Defence

To amend title 38, United States Code, to ensure that all veterans eligible to receive educational assistance under the Veterans' Educational Assistance Program have 10 years after discharge or release from active duty in which to pursue a program of education with such assistance.

United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1989

Precludes veterans entitled to benefits under the All-Volunteer Force Educational Assistance Program from receiving other veterans' educational assistance.

To designate the week of June 4, 1989 through June 10, 1989, as "National Intelligence Community Week".

United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1989

Designates the week of June 4 through June 10, 1989, as National Intelligence Community Week.

Department of Veterans' Affairs Minority Affairs Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1989

Department of Veterans' Affairs Minority Affairs Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to designate the Assistant Secretary in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), whose functions include equal opportunity functions as the Chief Minority Affairs Officer. Outlines the duties of the Chief Minority Affairs Officer (the Chief), including the following: (1) investigating and examining VA activities affecting minority group members who are veterans or who receive benefits from the VA; (2) assessing the needs of minority veterans within the VA; (3) advising the Secretary regarding the effect on minority veterans of policies, regulations, and programs of the VA and of methods to ensure that minority veterans are afforded an opportunity to participate fully in the activities and benefits of the VA; and (4) carrying out any other additional functions as the Secretary may prescribe. Establishes within the VA five Deputy Officers of Minority Affairs, each of whom shall be appointed by the Secretary. Requires each officer to be responsible for one of the following areas: (1) Asian American affairs; (2) Black American affairs; (3) Hispanic American affairs; (4) Native American affairs; and (5) women's affairs. Requires the Secretary, no less than annually, to report to the Congress a detailed description of any activities and policies of the VA relating to minority group members who are veterans or who receive benefits from the VA and the duties of the Chief and the Deputy Officers of Minority Affairs.

Designating May 29, 1989, as the "National Day of Remembrance for the Victims of the USS IOWA".

United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1989

Designates May 29, 1989, as the National Day of Remembrance for the Victims of the U.S.S. Iowa.

A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to ensure adequate analysis of the budgetary needs of the Department of Veterans Affairs for veterans health programs.

United States · United States Congress · 19 April 1989

Requires each appropriations request for veterans' health care submitted to the President by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for a fiscal year to include specified information which ensures that the amount requested is sufficient to fund a level of care that fully meets the anticipated demand for such care during such fiscal year. Directs the Secretary, at the same time that the President submits his annual budget request to the Congress, to report to the Senate and House Veterans' Affairs Committees and the Comptroller General on the Secretary's assessment of whether the amount specified in the budget for veterans' health care is sufficient for that fiscal year, or, if not, the level needed to sufficiently fund such program. Requires the Comptroller General, no later than 30 days after receiving such report, to report to the same congressional committees on the accuracy of the Secretary's report, together with additional comments as appropriate.

