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Bill· HRH.R. 5048 (100th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 1988
Independent Procurement Corps Act of 1988 - Title I: Independent Procurement Corps - Establishes as an agency in the executive branch the Independent Procurement Corps, to be headed by a Director appointed by the President. Outlines provisions concerning requirements for staffing, education, training, and pay. Outlines duties of the Corps, including the following: (1) receiving information, analysis, and advice from officers of the armed forces with regard to the need and justification for major defense systems; (2) consulting with such officers about such need and justification but having the final authority over which systems are to be researched, developed, and produced; (3) carrying out functions and relevant acquisition regulations of the Department of Defense (DOD) relating to the research, development, and production of major systems; (4) operating as the sole negotiator with representatives of the private sector doing business with DOD; and (5) determining funding priorities and submitting to the President each fiscal year an appropriations request reflecting those priorities. Provides Corps personnel limitations, prohibiting a person from serving as Director if such person has been employed by a defense contractor or has served as an officer of the armed forces during the five years preceding nomination as Director. Prohibits a former Director from accepting compensation for five years after leaving office from any company under contract with DOD during the period such person served as Director. Provides similar three-year limitations for staff members of the Corps. Requires the Director to submit to the President, the Congress, and the Secretary of Defense annual reports on the activities of the Corps. Provides that the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition shall be the chief liaison between DOD and the Corps for purposes of communicating the views of the Department on acquisition matters relating to major systems. Terminates certain duties of the Under Secretary that are transferred to the Corps under this Act. Title II: Inspector General for Defense Procurement - Establishes the Office of the Inspector General for Defense Procurement as an independent office in the executive branch. Places at the head of the Office an Inspector General for Defense Procurement, to be appointed by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate and removable from office by the President. Requires the Inspector General to appoint: (1) an Assistant Inspector General for Auditing, who shall be responsible for auditing the programs and operations of the Independent Procurement Corps; and (2) an Assistant Inspector General for Investigations, who shall be responsible for supervising the performance of investigative activities relating to such programs and operations. Outlines the duties and responsibilities of the Inspector General, including: (1) to conduct audits and investigations relating to the programs and operations of the Corps; (2) to review existing and proposed legislation and regulations relating to such programs and to make recommendations to improve the economy and efficiency of such programs and operations; (3) to provide and recommend policy for such programs and operations; (4) to recommend policies for the Corps and other Federal agencies and other entities with respect to the improvement of such programs and operations and the prevention and detection of fraud or abuse in such programs; (5) to keep the President, the Secretary of Defense, the Director of the Corps, and the Congress informed concerning fraud and other serious problems and deficiencies relating to the administration of programs and operations of the Corps, to recommend solutions to such problems, and to report on progress made in implementing such corrective action; (6) to investigate fraud, waste, and abuse uncovered as a result of audits; (7) to develop policy, monitor performance, and provide guidance with respect to all Corps activities relating to criminal investigation programs; (8) to monitor and evaluate the adherence of Corps auditors to proper audit review principles, policy, and procedure; and (9) to develop policy, evaluate performance, and monitor actions taken by the Corps in response to contract audits, reviews, and audits conducted by the Comptroller General of the United States. Requires the Inspector General to coordinate all activities required under this Act with the Comptroller General. Directs the Inspector General to report to the Attorney General whenever he or she has reasonable grounds to believe there has been a violation of Federal criminal law (and to the Secretary of the military department concerned, for alleged violations of the Uniform Code of Military Justice). Requires the Inspector General to ensure that his or her duties are carried out in a manner that avoids compromising or endangering the national security. Directs the Inspector General to submit semiannual activity reports to the President, the Secretary of Defense, the Director of the Corps, and the Senate and House Armed Services Committees (the defense committees) and to make such reports public. Requires the Inspector General to report immediately to such entities whenever he or she becomes aware of particularly serious or flagrant problems, abuses, or deficiencies relating to the administration of programs and operations of the Corps. Limits disclosure of such information to the public. Outlines other administrative and procedural powers granted to the Inspector General in carrying out this Act (such as the authority to have access to records and information, to issue subpoenas to summon witnesses, and to select and employ such officers and employees as necessary). Requires the Director, Corps personnel, the military departments, the defense agencies, and the Secretary to furnish the Inspector General such information and assistance as requested as part of an investigation, audit, or inspection under the provisions of this Act. Directs the Inspector General to report to the President, the Secretary, the Director, and the defense committees whenever information is refused or not provided. Directs the Administrator of General Services to provide the Office with all appropriate space and support. Authorizes the Inspector General to receive and investigate complaints or information from an employee of the Corps concerning violations of law, mismanagement of funds, waste, abuse, or substantial and specific danger to the public health and safety. Prohibits the Inspector General from disclosing the identity of any such employee, unless such disclosure is unavoidable during the course of the investigation. Prohibits reprisals against any employee for making a complaint or disclosing information to the Inspector General. Provides personnel limitations for the Office, prohibiting a person from serving as Inspector General if such person has been employed by a defense contractor or was a member of the armed forces during the five years preceding nomination as Inspector General. Prohibits a former Inspector General from accepting compensation for five years after serving in such position from any company under contract with DOD during the period such person served as Inspector General. Provides similar three-year limitations for employees of the Office. Prohibits any member of the armed forces, active or reserve, from being appointed to the Office under this Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 5068 (100th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 1988
Amends Federal veterans' benefits provisions to provide for the tolling of the ten-year delimiting period for educational and rehabilitative assistance to veterans when an alcohol or drug dependence or abuse condition exists and the veteran is under recognized treatment for such condition. Outlines limits to the extension of such delimiting period. Makes similar extensions of such tolling period for alcohol or drug dependence or abuse conditions recognized and treated in connection with the following programs: (1) rehabilitation for veterans with service-connected disabilities; (2) educational assistance for post-Vietnam era veterans; (3) educational assistance for Vietnam-era veterans; and (4) educational assistance for veterans' survivors and dependents. Outlines limits to the extension of the delimiting period in each case.
Bill· HRH.R. 5039 (100th)open
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 1988
Veterans' Reassurance Act of 1988 - Title I: Claims Generally - Establishes new claims and adjudication procedures for veterans seeking benefits through the Veterans Administration (VA). Authorizes the Administrator of Veterans Affairs, for the purpose of conducting a proceeding in connection with a claim for benefits, to administer oaths, examine witnesses, and receive evidence. Provides that any party in a proceeding before the Administrator shall be afforded the opportunity to: (1) examine and obtain copies of all documents to be used by the VA in such proceeding; (2) present witnesses and evidence; (3) present oral and written arguments; (4) submit rebuttal evidence; and (5) present medical opinion evidence and request the Administrator to seek advisory medical opinions. Provides that, when there exists in the evidence a substantial disagreement with respect to an issue material to the outcome of the proceeding, the Administrator shall determine whether there is an approximate balance of the evidence favoring and opposing a finding in favor of the claimant on such issue. Provides that if such a balance exists, the issue shall be determined in favor of the claimant. Provides that the procedures under this Act for the consideration of claims for benefits under laws administered by the VA shall be exclusive with respect to hearings, investigations, and proceedings for such claims. Requires the Administrator, in the case of a disallowance of a claim for benefits within the VA, to provide the claimant and the claimant's authorized representative, at each stage of the proceedings, written notice of the procedural rights of the claimant. Authorizes the Administrator to issue subpoenas for the attendance of witnesses when necessary. Provides that a claim that has been disallowed shall be reopened and reconsidered by the Administrator upon the presentation of new and material evidence. Provides that communications between any claimant and any individual recognized as a representative, agent, attorney, or individual with power of attorney for such claimant respecting any claim under laws administered by the VA shall be privileged from disclosure to the same extent as communications between attorney and client. Directs the Administrator to approve a reasonable attorneys' fee to be paid for the prosecution of such a claim. Provides that such fee shall be payable only to the extent that an agreement between the claimant and the claimant's attorney so provides. Provides maximum amounts permitted for such fees, with adjustments permitted biennially to such maximum amounts to reflect changes in the cost of living. Provides that an individual recognized as a representative, agent, attorney, or one acting with the power of attorney for a claimant may be held liable for an injury arising out of the preparation or presentation of a claim only to the extent that such injury is due to the intentional conduct of such individual, with the party alleging such misconduct bearing the burden of proof in such cases. Provides instances where an organization may be held liable for such misconduct. Provides that rulemaking by the Administrator in such claims shall have the same judicial review procedures provided to all Federal administrative rulemaking procedures. Empowers the courts of appeals with jurisdiction to review any order of the Administrator upon petition of any aggrieved person, as long as such appeal is filed within 60 days after the order is made public. Title II: Board of Veterans' Appeals - Establishes the United States Board of Veterans' Appeals (the Board) as an independent agency in the executive branch. (Currently, such Board exists, but within the VA.) Outlines administrative provisions concerning composition, terms of office, and