United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Requires the President to transmit to Congress for FY 1986 and each fiscal year thereafter a balanced budget. Permits the transmittal of alternate budget proposals which, if implemented, would result in a deficit or surplus if the President determines that a balanced budget is inappropriate for any fiscal year. Requires that any such alternate budget proposals for a fiscal year include a comprehensive plan to balance the Federal budget. Requires the Committee on the Budget of each House to report by April 15 of every year a balanced budget for the upcoming fiscal year. Requires the Committee on the Budget of either House also to report a comprehensive plan to balance the Federal budget, if it determines that a balanced budget is inappropriate for any fiscal year.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
States that the President should, at the earliest possible date: (1) request Senate advice and consent to ratification of the Threshold Test Ban and Peaceful Nuclear Explosions Treaties; and (2) propose to the Soviet Union the resumption of negotiations toward conclusion of a verifiable comprehensive test ban treaty.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Constitutional Amendment - Declares that equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or any State on account of sex.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Establishes in the House of Representatives the Select Committee on Hunger to conduct a continuing comprehensive study of the problems of hunger and malnutrition. Requires an annual report from such committee, including a summary of its activities.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Establishes in the House of Representatives the Select Committee on Children, Youth, and Families to conduct a comprehensive study and review of the problems of children, youth, and families.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Expresses the sense of the Congress that any Federal agency that utilizes the Draize rabbit eye irritancy test should develop and validate alternative ophthalmic testing procedures that do not require the use of animal test subjects.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) Poland should comply with basic human rights agreements to which it is a signatory, such as the Helsinki accords, and initiate a policy of National Reconciliation; (2) the prosecution of those responsible for the death of Father Jerzy Popieluszko should be supported by Poland; (3) human rights monitoring committees in Poland should be supported; (4) the free flow of information on the activities of such committees can improve human rights policies in Poland and the continued improvement of human rights there would better relations between the United States and Poland; and (5) the President should convey Congress' concerns to Polish officials and to U.S. allies.
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 1984
1984 Act to Combat International Terrorism - Amends the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 to authorize the Secretary of State to pay an award not to exceed $500,000 to any individual who furnishes information regarding an act of terrorism: (1) against a U.S. person or U.S. property; and (2) primarily outside the territorial jurisdiction of the United States. States that a reward of $100,000 or more may not be made without the approval of the President. Allows for the protection of the identity of the recipient of a reward if it is determined that such measures are necessary. Makes governmental employees who furnish information while in the performance of their duties ineligible for such payment. Authorizes appropriations. Urges the President to seek more effective international cooperation in combatting international terrorism, including: (1) severe punishment for acts of terrorism; and (2) extradition of all terrorists to the country where the terrorist incident occurred or whose citizens were victims of the incident. Provides that priority should be given to negotiations to establish a permanent international working group for combatting terrorism. Requires the Secretary of State to report to the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate and the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives no later than February 1, 1985, on the findings and recommendations of the Advisory Panel on Security of United States Missions Abroad. Authorizes additional appropriations for security enhancement at United States missions abroad. Requires the Secretary of State and the Director of the United States Information Agency to report to the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate and the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives on how their agencies have allocated funds. Amends the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 with regard to hiring additional individuals for services abroad. Allows for additional procurement authority for overseas security requirements. Authorizes the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State to use government-owned vehicles for security purposes. Expresses the sense of the Congress that due to the current epidemic of worldwide terrorist activity, U.S. missions abroad should utilize danger pay allowance more extensively.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 1984
Requires the President to transmit to Congress for FY 1986 and each fiscal year thereafter a balanced budget. Permits the transmittal of alternate budget proposals which, if implemented, would result in a deficit or surplus if the President determines that a balanced budget is inappropriate for any fiscal year. Requires that any such alternate budget proposals for a fiscal year include a comprehensive plan to balance the Federal budget. Requires the Committee on the Budget of each House to report by April 15 of every year a balanced budget for the upcoming fiscal year. Requires the Committee on the Budget of either House also to report a comprehensive plan to balance the Federal budget, if it determines that a balanced budget is inappropriate for any fiscal year.