Veterans Compensated Work Therapy Program Improvements Act of 1989

United States · United States Congress · 19 April 1989

Veterans Compensated Work Therapy Program Improvements Act of 1989 - Amends the Veterans' Benefits and Services Act of 1988 to extend through FY 1994 a pilot program for the provision of care and treatment and rehabilitative services to homeless veterans suffering from chronic mental illness disabilities. Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, in contracting for the provision of therapeutic and rehabilitative activities for veterans, to contract with any appropriate source, including a department or agency of the Government, for the provision of such services. (Currently, such contracts are limited to private industry or other sources outside the Department of Veterans Affairs.) Authorizes use of the Special Therapeutic and Rehabilitation Activities Fund of the Department for the payment of travel and related expenses necessary for the provision of such therapeutic and rehabilitative services or for the training of employees in the administration of such services. Authorizes the Secretary to purchase, lease, or otherwise acquire residential housing and operate each residence as transitional housing solely for veterans who are: (1) furnishing work therapy services to the Department; and (2) furnished therapeutic work. Outlines the following conditions for the operation of such transitional housing: (1) that homeless veterans have priority in filling housing vacancies; (2) that only qualified veterans and a house manager live in such residence; (3) that each resident (other than the house manager) pay the Department rent for the period of residence in such housing; (4) that, in the establishment and operation of such housing, the Secretary must comply with all local zoning, building, and other similar requirements; and (5) that the residence meet the State and community fire and safety requirements applicable to property used for similar purposes. Outlines further administrative provisions concerning: (1) qualifications and payment of house managers; and (2) suitable property for use as such transitional housing. Outlines provisions for the payment of the cost of such property used for such purposes. Requires the Chief Medical Director of the Department to be responsible for the management, maintenance, and disposition of such property. Directs the Secretary to prescribe: (1) reasonable rental rates for persons residing in such housing; and (2) appropriate limits on the period for which such persons may reside in transitional housing. Authorizes the Secretary to dispose of property no longer used for such purposes. Authorizes the use of the Special Therapeutic and Rehabilitation Activities Fund for the purchase of property to be used for transitional housing under this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to establish one or more nonprofit corporations to provide a flexible funding mechanism for the conduct of Department compensated work therapy programs for veterans (including homeless veterans) in such community or communities as the Secretary may designate. Regards such corporations as private nonprofit corporations for purposes of compliance with Federal laws. Provides that such a corporation shall be established solely to facilitate the conduct of work therapy programs for veterans. Requires such corporation to be considered under the Internal Revenue Code as a tax-exempt corporation within three years of its establishment or be dissolved by the Secretary. Requires funds received by the corporation to be transferred to the Special Therapeutic and Rehabilitation Activities Fund and used for its purposes. Outlines administrative provisions concerning the board of directors, general powers, and State law applicable to such nonprofit corporations. Requires all records of such corporations to be available to the Secretary. Requires corporations to submit to the Secretary an annual report providing a detailed statement of operations, activities, and accomplishments during that year. Requires annual independent audits of corporations. Requires each member of the board of directors and each employee of the corporation to be subject to all Federal conflict-of-interest laws and to certify annually to the Secretary that the director or employee has complied with all such laws. Directs the Secretary to submit an annual report to the Senate and House Veterans' Affairs Committees on the number and locations of such corporations established under this Act. Directs the Secretary, no later than February 1, 1992, to report to the Congress on the experience through the end of FY 1991 concerning the establishment and operation of such corporations. Prohibits any such corporation from being established after FY 1992. Directs the Secretary to transfer a specified amount of funds to the Special Therapeutic and Rehabilitation Activities Fund to be used for the continuation of the pilot program for the provision of care and treatment and rehabilitative services to homeless veterans suffering from chronic mental illness disabilities.

A bill to repeal a provision of the Department of Defense Appropriations Act of 1989, prohibiting the use of funds for the alteration of the command structure for military forces in Alaska.

United States · United States Congress · 19 April 1989

Repeals a provision of the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 1989 which prohibits the use of any defense funds for altering the command structure for military forces in Alaska.