other matters relating to such Board. Requires the Chair of the Board (appointed by the President) to submit annual reports to the appropriate committees of the Congress. Requires current members of the existing Board of Veterans' Appeals to automatically become interim members of the Board and to serve in such capacity until a successor has been appointed or one year has passed, whichever occurs earlier. Authorizes the Board, when it reconsiders a case, to expand the reviewing section of the Board to a maximum of 12 members. (The current maximum is three.) Outlines procedures of the Board to be followed: (1) if the votes of the members of a section sitting on a question are equally divided; (2) when reconsidering or remanding a case to correct obvious error in the record or upon the basis of new or additional information; (3) when furnishing notice to the claimant of any new or additional information proposed to be considered; and (4) when notifying a claimant upon reaching a decision in a case. Provides that all questions on claims for benefits under laws administered by the VA shall be subject to review by the Board. Authorizes a claim disallowed by the Board to be reopened and allowed where new and material evidence is presented or other good cause for reopening is shown. Authorizes the Board to set aside as unlawful any rule, regulation, interpretation, or other order of the Administrator that is contrary to the Constitution or laws of the United States, under special review procedures as enumerated in this Act. Provides that the courts of appeals shall have jurisdiction to review final decisions of the Board acting or refusing to act to set aside a rule, regulation, or other order of the Administrator, but such jurisdiction shall extend only to the review of such decisions. Outlines provisions concerning timeliness of such appeals. Authorizes the Board to issue subpoenas to compel the attendance of witnesses. Allows the payment of fees and mileage in the same manner as witnesses are paid in U.S. district courts. Authorizes affidavits and depositions to be taken, and oaths and affirmations to be administered by the Board, the Administrator, or any individual authorized to do so in the State where the action is located. Provides that evidence taken by the Board need not be admissible under the Federal Rules of Evidence, but the Board may provide for the exclusion of irrelevant, immaterial, or unduly repetitious evidence. Authorizes the Board to remand the case to the Administrator or receive the evidence itself where a claimant seeks to present evidence that was not presented to the Administrator. Provides procedural rights to parties presenting such evidence to the Board in such cases. Provides that, whenever the Board finds that there exists in the evidence of record a substantial disagreement among the credible findings or opinions of physicians with respect to an issue material to the outcome of a case, the Board shall determine whether there is an approximate balance of evidence favoring and opposing a finding in favor of the claimant on such issue. Provides that if such balance exists, the issue shall be determined in favor of the claimant. Provides that if such a balance does not exist, the Board shall arrange for an advisory medical opinion in accordance with specified procedures. Authorizes appropriations to the Board. Title III: Technical Amendments - Provides for the transfer of unexpended balances of appropriations, allocations, and other funds available for functions transferred to the Board of Veterans' Appeals established under this Act, as determined by the Director of the Office of Management and Budget.
Bill· HRH.R. 5036 (100th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 1988
Directs the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the Veterans Administration (VA) to develop minimum standard criteria for the treatment and diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to be applied uniformly to all VA medical centers. Directs the CMD, no later than three years after the enactment of this Act, to prescribe and publish such criteria in a mental health program guide. Outlines factors to be considered by the CMD when developing such criteria. Directs the CMD to develop criteria for the education, training, and evaluation of personnel whose duties include the counseling and treatment of veterans suffering from PTSD to be applied uniformly at all VA medical centers. Directs the CMD, no later than three years from the enactment of this Act, to prescribe and publish such criteria in a mental health program guide. Requires the CMD, in establishing such criteria, to consult with the Special Committee on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, established under the Veterans' Health Care Act of 1984. Directs the CMD to establish, at each VA medical center, a PTSD treatment team which shall be responsible for the counseling and treatment of veterans suffering from such disorder. Directs the Administrator of Veterans Affairs to hire such additional personnel as necessary to establish such teams at each medical center. Authorizes appropriations to carry out this Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 5016 (100th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 12 July 1988
Defense Consultant Reform Act of 1988 - Requires any firm awarded a contract with the Department of Defense (DOD) to certify which consultants are to be used by such firm. Declares that failure to furnish such information may be the basis for cancellation of a contract with such firm. Prohibits the DOD from contracting with any consultant under circumstances that might make the contract award improper by reason of a conflict of interest or other considerations deemed appropriate by the Secretary of Defense. Defines "covered consultant" to mean any person who provides consulting services to a DOD contractor or who receives a contract to provide such services to DOD. Requires any covered consultant to register with the Secretary annually. Sets forth registration requirements. Directs the Secretary to suspend for at least three years any DOD contract with a covered consultant who fails to register or to provide accurate information. Provides that such consultant shall be fined no more than $100,000. Requires the Secretary, by April 1 of each year, to provide to the Congress a list of all persons providing consulting services to DOD, including services for any advisory committee relating to DOD.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 492 (100th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 12 July 1988
Waives points of order against the conference report on H.R. 4264 (armed forces funding) and against its consideration.
Bill· SS. 2621 (100th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 8 July 1988
Department of Defense Procurement Improvements Act of 1988 - Revises the responsibilities of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition (the Under Secretary) to include the following: (1) the centralized procurement of all property and services within the Department of Defense (DOD); (2) the establishment and implementation of procurement policies for DOD; (3) all contract administration functions within DOD; and (4) the supervision, direction, and control of all competition advocates within DOD. Provides limited authority to the Under Secretary to delegate such responsibilities. Provides that the following functions shall come under the Office of the Under Secretary: (1) all DOD functions relating to the procurement of property and services; (2) all functions of the Defense Acquisition Regulation Council and the Defense Logistics Agency; and (3) all functions of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization for the Department of Defense. Directs the Secretary of Defense to appoint the Senior Acquisition Executive of each military department by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Requires each such Executive to report directly to the Under Secretary. Directs the Under Secretary to consult with the Inspector General of DOD when carrying out his or her contract audit responsibilities. Prohibits a contract from being entered into for the full-scale development of a major defense system or the procurement of a major system unless the Under Secretary has reviewed and approved the contract. Requires the Director of Operational Test and Evaluation to report directly to the Under Secretary. (Currently, the Director reports directly to the Secretary of Defense.) Directs each advocate for competition within a military department or a defense agency to transmit to the Under Secretary a report describing his or her activities during the preceding year. Places all DOD responsibilities regarding the cataloging and standardization of defense supplies in the hands of the Under Secretary (currently, such duties are the responsibilities of the Secretary). Makes it unlawful during the conduct of any DOD procurement of property or services: (1) for any officer, employee, or representative of any competing contractor or any consultant retained by that contractor to make an offer of future employment or business opportunity to any procurement official or employee of DOD; (2) for any such contractor officer, employee, or representative to give or promise to give any money or other thing of value to any such DOD official or employee; (3) for any such DOD employee or official to ask for any money or other thing of value from such contractor employee, official, or representative; (4) for any DOD procurement official or employee to knowingly disclose to any such contractor employee, official, or representative any confidential material or data or other information the disclosure of which would give such person an unfair competitive advantage with respect to that procurement; or (5) for any officer, employee, or representative of any competing contractor or consultant to solicit or obtain corruptly from any government official any such information. Prohibits DOD from awarding any contract for the procurement of any property or services to any competing contractor unless: (1) the officer, employee, or representative of the competing contractor who signs the bid or proposal certifies that he or she does not know of any unlawful conduct in connection with such contract and that each procurement officer, employee, and representative has signed an agreement not to conduct unlawful procurement activity; and (2) each DOD official and employee who has participated in the procurement certifies that neither the competing contractor nor the official or employee has engaged in misconduct in the carrying out of such contract. Requires the contracting officer responsible for the conduct of a procurement to maintain records of such certifications. Makes it unlawful for any individual who was engaged in a procurement as an official or employee of DOD to: (1) participate in any manner as an agent or consultant to a contractor in any negotiation leading to the award, modification, or extension of a contract for such procurement; or (2) to participate personally and substantially in the performance of the contract for two years after such individual ceases to be a procurement official or employee of DOD. Provides that any individual who is or was a contracting officer and who is found to have engaged in misconduct that is unlawful under this Act shall be ineligible for any future service as a Government contracting officer. Provides that, if an officer, employee, or representative of a competing contractor engages in misconduct that is unlawful under this Act, the Secretary shall: (1) determine whether the contractor's right to proceed under the contract should be terminated; and (2) initiate a debarment proceeding and determine the present responsibility of the contractor with respect to awards of other Government contracts. Requires such debarment procedures to be conducted by the Armed Services Board of Contract Appeals. Outlines procedures for debarment proceedings. Makes Board decisions final unless properly appealed within 60 days of the date of decision. Provides that, upon issuance of a final decision recommending debarment of a contractor, such contractor shall be ineligible for award of any contract and for participation in any future procurement for up to five years.
Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 330 (100th)open
United States · United States Congress · 7 July 1988
States that the United States should not negotiate compensation or reparation payments to Iran or any party in Iran in connection with the shooting down of Iran Air Flight 655 unless and until the Government of Iran negotiates compensation or reparation payments for attacks by Iranian military forces on civilian shipping and U.S. armed forces in the Persian Gulf.
Bill· SS. 2611 (100th)reported
United States · United States Congress · 6 July 1988
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit disclosure to the Veterans Administration (VA) of income-related tax return information for the purpose of determining eligibility for specified veterans' pension and benefit programs. Amends Federal law to prohibit the Administrator of the VA from using this tax return information to terminate, deny, suspend, or reduce a person's benefits or services without first: (1) taking appropriate steps to verify independently the amount and accessibility of the income in question, and (2) providing the affected individual with notice and an opportunity to respond to the findings. Restricts the Administrator's right to verify or act upon information relating to disability compensation. Directs the Administrator to notify applicants for and recipients of VA benefits that income information they provide may be compared with tax return data.
Bill· HRH.R. 4963 (100th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 1988
Military Retirement Benefits Check Delivery Assurance Act of 1988 - Requires the early mailing of benefit checks for military retired and retainer pay, Retired Serviceman's Family Protection Plan annuities, and military Survivor Benefit Plan annuities if the day regularly designated for the delivery of such checks falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday.
Bill· HRH.R. 4956 (100th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 1988
Revises conflict-of-interest provisions concerning Department of Defense procurement to prohibit former Department officers and employees and former or retired members of the armed services who participated in decisionmaking responsibilities concerning defense contractors from accepting compensation from such contractors for a two-year period following separation from the Department. (Present law imposes such prohibitions only on those officials who performed procurement functions for a majority of working days or who participated in negotiations of contracts or claims in excess of $10,000,000.) Imposes criminal penalties for violations of such prohibition. (Present law provides only civil penalties.) Imposes criminal penalties upon any person who knowingly offers or provides such compensation to a former defense procurement official. (Present law imposes only civil penalties.) Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to exempt from such requirements certain persons appointed to sensitive civilian procurement executive positions. Specifies that such an exemption shall be made with the concurrence of the Director of the Office of Government Ethics. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress concerning any such exemptions. Requires the Secretary to provide each defense procurement official separated from service a written notice containing: (1) an explanation of the provisions of this Act; and (2) the name of each contractor from whom such person is prohibited from accepting compensation. Specifies that the provisions of this Act shall not apply to contracts for less than $100,000 or to contractors who did less than $100,000 worth of business with the Department in the preceding fiscal year. Allows any person who is considering the propriety of accepting compensation from a defense contractor to apply to the Director of the Office of Government Ethics for advice on the applicability of this Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 4950 (100th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 1988
Department of Defense Acquisition Reorganization Act of 1988 - Establishes within the Department of Defense a Defense Acquisition Agency. Provides that the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition shall be the head of such Agency. Specifies that the Agency shall be responsible for all functions of the Department of Defense (including the military departments) relating to acquisition of property and services (including construction). Terminates the procurement authority of the Secretary of the Army, the Secretary of the Navy, and the Secretary of the Air Force. Establishes in the Department of Defense a Defense Acquisition Corps (DAC) to be headed by the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition. Requires the Secretary to make appointments to the DAC from the best-qualified civilian applicants and military personnel. Directs the Secretary to establish by regulation a personnel system for civilian personnel within the DAC. Outlines information to be included in such regulations. Allows the Secretary to exempt civilian personnel of the DAC from any otherwise applicable competitive service requirements. Authorizes the Secretary to establish by regulation a merit pay system for such members of the DAC as the Secretary deems appropriate. Provides for the assignment of members of the DAC. Requires the Secretary, not later than one year after the enactment of this Act, to: (1) review existing acquisition-related positions in the military departments to determine which positions should be included in the DAC; and (2) make appointments to such positions. Directs the Secretary of Defense to review each major defense acquisition program before such program proceeds into the stages of: (1) initial research and development; (2) full-scale development; and (3) production. Sets forth evaluations to be included in each review. Prohibits the Secretary or the Secretary of a military department from obligating or expending funds with respect to a stage of a major defense acquisition program unless the Secretary of Defense approves such program at the beginning of such stage. Directs the Secretary of Defense to establish and operate a Defense Acquisition University which includes all existing acquisition-related defense schools.
Bill· SS. 2583 (100th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 1988
Act to Convert Non-Physician Directors to the Senior Executive Service - Provides that certain non-physician directors of the Veterans Administration's Department of Medicine and Surgery shall be career appointees in the Senior Executive Service.
Bill· HRH.R. 4910 (100th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1988
Readiness Enhancement of Air Force Reserve Special Operations Act of 1988 - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1989 for the operation and maintenance of a Special Operations Wing of the Air Force Reserve. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1989 for the operation and maintenance of the Directorate of the Department of Defense Task Force on Drug Law Enforcement. Requires the Secretary of Defense to report to the Congress concerning plans to obligate and expend the funds appropriated pursuant to such authorizations. Specifies that such report shall include a description of proposed actions to: (1) consolidate, in a Special Operations Wing of the Air Force Reserve, command and control of Air Force Special Operations aircraft; and (2) provide aircraft and other resources to support activities of civilian law enforcement agencies relating to the enforcement of drug laws.
Bill· HRH.R. 4900 (100th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1988
Independent Defense Inspector General Act - Establishes the Office of the Defense Inspector General (Office) as an independent establishment within the executive branch. Provides that such office shall be headed by an Inspector General appointed by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Specifies that the Inspector General shall not report to, or be subject to supervision by, the Secretary of Defense. Provides that the Inspector General shall appoint an Assistant Inspector General for Auditing and an Assistant Inspector General for Investigations. Specifies the various duties and responsibilities of the Inspector General, including: (1) providing policy direction for, and conducting and supervising audits and investigations relating to, the programs and operations of the Department of Defense; and (2) being the principal adviser to the Secretary of Defense for matters relating to the prevention and detection of fraud, waste, and abuse in the programs and operations of the Department of Defense. Requires the Inspector General, in carrying out the duties and responsibilities established under this Act, to: (1) give regard to the activities of the Comptroller General with a view toward avoiding duplication and insuring coordination and cooperation; (2) report to the Attorney General whenever reasonable grounds exist to believe there has been a violation of criminal law; and (3) carry out such duties and responsibilities in a manner that avoids compromising or endangering the national security. Requires the Inspector General to prepare semiannual reports concerning the activities of the Office and to furnish such reports to the President, the Secretary of Defense, and the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives. Sets forth administrative provisions concerning: (1) the authorities of the Inspector General to have access to records and documents of the Department of Defense; (2) the obtaining of information and assistance from other Federal agencies; and (3) office space and equipment. Requires the Inspector General to report to the President, the Secretary of Defense, and the Armed Services Committees whenever any requested information or assistance is unreasonably refused. Authorizes the Inspector General to receive and investigate complaints or information from employees of the Department of Defense concerning violations of law, waste, mismanagement, or dangers to public health or safety. Prohibits the Inspector General from disclosing the identity of such an employee without the consent of the employee, unless the Inspector General determines such disclosure is unavoidable during the course of an investigation. Prohibits taking or threatening to take any action against any such employee as a reprisal for making a complaint or disclosing information to the Inspector General. Prohibits any person from serving as Inspector General if he or she has served as an officer of the armed forces or has been employed by a defense contractor during the five-year period prior to nomination. Prohibits any person who has served as Inspector General from accepting compensation from a defense contractor for a period of five years after leaving office. Sets forth similar rules for employees of the Office for periods of three years before and after employment with the Office. Terminates the Office of the Inspector General of the Department of Defense. Transfers all personnel, records, property and assets of such office to the Office established by this Act.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 483 (100th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1988
Declares that the House of Representatives honors the 24th Infantry Regiment of the U.S. Army for its service to the United States.
Bill· HRH.R. 4891 (100th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 1988
Amends Federal law concerning the Coast Guard's powers with regard to saving life and property to direct the Commandant of the Coast Guard to make full use of all available and qualified resources, including the Coast Guard Auxiliary and individuals licensed to operate towing vessels, in rendering aid in nonemergency cases. Amends the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 1982 to direct the Commandant to review policies and procedures for towing and salvage of disabled vessels to minimize Coast Guard competition or interference, other than by the Coast Guard Auxiliary, with private towing activities or other commercial enterprises. (Current law contains the same provision, but without reference to the Coast Guard Auxiliary.)
