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United States · Official source
2,614 records where Sen. Mitchell, George J. [D-ME] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 1989
Designates August 8, 1989, as National Neighborhood Crime Watch Day.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 1989
Provides for a recess or adjournment of the Senate from May 18 or 19, 1989, until May 31, 1989, and for an adjournment of the House of Representatives from May 25, 1989, until May 31, 1989.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 1989
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to make individuals eligible for home health services on the basis of their need for occupational therapy.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 1989
Designates the month of November 1989 as National Diabetes Month.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 1989
Designates October 1 through October 7, 1989, as National Disability Awareness Week.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1989
Radiation Victims Fair Treatment Act - Amends the Department of Defense Authorization Act, 1985 to repeal provisions which: (1) substitute the United States as defendant in all suits against private contractors for radiation injuries arising from atomic weapons testing programs; and (2) make the Federal Tort Claims Act the sole remedy for those injuries. Details the applicability of statutes of limitations.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1989
Designates the week of February 11 through February 17, 1990, as Vocational-Technical Education Week.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1989
Low-Income Housing Credit Act of 1989 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the low-income housing income tax credit (under current law the credit will expire after tax year 1989). Permits States a one-year carryover of unused credit authority. Assigns carryovers to the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to allocate to eligible States applying for excess credit. Allows the credit only if an extended low-income housing commitment (beyond the current 15-year period) is in effect with respect to any building for the relevant taxable year. Describes procedures to effect transition to a non-low-income use in connection with such extensions. Permits the credit in connection with the acquisition of an existing building only if the taxpayer incurs rehabilitation expenditures of at least $3,000 per unit. Revises rent restrictions to: (1) declare unnecessary a required rent reduction below the initial rent if the median gross income of the area decreases; (2) permit higher rent if units are occupied by higher income individuals and the project has an operating deficit; (3) base income limitations on the number of bedrooms in a unit; and (4) use State median gross income in certain low-income housing status determinations. Broadens categories of existing buildings eligible for a waiver of the ten-year requirement for the low-income housing credit. Revises credit provisions relating to single-room occupancy units and special needs housing. Revises restrictions that limit credit benefits in connection with buildings financed with tax-exempt bonds and below market loans. Permits the credit to be allocated: (1) on a project basis; and (2) in connection with owner-occupied buildings of four units or less if a development plan is submitted. Directs housing credit agencies to adopt plans for allocating credit amounts among projects, prohibiting the credit with respect to any building not included in such a plan. Modifies at-risk rules in connection with buildings subject to the historic rehabilitation credit and those associated with financing provided by certain nonprofit organizations. Sets the tax credit rate on a semiannual basis rather than monthly. Increases the credit in connection with buildings in high cost areas (low-income census tracts or difficult development areas). Establishes special rules for determining the eligible basis and applying at-risk rules in connection with qualified buildings acquired in foreclosures.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1989
Requires the issuance of a summons to Walter L. Nixon, Jr., Judge for the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi, commanding an answer to articles of impeachment no later than May 31, 1989. Sets forth related Senate procedure with respect to such summons.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1989
Provides for the appointment of a committee of Senators to receive and to report evidence with respect to articles of impeachment against Walter L. Nixon, Jr., Judge of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 1989
Designates the Labor Day Weekend beginning on September 2, 1989, as National Drive for Life Weekend. Calls on people to observe that weekend with a pledge to be responsible by driving sober.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 1989
Designates September 15, 1989, as National POW/MIA Recognition Day.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 1989
Recognizes the two centuries of service by the U.S. Coast Guard.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 1989
Authorizes a first strike ceremony at the U.S. Capitol to strike coins authorized by the Bicentennial of the U.S. Congress Commemorative Coin Act. Requires all activities and preparations for such ceremony to be jointly coordinated with the Commissions on the Bicentennials of the House and Senate and the Secretary of the Treasury. Authorizes the U.S. Mint to strike such coins during first strike ceremonies. Requires such coins to bear the mint mark of the mint facility designated to strike the coins.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 1989
Amends Senate Resolution 38, 101st Congress, to provide that the expenses of the committee to receive and to report evidence with respect to articles of impeachment against Judge Alcee L. Hastings, U.S. District Court for Florida, include the employment of staff and consultants.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 1989