United States · United States Congress · 20 September 1984
Sexual Assault Act of 1984 - Amends the Federal criminal code to provide for a series of graded sexual offenses consisting of: aggravated sexual abuse, sexual abuse, and abusive sexual contact. Provides for an offense involving the sexual abuse of a minor or ward. Makes such offenses neutral as to gender. Repeals the chapter on rape. Makes conforming changes to the Public Health Service Act, the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974, the Mental Health Systems Act, the Federal Aviation Act and the Federal Rules of Evidence.
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 1984
Federal Employees' Day Care Benefits Study Act of 1984 - Directs the Comptroller General of the United States to enter into a contract with a consultant to help: (1) identify options for a Government program of providing workday care benefits to dependent children of Federal employees; and (2) conduct a cost-benefits analysis of such options. Lists options to be considered including: (1) a program to furnish vouchers to pay for child care services; (2) programs to furnish child care at the place of employment, under a Government contract, or through a consortium of Government agencies and other employers using child care services; and (3) a program to provide information and referral services relating to child care. Requires the Comptroller General to determine through such cost-benefit analysis whether the Government would save money by conducting such a program by reason of such factors as: (1) increased productivity; (2) reduced employee turnover, absenteeism, tardiness, use of leave, or loss of worktime; (3) increased loyalty; and (4) reduced recruitment costs resulting from increased attractiveness of Government employment. Directs the Comptroller General to report to Congress within one year on the analysis and any recommendations for administrative action or legislation. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 1984
States that the United States is committed to full participation in the International Search and Rescue Satellite Program (SARSAT/COSPAS) and should fly two search and rescue systems on National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) polar-orbiting spacecraft. States that the President should: (1) instruct the U.S. delegation to sign the 1984 Leningrad SARSAT/COSPAS agreement; (2) direct the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and NOAA to explore alternative ways to provide two permanent search and rescue systems in polar orbit, including the development of a dedicated satellite; and (3) direct NASA and NOAA to obtain the widest possible international participation in the development and operation of such program.
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 1984
Comprehensive Nuclear Weapons Freeze and Arms Reduction Act of 1984 - Provides for the establishment of a comprehensive freeze by the United States and the Soviet Union on the testing, production, and deployment of any nuclear weapon, delivery system, or any subsystem or component for a nuclear warhead, weapon, or delivery system (the comprehensive freeze). Directs the House and Senate Select Intelligence Committees to begin oversight hearings on verification procedures for the comprehensive freeze. Requires such committees to report to their respective Houses within 90 days of enactment of this Act on the adequacy of U.S. verification procedures. Sets forth information to be included in the report. Requires the Director of the Arms Control Disarmament Agency to begin preparing an operational plan for U.S. implementation of the comprehensive freeze within 120 days of enactment of this Act. Directs the Director to submit the plan to specified congressional committees within 60 days of enactment of this Act. Declares that the President should: (1) invite the Soviet Union to participate in a comprehensive bilateral and verifiable nuclear weapons freeze; and (2) encourage the Soviet Union to write to the United States whether it intends to implement the comprehensive freeze. Requires the President, 120 days after enactment of this Act, to direct the implementation by the United States of the comprehensive freeze which shall continue so long and to the extent that the Soviet Union acts in a reciprocal mannner. Requires the President to certify to the Congress the nature of Soviet noncompliance with the freeze, all relevant evidence, and his recommendations for the U.S. response if the President finds evidence that the Soviet Union is not acting in a reciprocal mannner. Requires the appropriate congressional committees to report a bill setting forth the extent to which the United States should modify its participation in the comprehensive freeze. Declares that the United States and the Soviet Union should begin nuclear arms reduction negotiations as soon as the comprehensive freeze is implemented.
