United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1989
Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a National Voluntary Reunion Registry within the Department of Health and Human Services under the direction of the Secretary's designee. Provides that the Registry shall facilitate, on a voluntary mutual request basis, the reunion of birth parents and adopted persons, and birth siblings or birth grandparents of adopted persons, through a centralized computer network. Directs the Secretary to report annually to the Congress on activities under this Act. Sets forth provisions for participation in the Registry and initiation of the matching process. Directs the Secretary to establish procedures to protect the confidentiality and privacy rights and interests of all participants. Provides for the collection of reasonable fees for Registry services. Allows the Registry to include similar State systems under specified conditions. Subjects individuals or entities found to have disclosed or used confidential information in violation of this Act to fines and imprisonment. Authorizes the Secretary to promulgate regulations that require the Registry to include referral to existing programs that provide counseling services. Requires, if the Secretary promulgates such regulations, that applicants to the Registry receive a referral list of licensed agencies, professionals, and adoption triad support groups that provide counseling services. Allows such services to include adoption peer support groups, community special service agencies, health professionals, and agencies providing family counseling. Directs the Secretary to issue interim and final regulations within specified periods. Authorizes appropriations to carry out this Act for FY 1989 through 1991.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1989
Amends Federal copyright law to permit the unlicensed viewing of videos in a hospital, hospice, nursing home, or other group home providing health care if the institution: (1) provides long-term health care services to individuals on a regular basis; and (2) serves as a temporary or permanent home for such individuals. Prohibits such institutions from levying a direct charge for the video viewing and from transmitting such video viewing via closed-circuit television or other means.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1989
Authorizes the President pro tempore of the Senate to appoint a special delegation of Senators to host an international conference on global environmental issues. Authorizes up to $500,000, to be paid from the contingent fund of the Senate, for the expenses of such delegation. Requires the delegation to submit a final report at its termination, at the end of the 101st Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1989
Requests: (1) the Soviet Union to release the prison records of Raoul Wallenberg and account for his whereabouts; and (2) the President to pursue such release and accounting through diplomatic actions with the Soviet Union.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1989
Older Workers Benefit Protection Act - Amends the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (ADEA) to specify that it prohibits discrimination against older workers in all employee benefits except when age-based reductions in employee benefit plans are justified by significant cost considerations. Declares that, as used in ADEA, the phrase "compensation, terms, conditions, or privileges of employment" encompasses all employee benefits, including those provided under a bona fide employee benefit plan. Requires that the actual amount of payment made or cost incurred on behalf of an older worker be no less than that made or incurred on behalf of a younger worker, for each benefit or benefit package, in order for an employee benefit plan not to violate ADEA. Places on the employer, employment agency, or labor organization the burden of proving, in any civil enforcement proceeding brought under ADEA, that specified actions are lawful. Requires a seniority system or employee benefit plan to comply with ADEA regardless of the date of adoption of such system or plan. Applies this Act to all actions or proceedings under ADEA that were brought after June 23, 1989, or that were pending on such date (which is the date on which the Supreme Court issued the decision in Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio V. Betts).
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1989
Federal Nuclear Facilities Environmental Response Act - Title I: Federal Nuclear Facility Environmental Response Fund - Establishes the Federal Nuclear Facilities Environmental Response Fund (the Fund). Authorizes appropriations for such Fund for FY 1991 and following years. Mandates that penalties assessed against the Department of Energy (DOE) and its nuclear facility contractors for specified environmental violations be transferred into the Fund. Mandates that an environmental violation assessed against: (1) DOE be paid only out of its operating budget; and (2) a DOE contractor be paid only by the contractor and not by DOE. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to report annually to the Congress regarding the Fund's financial status. Requires the Secretary of Energy (the Secretary) to: (1) prepare a budget plan for the timely completion of specified radioactive waste disposal activities; (2) promulgate rules for allocating remedial environmental costs among specified entities participating in DOE nuclear-related services; (3) annually notify each Federal agency of its proportionate share of designated radioactive waste disposal costs; and (4) assess a user fee from entities participating in DOE nuclear-related services. Title II: Environmental Management and Remedial Action - Subtitle A: Plans for Compliance with Federal Environmental Law - Directs the Assistant Secretary of DOE who is responsible for environmental protection to make an environmental baseline survey of each site containing a Federal nuclear facility. Requires that such survey be provided to the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (the Administrator) and to affected States and Indian tribes. Directs the Secretary to develop (and revise at least once every five years) a compliance plan and a site management plan for bringing each Federal nuclear facility into timely compliance with State and Federal environmental laws. Directs the Secretary to implement both plans with the concurrence of the affected States and Indian tribes and the Administrator. Subtitle B: Office of Environmental Management and Remedial Action - Establishes in DOE the Office of Environmental Management and Remedial Action headed by a Director responsible for DOE remedial action and waste technology programs. Requires annual reports to the Congress. Subtitle C: Notification and Participation of Affected States and Indian Tribes - Requires the Secretary and the Administrator to ensure the participation of affected States and Indian tribes with respect to: (1) bringing Federal nuclear facilities into compliance with Federal environmental law; and (2) transportation corridors affected by nuclear-related activities. Directs the Secretary to make grants from the Fund to an affected State or Indian tribe to: (1) monitor the compliance of Federal nuclear sites and facilities with Federal environmental and health safety laws; and (2) negotiate agreements and evaluate impacts and risks regarding transportation corridors. Title III: Research and Development for Environmental Restoration and Management of Federal Nuclear Facilities - Requires the Administrator and the Secretary to enter into a joint agreement to coordinate research and development technologies for Federal nuclear site activities regarding: (1) application of and compliance with Federal environmental requirements; (2) facility decontamination and decommissioning; and (3) hazardous nuclear material characterization, treatment, and stabilization. Requires the Secretary and Administrator to: (1) submit to the Office of Management and Budget annual Federal nuclear facilities environmental research and development budget requests; (2) fund the jointly established research and development program from the Trust Fund; and (3) jointly establish an information and technologies transfer program for commercial application. Authorizes the Secretary and the Administrator to enter into contracts and provide research grants.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 1989
National and Community Service Act of 1989- Title I: School Based Community Service - Part A: School Based Community Service - Serve America, the Service to America Act of 1989 - Authorizes the Secretary of Education (the Secretary) to make grants to States or local applicants to create or expand service opportunities for students and out-of-school youth and for community members, particularly senior citizens, to volunteer in schools. Limits the term of such grants to three years. Authorizes the Secretary to fund: (1) one or more national or regional clearinghouses on service; (2) national model youth service programs; and (3) development of innovative curriculum materials for use in student community service programs and school volunteer and partnership programs. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1991 through 1995. Part B: Higher Education - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) to revise and rename a certain program Innovative Projects for Community Service. Provides that grants for innovative projects are to encourage student participation in community service activities before, during, or after the completion of the student's higher education. Authorizes the Secretary to appoint a limited number of technical employees to administer Postsecondary Improvement Programs. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1991 through 1995 for grants for innovative projects for community service. Part C: Work Study Programs - Amends HEA provisions relating to grants for State student incentives to direct the Secretary to make an additional reservation and allotment of funds for campus-based community work learning study jobs whenever appropriations exceed a specified amount. Amends HEA provisions for Work Study Programs to: (1) decrease the maximum Federal share of compensation of students employed in the work study program from 70 percent to 60 percent for academic year 1992-1993; and (2) increase the maximum Federal share of compensation of students employed in the work study for community service-learning programs from 90 percent to 100 percent. Part D: Publication - Amends HEA provisions for the direct (Perkins) and guaranteed (Stafford) student loan programs to require publicizing of the current loan repayment deferral program for full-time volunteers with the Peace Corps, VISTA, ad tax-exempt organizations. Requires informing students of this deferral program option in their exit counseling. Requires the Secretary of Education to: (1) provide students with specified information on the deferral program; and (2) gather data on loan deferrals and cancellations for such volunteers. Part E: Direct Loans to Students in Institutions of Higher Education - Amends HEA provisions for the direct (Perkins) student loan program to provide for partial loan cancellation for full-time volunteer service with a tax-exempt organization. (Current law provides for such partial cancellation for service in the Peace Corps or VISTA.) Part F: Loan Forgiveness - Amends HEA provisions for the guaranteed (Stafford) student loan program to provide for partial loan cancellation for service in the Peace Corps or VISTA or for comparable full-time service as a volunteer with a tax-exempt organization. Title II: Youth Service Corps - American Conservation and Youth Service Corps Act of 1989 - Authorizes the National Service Board (the Board, established under title IV of this Act) to provide grants to State and local applicants to create or expand full-time or summer youth service corps programs. Sets forth provisions for grant duration and renewal, allocation of funds, and State and lcoal applications. Sets forth authorized project for conservation corps programs and for human services corps programs. Sets forth ineligible service categories. Encourages use of program services by related programs administered under the authority of the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Directs the Board to: (1) fund only programs that involve projects on public lands or Indian lands or provide a public benefit; and (2) consult with the Department of the Interior in reviewing applications proposing programs or projects on public lands or Indian lands. Requires program agencies to provide to participants: (1) in-service training and education; and (2) post-service education and training assistance. Limits enrollment in programs under this title to individuals who at the time of enrollment are: (1) 16 through 25 years of age (15 through 21 for summer programs); and (2) U.S. citizens or nationals or lawful permanent resident aliens. Requires program agencies to provide post-service education and training benefits in specified amounts for each participant. Excludes such amounts from gross income for specified purposes of the Internal Revenue Code. Authorizes the program agency to provide certain services. Requires the program agency to provide necessary job guidance and placement information and assistance to participants, in coordination with other appropriate entities. Requires that each participant in a full-time youth service corps program receive a living allowance and health insurance. Authorizes the Board to develop regulations and standards for joint projects coordinating activities under this title with activities under employment and training programs administered by the Department of Labor (including the Job Training Partnership Act programs). Makes participants, crew leaders, and volunteers responsible to, and the responsibility of, the program agency administering the project. Provides that participants and crew leaders shall not be considered Federal employees, except for purposes of work-related injuries, tort claims procedure, and allowances for quarters. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1991 through 1995 to carry out this title. Title III: National Service Demonstration Program - National and Community Service Demonstration Act - Directs the National Service Board, not later than one year from the date of enactment of this title, to make grants to States to create full-time and part-time national service demonstration programs. Limits authorization to exercise an alternative voucher option to no more than 25 percent of the States. Requires that at least 25 percent of funded programs include full-time, part-time, and special senior service participants. Limits the number of States authorized to operate full-time or part-time programs in specified fiscal years. Requires program participants to perform national service to meet unmet educational, human, environmental, and public safety needs, especially those relating to poverty. Sets forth various authorized types of such national service. Requires part-time volunteers to agree to serve for: (1) at least three years but not more than six years, at the individual's discretion; and (2) two weekends a month and two weeks during the year, or an average of nine hours per week. Requires full-time volunteers to agree to serve for: (1) at least one year but not more than two years, at the individual's discretion; and (2) at least 40 hours per week. Requires special senior service participants to serve either part-time or full-time as allowed by the Board. Authorizes the Board to provide a participant with a portion of specified financial assistance if the State releases the participant from completion of service for compelling personal circumstances. Allows individuals to serve part-time if they are: (1) age 17 or over; and (2) U.S. citizens or lawful permanent U.S. residents. Requires States, in selecting part-time participants, to give priority to applicants who are currently employed. Allows individuals to serve full-time if they: (1) are age 17 or over; (2) have received a high school diploma or equivalent, or agree to work toward it while participating; and (3) are U.S. citizens or lawful permanent U.S. residents. Allows individuals to serve as special senior service members if they: (1) are age 60 or over; and (2) meet eligibility criteria established by the Board. Directs the Board to provide to each participant annually a nontransferable voucher equal to: (1) $3,000 for each year of part-time service; and (2) $8,500 for each year of full-time service. Makes special senior service participants ineligible for such vouchers. Limits use of such vouchers to payment of: (1) a student loan; (2) downpayment or closing costs for a first home; or (3) tuition at an institution of higher education on a full-time basis, or expenses of full-time participation in an approved apprenticeship program. Allows some States to apply to the Board for authorization to offer an alternative option limiting voucher use to either those education or those housing purposes. Excludes such vouchers from gross income for specified Internal Revenue Code purposes. Requires that each full-time participant receive a living allowance and health insurance. Requires that each full-time special senior service participant receive an equivalent living allowance and such other assistance as the Board considers necessary and appropriate. Requires that each participant receive three weeks of specified training conducted by the Board in cooperation with the State. Authorizes States to provide additional training. Requires that each participant receive additional training from the sponsoring organization in relevant skills. Sets forth prohibited and allowable uses of Federal funds. Requires each State receiving funds under this title to provide to each full-time participant in-service educational services and materials to enable such participant to obtain a high school diploma or equivalent. Sets forth provisions relating to the treatment of such vouchers or living allowances for purposes of certain student aid determinations under the Higher Education Act of 1965. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1991 through 1995 to carry out this title. Title IV: Corporation for National Service - Establishes the Corporation for National Service (the Corporation), as a nonprofit corporation that shall not be considered an agency or establishment of the U.S. Government. Declares that the Corporation shall be directed by a National Service Board consisting of members appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Directs the Corporation, pursuant to title III of this Act, to: (1) issue housing and education vouchers; and (2) establish living allowances, taking account of variations in the cost of living. Requires each State receiving funds under specified provisions of this Act to report annually to the Board on the status of national and community youth service programs in that State and on compliance with specified nonduplication and nondisplacement requirements. Authorizes States to require local grantees to supply necessary information for such reports. Requires the Board to report annually to specified congressional committees. Requires each State applying for funds under titles IA, II, or III of this Act to form a State Advisory Board for National and Community Service, with members appointed by the Governor. Sets forth State board duties, including coordinating service programs with related programs, disseminating information, recruiting participants, and developing materials and activities. Directs the National Board to provide for continuing evaluation of programs assisted under titles II and III of this Act. Sets a deadline for the evaluation of title III programs' effectiveness in reaching specified objectives. Directs the Board to: (1) administer programs under titles II and III; (2) provide training and technical assistance; (3) provide one or more service information clearinghouses; (4) consult with appropriate Federal agencies; and (5) arrange for program evaluation. Authorizes the President to make Presidential Awards for service to: (1) individuals demonstrating outstanding community service; and (2) outstanding service programs. Authorizes one individual award and one program award in each congressional district, and one statewide program award in each State. Provides for dissemination of information on such individuals and programs. Directs the President to design a comprehensive Federal service strategy including specified elements. Title V: Expansion of Volunteers in Service to America - VISTA Expansion Act of 1989 - Amends the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973 to authorize appropriations increasing amounts for FY 1990 through 1993 for the Volunteers in Service to American (VISTA) program. Title VI: National Older Americans Volunteer Programs - National Older American Volunteer Programs Expansion Act of 1989 - Amends the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973 to require the Director of the ACTION Agency to establish, within each National Older American Volunteer Program, grants to support activities that address national problems on a local level. Sets forth award criteria and grant uses. Gives grant priority for activities assisting: (1) those with chronic debilitating illnesses such as AIDS; (2) drug and alcohol abuse prevention and treatment; (3) teenage parents; (4) mentoring of youth needing guidance; (5) adult and school-based literacy; (6) respite care; (7) before and after-school programs serving children of working parents; (8) boarder babies; (9) child care, especially of children with special needs; and (10) developmentally disabled adult individuals (and, when appropriate, involvement of such individuals as volunteers). Limits funding of such grants to those years when program funding is increased by a specified amount. Authorizes appropriations in increasing amounts for FY 1990 through 1993 for: (1) the Retired Senior Volunteer Program; (2) the Foster Grandparent Program; and (3) the Senior Companion Program.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 1989
Nutrition Labeling and Education Act of 1989 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA) to deem a food misbranded unless its label states: (1) the serving size or other unit of measure customarily used; (2) the number of servings or other units per container; (3) the number of calories per serving and derived from total fat and saturated fat; and (4) the amount of total fat, saturated fat, unsaturated fat, cholesterol, sodium, total carbohydrates, complex carbohydrates, sugars, total protein, and dietary fiber per serving or other unit. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to require additional label information. Exempts from the labeling requirements: (1) raw agricultural commodities, provided the same information is provided by the seller to the consumer in a manner prescribed by the Secretary; (2) food which is sold for immediate consumption at the place of sale; and (3) food which is processed and prepared in a retail establishment and is not for immediate consumption in the retail establishment. Directs the Secretary to contract with the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) to prepare a report making recommendations regarding the manner of the labeling. Directs the NAS to prepare the report within a specified period after execution of the contract. Deems a food misbranded if a claim is made which characterizes the amount of its calories, total fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, sodium, total carbohydrates, complex carbohydrates, sugars, total protein, or dietary fiber (constituents), unless: (1) the claim uses terms defined in regulations of the Secretary; and (2) the food contains the constituents in amounts which reduce dietary risk to persons in the general population. Deems a food misbranded if a claim is made which characterizes the relationship of its constituents to a disease or a condition unless: (1) the claim is made in accordance with regulations of the Secretary; and (2) the food contains the constituents in amounts which reduce dietary risk to persons in the general population. Allows the Secretary to authorize only those claims, regarding a relationship of constituents to a disease or condition, for which there is a scientific consensus. Allows proceedings for the enforcement, or to restrain violations, of the amendments made by this Act to be brought in the name of a State in which the food that is the subject of the proceedings is located (in addition to the existing authorization to bring such actions to enforce the FDCA in the name of the United States). Exempts a food which makes a claim which characterizes the relationship of its constituents to a disease or a condition in accordance with the requirements of this Act from the definition of the term "drug" in the FDCA.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 1989
Amends the Federal Meat Inspection Act to authorize the distribution of a meat article or animal without charge to nonprofit private entities or to Federal, State, or local entities engaged in the distribution of food without charge to individuals, if the article: (1) was inspected and found wholesome and not adulterated; and (2) is marked "Not for Sale." Relieves the United States and the person from whom the meat was seized and condemned from legal responsibility for the article if it: (1) was inspected and found wholesome and not adulterated; and (2) is marked "Not for Sale." Amend the Poultry Products Inspection Act to authorize the distribution of a poultry article without charge to nonprofit private entities or to Federal, State, or local entities engaged in the distribution of food without charge to individuals, if the article: (1) is capable of use as a human food; (2) was inspected and found wholesome and not adulterated; and (3) is marked "Not for Sale." Relieves the United States and the person from whom the poultry was seized and condemned from legal responsibility for the article if it: (1) was inspected and found wholesome and not adulterated; and (2) is marked "Not for Sale."
