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United States · Official source
2,623 records where Rep. Atkins, Chester G. [D-MA-5] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 15 August 1986
Designates July 2 and July 3, 1987, as United States-Canada Days of Peace and Friendship.
United States · United States Congress · 15 August 1986
Designates October 1986 as Learning Disabilities Awareness Month.
United States · United States Congress · 14 August 1986
Amends the Food Security Act of 1985, effective for the 1987 through 1990 crops, to set forth specified agricultural program payment limitations concerning corporations, stockholders, and other legal entities.
United States · United States Congress · 14 August 1986
Designates the week beginning October 6, 1986, as National Children's Television Awareness Week.
United States · United States Congress · 13 August 1986
Designates the year beginning October 1, 1986, as the National Institutes of Health Centennial Year.
United States · United States Congress · 12 August 1986
(Measure reconsidered and passed Senate, amended, roll call #255 (36-35)) Amends the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act to direct the Secretary of Transportation to develop emergency response procedures for rail carriers engaged in the transportation of hazardous materials. Prohibits any railroad tank car built before November 6, 1971, from being used for commercial transportation of hazardous materials unless such tank car meets all safety requirements imposed on tank cars built after such date. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress the results of a study regarding the public safety considerations of railroad tank car design.
United States · United States Congress · 12 August 1986
Anti-Live Animal Lure Act of 1986 - Amends the Animal Welfare Act to prohibit the sponsoring, exhibiting, or transporting to sponsor or exhibit, of an animal or dog in any coursing venture. Defines "coursing" as an activity involving the pursuit by dogs of another animal as a visual lure for training, entertainment, sport, or wagering.
United States · United States Congress · 11 August 1986
Drug Abuse Education and Prevention Act of 1986 - Directs the Secretary of Education (the Secretary) to establish a program of grants to the States for drug (including alcohol) abuse education and prevention in elementary and secondary schools. Lists the State and local educational agency uses of such funds. Restricts the amount States may use for administrative costs. Provides for: (1) the allotment of such grant funds to States; (2) State application for such grant funds; (3) allocations to local and intermediate educational agencies and consortia; and (4) local applications to State educational agencies. Directs the Governor of each State, from specified reserved funds, to make grants to and enter into contracts with community-based organizations for drug abuse education and prevention programs for school dropouts. Directs the Secretary, from specified reserved funds, to carry out national programs of drug abuse education and prevention. Directs the Secretary to establish a national public education and prevention program on drug abuse. Sets forth components of such program. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish a clearinghouse to collect and disseminate program-related information to State, local, and intermediate educational agencies and consortia; (2) provide technical assistance; and (3) identify research and development priorities. Directs the Secretary to: (1) conduct a study of Federal, State, and local programs of drug abuse education and prevention; and (2) report on such study to the President and the appropriate congressional committees within one year after the enactment of this Act. Directs the Secretary, from specified reserved funds, to make grants to or enter into contracts with institutions of higher education for drug abuse education and prevention programs. Requires that at least half of such funds be used for programs for students, with the remainder to be used for training grants. Directs the Secretary, from specified reserved funds, to make payments and grants and enter into other financial arrangements for Indian programs of drug abuse education and prevention. Provides for such programs: (1) for out-of-State Indian children; (2) for Indian children in reservation schools; and (3) conducted by Indian organizations, particularly for school dropouts. Sets forth provisions for program participation of children and teachers from nonprofit private schools. Authorizes appropriations to carry out this Act for FY 1987 through 1989.
United States · United States Congress · 11 August 1986
Designates October 6, 1986, as National Drug Abuse Education Day.
United States · United States Congress · 8 August 1986
School-based Adolescent Health Amendments of 1986 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish a new title XXI (School-based Adolescent Health Services Demonstration Projects). Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to establish school-based adolescent health demonstration projects to provide health education, prenatal care, family planning, follow-up care, testing for sexually-transmitted diseases, and other health services. Requires grant recipients to provide health care services: (1) on a year-round basis; and (2) within (or adjacent to) schools located in the project area (or at a location which better serves the needs of the adolescents). Sets forth grant application requirements. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1987 through 1990.