Bill· HRH.R. 4870 (100th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 1988
Authorizes the Vietnam Women's Memorial Project, Inc., to construct a commemorative statue within the Vietnam Veterans Memorial to recognize and honor the women of the U.S. armed forces who served in the Vietnam war. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to select a site for the statue within the Memorial. Makes the design proposal subject to the approval of the Secretary, the National Planning Commission, and the Commission of Fine Arts. Prohibits the United States and the District of Columbia from paying any expense of constructing the statue. Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) it is fitting and appropriate that such a statue be constructed at the site of the Vietnam Memorial; (2) the Secretary and each of the Commissions should give consideration to the sense of Congress that such a statue should be constructed at that site; and (3) after the addition of such statue no further commemorative works should be added to the Memorial. Requires the Secretary and Administrator of General Services to prepare, transmit to the Congress, and update periodically a list and a description of those commemorative works which have been completed and are located in the District of Columbia and its environs. Prohibits any significant modification to any commemorative work located in the District of Columbia and its environs unless specifically authorized by the Congress.
Bill· HRH.R. 4881 (100th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 1988
Prohibits the Secretary of the Army from establishing or collecting any fees for parking at Arlington National Cemetery.
Bill· HRH.R. 4861 (100th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 20 June 1988
Authorizes appropriations for FY 1989-1993 for grants to States for the establishment, expansion, and improvement of veterans' cemeteries.
Bill· SS. 2521 (100th)open
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 1988
Requires the Administrator of Veterans Affairs to conduct a study of the prevalence and incidence of post-traumatic stress disorder and other psychological problems among Asian-American and Polynesian-American Vietnam veterans. Sets forth the methodology to be used in conducting such study. Requires the Administrator to report to the Congress by October 1, 1990, concerning the results of such study.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 475 (100th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 1988
Waives points of order against the consideration of H.R. 4781 (armed forces appropriations).
Bill· SS. 2511 (100th)open
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 1988
Requires the Administrator of Veterans Affairs to conduct pilot programs during FY 1989, 1990, and 1991 under which the Administrator: (1) provides assistive monkeys to certain veterans who have service-connected disabilities and are quadriplegic and facilitates the provision of such monkeys to other veterans who are quadriplegic; and (2) provides dogs specially trained to provide hearing assistance to deaf individuals to certain veterans with service-connected hearing impairments, if the Administrator determines that the Veterans Administration is not currently authorized to provide such dogs. Requires the Administrator to: (1) determine the costs, benefits, and effectiveness of such pilot program; and (2) report to the Congress the results of such evaluation and the Administrator's views on the relationship between the provision of such a monkey and the payment of an aid and attendance allowance or an annual pension based on the need for aid and attendance.
Law· HRH.R. 4781 (100th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1988
Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 1989 - Title I: Military Personnel - Appropriates funds for FY 1989 for military and reserve personnel in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force, and for National Guard personnel in the Army and Air Force. Title II: Operation and Maintenance - Appropriates funds for FY 1989 for the operation and maintenance of the Army, Navy (including a transfer of funds), Marine Corps, Air Force, and the defense agencies, including their respective reserve components, and the Army and Air National Guards. Appropriates funds for the Army's National Board for the Promotion of Rifle Practice, the Court of Military Appeals, environmental restoration (including a transfer of funds), support and personnel services for the Goodwill Games, and for humanitarian assistance. Title III: Procurement - Appropriates funds for FY 1989 for the procurement by the Army of aircraft, missiles, weapons and tracked combat vehicles, and ammunition, and for other procurement. Appropriates funds to the Navy for procurement of aircraft and weapons, for shipbuilding and conversion, and for other procurement. Appropriates funds for the augmentation of U.S. Coast Guard inventories. Appropriates funds for Marine Corps procurement. Appropriates funds for procurement by the Air Force of aircraft and missiles and for other procurement. Appropriates funds for: (1) National Guard and Reserve equipment; (2) procurement by the defense agencies; (3) Defense Production Act purchases; and (4) the augmentation of space and related activities, defense. Title IV: Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation - Appropriates funds for FY 1989 for research, development, test, and evaluation by the Army, Navy, Air Force, and defense agencies. Appropriates funds for the expenses of the Deputy Under Secretary of Defense, Developmental Test and Evaluation, and the Director, Operational Test and Evaluation. Title V: Revolving and Management Funds - Appropriates funds for: (1) the armed forces and defense stock funds; and (2) foreign currency fluctuation, defense (including a transfer of funds). Title VI: Chemical Agents and Munitions Destruction, Defense - Appropriates funds for the destruction of the U.S. stockpile of lethal chemical agents and munitions. Title VII: Related Agencies - Appropriates funds for the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System Fund and for the Intelligence Community Staff. Title VIII: General Provisions - Prohibits the use of appropriations for unauthorized publicity or propaganda. Authorizes the Secretaries of Defense and of the military departments to procure the services of experts and consultants if advantageous to the national defense. Exempts the Department of Defense (DOD) from the prohibition against employing non-citizens. Directs the Secretary of Defense and each agency of DOD to assist American small and minority-owned businesses in their participation in defense contracts. Provides that no part of any appropriation contained in this Act may remain available for obligation beyond the current fiscal year, unless expressly so provided. Prohibits the use of appropriations for specified practices, including: (1) proficiency flying; and (2) excess household goods shipping and storage. Prohibits the obligation of more than 20 percent of funds appropriated by this Act during the last two months of the fiscal year, except as specified. Permits DOD and defense agencies to accept the use of real property and services from foreign countries in accordance with mutual defense agreements or occupational arrangements or as reciprocal international courtesies. Directs the Secretary to report quarterly to the Congress and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) on the properties and services received. Prohibits the use of appropriations for the procurement of any food, clothing, specified cloth (including cotton, silk, and wool) or synthetic fabrics, or specified metals not grown, produced, or processed within the United States, with specified exceptions. Permits the use of appropriations for uniforms or uniform allowances for civilian employees. Limits the funds available for legislative liaison activities of DOD. Earmarks appropriations for the procurement of commercial transportation services from carriers participating in the civil reserve air fleet program. Authorizes the Secretary, in the national interest and with the approval of OMB, to transfer and merge specified working capital funds. Directs the Secretary to notify the Congress of all transfers. Limits the cash balances which may be maintained in such funds. Prohibits the use of appropriated funds for: (1) heating plant fuel conversion at defense facilities in Europe; (2) the initiation of a special access program without prior notification to the Appropriations and Armed Services Committees; (3) the preparation of a request to the Appropriations Committees for reprogramming of funds, except as specified; (4) certain claims for physicians or provider reimbursement for medical services provided under the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS); (5) public affairs activities exceeding a specified amount; (6) planning or executing programs which utilize funds credited to DOD as payment for defense articles under provisions of the Arms Export Control Act; (7) Senior ROTC units which have had classes with insufficient enrollment; (8) programs of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) beyond FY 1990, with specified exceptions; and (9) military personnel costs associated with morale, welfare, and recreational activities. Permits the Secretary to contract with collection agencies to recover indebtedness owed to the United States. Prohibits the use of appropriations for: (1) certain noncompetitive contracts for studies and consulting services, unless certain unique elements are present; (2) nonreimbursed medical care in the United States furnished to foreign military or diplomatic personnel or their dependents; (3) certain second career training programs; (4) the demilitarization of surplus nonautomatic firearms of less than a specified caliber; (5) certain multiyear contracts utilizing economic order quantity procurement or unfunded contingent liabilities in excess of a specified amount; and (6) excessive per diem in lieu of subsistence when an enlisted member is in a travel status. Specifies defense articles which may be procured under multiyear procurement contracts using FY 1989 appropriations. Prohibits the use of appropriations for: (1) waivers of certain cost recovery under the Arms Export Control Act, unless the Appropriations Committees are given advance notice; (2) the transfer of military equipment or data related to the manufacture of such equipment to a foreign country, without approval of such transfer by the Secretary of the military department involved; (3) unjustified intelligence activity, unless the Appropriations Committees are notified; (4) the purchase of foreign coal or coke for U.S. defense facilities in Europe when U.S. coal is available; and (5) the appointment or compensation of more than 39 individuals in DOD Executive Schedule positions; and (6) converting certain military technician positions to positions to be held by persons in active Guard or Reserve status if such conversions would reduce the number of military technicians below a specified amount. Eliminates, during FY 1988, the requirement that the Congress must authorize by law the end-strengths for civilian personnel in DOD. Prohibits setting any end-strength limitations for such personnel during FY 1989. Permits the transfer and merger of FY 1988 funds for increased costs for research, development, test, and evaluation for FY 1989. Prohibits the use of funds for: (1) leasing DOD aircraft or vehicles to non-Federal agencies when commercial alternatives are available; (2) congressional lobbying; (3) certain multiyear leasing or chartering of vessels without prior submission to the Appropriations Committees; (4) the