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 1989
Municipal and Industrial Water Conservation Act of 1989 - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to establish an Office of Water Conservation to perform specified duties, including: (1) the support of programs to reduce water use and loss in municipal, industrial, commercial, institutional, and residential sectors; (2) the support of dissemination of model water conservation programs; and (3) the promotion of least-cost approaches to water planning and regional approaches to management of water and sewer systems. Calls for intergovernmental coordination in water conservation efforts. Requires the Office to provide technical assistance to States, Indian tribes, utilities, local governments, and others in efforts to implement water conservation policies. Requires regular consultations with major water resources development agencies in order to target limited resources. Requires the Office to develop a series of model water conservation programs with policy options for States, Indian tribes, water utilities, and municipalities. Allows such water users to request feasibility studies of their current and potential water conservation activities. Allocates the costs of such studies, allowing smaller studies to be conducted at full Federal cost. Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (as amended by the Water Quality Act of 1987) to require the Administrator to make capitalization grants to State water pollution control revolving funds for conducting municipal and industrial water conservation activities which will reduce operating and capital costs of and needs for waste water treatment facilities. Directs the Office to provide, upon request, technical assistance to businesses and institutions for water efficiency campaigns, plumbing system leak-detection, water use audits, and other water conservation measures. Requires the development of model water conservation programs for businesses and institutions and studies, upon request, of their programs. Directs the Administrator to establish a National Clearinghouse on Water Conservation to collect and disseminate, free of charge, information on water conservation technologies and practices. Establishes the Advisory Council on Water Conservation to make recommendations to the Administrator on activities under this Act. Requires the President's Council on Environmental Quality to require, by rulemaking authority, the consideration of water conservation activities in all relevant environmental impact studies conducted under specified provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. Authorizes appropriations through FY 1994 to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 1989
Conservation Reserve Adjustment Act of 1989 - Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to encourage the planting of trees on conservation reserve program (CRP) acreage through: (1) cost-sharing programs; (2) increased CRP eligibility of non-highly erodible cropland used as shelterbelts, windbreaks, or wildlife corridors; and (3) CRP eligibility of uncropped wetlands, marginal pastureland, and converted grassland planted to trees.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 1989
Defense Production Act Amendments of 1989 - Title I: Amendments to the Defense Production Act of 1950 - Part A: Declaration of Policy - Revises the declaration of policy under the Defense Production Act of 1950 to state that such Act affords the President an array of authorities to shape defense preparedness programs and to take appropriate steps to maintain and enhance the defense industrial and technology base. Part B: Amendments to Title III of the Defense Production Act - Expands the existing loan guarantee authority of the President to include providing such authority for the procurement of a critical technology for the national defense. Increases from $25,000,000 to $50,000,000 the maximum loan guarantee amount that may be made before a specific authorization by law is needed. Waives such loan guarantee requirements upon a determination by the President, on a nondelegable basis, that a specific loan guarantee is needed to avert an industrial resource or critical technology shortfall that would severely impair national defense capability. Makes the same changes identically for loans made to private business enterprises under such Act. Authorizes the President to provide for purchases or purchase commitments for an industrial resource or a critical technology (currently, such purchases or purchase commitments are permitted for the purchase of metals, minerals, and other material). Prohibits the President from executing a contract for purchase or purchase commitment unless: (1) the industrial resource or critical technology is essential to the national defense; (2) U.S. industry cannot reasonably provide such resource or technology in a timely manner; or (3) U.S. national defense demand for the resource or technology is equal to or greater than the output of domestic industrial capability determined to be available for national defense. Increases from $25,000,000 to $50,000,000 the maximum industrial resource shortfall authorized to be reached by the President before a specific authorization by law is required. Waives such purchase and purchase commitment requirements when the President determines, on a nondelegable basis, that such purchase or purchase commitment must be made promptly to avert an industrial resource or critical technology shortfall that would severely impair national defense capability. Extends the term for such purchases or purchase commitments from September 30, 1995, to a date not more than ten years from the date such purchase, commitment, or sale was initially made. Requires excess industrial resources to be sold for industrial use pursuant to other Government programs or transferred to the National Defense Stockpile. Requires such sales or transfers to be charged against, or reimbursed from, funds appropriated to such other government programs or the Stockpile to which such resources were sold or transferred. Establishes in the Treasury the Defense Production Act Fund to carry out the purposes of title III of such Act. Establishes a maximum Fund balance. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to designate a Fund manager to manage such Fund and report to the Congress annually on Fund activities. Provides for the determination of liabilities against the Fund. Amends the Strategic and Critical Materials stock Piling Act to provide for deposit into the Fund of certain amounts received from the sale of materials in the National Defense Stockpile. Transfers a specified amount to such Fund from the National Defense Stockpile Trans-Action Fund. Requires the Department of Commerce (currently, the President) to prepare a report on the impact of offsets on the defense preparedness, industrial competitiveness, employment, and trade of the United States, as required under the Defense Production Act of 1950. Provides that if a U.S. firm enters into a contract for the sale of a weapon system or defense-related item to a foreign country or foreign firm and such contract is subject to an offset agreement exceeding $5,000,000, such firm shall furnish an offset agreement to a designated defense official and information concerning such sale. Provides for the protection of confidential information provided to such defense official. Outlines information to be included in the reports prepared by the Department of Commerce. Requires findings and recommendations contained in such reports to be considered by representatives of the United States during bilateral and multilateral negotiations aimed at minimizing the adverse effects of offsets. Part C: Amendments to Title VII of the Defense Production Act - Requires small business concerns to be given the maximum practicable opportunity to participate as contractors and subcontractors in all programs to maintain and strengthen the nation's industrial base undertaken under such Act. Requires the President to allocate a fair share of material authorized under the Act to small business concerns, especially to new concerns or individual firms facing undue hardship. Adds new definitions as required by changes made under this Act. Authorizes any agency head or officer to appoint civilian personnel to carry out any authority required under this Act. Authorizes the President to establish sanctioned industry consortia to provide industrial resources or critical technologies found to be essential for the preservation or enhancement of the industrial or technology base of the United States supporting the national defense. Prohibits criminal or civil actions to be brought under the antitr.ust laws against any participant in such a consortia for related activities. Defines a "sanctioned industry consortia" as an arrangement among two or more entities for joint research, research and development, production, marketing, or a combination of such