United States · United States Congress · 8 April 1987
Amends the Meat Import Act of 1979 to include lamb and the import of lamb within the provisions of such Act relating to regulations and restrictions concerning various meat imports. Limits the aggregate quantity of lamb which may be entered (imported) in any calendar year under such Act. Allows such amount to be increased or decreased in relation to an increase or decrease in the domestic production of lamb. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture, within 30 days after the enactment of this Act, to prescribe necessary regulations to convert live lamb into a poundage suitable for purposes of applying the import limitations required under this Act. Requires the Secretary to conduct a study to determine whether a disproportionate quantity of lamb meat is entered quarterly into the United States. Directs the Secretary, by the later of June 1, 1988, or 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, to report the results of such study to the Senate Finance Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee.
United States · United States Congress · 8 April 1987
Home Care Protection Act of 1987 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide that nursing care and home health aid services may be provided on a daily basis as home health services for up to 60 days with monthly physician certification of the need for such services, and after the 60-day period on a physician certification of exceptional circumstances.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1987
Volunteer Protection Act of 1987 - Prescribes circumstances under which volunteers working for nonprofit organizations or government entities shall be immune from personal civil liability. Requires each State to certify to the Secretary of Health and Human Services before the beginning of each fiscal year (commencing with FY 1989) that it has enacted or has in effect a State law which provides such immunity. Requires the Secretary to reduce by one percent the fiscal year allotment which would otherwise be made to such State to carry out the Social Services Block Grant Program under title XX of the Social Security Act if such law is not in effect.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1987
Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 with respect to air carrier mergers or acquisitions to require the Secretary of Transportation to impose, as a condition of approval of such transactions, labor protective conditions that are calculated to mitigate possible adverse effects upon air carrier employees' employment, wages, or working conditions.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1987
Disabled Americans Work Incentive Act - Amends part A (Hospital Insurance) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to continue the part A eligibility of physically or mentally impaired individuals who were eligible for such benefits by reason of their entitlement to disability benefits under title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Act, but whose title II benefits have been terminated because they engaged in substantial gainful activity. Sets forth enrollment, special enrollment, and coverage periods as well as the contingencies terminating one's enrollment. Conditions such continued part A eligibility upon the payment of a monthly premium. Requires individuals who are entitled to part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) Medicare benefits only by reason of their continued part A eligibility provided by this Act to pay a monthly premium set at four times the amount otherwise required under part B. Prohibits such part A and B premiums from exceeding a specified percentage of the individual's adjusted gross income, unless the premium thereby sinks below 25 percent of the premium determined without income restraints. Prohibits the benefits provided by this Act from supplanting employer group health plan benefits. Amends title II of the Act to provide that when individuals become entitled to OASDI disability benefits by reason of a disability which previously entitled them to such benefits, both periods of entitlement shall count toward the two-year period of OASDI disability benefit entitlement required for Medicare eligibility despite an intervening period of gainful employment.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1987
Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to provide that it shall not be in order for either House of Congress to consider any legislation which would impose any requirement on State or local governments which is likely to result in an annual cost to such governments of $50,000,000 or more for any particular program, project, or activity, except for legislation which complies with any sequestration order issued under the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act). Requires the report of the Committee on the Budget of each House accompanying the concurrent resolution on the budget to identify changes in Federal aid programs for State and local governments on a program-by-program basis.
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 1987
Amends the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 to permit Rural Electrification Administration borrowers to prepay Federal Financing Bank loans without penalties if: (1) private capital is used to replace such loans; and (2) any savings will be used to avoid future rate increases, passed on to customers, or used to improve the borrower's financial strength.
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 1987
Recognizes the Disabled American Veterans Vietnam Veterans National Memorial near Eagle Nest, New Mexico, as a memorial of national significance. Requests the President to issue a proclamation commemorating the occasion of this recognition.
