United States · United States Congress · 1 May 1984
Marine Resources Development Bank Act - Establishes the Marine Resources Development Bank (Bank) as a Government corporation consisting of a Board of Directors and non- voting designees of specified Federal agencies. Requires the principal office of the Bank to be located within the metropolitan area of the District of Columbia. Sets forth: (1) conflict of interest rules for the Bank director; and (2) the powers of the Bank. Directs the Bank's Board to establish, and to appoint members to, three sector advisory committees (the harvesting, processing, and marketing sectors). Requires such committees to advise the Bank on policies and operations. Authorizes the Bank, subject to terms and conditions, to provide: (1) direct loans to U.S. citizens for fishing vessels and gear, for shoreside facilities, and for the operating and refinancing costs of such items; (2) direct loans to expand export markets for U.S. fish products (prohibits such loans to be used for purposes of debt rescheduling); and (3) loan guarantees for the payment of principal and interest on specified loans (prohibits such guarantees to be used for purposes of debt rescheduling). Directs the Bank to set forth procedures for limiting the amount of such export market assistance to any one person to not more than five percent of the outstanding export assistance of the Bank. Requires the Bank to collect an annual fee in connection with such guarantees and to use such fees to meet defaults on such guarantees. Directs the Bank to establish certain information and technical support services to the fishing industry. Authorizes the Bank to: (1) issue obligations, subject to a specified indebtedness ceiling; and (2) enter into agreements relating to such obligations. Provides for: (1) the deposit and investment of all moneys of the Bank; (2) the inspection by the Bank of facilities, properties, and financial documents of assistance applicants; and (3) an annual report by the Bank to Congress and the President. Includes fish and fish products within the meaning of the term "agricultural commodity" for purposes of export promotion by the U.S. Agricultural Trade Offices. Transfers to the Bank all unobligated moneys in the fisheries loan fund of the Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956 and specified foreign fishing fees. Repeals specified loan authorities under the Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956 and the American Fisheries Promotion Act. Terminates the authority to make certain loans and guarantees under the Merchant Marine Act of 1936.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1984
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should express to the Soviet Union the U.S. disapproval of the Soviet Union's: (1) systematic nondelivery of U.S. mail addressed to persons in the Soviet Union; and (2) violation of specified treaties governing international mail. States that at the meeting of the Congress of the Universal Postal Union in Hamburg, Germany, U.S. representatives should; (1) bring such violations to the attention of the Union; (2) request that an investigation of such violations be conducted by the Union; and (3) consider possible sanctions against the Soviet Union for such violations.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1984
Amends the Merchant Marine Act, 1936 to extend the authority of the Secretary of Transportation to provide war risk insurance and reinsurance until September 30, 1989. (Currently such authority expires on September 30, 1984.)
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 1984
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to provide that benefit payments shall not be subject to Federal, State, or local taxation.
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 1984
Designates the Brigantine National Wildlife Refuge and the Barnegat National Wildlife Refuge in New Jersey collectively as the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge.
