Defence

A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to extend from one year to three years the period after separation from service during which the conditions of Hodgkin's disease and leukemia occuring in a veteran shall be presumed to be service-connected.

United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1987

Amends Federal veterans' benefits provisions to extend from one to three years the period after separation from service during which the conditions of Hodgkin's disease and leukemia occurring in a veteran shall be presumed to be service-connected.

A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide certain additional protection for the disability ratings of veterans with service-connected disabilities rated total for not less than 10 years.

United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1987

Amends Federal veterans' benefits provisions to provide that a rating of total disability or permanent total disability which has been made for purposes of the administration of veterans' benefits, and which has been continuously in force for ten or more years but which has been proposed to be reduced under a decision made by the Veterans Administration, may not be reduced during the period of any administrative appeal of such decision.

A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to extend from 60 days to 120 days the period between notice and effective date for certain reductions and discontinuations of Veterans Administration monetary benefits.

United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1987

Amends Federal veterans' benefits provisions to extend from 60 to 120 days the period between notice and effective date for certain reductions of monetary benefits paid to veterans by the Veterans Administration.

Freedom of the Department of Defense Press Act of 1987

United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1987

Freedom of the Department of Defense Press Act of 1987 - Establishes the Commission on Freedom of the Department of Defense Press (the Commission). Directs the Commission to convene its first meeting within 15 days after the date on which all the members of the Commission have been appointed. Requires the Commission to: (1) examine the editorial policies and operations of the Department of Defense (DOD) and specified newspapers published by DOD in order to determine the amount of censorship and news management permitted within their editorial policies and operations; (2) identify and investigate complaints made to DOD and the Commission by members and former members of the Pacific and European editions of the Stars and Stripes with respect to the presence of censorship and news management practiced by such DOD publications; and (3) determine whether increased civilian participation in the editorial operations of such newspapers will decrease the likelihood of such censorship and news management practices. Directs the Commission, within 90 days after its first meeting, to report to the Secretary of Defense and to the Congress the results of its investigation, together with any appropriate recommendations. Authorizes the Commission to conduct hearings and secure information from various sources in order to aid its investigation. Outlines administrative procedures relating to the meetings and information-gathering powers of the Commission, including the ability to issue and enforce subpoenas; pay, travel expenses, and staff for members of the Commission; and the power to procure temporary and intermittent services in order to carry out its specified duties. Directs the Administrator of General Services to furnish the Commission, on a reimbursable basis, any administrative and support services requested by the Commission. Directs the Commission members, whenever possible, to use military transport when traveling to perform its functions. Terminates the Commission 60 days after the date on which the Commission submits its report, above. Directs payment of Commission expenses to be paid from Department of the Army funds.

A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to provide catastrophic loss protection for dependents of active-duty members of the Armed Forces under the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services.

United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1987

Amends Federal armed forces provisions relating to the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services to limit to $1,000 the per-family yearly payment required under such plan for spouses and dependents of active-duty military personnel.

A bill to require the construction or acquisition of facilities for a new Veterans' Administration medical center in Hawaii.

United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1987

Directs the Administrator of Veterans Affairs to construct or acquire facilities for a new Veterans Administration medical center on the island of Oahu in the State of Hawaii. Directs the Administrator to construct or acquire such facilities so as to begin operations at such new medical center no later than October 1, 1993. Authorizes the Administrator to acquire such land and facilities as necessary to carry out this Act.

A bill to require the construction or acquisition of facilities for a new Veterans' Administration medical center in Hawaii.

United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1987

Directs the Administrator of Veterans Affairs, no later than October 1, 1993, to construct or acquire facilities for a new Veterans Administration medical center on the island of Oahu in the State of Hawaii. Authorizes the Administrator to acquire such land and facilities as necessary to carry out this Act.

A bill to amend title 32, United States Code, to authorize Federal support of State defense forces.

United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1987

Amends Federal provisions relating to the National Guard to add a new chapter concerning the formation of State defense forces. Defines a "State defense force" as a military force organized by a State to become operational when the State National Guard forces are federalized or otherwise unavailable or inadequate for the defense needs of such State. Provides that, as general policy, State defense forces are in the national interest as a reserve force of the States, for specified reasons. Provides that membership in a State defense force shall be determined by the individual States, but that a member of the U.S. armed forces shall not also be a member of a State defense force, unless specifically authorized to do so. Provides further that membership in a State defense force does not exempt a person from any required duty under the Military Selective Service Act, nor does such membership limit a person from enlistment or appointment in an armed force. Authorizes the Secretary of a military department to issue or loan military equipment, supplies, or uniforms to a State for use in connection with its State defense force. Directs the Secretary of Defense to prescribe policies and procedures to be followed in the issuing and loaning of such equipment. Authorizes the sale (by the Secretary of the military department concerned) and the wearing of military uniforms by members of a State defense force, as long as such uniforms have been approved by such Secretary. Authorizes the Secretary of a military department to provide a member of a State defense force and States with defense forces training and training assistance for such forces. Authorizes such training, in the alternative, to be provided by an executive department and an independent agency of the Federal Government in the interest of national security and when not detrimental to the primary operational requirements of the department or agency concerned. Directs that the chief executive officer of a State sponsoring a State defense force is the responsible official for that force. Provides that the Chief of the National Guard Bureau shall serve as the means of communication between a State and the Federal Government on matters involving the State defense forces. Provides that a member of a State defense force is not to be considered a member of the U.S. armed forces for any reason, including eligibility for federally-sponsored health care or disability benefits. Authorizes the Secretary of a military department to conduct such background investigations for potential members of State defense forces as considered necessary and appropriate by such Secretary for the granting of appropriate security clearances for such personnel. Encourages a State sponsoring a State defense force to make available to officials of the State defense force all appropriate criminal history information, and to maintain a record of criminal history information pertaining to a member in order that security clearances may be expedited in time of mobilization or national emergency.

A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to require the advancement of Army and Air Force reserve enlisted personnel to highest grade satisfactorily held after thirty years of service.

