Issues regarding the quality and structure of public secondary education have recently attracted substantial public and legislative attention in the U.S. as well as several foreign nations. This paper provides an overview of the secondary education structure in the U.S., England, France, Japan, the Soviet Union, and West Germany, with a discussion of major issues and recent developments.,Introduction -- Overview (including Discussion of the United States' System) -- England -- France -- Japan. Formation of Ad Hoc Advisory Council on Education Reform -- Soviet Union. Recently-adopted School Reform Plan -- West Germany -- Concluding Discussion. Comparative System Chart -- References.,Wayne Riddle, Education and Public Welfare Division.,CRS 84-770,"October 9, 1984.",SuDoc# LC 14. 18/3

Throughout the 20th century, imports of meat into the United States have been subject to qualitative and quantitative restrictions as well as to tariffs. The former developed as a result of health and safety concerns, and the latter as a direct response to increasing meat imports and deteriorating economic conditions in the domestic cattle industry. These two concerns still motivate periodic efforts to change the Meat Import Act of 1979 and the Federal Meat Inspection Act. This report traces the development of meant import restrictions and analyzes current proposals for change in meat import requirements. Since the Meat Import Act (which relates to imports of fresh or frozen beef, veal, mutton, and goat meat) is the focus of this paper, issues related to pork imports receive only brief mention.,Abstract -- Introduction -- Legislative History. Early History: Qualitative Restrictions ; Tariff Restratints ; Changes in World Meat Trade ; Quantitative Restraints: The Meat Import Act of 1964 ; Additional Attempts to Restrict Imports, 1967-1978 ; The Meat Import Act of 1979 ; Import Provisions in the 1981 Farm Bill -- Current Issues. Chemical Residues in Imported Meat ; Labeling Imported Meat at the Retail Level ; Meat Imports from Australia and New Zealand -- Conclusion -- Appendix I: Foreign Agriculture Service Fact File: Meat Import Law ; Appendix II: USDA Imported Meat Inspection Program.,CRS 85-956 ENR,"September 19, 1985.",SuDoc# LC 14. 18/3

Representatives of a number of commodity groups have asked Congress in recent years for statutory authority to establish national generic promotion programs for their products. A key feature is a mandatory assessment paid by all producers to support such activities. Federal legislation has authorized nine such national promotion programs, and lawmakers now are considering whether to create new initiatives for beef, pork, and watermelons. nCritics believe that such programs represent unwarranted Government interference, pit one commodity group against another for limited consumer dollars, and lack adequate evidence of success. Proponents, on the other hand, contend that the programs do work, cost the Federal Government virtually nothing, and benefit producers and consumers alike. This report discusses programs that have already been enacted by Congress and examines their records to date.,Introduction -- Background -- Congressional Involvement -- Notes on Individual Boards. Cotton ; Potatoes ; Eggs ; Beef ; Wheat ; Floraboard ; Dairy ; Honey -- Proposed Legislation. Beef ; Pork ; Watermelons -- How Effective are the Programs?. Study Trends and Research Needs ; Refund Rates ; Consumption and Exports ; Other Policy Concerns -- Are Promotion Programs Worth Promoting?. AMS Guidelines.,Geoffrey S. Becker, Analyst, Environment and Natural Resources Policy Division.,CRS 85-995 ENR,"March 22, 1984.","Revised September 30, 1985.",SuDoc# LC 14. 18/3

Using data from the 1982 and 1983 Metropolitan Area tapes of the Annual Housing Survey, this study uses simulated moves of households to determine whether the supply of standard quality vacant rental units is sufficient to rehouse renter families living in unsatisfactory housing, when household size and number of bedrooms are considered. The study found that no housing market area had a sufficient supply, although the extent of the deficiency varies greatly. Less than half the variance was explained by differences in vacancy rates. The findings confirm the need to consider the characteristics of both the housing stock, and the households in unsatisfactory housing in the diverse local housing areas throughout the country when determining national housing policy.,Summary of Results -- A Brief Overview of the Study Process -- Limitations of the Results -- Description of Geographic Areas. Sufficiency of Vacant Units, Disregarding Household Size -- Results of the Simulation. Households Least Able to be Rehoused ; Units Remaining Vacant after Household Moves ; Relation Between Vacancy Rate and Ability to Find Housing -- Considering Rent-Paying Ability and Asking Rent -- Estimates of Subsidy Amounts -- Conclusion -- Selected References -- Appendix A: Simulation Tables -- Appendix B: Definition of Inadequate Housing -- Appendix C: Simulation Method.,Grace Milgram, Specialist in Housing, Economics Division, and Robert Bury, Computer Systems Analyst, Automated Information Services.,CRS 87-81 E,"January 30, 1987.",SuDoc# LC 14. 18/3