United States · United States Congress · 12 April 1984
Atlantic Striped Bass Conservation Act - Requires the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission to: (1) decide in 1984 whether each Coastal State has enforced implementation of the guidelines for the Interstate Fisheries Management Plan for Striped Bass (Plan) and to notify the Secretary of Commerce (the Secretary) of any negative decision; and (2) biannually monitor, beginning in 1985, and report to the Secretary on the enforcement of the Plan by such States. Requires the Secretary upon notification of a negative decision by the Commission to declare a moratorium on fishing for Atlantic striped bass within the coastal waters of the offending State. Lists activities which are prohibited during such moratorium. Sets forth penalties for noncompliance with the provisions of this Act. Declares that any vessel connected with a violation shall be subject to forfeiture to the United States. Grants jurisdiction to the United States district courts over civil forfeitures. Provides beginning and ending effective dates for this Act. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 12 April 1984
National Fishing Enhancement Act of 1984 - Requires artificial reefs in U.S. waters to be sited and constructed according to certain standards in order to enhance fishery resources. Directs the Secretary of Commerce, in consultation with others, to develop and publish a long-term artificial reef plan. Requires the plan to address certain items. Directs the Secretary of the Army in issuing permits for artificial reefs to: (1) consult with and consider the views of appropriate Federal agencies, States, and local governments; (2) ensure consistency with the standards established in this Act; (3) ensure that the maintenance and financial responsibility for and the title to the artificial reef construction material is clear; and (4) notify the Secretary of Commerce of any need to deviate from the plan. Requires each permit to require certain information. Sets forth the liability of the permittee. Establishes civil penalties for permit violations. Amends existing Federal law to authorize the use of obsolete ships for use as artificial reefs (currently only Liberty ships are used). Defines "obsolete ships" to mean vessels owned by the Department of Transportation which are insufficient for use in the national defense reserve fleet. Transfers the authority of the Secretary of Commerce under such law to the Secretary of Transportation.
United States · United States Congress · 12 April 1984
Civil Rights Act of 1984 - Amends the Education Amendments of 1972, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 and the Civil Rights Act to prohibit discrimination by any recipient of Federal financial assistance. (Currently, discrimination is prohibited only in a program or activity receiving Federal assistance.) Defines the term "recipient" to extend comprehensive coverage for purposes of the four Acts to any State or local governmental unit, any public or private agency or entity, and any subunit, successor, assignee, or transfereee of any such unit, agency, or entity.
United States · United States Congress · 12 April 1984
Polish Refugee Act of 1984 - Gives refugee status (and asylum for those persons already in the United States) to those Poles who fled Poland after January 1, 1981, because of social, political, or religious persecution or fear of persecution. Entitles such persons to refugee assistance as provided for under the Immigration and Nationality Act.
United States · United States Congress · 11 April 1984
Professional Sports Team Community Protection Act - Prohibits the relocation of a professional sports team, except in accordance with the provisions of this Act. Sets forth definitions. Defines the terms: (1) "person" to mean any individual, partnership, corporation, or any unincorporated association, or any combination or association thereof; and (2) "professional sports team" or "team" to mean any group of professional athletes organized to play major league baseball, basketball, football, hockey, or soccer which has been engaged in competition in such sport for more than five years. States that the grounds for relocation specified in clause (1) or (2) of this paragraph must be met in any case where a person other than a professional sports team seeking relocation owns the stadium in which the team plays. States that the grounds for relocation specified in clause (2) of this paragraph must be met in any case where the professional sports team seeking relocation owns the stadium in which the team plays. Sets forth the following as grounds for relocation: (1) the stadium is manifestly inadequate for the purposes of properly and competitively operating the team, the stadium authority demonstrates no intent to remedy the deficiency of the stadium within a reasonable period of time, and other sports facilities in the same territory have not been made available by appropriate governmental authorities for use by the professional sports team; and (2) the team has incurred net operating losses which are a significant danger to the continued existence of the team and the team's attendance records have fallen below specified levels. Requires any person wishing to relocate a professional sports team to a metropolitan location other than its current location to: (1) furnish written notice of the relocation to the relevant league and present municipality at least eight months before the proposed relocation; and (2) offer the team for sale at fair market value to other persons who would continue to locate such team in its present location. Requires any owner of a team receiving a bona fide offer to purchase the team which, if accepted, would result in a relocation to provide notice of the offer and intent to sell eight months prior to the sale. Establishes from time to time a Professional Sports Team Relocation Arbitration Board to be composed of three members. Provides that one member shall be appointed by the owner of the team seeking relocation, one member shall be appointed by the governmental authority regulating the operation of the team's stadium, and one member shall be appointed by the Secretary of Commerce. Requires all notices of relocation or offers of sale regarding a team to be referred to the Board. Requires the Board, within seven months of the Board's establishment, to determine if any such offers of sale would ensure that the team would remain in its current location, and are equal to or greater in value than the value of the relocation. Directs the Board to determine if the team meets any of the grounds for relocation specified in this Act. Prohibits the Board from approving any relocation if an offer of equal or greater value is received which will keep the team in its present location. Prohibits a team owner from selling or relocating without a written commitment from any purchaser to keep the team in its present location, if the Board determines that: (1) any offer for sale or relocation notice which has been received regarding a team equals or exceeds the value of the original offer or petition for relocation; or (2) none of the grounds for relocation specified in this Act have been met. States that the provisions of this paragraph shall not apply to any notice for relocation or offer of sale regarding any team if, within six months after establishment of the Board: (1) the Board has not received any offer to purchase such team which would ensure that the team would remain in its present location; and (2) the Board has not received any objection to the relocation from any appropriate governmental authority. Permits any governmental entity in a metropolitan area from which a professional sports team relocates to bring a civil action on the grounds that the relocation did not comply with the provisions of this Act. Authorizes funds to be appropriated to the Secretary of Commerce.