Military Survivor Benefit Improvement Act of 1989

United States · United States Congress · 19 April 1989

Military Survivor Benefit Improvement Act of 1989 - Amends Federal armed forces provisions to revise the reduction in retired pay for participants in the Survivor Benefit Plan. Differentiates, in the level premium to be paid each month by participants in the Plan, as to whether the annuity being provided is a standard or reserve-component annuity and whether the person becomes an active participant in the Plan before or after the effective date of this Act. Directs the Secretary of the military department concerned to carry out a program, to be known as the Supplemental Survivor Benefit Plan (SSBP), which would enable participants in the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) who are providing coverage for a spouse or former spouse beneficiary under the SBP to also provide a supplemental annuity for that spouse or former spouse beginning when the participant dies or when the spouse or former spouse becomes 62 years of age, whichever is later, in order to offset the effects of the two-tier annuity computation under the SBP. Outlines the following administrative provisions concerning the SSBP: (1) commencement of annuity; (2) the amount of such annuity for the beneficiary of a person providing the standard or the reserve-component annuity under the SBP (the latter annuity further defined by whether or not the beneficiary under the SSBP is initially under 62 years of age at the commencement of the annuity; and (3) adjustments in such annuities required by periodic adjustments in the cost-of-living index. Terminates a SSBP annuity when the beneficiary dies or otherwise becomes ineligible to continue to receive an annuity under the original SBP. Allows a person who provides an annuity for a spouse or former spouse under SBP to elect to provide a supplemental spouse annuity under these provisions. Requires a person providing a supplemental spouse annuity to be a participant in the SBP in order to cover a spouse or former spouse under the SSBP. Requires such election to be voluntary. Allows a person to make such an election only if the beneficiary of such person's annuity is not currently computed under the determination of spouse or former spouse beneficiary annuity under the SBP. Allows a person who anticipates becoming a participant in the SBP who has a spouse or former spouse to elect to provide a supplemental spouse annuity under the SSBP. Outlines conditions and requirements for such an anticipatory election. Requires a person to actually provide a spouse or former spouse annuity under the SBP in order to provide a supplemental spouse annuity under SSBP. Allows a person who elects to provide SBP coverage for a former spouse after having been an SBP participant without coverage for that former spouse to also provide a supplemental spouse annuity for such former spouse under the SSBP. Requires notice to a current spouse of a person providing coverage under the SBP and the SSBP to a former spouse. Provides for irrevocability after a specified period of time of the election to provide SSBP coverage under both a standard annuity and a reserve-component annuity. Authorizes provision of a supplemental spouse annuity under the above provisions by a person who is a participant in the SBP and is providing coverage for a spouse (or spouse and child) but is not a participant in the SSBP, who does not have an eligible spouse under that Plan, and who remarries, thereby allowing such person to elect to provide such coverage for the former spouse. Requires the person to be under the SBP in order to make the election for such coverage under SSBP. Outlines conditions for such an election. Outlines administrative guidelines to be followed: (1) when there is a change of a former spouse beneficiary under the SBP to a current spouse or child beneficiary under the SBP; and (2) upon reinstatement of an SSBP annuity after discontinuance of an SBP annuity and reinstatement of such annuity. Requires a person who elects to provide a SSBP annuity to a former spouse to provide the Secretary concerned with a written statement as to whether the election being made is pursuant to a written agreement incident to a divorce, dissolution, or anullment that has been incorporated in, or ratified or approved by, a court order. Outlines administrative provisions concerning the enforcement of such voluntary written agreements ratified by a court order. Provides a time limit for the making of such an election of one year after the date of the court order or filing involved. Directs the retired pay of a person electing to provide a supplemental spouse annuity under the above provisions to be reduced each month as required under prescribed regulations. Outlines considerations for the determination of such regulations by the Secretary of Defense. Prohibits any reduction during any month in which there is no eligible spouse or former spouse beneficiary. Requires the amount of the reduction to be adjusted whenever there is an adjustment to the reduction in retired pay for beneficiary coverage under the original SBP. Directs the President to prescribe regulations to implement the SSBP. Revises the annuity computation for the survivors of certain retirement-eligible officers who die while on active duty, making such an officer's retired pay rate the rate of pay applicable at the time of death. Defines those persons eligible for such recomputation. Authorizes an eligible retired or former member of the armed forces to participate in the SBP during an open enrollment period. Allows such person, at the same time, to also elect to participate in the SSBP. Defines as eligible a person who on the day before the first day of the open enrollment period is not a participant in the SBP and is either entitled to retired pay or would be so entitled but for the fact that such member or former member is under 60 years of age (for reserve members or former members). Allows a person who is a participant in the SBP but not at the maximum base amount while providing coverage for a dependent child but not for a spouse or former spouse to: (1) elect to participate in the SBP at a higher amount; or (2) elect to provide an annuity under the SBP for a spouse or former spouse. Authorizes current SBP participants to elect to participate in the SSBP during the open enrollment period. Outlines those persons eligible to make such an election and sets limitations on eligibility for certain SBP participants not affected by the two-tier annuity computation (a computation that differentiates in the annuity amount depending on whether the annuitant has attained the age of 65). Requires any SSBP election to be made in writing, signed by the person making the election, and received by the Secretary concerned before the end of the open enrollment period. Defines the open enrollment period as the one-year period beginning on the effective date of this Act. States that if a person dies before the end of a two-year period after making such an election, the election is void and the amount of reduction in retired pay taken as a result of such election shall be paid in a lump sum to the person's beneficiary under the SBP.

A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate regarding continuation of the V-22 aircraft program of the Department of Defense.

United States · United States Congress · 19 April 1989

Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) the President should strongly support funding for the V-22 aircraft program included in the Department of Defense (DOD) appropriation request for FY 1990 and reject any initiatives to defer, cancel, or terminate the program; and (2) appropriations available to DOD for FY 1989 should be obligated to ensure the continued development and production of such aircraft.

A concurrent resolution to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Airborne units of the United States Armed Forces.

United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1989

Congratulates the Airborne units of the U.S. armed forces for 50 years of faithful service.

