Congressional Research Service
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Labor issues in the 99th Congress
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During the first several months of the 99th Congress, a number of labor issues have received considerable attention. This paper gives a brief description and analysis of these labor and labor-related issues as well as others that are likely to receive some attention in the remainder of the 99th Congress. This paper is an update of Labor Issues in the 99th Congress: Potential Topics of Discussion, Report 85-525 E, January 29, 1985., CRS 85-941 E, "September 12, 1985.", SuDoc# LC 14. 18/3
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Labor issues in the 99th Congress
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During the 99th Congress, a number of labor issues have received considerable attention. This paper gives a brief description and analysis of these issues as well as other labor and labor-related issues that are likely to receive some attention in the second session of the 99th Congress. This paper is an update of Labor Issues in the 99th Congress: An Update, Report 85-941 E, September 12, 1985., CRS 86-566 E
"March 4, 1986."
SuDoc # LC 14. 18/3
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Labor standards
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This report presents a statistical review of the pattern of staffing and enforcement/compliance activity within the United States Department of Labor through fiscal years 1976 to 1986.
It notes the work hours required to administer the following statutes: the Fair Labor Standards Act; the several Federal procurement labor standards statutues -- the Davis-Bacon Act, the Walsh-Healy Act, and the McNamara-O'Hara Service Contract Act; and the Farm Labor Contractor Registration Act and its successor, after 1983, the Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Workers Protection Act. It also notes the number of violations of the several acts and the dollar amounts of back wages involved, where applicable. All tables have been developed from data provided by the Wage and Hour Division, United States Department of Labor., Introduction -- Compliance Activity with Respect to Statutes Governing Labor Standards in Federal Procurement: the Davis-Bacon Act, the Walsh-Healey Act, and the McNamara-O'Hara Service Contract Act -- Compliance Activity of the Department of Labor with Respect to the Farm Labor Contractor Registration Act (FLCRA) and the Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Workers Protection Act (MASAWOPA) -- Compliance Activity of the Department of Labor with Respect to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) of 1938, as Amended., William G. Whittaker, Analyst in Labor Economics, Economics Division., CRS 86-787 E, "July 21, 1986.", SuDoc# LC 14. 18/3
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Laws implicated by shipments of military materials to Iran
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Laws Implicated By Shipments of Military Materials to Iran, Raymond J. Celada, Senior Specialist. November 20, 1986, revised November 24, 1986. Covert shipments of war materials to Iran raise issues concerning the wisdom of Administration policies and the legality of the shipments and the procedures followed in making them. This report deals with the legal issues and highlights the following authorities as being immediately implicated: the Arms Export Control Act, the Foreign Assistance Act, the Export Administration Act, the National Security Act, the Hostage Act, and potentially various funding and expenditure regulations., Introduction -- Iran, Terrorism and "Embargo" -- Funding and Conduct of Intelligence Activities -- Funding -- Hostage Act -- Conclusion., Raymond J. Celada, Senior Specialist in American Public Law., CRS 86-1005 A, "November 20, 1986.", "Revised November 24, 1986.", SuDoc# LC 14. 18/3
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Leadership in Educational Administration Development Act of 1984
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This paper summarizes the provisions of the Leadership in Educational Administration Development Act of 1984. The program authorized by this Act would fund technical assistance centers in each State to enhance the leadership skills of elementary and secondary school administrators, such as principals., Jim Stedman, Specialist in Education, Education and Public Welfare Division., CRS 84-831 EPW, "December 7, 1984.", SuDoc# LC 14. 18/3
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Leadership in Educational Administration Development Program
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This paper summarizes the provisions of the Leadership in Educational Administration Development program. This program funds technical assistance centers in each State to enhance the leadership skills of elementary and secondary school administrators, such as principals., Abstract -- Program Provisions -- Purpose -- Center Administration -- Center Activities -- Authorization of Appropriations -- Definitions., James B. Stedman, Specialist in Education, Education and Public Welfare Division, CRS 87-204 EPW, "August 12, 1987.", SuDoc # LC 14. 18/3
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Leaking underground storage tanks
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This report on leaking underground storage tanks examines the potential threat to groundwater, the lack of understanding of the extent of the problem, the existing regulatory controls for storage tanks, and the issues associated with the problem., CRS 84-508 ENR, "January 11, 1984.", SuDoc# LC 14. 18/3
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Legal and constitutional issues involved in the regulation of indecent or obscene cable television programs
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Executive Summary -- Introduction -- Constitutional First Amendment Standards Applicable to Obscene or Indecent Programs -- Definitions of Obscene and Indecent -- Comparison of the Characteristics of Broadcast and Cable Media -- Standards Applicable to Cable, Caselaw -- Federal Regulation of Cable -- State Regulation of Pornographic Programs on Cable -- Local Regulation of Pornographic Programs on Cable -- Constitutional First Amendment Right to Receive Information -- Procedural Safeguards -- Conclusion., David R. Siddall, Legislative Attorney, American Law Division; Revised by Rita Ann Reimer, Legislative Attorney, American Law Division., CRS 85-1135 A, "March 5, 1985.", Revised "December 10, 1985.", SuDoc# LC 14. 18/3
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Legality of receiving satellite signals carrying cable programs
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The right of satellite dish owners to tune into cable programs being relayed by satellite signals has been the subject of extensive consideration by the 98th Congress. On October 30, 1984, enactment of Public Law No. 98-549, effective on December 29, 1984, provided a statutory right of backyard dish owners to watch cable programming being carried by the unencrypted satellite signals. However, if the owners to the rights of such programming establish a marketing system for the sale of such viewing rights, the dish owners are obligated to purchase such rights at the agreed upon price.