United States · United States Congress · 11 April 1984
Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize the President to provide assistance for joint United States-Israeli assistance projects which utilize Israeli technical assistance to meet basic human needs in developing countries. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 for such projects. Requires the Secretary of State, during FY 1985, to notify Congress at least 15 days before any obligation of such funds.
United States · United States Congress · 11 April 1984
Older Americans Act Amendments of 1984 - Title I: Amendments Regarding Objectives and Definitions - Amends the Older Americans Act of 1965 to declare as an objective of such Act that our older people should have available a comprehensive array of community-based, long-term care services adequate to appropriately sustain them in their communities and in their homes. Title II: Amendments Regarding the Administration on Aging - Replaces provisions establishing the Administration on Aging in the Office of the Secretary of Health and Human Services with provisions establishing, under the general authority of the Secretary, an Office on Aging (the Office). Provides that the Office shall assume the duties and functions of the Administration on Aging. Provides that the Office shall, as was the Administration on Aging, be headed by the Commissioner on Aging. Requires the Office, in addition to the duties and functions of the Administration that it has assumed, to consult with national organizations representing minority individuals to develop and disseminate training packages and to provide technical assistance efforts designed to assist State and area agencies in providing services to older individuals with the greatest economic or social needs. Authorizes funds to be appropriated for FY 1985 through 1987 for the Federal Council on Aging. Directs the Secretary to issue regulations for the administration of the Older Americans Act of 1965. Prohibits the Secretary from making grants or contracts under such Act for training, research, and discretionary projects and programs until the Secretary develops and publishes general standards to be used in evaluating such projects and programs. Title III: Grants for Programs on Aging - Defines: (1) an "older individual" as any individual who is 60 or older; and (2) "multipurpose senior centers" as community facilities for the organization and provision of a broad spectrum of services, including health, social, nutritional, and educational services and facilities for recreational activities for older individuals. Authorizes funds to be appropriated for FY 1985 through 1987 for social service grants and nutrition project grants under the Older Americans Act of 1965. Requires each area agency on aging to: (1) specify annually in its area plan the amount of funds spent for each category of services in the preceding year; (2) conduct efforts to coordinate community- based, long-term care services designed to keep individuals in their homes, thereby deferring unnecessary institutionalization; (3) provide assurances that it will give particular attention in providing services to low-income minority older individuals; and (4) include minority individuals on the advisory councils which the agencies are required to establish. Requires a State's plan under such Act, in planning and operating its long-term care ombudsman program, to consider the views of area agencies on aging, older individuals, and provider agencies. Authorizes funds to be appropriated for FY 1985 through 1987 for the surplus commodity program under such Act. Provides for grants for counseling regarding appropriate health and life insurance coverage. Title IV: Training, Research, and Discretionary Programs Related to Aging - Revises provisions of the Older Americans Act of 1965 relating to training, research, and discretionary programs. Directs the Commissioner to make grants and enter into contracts for training, research, and discretionary programs related to aging in order to: (1) provide comprehensive and coordinated nondegree education, training programs, and curricula at institutions of higher education and at other educational organizations for practitioners in the fields of nutrition, health care, supportive services, housing, and long-term care; (2) provide inservice training opportunities to the personnel of State offices, area agencies, senior centers, and nutrition sites to strengthen their capacity to remain responsive to the needs of older individuals; and (3) provide courses on aging and dissemination of information about aging. Directs the Office on Aging to conduct both: (1) long-term educational activities to prepare personnel for careers in the field of aging; and (2) short-term