operation of more than 247 commissaries in the contiguous United States; (5) procuring certain foreign-manufactured aircraft ejection seats; (6) the pay of certain nonmilitary Army Reserve technicians; (7) purchasing dogs or cats to study the medical treatment of wounds; (8) full-scale engineering development of any major acquisition program, until the Secretary certifies to the Appropriations Committees that two or more production sources are not necessary, or provides such Committees a plan for the development of two or more sources; and (9) the floating storage of petroleum in non-U.S. vessels. Earmarks funds for the Civil Air Patrol. Permits the use of funds for removing feral burros and horses. Permits the appropriation of funds for humanitarian and civic assistance costs incident to authorized operations of the armed forces. Authorizes the Secretaries of the Army and the Air Force to retain in active status certain officers who need such status in order to maintain employment as a National Guard or Reserve technician. Expresses the sense of the Congress that competition should be increased in providing for our national defense. Prohibits the use of funds appropriated by this Act to pay a dislocation allowance in excess of one month's basic allowance for quarters. Prohibits the use of funds for contracting-out activities performed by the Defense Personnel Support Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, unless the Appropriations Committees receive the results of a cost analysis of such action. Prohibits the use of funds appropriated by this Act to make contributions to the Department of Defense Education Benefits Fund for educational assistance for a member of the armed services who receives an enlistment bonus. Directs DOD to conduct a pilot test project of providing home health care to certain military dependents. Limits the availability of appropriations for postsecondary educational costs for off-duty training of military personnel to specified percentages of such costs. Prohibits funds appropriated by this Act from being available to pay more than 50 percent of a lump-sum reenlistment bonus to any member. Prohibits the use of appropriated funds for conversion to contractor performance of an activity or function of DOD that is currently performed by more than ten DOD civilian employees until a cost analysis on such performance is completed and certified to the Appropriations Committees. Permits transfers of funds from one appropriation account to another for the lease or purchase of automatic data processing equipment if the Secretary reports such transfer to the Appropriations Committees within a specified time. Makes appropriations available to exchange or furnish mapping, charting, or geodetic data, supplies, or services to a foreign country pursuant to an agreement for the exchange of such services. Prohibits the use of funds for the procurement of 120mm mortars or ammunition for such mortars if manufactured outside the United States. Permits the use of DOD funds at sites formerly used by DOD for removal of unsafe buildings or debris, under certain conditions. Prohibits the use of appropriated funds to carry out a program to paint a naval vessel with a certain type of paint until the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) certifies that the paint does not pose an unacceptable hazard to the marine environment. Makes funds available to the Defense Logistics Agency for the Agency's productivity-based incentive awards programs for civilian employees. Prohibits the use of Army appropriations for depot maintenance of equipment unless the civilian personnel strengths at Army depots performing communications-electronics depot maintenance are greater than the strengths assigned those depots on September 30, 1985, with specified exceptions. Prohibits the use of funds made available in this Act for the purchase of Federal Supply Classes of machine tools (listed in numbered categories) for use in DOD which were not manufactured in the United States or Canada. Authorizes the waiver of such prohibition when adequate supplies of such machine tools do not exist. Prohibits the use of appropriated funds for the acquisition of major automated information systems which have not successfully completed specified oversight reviews. Prohibits funds appropriated in this Act from being obligated or expended for the procurement, modification, or product improvement or qualification of the five-inch semi-active laser guided projectile. Increases amounts made available during FY 1989 for military personnel services to the extent necessary to meet increased pay costs authorized pursuant to law. Prohibits the use of appropriated funds for the payment of salaries of any persons who authorize the transfer of unobligated and deobligated funds into the Reserve for Contingencies of the CIA. Requires funds appropriated under this Act for CIA construction projects to remain available until expended. Repeals a specified provision of the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 1987, which prohibits the General Services Administration (GSA) from selling or transferring a specified portion of Fort DeRussy, Hawaii. Directs the Secretary to conduct through CHAMPUS a demonstration project on the treatment of alcoholism designed to compare the use of chemical aversion therapy with the use of other treatments. Requires a report from the Secretary to the Appropriations and Armed Services Committees, and specifies other conditions in connection with the demonstration project. Prohibits the availability of funds appropriated by this Act for the operation and maintenance of contractor-owned primary health care facilities, unless the DOD Inspector General agrees to inspect, audit, and evaluate such clinics. Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to use specified funds to charter ships for use as auxiliary minesweepers, under specified conditions. Prohibits the use of funds from this Act to issue a letter of intent to proceed with the phase-in of the CHAMPUS reform initiative before December 1, 1989. Prohibits the use of appropriated funds for: (1) use by the Defense Logistics Agency to assign a supervisor's title or grade when the number of people he or she supervises is considered as a basis for such determination; (2) contributions to the DOD Education Benefits Fund for the future costs of educational assistance programs for certain veterans and members of the armed forces; and (3) basic pay and allowances for certain members of the armed forces participating as full-time students, when such time is credited towards completion of their service commitment. Permits the use of appropriated funds to fully utilize the facilities at the U.S. Army Engineer's Waterways Experiment Station, with a specified exception. Defines the phrase "program, project, and activity" for appropriations contained in this Act for purposes of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act). Earmarks specified funds appropriated to the Army under this Act for the Reserve Component Automation System (RCAS), with certain limitations on the expenditure of such earmarked funds. Prohibits the use of appropriated funds for: (1) the procurement of Tactical Army Combat Service Support Computer Systems, unless a certain condition is met; (2) the procurement of mini- and micro-computers for the Army Reserve component, until the RCAS contract is awarded; and (3) fixed-price contracts exceeding $10,000,000 for the development of a major system or subsystem, unless the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and the Secretary of Defense take certain action. Provides that monetary limitations on the purchase price of passenger motor vehicles shall not apply to vehicles purchased for certain intelligence activities. Earmarks specified funds for the construction of classified military projects within the continental United States. Makes funds available for Naval Air Rework Facilities to perform manufacturing in order to compete for production contracts of defense articles, under specified conditions. Authorizes DOD to adjust wage rates for authorized civilian employees hired for certain health-care occupations, with a specified condition. Prohibits the use of appropriated funds for: (1) the procurement of goods or services from Toshiba Corporation, or from Kongsberg Vaapenfabrik (or any of their subsidiaries), with a specified exception; (2) the procurement of welded shipboard anchor and mooring chains manufactured outside the United States; and (3) the conversion of heating plants at defense facilities outside of the United States. Requires DOD to exclude from diagnosis-related groups regulations: (1) inpatient hospital services in a hospital whose patients are predominately under 18 years old; and (2) certain discharges involving children and newborn infants. Prohibits any funds in this Act or any other funds available to military commissaries and exchanges from being used to purchase or sell Toshiba products. Directs the Secretary of the Air Force to make available a specified amount of funds for the next generation trainer engine over the next three-year period. Authorizes DOD to transfer prior-year unobligated balances to the operation and maintenance appropriations of the reserve components in order to provide military technician pay the same exemption from the Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act as is currently granted to other military personnel accounts, with specified exceptions. Prohibits any funds available to the Department of the Navy from being used to enter into any contract for the overhaul, repair, or maintenance of any naval vessel on the west coast which includes interport differential charges as a factor for the award to such contract. Prohibits any DOD vessel homeported in the United States from being overhauled, repaired, or maintained in a foreign-owned and operated shipyard located outside the United States, except for voyage repairs. Prohibits any funds available to any entity of the U.S. Government from being obligated or expended during FY 1989 to provide funds or other assistance to the Nicaraguan democratic resistance unless in accordance with terms of the Intelligence Authorization Act for fiscal year 1989. Authorizes DOD operation and maintenance funds to be available for claims authorized by law to be paid by DOD. Outlines the types of claims authorized to be so paid. Prohibits funds provided in this Act from being obligated or expended for the procurement of certain remote sensing data except by the Defense Mapping Agency. Prohibits funds appropriated by this Act from being used for: (1) the procurement or product improvement of the M30 heavy mortar, or the ammunition for such mortar; or (2) contracts with the prime manufacturers of the Advanced Technical Aircraft which do not include certain contract provisions (after January 1, 1989). Earmarks specified Navy funds for Project Have Gaze, and earmarks specified funds appropriated by this Act for engineering and development of certain standard avionics modules and supporting advanced avionics architecture elements. Prohibits funds appropriated or made available by this Act from being expended to award a contract after the enactment of this Act under DOD overseas fuel procurement programs (including procurements in American Samoa and Guam) to a contractor other than a U.S. firm, with specified exceptions.
Bill· SS. 2490 (100th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 1988
Amends the Federal Tort Claims Act to allow members of the armed forces to bring claims for damages against the United States for personal injury or death arising out of medical or dental care furnished by a Department of Defense hospital or medical facility.