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 1987

Amends Federal armed forces provisions to require that each Army and Air Force reserve enlisted member be advanced in rank to the highest grade satisfactorily held after 30 years of combined active-duty and retired service.

A bill to prohibit the Department of Defense from procuring Penguin antiship missiles.

United States · United States Congress · 27 July 1987

Prohibits the Secretary of Defense or the Secretary of a military department from entering into a contract for the procurement of Penguin antiship missiles from Norway.

A bill to provide veterans' benefits to persons who served as seamen in the United States merchant marine during World War II.

United States · United States Congress · 24 July 1987

Amends Federal veterans' benefits provisions to provide that, for purposes of laws administered by the Veterans Administration providing benefits for qualified veterans, certain specified services performed by seamen in the merchant marine during World War II shall be considered active naval service if the total period of all such service is equal to or exceeds 12 months. Exempts from such 12-month minimum any person who has a permanent disability resulting from personal injury incurred while serving during such period. Directs the Administrator of Veterans Affairs to accept the certification of the Secretary of Transportation or the head of any other department or agency of the Federal Government that a person is qualified to receive such benefits.

A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, with respect to the Montgomery GI Bill.

United States · United States Congress · 23 July 1987

Directs the Administrator of Veterans Affairs to pay to the beneficiary, surviving spouse, child, or parent of a veterans who dies after June 30, 1985, while serving on active or reserve duty, a death benefit in the amount that such veteran's basic pay has been reduced by any veterans' educational assistance that has not actually been paid to such veteran.

A bill to prohibit the Department of Defense from purchasing any product manufactured or assembled by Toshiba America, Incorporated, Toshiba Corporation, or the Kongsberg Vappenfabrik Company of Norway or their subsidiaries.

United States · United States Congress · 23 July 1987

Prohibits the Department of Defense from purchasing any product manufactured or assembled by Toshiba America, Incorporated, Toshiba Corporation, or the Kongsberg Vaapenfabrik Company of Norway, or their subsidiaries.

A bill to require agreements entered into with certain foreign countries that involve the exchange or transfer of scientific or technological information to be submitted to the Secretary of Defense.

United States · United States Congress · 22 July 1987

Requires the submission to the Secretary of Defense of any proposed agreement between an agency of the United States or any educational institution and the government of a proscribed county (as defined by the Export Administration Act of 1979) which may involve the exchange or transfer of any scientific or technological information. Requires that any further drafts of such agreements must be submitted to the Secretary before and after negotiations have been completed and before the agreement is signed by the parties. Requires that any such agreement which is entered into by a department or agency of the United States must be submitted to the Congress as an international agreement. Authorizes the President to issue such regulations as may be necessary to carry out this Act. Provides that any educational institution that violates this Act shall be subject to penalties under the Export Administration Act of 1979.

Comprehensive Agent Orange Scientific Evidence Review Act of 1987

United States · United States Congress · 21 July 1987

Comprehensive Agent Orange Scientific Evidence Review Act of 1987 - Direct the Administrator of Veterans Affairs, within 60 days after the enactment of this Act, to enter into an agreement with the National Academy of Sciences (the Academy) under which the Academy will conduct a review of all scientific evidence, studies, and literature pertaining to the human health effects of exposure to agent orange and its component compounds and prepare the comprehensive report described later in this Act. Directs the Administrator to enter into a similar arrangement with another nonprofit scientific entity if the Academy is not willing to conduct such review and prepare the required report. Prohibits the Administrator from obligating any funds for use by another nonprofit scientific entity until specifically authorized to do so by a law enacted after the date of enactment of this Act. Directs the Administrator, no later than October 1, 1988, to transmit to the Senate and House Veterans' Affairs Committees a report prepared by the Academy or other appropriate entity describing the review conducted under this Act and containing a statement of their conclusions as to the human health effects of exposure to agent orange and its compounds. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1988 to carry out this Act.

A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide that per diem subsidies paid by the Veterans' Administration for the care of veterans in State homes shall not be used to offset payments that are made under the medicaid program for the purpose of assisting eligible veterans.

United States · United States Congress · 21 July 1987

Amends Federal law concerning veterans' benefits to provide that the per diem subsidies paid by the Veterans Administration for the care of veterans in State homes shall not be used to offset payments made to such homes under title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act for the purpose of assisting eligible veterans.

A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to make technical corrections in provisions of law enacted by the Military Retirement Reform Act of 1986.

United States · United States Congress · 21 July 1987

Amends Federal armed forces provisions to require that if a regularly scheduled adjustment in military retired and retainer pay (to reflect changes in the Consumer Price Index (CPI)) is not made by reason of law, then the next increase in such pay should be adjusted to account for such previously precluded increase. Revises provisions relating to the prorating of initial CPI increase adjustments for new retirees. Revises provisions relating to the computation at age 62 of military retired pay and Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) amounts available to persons who first became members of the armed forces after July 31, 1986, and to members of the armed forces who retired, then return to active duty after such date, and then retired once again. Provides that, for such members, the amount of military retired pay to which they are eligible will be recomputed to take into account changes in the cost-of-living and CPI adjustments since the date of their initial retirement from the armed forces. Makes identical recomputation adjustments for such members who are SBP participants to take into account cost-of-living and CPI adjustments since initial retirement in the base amount of SBP benefits for which such member's dependents will be eligible.

A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide that per diem subsidies paid by Veterans' Administration for the care of veterans in State homes shall not be used to offset payments that are made under the medicaid program for the purpose of assisting eligible veterans.

United States · United States Congress · 21 July 1987

Amends Federal law concerning veterans' benefits to provide that the per diem subsidies paid by the Veterans Administration for the care of veterans in State homes shall not be used to offset payments made to such homes under title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act for the purpose of assisting eligible veterans.

A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to authorize the Administrator to provide national recreational activities for the rehabilitation of disabled veterans and to authorize other organizations to support and participate in such activities under certain circumstances.