Americans with Disabilities Act of 1989 - Title I: General Prohibition Against Discrimination - Declares that it shall be discriminatory, on the basis of disability, to deny opportunities or to afford them unequally, to provide opportunities less effectively (or differently or separately, unless necessary for effectiveness), to assist an organization or individual that discriminates, or to otherwise limit opportunities enjoyed by others. Prohibits the use of standards, criteria, or administrative methods that have the purpose or effect of discrimination or perpetuate discrimination. Declares it discriminatory to deny equal opportunities because of the relationship or association of an individual with another individual with a disability. Allows as a defense to a charge of discrimination that an application of standards or criteria has been demonstrated to be both necessary and substantially related to the ability of an individual to take advantage of the essential components of the opportunity, and that the taking advantage cannot be accomplished by reasonable accommodations, modifications, or the provision of auxiliary aids or services. Title II: Employment - Prohibits discrimination by any employer, employment agency, labor organization, or joint labor-management committee against any qualified individual with a disability in job application procedures, hiring or discharge, compensation, advancement, training, and other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment. Lists types of actions construed to be discrimination. Makes the remedies set forth in specified provisions of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and other specified Federal law available to any individual who believes that he or she is being or is about to be subjected to discrimination in violation of this Act. Title III: Public Services - Declares that no qualified individual with a disability shall be excluded from the participation in, denied the benefits of, or subjected to discrimination by a State, or by an agency, political subdivision, or other instrumentality of a State. Lists types of actions deemed, for purposes of this Act and specified provisions of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, to be discrimination with regard to public transportation. Makes the remedies and rights set forth in specified provisions of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 available to any individual who believes that he or she is being or is about to be subjected to discrimination in violation of this Act. Title IV: Public Accommodations and Services Operated by Private Entities - Prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in the enjoyment of any place of public accommodation. Lists types of actions construed to be discrimination. Prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in public transportation services provided by a private entity that is primarily engaged in transporting people, but that is not in the principal business of air transportation. Lists types of actions construed to be discrimination. Makes specified provisions of the Fair Housing Act relating to enforcement available, subject to exception, to any aggrieved individual. Title V: Telecommunications Relay Services - Defines "telecommunications relay services" to mean services that enable simultaneous communication between individuals who use telecommunications devices for the deaf (TDDs) or other nonvoice terminal devices and individuals who do not use such devices. Declares it discriminatory for any common carrier that offers telephone services to the public to fail to provide interstate or intrastate telecommunication relay services that are equal to those provided to their customers who are able to use voice services, except in any State in which services are provided through an entity designated by the State. Declares it discrimination by a State that makes such a designation if the State fails to provide interstate or intrastate relay services that are equal to those provided to their voice customers. Makes specified provisions of the Fair Housing Act relating to enforcement available, subject to exception, to any aggrieved individual. Requires the Federal Communications Commission to enforce this title. Makes specified provisions of the Communication Act of 1934 apply with respect to the enforcement of this title. Provides for cease and desist orders by the Commission and for monetary penalties. Title VI: Miscellaneous Provisions - Prohibits retaliatory discrimination against any individual because of actions related to this Act. Declares that a State shall not be immune under the 11th Amendment to the Constitution from an action in Federal court for a violation of this Act. Requires the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board to issue minimum guidelines to supplement the existing Minimum Guidelines and Requirements for Accessible Design. Allows the awarding of reasonable attorney's fees, in certain circumstances, in any action or proceeding under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 1989
Veterans Health-Care Personnel Act of 1989 - Title I: Pay Matters - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, for the pay period beginning on or after July 1, 1990, to establish the rates of basic pay for the following health-care personnel employed within the Veterans Health Services and Research Administration (HSRA) of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA): registered nurses and registered nurse anesthetists, physicians, dentists, podiatrists, optometrists, nurses, physician assistants, dental assistants, certain clinical or counseling psychologists, certain therapists, practical or vocational nurses, pharmacists, and occupational therapists. Requires the director of each VA health-care facility to conduct a survey which will establish the rate of basic pay in each appropriate pay grade by a specified date. Requires the director to conduct an annual review to determine if such basic pay rates need to be adjusted, and to adjust them, if necessary. Requires the director, as part of such survey, to survey the equivalent entry-level positions for such work performed in non-VA health-care