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1986
Designates the week of December 14 through December 20, 1986, as National Drunk and Drugged Driving Awareness Week.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1986
Disaster Loan Efficiency Act - Amends the Small Business Act to authorize the Small Business Administration (SBA) to make deferred (guaranteed) disaster loans in cooperation with eligible lenders to: (1) small businesses to repair property damaged by a disaster if such damage is not compensated by insurance or otherwise and the eligible lender certifies to the SBA that it will be able to repay the loan in case of default by the borrower; and (2) small businesses or agricultural cooperatives located in a disaster area if such lender determines that such business or cooperative suffered a substantial economic injury as a result of such disaster and the eligible lender certifies to the SBA that it will be able to repay the loan in case of default by the borrower. Sets limits on the interest rates to be charged on such loans. Makes provision for the Government to pay the excess of an interest rate over four percent and to share the payment with the borrower if such interest rate exceeds ten percent. Requires the Administrator of the SBA to reimburse any lender for administrative expenses associated with such disaster loans. Allows the Administrator to sell to the public the assets of any disaster loan made before enactment of this Act. Requires the Administrator to report to specified congressional committees.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1986
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow certain steel companies to elect a 15-year carryback of 50 percent of investment tax credit carryforwards in existence as of the beginning of their first taxable year beginning after December 31, 1985. Requires any steel company receiving a refund due to such carryback to use such a refund either: (1) to purchase an insurance policy to provide employee life and health insurance coverage for one year after the beginning of bankruptcy proceedings; or (2) directly in connection with the trade or business of the corporation in the manufacture or production of steel.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1986
Designates the week beginning November 16, 1986, as National Arts Week.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1986
Tongass Timber Reform Act - Amends the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act to repeal the ongoing appropriations for timber utilization in the Tongass National Forest, Alaska. Repeals the requirement for identifying lands unsuitable for timber production in such forest. Repeals the reporting requirement on the adequacy of timber supply from such forest lands. Requires the biennial report on such Forest to include the impact of timber management on subsistence resources, wildlife, and fisheries habitats.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 1986
Designates August 12, 1986, as National Civil Rights Day.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 1986
Makes specified provisions of the Railway Labor Act applicable for an additional 60-day period so as to extend the temporary prohibition of strikes and lockouts with respect to the Maine Central Railroad Company and Portland Terminal Company labor-management dispute. Directs the Secretary of Labor to report to the Congress on the progress of negotiations in such dispute, with recommendations for a proposed solution.
United States · United States Congress · 16 July 1986
Office of Civil Rights Assessment Act of 1986 - Establishes within the legislative branch the Office of Civil Rights Assessment to investigate allegations and advise the Congress regarding various civil rights violations, including voting rights violations, experienced by citizens. Outlines the functions of such Office and authorizes it to initiate activity upon request by: (1) congressional committee chairmen; (2) the Civil Rights Assessment Board; or (3) the Director of the Civil Rights Assessment Board. Outlines the structure and power of the Office. Establishes a Civil Rights Assessment Board within the Office to make policies. Directs the Office to establish a Civil Rights Assessment Advisory Council which shall review and make recommendations to the Board regarding activities undertaken by the Office. Requires the Office to submit an annual report to the Congress concerning civil rights assessment techniques and areas requiring future analysis.
United States · United States Congress · 16 July 1986
Designates 1987 as the Year of the Reader.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1986
Amends the Temporary Emergency Food Assistance Act of 1983 to require that excess cheese held by the Commodity Credit Corporation be made available, at the request of the chief executive officer of a State, upon a showing of need, and without charge, for distribution by eligible agencies in the State.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1986
Prohibits the obligation or expenditure of FY 1986 and 1987 Department of Defense funds for the procurement or production of binary chemical weapons. Expresses the support of the Congress for necessary research and development to assure an adequate chemical weapons deterrent policy. Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the President should seek the cooperation of the Soviet Union in achieving a mutual and verifiable ban on the use, production, and stockpiling of lethal chemical weapons; (2) the Secretary of Defense should improve the capabilities of U.S. armed forces to detect, and protect themselves against, the use of lethal chemical weapons; and (3) such weapons must be stockpiled and available in those areas of Europe where chemical attacks would most likely occur. Provides that the Congress will consider the repeal of its prohibition against chemical weapons funding if members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) accept the peacetime deployment of chemical weapons in their territory.