United States · United States Congress · 17 July 1987

Amends Federal provisions relating to veterans' medical care to authorize the Administrator of Veterans Affairs to assist in providing recreational activities which would further the rehabilitation of disabled veterans if: (1) such activities are available to disabled veterans on a national basis; and (2) a significant percentage of participating individuals are eligible for veterans' rehabilitative services. Authorizes the Administrator to accept contributions from organizations for the support of such national recreational activities, and to allow such supporting organizations to advertise the activity or their participation therein if: (1) the Administrator has approved such advertisement; and (2) such advertisement makes it clear that any product or commercial line of such organization has not been endorsed by the Veterans Administration.

Vietnam Veterans' Readjustment Counseling Program Preservation Act of 1987

United States · United States Congress · 16 July 1987

Vietnam Veterans' Readjustment Counseling Program Preservation Act of 1987 - Amends Federal veterans' benefits provisions concerning administrative reorganizations within the Veterans Administration (VA) to disallow in any fiscal year the transfer or termination of 25 or more full-time equivalent employees providing readjustment counseling services, unless the Administrator of Veterans Affairs (the Administrator) first submits to appropriate congressional committees a report containing a detailed plan and justification for such reorganization. Expands the eligibility for readjustment counseling and related mental health services (currently available only to Vietnam veterans) to include as eligible for such assistance any veteran or person who served on active-duty after May 7, 1975, in an area during a period in which hostilities occurred. Authorizes such services, upon request, to any veteran who served on active-duty during World War II or the Korean Conflict. Requires such assistance to include an assessment of whether the person or veteran has mental or psychological problems associated with such individual's active service. Directs that professional, paraprofessional, and lay personnel trained to provide readjustment counseling services for veterans, who complete two years of continuous employment in such training program, shall be converted by the Administrator to a career-conditional or career employment status within a specified period after the completion of such training. Directs the Administrator, no later than 60 days after the enactment of this Act, to submit to the Senate and House Veterans' Affairs Committees (the veterans' committees) a report on the implementation of such requirement. Prohibits any Vet Center in existence on July 1, 1987, from being closed or relocated unless the Chief Medical Director of the VA's Department of Medicine and Surgery (the Chief Medical Director): (1) determines that such closure or relocation will not adversely affect readjustment counseling services provided to eligible persons in the geographical area served by such Center; (2) in case of such a move, certifies to the Veterans' Committees in a detailed plan and justification that the average annual budget and personnel ceiling provided to such Center in each of the three fiscal years prior to such move will remain available to furnish readjustment counseling services for three full fiscal years following such move; (3) certifies in such plan that the number of personnel affected by such closure or move, together with the number of personnel affected by all other closures or moves or administrative reorganizations within the VA, will total 25 or fewer full-time equivalent employees within the same fiscal year; and (4) provides the Veterans' Committees, at least 60 days prior to any such closure or move, a detailed plan and justification which have given full consideration to certain specified factors, including the distribution of veterans in areas served by such Centers, distances required for travel to such Centers, acceptability to personnel of such closures, and the availability of other entities to provide such services. Extends until April 1, 1988, the due date of a report from the Administrator to the Veterans' Committees on the effectiveness of providing sufficient readjustment counseling services to Vietnam-era veterans. Authorizes the Vet Centers, in addition to providing readjustment counseling services, to provide other assistance (such as benefits application assistance) that the Administrator is authorized to furnish to such veterans. Defines "Vet Centers" as facilities operated by the VA and situated apart from VA general health-care facilities. Amends the Veterans' Health Care Amendments of 1983 to extend until October 1, 1987, the due date of a report from the Administrator to the Veterans' Committees concerning a study of post-traumatic stress disorder and other post-war psychological problems experienced by Vietnam veterans.

A bill to provide for improvements in the National Cemetery System administered under title 38, United States Code, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 15 July 1987

Amends Federal provisions relating to cemeteries and memorials to remove the per-State limitation on the receipt of grant funds used for the establishment, expansion, and improvement of veterans' cemeteries. Authorizes the Administrator of Veterans Affairs (the Administrator) to make contributions to local authorities for the construction of traffic controls, road improvements, or other devices on land adjacent to a national cemetery if the Administrator determines that such a contribution is necessary for safe ingress and egress to or from such cemetery. Authorizes the Administrator to provide an approved grave liner for the interment of remains in cemeteries within the National Cemetery System and in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia. Authorizes the Administrator to provide for flat grave markers in the case of gravesites of cremated remains that are interred in the ground. Authorizes the Administrator to also provide for flat grave markers in the case of graves on land transferred to the Department of Memorial Affairs from the Department of Medicine and Surgery of the Veterans Administration for the expansion of a cemetery at the Clement A. Zablocki Veterans' Administration Medical Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Establishes in the Treasury the Foreign Currency Fluctuations, American Battle Monuments Commission, Account. States that account funds shall be used by the American Battle Monuments Commission (the Commission) to eliminate operating losses due to fluctuations in currency exchange rates of foreign countries which occur after a budget request for the Commission is submitted to the Congress. Requires any limits applicable to appropriations available to the Commission to be adjusted to take into account any such foreign currency fluctuations. Authorizes funds originally transferred from such Account to be transferred back to that Account if foreign currency fluctuations necessitate such action. Requires unobligated balances of funds appropriated to the Commission for a fiscal year to be transferred into the Account within a specified time and to be merged with and available for the same period and purposes as that Account. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to report to the Congress annually on funds made available under this provision. Authorizes appropriations to the Account.

Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 1987

United States · United States Congress · 15 July 1987

Veterans' Compensation Amendments of 1987 - Title I: Rate Increases - Increases the rates of veterans' disability compensation, additional compensation for dependents, and the clothing allowance for certain disabled veterans. Increases the rates of dependency and indemnity compensation for surviving spouses and children of veterans who have died as a result of service-connected disabilities, as well as the rates of supplemental dependency and indemnity compensation for certain surviving children. Title II: Improved Benefits for Former Prisoners of War - Amends Federal veterans' benefits provisions to: (1) redefine "former prisoner of war" to include persons held by other than an enemy government during a war; and (2) allow a presumption of service-connection for peripheral neuropathy due to trauma, a spastic colon, or peptic or duodenal ulcers suffered by a former prisoner of war which become manifest to a degree of ten percent or more after active military service. Decreases from six months to 90 days the period of internment required for former prisoners of war to become eligible for dental care benefits. Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions - Directs the Administrator of Veterans Affairs to pay benefits to the surviving spouse and children of certain deceased veterans rated totally disabled at their time of death and for a specified period preceding death. Requires such benefits to be provided in the same manner as if the veteran's death was service-connected. Prohibits the payment of any such benefits to a surviving spouse unless: (1) the marriage to the veteran occurred before the expiration of 15 years after the veteran's discharge or 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. Requires any benefits to be paid under this provision to be offset by any money received from a cause of action for damages arising from the death of the veteran as described above. Provides that persons found eligible for benefits as a result of this Act shall also be deemed eligible for dependency and indemnity compensation under current Federal law. Directs the Administrator to continue to maintain and operate separately the Veterans Administration Insurance Centers located in St. Paul, Minnesota, and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Prohibits the Administrator from taking any action to consolidate such centers. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the bridge currently being constructed across the Ohio River between the cities of Weirton, West Virginia, and Steubenville, Ohio, would serve as an appropriate and fitting memorial to veterans.

A bill to amend the Montgomery GI Bill with respect to flight training.

United States · United States Congress · 15 July 1987

Amends Federal law relating to veterans' educational assistance to authorize the Administrator of Veterans Affairs to approve the pursuit of flight training by an individual entitled to basic educational assistance under specified conditions, including: (1) that such training is necessary for the attainment of the individual's vocational objective; (2) that the individual possesses a valid private pilot's license and meets all medical requirements necessary for a commercial pilot's license; and (3) that the flight school courses are approved by the Federal Aviation Administration and the State. Sets forth the amount of assistance and other conditions for such flight training. Authorizes the Administrator to provide the same such assistance, under the same conditions, for members of the Selected Reserve of the armed forces found to be entitled to such basic educational assistance.

A bill to prohibit the Department of Defense from purchasing any product manufactured or assembled by Toshiba America, Incorporated, or Toshiba Corporation for the purpose of resale of such product in a military exchange store.

United States · United States Congress · 15 July 1987

Prohibits the Department of Defense (DOD) from purchasing any product manufactured or assembled by Toshiba America, Incorporated, or Toshiba Corporation for the purpose of resale of such product in a military exchange store or in any other resale activity operated by DOD.

A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to include systemic lupus erythematosis among the chronic diseases that are presumed to be service-connected for purposes of veterans compensation if occurring within one year from a veteran's discharge from active service.

United States · United States Congress · 14 July 1987

Includes systemic lupus erythematosus among the chronic diseases considered to be service-connected for purposes of veterans' benefits if it manifests itself to a degree of ten percent or more within one year of separation from service.

A bill to name the Veterans' Administration Medical Center in Shreveport, Louisiana, as the "Overton Brooks Veterans' Administration Medical Center".

United States · United States Congress · 14 July 1987

Designates the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Shreveport, Louisiana, as the Overton Brooks Veterans Administration Medical Center.

A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to provide for payment under the CHAMPUS program of certain health care expenses incurred by certain members and former members of the uniformed services and their dependents to the extent that such expenses are not payable under medicare, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 14 July 1987

Amends the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS) to include otherwise eligible persons who are also entitled to Medicare benefits. Provides for payment under the CHAMPUS program of health care expenses to the extent that such expenses are not payable under Medicare or any other insurance or health plan. Requires a person claiming a benefit under this Act to certify the costs of all charges.

A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to repeal the social security offset applicable to certain annuities for surviving spouses paid under the Survivor Benefit Plan for retired members of the Armed Forces to the extent that such offset is due to social security benefits based on the surviving spouse's own earnings or self-employment.

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 1987

Amends Federal armed forces provisions to repeal the social security offset applicable to certain annuities paid to surviving spouses under the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) for retired members of the armed forces, to the extent that such offset is due to social security benefits which are based on the surviving spouse's own earnings or self-employment. Directs the Secretary of the military department concerned to recompute the existing annuities of certain individuals currently under the SBP or who have become eligible for such annuity by the date of enactment of this Act, in order to determine if such recomputation is more favorable due to changes made by this Act.

A resolution waiving certain points of order against consideration of the bill (H.R. 2906) making appropriations for military construction for the Department of Defense for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1988, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 1987

Waives points of order against the consideration of H.R. 2906 (military construction appropriations). Lays on the table H. Res. 216, waiving points of order against the consideration of H.R. 2783 (Department of Housing and Urban Development and sundry independent agencies appropriations).

Kathleen A. Buck, of Virginia, to be General Counsel of the Department of Defense, vice H. Lawrence Garrett, III.

United States · United States Senate · 9 July 1987

A bill making appropriations for Military Construction for the Department of Defense for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1988, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 9 July 1987