facilities in order to determine the amount of basic pay for similar work. Outlines further administrative provisions relating to the determination of a similar labor market area for purposes of making such pay-rate determinations, requiring the director of a VA facility to notify the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the labor market identified of his or her selection of a labor market area, and requiring the CMD to approve or disapprove of such a labor market area selection within a specified time. Provides maximum amounts for such minimum rates of basic pay as established under this Act. Outlines employee exceptions to such basic pay rates. Requires the Secretary to submit an annual report to the Senate and House Veterans' Affairs Committees regarding the exercise of authority under this Act for the preceding fiscal year and to prescribe final regulations setting forth criteria and procedures to carry out this Act. Requires the director of each VA facility to establish and adjust such basic pay rates by a specified date even if such final regulations have not been implemented. Requires each director, within a specified period, to conduct a survey and establish an interim competitive pay rate to be followed until such final regulations and pay rates are determined. Makes conforming amendments. Authorizes overtime pay for nurses who perform in excess of 40 hours in an administrative workweek. (Currently, overtime is authorized only for work performed in excess of eight hours a day.) Authorizes the payment of six percent additional pay per hour for nurses performing work as a head nurse. Provides for the waiver of a mandatory reduction under Federal law for registered nurses working in positions of health-care professionals involved in direct patient care or in positions involving the provision of services incident to direct patient care. Increases the limitation on the amount authorized to be paid as special pay to certain individuals in the HSRA of the VA. Requires increases in such pay of a specified amount or more to be reported by the Secretary to the veterans' committees. Reduces from 90 to 45 days the time in which the Secretary must notify the President of the Secretary's intention to approve such special rates of pay. Authorizes a one-time lump-sum payment of special pay to each nurse who is recertified in the specialty in which the nurse is employed. Title II: Other Personnel Benefits - Directs the Secretary to establish by regulation a program under which the Secretary may pay a cash award to any VA employee who is a supervisor or manager employed in any of the following positions: physician, dentist, podiatrist, optometrist, nurse, physicians' assistant, or expanded-function dental auxiliary. Limits the amount of each award and the total number of recipients in each fiscal year. Directs the Secretary to establish and conduct a dependent care assistance program, which meets certain requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, for the care of dependents of employees of the HSRA. Requires such program to be implemented no later than June 1, 1990. Directs the Secretary to establish a voluntary transfer of leave program for the benefit of health-care professionals of the HSRA. Authorizes the Secretary to establish a voluntary leave bank program for the benefit of such individuals. Requires such programs to be consistent with current Federal voluntary leave programs. Authorizes the Secretary and the Director of the Office of Personnel Management to enter into agreements permitting health-care professionals of the HSRA to participate in the current Federal voluntary leave transfer and voluntary leave bank programs. Requires the Secretary to implement such programs no later than October 1, 1990. Title III: Health Care Education - Requires the Secretary, in selecting applicants for the VA Scholarship Program, to ensure an equitable allocation of scholarships to persons enrolled in the second year of a program leading to an associate degree in nursing. Requires such requirement to be implemented beginning with scholarships awarded in 1990. Requires current representatives of the field of paramedics to assist in the establishment of cooperative arrangements to provide for the training of health and paramedical personnel in order to improve the manpower utilization of such personnel. Requires such requirement to be implemented no later than February 1, 1990. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1990 through 1993 for making grants for such cooperative programs. Title IV: Other Personnel Management Matters - Authorizes the Secretary, upon the recommendation of the CMD, to appoint in the competitive service any individual who: (1) has been awarded a degree or certificate in a health-care profession or occupation by an accredited institution; (2) has been appointed by the Secretary to a clinical education program conducted by an educational institution affiliated with a VA health-care facility; and (3) has successfully completed such program within one year before the individual's appointment into the competitive service. Directs the CMD of the VA to conduct a pilot program at no less than five VA medical facilities during FY 1990 through 1992 in order to determine the effect on employees of VA pay and personnel management practices. Requires the CMD to establish certain alternative pay and personnel management practices, such as increasing certain pay differentials for day versus evening duty, utilizing registered nurses in new ways for the furnishing of direct-patient care, and establishing flexible employment benefits programs for VA employees. Requires various reports between the CMD, the Secretary, and the veterans' committees relating to the results of such pilot program.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 1989
Designates October 1989 and 1990 as National Down Syndrome Month.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 1989
Designates September 14, 1989, as National DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) Day.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 1989