The report briefly discusses the provisions and context of this new law. A more in-depth analysis of the subject area is contained in the CRS report entitled Unauthorized Reception of Communications Satellite Signals Carrying Video Programs dated August 6, 1984 (before passage of the new law)., Pages 3, 5, 7, and 9 are missing., David R. Siddall, Legislative Attorney, American Law Division., CRS 84-846 A, "December 14, 1984.", SuDoc# LC 14. 18/3
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Legislative history of 1986 restriction on United States military involvement in Nicaragua
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This report sets forth the legislative history of the prohibition on the use of United States military advisers and combat troops within Nicaragua. Enacted as part of the military construction title of this year's continuing resolution, Pub. L. No. 99-500, which also authorized lethal and humanitarian assistance to the Nicaraguan Democratic Resistance, or Contras, the provision represents a legislative attempt to clarify United States policy on the matter and ensure effective adherence to Administration statements that United States troops will not be so introduced., CRS 86-1007 A, "November 14, 1986.", SuDoc# LC 14. 18/3
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Legislative vetoes enacted after Chadha
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This report identifies the legislative vetoes that have been enacted into law after the Supreme Court, in INS v. Chadha (1983), which held the legislative veto unconstitutional. Most of the legislative vetoes enacted after Chadha vest the veto power in committees or subcommittees of Congress., CRS 87-389 GOV, "April 28, 1987.", SuDoc# LC 14. 18/3
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Liability insurance issues
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The rising cost and reduced availability of liability insurance in recent years has been a concern for business, government, and consumers. This Editorial Commentary looks at such liability insurance areas as products liability, malpractice, local government liability, and other forms of liability insurance.
The Editorial Commentary is divided into two sections. The first contains an introductory news article on liability insurance and a chart showing what States have been doing about this problem. The second includes editorials selected from newspapers from all regions of the United States. This section is arranged in reverse chronological order., News Article Section. Action Set on Liability Insurance (Washington Post) ; What States are Doing (Washington Post) -- Editorial Section. Arkansas Gazette (Little Rock, Ark) ; Atlanta Constitution (Georgia) ; Atlanta Journal (Georgia) ; Chicago Tribune (Illinois) ; Christian Science Monitor (Massachussetts) ; Dallas Times Herald (Texas) ; Detroit Free Press (Michigan) ; Houston Chronicle (Texas) ; Idaho Statesman (Boise, Idaho) ; Minneapolis Star and Tribune (Minnesota) ; New York Times ; Newsday (Long Island, N.Y.) ; Portland Press Herald (Maine) ; Record (Bergen, New Jersey) ; Richmond Times Dispatch (Virginia) ; St. Petersburg Times (Florida) ; Salt Lake Tribune (Utah) ; Star-Ledger (Newark, N.J,) ; Sun (Baltimore, Md.) ; Wall Street Journal ; Washington Post., CRS 86-631 L, "April 1986", SuDoc# LC 14. 18/3
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Life care communities
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Life care communities are designed for elderly persons and provide housing, nursing home care, and a range of services, usually for the remainder of the resident's life. This paper describes life care communities, discusses some demographic characteristics of life care residents, and summarizes financial arrangements and pricing policies used by life care providers. It also discusses problems that have risen in some life care communities, and Federal and State legislative and other Federal activities related to life care communities., Abstract -- Introduction -- Characteristics of Life Care Communities -- Characteristics of Residents -- Fees and Related Federal Tax Provisions -- Financial Management, Operating Practices, and Issues -- State and Federal Legislation -- Summary -- Bibliography., CRS 85-1127 EPW, "December 23, 1985.", SuDoc# LC 14. 18/3
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Magnet schools assistance