United States · United States Congress · 31 March 1987
Older Americans Act of 1987 - Amends the Older Americans Act of 1965 to authorize appropriations for FY 1988 through 1992 for the Federal Council on the Aging. Authorizes the Commissioner on Aging to request the technical assistance and cooperation of other agencies and units of the Department of Health and Human Services in administering programs providing grants for State and community programs on aging. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1988 through 1992 for State and community programs on aging which include programs providing nutrition services, supportive services, surplus commodities, or cash payments in lieu of food commodities, to older individuals. Authorizes States to transfer up to 30 percent of their grant amounts for programs on aging between support service and nutrition programs. Adds the National Association of State Units on Aging to the list of organizations with whom the Commissioner is to consult when developing quality and efficiency criteria for State home-delivered meal programs for the aged. Directs the Commissioner to provide funding for research activities which will yield information, within three years of this Act's enactment, concerning the aged and their needs. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1988 through 1991 for: (1) research and discretionary programs concerning the aged and the training of personnel working on behalf of the aged; (2) the older American community service employment program; (3) grants to Indian tribes for the provision of supportive and nutritional services to older Indians; and (4) the older Americans personal health education and training program.
United States · United States Congress · 30 March 1987
Clean Coal Technology Deployment Act - Directs the Secretary of Energy to: (1) establish a Clean Coal Technology Assistance Program; and (2) provide financial assistance to commercial-sized projects using innovative clean coal technologies which require such assistance in order to encourage their commercial deployment. Outlines the criteria for such assistance. Mandates that such assistance be in the form of grants-in-aid. Authorizes appropriations for each fiscal year in the ten-fiscal-year period which begins after the date of enactment of this Act. Presents guidelines under which clean coal technologies are subject to regulatory treatment. Directs the Secretary and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to consult and coordinate designated clean coal technologies with State authorities. Requires the Secretary to prescribe regulations implementing this Act within six months after its date of enactment.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1987
Makes transfers of described land and payments of specified amounts involving two named individuals, the Blackfeet Tribe, and the United States in full settlement of all claims of one of those individuals.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1987
Establishes criminal penalties for damaging or destroying religious property or interfering with any person's free exercise of religious beliefs. Allows any person injured by such a violation to bring a civil action to recover damages.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1987
National Narcotics Leadership Act of 1987 - Establishes a Cabinet-level Office of the Director of National Drug Control Policy to coordinate Federal operations and policy on drug control and abuse. Requires the Director of the Office to prepare and submit annual reports on a National and International Drug Control Strategy. Terminates the National Drug Enforcement Policy Board. Repeals specified provisions of the Comprehensive Crime Control Act of 1984, and the Drug Abuse Prevention, Treatment, and Rehabilitation Act respecting such Board. Authorizes appropriations. Establishes the Special Forfeiture Fund. Deposits in such fund all unobligated amounts remaining each year from the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund and the Customs Forfeiture Fund. Provides that amounts from the Special Forfeiture Fund shall be used for: (1) drug law enforcement activities; and (2) drug abuse education, prevention, treatment, and research. Requires the President to submit, as part of the budget, a request for the use of amounts in the fund. States that funds disbursed under this Act shall supplement, not supplant, funds which would be otherwise available. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1988 through 1992 for the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund and the Customs Forfeiture Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1987
WIC Food for Life Resolution - Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the Special Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) should receive increasing appropriations until all eligible persons are being served; and (2) an outreach program should be conducted to identify persons eligible for WIC assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1987
Radon Mitigation Clarification Act of 1987 - Provides that, for purposes of the medical care expense tax deduction, amounts paid for necessary home improvements to mitigate measured harmful levels of radon gas exposure shall be treated as expenses paid for medical care and in the same manner as amounts paid for other home improvements which qualify as expenses paid for medical care.