activities in order to attain the industrial resources or critical technologies desired. Outlines provisions relating to the formation and sanctioning of industry consortia, the establishment of a consortium advisory council, and termination and regulation of such a consortium. Exempts the activities of a sanctioned industry consortium from the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act. Outlines civil procedures for remedies against a sanctioned industry consortium, requiring that a person within the consortium must have failed to comply with the scope and limitations of its charter in order to grant injunctive relief or damages to a person bringing such an action. Exempts any rule, regulation, order, or amendment thereto promulgated under the authority of the Defense Production Act of 1950 from the Administrative Procedure Act. Authorizes the President to review certain mergers, acquisitions, or takeovers involving foreign persons if it is believed that such an action may threaten to impair the national security. Part D: Technical Amendments - Limits the use of presidential authority to prioritize contracts having a bearing on national defense over other contracts or orders. Increases from $1,000 to $10,000 the possible fine for the willful violation of certain information disclosure rules. Revises provisions concerning certain employment appointment procedures in connection with appointments made by the President in order to carry out the provisions of the Defense Production Act. Part E: Repealers and Conforming Amendments - Repeals specified provisions of such Act which: (1) require the President to transmit any synthetic fuel action to both Houses of the Congress on the same day; (2) provide for voluntary agreements and plans of action for international agreements concerning the international allocation of petroleum products and related information systems; (3) provide for the accrual of interest on remaining funds authorized and appropriated to carry out such Act; (4) establish the Joint Committee on Defense Production; (5) disqualify certain persons for employment under such Act; (6) require a feasibility study of the application of uniform cost accounting standards under defense procurement contracts; and (7) establish the National Commission on Supplies and Shortages. Part F: Reauthorization of Selected Provisions - Extends through FY 1993 the authorization of appropriations to carry out such Act. Revises termination dates of specified provisions of such Act. Title II: Additional Provisions to Improve Industrial Preparedness - Part A: Industrial Capability and National Security - Directs the President to promptly establish an Industrial Capabilities Committee or other appropriate forum to exercise certain responsibilities in connection with the industrial capability of the United States as it relates to national security. Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the national security of the United States would benefit from a greater integration of national economic policies with national security policies; and (2) such objective would be fostered by designating the Secretary of Defense as a member of the Economic Policy Council and establishing a Defense Working Group within such Council. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should conduct exercises periodically to assess the defense industry's capability to respond to increased demands for defense material and service under graduated mobilization response conditions. Part B: Encouraging Improving of the Defense Industrial Base - Directs the President, acting through the Administrator for Federal Procurement Policy, to prescribe an acquisition policy that encourages contractors to invest in advanced manufacturing technology, advanced production equipment, and advanced manufacturing processes. Directs the President to prescribe an acquisition policy which requires that the acquisition plan for any major system acquisition encourage competing offerors to acquire modern industrial facilities and production systems and other modern production equipment that increase the productivity of the offerors and reduce the costs of production. Sets forth authorized solicitation provisions to be included in such contract solicitations. Directs the President to prescribe an acquisition policy authorizing a departmental secretary or agency head to restrict to domestic sources the competition for all or a portion of a contract opportunity to fulfill the requirements for materials or items of supply that are products of, or manufactured through, the application of a critical technology. Directs the President to prescribe an acquisition policy authorizing a departmental secretary or agency head to make a noncompetitive contract award for the procurement of any critical item of supply from a domestic source in order to maintain at least one domestic source determined to be essential to national security. Provides certain subcontracting procedures in connection with the procurement of such critical items of supply through domestic sources. Directs the President, acting through the Secretary of Defense, to: (1) determine items of supply that are critical items; and (2) publish a list of such critical items in the Federal Acquisition Regulation. Part C: Unfair Foreign Competition - Directs the President to prescribe an acquisition policy for evaluating contract offers received from nondomestic sources with respect to a price advantage that a nondomestic source may have over a domestic source as a result of any unfair advantage. Requires such policy to provide for the application of price evaluation factors to the offers of nondomestic sources when necessary to counter any such unfair advantage. Provides that a finding that a contractor has engaged in an unfair trade practice shall indicate a lack of business integrity or honesty that seriously and directly affects the responsibility of the contractor to perform any Government contract. Subjects such a contractor to suspension and debarment from participation in Government contracts. Title III: Amendments to Related Laws - Amends the Federal Property and Administrative Service Act of 1949 to require the proceeds from the sale of excess industrial plant equipment and facilities to be deposited in the Treasury as miscellaneous receipts, with certain exceptions. Requires the Defense Production Act Fund to be credited in circumstances where the property transferred or disposed of was industrial plant equipment or production facilities determined to be no longer required for mobilization of the defense industrial base. Amends the Strategic and Critical Material Stock Piling Act to revise the definition of "strategic and critical materials." Title IV: Effective Dates - Sets forth effective dates for this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 1989
Rural Nursing Incentive Act of 1989 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide direct coverage under part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of the Medicare program of nurse practitioner or clinical nurse specialist services furnished in rural areas. Sets the Medicare payment for such services at 75 percent of the prevailing charge in the area for the services of participating physicians. Requires that such payments be made on an assignment-related basis. Excludes beneficiaries of such services from copayment requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 19 July 1989
Rural Drug Initiative Act - Requires the Director of National Drug Control Policy to designate a Rural Drug Policy Coordinator to examine the special needs of rural areas in drug interdiction and coordinate the drug interdiction efforts of Federal agencies in such areas. Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to set aside specified sums for rural areas. Directs the Attorney General to create 30 additional drug enforcement agent positions within the Drug Enforcement Administration to be assigned to drug interdiction activities in special need rural areas (i.e., States with a population density of 40 or fewer per square mile which experienced a rise in drug-related crime over the preceding five years). Authorizes appropriations. Requires the Director of the Bureau of Justice Assistance to establish a one-year highway drug interdiction program in which a grant of $500,000 shall be made to each of five special need rural areas. Specifies that such monies shall be used to: (1) establish a drug liaison office within the State police force to coordinate drug interdiction activities; (2) develop a plan for the most efficient use of State and local police forces responsible for highway patrol in drug interdiction; (3) provide financial support to implement such plan; and (4) evaluate and report to the Director on the effectiveness of the uses of such grant monies. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to develop a drug interdiction training program for law enforcement officers in rural areas.