Bill· HRH.R. 4770 (100th)open
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 1988
Directs the Secretary of the Navy to make available to the Secretary of Transportation three naval radar surveillance aircraft for drug interdiction activities of the Coast Guard. Requires these provisions to be carried out subject to provisions of Federal law relating to military cooperation with civilian law enforcement officials, except that the Secretary of Defense may not require reimbursement for making the aircraft available.
Bill· HRH.R. 4766 (100th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 1988
Authorizes the Administrator of Veterans Affairs to make grants to States to defray the expenses of operating and maintaining veterans' cemeteries. Sets a maximum yearly grant limit for each State. Makes States ineligible to receive both operation and maintenance grants and a plot allowance for the burial of certain veterans in State veterans' cemeteries.
Bill· SS. 2476 (100th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1988
Designates the outpatient clinic of the Veterans Administration located in Brick Township, New Jersey, as the James J. Howard Veterans' Outpatient Clinic.
Bill· HRH.R. 4741 (100th)open
United States · United States Congress · 3 June 1988
Veterans' Compensation Amendments of 1988 - Increases the rates of compensation, dependency and indemnity compensation, and the clothing allowance payable to veterans with service-connected disabilities and their survivors. Authorizes the Administrator of Veterans Affairs to administratively adjust the rates of disability compensation payable to persons who are not in receipt of compensation for service-connected disability or death. Provides for the payment of benefits to the surviving spouse and to the children of a veteran who dies from causes other than the veteran's own willful misconduct, and who was in receipt of, entitled to receive, or but for the receipt of retired or retirement pay would have been entitled to receive, compensation at the time of death for a service-connected disability that was continuously rated totally disabling for: (1) ten years or more immediately preceding death; or (2) not less than five years from the date of such veteran's discharge or other release from active duty. Prohibits the payment of benefits to a surviving spouse under this Act unless: (1) the marriage to the veteran occurred before the expiration of 15 years after the veteran's discharge or other release from active duty; (2) the surviving spouse was married to the veteran for one year or more; or (3) a child was born of the marriage or was born to them before the marriage. Provides for a reduction of benefits to a surviving spouse or child receiving money or property pursuant to an award in a judicial proceeding based upon, or a settlement or compromise of, any cause of action for damages for the death of such veteran. Revises provisions providing for vocational rehabilitation for pension recipients to qualify for an eligibility evaluation any veteran who was awarded a pension before the beginning of the program period, and to remove the limitation on the number of veterans who may be given evaluations each year. Extends the program period through January 31, 1992. Provides for the continued operation of the Veterans Administration's regional office in the Philippines through September 30, 1991.
Bill· HRH.R. 4718 (100th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 1988
Korean Veterans National Medal Act - Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to design, coin, and sell a medal in honor of the members of the armed forces of the United States who served in the Korean conflict. Requires the Secretary to offer such medals for public sale at a price sufficient to cover their cost.
Bill· HRH.R. 4717 (100th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 1988
Requires the Secretary of Defense to compare the costs of performance by Department of Defense civilian employees and by a private contractor of all automated data processing functions and data entry functions of the Department. Specifies that the procedures and requirements of Office of Management and Budget Circular A-76 shall be used in making such comparison. Requires the Secretary to contract with a private contractor for the performance of such functions if private contractor performance will result in a cost savings to the Government over the life of the contract.
Bill· SS. 2462 (100th)open
United States · United States Congress · 27 May 1988
Veterans' Administration Health-Care Personnel and Programs Act of 1988 - Amends Federal veterans' benefits provisions to extend the eligibility for veterans' readjustment counseling to any veteran who served on active duty after May 7, 1975, in an area during a period in which hostilities occurred in such area. (Currently, such benefits are authorized only for any veteran who served on active duty during the Vietnam era.) Authorizes the Administrator of Veterans Affairs, upon the request of any veteran who served on active duty during the Korean conflict or World War II, to furnish counseling to such veteran in overcoming any psychological problems associated with such veteran's service during such period. Details the emphasis and assessments to be included in such counseling. Defines "hostilities" as situations in which members of the armed forces were subjected to danger from armed conflict comparable to danger members have been subjected to in battle with the enemy during a period of war. Extends through FY 1992 the authority of the Veterans Administration (VA) to provide contract care for U.S. veterans in the Philippines. Authorizes the Administrator, upon the recommendation of the Chief Medical Director of the VA's Department of Medicine and Surgery (the Department), to appoint in the competitive service five individuals with a recognized degree or certification from an accredited institution in a health-care occupation or profession who were appointed to and successfully participated in a VA-affiliated clinical education program. Requires the Administrator, in appointing such individuals, to apply certain veterans' hiring preferences. Requires the Administrator to provide the President with at least 45 days' notice (currently 90 days) of the Administrator's intention to provide basic pay increases for certain VA employees. Amends Federal provisions relating to VA employees to provide that disciplinary boards shall be appointed to investigate disciplinary actions for performance or conduct during tenure with the VA. Authorizes the Chief Medical Director to delegate the function of appointing such a board to certain Department employees not involved with or subordinate to an official involved in the action. Entitles a VA employee against whom a suspension of 14 days or less, reassignment or reduction in rank without a reduction in basic pay, reprimand, or admonishment is proposed to the following: (1) advance written notice of the reasons for such action; (2) a reasonable time to respond; (3) proper representation; and (4) a written decision and reasons therefor at the earliest practicable date. Provides for agency review of any employee disciplinary action taken. Outlines action to be taken as part of any such agency review. Directs the Administrator to authorize review of agency actions on grievances or disciplinary actions under negotiated Federal employee procedures in order to resolve employee grievances or disciplinary actions within the VA. Requires any arbitrator chosen to arbitrate an employee grievance or disciplinary action to be qualified or experienced in examining and adjudicating health-care issues. Requires reciprocal reimbursement (payments to and by the VA from or to other medical installations for the use of specialized medical resources) to include a methodology that establishes an appropriate reimbursement rate after taking into account local conditions and needs and the actual costs to the providing facility of the resource involved. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1989 through 1992 for the making of grants to certain eligible institutions affiliated with the VA for the purpose of increasing the production and manpower training potential of professional and other health personnel. Directs the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the VA to conduct a pilot program at not less than five VA medical centers during calendar years 1989 through 1991 in order to determine: (1) the effects of pay and personnel management practices of the Department on the ability of the VA to recruit and retain employees qualified to provide direct patient-care services in the VA; and (2) whether it is desirable to take certain actions aimed at increasing the involvement and responsibility of registered nurses and to increase the pay differential for evening and night service in order to attract qualified workers to those shifts. Requires the CMD, in conducting such pilot program, to take one or a number of the actions described above at one or a number of such pilot sites. Directs the CMD, no later than February 1, 1990, to submit to the Administrator and to the Senate and House Veterans' Affairs Committees (the veterans committees) a report on the first 12 months' experience under the pilot program. Directs the Administrator, no later than 60 days after receiving such report, to submit to the veterans committees any comments on the report that the Administrator considers appropriate. Directs the CMD, no later than June 30, 1991, to report to the Administrator and the veterans committees on the first 24 months' experience under the program. Directs the Administrator, no later than 60 days after the receipt of such report, to make appropriate comment on such report to the veterans committees. Directs the CMD, no later than February 1, 1992, to report to the Administrator and the veterans committees a final report on the pilot program. Directs the Administrator, no later than 60 days after receiving such report, to make appropriate comment on such report to the veterans committees, along with the Administrator's final assessment of the program. Directs the Special Committee on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, no later than April 1, 1989, to submit to the Administrator a report evaluating the results of a study required under the Veterans' Health Care Amendments of 1983 concerning the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder of veterans. Directs the Administrator, no later than 30 days after receiving such report, to submit to the veterans committees a copy of such report, together with comments. Directs the Special Committee, no later than February 1 of the years 1990 and 1991, to submit to the Administrator a report containing updated information concerning such study, together with any appropriate additional information on overall efforts of the VA to meet the needs of veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder. Directs the Administrator, no later than 60 days after receiving each of the Special Committee's reports, to submit to the veterans committees a copy of such reports, together with appropriate comments.