inservice training and continuing education activities for State and area agency personnel, and other personnel, in the field of aging. Requires multidiscriplinary centers of gerontology to: (1) conduct research and policy analysis and function as a technical resource for the Commissioners, policy makers, service providers, and Congress; (2) recruit and train personnel; (3) conduct research toward the development of information related to aging; (4) stimulate the incorporation of information on aging into the teaching of biological, behavioral, and social sciences at colleges and universities; (5) develop training programs in the field of aging; (6) serve as a repository of information and knowledge on aging; (7) provide consultation to organizations servicing older individuals under provisions of this Act; and (8) provide data to the Commissioner on projects and activities for which training, research, and discretionary program funds are provided. Sets forth the purposes of research and development projects under the Older Americans Act of 1965. Directs the Commissioner to select for research assistance research activities which will, within three years of enactment of this Act: (1) contribute to the establishment and maintenance of a demographic data base which contains information on the population of older individuals; (2) identify the future needs of older individuals; (3) identify the kinds and comprehensiveness of programs required to satisfy such needs; and (4) identify the kinds and number of personnel required to carry out such programs. Authorizes making grants and contracts for projects designed to identify older individuals who suffer from Alzheimer's disease and other neurological diseases and provide family respite services and other community-based care services to such individuals. Revises provisions relating to special demonstration projects on legal services for older individuals. Directs the Commissioner to make grants and enter into contracts to: (1) provide nationwide legal services support activities to State and area agencies on aging for providing, developing, or supporting legal services for older individuals; and (2) support demonstration projects to expand or improve the delivery of legal services to older individuals with social or economic needs. Authorizes funds to be appropriated for FY 1985 through 1987 for training, research, and discretionary programs under the Older Americans Act of 1965. Directs the Commissioner to: (1) be responsible for the administration, implementation, and making of grants and contracts for such programs; and (2) annually provide a report on the expenditure of funds for such programs. Title V: Community Service Employment - Amends the Older Americans Community Service Employment Act to authorize funds to be appropriated for FY 1985 through 1987. Increases the number of part-time employment positions provided under such Act. Title VI: Grants for Indian Tribes - Decreases to 60 the number of individuals in a tribe who must have attained age 60 in order for a tribe to be eligible for a grant under the Older Americans Act of 1965. Authorizes funds to be appropriated for FY 1985 through 1987 under the Older Americans Act of 1965 for grants to Indian tribes. Title VII: Amendments to Other Laws; Effective DAtes - Sets forth conforming amendments and effective dates.
United States · United States Congress · 11 April 1984
Older Americans Personal Health Education and Training Act - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to, (1) establish an older Americans health education and training program in order to foster and promote the design and implementation of a health education and training program for older Americans who are 60 or older; (2) enter into agreements with public or private institutions of higher education with capability in public health to carry out this Act; (3) pay no more than 90 percent of the cost of any project which is the subject of an agreement; and (4) report to Congress concerning the projects. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 through 1987.
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1984
Amends part A (Hospital Insurance) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to prohibit the Secretary of Health and Human Services from establishing a rate of payment for hospice care that is less than $53.17 per day for routine home care furnished during the 24 month period beginning with the first month beginning after the date of the enactment of this Act. Directs the Secretary after the 24 month period to: (1) review at least annually and, as appropriate, adjust the payment rate for routine home care and for other services included in hospice care; and (2) report to Congress concerning such review and adjustments.