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 1986
Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act of 1986 - Amends the Toxic Substances Control Act to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to promulgate regulations for asbestos hazard abatement in the schools. Requires each local educational agency to develop an asbestos management plan which provides for inspections, removal, reinspections, and the use of accredited consultants involved in developing the plan or in the response actions concerning friable asbestos-containing material. Requires warning labels on any friable asbestos-containing material and asbestos-containing material still in routine maintenance areas of a school building. Requires local educational agencies to respond to asbestos according to EPA's most current guidance document, if the Administrator fails to promulgate regulations within the prescribed period. Requires such agencies to develop and implement operation and maintenance and management plans for friable asbestos-containing material in school buildings, including inspections and State approval. Sets forth standards for ambient interior concentrations of asbestos after completion of response actions under the current guidance document. Requires that the public be informed and protected during the phases of the management plan, including transportation and disposal. Requires each State Governor to establish administrative procedures for reviewing school asbestos management plans to be carried forward by the local educational agency. Directs the Administrator to develop a model accreditation plan for States to give accreditation to individuals who inspect, manage, and respond to friable asbestos problems in schools. Requires EPA training courses or trained personnel to meet such standards. Makes the use of accredited personnel a condition for receiving financial assistance under the Asbestos School Hazard Abatement Act of 1984. Makes any local educational agency which fails to comply with this Act liable for civil penalties, including injunctive action. Requires the Administrator or appropriate Governor to investigate citizen complaints. Permits citizen suits to compel the Administrator to meet deadlines for promulgating regulations. Authorizes the Administrator or the appropriate State Governor to take necessary response measures where the presence of airborne asbestos or the condition of friable asbestos-containing material in a school building may be hazardous and adequate local measures have not been taken. Sets forth notification requirements and cost recovery entitlements when such actions are taken. Provides that State law is not preempted from imposing additional liability or more stringent requirements with respect to asbestos in schools. Limits the liability of asbestos contractors or local educational agencies performing activities under this Act to damages caused by negligent actions or intentional misconduct. Prohibits discrimination by a State or local educational agency against a whistle-blower. Directs the Administrator to appoint an Asbestos Ombudsman to answer complaints and inquiries concerning aspects of this Act. Requires the Administrator to study and report to the Congress within one year on the need for a similar program for public and commercial buildings. Establishes the Asbestos Trust Fund in the Treasury to carry out the Asbestos Hazards Abatement Assistance Program. States that such Fund shall consist of amounts repayed under loans under the Asbestos School Hazard Abatement Act of 1984. Directs the Administrator to make grants to States during FY 1988 for grants to local educational agencies to inspect for asbestos in school buildings and develop management plans.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1986
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission should not take more than 60 days to review and act upon charges filed under title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 by 2,000 or more employees against an employer with which they are engaged in a labor dispute affecting commerce.
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 1986
Designates October 23, 1986, as National Hungarian Freedom Fighters Day.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1986
Work Incentive Amendments of 1986 - Amends part C (Work Incentive Programs) of title IV of the Social Security Act to provide for the allocation of funds to States which establish comprehensive programs of education, training, and job search assistance, enabling recipients of benefits under part A (Aid to Families with Dependent Children) of title IV of the Act to achieve long-term self-sufficiency. Directs the Secretary of Labor to promulgate program performance standards which: (1) measure a State's success in reducing welfare dependency, while taking into account differing conditions faced by different States; and (2) provide the basis for awarding incentive grants to States which satisfy such standards. Requires each participating State to develop a State plan which: (1) identifies the State agency responsible for administering education, training, and job search assistance programs within the State; (2) assures that services will be provided in an efficient and coordinated manner, including the coordination of services with existing programs where appropriate; (3) identifies State resources available for the satisfaction of this Act's matching requirements; and (4) assures that necessary support services will be available to program participants. Sets forth the State review and approval procedure to which a State plan must be subject before the Secretary approves or rejects the plan. Requires services to be organized so that each participant will: (1) have his or her abilities and prior training evaluated during an intake process; (2) be notified of the evaluation's results and the education, training, job, and support services available; and (3) select one or more service(s), service resources being allotted first to those participants who are most difficult to place in unsubsidized employment. Includes certain temporary employment of those whose participation in a program has not resulted in unsubsidized employment as a service provided under this Act. Deems individuals who are making satisfactory progress in a vocational or undergraduate education or training program at an accredited post-secondary institution (on not less than a half-time basis) to be satisfactorily participating in a work incentive program. Provides that, before the determination is made that an individual has refused, without good cause, to participate in a work incentive program, such individual must be offered an opportunity to propose other means of satisfying participation requirements. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to investigate a State agency alleged, and apply sanctions to an agency found, to be out of compliance with requirements of this Act or the State plan. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1986