Disabled Veterans and Assistive Animals Partnership Act of 1989

United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1989

Disabled Veterans and Assistive Animals Partnership Act of 1989 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, during FY 1990 through 1993, to conduct a pilot program for providing assistive animals (dogs and monkeys) to aid quadriplegic veterans. Requires a veteran, in order to be eligible, to have a service-connected disability rated not less than 50 percent disabling. Limits the number of veterans to be so assisted. Requires the Secretary to determine if the veteran is suited for the provision of an assistive dog or monkey. Requires the Secretary to give a preference to veterans whose quadriplegia is service-connected. Outlines administrative provisions concerning such program, including determinations of suitability by the Secretary, the selection of veteran participants, funding for the program, and ownership of the assistive animals involved. Directs the Secretary, during FY 1990 through 1993, to conduct a pilot program for providing signal dogs (dogs trained to provide hearing assistance to the hearing-impaired) to veterans. Requires a veteran, in order to be eligible for such assistance, to have a service-connected hearing impairment and be in need of the assistance of a signal dog. Limits the number of veterans to participate in such program. Requires the Secretary to determine if the veteran is suited for the provision of a signal dog. Outlines administrative provisions concerning such program, including determinations of suitability by the Secretary, the selection of veteran participants, funding for the program, and ownership of the signal dog involved. Directs the Secretary to evaluate on an ongoing basis the pilot programs established under this Act. Directs the Secretary, no later than February 1, 1993, to report to the Senate and House Veterans' Affairs Committees on the experience under the programs.

Paul Dundes Wolfowitz, of the District of Columbia, to be Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, vice Fred Charles Ikle, resigned.

United States · United States Senate · 17 April 1989

To restrict exports to the People's Republic of China of defense articles for use in Tibet.

United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1989

Prohibits the issuance of a license for the export to China of any defense article on the U.S. Munitions List, including helicopters and parts, unless the President certifies to the Congress that China is not using any such articles to violate the human rights of Tibetans and foreign press and human rights organizations.

Act to Establish a Special Pension Program for World War I Veterans

United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1989

Act to Establish a Special Pension Program for World War I Veterans - Directs the Administrator (effective March 1989, Secretary) of Veterans Affairs to pay (in addition to any pension already paid) a monthly pension of $150 to each veteran of World War I who meets specified service and income requirements.

To amend section 902 of title 38, United States Code, to extend eligibility for burial allowance to certain additional veterans.

United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1989

Extends burial benefits to specified veterans with service-connected disabilities.

To amend title 38, United States Code, Chapters 15 and 51, to improve the death and disability pension program for veterans and their dependents.

United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1989

Increases the pension paid to the surviving spouse of a veteran or to the child of a veteran whenever there is no surviving spouse. Increases the disability pension payable to veterans who meet certain disability and service requirements. Prohibits proceeds from certain Government life insurance policies from being considered annual income for purposes of the determination of veterans' death and disability benefits.

To amend section 903(b)(1) and (2) of title 38, United States Code, to increase the burial plot allowance for veterans from $150 to $250.

United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1989

Increases the veterans' non-Federal cemetery plot allowance from $150 to $250 for burial of eligible veterans who die in Veterans Administration (effective March 1989, Department of Veterans Affairs) or other authorized facilities.

To amend section 3203(a)(1) of title 38, United States Code, to increase the amount of pension payable to a hospitalized veteran under this section from $60 to $75.

United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1989

Increases from $60 to $75 the monthly pension payable to a veteran having neither spouse nor child and being furnished domiciliary care by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

To amend title 38, United States Code, to provide hospital and medical care and nonservice-connected disability pension to certain members of the Canadian Armed Forces.

United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1989

Entitles members of the armed forces of Canada who served during World War I or II and participated in armed conflict with an enemy of the United States and who have been citizens of the United States for at least ten years to veterans' hospital or domiciliary care and medical services, as long as such persons are not entitled to such care under a program established by the Government of Canada. Authorizes the provision of a non-service-connected disability pension to such members who have resided in the United States for ten years or more, but are not citizens, provided they otherwise meet the eligibility criteria. Requires each applicant for either of such benefits to first obtain from the Government of Canada records which clearly indicate such military service with the Canadian armed forces.

A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to revise the method for pricing tobacco products for sale in commissaries, exchanges, and ships' stores, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 13 April 1989

Amends Federal armed forces provisions regarding the sale of tobacco products in commissary stores, military exchanges, or ships' stores to require that the price charged for such products be the prevailing or average price charged by private commercial businesses for the retail sale of such products, including applicable State and local taxes. Authorizes the Secretary of a military department to use the profits from the sale of such tobacco products to promote the health and fitness of armed forces members and their dependents. Directs the Secretary of Defense to prescribe regulations to carry out this Act.