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1984
Authorizes the President to: (1) enter into a trade agreement with Israel providing for the continuance of existing duty-free treatment of and the elimination of existing duties and other import restrictions on products of Israel; and (2) proclaim such continuances and modifications of tariff treatment of and import restrictions on such articles as necessary to carry out the trade agreement.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1984
Age Discrimination in Employment Amendments of 1984 - Amends the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 to remove the existing 70-year upper age limit of the class to which the discrimination prohibitions apply, thus extending coverage to all individuals who are at least 40 years of age. Prohibits any employee benefit plan from suspending an employee's benefit accrual or reducing the rate of accrual because of age before accruing the maximum normal retirement benefit.
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 1984
SSI Equitable Improvements and Reform Amendments of 1984 - Title I: Treatment of Income - Amends title XVI (Supplemental Security Income) of the Social Security Act to exclude from income unearned income received in the form of real or personal property: (1) if it meets the existing criteria for exclusion from resources; (2) which is of a type not normally converted into cash or otherwise used for the production of income, which is not so converted or used, and which cannot be used for food or clothing; or (3) which is received as a gift or heirloom possessing emotional or sentimental value and which is not converted into cash or otherwise used for the production of income. Makes permanent SSI and AFDC (Aid to Families with Dependent Children, part A of title IV of the Social Security Act) provisions which exempt in-kind home energy assistance provided by a private nonprofit organization. Provides for the exclusion of certain interest and dividend income. Provides that any temporary one-time income which is received by an individual in the individual's initial month of SSI eligibility shall be taken into account only for that month. Excludes from income amounts received by holocaust survivors as reparations from foreign countries. Title II: Treatment of Resources - Provides that to the extent that an overpayment results because a recipient's resources exceed the applicable limit, such overpayment shall be determined to be the lesser of: (1) the amount of benefits received or for which the recipient would have been eligible but for such resources; or (2) the amount by which the value of the resources exceeded the applicable resource limit. Modifies penalties where assets are transferred at less than fair market value. Provides that if assets are so transferred, the period of ineligibility shall bear a reasonable relationship to the uncompensated value of such resource. Permits a waiver of the penalty if: (1) the individual is in a hospital, nursing home, or other medical institution and cannot reasonably be expected to be discharged; (2) title was transferred to the individual's spouse or to the individual's child who is under age 21 or is blind or disabled; (3) the individual intended to dispose of the resource either at fair market value or for other valuable consideration; or (4) the inclusion of the resource in the individual's resources would work an undue hardship. Provides that in any event, if a State waives a similar penalty under Medicaid (title XIX of the Social Security Act) for such individual, the SSI penalty shall also be waived. Excludes from resources, for 12 months from the date of receipt, SSI or OASDI (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance, title II of the Social Security Act) underpayment amounts received in the form of a retroactive check. Increases the SSI resources limit for single individuals from $1,500 to $2,000, and for married couples from $2,250 to $3,000. Excludes from the SSI resources limit an automobile, household goods, and personal effects. (Current law also exempts such items, but only to the extent determined reasonable by the Secretary of Health and Human Services.) Title III: Determination of Benefit Amounts - Revises SSI provisions providing for a one-third reduction in benefits for an SSI recipient who lives in another person's household and who receives support and maintenance in kind from such person. Provides that an individual shall not be considered to be "living in another person's household and receiving support and maintenance in kind from such person" if such individual lives in a household with another person and such individual's pro rata share of the expenses of maintaining such household does not exceed the benefit payable to an individual with no other income who is living