Hunger Relief Act of 1986 - Title I: General Food and Nutrition Programs - Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to increase the thrifty food plan base by specified annual percentages. Exempts the first $50 paid in child support from counting for food stamp program eligibility. Increases the shelter deduction cap. Sets the threshold for the elderly and disabled medical deduction at the lesser of five percent of monthly income, or $35 a month. Increases resource limitations to: (1) $2,250 for nonelderly households; (2) $3,500 for elderly households; and (3) $5,500 for automobiles. Makes State outreach programs for the elderly, disabled, or the unemployed eligible for matching funds. Increases FY 1987 through 1990 program authorizations. Requires a report to the House and the Senate evaluating the budgetary and administrative consequences of an equity-based calculation of household resources. Amends the Temporary Emergency Food Assistance Act of 1983 to increase authorization levels for commodity distributions. Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to increase authorization levels for the expanded program of food, nutrition, and consumer education. Title II: Special Food and Nutrition Programs for Children, Women, and the Elderly - Amends the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 to reduce the amount children pay for a reduced price breakfast. Increases Federal reimbursement to improve the nutritional quality of school breakfasts by five cents, and by ten cents for "severe need" schools. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to review the nutrition requirements for breakfasts served under such Act. Amends the National School Lunch Act to reduce the amount children pay for a reduced price lunch. Permits reimbursement for an additional meal or snack under the child care feeding program. Amends the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 to increase FY 1987 through 1989 authorizations for the supplemental food program for women, infants, and children. Increases authorization limits for nutrition education training in schools. Amends the Older Americans Act of 1965 to increase FY 1987 authorizations for congregate meals, home delivered meals, and nutrition education for the elderly. Amends the Community Services Block Grant Act to authorize FY 1987 appropriations for the community food and nutrition program. Title III: Nutrition Monitoring and Related Research - National Nutrition Monitoring and Related Research Act of 1986 - Subtitle A: General Provisions - Sets forth the purposes of and definitions for this title. Subtitle B: Nutrition Monitoring and Related Research - Establishes a ten-year coordinated program, to be known as the National Nutrition Monitoring and Related Research Program, which will be implemented by the Secretaries of Health and Human Services and of Agriculture. Establishes an Interagency Board for Nutrition Monitoring and Related Research to facilitate the implementation of such program. Authorizes the Secretaries to appoint an Administrator of Nutrition Monitoring and Related Research to coordinate such program. Sets forth the functions of the Secretaries with respect to such program, including: (1) establishing matching grants programs for specified nutritional and dietary purposes; and (2) submitting an annual report to the President for transmittal to the Congress. Requires the Secretaries to prepare and implement a comprehensive national nutrition monitoring and related research plan which shall: (1) assess and report on U.S. nutritional and dietary trends; (2) assess and report on low-income food and household expenditures; (3) sponsor and conduct research; (4) develop and update a national dietary and nutritional status data bank; (5) assist State and local agencies in developing procedures and networks for nutrition monitoring and surveillance; and (6) focus the activities of Federal agencies. Requires the plan to allocate the project functions and activities among the various Federal agencies and offices involved. Requires the Secretaries to provide for and coordinate such scientific research and development as may be necessary to support the coordinated program and comprehensive plan. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle C: National Nutrition Monitoring Advisory Council - Establishes a National Nutrition Monitoring Advisory Council to: (1) provide scientific and technical advice on the development and implementation of all components of the coordinated program and the comprehensive plan; (2) evaluate such program and plan; and (3) submit an annual report to the Secretaries. Subtitle D: Dietary Guidance - Directs the Secretaries to publish and review dietary guidelines for the general population. Title IV: Effective Dates - Sets forth the effective dates of the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1986
Health Protection Act of 1986 - Prohibits the promotion of tobacco products. Directs the Federal Trade Commission to issue regulations defining acts or practices which are unlawful consumer sales promotions of tobacco products.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1986
Honors the late Portuguese diplomat, Dr. Aristides de Sousa Mendes do Amarel e Abranches, for his extraordinary acts of mercy and justice during World War II.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 1986
Requires the President, by the later of 60 days after enactment of this Act or August 1, 1986, to report to the Congress on: (1) the status of implementation of the recommendations of the President's Commission on Industrial Competitiveness; and (2) future plans for implementation of such recommendations.
United States · United States Congress · 3 June 1986
Limits the obligation of funds for the deployment and maintenance of launchers for U.S. nuclear weapons. Waives such limitations if: (1) the President so requests in writing to the Congress, citing national security reasons for such waiver; and (2) each House of the Congress votes to authorize such waiver by bill or joint resolution within 60 days.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1986