To amend titles 10 and 14, United States Code, to make references to members of the Armed Forces who are eligible to receive a medal of honor gender neutral.

United States · United States Congress · 13 April 1989

Amends specified Federal law to make references to members of the armed forces who are eligible to receive a medal of honor gender neutral.

Childless Veterans Assistance Act of 1989

United States · United States Congress · 13 April 1989

Childless Veterans Assistance Act of 1989 - Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide procreative services and reimbursement for adoption expenses to veterans (or their spouses) with a service-connected inability to procreate. Prohibits the Secretary from reimbursing a veteran for adoption expenses: (1) until after the adoption is final; (2) that are paid to or for the veteran under any other program administered by the Federal Government or by a State or local government; or (3) in an amount greater than $2,000 per child or $4,000 total per veteran.

To amend title 10, United States Code, to provide that certain individuals who would otherwise be eligible for military retired pay for nonregular service but who did not serve on active duty during a period of conflict may be paid such retired pay if they served in the United States merchant marine during or immediately after World War II.

United States · United States Congress · 13 April 1989

Entitles to military retired pay certain persons who were members of the U.S. merchant marine during World War II. Directs the Secretary of the military department concerned, within 60 days after the enactment of this Act, to make lump-sum payments of such accrued pay to such persons.

To amend Title VII of the Defense Production Act of 1950 to prohibit the co-development of F-16C (FSX) fighter aircraft with the Japanese government and/or any Japanese-owned proprietorship, partnership, or corporation.

United States · United States Congress · 13 April 1989

Amends the Defense Production Act of 1950 to deem any administration agreement with the Japanese for codevelopment of the F-16C(FSX) fighter void unless the House of Representatives and the Senate adopt a resolution for such codevelopment.

Military Training in Drug Interdiction Areas Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 April 1989

Military Training in Drug Interdiction Areas Act - Requires the Secretary of Defense to direct all branches of the armed forces to conduct military training exercises in areas within the jurisdiction of the United States within which the smuggling of drugs into the United States has occurred. Requires a report from the Secretary to the Congress on the implementation of this Act and other programs for military interdiction and deterrence of the smuggling of drugs into the United States.

To amend title 38, United States Code, to authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish and conduct, for five years, a leave sharing program for medical emergencies of employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs who are subject to section 4108 of title 38, United States Code.

United States · United States Congress · 13 April 1989

Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish and conduct, for a five-year period, a leave-sharing program for medical emergencies of employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans Health Services and Research Administration. Requires such program to be consistent with the five-year leave-sharing program currently permitted for all Federal employees.

Department of Veterans' Affairs Health Care Programs Extension Act of 1989

United States · United States Congress · 13 April 1989

Department of Veterans' Affairs Health Care Programs Extension Act of 1989 - Amends Federal veterans' benefits provisions to include the provision of outpatient dental services and treatment to veterans where medically necessary in preparation for hospital admission. Increases from $500 to $1,000 the total amount that may be expended on any veteran in a 12-month period for outpatient dental services and treatment. Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to periodically review the cost of dental care to determine whether such dollar ceiling should be adjusted and to adjust such ceiling if necessary. Extends through FY 1991 the authority of the Secretary to furnish respite care services to eligible veterans. Extends through FY 1994 the authorization of appropriations for assisting States in constructing State home facilities to be used for furnishing domiciliary and nursing home care to veterans and expanding or remodeling existing State facilities.

World War I Veterans' Service Pension Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 April 1989

World War I Veterans' Service Pension Act - Directs the Administrator (effective March 1989, Secretary) of Veterans Affairs to pay a monthly pension of $150 to each veteran of World War I who meets specified service requirements. Requires such veteran, if receiving another pension administered by the Veterans Administration (effective March 1989, Department of Veterans Affairs) (VA), to elect which pension he will receive. Provides for the payment of a monthly pension of $100 to surviving spouses of World War I veterans who meet certain marriage requirements. Requires such surviving spouses to choose between pensions if they are currently receiving another pension through the VA.

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide that certain deductions of members of the National Guard or reserve units of the Armed Forces will be allowable in computing adjusted gross income.

United States · United States Congress · 13 April 1989

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit an individual taxpayer an income tax deduction for travel, food, lodging, and transportation expenses paid or incurred in connection with the taxpayer's performance of services as a member of the armed forces reserves or the National Guard. Excludes the taxpayer's meal and entertainment expenses from deductibility limitations in this context.