Bill· SS. 2463 (100th)open
United States · United States Congress · 27 May 1988
Directs the Administrator of Veterans Affairs to establish and operate up to five Veterans Administration health-care facilities as centers of mental illness research, education, and clinical activities, taking into account appropriate geographic distribution of such facilities. Precludes the Administrator from designating any health-care facility as a center unless the facility has (or may reasonably be anticipated to develop): (1) an arrangement with an accredited medical school and graduate school of psychology which provide education and training in psychiatry and psychology through regular rotation through such center so as to provide training in the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness; (2) an arrangement under which nursing, social work, or other allied health personnel receive education and training in mental health care through regular rotation through such facility; (3) the ability to attract the participation of scientists who are capable of ingenuity and creativity in research into the causes, treatment, and prevention of mental illness and into models for furnishing care and treatment to veterans suffering from mental illness; (4) a policymaking advisory committee to advise the directors of such facility and center on policy matters pertaining to the activities of such center; and (5) the capability to conduct effectively evaluations of the activities of such center. Authorizes appropriations. Declares that activities of clinical and scientific investigation at each center shall be eligible to compete for the award of funding from funds appropriated for the VA medical and prosthetics research account and shall receive priority insofar as funds are awarded to projects for mental illness. Requires the Chief Medical Director to ensure that: (1) research activities carried out through such centers include an appropriate emphasis on the psychosocial dimension of mental illness and on models for furnishing care and treatment to veterans suffering from mental illness; and (2) useful information produced by the centers is disseminated throughout the Department of Medicine and Surgery. Requires the Administrator to submit to the House and Senate Committees on Veterans Affairs an annual report on the activities and effectiveness of the centers.
Bill· SS. 2459 (100th)open
United States · United States Congress · 27 May 1988
Veterans' Vocational Training Continuation Act of 1988 - Extends for one year (from January 31, 1989, to January 31, 1990) the temporary program of vocational training and health-care eligibility for certain new veterans' pension recipients.
Bill· SS. 2446 (100th)open
United States · United States Congress · 27 May 1988
Amends the Veterans' Benefits Improvement and Health-Care Authorization Act of 1986 to extend for one year: (1) the authorization of the Veterans Administration to furnish respite care to certain chronically-ill veterans; and (2) the due date for a report on the results of an evaluation of furnishing such care.
Bill· SS. 2464 (100th)open
United States · United States Congress · 27 May 1988
Veterans Administration Insurance Amendments of 1988 - Authorizes the Administrator of Veterans Affairs to: (1) pay interest on the proceeds of a National Service Life Insurance, Veterans Special Life Insurance, Veterans Reopened Insurance, or U.S. Government Life Insurance policy from the date the policy matures until the date the proceeds are paid to the beneficiary or policy holder; and (2) adjust the discount rate for insurance premiums paid in advance, subject to certain restrictions.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 462 (100th)open
United States · United States Congress · 26 May 1988
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the United States should not provide any agricultural commodities under the Food for Peace Act of 1966 or any other economic assistance to Vietnam until the Government of Vietnam fully accounts for all members of the U.S. armed forces of the Vietnam era still listed as missing.
Bill· HRH.R. 4682 (100th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 1988
Merchant Mariners Fairness Act of 1988 - Provides that certain qualified service of a member of the U.S. merchant marine during World War II constituted active military service for purposes of eligibility for various veterans' benefits under the GI Bill Improvement Act of 1977. Requires the Secretary of Defense to issue an honorable discharge under such Act to each merchant marine member whose qualified service warrants such a discharge. Defines "qualified service." Prohibits the payment of any retroactive benefits under this Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 4665 (100th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1988
Allows the obsolete submarine ex-Growler to be transferred to the Intrepid Sea-Air-Space Museum in New York before the expiration of the otherwise-applicable 60-day congressional review period.
Bill· HRH.R. 4674 (100th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1988
Burial Benefits Amendments Act of 1988 - Amends Federal law relating to burial allowances for veterans to authorize plot allowances only to veterans who are either eligible for a burial allowance or who were discharged from active duty due to a service-connected disability. (Currently, a veteran of any war, whether or not disabled, is eligible for such plot allowance.) Authorizes the Administrator of Veterans Affairs to reimburse a veteran for the cost of a prepurchased headstone (in lieu of furnishing such a headstone at burial). Extends through FY 1993 the authorization of appropriations for the making of grants to States for the establishment, expansion, and improvement of veterans' cemeteries. Removes the maximum per-State grant limitation available for such grants.
Bill· HRH.R. 4670 (100th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1988
Veterans Administration Multiyear Contracting Act of 1988 - Authorizes the Administrator of Veterans Affairs, subject to certain restrictions, to enter into a multiyear contract for the acquisition of supplies or services when: (1) appropriations are available and adequate for fixed obligations required for total payments under the full term of the contract or for payment for the first fiscal year plus cancellation costs; and (2) the Administrator determines that such a contract will reduce contract costs or achieve economics in administration, performance, and operation, that during the proposed contract period there will be a continuing or recurring and constant need for supplies or services, that the specifications for the supplies or services are stable and the technical risks are not excessive, and that such a contract will not inhibit small business bids. Specifies that a multiyear contract shall include: (1) a provision that the Veterans Administration's (VA) contract obligation during the second or any subsequent fiscal year is contingent on the appropriation of funds, if appropriations are not available to cover total contract payments; and (2) provision for the payment of a cancellation charge to compensate the contractor for any nonrecurring, unrecovered costs if the contract is canceled. Allows performance under the contract to be canceled if the amount of funds appropriated is insufficient to cover programs of the VA and all multiyear contracts. Provides for the payment of cancellation costs from: (1) appropriated funds which were originally available either for contract performance or for cancellation payments; or (2) current year funds available for contracting, if funds are not available from the original account. Allows amounts appropriated to finance cancellation costs to remain available until expended for outyear cancellation or contract costs.
Bill· HRH.R. 4673 (100th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1988
Amends Federal veterans' law relating to construction contracts to repeal the requirement that settlements of claims in excess of $1,000,000 on a construction contract be provided for specifically in an appropriation law, instead requiring that the Administrator of Veterans Affairs promptly notify the Senate and House Appropriations Committees of settlements in excess of such figure.
Bill· HRH.R. 4669 (100th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1988
Veterans' Administration Health Care Amendments Act of 1988 - Repeals current Federal veterans' law which: (1) prohibits the Administrator of Veterans Affairs from furnishing treatment and rehabilitation for alcohol or drug dependence or abuse disabilities of veterans after September 30, 1988; and (2) directs the Administrator to monitor the performance of each contract facility performing the above care and services for veterans for quality assurance and cost-effectiveness purposes. Extends through FY 1991 the Veterans Administration's (VA) authority to provide respite care services. Provides that the VA has the authority to pay for emergency medical services for veterans participating in a vocational rehabilitation program when the veteran cannot reasonably obtain medical care through VA or other Government facilities. Extends through FY 1994 the authority of the President to authorize the Administrator to contract with the Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC) in the Republic of the Philippines to provide for payments for care in the VMMC for eligible U.S. veterans. Extends through FY 1994 the authority of the Administrator to make grants of up to $500,000 annually to the VMMC for education and training of health service personnel, and for equipment upgrading and replacement. Increases the per diem rates to be paid to States for the care of veterans in State homes. Deletes the specific listing of professions eligible for the VA Health Professional Scholarship program, instead making eligible for such program any person engaged in a field of training or study in direct health-care services. Defines the period of obligated service for those newly-included participants in the above scholarship program as starting after these participants have obtained the necessary licensure or credentials for VA employment. Prohibits any period of internship, residency, or advanced clinical training as being counted towards the newly-included participant's period of obligated service. Makes applicable to the newly-included occupations in the VA Health Professional Scholarship program the same requirements for the deferral of obligated service as those which apply to occupations specified currently under the program. Authorizes the Administrator to establish a tuition reimbursement program for VA nurses pursuing professional courses leading to a bachelor's or an advanced degree in nursing. Authorizes the Administrator to issue regulations implementing such program. Sets forth the eligibility standards that applicants must meet in order to participate in such program. Provides conditions that a participant must meet in order to be entitled to reimbursement (i.e., remain employed with the VA while in the program, successfully completing the course, and agreeing to the required period of obligated service). Outlines consequences for participants who fail either to complete the courses successfully or to maintain employment with the VA for the required period of obligated service. Empowers the VA to recover any reimbursements paid when the participant breaches the duty to perform the obligated service. Authorizes the Chief Medical Director of the VA to grant waivers of either the VA's right of recovery or the participant's obligation to perform service with the VA when the participant cannot comply due to circumstances beyond the participant's control, or whenever waiver would be in the best interest of the VA. Extends through FY 1992 the program for grants to States for the construction and acquisition of State home facilities for furnishing domiciliary and nursing home care, and for the expansion, remodeling, and alteration of State home facilities used for furnishing hospital, domiciliary, and nursing home care. Extends through FY 1991 the date by which the VA must report to the Congress on its evaluation of the respite care program previously authorized under Federal law.
Bill· HRH.R. 4671 (100th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1988
Requires the Administrator of Veterans Affairs to consider the sharing of health-care resources with the Department of Defense as an alternative to a major medical facility project (currently, a project expected to cost over $2,000,000). Revises the definition of a "major medical facility project" requiring congressional approval to increase the required expenditure from $2,000,000 to $3,000,000.