Designates the week of November 12 through November 18, 1989, as Geography Awareness Week.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 1989
Expresses support for the right of the Panamanian people to full democracy in Panama. Condemns the Noriega regime's attempts to curtail the rights of participation in the election process. Calls upon the Noriega regime to: (1) guarantee free and open access to polling places, public access to voting lists, and public tabulation of ballots; and (2) accord full access for electoral activities to the official U.S. observer team, the Carter-Ford election observer group, and other international observer teams. Urges President Bush to: (1) encourage other democracies to send international observer teams to Panama; (2) report to the Congress on the extent to which the May 7, 1989, elections in Panama were conducted in a free and fair manner; and (3) consult with the Congress on the future course of action for U.S. policy in Panama.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1989
Soybean Promotion, Research, and Consumer Information Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to issue an order (subject to producer referendum) creating a soybean promotion, research, and consumer education program. Requires any such order to provide for the establishment of a: (1) United Soybean Board; and (2) Soybean Program Coordinating Committee. Funds such program through producer assessments. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1989
Authorizes and requests the President to designate the weeks of November 19 through November 25, 1989, and November 18 through November 24, 1990, as National Family Week.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1989
Designates October 6, 1989, as German-American Day.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1989
Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) Japan has not lived up to the terms of the 1986 agreement regarding the Japanese semiconductor market; (2) the administration should convey this message to Japan; (3) the President, the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), the Secretary of State, and the Secretary of Commerce should seek full access to the Japanese market for semiconductors; and (4) the President and the USTR should take measures to achieve compliance with such agreement.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1989
Excludes Agent Orange settlement payments from income or resources in determining eligibility for benefits under certain Federal or federally-assisted programs.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1989
Designates the week of September 9 through September 15, 1989, as National Nursing Home Residents' Rights Week.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1989
Congratulates the United Jewish Appeal on its 50th anniversary.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1989
Directs the Senate Legal Counsel to appear as amicus curiae in the name of the Senate in United States ex rel. Newsham, et al. v. Lockheed Missiles and Space Company, Inc., to defend the constitutionality of the qui tam provisions of the False Claims Act.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 1989
National Voter Registration Act of 1989 - Requires each State to establish procedures with respect to presidential and congressional elections to permit voter registration by: (1) application in person simultaneously with application for a motor vehicle driver's license; (2) mail application; or (3) application in person at designated Federal, State, and private sector locations. Declares that this Act does not apply to any State that has no voter registration requirement with respect to presidential and congressional elections. Requires each State to: (1) assure that any eligible applicant who submits his or her application 25 days before the election is registered to vote in the election; (2) require the appropriate State election official to notify each applicant of the disposition of the application; and (3) provide that the name of a voter may not be removed from the official list of eligible voters except by reason of death, criminal conviction, mental incapacity, change in residence, failure to vote in two consecutive elections, or voter request. Requires each State to designate a chief State election official to coordinate State functions under this Act. Provides a private right of action for an individual aggrieved by a violation of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 1989
Designates May 29, 1989, as the National Day of Remembrance for the Victims of the U.S.S. Iowa.
United States · United States Congress · 19 April 1989
Potato Research and Promotion Act Amendments of 1989 - Amends the Potato Research and Promotion Act to subject imported potatoes to marketing assessments (on the same basis as domestic potatoes). Defines "importer" for purposes of such Act. Requires importers to: (1) pay the assessment upon U.S. entry; and (2) maintain specified records. Makes potato marketing orders applicable to potatoes produced in the 50 States and abroad. Prohibits assessment refunds. Includes importers on the Potato Promotion Board. Exempts changes under this Act to potato plans from producer referendum requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 19 April 1989
Designates the period commencing September 11, 1989, and ending September 15, 1989, as National Historically Black Colleges Week.
United States · United States Congress · 19 April 1989
Designates the week of October 8 through October 14, 1989, as National Week of Commitment to Helping the Homeless.
United States · United States Congress · 19 April 1989
Designates October 5, 1989, as Raoul Wallenberg Recognition Day.
United States · United States Congress · 19 April 1989
Designates October 3, 1989, as National Teacher Appreciation Day.
United States · United States Congress · 19 April 1989
Directs the Senate Legal Counsel to represent the Subcommittee on Oversight of Government Management in the case of United States v. Eugene Robert Wallach, et al. Authorizes the Chairman and Ranking Minority Member of such subcommittee to produce documents in such case to the extent deemed necessary.