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
Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to define "homeless individual" for purposes of such 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 is less than their monthly rent and utilities. 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 (TEFAP) program. Increases FY 1987 TEFAP authorizations. Authorizes FY 1988 program appropriations. Makes the provisions of this Act, with specified exceptions, effective not later than 160 days after enactment.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1987
National Child Search Assistance Act of 1987 - Amends the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974 to direct the Administrator of the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention to make grants to States for the purpose of establishing and operating, or operating and expanding, Missing Children Information Clearinghouses. Sets forth grant application and qualification requirements. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1988 and 1989.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1987
Medicare Mental Illness Non-Discrimination Act - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to eliminate restrictions with respect to inpatient psychiatric care and the treatment of mental, psychoneurotic, and personality disorders of an individual who is not an inpatient.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1987
Syndicated Television Music Copyright Reform Act of 1987 - Amends the copyright law to require that any conveyance of performance rights in an audiovisual work to nonnetwork commercial television include the right to perform in synchronization any accompanying copyrighted music. Entitles the music copyright holder to an interest in any compensation received for the audiovisual work performance rights.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1987
Energy Security Act of 1987 - Directs the President to establish a national oil import ceiling level beyond which foreign crude and oil product imports as a share of U.S. oil consumption shall not rise. Prohibits such ceiling level from exceeding 50 percent of U.S. crude and oil product consumption for any annual period. Requires the President to: (1) annually submit projections to the Congress regarding anticipated U.S. oil production, demand, and imports for the subsequent three years; (2) certify whether imports of crude oil and oil products will exceed domestic production; and (3) submit an Energy Production and Oil Security Policy to the Congress to prevent foreign oil dependence from exceeding the national oil import ceiling for any year in which foreign oil imports are projected to exceed such amount. Grants the Congress ten continuous session days to review such oil projections and to determine whether the ceiling level will be violated within three years. Authorizes the President's energy plan to include: (1) an oil import fee; (2) energy conservation actions; (3) expansion of the Strategic Petroleum Reserves; and (4) production incentives for domestic oil and gas.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1987
Agricultural Aid and Trade Missions Act - Title I: Agricultural Aid and Trade Missions - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture, the Secretary of State, and the Administrator of the Agency for International Development to jointly establish agricultural aid and trade missions to eligible countries to encourage such countries to participate in U.S. agricultural aid and trade programs. Outlines administrative provisions concerning the composition and compensation of the U.S. representatives to such missions. Designates the countries in which such missions are to be established. Authorizes additional future missions. Requires members of such missions to: (1) meet with representatives of government agencies of the United States and the eligible country to plan the extent to which U.S. agricultural aid and trade programs could be used in a mutually beneficial manner; (2) provide technical expertise and information with respect to U.S. agricultural aid and trade programs and agricultural commodities and other assistance available to the eligible country; and (3) assist in obtaining firm commitments for proposals for food aid programs and agreements for commodity sales under agriculture export programs. Directs each mission, no later than 60 days after its completion, to report to the President, the Agriculture Committees of the Congress, the Secretary of Agriculture, the Secretary of State, and the Administrator on its findings and recommendations in carrying out the purposes of this Act. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture and the Administrator, during the two-year period beginning one year after the enactment of this Act, to submit quarterly reports to the Agriculture Committees on progress made by such missions. Authorizes the use of the Commodity Credit Corporation to carry out the purposes of this Act. Title II: Expansion of Agricultural Exports and Markets - Subtitle A: Amendments to Title II of the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954 - Amends the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954 (ATDAA) to exempt nonemergency programs conducted by nonprofit voluntary agencies or cooperatives from any limitation on the generation and use of foreign currencies as a condition for obtaining assistance under ATDAA. Increases from five to ten percent of the aggregate value of the commodities distributed under nonemergency programs the amount that shall be used as foreign currency proceeds. Specifies uses of foreign currency proceeds from the sale or barter of commodities by such an agency or cooperative. Directs the President, no later than 45 days after submission, to take final action on a proposal submitted by a nonprofit voluntary agency or cooperative, with the concurrence of the field mission, for the delivery of commodities requested. Directs the President, no later than 30 days prior to the issuance of a final guideline issued to carry out title II of ATDAA, to provide notice of the proposed guideline to participating nonprofit agencies and cooperatives and to make such guideline available for review and comment. Subtitle B: Amendments to Section 416 of the Agricultural Act of 1949 - Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 (the Act, for purposes of this Subtitle) to specify wheat, rice, and feed grains acquired by the Commodity Credit Corporation through price support operations as eligible commodities for agricultural assistance programs under title II of ATDAA. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to make available to nonprofit and voluntary agencies and cooperatives in a country commodities that are made available to such country as a country friendly to the United States. Authorizes the Secretary to approve multiyear agreements to make commodities available for distribution or sale by recipients under the Act. Outlines the authorized uses of foreign currencies generated from commodities distributed under the Act, and increases from five to ten percent of the aggregate value of commodities and products furnished for assistance programs the amount to be obtained from the sale of such commodities and products for foreign currency proceeds. Directs the Secretary, no later than 45 days after submission, to take final action on a proposal submitted by a nonprofit and voluntary agency or cooperative, with the concurrence of the field mission, for the delivery of commodities requested. Directs the Secretary, no later than 30 days prior to the issuance of a final guideline issued to carry out the Act, to provide notice of the proposed guideline to participating nonprofit agencies and cooperatives and to make such guideline available for review and comment. Increases the minimum quantities of eligible commodities that shall be made available by the Commodity Credit Corporation for distribution under the Act. Subtitle C: Foreign Agricultural Service - Specifies the authorized number of personnel for the Foreign Agricultural Service for FY 1987 through 1989 for the performance of the various agricultural export programs of the United States. Authorizes the Secretary to contract with individuals abroad as determined necessary for the performance of export-market enhancement activities. Provides that any such individuals used shall be considered non-Federal employees. Subtitle D: Report on Intermediate Export Credit - Directs the Secretary, no later than December 31, 1987, to report to the Agriculture Committees on the use of authority provided under the Food for Peace Act of 1966 to provide intermediate credit financing for the establishment of facilities in the importing countries which would: (1) improve the handling, processing, and distribution of imported agricultural commodities; (2) increase livestock production; and (3) increase markets for U.S. livestock and livestock products.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1987
Medicare and Medicaid Patient and Program Protection Act of 1987 - Amends part A (General Provisions) of title XI of the Social Security Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to exclude from participation in programs under title XVIII (Medicare) and to require the prohibition from participation in any State health care program of any individual or entity: (1) convicted of a criminal offense related to the delivery of an item or service under title XVIII or under titles XIX (Medicaid), V (Maternal and Child Health Block Grant), or XX (Block Grants to States for Social Services); or (2) convicted of a criminal offense related to neglect or abuse of patients in connection with the delivery of a health care item or service. Authorizes the Secretary to exclude from Medicare participation and to require the prohibition from participation in any State health care program of any individual or entity: (1) convicted of fraud with respect to any Federal, State, or locally financed health care program; (2) convicted of interfering with the investigation of health care fraud or patient abuse; (3) convicted of a felony for manufacturing, distributing, or dispensing a controlled substance; (4) whose health care license has been suspended or revoked; (5) suspended or excluded from participation in a Federal health care program; (6) claiming excessive charges or providing unnecessary services; (7) committing certain acts prohibited under title XI; (8) owned or controlled by an individual convicted of health care related crimes, fined for health care abuses, or excluded from Medicare or a State health care program; (9) failing to supply certain information; and (10) defaulting on health education loans or scholarship obligations made or secured by the Secretary. Authorizes the Secretary to exclude any hospital failing to comply with corrective action required under title XVIII. Sets forth provisions relating to notice requirements, judicial review, and period of exclusion. Directs the Secretary to promptly notify each appropriate State agency administering or supervising the administration of a State health care program of each exclusion and the period of exclusion. Permits an excluded individual or entity to apply, following a period of exclusion, to the Secretary for reinstatement. Sets forth provisions providing for civil and criminal penalties for acts involving Medicare or State health care programs abuse, including penalties for physician misrepresentations. Requires a State, as a condition of Medicaid plan approval, to provide for the following: (1) a system of reporting any type of adverse action concluded against any health care practitioner or entity by the State or a local licensing authority; and (2) such access to documents as may be necessary by the Secretary. Requires the Secretary to provide suitable safeguards for the confidentiality of such information. Requires any health care provider providing health care services for which payment may be made under the Act to assure that services or items furnished will be: (1) provided economically and only when, and to the extent, medically necessary; (2) quality services which meet professionally recognized standards of health care; and (3) supported by evidence of medical necessity and quality in such form and fashion and at such time as may reasonably be required by a reviewing peer review organization in the exercise of its duties and responsibilities. Permits a State to exclude from Medicaid participation any individual or entity excluded under Medicare pursuant to the patient and program protection provisions. Requires a State in order to receive Federal payments with respect to a health maintenance organization (HMO) to exclude any HMO that: (1) could be excluded because of the conviction of the owners or managers of certain crimes; or (2) contracts with any individual or entity convicted of such