Expressing the sense of the House regarding the situation in Lebanon.

United States · United States Congress · 13 April 1989

Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the President should: (1) call for an immediate cease-fire among the parties in Lebanon, the removal of all foreign military forces, and the disbanding of all paramilitary forces there; (2) urge all parties in Lebanon to respond to the international call for an immediate cease-fire and to undertake immediate discussions regarding internal reconciliation; (3) support international efforts to implement a cease-fire and start a process of internal reconciliation; and (4) support actions to encourage the election of a new president in Lebanon.

Expressing the support of the Congress for the efforts of Paraguay to respect basic human rights and civil liberties and support full and genuine democracy.

United States · United States Congress · 13 April 1989

Welcomes the commitment of General Andres Rodriguez to conduct discussions with Paraguayan political leaders aimed at amending the electoral laws of Paraguay and urges that the dialogue continue. Urges that specified changes be implemented, including universal voter registration, proportional representation in the legislature, removal of the requirement of Colorado political party membership for civil service and military employment, and measures to permit opposition candidates access to the media and freedom of assembly. Calls upon the provisional Government of Paraguay to: (1) permit journalists and foreigners to freely observe the May 1, 1989, elections; (2) verify the validity of current voter registration rolls and encourage open and free registration; (3) set a date for the long pending visit by the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights; (4) repeal laws which have been used for arresting and detaining people because of the peaceful expression of their political beliefs; and (5) permit independent, democratic labor unions to organize and operate freely.

Expressing the sense of the Congress that the United States should pursue the establishment of a Pacific Basin forum for the discussion of economic, diplomatic, and other issues unique to the region, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 13 April 1989

Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the United States should pursue the establishment of a Pacific Basin forum for the discussion of economic, diplomatic, and other issues unique to the Pacific Basin region; (2) the United States should encourage an exchange of proposals to promote free trade and economic development and reduce military tensions in the region; and (3) the President should call for an annual summit meeting with the leaders of key Pacific Rim nations.

To amend title 38, United States Code, to require that burials be permitted in national cemeteries on weekends and holidays under certain conditions, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 12 April 1989

Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to permit burials in national cemeteries on weekends and holidays, as long as the individuals arranging such burials agree to pay the total costs involved. Directs the Secretary to permit arrangements to be made on weekends and holidays for burials in national cemeteries on weekdays.

Department of Veterans' Affairs Health Care Programs Extension Act of 1989

United States · United States Congress · 11 April 1989

Department of Veterans' Affairs Health Care Programs Extension Act of 1989 - Amends Federal veterans' benefits provisions to include the provision of outpatient dental services and treatment to veterans where medically necessary in preparation for hospital admission. Increases from $500 to $1,000 the total amount that may be expended on any veteran in a 12-month period for outpatient dental services and treatment. Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to periodically review the cost of dental care to determine whether such dollar ceiling should be adjusted and to adjust such ceiling if necessary. Extends through FY 1991 the authority of the Secretary to furnish respite care services to eligible veterans. Extends through FY 1994 the authorization of appropriations for assisting States in constructing State home facilities to be used for furnishing domiciliary and nursing home care to veterans and expanding or remodeling existing State facilities.

To amend title 38, United States Code, to revise the eligibility for outpatient medical services furnished by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

United States · United States Congress · 11 April 1989

Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to increase the eligibility for outpatient medical services to all veterans currently eligible for hospital care. (Currently, the eligibility for outpatient medical services is limited to veterans: (1) for a service-connected disability; or (2) for a disability for a veteran who has a service-connected disability rated at 50 percent or more.) Eliminates the authority of the Secretary to: (1) furnish home health services in connection with such outpatient care; and (2) contract for the provision of outpatient medical services with facilities that are not Department of Veterans Affairs facilities.