United States · United States Congress · 19 April 1989
Commends the courage with which Albert Gore III is fighting back from the serious injuries he sustained by being struck by an automobile.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1989
Toxics Release Prevention Act of 1989 - Amends the Clean Air Act to revise provisions concerning national emissions standards for hazardous air pollutants. Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to include on the list of such pollutants each pollutant listed in committee print 101-XX published by the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works. Directs the Administrator to review and revise such list at least every five years by adding pollutants which present a threat of adverse human health or environmental effects. Provides that no substance or activity regulated under part B of such Act shall be subject to regulation solely due to adverse environmental effects. Permits others to petition for additions to or deletions from such list. Requires the presentation of adequate data concerning health or environmental effects for the addition or deletion of any substance to or from such list. Directs the Administrator to list categories of major sources of hazardous air pollutants and establish a minimum emissions rate for each pollutant emitted by such sources. Limits the minimum annual emissions rate to ten metric tons for any one hazardous air pollutant or 25 metric tons for any combination of such pollutants. Authorizes the Administrator to establish an annual minimum emissions rate of more than ten metric tons for any category and pollutant, provided that a certain health threshold will not be exceeded and no adverse environmental effects will occur. Requires emission standards for such sources to require the maximum degree of reductions that the Administrator determines is achievable. Prohibits emission standards for new sources from being less stringent than those for existing sources in the same category. Permits emissions standards for existing sources to be less stringent than standards for new sources if the Administrator determines that the level of control applicable to new sources is technically or economically infeasible for existing sources. Directs the Administrator to review such standards at least every seven years. Requires the Administrator to establish such standards within: (1) 24 months of this Act's enactment for sources of specified pollutants; and (2) three, five, or ten years of this Act's enactment, based on the quantity of the pollutant and the risk of exposure. Requires standards for all categories to be promulgated within ten years of this Act's enactment. Directs the Administrator, within three years after the initial promulgation of such standards, to evaluate the risks to human health and the environment from emissions remaining after the application of such standards. Requires the revision of such standards if the Administrator determines that such emissions present a significant risk of adverse human health or environmental effects. Directs the Administrator to establish additional emissions regulations for categories of sources of carcinogens or for pollutants for which standards do not reduce emissions to a level at or below the threshold for adverse health effects. Prohibits any consideration of cost, cost-effectiveness, economic, or energy factors or technological feasibility to determine the appropriate level of such standards. Authorizes the Administrator to promulgate design, equipment, work practice, or operational standards for sources under this Act. Requires the Administrator to promulgate such standards when it is infeasible to prescribe or enforce an emission standard for a category of hazardous air pollutants. Permits the use of an alternative means of emission limitations if such alternative achieves a reduction equivalent to that achieved under this Act's requirements. Authorizes the Administrator or a State with an approved program to require owners or operators of facilities which emit hazardous air pollutants to: (1) monitor the presence of such pollutant in the source emissions and ambient air; (2) install and maintain leak detection systems; and (3) keep records and report on the results of such monitoring and leak detection. Requires work practice emissions standards to include, where appropriate, leak prevention, detection, and correction requirements. Sets forth a compliance schedule for emissions standards under this Act. Requires compliance by existing sources within three years of the effective date of such standards. Grants an extension of up to two additional years for such sources under specified conditions. Authorizes the Administrator or a State with an approved program to: (1) exempt existing sources from certain carcinogen emissions standards under specified conditions; and (2) require owners or operators of such sources to conduct research and development on improved technology or management practices as a condition for such temporary exemption or permit renewal. Provides an opportunity for public comment on any proposed exemption. Authorizes the President to exempt any source from emissions standards for up to two years if the technology to implement such standards is unavailable and the operation of such source is required for national security. Authorizes extensions of such exemptions for additional two-year periods. Authorizes the Administrator to exempt any existing major listed source from applicable emissions standards upon a showing that such source has achieved a voluntary emissions reduction of at least 90 percent by December 31, 1992. Waives emissions requirements for sources where emissions are in de minimis amounts and do not pose a risk of adverse human health or environmental effects and where control of such pollutant would require installation of additional and separate control technologies. Makes it unlawful to construct a new source or emit any pollutant subject to standards under this Act, except in compliance with a permit issued by the Administrator or an approved State. Outlines the requirements of the permit program. Limits State permits to five-year periods. Authorizes the issuance of a temporary permit if a source owner or operator certifies that the source will comply with applicable standards. Requires the Administrator or a State, within six months of the issuance of a temporary permit, to review the operations of such source to determine whether a full permit should be issued. Sets forth administrative provisions regarding the issuance of permits. Requires the Administrator to conduct an urban pollution research program to include: (1) ambient monitoring for a range of hazardous air pollutants in a number of urban areas; (2) analysis to characterize the area sources of such pollution and the health risks posed by such pollutants; and (3) consideration of factors which elevate such health risks. Directs States receiving grants for air pollution planning and control which contain a metropolitan area with over 250,000 persons to commence a monitoring program in each such area to measure the ambient concentration of hazardous air pollutants. Requires Governors of such States to report biennially to the Administrator on the results of such monitoring and to make such information available to the public. Requires the Administrator to transmit to the Congress a comprehensive strategy to control hazardous air pollutants released by sources in urban areas. Outlines the requirements of such strategy, including: (1) a schedule for specific actions to reduce emissions of particular hazardous air pollutants; and (2) the identification of research needs in monitoring or pollution control techniques and recommendations for changes in law to further the goals of such strategy. Requires the Administrator to set aside at least ten percent of funds available for grants under this