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This paper provides an overview of the provisions, the background and legislative history, and current status of the new Magnet Schools Assistance program. This program will support magnet schools (those offering a special curriculum to attract voluntarily students from different racial backgrounds) in desegregating school districts. Current issues affecting the program include debate over a prohibition against using any of its funds for magnet school courses the substance of which is "secular humanism," and unsuccessful efforts by the Reagan Administration to rescind its FY 1985 funding., James B. Stedman, Specialist in Education, Education and Public Welfare Division., CRS 85-746 EPW, "May 31, 1985.", SuDoc# 14. 18/3
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Mandatory retirement and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act
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The Age Discrimination in Employment Act protects most workers aged 40 through 69 against employment discrimination on account of age. Various issues under the Act are pending before the Supreme Court, in the executive branch regulatory process and in Congress. These include whether and how retirement ages for State and local public safety officers ought to be subject to current ADEA provisions; whether the Act's upper age limit of 70 for non-federal workers should be removed, thereby largely eliminating mandatory retirement on account of age; and what requirements the ADEA should impose on pension plans. Issues have also arisen related to other occupational groups-higher education faculty, airline pilots, and high level executives., Abstract -- The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) of 1967 as Amended -- Labor Force Participation and Retirement Decisions -- Issue. Upper Age Limit of 70 in the ADEA ; Mandatory Retirement for Tenured Faculty ; State and Local Public Safety Officers ; Exemption for High Level Executives ; ADEA Enforcement Procedures ; Pension Plan Benefits ; Airline Pilots ; Other Legislative Proposals., Sharon House, Specialist in Social Legislation, Education and Public Welfare Division, CRS 85-683 EPW, "January 17, 1984."
"Updated April 1, 1985.", SuDoc# 14. 18/3
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Mediasat
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Summary -- Introduction -- Background and Definition of Terms. Existing Systems: Civilian & Military ; Proposed System -- U.S. National Security Limits on Civilian Systems -- Non-Discriminatory Access & Privacy -- Proposal for an International Satellite Monitoring Agency. International Reaction ; U.S. Reaction -- Conclusion., Some members of the news media are interested in the possible use of a remote sensing satellite system for news gathering, referred to here as Mediasat. The technology is available to build and operate it, but it is not clear whether there is sufficient demand to finance a Mediasat system. This paper addresses issues relating to Mediasat, including: national security limits on sensor technology, international reaction to Mediasat, and existing legislation on private remote sensing satellites.
Currently, the Unites States has a limit on the resolution of sensors that can fly on civilian satellites. If the media wants to fly higher resolution sensors, they may have to challenge these national security restrictions. However, if the United States does not develop higher resolution satellites, some fear that other countries will, causing the United states to lose its lead in civilian remote sensing satellite technology.
The Land Remote-Sensing Commercialization Act of 1984 designated the Department of Commerce as the licensor of new remote sensing satellites, and reinforces the role of the Deparment of Defense in overseeing national security interests in the licensing process. There is some concern that the Department of Commerce or Defense might invoke national security limitations when they were not necessary, thus restricting the freedom of the press.
Other countries could react negatively to the publication of more detailed remote sensing images of their countries. Although there have been proposals for an international system to operate an advanced remote sensing or reconnaissance satellite for peaceful purposes, these proposals have not proceeded., Patricia E. Humphlett, Analyst in Telecommunications and Aerospace, Science Policy Research Division, CRS 87-70 SPR
"January 28, 1987."