crimes. Prohibits Federal payments with respect to any amount expended for items or services furnished by or at the direction of any individual or entity excluded from Medicaid participation because of the patient and program protection provisions. Prohibits a State under title V from making payments with respect to any amount expended for items or services furnished by or at the direction of any individual or entity excluded from participation pursuant to the patient and program protection provisions of title XI. Prohibits Federal payments with respect to any amount expended for items or services furnished by or at the direction of any individual or entity excluded from Medicare because of the patient and program protection provisions of title XI. Prohibits using a grant under title XX for payment for any item or service furnished by or at the direction of a person excluded from title XX participation because of the patient and program protection provisions of title XI. Revises disclosure requirements under part A of title XI. Revises Medicare provisions concerning agreements with providers. Modifies the Medicaid moratorium provisions of the Deficit Reduction Act of 1984 to consider a State's Medicaid plan to include any plan change and any policy or guideline delineated in the State Medicaid operation or program manuals submitted to the Secretary either before or after the enactment of that Act and whether or not approved or disapproved by the Secretary. Requires the Secretary to restore, for the duration of the moratorium, the policy in effect at the beginning of the moratorium regarding the period when homeownership by an institutionalized individual is permitted and the time permitted for the sale of a home. Amends the Medicare program to provide payment to beneficiaries for services rendered by an individual or entity which has been excluded from Medicare participation if such beneficiary did not know or have reason to know of the exclusion. Revises the definition under title XI of a "person with an ownership or control interest" in a provider of services under title V, XVIII, or XIX to limit reporting on ownership interests to those interests at or exceeding five percent of the entity's assets. Authorizes the Secretary to impose an intermediate sanction on a renal disease facility whose noncompliance with regulations the Secretary prescribes does not immediately jeopardize patient health and safety by denying it Medicare payments for services it provides after receiving notice of the sanction and before correcting its deficiencies. Provides that individuals who knowingly and willfully (currently, the intent must be knowing or willful) make a false statement or misrepresent a material fact in the sale of Medicare supplemental health insurance shall be guilty of a felony. Directs the Secretary to promulgate final regulations within two years of enactment of this Act specifying payment practices which shall not be considered as violations of the Social Security Act's anti-kickback provisions. Sets forth effective date provisions.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1987
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the targeted jobs income tax credit. (Present law terminates such credit for employees who begin work after December 31, 1988.) Makes permanent the authorization of appropriations with respect to the certification requirements of such tax credit.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1987
English Proficiency Act - Directs the Secretary of Education to establish within the Office of Adult Education a program of grants for English literacy programs for individuals of limited English proficiency. Allows such grants to provide for the training of personnel to provide English language instruction and for support services including child care and transportation costs for program participants. Provides that such grants may be made to community-based organizations, local education agencies, tribally-controlled schools, institutions of higher education (including community colleges), public libraries, and prisons. Sets forth grant application requirements. Limits grants to not more than three years' duration. Requires that at least 50 percent of grant funds go to community-based organizations with the demonstrated capability to administer English proficiency programs. Requires grant recipients to report annually to the Secretary. Directs the Secretary, through the Office of Adult Education, directly and through grants and contracts, to carry out demonstration programs to: (1) develop innovative approaches and methods of literacy education for individuals of limited English proficiency; and (2) establish a nationwide clearinghouse on literacy education for individuals of limited English proficiency. Requires the Secretary, directly and through grants and contracts, to evaluate and annually audit programs funded under this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to accept grants, gifts, or bequests of money for the purposes of this Act. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1988 through 1990. Limits to five percent the portion of funds available under this Act which may be used for demonstration programs.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1987
Repeals provisions of the Department of Defense Authorization Act, 1985 relating to the civil liability of Government contractors for injuries, property losses, or deaths arising out of nuclear weapons testing programs. Makes the period during which such provisions were in effect inapplicable for purposes of the tolling of any statute of limitations for claims.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1987
Small Community Air Service Improvement Act of 1987 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to enter into contracts with air carriers to assure that air service will be provided to certain small communities for which a determination of essential air transportation has been made under the Federal Aviation Act of 1958. Prescribes guidelines for such contracts. Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to repeal the requirement that the Civil Aeronautics Board establish, by rulemaking, objective criteria for designating eligible points for air transportation to small communities. Extends from ten years to 12 years the duration of the small community air service program. Declares that this Act ceases to be in effect ten years after the date of enactment.