Farm population in the U.S., currently about 5.2 million people, continues to decline each year. Data from a 1982 Census Bureau-USDA survey show a loss of 431,000 farm people between 1980 and 1982. This drop corresponds with a continuing pattern of declining farm employment, which has fallen from over 10 million in 1940 to under 4 million currently. The number of farm operators in the U.S. is now estimated at 2,370,000--down from 2,400,000 the previous year. This paper will discuss the changing farm population, focusing on the farm labor force. It will investigate who leaves farming, why they leave, what they do as disemployed farmers, and the implications of their employment shift.,Rebecca Mazur, Bibliographer, Environment and Natural Resources, Library Services Division, on Temporary Assignement to the Food and Agriculture Section, Environment and Natural Resources Policy Division.,CRS 84-719 L,"August 22, 1984.",SuDoc# LC 14. 18/3

The growth of the elderly population, combined with rising expenditures for institutional long-term care services, has generated interest in strengthening community-based services for the sick and disabled and in altering the way in which these services are organized and financed. Studies have shown that community-based health and social services can be effective in reducing institutionalization and improving longevity and patient satisfaction. However, the overall costs associated with community-based long-term care remain unknown, as does the number of persons potentially in need of such services. In some cases, costs for such care may exceed amounts spent for the equivalent level of institutional care.,Richard Price, Specialist in Social Legislation, and Carol O'Shaughnessy, Specialist in Social Legislation, Education and Public Welfare Division.,CRS 84-733 EPW,"August 17, 1984.",SuDoc# LC 14. 18/3

This report analyzes the major campaign finance provisions of S. 1806 which was introduced by Senator David L. Boren in the 99th Congress. A constitutional analysis of the proposals to limit political action committees and to grant free broadcast time is made. The constitutionality of other provisions is made regarding such proposals as the prohibition of "bundling" by PACs of contributions to federal candidates.,CRS 86-1017 A,"February 25, 1986.",SuDoc# LC 14. 18/3

This paper provides an historical overview of child welfare, foster care and related programs authorized under titles IV-B and IV-E of the Social Security Act and discusses how the programs currently operate, including participation data.,Abstract -- Introduction -- Historical Overview (Prior to 1980). Child Welfare ; AFDC Foster Care ; Reasons for Change -- Current Program Descriptions. Child Welfare Services ; Foster Care ; Independent Living ; Adoption Assistance.,Sharon Stephan, Specialist in Social Legislation, Education and Public Welfare Division.,CRS 87-324 EPW,"April 13, 1987.",SuDoc# LC 14. 18/3

The following is a comparison of four acid rain control bills: S. 95 (Kerry), S. 300 (Stafford), S. 316 (Proxmire), and S. 3221 (Mitchell). The comparison is focused on prominent features of the various bills, not on section by section similarities and differences among the bills. Also, apparently non-controversial aspects of the bills, such as penalties for non-compliance, were not included. The bills are compared in the order in which they were introduced. nThere are two important notes about this comparison. First, as each bill would amend the Clean Air Act, section number references made in this analysis are made to relevant sections of the Clean Air Act. Second, under general provisions, issues raised are in rank order as they appear in various bills. They are not ordered according to importance. nFor the reader's convenience, the headings used in this comparison are arranged so that the bills may be placed side-by-side, if so desired.,CRS 87-82 ENR,"February 4, 1987.",SuDoc# LC 14. 18/3

Due to changes in the labor force behavior of women with young children, new employee benefits related to parenthood have been proposed. The establishment of a non-discriminatory parental leave benefit is intended to address the issue of limited availability of childcare; the establishment of a non-discriminatory leave for all temporary, nonoccupational medical reasons would create a standard disability benefit for all workers. This report summarizes and analyzes legislation proposed in the 99th Congress to create these benefits.,Leslie Gladstone, Analyst in American National Government, Government Division,CRS 85-841 GOV,"July 11, 1985.",SuDoc# LC 14. 18/3

On February 23, 1984, the House of Representatives, passed the Foreign Language Assistance for National Security Act of 1983. This paper presents an analysis of this bill, as well as: (1) a review of the findings and recommendations by national commissions on the status of foreign language achievement and international studies ; (2) a description of current Federal programs and other major legislative proposals in this area; and (3) an analysis of the pending legislation in light of other similar proposals and the various commissions' findings and recommendations.,Nancy B. Borkow, Technical Information Specialist, Office of Senior Specialists,CRS 84-609 S,"April 20, 1984.",SuDoc# LC 14. 18/3