War Powers Reform Amendments Resolution of 1989

United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1989

War Powers Reform Amendments Resolution of 1989 - Amends the War Powers Resolution to remove the requirement that the President consult regularly with the Congress during the involvement in hostilities of U.S. armed forces. Revises reporting requirements for the President for the introduction of such forces in the absence of a declaration of war. Removes the requirement of a semiannual report on the status of hostilities. Requires the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate, if petitioned by at least 50 percent (currently, 30 percent) of the membership of their respective Houses, to request the President to convene the Congress in order to consider any presidential report on U.S. armed forces involved in hostilities. Repeals a provision requiring the withdrawal of such forces after a certain period of time. Provides for the removal of such forces, in the absence of a declaration of war, if the Congress so directs by joint (currently, concurrent) resolution. Makes a joint resolution subject to priority procedures only if it is sponsored by at least 50 percent of the membership of the House in which it was introduced. Repeals current priority procedures for joint resolutions or bills and makes priority procedures applicable to concurrent resolutions applicable only to joint resolutions. Repeals specified provisions concerning the interpretation of the War Powers Resolution.

Missing Service Personnel Act of 1989

United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1989

Missing Service Personnel Act of 1989 - 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 45 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. Directs the Secretary to invite each member of the immediate family of the missing person to the meetings of a board of initial inquiry unless attendance would place such member in danger. 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 a period of less than 50 years 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.

To exempt retired members of the Armed Forces called to active duty and assigned to full-time duty with the American Battle Monuments Commission from grade limitations on officers of the Armed Forces.

United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1989

Amends Federal military personnel provisions to exempt retired members of the armed forces who are called to active, full-time duty with the American Battle Monuments Commission from certain number and grade limitations on officers in the armed forces.

To amend title 38, United States Code, to require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to reimburse veterans for the reasonable value of hospital care and medical services provided at rural hospitals that could otherwise be provided to such veterans in facilities of the Department of Veterans Affairs.

United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1989

Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to reimburse a veteran for the reasonable value of hospital care or medical services to which such veteran is entitled, and for which such veteran has made payment, if such care or services were rendered in a hospital located in a rural area (as defined under the Social Security Act). Requires such reimbursement to include travel and incidental expenses associated with such care or services.

Center for National Security and Arms Control Authorization Act of 1989

United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1989

Center for National Security and Arms Control Authorization Act of 1989 - Authorizes the Secretary of Energy to establish, construct, and operate a Center for National Security and Arms Control at Sandia National Laboratories in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Transfers specified real property from the Department of Defense to the Department of Energy for use as such Center. Authorizes appropriations to the Department of Energy for FY 1990 for establishing such Center.

To amend the Lanham Act to limit the defense against trademark infringement relating to geographic origin.

United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1989

Amends Federal trademark law to limit the defense against trademark infringement relating to geographic origin to a defense on the ground that the allegedly infringing use is of a name, term, or device fairly used only to describe a country of origin.

To amend title 10, United States Code, to authorize former prisoners of war to use Department of Defense commissary stores and post and base exchanges.

United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1989

Authorizes the use of Department of Defense commissary stores and post exchanges by former prisoners of war who have been honorably separated from service.

A joint resolution to designate the week of June 4, 1989 through June 10, 1989, as "National Intelligence Community Week".

United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1989

Designates the week of June 4, 1989, through June 10, 1989, as National Intelligence Community Week.

To designate December 13, 1989, as "National Guard Day".

United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1989

Designates December 13, 1989, as National Guard Day.

To amend the War Claims Act of 1948 to provide for compensation with respect to former members of the Armed Forces of the United States for each day spent during World War II avoiding capture by hostile forces or as underground fighters while unattached to a regular unit of the Armed Forces.

United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1989

Amends the War Claims Act of 1948 to authorize the Foreign Claims Settlement Commission of the United States to provide for the payment of claims filed by covered World War II underground fighters. Defines a "covered World War II underground fighter" as any individual who: (1) as a member of the U.S. armed forces between December 7, 1941, and August 16, 1945, served as a guerrilla fighter resisting forces hostile to the United States or concealed himself from a hostile force for more than ten days while in danger of capture or after escaping as a prisoner of war; (2) is, or was at death, a U.S. citizen, national, or permanent resident alien; and (3) was never separated from the U.S. armed forces, except under honorable conditions. Provides that the compensation allowed to any covered World War II underground fighter shall be five dollars for each day he served as a guerrilla fighter or concealed himself from hostile forces. Provides that any claim allowed by the Commission shall be certified to the Secretary of the Treasury and paid by such Secretary. Declares that any claim must be filed with the Commission within one year after enactment of this Act. Requires the Commission to complete its determination for any such claim no later than one year after such claim is filed. Authorizes appropriations.

