proclamation. Requires the President to report annually to the Congress on the administration of this Act. Requires the Secretary of Commerce, ten years after enactment of this Act, to study and report to the Congress on the operation of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1987
Malt Beverage Interbrand Competition Act - Declares that no antitrust law shall prohibit the importer, brewer, or trademark licensee of a trademarked malt beverage, when such beverage has substantial competition from other malt beverages in an area, from: (1) entering into an agreement granting a wholesale distributor the exclusive right to sell such beverage within any defined geographic area within a State; or (2) limiting such distributor to the sale of such beverage for ultimate resale to consumers in such area. Declares that this Act shall not affect any provision of any State law.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1987
Extends adverse action provisions of Federal law regarding Federal employees (concerning removal, suspension for more than 14 days, reduction in grade or pay, or furlough for 30 days or less) to Postal Service employees who: (1) are preference eligibles; (2) are supervisors or employees engaged in confidential personnel work; and (3) have completed one year of continuous service in the same or similar positions. Authorizes the Director of the Office of Personnel Management to obtain judicial review in the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit if: (1) the Director determines that the Board of Governors of the Postal Service erred in interpreting a civil service law, rule, or regulation affecting personnel management, and that the Board's decision will have a substantial impact on a civil service law, rule, regulation, or policy directive; or (2) the Postal Service makes such determination regarding postal personnel management.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1987
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the Federal Government should maintain its role in vocational education through the continued provision of vocational education grants to the States; and (2) the proposal to eliminate Federal funding for vocational education should be rejected.
United States · United States Congress · 17 February 1987
Establishes the Veterans Administration as an executive department redesignated as the Department of Veterans' Affairs. Makes technical and conforming changes, including the redesignation of the Administrator as the Secretary of Veterans' Affairs.
![Official portrait of Sen. Kasten, Robert W., Jr. [R-WI]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/k000019_200.jpg)