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 1984
National Child Protection Act - Amends title XX (Block Grants to States for Social Services) of the Social Security Act to add provisions for licensing and information with respect to providers of child day care services. Requires, as a condition for receiving any funds under title XX, that a State have a program in effect which meets specified requirements. Requires the State to require the licensing and monitoring of all providers of child day care services in accordance with standards established by the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Requires the State to provide information to the Secretary with respect to: (1) all individuals providing child day care services or employed by providers of child day care services; and (2) all individuals convicted of child abuse, child molesting, or similar crimes. Requires the State to have in effect a toll-free telephone hotline for the reporting of any allegations of child abuse, child molestation, or similar acts committed by any individual providing child day care services or by any employee of a provider of child day care services. Directs the Secretary to establish standards and guidelines for State licensing and monitoring of providers of child day care services. Requires that such standards and guidelines: (1) assure the children's safety, health, and developmental potential and promote their social, emotional, physical, and cognitive growth; and (2) assure that only adequately trained individuals provide such services. Directs the Secretary to determine a uniform definition of "child day care services" and of "provider of child day care services" to apply for purposes of this Act and to assure that the maximum feasible number of children shall be protected under this Act. Directs the Secretary to establish a national file of the names, addresses, and social security numbers of all individuals convicted of crimes involving child abuse, child molestation, or such similar acts which the Secretary determines ought to be included in such file to protect children receiving child day care services. Requires each State to report to the Secretary such information on any individual convicted in that State of such acts which the Secretary has determined ought to be included in the national file. Directs the Secretary to establish a uniform reporting system which shall apply to all States for such purpose. Requires each State to prohibit any individual or provider from being licensed to provide child day care services in such State if such individual, or any employee of such provider, has been convicted of a crime which has been reported by any State to the Secretary and is contained in the national file. Requires each State, prior to granting such a license, to request the Secretary to check the names of each individual seeking a license to provide child day care services, and each employee of a provider seeking such a license, against the list of names contained in the national file. Requires each State to establish a toll-free telephone hotline for the reporting of any allegations of child abuse, child molestation, or any similar act designated by the Secretary for inclusion in the national file, committed by an individual providing child day care services, or by an employee of a provider of such services. Requires the State to provide follow-up investigation of each such allegation in accordance with standards established by the Secretary under regulations. Establishes an Advisory Panel on Child Protection to advise the Secretary on the standards and guidelines issued under this Act and to recommend appropriate changes in such standards and guidelines. Sets forth provisions relating to Panel membership and assistance. Directs the Secretary to promulgate all regulations required under this Act within 90 days after the enactment of this Act. Makes the requirements of this Act applicable to States beginning 180 days after the enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 September 1984
Makes supplemental appropriations for FY 1985 to the Department of Agriculture for famine relief. Makes supplemental appropriations for FY 1985 to the Agency for International Development for: (1) agriculture, rural development, and nutrition programs; (2) health programs; (3) energy and development programs to address the longer-term development needs created by refugees and displaced persons in Africa; and (4) international disaster assistance. Requires such funds to be available for obligation and expenditure notwithstanding specified limitations on foreign assistance appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 10 August 1984
Authorizes the Secretary of the Army, upon request of any competent State or local authority in the Washington metropolitan area in Maryland, and on the recommendation of the Chief of Engineers, to permit delivery of water from the District of Columbia water system to such authority. Authorizes the Secretary to purchase water from any State or local authority in the Washington metropolitan area in Maryland which has completed a connection with the District of Columbia water system.
United States · United States Congress · 10 August 1984
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt from the application of imputed interest rules: (1) the first $250,000 of the sale price of residential property sold by an individual; (2) the first $1,000,000 of the sale price of farm property; and (3) the first $500,000 of the sale price of business, trade, or investment property.