United States · United States Congress · 19 July 1989
Title I: Special Status for Persons with Disabilities Whose Earnings Exceed Substantial Gainful Activity - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act to continue an individual's entitlement to disability benefits and disability-based child's insurance benefits (other than those based on blindness) while such individual is under a special status, meaning that such individual is earning enough to be considered engaged in substantial gainful activity (currently, $85 per month), but would otherwise continue to satisfy eligibility requirements. Reduces such monthly benefits by 50 percent of a beneficiary's monthly earnings in excess of $85. Applies Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program (title XVI of the Social Security Act), rather than OASDI, benefit reduction rules to the total benefits of an individual who is entitled to disability-based child's insurance benefits and SSI benefits. Prohibits the recovery of overpayments from persons on the same wage record as an individual whose disability-based child's insurance benefits are reduced to recover overpayments resulting from the failure to take such individual's wages into account. Extends to current OASDI disability beneficiaries the rule preventing reductions in the primary insurance amount for prior recipients. Title II: Amendments to Section 1619 of the Social Security Act - Amends the SSI program to deem OASDI disability benefiticaries who lose disability benefits after their trial work period to have been eligible for SSI benefits and thus qualified to participate in the SSI work incentive program if yet disabled. Title III: Conforming Amendments Relating to Title XVI - Excludes spousal income and all costs of attendant care in determining whether a disabled individual should be considered as receiving SSI benefits for Medicaid (title XIX of the Social Security Act) eligibility purposes. Excludes impairment-related work expenses from an individual's income in determing the amount of, and his or her eligibility for, a State supplementary payment under the SSI program. Preserves the Medicaid eligibility of individuals who become ineligible for SSI benefits due to a cost-of-living increase in OASDI benefits. Eliminates the requirement that an individual be under age 65 to be considered to be receiving SSI benefits for Medicaid eligibility purposes. Requires States to provide supplementary payments to individuals participating in the SSI work incentive program. Treats royalties, grants, honorariums, scholarships, and fellowships as earned income for SSI eligibility purposes. Title IV: Amendments Relating to Medicare and Medicaid Programs - Amends the OASDI program to set a four-year limit on the Medicare hospital insurance (part A of the Medicare program) eligibility of individuals who owe their eligibility to their special status under the OASDI program. Amends the Medicare program to authorize such individuals to enroll for hospital insurance benefits upon the termination of such four-year limit, provided they enroll for Medicare supplementary insurance benefits under part B. Gives such option to the blind when their hospital insurance eligibility is set to expire. Amends the Medicaid program to cover Medicare cost-sharing amounts for individuals of special status and the blind who are entitled to enroll for Medicare hospital insurance benefits and whose income and resources do not exceed 250 or, at the State's option, 350 percent of the Federal poverty level and the SSI resource eligibility limit, respectively. Requires States to collect a coinsurance percentage from such individuals pursuant to a sliding scale which increases such percentage from 0 to 100 percent in reasonable increments as incomes move from 150 to 250 or 350 percent of the Federal poverty level.
United States · United States Congress · 18 July 1989
Colorado Wilderness Act of 1989 - Title I: Additions to the Wilderness Preservation System - Designates the following lands in Colorado as components of the National Wilderness Preservation System: (1) the Buffalo Peaks Wilderness in the San Isabel National Forest; (2) the Cannibal Plateau Wilderness in the Uncompahgre National Forest; (3) the Mount Zirkel Wilderness in the Routt National Forest; (4) the Fossil Ridge Wilderness in the Gunnison National Forest; (5) the Greenhorn Mountain Wilderness in the San Isabel National Forest; (6) certain Lost Creek Wilderness additions in the Pike National Forest; (7) the Oh-Be-Joyful Additions to the Raggeds Wilderness in the Gunnison National Forest; (8) the Saint Louis/Vasquez Peaks Wilderness in the Arapahoe National Forest; (9) the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness in the Rio Grande and San Isabel National Forests; (10) the Service Creek Wilderness in the Routt National Forest; (11) certain additions to the South San Juan Wilderness in the San Juan National Forest; (12) the Spanish Peaks Wilderness in the San Isabel National Forest; (13) the Spruce Creek Additions to the Hunter-Fryingpan Wilderness in the White River National Forest; (14) certain additions to the Weminuche Wilderness in the San Juan National Forest; (15) the West Needles Wilderness in the San Juan National Forest; (16) the Wheeler Peak Additions to the La Garita Wilderness in the Rio Grande National Forest; (17) the Williams Fork Wilderness in the Arapahoe National Forest; and (18) the American Flats additions to the Big Blue Wilderness in the Bureau of Land Management Gunnison Basin Resource Area. Title II: Water Rights - Reserves certain water rights in such wilderness areas to the United States. Title III: Wilderness Study Areas - Designates certain lands in the San Juan National Forest as wilderness study areas. Title IV: Administrative Provisions - Repeals specified restrictions of Federal law relating to the management of the following lands in Colorado as wilderness areas: (1) the Oh-Be-Joyful Wilderness Study Area; (2) the Wheeler Geologic Study Area; and (3) the Hunter-Fryingpan Wilderness. Provides that the RARE II (second roadless area review and evaluation) final environmental statement (dated January 1979) with respect to national forest system lands in Colorado shall not be subject to judicial review. Releases national forest system lands in Colorado which were reviewed in the RARE II program from further review by the Department of Agriculture, pending the revision of initial national forest management plans. Releases lands in Colorado reviewed in the RARE II program and not designated as wilderness from management as wilderness areas. Prohibits the Department from conducting any further statewide roadless area review and evaluation of national forest system lands in Colorado without express congressional authorization. States that the provisions above shall also apply to national forest system roadless lands in Colorado which are less than 5,000 acres in size.
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 1989
Designates October 29, 1989, as Fire Safety at Home--Change Your Clock, and Change Your Battery Day. Directs the President to issue a proclamation to urge people to change the batteries in their smoke detectors when they reset their clocks from daylight savings time.
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 1989
Comprehensive Illiteracy Elimination Act of 1989 - Title I: Literacy Coordination - Literacy Coordination, Research, and Dissemination Act of 1989 - Establishes the Cabinet Council for Literacy Coordination. Amends the Department of Education Organization Act to establish in the Department of Education an Office on Literacy, to be administered by a Director. Requires the Director to: (1) coordinate the administration of literacy programs within the Department; and (2) work with the Cabinet Council for Literacy to coordinate the related programs of other Federal agencies. Directs the Secretary of Education (the Secretary), through the Office on Literacy, to make a grant to establish and operate a nonprofit National Center for Literacy, with a Director of the Center. Requires such grant to be awarded on a competitive basis, and to be limited to not more than five years (renewable). Allows the Center to use such grant funds for: (1) basic and applied research; (2) technical assistance; (3) an information clearinghouse; (4) policy analysis and program evaluation; and (5) a model demonstrative program of remedial training and placement. Directs the Secretary to establish an advisory committee to advise the Secretary and the Director of the Center on policy issues and on Center selection and operation of major research and demonstration projects. Requires the Director of the Center to report annually to the Congress and the Cabinet Council. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1991 through 1995 for the Center, limiting the amount which may be used for its model demonstration program. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to pay the Federal share of costs of establishing and operating State literacy resource centers. Limits the amount and duration of such grants. Allows each State to contract on a competitive basis with a volunteer or community-based or other nonprofit organization to operate such a State center. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1991 through 1995 for such purpose. Title II: Workforce Literacy - Workforce Literacy Act of 1989 - Amends the Adult Education Act (AEA) to authorize appropriations for FY 1991 through 1995. Earmarks funds to train professional teachers, volunteers, and administrators, emphasizing minority teacher training and training of teachers to recognize and better serve illiterate individuals with learning disabilities and low-level reading abilities. Provides that, if a majority of the illiterate population assisted under basic program provisions of AEA has been served, the authorization of appropriations for each of the succeeding fiscal years during FY 1991 through 1995 shall be equal to that for the fiscal year in which such determination is made. Provides that adult education programs for which AEA grants have been made to States shall be carried out by public or private nonprofit entities only if the applicable local educational agency has been consulted and has had an opportunity to comment on the application. Requires State educational agencies receiving such basic State grants to assure direct and equitable access to Federal funds to local educational agencies, public or private nonprofit agencies, community-based organizations, and institutions which serve educationally disadvantaged adults. Grants preference to those organizations which will serve adults with a reading ability below the fifth grade level. Raises from 20 percent to 25 percent the limit on the portion of a State's grant allotment earmarked for high school equivalency certificate programs. Requires that at least ten percent of funds received under provisions for business, industry, labor, and education partnerships for workplace literacy be used for research, teacher training (including learning disabled identification and teaching), and technical assistance. Extends the authorization of appropriations for such provisions through FY 1995. Directs the Comptroller General to update, within 18 months, a 1975 study of the adult basic education program. Title III: Families for Literacy - Families for Literacy Act of 1989 - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to extend through FY 1995 the authorization of appropriations for Even Start programs operated by local educational agencies. Establishes a Families for Literacy program under which the Secretary may make ten demonstration grants to nonprofit entities (or consortia of businesses, nonprofit entities, and local educational agencies) to pay 80 percent of the cost of establishing intergenerational learning programs (emphasizing literacy skills) for children aged three and under and their parents. Directs the Secretary to give priority to applicants whose programs serve hard-to-serve populations. Sets forth program requirements for staff teams and community advisory councils. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into a contract with the Corporation for Public broadcasting to produce and disseminate a family literacy program to assist parents in improving their knowledge and skills regarding early childhood education, language development, and literacy. Authorizes appropriations for: (1) FY 1991 through 1995 for the Family Literacy Program demonstration grants; and (2) FY 1991 for the family literacy program public broadcasting contract. Title IV: Books for Families - Books for Families Literacy Act of 1989 - Amends ESEA provisions for the inexpensive book distribution program for reading motivation to require the contractor (the Reading Is Fundamental organization), beginning in FY 1990 and thereafter, to: (1) give priority to programs which target rural and urban areas with large concentrations of economically disadvantaged children and students; and (2) report annually to the Department of Education on the number and description of such individuals. Amends the Library Services and Construction Act (LSCA) to extend through FY 1995 the authorization of appropriations for making specified grants under title VI (Library Literacy Programs) of LSCA. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1991 through 1995 to make grants for model library literacy centers and for the inexpensive book distribution program. Authorizes the Secretary, under LSCA, to make grants to State and local public libraries to establish model library literacy centers. Requires the Secretary to establish a peer review panel to assist in establishing criteria for awarding such grants. Authorizes the Secretary, under LSCA, to contract with the Reading Is Fundamental organization to promote the establishment of reading motivation programs which include the distribution of inexpensive books. Requires such contract to provide for: (1) giving priority to programs which target rural and urban areas with large concentrations of economically disadvantaged children and students; (2) increasing access to children's books for parents of newborns through children aged five; and (3) developing motivational materials to reach parents most disconnected from the education community, by making children's books available in specified types of places. Title V: Students for Literacy - Students for Literacy Act of 1986 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to extend through FY 1995 the authorization of appropriations for: (1) the Student Literacy Corps; and (2) College Work-Study (CWS) programs. Exempts literacy training programs and the creation and placement of literacy jobs for students from specified caps on CWS funds. Sets the Federal share of the compensation of students employed in literacy work-study training programs at 100 percent. Title VI: Volunteers for Literacy - Volunteers for Literacy Act of 1989 - Amends the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973 to provide that, whenever they do not exceed a specified amount the funds for the VISTA Literacy Corps shall supplement and not supplant specified VISTA services provided in FY 1989 to address the problem of illiteracy. Establishes service-learning literacy programs. Authorizes the Director of the ACTION Agency (the Director) to make grants to and contracts with public and private nonprofit entities to enable students in secondary schools, secondary vocational schools, and postsecondary schools to serve as volunteers in projects addressing illiteracy. Gives priority to projects using peer tutoring and involving partnerships to meet a wide range of needs. Requires the Director to make grants and contracts for a program of full-time volunteer service to be known as University Year for Literacy, which establishes and supports innovative ways to use full-time students enrolled in higher education institutions as volunteers: (1) in addressing the problems facing illiterate and functionally illiterate individuals; and (2) in assisting organizations which combat illiteracy and those problems. Gives priority to individuals pursuing a course of study related to a career in a field addressing the problem of illiteracy. Authorizes the Director to make grants and contracts to provide training and technical assistance to increase the effective use of full-time and part-time student volunteers to combat illiteracy. Authorizes the Director to provide technical and financial assistance to nonprofit organizations conducting operations in several areas or States that are engaged in, or wish to become involved in, activities to solve the problems of illiteracy. Authorizes the Director to provide technical assistance in obtaining, training, and integrating volunteers to employers who have established or wish to establish worksite literacy programs. Establishes a program of literacy challenge grants. Authorizes the Director to award such grants to eligible public agencies and private organizations for a portion of the costs of community or employee literacy programs that include use of volunteers. Establishes a Retired Senior Volunteer Literacy Program (which may be jointly administered with other Retired Senior Volunteer Programs). Authorizes the Director to make grants to establish such program to enhance the role of senior volunteers in addressing the problem of illiteracy. Extends through FY 1995 the authorization of appropriations for the VISTA Literacy Corps. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1991 through 1995 for specified programs established under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1989
Leadville Mine Drainage Treatment Act of 1989 - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to construct, operate, and maintain a water treatment plant and to install concrete lining on the rehabilitated portion of the Leadville Mine Drainage Tunnel in Colorado in order that water flowing from that tunnel may meet water quality standards. Specifies that: (1) such treatment plant shall be designed to treat the quantity and quality of effluent historically discharged from such Tunnel; and (2) construction, operation, and maintenance costs of the works authorized by this Act shall be nonreimbursable. Makes the Secretary responsible for operation and maintenance of the water treatment plant. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1989
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow farmers' cooperatives to elect to treat as ordinary income or loss certain capital gains and losses from the disposition of assets used in conducting business with or for patrons.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1989
Urges the Government of Iran to extend to the Bahai community the rights guaranteed by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other human rights accords. Calls upon the President to: (1) emphasize the need for improvements in Iran's treatment of the Bahais and other religious minorities as an important factor in the development of U.S.-Iranian relations; (2) encourage other governments to appeal to Iran concerning the situation of the Bahais; (3) cooperate with other governments and international organizations in appealing for the protection of the religious rights of the Bahais; and (4) provide, and urge others to provide, refugee and humanitarian assistance for the those Bahais fleeing their homelands because of religious repression.
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 1989
Federal Fish Inspection Act - Amends the Federal Meat Inspection Act to add a new title relating to fish inspection. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish an inspection program designed to ensure the safety and wholesomeness of fish and fish products. Requires the program to: (1) cover processing, storage, and handling; (2) include imported and domestic fish products; (3) provide for registration and inspection of fish processing facilities and vessels; and (4) identify geographic areas producing products that exceed the safety standards developed under the title added by this Act. Directs the Secretary to establish standards governing: (1) sanitary conditions and processing, storage, and handling practices; (2) the safety and wholesomeness of fish products; and (3) packaging and labeling. Directs the Secretary to carry out monitoring and surveillance to assure compliance with such standards. Requires the compliance system to: (1) be in accordance with the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point method; (2) provide for the appointment and training of inspection officers; (3) contain reporting and recordkeeping requirements; and (4) provide for enforcement, including civil and criminal penalties. Directs the Secretary to conduct and support research with respect to: (1) testing the methodology for biological and chemical contaminants; (2) inspection techniques and procedures; and (3) sanitation practices for processing, transportation, and storage. Directs the Secretary to conduct and support public education programs in furtherance of the title added by this Act. Directs the Secretary to: (1) avoid duplication of Federal and State efforts; (2) minimize disruption in the fish industry; (3) consult with other Federal agencies; (4) provide technical, advisory, and financial assistance to States to encourage State programs consistent with the title added by this Act; and (5) ensure establishment of arrangements with foreign nations to ensure mutual acceptance of standards and inspection programs. Makes title I through IV of the Federal Meat Inspection Act inapplicable to the title added by this Act. Authorizes appropriations for each fiscal year.
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 1989
Missile Control Act of 1989 - Amends the Arms Export Control Act to set forth measures the United States shall take to improve the control and reduce the proliferation of missiles and missile equipment and technology. Requires the Secretary of State and Secretary of Defense to deny government contracts to any domestic or foreign firms or state entity that has transferred missile equipment and technology in violation of the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) guidelines. Directs the Secretary of State to report to the Congress annually on transfers of missile equipment and technology MTCR nonadherents. Amends the Export Administration Act of 1979 to require the Secretary of Commerce to direct the Office of Export Licensing to refer all license applications for the export of items on the MTCR annex, excluding those directed to MTCR adherents and NATO programs, to the Secretary of State and, if requested, to the Secretary of Defense. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish a procedure that would permit the Secretaries of State and Defense to have access to computer lists of license applications for missile equipment and technology. Provides for licensing of missile equipment and technology exports. Requires the Secretary of Commerce to report to the Congress annually on requests for and the granting of missile equipment and technology export licenses.
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 1989
Degradable Commodity Plastics Procurement and Standards Act of 1989 - Directs the Administrator of the General Services Administration to encourage the development and use of degradable agricultural commodity-based plastics through a system of preferential Government procurement. Authorizes FY 1991 through 1995 appropriations to carry out this Act. Directs the Administrator to establish an Interagency Council to coordinate activities under this Act and to develop uniform definitions, standards, and testing methods for degradable plastic products. Requires the Council to report on its activities to specified congressional committees. Directs the Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration to assess the safety of indirect food additives intended to increase the degradability of plastic food-packaging materials. Directs the Commissioner to report annually to the Congress on such assessment.