Appropriates funds for FY 1988 for military construction operations administered by the Department of Defense (DOD) in specified amounts for the following purposes: (1) military construction, Army; (2) military construction, Navy; (3) military construction, Air Force; (4) military construction, defense agencies; (5) North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Infrastructure; (6) military construction, Army National Guard; (7) military construction, Air National Guard; (8) military construction, Army Reserve; (9) military construction, Naval Reserve; (10) military construction, Air Force Reserve; (11) family housing, Army; (12) family housing, Navy and Marine Corps; and (13) family housing, Air Force. Rescinds a specified amount of budget authority for each of the above accounts as contained in the Military Construction Appropriations Act, 1986. Appropriates funds also for: (1) family housing, defense agencies; (2) the homeowners assistance fund, defense; and (3) foreign currency fluctuations, construction, defense. Authorizes funds appropriated in this Act from being used for: (1) the hire of passenger motor vehicles; and (2) the construction of defense access roads. Prohibits funds appropriated in this Act from being used for: (1) payments under certain cost-plus-a-fixed-fee contracts, with a specified exception; (2) construction of new bases inside the continental United States for which specific appropriations have not been made; (3) the purchase of certain land or easements in excess of 100 percent of their value as determined by the Corps of Engineers or the Naval Facilities Engineering Command; (4) acquiring land, site preparation, or the installation of any utilities for family housing, except for housing specifically appropriated for under this Act; (5) transferring or relocating any activity from one base or installation to another, without certain prior notification; (6) the procurement of steel for any construction project or activity for which American steel producers have been denied the opportunity to compete; (7) the performance of dredging work in the Indian Ocean by foreign contractors; (8) the payment of real property taxes in any foreign nation; (9) payments to any alien for certain work performed if such alien has not been lawfully admitted into the United States; (10) expenditures for consulting services, unless such expenditures are a matter of public record and available for public inspection; (11) initiation of a new installation overseas, without prior congressional notification; (12) certain architect and engineer contracts to be accomplished in Japan or in any NATO-member country; or (13) the award of any contract in excess of $1,000,000 to a foreign contractor, with specified exceptions. Directs the Secretary of Defense to notify the Senate and House Armed Services and Appropriations Committees of the plans and scope of any proposed military exercise involving U.S. personnel 30 days prior to its occurrence if amounts expended for such exercise are anticipated to exceed $100,000. Transfers certain funds of the Military Family Housing Management Account to the appropriations for family housing provided in this Act. Prohibits more than 20 percent of the funds appropriated in this Act from being obligated during the last two months of the fiscal year. Transfers certain prior year funds for construction authorized in the first session of the 100th Congress. Directs the Secretary of Defense, by February 15, 1988, to provide the Appropriations Committees a report detailing the specific actions proposed to be taken by DOD during FY 1988 to encourage other members of NATO and Japan to assume a greater share of the common defense burden of such nations and the United States. Permits certain expired or lapsed funds to be used to pay certain overhead and other costs associated with military construction or family housing projects. Requires the Secretaries of each of the military departments to maintain legislative liaison to the Senate and House Appropriations Subcommittees on Military Construction in a manner identical to the method employed as of September 30, 1986. Directs the Secretary of the Army to provide funds for the design of access roads for the New Cumberland Army Depot, Pennsylvania, and for the Tobyhanna Army Depot, Pennsylvania, with funds provided in this Act.

A bill to modify an excessive deductible mileage requirement relating to the payment of travel expenses by the Veterans' Administration for travel of certain persons between their residences and Veterans' Administration health care facilities.

United States · United States Congress · 7 July 1987

Prohibits the Administrator of Veterans Affairs, in providing for the payment of travel expenses by the Veterans Administration of certain veterans and their dependents between their residence and Veterans Administration health facilities as currently required under Federal law, from limiting eligibility for, or the amount of, payments for such travel expenses when the distance exceeds 40 miles.

Veterans' Administration Beneficiary Travel, Quality Assurance, and Readjustment Counseling Amendments of 1987

United States · United States Congress · 1 July 1987

Veterans' Beneficiary Travel Reimbursement Restoration Act of 1987 - Amends Federal veterans' benefits provisions relating to the payment of travel expenses for veterans traveling to a Veterans Administration (VA) health care center for treatment to direct the Administrator of Veterans Affairs, in exercising the authority to make such payments, to make such payments to the following persons: (1) a person receiving veterans' benefits for or in connection with a service-connected disability; (2) a veteran receiving veterans' pension benefits; (3) a veteran whose annual income does not exceed the annual veterans' pension rate or who is unable to defray the expenses of such travel; (4) a person whose travel to a VA facility was incident to a scheduled compensation and pension examination; and (5) a veteran whose travel to a VA facility was required to be performed by a special mode of travel which was either authorized beforehand by the Administrator, or was in connection with a medical emergency. Authorizes the Administrator to deduct from the amount otherwise payable an amount equal to $3.75 for each trip to or from a VA facility. Provides a maximum amount authorized to be so deducted from the reimbursed expenses of veterans making six or more one-way trips during the following calendar month or months. Authorizes the Administrator to increase proportionately the amount permitted to be deducted whenever the amount of the reimbursement itself is increased. Directs the Administrator, with respect to any fiscal year in which he or she exercises the authority to make such payments, to make an allocation to each VA facility, before October 1 of each year, to enable the head of such facility to make such payments to veterans using such facility and authorized to receive such payments. Directs the head of each such facility to use such funds solely for such payments. Directs the Chief Medical Director of the VA's Department of Medicine and Surgery, when it is determined that insufficient payments have been made at any such facility, to authorize payments to be made for the proper amounts, unless the Chief Medical Director determines that making such payments at such lesser level would be in the best interests of furnishing care and services to eligible veterans at such facility. Permits any funds authorized for the making of such payments, but unexpended, to be used by the head of any such facility for support of other authorized direct-health care purposes. Directs the Administrator to take all appropriate steps to facilitate the establishment and maintenance of a program under which organizations or individuals who are volunteering their services to the VA would take responsibility for the transportation of such veterans, without reimbursement from the VA, primarily those residing in those areas which are geographically accessible to such facilities, who seek services or benefits from such VA facilities. Directs the Administrator, no later than six months after the enactment of this Act, to report to the Senate and House Veterans' Affairs Committee on the implementation of this Act.

General Accounting Office-Central Intelligence Agency Audit Act of 1987

United States · United States Congress · 1 July 1987

General Accounting Office-Central Intelligence Agency Audit Act of 1987 - Directs the Comptroller General to audit the financial transactions and evaluate the programs and activities of the Central Intelligence Agency: (1) on the initiative of the Comptroller General; or (2) when requested by the Chairman or the ranking minority member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence or the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. Requires the Comptroller General to provide the results of such audit to the committees and the Director of Central Intelligence. Authorizes the Comptroller General to inspect and copy any written or recorded information in the possession or control of the Agency. Requires that the Comptroller General be provided access to officers and employees of the Agency unless the President determines, in a written report, that access to certain personnel is not in the national interest. Requires the Comptroller General, in consultation with the congressional committees, to establish procedures to protect all classified and other sensitive information from unauthorized disclosure. Requires all workpapers of the Comptroller General and all records and property of the Agency used during an audit to remain in Agency facilities. Directs the Director of Central Intelligence to expedite security clearance reviews on General Accounting Office personnel who may have access to classified or other sensitive information during an audit or evaluation.