United States · United States Congress · 9 August 1984
Amends the Foreign Assistance and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 1985 to require that: (1) at least five percent of the funds earmarked for the Agency for International Development shall be available only for the delivery of primary health care services and basic health education, training for health care workers, and medical supplies and equipment for primary health care, with such assistance to be provided through private and voluntary organizations and international organizations wherever appropriate; (2) not more than one-third of the amount allocated for such services may be used in any one country; and (3) funds allocated to carry out these provisions shall remain available until September 30, 1986.
United States · United States Congress · 9 August 1984
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the United States should commend the Government of Guatemala for holding free elections and should encourage such government to continue the democratic process by holding general elections in 1985.
United States · United States Congress · 8 August 1984
Authorizes reduced postal rates during FY 1985 and 1986 for parcels of food, medicine, or clothing sent to Poland or the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics.
United States · United States Congress · 8 August 1984
Expresses the sense of the Congress that with respect to Norway's request to transfer U.S.-origin F5 aircraft to other countries, the President should not increase the number of aircraft approved for transfer to Turkey as a means of punishing or showing U.S. displeasure with Greece.
United States · United States Congress · 6 August 1984
War Powers Act of 1984 - Amends the War Powers Resolution to rename the resolution the War Powers Act. Authorizes U.S. armed forces, in the absence of a congressional declaration of war, to be introduced into hostilities or into a situation where the imminent introduction of such forces into hostilities is clearly indicated by the circumstances, only: (1) to repel an attack upon the United States, to take retaliatory actions in the event of such an attack, and to forestall the direct and imminent threat of such an attack; (2) to repel an attack against U.S. armed forces located outside the United States and to forestall the direct and imminent threat of such an attack; (3) to protect U.S. citizens while evacuating them from a country where they are being subject to a direct and imminent threat to their lives either sponsored by the country's government or beyond the power of such government to control, provided the President shall make every effort to terminate the threat without using U.S. armed forces and provided that the President shall where possible obtain the consent of the government before using U.S. armed forces; or (4) pursuant to specific statutory authorization. Requires the President to report to the Speaker of the House and the President of the Senate whenever U.S. armed forces are introduced into hostilities or into one of the other situations listed above. Requires the President to report to Congress at least once every six months for as long as U.S. armed forces are engaged in hostilities outside the United States. Limits the length of time that U.S. armed forces may be used in hostilities or in such situations to 30 days unless Congress enacts a law providing otherwise. Permits Congress by law or joint resolution to terminate U.S. involvement before the expiration of the 30 days. Provides for expedited consideration of proposals to continue or terminate the use of U.S. armed forces in such situations. States that statutory authorization either for introducing U.S. armed forces into or for sustaining their use in hostilities or situations where imminent introduction of such forces into hostilities is clearly indicated by the circumstances shall not be inferred from: (1) any provisions of law unless such provision specifically authorizes such introduction or use of the armed forces and states that it is intended to constitute specific statutory authorization within the meaning of this Act; or (2) any treaty unless the treaty is implemented by a law specifically authorizing such introduction or use of such armed forces and stating that it is intended to constitute specific statutory authorization within the meaning of this Act. Permits U.S. armed forces to participate jointly with members of military forces of other countries in high-level military commands that were established before enactment of this Act and pursuant to a treaty which was ratified before such enactment.