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
Prohibits the approval of any patent application of an oil shale mining claim located prior to the enactment of the Mineral Lands Leasing Act of 1920, until further action by the Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1987
Medicare Catastrophic Illness Coverage Act - Amends part A (Hospital Insurance) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to remove durational limitations on the coverage of inpatient hospital services. Provides coverage of post-hospital extended care services for up to 100 days each year. (Currently such services are provided for up to 100 days during a "spell of illness.") Requires a beneficiary to pay a deductible for each of the first two inpatient hospital admissions in a year. (Currently an inpatient hospital deductible is required for each "spell of illness".) Eliminates the coinsurance requirement for inpatient hospital services and outpatient hospital extended care services. Amends part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of the Medicare program to cover the amount by which a part B enrollee's out-of-pocket expenses exceed $2,000 in 1988, adjusting such ceiling thereafter to reflect changes in total Medicare per capita expenses. Excludes from the computation of a beneficiary's out-of-pocket expenses amounts above the full part B payment to physicians and others who do not accept assignment. Includes in the computation of the part B premium an amount equal to the Secretary of Health and Human Services' estimate of a part B enrollee's share of the benefits and administrative costs which result from this Act's catastrophic care coverage and beneficiary expense ceiling. Provides for the transfer to the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund of part B premium revenues which are attributable to the catastrophic care coverage this Act establishes under part A of the Medicare program.
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
Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1987 - Amends title IX (Prohibition of Sex Discrimination) of the Education Amendments of 1972 to define the phrase "program or activity" and the term "program" to mean all of the operations of the following entities, any part of which is extended Federal financial assistance: (1) a department, agency, special purpose district, or other instrumentality of a State or local government; (2) a State or local government agency which distributes such assistance and the agency or department to which such assistance is extended; (3) a college, university, or other postsecondary institution, or public system of higher education; (4) a local educational agency, system of vocational education, or other school system; and (5) a corporation, partnership, or other private organization. States that such terms do not include any operation of an entity which is controlled by a religious organization. Amends the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, and the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to define the phrase "program or activity" to mean all of the activities of the aforementioned entities.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1987
Federal Employee Compensation Equity Act of 1987 - Establishes the Commission on Compensation Equity to provide for a consultant to study the classification, grading, and pay-setting processes within and between the position classification system and the job-grading system. Requires the study to determine whether these processes result in the payment of rates of basic pay for positions: (1) in which either sex is numerically predominant or any race or ethnic group is disproportionately represented; and (2) where such differences in pay are not in proportion to the duties, difficulty, responsibility, or qualification requirements of the work performed. Provides a timetable for: (1) the Commission to report to appropriate congressional committees and the Director of the Office of Personnel Management with advisory recommendations; (2) the Director to report to the committees and the Commission with a plan to carry out any of the recommendations; and (3) additional comments from the Commission and its termination.