A bill to prohibit the Secretary of Defense or Secretary of a military department to enter into any overseas contract that allows for the payment of severance pay greater than the typical rate of severance pay in the United States or that requires the Government to reimburse a contractor for overseas banking services for bad debt expenses.

United States · United States Congress · 1 July 1987

Prohibits the Secretary of Defense or the Secretary of a military department (the Secretaries) from entering into an overseas contract if such contract contains any provision which allows for the payment of contractor employee severance pay greater than the prevailing severance pay in the United States. Prohibits the Secretaries from entering into an overseas contract for the provision of banking services if such contract contains any provision which allows the contractor to be reimbursed by the Secretary for: (1) losses arising from uncollectible checks and loans made by authorized bank employees; and (2) any reasonable costs incurred in the collection of delinquent loans and dishonored checks.

A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to authorize the appointment of an additional Assistant Chief Medical Director position in the Department of Medicine and Surgery of the Veterans' Administration to be designated as Medical Inspector General.

United States · United States Congress · 1 July 1987

Amends Federal veterans' benefits provisions relating to the organization of the Veterans Administration's Department of Medicine and Surgery to authorize the appointment of an additional Assistant Chief Medical Director, who shall be a qualifying physician and shall be designated as the Medical Inspector General, to perform such duties as assigned by the Chief Medical Director of such Department.

A joint resolution requiring the President or his designee to enter into negotiations with Japan for the purpose of having Japan bear a greater share of the free world's defense burden by either increasing its annual defense expenditures to at least 3 percent of its Gross National Product or by obtaining payment by Japan to the United States of the difference between 3 percent of Japan's annual Gross National Product and what Japan actually spends on defense.

United States · United States Congress · 1 July 1987

Requires the President to seek to enter into negotiations with the Government of Japan for the purpose of: (1) increasing the amount spent in any year by Japan for defense to at least three percent of the gross national product of Japan; or (2) obtaining payment by Japan to the United States of the amount by which such percentage amount exceeds the amount spent by Japan on defense.

A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to improve veterans' benefits for former prisoners of war.

United States · United States Congress · 30 June 1987

Amends Federal veterans' benefits provisions to establish a presumption of service-connection (for purposes of eligibility for veterans' benefits) for former prisoners of war suffering from the following conditions after active service: (1) peripheral neuropathy; (2) spastic colon; and (3) peptic or duodenal ulcers. Decreases from six months to 90 days the amount of time a former prisoner of war must have been incarcerated in order to be eligible for outpatient dental services.

Veterans' Administration Medical Inspector General Act of 1987

United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1987

Veterans' Administration Medical Inspector General Act of 1987 - Amends Federal veterans' benefits relating to organizational aspects of the Veterans Administration's (VA) Department of Medicine and Surgery (the Department) to establish in the Office of the Chief Medical Director of the Department an Office of Medical Inspector General (the Office). Outlines administrative provisions concerning the composition of medical personnel in the Office. Provides that the Medical Inspector General shall be directly responsible to the Chief Medical Director, and shall review, monitor, and investigate any adverse incident which is experienced by a patient during the course of a patient's care in a VA health-care facility, including any incident that would not normally be considered a natural consequence of the patient's disease or illness and any incident that would carry a recognized need for medical intervention. Authorizes the Medical Inspector General to also review and investigate matters he or she considers necessary to identify problems in the provision of health care to veterans and to propose any corrective measures to such problems to the Chief Medical Director. States that the Medical Inspector General shall have sole discretion in determining whether to investigate any incident involving patient care or to study or review any problem in the provision of health care to veterans. Directs the Medical Inspector General to submit a report, no later than February 1 annually, to the Administrator of Veterans Affairs, the Chief Medical Director, and the Senate and House Veterans' Affairs Committees on the activities of the Office under this Act during the preceding fiscal year. Requires the Medical Inspector General to be an ex officio, nonvoting member of all policymaking bodies within the central office of the Department that are concerned with the quality of health care provided in VA facilities or that are concerned with quality assurance in the provision of such care. Prohibits the Medical Inspector General, however, from having any direct responsibilities for quality assurance activites. Directs the Administrator to transfer to the Office such amounts as determined necessary to support five full-time medical doctors and five full-time support personnel in the Office. Outlines administrative provisions concerning such full-time medical personnel of such Office. Requires that, in the Office of the Chief Medical Director, one of the Assistant Chief Medical Directors in such Office shall be a qualified physician trained in or having suitable experience in health-care quality assurance and risk management who shall be responsible to the Chief Medical Director for carrying out responsibilities in such areas. Requires the Chief Medical Director to take such action to ensure that all personnel of the Department: (1) are periodically given an explanation of their quality assurance responsibilities in such Department; and (2) are advised that any failure to comply with quality assurance procedures within the Department will result in appropriate disciplinary action.

Veterans' Administration Assistant Inspector General for Health Care Quality Assurance Review Act of 1987

United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1987

Veterans' Administration Assistant Inspector General for Health Care Quality Assurance Review Act of 1987 - Establishes in the Veterans Administration's (VA) Office of the Inspector General the position of Assistant Inspector General for Health Care Quality Assurance Review (the Assistant Inspector). Requires the Assistant Inspector to be a qualified doctor of medicine appointed by the Inspector General of the VA. Outlines various duties and responsibilities of the Assistant Inspector, all of which relate to the monitoring, review, and appropriate investigations of incidents involving quality assurance of health care service to veterans and its related functions within the VA's Department of Medicine and Surgery (the Department). Directs the Inspector General of the VA, not later than February 1 annually, to submit to the Administrator of Veterans Affairs and the Senate and House Veterans' Affairs Committees a report containing: (1) a discussion of the activities, conclusions, and recommendations of the Assistant Inspector concerning corrective action required in the Department relating to the quality of health care provided veterans in such Department; and (2) a discussion of the activities undertaken by the Assistant Inspector to monitor the activities of the Medical Inspector of the VA during the preceding fiscal year, and the Assistant Inspector's findings, conclusions, assessment, and recommendations based on such monitoring of the Medical Inspector, including any possible remedial and disciplinary actions.