in another person's household and receiving support and maintenance from such person. Provides for the continuation of regular SSI benefits until the end of the second consecutive month of institutionalization if an eligible individual is institutionalized. Increases the benefits standard payable annually to: (1) an institutionalized individual from $300 to $420; and (2) an institutionalized couple from $600 to $840. Title IV: Provisions Relating to Eligibility - Provides that a disabled child who is living outside the United States with his or her parents shall maintain SSI eligibility so long as the parents retain legal residence in the United States. Provides for the payment of benefits due a deceased SSI recipient to certain individuals who contributed to the support of the deceased. (Current law provides for the payment of benefits following a beneficiary's death only to the surviving spouse.) Provides for an exemption from the requirement that an SSI applicant or recipient must file for OASDI or other pension benefits if receipt of such benefits would cause the applicant or recipient to be ineligible for SSI or Medicaid. Reduces from six months to one month the length of time that an SSI individual and spouse must live separately before they will be treated as separate individuals for SSI purposes. Title V: Overpayments, Underpayments, and Benefit Reductions - Provides that, in situations where there has not been fraud in connection with an SSI overpayment, overpayments shall be recovered through adjustments in future benefits which do not reduce any benefit payment by more than the greater of ten percent or ten dollars. Expands the SSI interim assistance program to include payment of retroactive SSI funds to a State for assistance provided during any period following the termination of an individual's SSI benefits, if and to the extent that: (1) the individual is subsequently found on reconsideration of the termination to have been eligible for such benefits; and (2) a retroactive payment of benefits for months in that period is due the individual. Repeals the penalty imposed against an SSI recipient because the group living facility in which the recipient lives fails to meet applicable standards. Increases from $100 to an amount equal to monthly SSI benefits for three months the emergency cash advances available to a presumptively eligible individual. Provides that: (1) if at any time both an overpayment and an underpayment exist in the case of an individual without a final adjustment or recovery having yet been made with respect to either of them, no such adjustment shall be made with respect to the underpayment until the individual has had a reasonable opportunity to seek a waiver of the overpayment; and (2) the existence of the underpayment shall not preclude the granting of such a waiver of the overpayment or otherwise affect the disposition thereof. Prohibits the Secretary from taking any action to recover an SSI overpayment until the Secretary has sent the SSI recipient who has been overpaid a notice containing, in clear and understandable language, certain information, including a statement of the individual's right to seek a waiver of the overpayment and to seek a reconsideration of the determination that an overpayment exists. Title VI: Extension of SSI Program - Includes the Virgin Islands and Guam within the SSI program. Directs the Secretary to conduct a study of the feasibility of extending the SSI program to Puerto Rico and to report the results to Congress. Title VII: Other Amendments - Directs the Secretary to conduct a statistically reliable survey of current and potential recipients of SSI benefits, with the objective of determining the extent to which the program is being used by individuals who are or may be eligible for SSI benefits and the extent to which current data (on the number of such individuals and their reasons for filing or not filing SSI applications) are accurate, and to report the results of such survey to Congress together with any recommendations. Directs the Secretary to establish and conduct an ongoing program designed to provide information about SSI benefits (and State supplementary benefits) to individuals who are not currently receiving such benefits. Directs the Secretary to assist applicants and recipients in executing and filing applications for SSI benefits and in furnishing any other information which may be required, with particular attention to cases where such applicants and recipients because of their physical or mental condition are incapable without undue difficulty of executing or filing such applications or furnishing such information. Directs the Secretary to take certain steps to assure that all information and forms for SSI applicants and recipients are clear and readily understandable. Sets forth the effective date.