Bill· HRH.R. 4667 (100th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1988
Authorizes the appointment of Veterans Administration-trained graduates in certain health-care professions or occupations by the Veterans Administration without regard to civil service hiring procedures.
Bill· HRH.R. 4672 (100th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1988
Veterans' Compensation and Benefits Improvement Act of 1988 - Title I: Disability Compensation and Dependency and Indemnity Compensation Rate Increases - Requires annual cost-of-living increases in the rates of veterans' disability compensation and dependency and indemnity compensation, and in the clothing allowance for disabled veterans. Requires the Administrator of Veterans Affairs to publish such new rates in the Federal Register. Authorizes the Administrator to adjust administratively the rates of disability compensation payable to persons who are not in receipt of compensation for service-connected disability or death. Title II: Enlargement of Clothing-Allowance Coverage and Income Exclusion Amendments - Expands coverage under the clothing-allowance to include veterans who use prescribed medication for a service-connected skin condition where such medication stains or otherwise damages such veteran's clothing. Expands the scope of income which may be excluded for purposes of determinations for: (1) dependency and indemnity compensation to parents; and (2) veterans' pensions. Title III: Miscellaneous Amendments - Extends benefits under the Reinstated Entitlement Program for Survivors to survivors entitled to benefits as a result of the in-service or service-connected death of a veteran. Authorizes the Administrator to request that the Secretary of a uniformed service collect indebtedness owed to the Veterans Administration from an individual's retired or retainer pay where such indebtedness resulted from the overpayment of veterans' disability compensation or pension benefits. Authorizes the Administrator to collect overpayments of military retired pay and retainer pay by offset of any compensation or benefit payable to any veteran. Requires any person who applies for or is in receipt of any veterans' compensation or pension benefits, as a condition precedent to receipt or continued receipt of such benefits, to provide the Administrator upon request with his or her dependent's or beneficiary's social security number. Extends the Veterans Administration's authority to maintain a regional office in the Philippines through September 30, 1992.
Bill· HRH.R. 4668 (100th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1988
Veterans' Housing Amendments Act of 1988 - Repeals the provisions relating to the setting of the interest rate on guaranteed or insured housing loans to veterans as provided by the Veterans Administration (VA), and provides that such interest rates should be negotiated between the veterans and the lender, provided that the interest rate agreed upon remains constant throughout the life of the loan. Grants the Administrator of Veterans Affairs authority to sell vendee loans (to maintain the effective functioning of the loan guarantee program) without recourse after: (1) consulting with a professional financial advisor; (2) reviewing the experience of other Federal agencies that have conducted loan asset sales without recourse; (3) exploring such marketing strategies as overcollateralized loans or private reinsurances; and (4) accepting bids only when they appropriately reflect the prevailing interest rates and characteristics of the loans. Repeals certain provisions which: (1) regulate the manner in which the VA may sell such loans; and (2) prohibit the VA from selling such loans unless they are sold at par. Repeals provisions relating to the inspection of manufactured homes purchased by veterans, and deems as meeting required standards any manufactured housing unit displaying a certificate of conformance to Federal manufactured home construction and safety standards. Repeals provisions placing certain restrictions on such VA manufactured home loans. Limits the maximum VA liability under such loan guarantees. Repeals provisions which prohibit the VA from guaranteeing loans for newly constructed residences in areas not served by public or community water and sewage systems. Permits the VA to collect debts arising out of the housing loan program by offsetting the debtor's Federal tax refund. Requires any veteran wishing a housing debt waiver to make such request within 180 days of the notification of such indebtedness (unless the Administrator determines that a longer period is reasonable) or by September 30, 1990, if notice of such debt was provided before October 1, 1988. Makes such waiver provisions applicable to active duty veterans.
Bill· SS. 2419 (100th)open
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 1988
Veterans' Housing Amendments Act of 1988 - Repeals the provisions relating to the setting of the interest rate on guaranteed or insured housing loans to veterans as provided by the Veterans Administration (VA), and provides that such interest rates should be negotiated between the veteran and the lender, provided that the interest rate agreed upon remains constant throughout the life of the loan. Grants the Administrator of Veterans Affairs authority to sell vendee loans (to maintain the effective functioning of the loan guarantee program) without recourse after: (1) consulting with a professional financial advisor; (2) reviewing the experience of other Federal agencies that have conducted loan asset sales without recourse; (3) exploring such marketing strategies as overcollateralized loans or private reinsurances; and (4) accepting bids only when they appropriately reflect the prevailing interest rates and characteristics of the loans. Repeals certain provisions which: (1) regulate the manner in which the VA may sell such loans; and (2) prohibit the VA from selling such loans unless they are sold at par. Repeals provisions relating to the inspection of manufactured homes purchased by veterans, and deems as meeting required standards any manufactured housing unit displaying a certificate of conformance to Federal manufactured home construction and safety standards. Repeals provisions placing certain restrictions on such VA manufactured home loans. Limits the maximum VA liability under such loan guarantees. Repeals provisions which prohibit the VA from guaranteeing loans for newly constructed residences in areas not served by public or community water and sewage systems. Permits the VA to collect debts arising out of the housing loan program by offsetting the debtor's Federal tax refund. Requires any veteran wishing a housing debt waiver to make such request within 180 days of the notification of such indebtedness (unless the Administrator determines that a longer period is reasonable) or by September 30, 1990, if notice of such debt was provided before October 1, 1988. Makes such waiver provisions applicable to active duty veterans.
Bill· HRH.R. 4654 (100th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 1988
Authorizes the establishment of a National Guard in and for American Samoa.
Bill· HRH.R. 4632 (100th)open
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1988
Missing Service Personnel Act of 1988 - Requires the responsible uniformed service commander, after receiving notice that a person under his command is missing, to conduct an informal investigation to determine such person's whereabouts and, if appropriate, to place such person in a missing status. Requires the commander, if a person has been placed in such status, to notify the officer holding general court-martial authority over such person (or, in the case of a missing civilian, the Secretary concerned), who shall convene a board of initial inquiry within 30 days. Requires such board to: (1) investigate evidence relating to the disappearance of such person; (2) recommend whether to continue such person in a missing status or make a finding that such person has deserted, is absent without leave, or is dead; and (3) report its recommendations and findings. Provides for the convening of a board of further inquiry, if a board of initial inquiry recommends that such person be continued in a missing status, within one year of such recommendation. Requires such board to analyze any information which has become available since the board of initial inquiry issued its report, to determine whether such person should be continued in a missing status or declared dead, and to report its findings. Directs the Secretary concerned, upon the written request of a member of the immediate family of a missing person who, before the date of the enactment of this Act, was determined by the Secretary to be dead, to: (1) convene a board of further inquiry to determine whether such finding of death should be upheld or such person should be placed in a missing status; and (2) report its findings. Requires the Secretary, within three years after a board of further inquiry recommends a missing status for any person, to reconvene such board to review such status. Specifies the composition of such boards. Allows the Secretary to invite each member of the immediate family of the missing person to the meetings of a board of initial inquiry. Requires the Secretary to: (1) invite family members of missing persons to meetings of boards of further inquiry; (2) schedule such meetings at convenient locations and times; (3) provide such family members with reasonable notice of such meetings; and (4) open such meetings to the general public. Authorizes each board to hold meetings, take testimony, receive evidence, and secure directly from any U.S. department or agency any information necessary to carry out its duties. Provides for the appointment of counsel by the officer or Secretary concerned to represent the missing person. Requires that, if a board determines that a missing person is dead, it shall include in its report a detailed description of the location and date of death, whether the body has been recovered, and whether a licensed practitioner of forensic medicine determined that the body recovered is that of the missing person. Prohibits any such board from declaring a missing person dead unless: (1) evidence other than the passage of time suggests that such person is dead; (2) no evidence which reasonably suggests that such person is alive is in the possession of the Government; (3) representatives of the Government have made a complete search of the area where such person was last seen (unless the United States is not granted access to such area); and (4) Government representatives have checked the records of the government or entity having control over the area where such person was last seen (unless the Government is not granted access to such records). Provides for judicial review of determinations of death upon the filing of a written petition by any member of the missing person's immediate family. Directs the Secretary of the uniformed service in which a missing person serves to make certain that such person's personnel file contains all information in the possession of Federal departments and agencies pertaining to the disappearance or whereabouts of such person. Requires the Secretary to make certain that, if classified information is withheld, such file contains: (1) a notice that the information exists; and (2) a notice of the date of the most recent review of the classification status of the information. Sets forth penalties for knowingly withholding information pertaining to the disappearance or whereabouts of a missing person from that person's personnel file. Requires the Secretary concerned to make the contents of such file available to a member of the immediate family of such person upon written request.