Sub-Saharan Africa Natural Resource and Environmental Management Training and Education Act of 1986 - Requires the President, in order to promote a long-term development program for sub-Saharan Africa, to establish and provide assistance for a training and education program to encourage the development and utilization of appropriate natural resources and environmental management techniques. Requires particular emphasis to be placed on local-level training in techniques using smaller, cost-saving, community-based technologies. Sets forth elements to be included in such program. Requires the training under this program to incorporate women's needs in appropriate proportions to their traditional participation in the targeted activity. Requires each Agency for International Development (AID) development strategy statement for each sub-Saharan African country to include a plan to assist that country in the development of an effective natural resource and environmental management training and education program. Requires program activities to include close consultation with, and involvement of, community and local organizations. Requires the objectives of this Act to be accomplished whenever practicable through private and voluntary organizations or national nongovernmental organizations. Requires AID to make available funds for training and education activities in sub-Saharan African countries in accordance with this Act for FY 1987. Urges AID to request technical assistance from other Federal agencies where appropriate. Requires AID to review and report to the Congress on the effectiveness of existing indigenous capabilities for natural resource and environmental management training.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1986
Anti-Apartheid Act of 1986 - Prohibits U.S. persons from: (1) making loans to South Africa or any organization owned or controlled by South Africa; (2) making any investment in South Africa; (3) contributing technology or technological services to the exploration for, or the research, development, or production of, energy sources in or for South Africa; or (4) making deposits in a foreign bank which is organized under South African law or owned or controlled by South Africans or a branch bank located in South Africa. Prohibits foreign banks organized under South African law or owned or controlled by South Africans from establishing or operating branches in the United States. Excludes from such prohibitions those loans, investments, and technology contracts entered into before May 21, 1986. Prohibits importing uranium ore, uranium oxide, coal, and steel from South Africa. Prohibits: (1) U.S. persons from making or holding any investment in South Africa in a business that sells computers, computer software, or computer services; and (2) exporting computers, computer software, or computer services to South Africa. Provides that such computer investment and export prohibitions shall not apply if, within 12 months of enactment of this Act: (1) the President certifies to the Congress that South Africa has freed Nelson Mandela and all political prisoners and has entered into good faith negotiations with truly representative leaders of the black majority for a new political system or has totally dismantled the apartheid system; and (2) a joint resolution is enacted approving such certification. Provides for expedited consideration of such resolution. Authorizes using additional funds for aid for South Africa under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 and the Migration and Refugee Assistance Act of 1962. Earmarks such funds for refugee assistance programs and community development projects. Requires the President to give quarterly reports to specified congressional committees on the assistance provided with such funds. Requires the Secretary of Transportation to prohibit the takeoff and landing in the United States of aircraft owned by South Africa or South African nationals except in emergencies. Provides for the enforcement of this Act and for penalties for violations of this Act. Requires the President to try, through negotiations, to persuade other countries to adopt restrictions on activities with respect to South Africa consistent with this Act. Requires the President to report annually to the Congress on the status of such negotiations. Sets forth information to be included in such reports. Requires the President, during June of 1988, to report to the Congress on whether South Africa has: (1) freed Nelson Mandela and all political prisoners and has entered into good faith negotiations with truly representative leaders of the black majority for a new political system; or (2) has totally dismantled the apartheid system. Requires the President, if such conditions have not been met, to include in such report recommendations on whether U.S. persons should be required to divest themselves of their South African investments. Terminates all the provisions of this Act upon enactment of a joint resolution approving a presidential determination that such conditions have been met.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1986
Low Income Elderly and Disabled Medicaid Amendments of 1986 - Title I: Optional Coverage of Elderly and Disabled Poor for All Medicaid Benefits - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to give States the option of extending Medicaid coverage to elderly and disabled individuals whose income is too high for them to qualify for Medicaid under current income tests, but does not exceed a State maximum income level to be established at or below the Federal poverty level. Requires States providing coverage under this Act to provide Medicaid coverage, pursuant to the Medicaid Infant Mortality Amendments of 1986, to pregnant women and infants whose income does not exceed the State maximum income level. Title II: Optional Coverage of Poor Medicare Beneficiaries for Medicare Cost-Sharing Expenses - Authorizes the States to provide Medicaid coverage for Medicare (title XVIII of the Act) premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance payments for which Medicare-eligible individuals whose income does not exceed the State maximum income level would otherwise be accountable.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1986
Navajo-Hopi Relocation Moratorium Act - Prohibits: (1) the forcible relocation of Navajo or Hopi Indians for a one-year period; and (2) funds appropriated for the Navajo and Hopi Indian Relocation Commission from being used for the involuntary relocation of Navajo and Hopi Indians. Requires the President to establish a commission to investigate the financial, psychological, and cultural impact of relocation on the Navajo and Hopi Indians. Requires the commission to submit a report to the President and the Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 1986
Designates the week of December 1 through December 7, 1986, as National Epidermolysis Bullosa Awareness Week.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1986
Designates the week beginning November 9, 1986, as National Reye's Syndrome Awareness Week.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1986
States that U.S. defense programs should not carry out any development, test, or deployment activity of any antiballistic missile system or component. (This is in conformance with the defense system restrictions of the 1972 Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty.)