This report discusses concentration in the daily newspaper industry. More specifically, section I examines various ways national concentration in the industry might be defined and measured. Sections II and III discuss the trends in group ownership and the number of U.S. cities with competing dailies. Section IV looks at some Federal laws and regulations that affect concentration in the industry. Finally, section V presents some concluding observations.,Abstract -- Introduction -- National Concentration in the Daily Newspaper Industry. Concentration Ratios Based on the Value of Sales ; Concentration Ratios Based on Circulation ; Concentration Ratios Based on Ownership -- Group Ownership. Trends ; Summary of Causes and Effects -- Intracity Concentration. Trends and Causes ; Summary of Effects -- Public Policy -- Conclusion -- Appendix. Supplemental Newspaper Industry Data,R. Kevin Flaherty, Reference Assistant, Industry Analysis and Finance Section, Economic Division,CRS 84-636 E,"April 30, 1984.","Revised July 10, 1984.",SuDoc# LC 14. 18/3

Larry B. Parker, Analyst in Energy Policy; John E. Blodgett, Senior Analyst in Environmental Policy; and Mary E. Hofmann, Reference Assistant in Environmental Policy.,CRS 84-828 ENR,"October 15, 1984.",SuDoc# LC 14. 18/3

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

Controversy continues regarding the adequacy of emergency plans to protect the public in the event of a nuclear reactor accident and the role of State and local governments in emergency planning. This report, prepared under contract for CRS, reviews these issues.,CRS 84-635 SPR,"April 13, 1984.",SuDoc# LC 14. 18/3

Only national estimates are available concerning teacher supply and demand. The unknown factor is whether or not the supply of teachers will be sufficient to meet the future demand resulting from projected increases in school enrollments. In the school reform movement, States have taken various actions to improve their teaching force, but Federal actions have been limited.,CRS 85-994 S,"October 9, 1985.",SuDoc# LC 14. 18/3

The Farm Credit System was established during the period 1916-1933 to meet the unique credit needs of agricultural producers, and to address the financial problems they faced during the deteriorating agricultural economic situation of the 1920s and early 1930s. This paper reviews the structure of the Farm Credit System; the legislation that established it; the System's initial capitalization by the Federal Government and subsequent steps that led to private ownership; and the current status of the System's revolving funds held by the U.S. Treasury.,CRS 85-997 ENR,"October 10, 1985.",SuDoc# LC 14. 18/3

The real rate of interest is a useful concept that is difficult to measure. This paper examines the conceptual distinction between nominal interest rate and real interest rates. The paper proceeds to discuss problems inherent in the estimation of the real interest rate.,CRS 84-717 E,"August 6, 1984.",SuDoc# LC 14. 18/3

Lawmakers are now considering legislation to replace the Agriculture and Food Act of 1981 (P.L. 97-98), which expires in 1985. This comprehensive law governs the farm price and income support programs for milk, wheat, feed grains, and other major commodities and also authorizes several important domestic and foreign food assistance programs, agricultural research and conservation, and other activities important to the food and farm sector. This report compares omnibus proposals introduced in the 99th Congress.,Abstract -- Introduction -- Wheat, Feed Grains, Cotton and Rice -- Soybeans -- Milk -- Peanuts -- Sweeteners -- Tobacco - Wool and Mohair -- Grain Reserves -- Export Programs -- Foreign Food Aid -- Domestic Food Assistance -- Research and Extension -- Conservation -- Agricultural Credit -- Miscellaneous Provisions.,CRS 85-861 ENR,"July 8, 1985.",SuDoc# 14. 18/3

This paper briefly summarizes selected major legislation in the 98th Congress affecting the elderly, including proposals actually enacted and those pending final action as of August 1984. Legislation described includes that related to income, health social services, employment and training, age discrimination and housing.,Introduction -- Income. Social Security ; Social Security and Supplemental Security Income Disability PRograms ; Supplemental Security Income ; Food Stamps ; Low Income Energy Assistance Program ; Civil Service Retirement System ; Railroad Retirement System ; Veterans' Pension and Compensation Programs -- Health. Medicare ; Medicaid ; Veterans' Health Care ; Health Block Grants ; Health Professions Education (Title VII of Public Health Service Act) ; Services and Programs Relating to Alzheimer's Disease -- Social Services. Older Americans Act ; Social Services Block Grant -- Legal Services -- Volunteer Programs -- Community-Based Long Term Care Services -- Employment and Training. Job Training Partnership Act ; Vocational Education ; Other -- Age Discrimination. Age Discrimination in Employment Act ; Age Discrimination Act -- Housing.,CRS 84-720 EPW,"August 6, 1984.",SuDoc# LC 14. 18/3