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
Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1987 - Amends specified Acts to rename them the Civil Rights Act of 1968 and the Fair Housing Act. Amends the Fair Housing Act to make it unlawful to: (1) refuse to sell or rent a dwelling to an individual because that individual, or someone associated with that individual, is handicapped; (2) discriminate against a handicapped individual in the conditions of sale or rental, or in the provision of a related service or facility; (3) refuse to permit reasonable modifications, at the expense of the handicapped person, to permit access to the premises; or (4) refuse to make reasonable accommodations in rules, policies, or services to afford handicapped individuals equal use and enjoyment of a dwelling. Makes it unlawful for anyone engaged in residential real estate-related transactions to discriminate in the provision or terms of a transaction because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin. States that nothing in this Act limits the applicability of any reasonable local, State, or Federal restrictions on the maximum number of occupants permitted to occupy a dwelling unit. States that nothing in this Act regarding familial status applies to any State or Federal program aimed at assisting the elderly. Establishes new administrative enforcement authority in addition to existing enforcement provisions. Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to transmit an annual report to the Congress on the progress made in eliminating discriminatory housing practices. Allows an aggrieved person to file a complaint with the Secretary alleging a discriminatory housing practice. Allows the Secretary to file such a complaint on his own initiative or investigate a housing practice to determine whether such a complaint should be brought. Requires the Secretary to attempt to correct the discriminatory practice by informal methods of conciliation. Requires the Secretary to refer matters to the Attorney General, recommending that civil actions be filed, where a respondent has failed to comply with conciliation agreements. Allows the Secretary to refer matters to the Attorney General for prompt judicial action when necessary. Makes certain changes in the current requirements for referring charges to State or local agencies for investigation and enforcement. Specifies the elements of "substantial equivalency" which permit certification and referrals of discrimination charges. Permits the Secretary to file an administrative complaint or refer the matter to the Attorney General for civil action if the investigation supports a finding of reasonable cause, except with respect to matters involving land use control, which must be referred. Specifies the hearing procedures to be utilized if an administrative complaint is issued. Permits criminal penalties of up to a $100,000 fine and/or imprisonment for not more than one year for noncompliance with subpoenas or other lawful orders. Permits the administrative law judge to award appropriate relief, including punitive damages. Permits the filing of a petition for review of a final order in an appropriate court of appeals within 30 days of service of such order. Permits any prevailing party to be awarded reasonable attorney's fees. Makes certain revisions in the private right of action for aggrieved persons. Extends the statute of limitations from 180 days to two years. Disallows simultaneous administrative and judicial proceedings involving the same charge. Allows the Attorney General to intervene upon certification that the civil action is of general public importance. Continues the authority of the Attorney General to initiate civil actions where there is reasonable cause to believe that a pattern or practice of resistance to fair housing rights has occurred. Permits the Attorney General to commence a civil action for appropriate temporary or preliminary relief pending final disposition of the complaint. Describes the types of relief which may be granted in civil actions under such Act.
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.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1987
Agricultural Competitiveness and Trade Act of 1987 - Title I: Findings and Policy - Declares that it is U.S. policy to increase agricultural exports, to recapture the U.S. market share in agricultural trade, and to support programs to make U.S. exports more competitive abroad. Sets forth other policy objectives relating to agriculture. Declares that, in negotiating the agricultural provisions of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), it is the U.S. objective to: (1) increase U.S. exports by eliminating trade barriers; (2) clarify the GATT rules for agricultural trade; (3) resolve questions relating to GATT treatment of export subsidies, market pricing, and market access. Declares that: (1) it is the primary U.S. negotiating objective to seek the elimination of barriers to agricultural trade from nations that have unusually large overall trade surpluses; (2) it is a primary U.S. objective in negotiating the next round of the GATT to reform the agricultural policies of the European Community; (3) it is U.S. policy to increase competitive agricultural exports to Japan; (4) it is a U.S. objective in bilateral negotiations and in the upcoming round of GATT negotiations to seek the elimination of barriers to agricultural trade in Japan; (5) it is an objective of the United States to seek the elimination of the barriers to agricultural trade in South Korea and to increase exports to South Korea. Title II: Agricultural Trade - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to make available certain commodities to cooperator organizations which shall use the commodities to establish demonstration projects designed to expand markets for U.S. agricultural commodities and products. Requires that there be at least 850 full-time employees during each of FY 1987, 1988, and 1989 in the Foreign Agricultural Service of the Department of Agriculture. Expresses the sense of the Congress that such a number of employees should make it possible for the Service to devote greater resources to developing markets for U.S. agricultural commodities and products. Requires an agricultural attache who is reassigned from abroad to counsel agricultural producers on means of increasing exports and agricultural market development and promotional activities. Requires at least 60 percent of the personnel resource time of agricultural attaches who are stationed abroad to be devoted to market development and promotional activities for U.S. agricultural commodities. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to contract with an individual for services to be performed outside the United States as necessary in order to carry out market development activities for U.S. agricultural commodities. Establishes within the Service an Office of International Market Development and Export Promotion to coordinate all market development, promotional, export enhancement, export credit, and targeted export assistance programs. Requires the Office to report annually to specified congressional committees on the market development programs. Establishes within the Office a unit to monitor the quality of agricultural exports. Requires the unit to: (1) act as liaison with the Federal Grain Inspection Service, private U.S. exporters, foreign governments, and U.S. agricultural attaches overseas; (2) receive and respond to complaints about the quality of U.S. agricultural exports; and (3) identify problems in foreign markets concerning the quality of U.S. commodities and ensure that notice of such problems is provided to the relevant entities for quick response and follow-up. Establishes within the Office a unit to evaluate the overall effectiveness of the market development and promotional programs of the Service. Requires the unit to report annually to specified congressional committees on such programs. Earmarks at least 50 percent of the FY 1987 increase in funding of the Service to be used to create new markets for U.S. agricultural commodities in developing markets. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1987 for trade shows and exhibitions conducted by the Service. Sets forth the ways the increase in funding for trade shows shall be used. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1987 for program management and support activities of the Service and for its market promotion and trade development activities. Requires some of the increased funding to be used to provide adequate staff for: (1) the development of markets for high value-added products; and (2) the improvement of the quality of agricultural exports. Establishes within the Department of Agriculture an Export Market Development Advisory Committee to: (1) review all U.S. agricultural market development and export enhancement programs; and (2) make recommendations for the improvement of such programs.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1987
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) no Medicare (title XVIII of the Social Security Act) physician payment methodology should be implemented which is based on hospital discharge classifications or requires mandatory assignment; and (2) no drastic change in the Medicare physician payment methodology should be undertaken without the receipt of reports required by legislation enacted in the 99th Congress and a detailed analysis of the long-range impact of such change on the provision of health care.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1987
Veterans' Ionizing Radiation Compensation Improvements Act of 1987 - Amends Federal veterans' benefits provisions to create a presumption of service-connection (for purposes of eligibility for such benefits) for veterans exposed to ionizing radiation due to the atmospheric detonation of a nuclear device or the American occupation of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan, during World War II who contract, within specified periods since such exposure, leukemia, liver cancer, or bone cancer. Creates an identical presumption of service-connection for the above-qualified veterans when determining either wartime or peacetime disability or death compensation. Amends the Veterans' Dioxin and Radiation Exposure Compensation Standards Act to provide for the determination of dosage resulting from the above described exposure to ionizing radiation for the purpose of adjudicating a claim for Federal veterans' benefits on behalf of any such veteran or their survivors.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1987
Amends the Tax Reform Act of 1986 to repeal provisions which eliminated the allowance of income averaging for farmers. Specifies that the Internal Revenue Code shall be applied and administered as if such provisions had not been enacted. Specifies that income averaging shall be allowed only for farmers who: (1) are actively engaged in the trade or business of farming; and (2) have 50 percent or more of their annual gross income for the three preceding taxable years attributable to such trade or business. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an investment tax credit for qualified farm property. Defines "qualified farm property" as any property which is used in the trade or business of farming. Provides special rules for qualified farm property to allow such property (at the election of the taxpayer) to be depreciated according to the accelerated cost recovery system in effect prior to the enactment of the Tax Reform Act of 1986. Reduces to 20 percent the maximum rate of tax on net capital gains realized from the sale of timber by individuals. Reduces to 28 percent the maximum rate of tax on net capital gains realized from the sale of timber by corporations.
![Official portrait of Sen. Melcher, John [D-MT]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/m000635_200.jpg)