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1986
Directs the President to designate the week of May 18 through May 24, 1986, as Just Say No to Drugs Week.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1986
Torture Victim Protection Act of 1986 - Amends the United Nations Participation Act of 1945 to impose civil liability on anyone who, under actual or apparent authority of any foreign nation, subjects any person to torture or extrajudicial killing. Grants jurisdiction over such cases to U.S. district courts only after claimants have exhausted all available remedies in the place in which the conduct giving rise to the claim occurred.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1986
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President and the Secretary of State should insist at the Vienna Review Meeting of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe, and in discussions with Communist Party and Soviet leaders, that imprisoned and exiled members of the Ukrainian and other Helsinki Monitoring Groups be released and allowed to emigrate to the countries of their choice. Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the Secretary of State should ensure that the U.S. consulate in Kiev reports on Soviet human rights violations in the Ukraine; and (2) such information should be included in reports on compliance with the Helsinki Final Act.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 1986
Federal Oil and Gas Leasing Amendments Act of 1986 - Amends the Mineral Leasing Act of 1920 to authorize the Secretary of the Interior (the Secretary), or the Secretary of Agriculture in the case of public domain National Forest System lands, to lease onshore Federal lands for oil and gas development by competitive bidding if the appropriate Secretary determines such lands to be suitable for such development. Increases land units for development from 640 acres to 2,560 acres. Requires the Secretary to: (1) invite public nomination of areas favorable for oil and gas discovery at least once each calendar quarter; (2) automatically offer to lease any area receiving two or more such public nominations if the Secretary has determined such areas to be available and suitable for leasing; (3) hold competitive oil and gas lease sales on a quarterly basis; and (4) issue a lease to the highest responsible qualified bidder. Authorizes the Secretary to extend the initial five-year lease term of a non-producing oil or gas lease only upon finding that the lessee could not adequately explore during the initial lease term due to certain circumstances not attributable to the lessee. Requires an extension application to include an exploration plan. Limits total extensions to five years. Proscribes guidelines for rentals and royalties. Requires the Secretary to: (1) report periodically to the Congress regarding fees, rentals, and royalty payments; (2) notify the appropriate State Governor and the general public of scheduled lease offerings and of the scheduled approval of lease development activities; (3) regulate all surface-disturbing operations conducted under a lease; and (4) determine surface-resources conservation activities. Conditions the granting of a drilling permit on an oil or gas lease upon: (1) the Secretary's approval of an operations plan covering all surface-disturbing activities; and (2) the posting of sufficient bond by the lessee to ensure reclamation of surface disturbing activities. Prohibits the Secretary of the Interior from issuing any lease on national forest lands without the approval of the Secretary of Agriculture. Conditions the issuance of oil and gas leases on public lands (or public domain national forest lands) upon evaluation and approval of such leases in a land use plan meeting specified environmental requirements. Proscribes the issuance of oil and gas leases upon specified wilderness study lands. Authorizes either Secretary to issue permits for prospecting, seismic surveys, and core sampling not requiring road construction or improvements, if such activity is conducted in a manner compatible with the preservation of the wilderness environment. Prohibits the use of explosives in designated wilderness areas. Requires an exploration license for the commercial exploration of oil and gas on lands subject to this Act. Sets forth a one-year term for such license. Provides that exploration licenses for lands under the jurisdiction of other Federal agencies may only be issued by the Secretary of the Interior upon such conditions as the surface management agency may prescribe regarding the use and protection of the nonmineral interest in those lands. Imposes a fine for commercial oil and gas exploration without a commercial exploration license.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 1986
Education and Training for American Competitiveness Act - Title I: Education for American Competitiveness - Authorizes appropriations to carry out this title for FY 1987 and each succeeding year. Makes available 80 percent of such funds for subtitle A and 20 percent for subtitle B. Subtitle A: Education and Training to Strengthen the Competitiveness of Domestic Industry - Directs the Secretary of Education (the Secretary for purposes of this title) to make grants to State educational agencies (SEAs) for programs to improve the education and skills of our current and future workers in those areas that will enhance their productivity and competitiveness. Allots subtitle A funds among States on the basis of relative numbers of unemployed individuals and of adults without high school degrees. Sets forth requirements for submission, contents, and approval of State plans under this subtitle. Encourages States to coordinate services under this subtitle with those provided under the Training for Industrial Competitiveness provisions added by this Act to the Job Training Partnership Act. Allows funds under this subtitle to be used for programs of literacy training, vocational training services, and elementary and secondary education in mathematics, science, or foreign languages. Makes such literacy training available to unemployed or underemployed individuals, displaced workers, illiterate adults, and illiterate out-of-school youth. Make such vocational training services available to: (1) workers who have been or who are about to be adversely affected by foreign competition; (2) unemployed or underemployed individuals, for employment in new, expanding, or export-related industries or businesses; (3) current employees, in order to make their existing industries and business more competitive; and (4) individuals in order to assist their entry into or advancement in high technology occupations or to meet the technological demands of other industries or businesses. Provides that such elementary