section to support State strategies to reduce risk from source emissions in urban areas. Directs the Administrator, at intervals no later than eight and ten years after this Act's enactment, to report to the Congress on actions taken to reduce risks to public health posed by pollutants from area sources. Requires such report to identify metropolitan areas which continue to experience high risks as the result of emissions from such sources. Directs the Administrator to report to the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works and the House Committee on Energy and Commerce on health impacts of mobile source benzene emissions and fuel and vehicle-based control strategies. Authorizes States to develop and submit to the Administrator for approval programs for the control of emissions of hazardous air pollutants or for the prevention and mitigation of accidental releases of such pollutants. Permits the Administrator's enforcement authorities to be transferred to a State. Requires the Administrator to publish guidance for use in program development. Requires such guidance to include standards for emissions control as well as registration of facilities handling such pollutants in amounts greater than the threshold quantity. Directs the Administrator to establish and maintain an air toxics clearinghouse, control technology center, and risk information center to provide technical assistance and information to States on emissions reduction. Authorizes the Administrator to make grants to States for program development. Requires the Administrator to withdraw approval of a program if it is determined that the State is not administering or enforcing such program. Directs the Administrator to: (1) assess the hazards to public health and the environment resulting from emissions of hydrogen sulfide associated with the extraction of oil and natural gas resources; (2) report the results of such assessment, together with recommendations, to the Congress; and (3) develop and implement a control strategy for such emissions. Requires the Administrator to: (1) review risk assessment methods used by EPA to determine the carcinogenic risks associated with exposure to hazardous air pollutants and source categories; and (2) report the results of such review to the Congress. Directs the Administrator to report annually to the Congress on measures taken by the EPA and States to implement the requirements of this Act. Requires the Administrator to list at least 50 substances which could be released suddenly in concentrations that may cause adverse human health effects. Directs the Administrator to update such list at least every five years. Requires owners and operators of facilities at which such substances are present in amounts greater than a threshold quantity to conduct hazard assessments for each substance present at the facility. Directs the Administrator to publish guidance for the preparation of such assessments. Requires such assessments to include an identification of potential release sources and exposures and to be biennially updated. Directs the Administrator, to the extent practicable, to: (1) coordinate assessment requirements with requirements imposed by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, including joint promulgation of regulations; and (2) facilitate compliance with such requirements by designing generic hazard identification and assessment tools for owners and operators of hazardous substance facilities. Makes such assessments available to the Administrator, States, the Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board, local emergency planning entities and, subject to conditions of the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act of 1986, the public. Requires the Administrator to establish a long-term research program to develop and disseminate information on improved hazard assessment methods and techniques. Establishes within EPA a Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board to investigate and report on accidental chemical releases, make recommendations on the safety of chemical production, handling, and storage, and promulgate requirements for the reporting of such releases. Requires the Board to enter into a memorandum of understanding with the National Transportation Safety Board to assure coordination of functions and limit duplication of activities. Authorizes the Board to conduct research and studies with respect to accidental, sudden releases of hazardous substances. Requires the Board to publish a report, along with recommendations, on the use of hazard assessments in preventing and minimizing such releases. Directs the Administrator to set forth reasons for any refusal to implement a recommendation of the Board. Authorizes the Board to hold hearings, secure written reports from any person handling chemicals, and conduct inspections of any facility where an accidental release has occurred. Requires information obtained by the Board, unless it is likely to cause substantial harm to a person's competitive position, to be made available to the public. Directs the Board to report annually to the President and the Congress on accidental releases, recommendations, and priorities for research and investigations. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1990 through 1994. Authorizes the Administrator to promulgate release prevention, detection, and correction requirements, including requirements for monitoring, recordkeeping, and design, equipment, and operational practices, for extremely hazardous pollutant facilities. Authorizes the Administrator to secure such relief as may be necessary when determined that an actual or threatened release of an extremely hazardous substance poses an imminent and substantial danger to the public health or welfare or the environment. Permits the Administrator to issue orders to protect human health, welfare, or the environment. Establishes daily penalties for violations of such orders. Directs the Administrator to publish guidance for the coordination of such authority with the relevant authorities under other Federal environmental laws. Requires the President to: (1) review release prevention, mitigation, and response authorities of various Federal agencies and coordinate agency responsibilities to assure efficient implementation of such authorities and identify any deficiencies in authority or resources; and (2) report to the Congress on such activities, along with recommendations for changes in law. Authorizes appropriations. Increases and expands the scope of penalties under the Clean Air Act. Repeals certain provisions of such Act concerning the revision of stationary source regulations.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1989
Designates October 7 through October 14, 1989, as National Week of Outreach to the Rural Disabled.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1989
Designates February 18 through February 24, 1990, as National Visiting Nurse Associations Week.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1989
Declares that it is a shared responsibility of both the public and private sectors at the Federal, State, and local levels to take the necessary steps to remove existing barriers to access to quality health care for every child and pregnant woman.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1989
Commends the Bush administration's call for an immediate ceasefire in Lebanon. Condemns those parties unwilling to heed this call. Calls for: (1) the President to renew his efforts to obtain an immediate halt to the fighting in Lebanon; (2) the withdrawal of all foreign forces from Lebanon and the abolition of all militias within that country; and (3) Lebanese parties to commit themselves to internal reconciliation and free elections.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1989
Commends Beth Shotwell-Valeo for her faithful and outstanding service to the Senate and the Nation.