SuDoc #: LC 14. 18/3
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Medicare, Medicaid, and maternal and child health programs
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This report traces the major Medicare amendments which have effected hospitals, physicians, and beneficiaries since 1980. It also reviews the major Medicaid amendments affecting Federal financial participation in the program, coverage of pregnant mothers and children, as well as those amendments designed to give States increased flexibility in administering their programs. Lastly, the report describes the consolidation of Federal health service programs for mothers and children under a new block grant authority., Janet Kline, Jennifer O'Sullivan, Specialists in Social Legislation and Joseph A. Cislowski, Analyst in Social Legislation, Education and Public Welfare Division, CRS 87-296 EPW, "April 3, 1987.", SuDoc# 14. 18/3
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Meeting the pension obligation
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Abstract -- Overview -- Background. Administration of Pension Law ; Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation ; Pension Funding ; Single-Employer Pension Plan Amendments Act ; Solvency of the PBGC -- Underfunded Plans -- Overfunded Plans. Background ; Reversion Transactions ; Rules and Regulations -- Administration's Proposal on Funding and Termination of Pension Plans. Employer Access to Assets of Overfunded Plans ; Minimum Funding Standard and Deductions ; Termination of Underfunded Plans ; Funding of Health Benefits for Retirees ; Variable Rate Premiums -- Selected References., While most private pension plans are sufficiently funded, some are seriously underfunded. This paper discusses these issues and the legislative options being studied to address the problems confronting the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) and the optimal funding of private pension plans., Ray Schmitt, Specialist in Social Legislation and Carmen D. Solomon, Analyst in Social Legislation, Education and Public Welfare Division, CRS 87-412 EPW
"May 8, 1987."
SuDoc # LC 14. 18/3
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Mergers and acquisitions
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Every profession develops specialized vocabularies; these serve to rid its internal discourse of cumbersome usages and to render complex ideas and practices in simple, concise terms, which, simplicity notwithstanding, may be perfectly opaque to the laymen. The field of corporate mergers and acquisitions describes its own participants and transactions with a set of terms which, if not lurid, is extremely colorful. A striking number of these terms derive from predation, crime, and warfare; some observers have cited this violent lexicon as evidence of a need for reform. This glossary presents short definitions of a selection of terms associated with mergers and acquisitions which have appeared in the extensive literature on the subject., CRS 86-786 E, "July 16, 1986.", SuDoc# LC 14. 18/3
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Minimum universal pension system (MUPS)
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Abstract -- Introduction -- Brief Description -- Analysis. Arguments Against MUPS ; Arguments in Favor of MUPS ; Defined Benefit Versus Defined Contribution Plan., This paper provides a brief description and reexamination of a proposal to establish a minimum universal pension system (MUPS) as a public policy response to low and stagnated pension coverage. It also discusses the trade-offs between traditional defined benefit pension plans and a defined contribution arrangement such as a MUPS., CRS 87-197 EPW
"March 6, 1987."
SuDoc # LC 14. 18/3
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Minimun wage
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The Federal minimum wage under the Fair Labor Standards Act was last increased on January 1, 1981, to its current level of $3.35 per hour. Early in the 100th Congress, considerable interest has been expressed in re-examining the level and structure of the Federal minimum wage. Congress may use the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the adoption of the Fair Labor Standards Act (1938-1988) to subject the statute to significant oversight. This selected bibliography cites works on the issue of minimum wage., Felix Chin, Senior Bibliographer, Economics, Library Services Division, CRS 87-162 L
"March 1987"
SuDoc # LC 14. 18/3
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Minor children's income
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The Tax Reform Act of 1986 made five changes in the taxation of minor children's income: changes in the personal exemption, changes in the standard deduction, changes in the taxation of unearned income of children under age 14, changes in the taxation of grantor trusts, and changes in the tax return filing requirements. This report summarizes these changes., Marie B. Morris, Legislative Attorney, American Law Division, CRS 87-21 A
"January 9, 1987."
SuDoc Lc # 14. 18/3
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Minority ownership of broadcast facilities
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In James Steele vs. FCC, 770 F. 2d 1192 (D.C. Circ. 1985), which involved the award of a broadcast license to a woman using in part a preference system that allowed the Commission to award the license despite the existence of a competing application from a more broadcast-experienced male, a Federal appeals court in a two-to-one ruling in August 1985, struck down preferences for women in awarding FCC licenses. This report reviews the event that led to the FCC's original decision to implement a minority preference system in awarding broadcast licenses, and summarizes chronologically FCC policies and rules that have been implemented since then to increase minority ownership. An assessment of the effects such policies and rules have had on minority broadcast ownership is also provided. This is followed by a discussion of congressional reaction to the FCC's position on preferences and legislative initiatives that have been introduced to date in support of diversifying ownership of broadcast facilities., Background -- Federal Communications Commission's Minority Policies and Rules. Tax Certificates and Distress Sale Policies ; Financial Qualifications Standard ; Minority Buyer's List ; Minority Ownership Policy ; Lottery System for Awarding Licenses ; Multiple Ownership Rules ; New FM Channels ; AM Station Assignment Standards -- Effectiveness of FCC's Minority Ownership Polices and Rules -- Assessing the Effectiveness of FCC's Policies on Minority Broadcast Ownership -- Congressional Reaction to the FCC's Position on Preferences., Bernevia M. McCalip, Analyst in Business and Government Relations, Economics Division, CRS 87-273 E, "March 27, 1987.", SuDoc# 14. 18/3
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Mitigating acid rain
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CRS 83-585 ENR, "May 16, 1983.", SuDoc# LC 14. 18/3, An additional report by Parker was added to the end of this report. It is titled "Impact of Proposed Acid Rain Legistlation on the Illinois Coal Industry", and is dated "February 21, 1983."