or secondary level instruction in mathematics, science, or foreign languages be through programs to: (1) meet needs not being met under the Education for Economic Security Act (through activities such as education partnerships with business, industry, and labor, interdisciplinary programs, and after-school and summer advanced or supplementary programs); (2) begin preparation for advanced courses and careers in mathematics, science, engineering, and technology; and (3) develop the specific technological and foreign language skills required by local industries and businesses. Sets forth eligible service providers under this subtitle. Limits administrative costs under this subtitle. Subtitle B: Postsecondary Education Programs to Improve Instruction in Mathematics, Science, and Foreign Languages - Directs the Secretary to make grants to institutions of higher education for: (1) summer language institutes and science and mathematics workshops; and/or (2) special equipment acquisition and workshops. Provides for competitive selection of grant recipients. Limits the amounts of grant awards. Sets forth grant application requirements. Requires the institution, or consortium of such institutions, to assure that it will obtain at least one-half of the cost of the programs with non-Federal funds. Provides that the grants for summer institutes (either here or abroad) for intensive training in foreign languages and cultures shall be for: (1) secondary and postsecondary school students (with stipends provided); (2) language teachers and faculty (with stipends provided) to improve their language proficiency and pedagogical techniques; and (3) American international business persons, on a cost reimbursement basis, to improve their effectiveness in doing business abroad. Provides that the grants for intensive workshops for preservice and inservice mathematics and science teachers and faculty shall be to demonstrate the most recent developments in science, mathematics, and technology, and their application to improve our economic development, especially in export and foreign trade businesses and industries. Encourages the involvement of State and local governments, labor, business, and industry in planning for such workshops. Provides that the equipment grants shall be for: (1) the purchase of laboratory and other special equipment suitable for use in providing undergraduate classroom instruction in mathematics and/or science; and (2) workshops for secondary and vocational school teachers and postsecondary institution faculty on the use of such equipment. Title II: Training for Industrial Competitiveness - Authorizes appropriations to carry out this title for FY 1987 and succeeding fiscal years, to fund programs added by this Act to the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA). Allocates such funds as follows: (1) 60 percent for trade-impacted worker assistance programs; (2) 20 percent for joint labor-management training programs; (3) nine percent for demonstration programs (for FY 1987 and 1988 only); (4) ten percent for State job bank systems (for FY 1987 and 1988 only); and (5) one percent for certain studies under this Act. Reallocates such funds after the FY 1987 and 1988 limited purposes are completed. Amends title IV (Federally Administered Programs) of the JTPA to add a new part H: Training for Industrial Competitiveness. Directs the Secretary of Labor (the Secretary, for purposes of this title) to: (1) provide training and employment assistance to trade-impacted workers; (2) provide financial and technical assistance to labor-management committees; and (3) establish demonstration programs to improve worker adjustment to changing world markets. Sets forth requirements for trade-impacted worker assistance programs. Directs the Secretary to provide, on a competitive basis, financial assistance to eligible public or private nonprofit programs for training and employment assistance to eligible workers in industries that the Secretary determines have been adversely affected by international trade. Allows eligible individuals to be provided with: (1) intensive job search assistance; (2) basic skills training and other educational assistance; (3) job training; (4) job development; (5) training in job skills for which demand exceeds supply; (6) supportive services, including commuting assistance and financial and personal counseling; (7) pre-layoff assistance; and (8) relocation assistance. Authorizes subsistence stipends if the enrolled individual is not currently receiving unemployment compensation or trade readjustment assistance. Requires that such services shall: (1) be in addition to, and coordinated with, those provided under title III (Employment and Training Assistance for Dislocated Workers) of JTPA; and (2) supplement and not supplant any other federally-assisted training assistance or services. Includes specified considerations under criteria for determining if an industry has been adversely affected by international trade. Sets forth requirements for joint labor-management training programs. Directs the Secretary to award, on a competitive basis, grants to labor-management committees to provide not more than one-half of the cost of programs of training, retraining, and education for eligible workers. Sets forth grant eligibility requirements for labor-management committees and program eligibility requirements for workers. Allows committees to use grant funds to provide the following services to eligible workers: (1) early warning adjustment services in the event of mass layoffs or plant closings (including personal and financial counseling, referral to community services, career counseling, job search assistance, job development, retraining, and relocation assistance); (2) aptitude testing and career counseling; (3) on-the-job training; (4) institutional training; (5) tuition assistance; (6) upgrading of skills; and (7) education, including basic skills, literacy training, and more advanced education. Sets forth requirements for cooperative agreements for such committees. Sets forth requirements for demonstration programs. Directs the Secretary, within six months after enactment of this Act, to establish programs to demonstrate the feasibility of providing worker retraining payments to workers who: (1) are or were employed in an industry determined to have been adversely affected by international trade; and (2) meet specified criteria for dislocated workers. Limits such payments to $4,000 each, to enable such workers to purchase their own job search, education, training, and retraining services from certified providers. Sets forth program evaluation requirements. Directs the Secretary to report to the Congress on such programs. Adds to JTPA new provisions for State job bank systems. Directs the Secretary