A resolution expressing appreciation for America's Vietnam Veterans.

United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1987

Expresses gratitude for the contributions and sacrifices of all Vietnam veterans.

A bill to authorize the Secretary of Labor to issue exemplary rehabilitation certificates for certain individuals discharged from the Armed Forces.

United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1987

Authorizes the Secretary of Labor, in the case of any individual discharged or dismissed from the armed forces under conditions other than honorable to consider an application for, and issuance to such person of, an an Exemplary Rehabilitation Certificate, if it is established that such person has rehabilitated himself, that his character is good, and that his conduct, activities, and habits since he was discharged or dismissed have been exemplary for a reasonable period of time, but not less than three years. Directs the Secretary to supply to the Secretary of Defense a copy of each such certificate which is issued, and requires the Secretary of Defense to place such certificate in the military personnel record of the individual to whom the certificate is issued. Permits the use of both oral and written evidence in the determination of the appropriateness of the certificate, including an appearance in person before the Secretary of Labor by the individual being considered. Provides that no military or veterans' benefits shall accrue to an individual receiving such a certificate, unless the individual was previously eligible for such benefits under his original discharge or dismissal. Directs the Secretary of Labor to ensure that public employment offices accord to any person so discharged or dismissed but receiving an Exemplary Rehabilitation Certificate special counseling and job development assistance. Directs the Secretary of Labor, no later than January 15 of each year, to report to the Congress the number of cases reviewed under this Act and the number of certificates issued. Authorizes the Secretary to issue regulations, delegate authority, or utilize the services of the Office of Personnel Management in carrying out this Act.

A bill to provide that a certain amount of funds shall be available to the Secretary of Energy each fiscal year for the cleanup of hazardous or radioactive waste from atomic energy defense activities and to require the Secretary of Energy to develop within one year a comprehensive plan for the cleanup of such waste.

United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1987

Makes funds available to the Secretary of Energy, according to a specified formula, for the cleanup of hazardous or radioactive waste from atomic energy defense activities. Directs the Secretary of Defense to transfer to the Secretary of Energy the amount calculated according to such formula. Precludes the use of such funds for repository costs resulting from permanent disposal of high-level radioactive waste from atomic energy defense activities. Makes such funds available for FY 1988 through 1992. Requires the Secretary of Energy, in conjunction with the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, to: (1) develop a comprehensive plan, including a timetable and estimated costs, for the cleanup of hazardous or radioactive waste from atomic energy defense activities; and (2) submit such plan to specified congressional committees.

A bill to authorize the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to establish a national cemetery in the central geographical area of Louisiana.

United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1987

Authorizes the Administrator of Veterans Affairs to establish a national cemetery in the central geographical area of Louisiana. Authorizes the Administrator to acquire such land as necessary for the cemetery.

A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to ensure confidentiality of Veterans' Administration medical records relating to acquired immune deficiency syndrome, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 24 June 1987

Amends Federal veterans' benefits provisions relating to a veteran's patient rights to require confidentiality of all medical records maintained on a veteran with regard to the treatment for acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), allowing disclosure of such information only under strict limitations. Directs that veteran patients who have the AIDS infection shall not be discriminated against in admission or treatment by any Veterans Administration health care facility solely because of their virus infection.

A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to clarify the authority of the Secretary of the Air Force to permit female members of the Air Force to receive fighter pilot training.

United States · United States Congress · 19 June 1987

Amends Federal provisions relating to Air Force personnel to provide that female members of the Air Force are not prohibited from receiving fighter pilot training.

A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to increase the combat support assignments open to women in the Armed Forces.

United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1987

Amends Federal armed forces personnel provisions to increase the combat support assignments open to women in the armed forces.

A bill to delay until October 1, 1988, implementation of a Department of Defense proposal under which, in determining the suitability of individuals for enlistment in the Armed Forces, individuals with college credit or a traditional locally issued high school diploma would be considered more favorably than individuals with high school diplomas from alternative means.

United States · United States Congress · 17 June 1987

Prohibits the Secretary of Defense from implementing, before October 1, 1988, a program recommended by a Department of Defense Work Group under which, in considering the relative desirability applicants for enlistment in the armed forces, those applicants with college credit or traditional high school diplomas are to be preferred over those receiving high school diplomas through alternative means.

A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to establish presumptions of service connection for certain diseases of former prisoners of war.

United States · United States Congress · 16 June 1987

Amends Federal veterans' benefits provisions to establish a presumption of service connection, for disability compensation purposes, for the following diseases or illnesses suffered by former prisoners of war which become manifest within ten years after such veteran's detention or internment and recur on a continuous or regular basis: (1) peripheral neuropathy; (2) irritable bowel syndrome; or (3) peptic ulcer disease.