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 1989
Motor Vehicle Fuel Efficiency Act of 1989 - Amends the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act to establish average fuel economy standards for passenger automobiles (for model years 1995 through 2000) and automobiles other than passenger automobiles (light trucks) (for model years 2001 and thereafter). Allows any person to petition the Secretary to modify an average fuel economy standard for model year 2001 and thereafter. Specifies procedures for response to such petition. Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to report annually to specified congressional committees on a study on the accuracy of fuel economy testing of passenger automobiles. Directs the Secretary of Energy to distribute at least 100 explanatory booklets each year to every dealer and additional numbers if requested. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to provide for a review of the current state of research and development in light truck fuel economy and passenger automobile fuel economy and an assessment of the remaining potential for improving fuel efficiency and reducing energy consumption of passenger automobiles and light trucks. Requires a report to the Congress on such review and an updated report every five years. Doubles the civil penalty for repeated violations of the fuel economy standard.
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 1989
Designates the period of September 16 through October 9, 1989, as Coastweeks '89, recognizing the importance of coastal zones. Designates September 16, 1989, as National Estuaries Day and September 23, 1989, as National Beach Cleanup Day.
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 1989
Declares that the Senate: (1) expresses its disappointment that the Texas statute prohibiting the desecration of the flag was found to be unconstitutional; (2) expresses its commitment to preserving the honor and integrity of the flag; (3) intends to make a study of the impact of the Supreme Court decision on Federal and State laws and to seek ways to restore sanctions against such conduct; and (4) urges the American people to continue to display proudly the American flag.
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 1989
Children's Television Education Act of 1989 - Requires a broadcast television licensee to limit, subject to any modification adopted by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) under this Act, the duration of commercial matter in children's television programming to a specified number of minutes per hour on weekends and weekdays, beginning January 1, 1990. Requires such a licensee, on and after such date, to provide public notice to assist interested individuals in identifying programs designed to serve the educational and informational needs of children. Requires the FCC to adopt rules to enforce the above requirements. Gives the FCC authority, after January 1, 1993, to review and evaluate the above requirements and to modify them after notice and public comments. Requires the FCC, when reviewing any application for a television broadcast license renewal, to consider compliance with these advertising standards, as well as the licensee's programming in connection with the educational and information needs of children.
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 1989
Designates June 16, 1989, as Soweto Remembrance Day. Encourages Americans to participate in local activities designed to commemorate the victims of Soweto and to show solidarity with those who are fighting to end apartheid.
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 1989
Consumer Products Recovery Act of 1989 - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to require producers or importers of lubricating oil to recycle, through methods specified under this Act, an amount of used oil equal to at least the amount determined by multiplying the amount of lubricating oil produced or imported that year by such persons by the recycling percentage established by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. Authorizes such individuals to comply with this Act by: (1) recycling (through re-refining) used oil or purchasing re-refined oil for purposes of producing lubricating oil; or (2) purchasing recycling credits under this Act. Directs the Administrator to establish a recycling percentage that is two points higher than the existing recycling rate for lubricating oil. Provides for increases in such percentage of two points annually until 1999. Requires the Administrator to promulgate regulations allowing recyclers to create credits for used oil recycling and producers or importers of lubricating oil to purchase such credits. Provides that such regulations shall require: (1) owners or operators of used oil collection places to keep receipts issued by transporters who take delivery of such oil and copies of agreements under which the transporter agrees to take such oil to a recycling facility; (2) such owners or operators to certify that oil taken by transporters is not contaminated with hazardous wastes or substances above de minimis levels; (3) transporters to obtain an identification number from the Administrator and to keep certain records; (4) owners or operators of recycling facilities to be the only persons to create a recycling credit for the recycling credit system; (5) recyclers to certify that the substance being recycled is uncontaminated used oil; (6) oil proposed to be recycled to have come from a used oil collection place or a transporter with an identification number; (7) specified records to be kept by recyclers and by importers or producers; and (8) recyclers to sell or distribute in commerce such oil as specification used oil, off-specification used oil, hazardous waste fuel, or re-refined oil. Allows used oil re-refiners to exclude between 15 and 25 percent of re-refined oil from recycling requirements. Directs the Administrator to report to the Congress on such regulations and to include: (1) a discussion of the effects of such regulations on the oil industry and the environment; and (2) an evaluation of the level of the recycling percentage and whether such percentage should be increased in future years. Requires an updated version of such report to be submitted within ten years of this Act's enactment. Applies recycling requirements to persons who import or produce more than 100,000 gallons of lubricating oil annually. Sets the recycling percentage at 40 percent if the Administrator fails to promulgate such regulations. Directs the Administrator to submit to the Congress a plan for the recycling of certain commodities, including daily newspapers, used tires, lead acid batteries, pesticide containers, antifreeze, and specified volatile organic compounds. Requires such plan to include an incentive-based method for accomplishing such recycling. Directs the Administrator to implement such plan with respect to one commodity and with respect to an additional commodity each year thereafter. Provides that if used oil is identified as a hazardous waste under the Solid Waste Disposal Act, any fuel derived from such oil shall not be considered to be a hazardous waste after being reprocessed at a permitted facility. Requires persons who package lubricating oil to label such packages with a hazardous substance warning label and to include a telephone number for information on area recycling. Directs the Administrator to promulgate regulations requiring States to develop plans for making information about used oil recycling available to the public. Requires the Administrator to establish a toll-free telephone line for information on State used oil recycling programs. Makes certain regulations proposed in the Federal Register on November 29, 1985, effective with respect to used oil management if the Administrator fails to promulgate regulations under this Act. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 1989
Veterans' Agent Orange Exposure and Vietnam Service Benefits Act of 1989 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to pay a monthly disability or death benefit to a veteran or his or her survivors for any disability or death of a veteran who served in the active forces in Vietnam during the Vietnam era and who suffered from non-Hodgkins lymphoma or a soft-tissue sarcoma. Provides an exception to the payment of such benefits when there is affirmative evidence that such disease was not incurred during such service in Vietnam or that there was an intervening disease since such service. Provides the rates for the payment of such disability or death benefit. Prohibits such payments when other disability compensation is being paid for such disability. Provides that such disabilities shall be treated as service-connected for the purposes of all laws administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs (Department). Terminates such payments as of April 15, 1992, unless extended by a joint resolution of the Congress. Outlines congressional procedures for the consideration of such joint resolution. Requires the Secretary to take all reasonable actions necessary to notify veterans and their survivors of the availability of such payments. Requires the Secretary to inform such recipients of the temporary nature of such payments. Provides that the disease of chloracne in Vietnam veterans shall be considered to have been service-connected if such disease became manifest to a ten percent degree of disability or more within one year after the last date on which the veteran performed such service in Vietnam. Provides a presumption of service-connection in the case of a Vietnam veteran suffering from a disease associated with effects of exposure to certain dioxins or other herbicide agents during such service in Vietnam. Directs the Secretary to prescribe regulations listing a positive association between any disease and the biological effects of exposure to an herbicide agent in Vietnam. Requires the Secretary to update such list continually. Requires the Secretary, in prescribing and revising such list, to obtain by contract the determinations and estimates of a contract scientific organization. Requires such organization to: (1) determine which diseases have any degree of association with the biological effects of exposure to an herbicide agent; and (2) estimate the extent of association between each such disease and each such biological effects. Requires the organization to determine such association specifically with respect to non-Hodgkins lymphoma, each soft-tissue sarcoma, lung cancer, and each other cancer. Outlines contract provisions required in such agreements between the Secretary and the scientific organization, including surveys, evaluations, and periodic determinations. Requires such scientific organizations to provide reports to the Secretary and the Senate and House Veterans' Affairs Committees regarding its determinations and evaluations. Requires such organization to determine, in the event of a positive association, whether there is a reasonable basis for concluding that a Vietnam veteran with the highest level of exposure to that herbicide agent in Vietnam was exposed to such agent under the circumstances necessary for such biological effects. Requires a report from the organization to the Secretary and the veterans' committees when there is no such reasonable basis found. Requires the Secretary to