United States · United States Congress · 6 August 1984
Fair Reduction-in-Force Practices Act of 1984 - Prohibits any executive agency, the Government Printing Office, or the Library of Congress from conducting a reduction in force unless it cannot respond to the reason for the need for a proposed reduction in force by: (1) instituting general cost-reduction measures; (2) establishing practical programs for eliminating inefficient or wasteful agency practices; (3) transferring funds between agency programs and activities; (4) reassigning employees to other positions within the agency, positions funded by trust or revolving fund accounts, or positions with a State or local government; (5) transferring or detailing employees; or (6) limiting the hours of intermittent employees and reducing the use of temporary employees. Requires an agency head to notify the exclusive representative of any unit having an employee who would be affected by a proposed reduction in force of any determination of a need for a reduction in force. Sets forth procedures governing collective bargaining over a reduction in force. Prohibits an agency from conducting a reduction in force unless: (1) after satisfying the previous requirements of this Act, it submits a report concerning the proposed reduction in force to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM); and (2) OPM certifies on the basis of such report that the requirements of this Act have been met. Requires the report to OPM to: (1) describe the actions to be taken, the reasons the reduction in force is necessary, all alternatives and proposals considered and implemented, and the anticipated impact of the proposed reduction in force on the operations and management of the agency; (2) provide any views and recommendations submitted by employee or management representatives; (3) indicate the estimated total cost to the Government of the proposed reduction in force; and (4) compare the estimated savings, over three years, anticipated through the proposed reduction in force with the estimated savings anticipated through the alternatives and proposals considered and implemented. Requires such reports to be submitted to specified congressional committees and made available to certain subcommittees. Permits an agency to issue notice of a proposed reduction in force to employees no earlier than ten days after OPM certifies that the requirements of this Act have been met. Entitles an affected employee to at least 30 days' advance notice. Requires such notice to specify: (1) the personnel action to be taken and its effective date; (2) the information used in determining the employee's standing in the competition for retention; (3) the place where and time when the employee may inspect records pertaining to his or her case; (4) any exceptions to the general order of release; and (5) the employee's right to appeal to the Merit Systems Protection Board or to use any negotiated grievance procedure available. Directs OPM to establish a Government-wide placement register for each occupational category. Requires the name of each employee specifically notified of a reduction in force to be placed on the register for each occupation for which the employee is qualified. Directs OPM to prescribe regulations prohibiting an agency from filling a vacant position by a new appointment, transfer, reemployment, reassignment, or promotion unless the agency determines that there is no qualified individual on the appropriate register. Directs OPM to match each individual on the register with the available position for which the individual is best suited and, if the individual is qualified for more than one position, with the position which would be the least disruptive for the individual (considering the duties, pay, work schedule, and location of the position). Requires each individual to be offered an appointment to the position to which he or she has been matched unless the agency offering such position objects on the ground that appointment of another person is necessary to prevent substantial disruption to an essential agency function or to increase the percentage of women and minorities in the work force to the percentage as of April 1, 1981. Entitles an individual to remain on appropriate placement registers and to be considered for employment for two years. Requires the individual's name to be removed from such registers if: (1) the individual requests that he or she no longer be considered for employment; (2) the personnel action under the proposed reduction in force does not take effect; (3) the individual accepts an offer of an appointment under this Act; or (4) the individual is offered a position within the same commuting area and with the same pay, grade, and work schedule as the position from which the individual was released. Entitles individuals who have been affected by or notified of a reduction in force since April 1, 1981, to be placed on registers upon application. Requires OPM to prescribe regulations prohibiting an agency from filling a vacant position by new appointment, transfer, reemployment, reassignment, or promotion, even if there is no qualified individual on the retention registers, if there is available a person who, notwithstanding any minimum qualification requirements for the position: (1) receives specific notice of a proposed reduction in force and applies for consideration for vacant positions; (2) meets the educational requirements for the position; and (3) can reasonably be expected to satisfactorily perform the duties of such position within 180 days of appointment (with training, if necessary). Prohibits an agency from evaluating the performance of such an employee before 180 days after the employee is appointed. Allows the agency, after such period, to remove such employee for unacceptable performance. Disqualifies from such assignment program any individual who fails to achieve an acceptable performance rating in two consecutive positions. Permits individuals who have been notified of or affected by a reduction in force since April 1, 1981, to be assigned under such program upon application. Directs OPM to require agencies to transmit, at least monthly, a list of the employees notified of a reduction in force and a list of positions the agency plans to fill during the next six months. Requires OPM to make a list of all such positions available to such employees for inspection. Requires OPM to submit biannual reports to the President and to specified congressional committees on the implementation of the provisions of this Act. Sets forth requirements concerning the contents of such reports.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1984