Veterans' Home Loan Program Improvements and Property Rehabilitation Act of 1987

United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1987

Veterans' Housing Rehabilitation and Program Improvement Act of 1987 - Amends Federal veterans' benefits provisions to extend through FY 1989 the applicability of the veterans' loan origination fee (a fee paid by veterans for housing loans made to them by the Administrator of Veterans Affairs). Directs the Administrator to determine current and anticipated amounts in the Veterans' Administration Loan Guaranty Revolving Fund, and to cancel collection of the veterans' loan origination fee if the Fund exceeds a certain level. Decreases from 60 to 30 percent of the loan the loan amount guaranteed by the Veterans Administration (VA) on loans made to qualifying veterans for the purchase or construction of homes. Repeals a specified provision of Federal law guaranteeing the payment of a specified amount of each housing loan made to a veteran. Similarly decreases from 60 to 30 percent the loan amount guaranteed by the VA on loans made to veterans for the purchase of manufactured homes and lots for homes. Repeals a specified provision requiring the guaranty of a specified amount of each such loan. Requires the Administrator, upon receipt of a foreclosure notice to a veteran on a housing loan guaranteed by the VA, to contact the veteran concerned to provide such veteran with information about: (1) alternatives to foreclosure; and (2) the veteran's and the VA's liability with respect to the loan, unless the Administrator has assurances that the lender has adequately advised the veterans with respect to such matters. Authorizes the payment of added interest to a lender on a defaulted loan when there is a delay in a foreclosure sale caused by the VA or by the exercise of forbearance by the lender at the request of the Administrator. Directs the Administrator to make direct loans to eligible veterans in American Samoa in amounts equal to amounts provided to such veterans by the Government of American Samoa. Removes the requirement of occupancy by the veteran for eligibility for loan refinancing through the VA, and for the guarantee of loans to a veteran for the purchase of manufactured homes or lots for homes. Removes the requirement of home occupancy in nearly all cases of loans guaranteed to veterans, except for the case in which a loan is guaranteed to a veteran while such veteran is in active status with the armed forces, at which time the occupancy requirement will be met if such veteran's spouse and all of their dependent children occupy such home. Authorizes the Administrator, in order to assist homeless veterans and their families in acquiring shelter, to enter into agreements with an organization, any political subdivision of a State, or the District of Columbia, in which the Administrator sells real property acquired by the Administrator as the result of a default on a veteran's loan as guaranteed by the VA. Authorizes the Administrator to enter into such agreements only if: (1) the Administrator determines that such action will not adversely affect the VA or any of its funds or programs in any way; (2) the entity which purchases the property agrees to utilize the property solely as a shelter primarily for homeless veterans, complies with all zoning requirements, and makes no incompatible use of the property purchased; and (3) the Administrator determines that there is little likelihood of the property being sold for a price sufficient to reduce the liability to the VA of the veteran who defaulted on the guaranteed loan. Further authorizes the Administrator, in order to assist veterans to obtain training pursuant to the Veterans' Job Training Act, to convey to the persons previously described such real property and improvements therein for an amount not less than 75 percent of its fair market value if the purchasers agree to: (1) use veterans in a program pursuant to such Act in the rehabilitation of residences on such real property; and (2) provide a priority to veterans in the sale of such rehabilitated residences. Requires the Administrator to reduce a veteran's liability under a guaranteed loan defaulted on by the amount equal to the reduction in the sale price of the property below the fair market value of the property. Authorizes the Administrator to include, as part of a loan to finance a purchase of property acquired by the Administrator as a result of a defaulted loan guaranteed by the Administrator, an amount to be used for the purpose of rehabilitating the property to be purchased with the loan. Provides that, if a veteran disposes of residential property securing a guaranteed, insured, or direct housing loan obtained by the veteran and the veteran notifies the holder of the loan before disposing of the property, the veteran shall be relieved of all further liability to the Administrator on account of such loan (including liability for any loss resulting from the default of any subsequent purchasers) if: (1) the loan is current; (2) the purchaser agrees to abide by the original loan agreement; and (3) the purchaser qualifies from a credit standpoint in an amount equal to the unpaid balance of the loan. Requires the holder, if he or she determines that the loan is not current or that the purchaser of such property does not meet the above credit requirements, to notify the veteran and the Administrator of such determination, and notify the veteran that the veteran may appeal the determination to the Administrator. Directs the Administrator, upon request of the veteran, to review such determination and make his or her own determination on the matter. Requires the holder to approve such a property transfer if the Administrator determines that the loan is current and that the new purchaser is qualified for the loan. Authorizes the holder to make an immediate demand of all loan principal if the veteran disposes of property to a transferee without the loan being current or without such transferee being credit-qualified. Authorizes the holder to make such demand also if the holder disposes of property secured under a loan guarantee without notifying the loan holder or the Administrator of such transfer. Requires any loan holder who has knowledge of a property transfer by a veteran to notify the Administrator of such transfer or impending transfer. Directs the Administrator to require that each contract entered into with a veteran under a guaranteed-loan agreement contain provisions implementing the above requirements. Authorizes the Administrator to provide assistance to a veteran for the purpose of avoiding the foreclosure of a housing loan made to that veteran and guaranteed by the Administrator. Allows such assistance only if specified conditions are met (relating to lateness of payment and the belief that the veteran will soon be able to resume such payments on his/her own). Requires a loan made under this provision to be made to the holder of the primary loan (the holder of the original loan made to the veteran), such loan to be applied first to any delinquent payments and then to future payments such as taxes, assessments, etc. Authorizes the Administrator to make more than one loan under this provision to each veteran, but limits to $8,400 the total to each veteran. Outlines further administrative provisions relating to the making of such assistance loans, including security for the loan as well as the determination of the loan interest rate. Requires any veteran receiving such an assistance loan to execute an agreement to repay the loan within a reasonable period of time as determined by the Administrator. Provides that the Administrator's decision on any question of law or fact regarding such loan assistance shall be final and conclusive, without recourse to any courts or other Federal official. Prohibits the Administrator from making any such assistance loan after the two-year period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act. Amends Federal veterans' benefits regarding the use of appraisers in the VA home loan guaranty program to require any such appraiser employed by the VA to successfully complete a written test, submit a sample appraisal, certify to an appropriate number of years of experience as an appraiser, and submit recommendations from other appraisers. Revises provisions concerning appraisals made by lenders to require the appraiser to forward an appraisal report to the Administrator for review, at which time the Administrator shall determine the reasonable value of the property and notify the veteran of such determination. Authorizes the Administrator to allow certain lenders to determine the reasonable value of the property. Directs the appraiser selected by the Administrator, in such a case, to forward the appraisal report directly to the lender for review, and the lender, upon request, to furnish a copy of such appraisal to the veteran concerned. Directs the Administrator to exclude from a veteran's liability under a defaulted loan procedure certain interest and charges incurred with respect to such a loan arising 30 days or more after the veteran has made an offer to transfer the property to another purchaser, and the Administrator has refused to accept such offer.