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Most-favored-nation treatment of foreign trading partners by the United States
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"Most-favored-nation" (MFN) status entitles the country to which it has been granted to the same advantages that have been extended by granting country to any other country; MFN treatment, consequently, means in fact: nondiscriminatory, equal treatment. The United States extends the MFN treatment in foreign trade to all countries except to most Communist countries. Generally, MFN status can be granted by the United States to Communist country only if the latter's emigration policy is substantially nonrestrictive. Under this procedure, in effect since 1975, MFN status has been extended to Romania, Hungary, and China, which together with the earlier Communist MFN beneficiaries, Poland and Yugoslavia, are the only Communist countries to which the United States accords the MFN status., What is Most-Favored-Nation Treatment? -- United States MFN Policy in Foreign Trade -- Denial of the MFN Treatment to Communist Countries -- Current Application of the MFN Treatment., Vladimir N. Pregelj, Specialist in International Trade and Finance, Economics Division, CRS 87-241 E, "March 20, 1987.", SuDoc# 14. 18/3
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National minimum drinking age
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The National Minimum Drinking Age (NMDA) law reqiures that States not in the compliance with the 21-minimum-age-law by fiscal year 1987 face a loss of a portion of their Federal-aid highway funds. The report discusses the provisions and sanction effects., Abstract -- Legislative Background -- Provisions in the NMDA Law -- State Status Under the NMDA Law -- Sanction Effect on the States., William A. Lipford, Analyst in Transportation, Economics Division, CRS 84-784 E, "October 29, 1984.", SuDoc# LC 14. 18/3
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National sales tax
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A national sales tax has been frequently discussed as a possible new tax source to reduce projected large budgetary deficits. This report contains estimates that a national sales tax with a comprehensive tax base could yield up to $22.44 billion for each 1 percent levied, based on data for fiscal year 1987., CRS 86-790 E, "July 23, 1986.", SuDoc# LC 14. 18/3
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National teachers' examination
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This paper provides background information on the current proposals that would require all new teachers to pass a national teacher competency test before becoming eligible for internship or certification. In addition to providing an overview of the current proposals, brief discussions are provided about the various problems and experiences with testing programs of other professions such as law, medicine, nursing, and professional engineers.
Current teacher examination practices among the States are summarized, and alternative responses for professional organizations and teacher education institutions are explored. The last sections of this paper address procedural questions, potential impact, and Federal options., Abstract -- Proposal -- Background -- Admission Examinations for Other Professions -- Current Status in the States -- Alternative Responses -- Procedural Questions -- Impact -- Federal Options., K. Forbis Jordan, Senior Specialist in Education, Office of Senior Specialists, The report was missing page 27., CRS 85-731 S, "April 29, 1985.", SuDoc# 14. 18/3
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New directions in antitrust law?
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Much legislation to deal with various aspects of antitrust laws' impact on the United States business community has been introduced or enacted during the past several years. This report places them in the context of the background controversies surrounding antitrust damage reform, merger law standards and the role of antitrust law in the worldwide competitiveness of United States industry., CRS 86-1014 A, "May 5, 1986.", SuDoc# LC 14. 18/3
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Nicaragua
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This report presents the most recent available statistical data on the United States' trade with Nicaragua and Nicaragua's overall foreign trade. It contains a survey of trade sanctions imposed by the United States against Nicaragua, and a listing of articles of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade that are most relevant to the imposition of trade sanctions., Vladimir N. Pregelj, Specialist in International Trade Finances, Economics Division, CRS 86-754 E, "July 8, 1986.", SuDoc# LC 14. 18/3
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Nicaragua v. United States
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Daniel Hill Zafren, Specialist in American Public Law, American Law Division, CRS 86-748 A, "June 30, 1986.", SuDoc# Lc 14. 18/3
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Nonpoint source pollution control
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Claudia Copeland, Specialist, Environmental and Natural Resources Policy Division, CRS 83-588 ENR, "July 14, 1983.", SuDoc# LC 14. 18/3
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