Law Enforcement Officers Protection Act of 1984 - Amends the Federal criminal code to define "armor piercing ammunition." Excludes from the definition: (1) shotgun shot composed in order to comply with Federal or State law; (2) frangible projectiles for target shooting; (3) ammunition containing frangible projectiles; and (4) any ammunition or projectiles which the Secretary of the Treasury determines are primarily intended for sporting purposes. Makes it unlawful for any person to manufacture or import armor piercing ammunition. Allows: (1) the manufacture or importation of armor piercing ammunition for the use of the United States or any State or local government; (2) manufacture for the sole purpose of exportation; or (3) manufacture or importation for the purposes of testing and experimentation authorized by the Secretary. Establishes a licensing fee of $1,000 per year for manufacturers and importers of armor piercing ammunition. Imposes an additional mandatory sentence of not less than five years for any person who uses or carries a firearm and is in possession of armor piercing ammunition during the commission of a violent felony. States that such sentence shall not be suspended nor shall probation or parole be granted.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1984
Requires the President to transmit to Congress for FY 1986 and each fiscal year thereafter a balanced budget. Permits the transmittal of alternate budget proposals which, if implemented, would result in a deficit or surplus if the President determines that a balanced budget is inappropriate for any fiscal year. Urges the President to submit to the House and the Senate, not later than September 30, 1984, a comprehensive plan to balance the Federal budget. Requires the Committee on the Budget of each House to report, by April 15, 1985, and by April 15 of each year, a balanced budget for the upcoming fiscal year. Requires the chairmen of the budget committees and an individual designated by the President to meet from time to time and agree upon common economic and technical estimating assumptions which shall be used for the preparation and reestimation of the President's budget. Establishes a commission which shall: (1) review, with respect to FY 1986, the balanced budget proposal submitted by the President and the budgets reported by the Committees on the Budget; (2) study the effectiveness of the provisions of this Act in achieving balanced Federal budgets; and (3) make recommendations for further changes which may be necessary to achieve balanced Federal budgets. Requires the commission to transmit to the President and Congress a report not later then December 31, 1986, containing a detailed statement of its findings, conclusions, and recommendations for such legislation and administrative actions as it considers appropriate. Terminates the commission 30 days after the submission of such report.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1984
Provides that presidential primaries shall be held only during specified months in the year of the presidential election. Directs the Attorney General of the United States to seek compliance with this Act in Federal district court.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1984
Establishes within the Department of Justice the Strike Force on Health Quackery, composed of two representatives from each of the following organizations: (1) the Department of Justice; (2) the Food and Drug Administration; (3) the Federal Trade Commission; and (4) the U.S. Postal Service. Requires the Strike Force to make a full analysis of (including a plan to curtail) the sale and promotion of drugs, medical devices, and medical treatments which are known to be false or whose safety and effectiveness is not proven. Sets forth periodic reporting requirements and requires a final report to Congress upon termination of the Task Force three years after its establishment.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1984
Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, the Federal Trade Commission Act, and other Federal law, to increase the criminal penalties for those who willfully sell or offer for sale drugs, devices, or medical treatments knowing that they are unsafe or ineffective or unproven.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1984
Expresses the sense of the Congress that Taiwan should continue and accelerate progress toward a democratic system by ending martial law and by releasing political prisoners and otherwise guaranteeing and protecting the rights of the Taiwan people.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 1984
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an income tax credit in an amount equal to 50 percent of expenses incurred for the purchase and installation of television subtitle equipment to be used by a hearing-impaired individual. Limits the amount of such credit to $250 ($125 in the case of a married individual filing a separate return).
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 1984
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should: (1) consider appointing a high level official as the President's personal representative in seeking a solution to the Cyprus conflict and the differences between Greece and Turkey with regard to the control of the Aegean Sea; (2) call upon Turkey to withdraw its forces and colonists from Cyprus; and (3) pursue every appropriate avenue to seek a prompt resolution.
![Official portrait of Rep. Barnes, Michael D. [D-MD-8]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/b000160_200.jpg)