make certain determinations and follow-up reports after receiving such reports from the contract scientific organization, including the issuance of a report to the veterans' committees and the promulgation of positive association regulations, if necessary. Requires benefits to be continued even though a disease is removed from the regulations listing diseases having positive associations. Terminates such contracting authority ten years after the first day of the fiscal year in which a scientific organization transmits its first report to the Secretary. Provides interim regulations and special effective dates. Directs the Secretary to compile and analyze all clinical data that: (1) are obtained by the Department in connection with examinations and treatment of veterans for disabilities related to exposure to certain herbicides or to service in Vietnam; and (2) are likely to be scientifically useful in determining the association, if any, between the disabilities of such veterans and their exposure to such herbicides and other toxic substances. Requires the Secretary to submit an annual report to the veterans' committees concerning such analysis and its results. Directs the Secretary to consult with the Director of the Office of Technology Assessment (OTA) before compiling and analyzing such information. Requires the Director of OTA to review each annual report submitted by the Secretary and transmit to the Secretary an evaluation of the contents of each report. Directs the Secretary to establish and maintain a system for the collection and storage of voluntarily contributed samples of blood and tissue of veterans who performed active service in Vietnam during the Vietnam era. Outlines provisions concerning the security and authorized uses of such specimens, as well as limitations on the acceptance of such samples. Requires the Secretary to consult with the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) to the extent that an agreement has been reached with the NAS serving as the contract scientific organization for the Secretary. Requires the Secretary to consult with the Director of OTA in the event of no agreement with NAS. Directs the Secretary to establish a program to provide for the conduct of studies of the feasibility of conducting additional scientific research on health hazards resulting from: (1) exposure to dioxin; (2) exposure to other toxic agents in herbicides used in support of U.S. and allied military operations in Vietnam during the Vietnam era; and (3) active military, naval, or air service there. Requires the Secretary to report to the veterans' committees on the results of such studies. Requires the Secretary to consult with the NAS before undertaking such studies and requires the NAS to review such studies and report recommendations to the Secretary and the veterans' committees to the extent provided under any agreement between the Secretary and NAS. Amends the Veterans' Benefits Improvement Act of 1988 to require the Secretary to annually furnish updated information to affected veterans on health risks resulting from exposure to dioxin or other toxic agents in herbicides as a result of service in Vietnam during the Vietnam era. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to report to the veterans' committees on the research being conducted to develop treatments for physiological absorption of dioxin and other toxic agents used in herbicides by the United States in Vietnam, including research relating to exposure to dioxin and other toxic agents outside Vietnam. Extends through December 31, 1993, the eligibility for hospital and nursing home care for veterans exposed to toxic substances in Vietnam. Amends the Veterans' Benefits Improvement Act of 1988 to authorize direct consultation between the Ranch Hand Advisory Committee and Department of the Air Force scientists conducting the Ranch Hand Study (a study of the long-term health effects of exposure to phenoxy herbicides and contaminants). Requires the preparation and submission of annual reports and a final report in connection with such study.
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 1989
Refuge Revenue Sharing Fund Act of 1989 - Provides for the payment by the Secretary of the Interior into the Refuge Revenue Sharing Fund of undedicated receipts equal to the Fund shortfall for a fiscal year.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1989
Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to instruct the U.S. Executive Director of the International Monetary Fund to work for certain policy and staffing changes, including: (1) the addition to the Fund's staff of natural resource and development economists, poverty experts, and other specialists trained in social issues; (2) the establishment by the Fund of a systematic review of the social and environmental impacts of policy prescriptions; (3) the establishment by the Fund of long-term management of natural resources as an integral part of its stabilization and adjustment policies, including the creation of energy-efficient economies that minimize the generation of greenhouse gases; and (4) the creation of a special facility directed at achieving sound natural resource management, which facility should accelerate debt-for-conservation swaps as a means of alleviating foreign debt burdens. Directs the Secretary to report annually to the Congress on progress toward achieving such changes.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1989
Designates August 1, 1989, as Helsinki Human Rights Day. Requests the President to: (1) reassert American commitment to the Helsinki Accords; (2) raise the issue of noncompliance with such Accords with any signatory nation which may be in violation, in particular, the Soviet Union, Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, the German Democratic Republic, Hungary, Poland, and Romania; (3) convey to all signatories of such Accords that respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms is vital to progress in the ongoing Helsinki process; and (4) convey to U.S. allies the necessity of unity regarding such Accords.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 1989
Amends the Tax Reform Act of 1986 to delay until 1990 the effective date of the nondiscrimination requirements for benefits provided under certain employee benefit plans. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to revise such nondiscrimination requirements by requiring the taxation of the excess health benefits of a highly compensated employee. Excludes from such requirements certain students, certain elderly, and prisoners. Imposes an excise tax on employers or employer plans if an employee benefit plan fails to satisfy certain administrative requirements. Restores prior law with respect to nondiscrimination requirements of group-term life insurance plans. Authorizes an employer to elect to use current nondiscrimination rules for years beginning 1990 or 1991 as they apply to health plans and dependent care assistance programs. Revises provisions relating to the nontaxable benefits of employers of leased employees, dependent care assistance, and group-term life insurance provided to highly compensated employees.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 1989
Condemns the use of force by the People's Republic of China against unarmed advocates of democracy and human rights in China. Supports the President's actions, including suspension of all Government sales and commercial exports of arms to China. Praises the actions of American diplomatic personnel in China in seeking to insure the safety of American citizens there. Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) certain Chinese students studying in the United States should be granted permission to extend their stay; (2) applications to the Overseas Private Investment Corporation for the protection of investments in China and to the U.S. Export-Import Bank for the financing of trade with China should be reviewed; (3) U.S. departments charged with and considering liberalization of regulations relating to export licenses for sales to China should take into account the current situation; (4) the President should consult major U.S. allies to determine whether multilateral sanctions are necessary; (5) the President should inform the Congress of the results of his planned review of U.S.-Chinese relations and consult with the Congress on further actions to be taken; and (6) the Voice of America should increase its broadcasts to China.
United States · United States Congress · 2 June 1989
Directs the Secretary of the Interior to enter into an agreement for the transfer of the Platoro Reservoir to the Conejos Water Conservancy District, Colorado, upon the early payout of the repayment obligation on a lump-sum basis. Defines the Platoro Reservoir as the Platoro Dam and Reservoir Unit of the Conejos Division of the San Luis Valley project. Transfers to the District upon such payment: (1) all lands beneath the Platoro Dam and Reservoir up to the high water line; (2) land and improvements at the operation and maintenance site in the townsite of Platoro, Colorado, including the shop and caretaker house; and (3) all associated structures and all project operating facilities and equipment. Reserves to the United States: (1) the right to make recreational use of the Platoro Reservoir and all land underlying the high water line when such land is not inundated so long as such use does not interfere with its use for water supply, interstate compacts, and flood control; and (2) a reversionary interest in the transferred land in the event such lands are no longer used for reservoir purposes. Subjects such transfer to the following conditions: (1) the District will use its best efforts to operate the reservoir to provide that releases from the reservoir flush out the channel of the Conejos River periodically to maintain the hydrologic regime of the river subject to operation of the reservoir by the District for water supply use and interstate compact and flood control purposes; (2) the District maintain a permanent pool in Platoro Reservoir for fish, wildlife, and recreation purposes; (3) the District will not use or sell any of the lands conveyed to it for private, commercial, or residential development; and (4) the District shall maintain specified releases of water from Platoro Reservoir to preserve fish and wildlife habitat. Relieves the United States of responsibility and liability associated with the operation and maintenance of the project except: (1) recreation with respect to the Reservoir; and (2) flood control administration by the Corps of Engineers. Requires the Corps of Engineers to retain authority for the management of the Platoro Dam and Reservoir for flood control purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 1989
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 or prepay such loans; and (2) any savings will be used to mitigate future rate increases, passed on to customers, or used to improve the borrower's financial strength. Permits such borrowers to refinance outstanding long-term Federal Financing Bank loans for a specified fee. Requires the borrower to obtain a change in the interest rate on such loan from its present level to the rate then in effect for new Federal Financing Bank loans.
![Official portrait of Sen. Wirth, Timothy [D-CO]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/w000647_200.jpg)