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1989
North American Wetlands Conservation Act - Establishes a North American Wetlands Conservation Commission. Sets forth elements to be considered by the Commission in making recommendations for wetlands conservation projects. Requires the Commission to submit annual descriptions to the Secretary of the Interior and the appropriate congressional committees of projects recommended for Federal funding. Directs the Secretary to approve such projects for funding unless such projects should not have been recommended based on the consideration factors. Requires the Secretary to carry out such projects with funding available under this Act and the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act. Requires lands, waters, or other interests acquired by the Secretary to carry out such projects to be included in the National Wildlife Refuge System, except as otherwise provided in this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to convey to States or public or private agencies approved by States any real property interest acquired, managed, or restored with funding provided by this Act, except that no such interest shall, without the Secretary's approval, be converted for uses other than conservation of migratory birds, other fish and wildlife, and the wetland ecosystems on which such species depend. Requires the Secretary to approve such conversion only if the Secretary finds it in accordance with the North American Waterfowl Management Plan (Plan) signed by Canada and the United States in 1986 and only upon such conditions deemed necessary to assure the substitution of comparable wetland ecosystems or other habitats for migratory birds and other fish and wildlife species. Directs the Secretary to grant funds to public and private entities for carrying out wetlands conservation projects in Canada and Mexico. Subjects the granting of such funds to the condition that property interests acquired, managed, or restored with such funds will be administered for the long-term conservation and management of fish and wildlife and will provide for public access and use. Amends the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act to require the Secretary of the Treasury to invest in interest-bearing obligations such portion of the wildlife restoration fund not required for the current year's withdrawals. Sets forth authorized investment activities and the required use of interest held on obligations in such fund. Excludes such interest from revenues to be deducted for administrative expenses. Authorizes the sums of certain penalties or fines received for violations of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act to be appropriated to the Department of the Interior for allocations of funds under this Act. Authorizes additional appropriations. Allocates funds made available under this Act and the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act. Limits the Federal contribution to wetlands conservation projects to 75 percent for projects in Canada and Mexico and 50 percent of the total cost for projects in the United States. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) make progress payments to wetlands conservation projects; and (2) enter into agreements to make payments on initial portions of such projects, subject to the availability of Federal funds. Prohibits the use of moneys allocated under this Act for acquiring lands for inclusion in the National Wildlife Refuge System, except as provided, unless there is appropriated under the Refuge Revenue Sharing Act for such fiscal year an amount equal to the difference between the total amount of net receipts and the aggregate amount of payments to be made to counties. Requires the head of each Federal agency responsible for acquiring, managing, or disposing of Federal lands and waters to cooperate with the Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to restore, protect, and enhance the wetland ecosystems and other habitats for migratory birds, fish, and wildlife within such lands and waters. Directs such agencies, in the consideration of land disposal alternatives, to give priority to transfers of property for conservation purposes. Requires the Secretary to report biennially to the appropriate congressional committees on: (1) the estimated number of wetland acres and habitats that were restored, protected, or enhanced for migratory birds during such two-year period; and (2) trends in the population size and distribution of North American migratory birds. Directs the Secretary to report annually to such committees on the status of wetlands conservation projects and expenditures. Requires the Secretary, in 1991 and quinquennially thereafter, to revise the Plan with appropriate Canadian and Mexican officials. Prohibits funds made available under this Act and the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act from being used for fish and wildlife mitigation purposes under the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act or the Water Resources Development Act of 1986.