to make funds from this Act available through the U.S. Employment Service for the development and implementation of computerized job bank systems in each State, for purposes such as: (1) identification of, and referral to, job openings; (2) information on occupational supply and demand; and (3) use by career information, including school counseling, programs. Encourages compatibility of such systems with other systems used in employment and training program administration. Requires special consideration to be given to the advice of State occupational coordinating committees and other users of such systems. Directs the Secretary, within six months after enactment of this Act, to commence a study of the feasibility of providing portability for pensions and health benefits for dislocated workers. Requires such study to also evaluate the benefits of providing early retirement benefits without penalty for older dislocated workers. Requires a report of such study to be submitted to the Congress within 18 months after enactment of this Act. Includes among the data which the Secretary is required to maintain under JTPA data on the mass layoffs or closings that are caused by or substantially related to international trade. Directs the Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of State, to conduct a study to identify the countries that fail to recognize and enforce, and the foreign producers that fail to comply with, basic labor rights. Requires an annual report of such study to be submitted to the Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1986
Manufacture and Public Distribution of Certain Copyrighted Material Act - Amends the copyright law to extend indefinitely the manufacturing clause, which prohibits the importation of certain English language books not manufactured in the United States or Canada. Eliminates the Canadian exemption, per se, after 1988. Permits exemptions from such restriction if a foreign country, including Canada, is certified by the United States Trade Representative as providing adequate copyright protection for U.S. nationals and such country freely trades in printed matter with the United States or adheres to a bilateral or multilateral agreement with the United States and supports internationally recognized workers' rights.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1986
Designates the week beginning September 7, 1986, as Gaucher's Disease Awareness Week.
United States · United States Congress · 23 April 1986
Amends Federal armed forces provisions to direct the Secretary of the military department concerned to conduct an independent operational test and evaluation with respect to a major defense acquisition program under which a major system is to be acquired. Requires such test and evaluation to be conducted before the program may proceed into the production stage. Requires side-by-side testing as part of such test and evaluation. Requires the Director of Operational Test and Evaluation to independently analyze the results of each such operational test and evaluation, and to report such analyses to the Secretary of Defense. Prohibits the operational testing to be conducted until the Director approves in writing the adequacy of the plans for such operational test and evaluation. Authorizes the Secretary of Defense or the Secretary concerned to contract for low-rate initial production of a program only for the purpose of acquiring items for use in operational tests and evaluations. Prohibits a final decision from being made to proceed with full production of a program until 30 days after the congressional defense committees have received the report of the Director. Authorizes the President to suspend any provision of this Act in time of a declared war.
United States · United States Congress · 23 April 1986
Designates December 1 through December 7, 1986, as National Aplastic Anemia Awareness Week.
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1986
Medicaid Infant Mortality Amendments of 1986 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to give States the option of extending coverage to women in need of pregnancy-related medical services and infants up to age one whose family income exceeds current income eligibility thresholds, but does not exceed a State maximum income level to be established at or below the Federal poverty level. Allows States to continue such coverage for women until 60 days after pregnancy without regard to any change in her family income. Requires the State maximum income level for eligibility under this program to be no less than the payment level applicable to a family with no income under part A (Aid to Families with Dependent Children) of title IV of the Act. Prohibits States which provide coverage pursuant to this Act from reducing AFDC payment levels.
United States · United States Congress · 16 April 1986
Designates the Month of November 1986 as National Diabetes Month.
United States · United States Congress · 15 April 1986
Expresses the sense of the Congress that, in light of specified international human rights agreements, the Soviet Union should approve the exit visa applications of Doctor Naum Meiman and his wife, Inna Kitrosskaya, and arrange for them to go to the country of their choice. Urges the President to: (1) protest the Soviet Government's refusal to consider the exit visa applications of Dr. Meiman and his wife; (2) call upon all other signatory nations of the Helsinki Accords to join in such protest; and (3) instruct the U.S. delegation to the meeting of experts on human contacts organized under the auspices of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe, to be held in Bern, Switzerland, to pursue this matter.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1986
Directs the Secretary of the Interior and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation to expand operational coordination at all levels, including internationally, for the conservation of natural and cultural resources. Requires that all actions supported comply with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 and the National Historic Preservation Act, as well as other Federal laws. Amends the National Historic Preservation Act Amendments of 1980 to require the head of a Federal agency undertaking an activity which would affect a World Heritage List property or a property on the appropriate country's equivalent of the National Register to advise the Council of such undertaking. Requires the Secretary to be notified of Federal actions affecting certain natural properties outside the United States. Directs the Secretary and the Council to report annually to the President and the Congress on activities under this Act. Requires the Comptroller General to report to the Congress on the progress made in carrying out this Act.