Aviation Career Improvement Act of 1989

United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1989

Aviation Career Improvement Act of 1989 - Amends Federal military pay provisions to require an officer, to be eligible for aviation career incentive pay, to perform the prescribed operational flying duties (including flight training but excluding proficiency flying) for nine of the first 12, and 12 of the first 18, years of aviation service. (Current law requires six of the first 12, and 11 of the first 18.) Allows such an officer continuous monthly incentive pay for the first 22 years of his or her officer service if an officer performs the prescribed operational duties for at least ten but less than 12 of the first 18 years of aviation service. (Current law requires at least nine but less than 11 of the first 18 years in order to be eligible for such limited incentive pay.) Increases the rates of such aviation career incentive pay, such rates increasing as the years of service increase. Increases the rates of such incentive pay proportionately whenever the President increases the rates of monthly basic pay. Authorizes the Secretary of the military department concerned to delay implementation of such provisions until a proper time as determined by such Secretary. Amends the National Defense Authorization Act, Fiscal Year 1989 to extend through FY 1992 (currently, FY 1989) the period during which an aviation officer may execute a career continuation agreement and therefore be paid an aviator retention bonus. Directs the following officials, on November 1 of each year beginning with 1989, to submit a report to the Secretary of Defense analyzing the effect that the aviator retention bonus program has had during the preceding fiscal year on the retention of qualified aviators in such officials' departments: the Secretary of each military department, the Secretary of Transportation with respect to the Coast Guard the Secretary of Commerce with respect to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the Secretary of Health and Human Services with respect to members of the Public Health Service. Directs the Secretary of Defense, no later than December 1 of each year beginning in 1989, to submit such reports to the Senate and House Armed Services Committees (the defense committees), together with comments and recommendations. Increases the limitation on obligations for aviator retention bonuses to be paid to Navy and Air Force officers during FY 1990. Directs the Secretary of Defense to reduce, by no later than September 30, 1992, the number of nonoperational flying duty positions in the armed forces by a number equal to not less than five percent below the total number of such positions in existence as of the end of FY 1989. Directs the Secretary to effectuate a reduction of not less than two percent by the end of FY 1991, with the remainder of such reduction to be realized by the end of FY 1992. Prohibits any increase in the number of such positions after September 30, 1991, unless specifically authorized by law. States that the minimum active duty obligation of any member who successfully completes training in the armed forces as a pilot shall be nine years if trained to fly fixed wing jet aircraft, and seven years if trained to fly any other type of aircraft. Provides a minimum active-duty obligation of seven years for navigators or naval flight officers successfully completing such training. Directs the Secretary, no later than December 1, 1989, to report to the defense committees a legislative proposal for an accidental death insurance plan for aviators serving on active duty that provides for the payment of death benefits of $100,000 for death resulting from the performance of operational flight duty. Requires the Director of the Congressional Budget Office to conduct a study of the aviator assignment policies and practices of the armed forces, and submit the results of such study to the defense committees no later than February 15, 1990. Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the President should establish a commission to study the reasons for the critical shortage of qualified aviators in both the armed forces and the commercial airline industry; (2) the President should include in such commission representatives from the commercial airlines, the Department of Defense, and other appropriate sources; (3) the President should appoint all members of such commission no later than February 15, 1990; and (4) the commission should be required to report the results of its study to the President and the Congress no later than March 1, 1991, together with specific recommendations for eliminating such shortage of qualified aviators.

To establish a Commission to study the use of former military installations for drug rehabilitation centers.

United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1989

Establishes the Commission to Study the Use of Former Military Installations for Drug Rehabilitation Centers to advise the Director of National Drug Control Policy whenever requested by local governmental entities. Requires the Commission to submit an annual report to the Director and to each House of the Congress on the Commission's findings and conclusions, together with its recommendations for legislation and administrative actions. Terminates the Commission two years after the enactment of this Act. Authorizes appropriations.

To amend title 38, United States Code, to improve pension benefits for World War I veterans and for surviving spouses of such veterans.

United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1989

Amends Federal veterans' benefits provisions to add $2,400 (currently $800) annually in such benefits to veterans of World War I who were not provided with the educational and home-loan benefits that were provided to veterans of later periods. Increases by $800 annually the rate of pension payable to a qualifying surviving spouse of a veteran of World War I.

To designate the week beginning September 1, 1989, as "World War II Remembrance Week".

United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1989

Designates the week beginning September 1, 1989, as World War II Remembrance Week in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the outbreak of that War.

Designating December 12, 1990, as "National Freedom Fighters Day".

United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1989

Designates December 12, 1990, as National Freedom Fighters Day.