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 1989
Medicaid Home and Community Care Options Act of 1989 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to permit States to provide Medicaid coverage of home and community care for functionally disabled elderly individuals. Defines a functional disability as Alzheimer's disease or the inability, due to physical or cognitive impairment, to perform at least two daily living activities. Defines a covered community care setting as a nonresidential setting or a residential setting in which more than two unrelated adults reside and personal services are provided. Requires that home and community care be provided to each client in accordance with an individual community care plan (ICCP) prepared and periodically reviewed and revised by a case manager on the basis of a comprehensive functional assessment of a client's needs conducted by an interdisciplinary team before his or her receipt of care and at least annually thereafter. Sets a ceiling on Medicaid payments to States for home and community care. Reduces Federal Medicaid payments to States that reduce their Medicaid home and community care expenditures below their FY 1989 expenditures for such care. Requires that such care meet minimum requirements, to be developed by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, regarding client rights and the quality of such care. Makes the requirements imposed on nursing facilities regarding patient's rights and facility safety and sanitation applicable to settings in which home or community care is provided. Requires that community care settings: (1) disclose persons having an ownership or control interest in the setting; and (2) exclude a person from such interest if he or she has been excluded from the Medicaid program or had an interest in a community care setting repeatedly found to have provided substandard care. Makes the: (1) Secretary responsible for certifying that State home or community care providers and settings comply with Medicaid requirements; and (2) States responsible for certifying that other home or community care providers and settings comply with Medicaid requirements. Requires that providers and settings be certified annually. Bases community care setting certification on an annual, unannounced survey. Directs the Secretary to: (1) develop a protocol for conducting surveys; and (2) conduct sample surveys of community care settings, within two months of State surveys, to test the adequacy of State surveys. Authorizes the Secretary to conduct a special survey of a setting or a review of a provider when there is reason to question its compliance with this Act. Prohibits the use of surveyors who have an interest in the provider or setting being surveyed. Requires States and the Secretary to investigate complaints against community care providers or settings concerning violations of this Act's requirements. Requires each State to provide, through the State agency responsible for the certification of such providers and settings, for the receipt, review, and investigation of allegations of client neglect and abuse, and of misappropriation of client property by providers. Requires that: (1) certain information regarding home or community care providers and settings and their compliance with this Act's requirements be made available to the public; and (2) State Medicaid fraud and abuse control units be given access to provider or setting survey and certification information. Authorizes the Secretary or States to terminate a home or community care provider's participation in the Medicaid program and to impose a civil monetary penalty for failure to meet this Act's requirements. Sets forth the Secretary's responsibilities relating to home and community care requirements. Requires that State Medicaid payment rates for home and community care be reasonable and adequate to meet the costs of providing such care efficiently, and in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and standards. Prohibits the coverage of civil monetary penalties imposed against providers of home and community care.
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 1989
Reconstitutes and reauthorizes the Senate Arms Control Observer Group to act during the 101st Congress as official observers at any formal arms reduction or control negotiations.
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 1989
Directs the Senate Legal Counsel to appear as amicus curiae in the name of the Senate in United States ex rel. Truong v. Northrop Corp., United States ex rel. Stillwell v. Hughes Helicopters, Inc., et al., and United States ex rel. Hyatt v. Northrop Corp., to defend the constitutionality of the qui tam provisions of the False Claims Act.
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 1989
Central American Negotiations Observer Group Resolution - Reestablishes the bipartisan Senate Central American Negotiations Observer Group to act as official observers as part of the U.S. delegation to any bilateral or multilateral negotiations dealing with the question of peace in Central America involving Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, or Nicaragua.
United States · United States Congress · 11 April 1989
Declares that the purpose of this Act is to implement the Bipartisan Accord on Central America of March 24, 1989. Authorizes the President to transfer to the Agency for International Development (AID) unobligated funds from specified defense appropriations accounts for: (1) humanitarian assistance (including transportation expenses) to the Nicaraguan Resistance to be available through February 28, 1990; and (2) operating expenses of AID. Limits the total amount of funds that may be transferred for such purposes. Requires the transportation of such assistance to be arranged solely by AID in a manner consistent with the Bipartisan Accord. Prohibits the transportation of any assistance not specified by this Act. Authorizes the President to transfer to AID an additional amount from the specified accounts for medical assistance for the civilian victims of Nicaraguan civil strife. Requires such assistance to be transported and administered by the Nicaraguan Catholic Church. Encourages the President to submit proposals for actions to: (1) provide additional economic assistance to the democratic countries of Central America; (2) facilitate the ability of Central American economies to grow through the development of infrastructure, expansion of exports, and increased investment opportunities; (3) provide a plan to assist Central American countries in managing debt; and (4) develop such initiatives in concert with Western Europe, Japan, and other democratic allies. Prohibits the obligation or expenditure of funds available under this Act to assist the Nicaraguan Resistance in military or paramilitary operations. Prohibits providing assistance under this Act to any group including an individual who has been found to engage in: (1) gross violations of internationally recognized human rights; or (2) drug smuggling or significant misuse of funds. Grants congressional oversight for assistance under this Act to specified congressional committees. Applies provisions of a specified Act concerning management and delivery of assistance to the Nicaraguan Resistance to assistance under this Act. Prohibits additional assistance to the Nicaraguan Resistance unless authorized specifically by a subsequent Act. Repeals title IX (Assistance for the Nicaraguan Resistance) of the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 1989. Requires the Secretary of State to report to the Congress on progress in the peace and democratization process, including the use of assistance under this Act.