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 1984
Designates the Brigantine National Wildlife Refuge and the Barnegat National Wildlife Refuge in New Jersey collectively as the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1984
Establishes a commission to be known as the Commission for the Preservation of America's Heritage Abroad. Requires the Commission to: (1) identify and publish a list of cemeteries, monuments, and historic buildings abroad which are associated with the foreign heritage of U.S. citizens; (2) encourage the preservation and protection of such places by obtaining assurances from foreign governments that they will be preserved and protected; (3) support demonstration projects to help preserve and protect such places; and (4) prepare and disseminate reports on the condition of and progress toward preserving and protecting such places.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1984
National Defense Shipyard Protection Act of 1984 - Amends the Merchant Marine Act, 1936, to revise the current construction-differential subsidy provisions by setting forth requirements for shipyard construction subsidies. Declares a shipyard qualified to receive a construction subsidy if it is capable of constructing: (1) seagoing vessels that meet the requirements of the Secretary of Transportation; and (2) simultaneously, at least three vessels of the type of which subsidy application is made. Prohibits a shipyard from making such application if more than 60 percent of its construction capacity in the previous year was used for vessel or other construction for the U.S. Government. Sets forth competitive bidding procedures for shipyard construction subsidies. Provides financial incentives and penalties on the use of such subsidies. Limits a subsidy to 40 percent of the shipyard's bid. Restricts vessels constructed under this Act to the foreign commerce of the United States or foreign-to-foreign commerce. Sets forth circumstances under which operating differential subsidy contractors may qualify for construction subsidies. Establishes the construction subsidy account in the U.S. Treasury for payment of subsidies under this Act. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 for such account. Sets forth eligibility requirements for such subsidies for State maritime academy training vessels or icebreakers for the Coast Guard.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1984
Academic Equity and Excellence Through Bilingual Education Act of 1984 - Amends the Bilingual Education Act (the Act, which is also title VII of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965) to revise and reauthorize programs under the Act. Includes under the statement of policy for the Act the recognition that: (1) there are growing numbers of children of limited English proficiency; (2) the Federal Government has a special and continuing obligation to assist in providing equal educational opportunity to limited English proficient children; (3) the segregation of many groups of limited English proficient children remains a serious problem; (4) both limited English proficient children and children whose primary language is English can benefit from bilingual education programs, and that such programs can help develop our national linguistic resources; (5) data collection capabilities need to be strengthened to better identify and promote effective programs and instructional practices; (6) parent and community participation in bilingual education programs contributes to program effectiveness; and (7) because of limited English proficiency, many adults are not able to participate fully in national life, and limited English proficient parents are often not able to participate effectively in their children's education. Provides that assistance under the Act shall be given to local educational agencies (LEAs), and, for certain related purposes, to State educational agencies (SEAs), institutions of higher education, and community organizations. Includes adult programs (in addition to related preschool, elementary, and secondary school programs) among those bilingual education programs to be assisted under the Act. Requires programs under the Act to be designed to enable students to achieve full competence in English. Permits such programs to also provide for the development of student competency in a second language. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the Act for FY 1985 through 1991. Authorizes separate appropriations for such period for grants to State programs under the new part B (Data Collection, Evaluation, and Research). Directs the Secretary to reserve, from the appropriations to carry out the Act: (1) at least 60 percent for programs under part A (Financial Assistance for Bilingual Education Programs), and of such reserved amount at least 75 percent shall be reserved for transitional bilingual education programs; (2) at least 25 percent for training activities under a redesignated part C (Training and Technical Assistance); and (3) not more than one percent for the National Advisory and Coordinating Council on Bilingual Education. Revises definitions under the Act to include under the definition of "limited English proficiency" difficulties with the English language which deny to specified categories of individuals the opportunity to participate fully in our society. Sets forth a definition of "program of transitional bilingual education" which is similar to the current definition of "program of bilingual education" under the Act. Deletes a requirement that the principal purpose of any participation of children whose language is English in a bilingual education program must be to contribute to the objective of assisting children of limited English proficiency to improve their English language skills. Deletes certain requirements relating to applications for assistance for bilingual education programs. Sets forth a new definition, defining "program of developmental bilingual education" as a full-time program of instruction in elementary and secondary schools which provides, with respect to the applicable years of study, structured English-language instruction and instruction in a second language. Requires that such programs: (1) be designed to help children achieve competence in English and a second language while mastering subject matter skills; and (2) to the extent necessary, be in all courses or subjects of study which will allow a child to meet grade-promotion and graduation standards; and (3) where possible, have classes comprised of approximately equal numbers of students whose native language is English and limited English proficient students whose native language is the second language of instruction and study in the program. Sets forth a new definition, defining a "family English literacy program" as a program of instruction designed to help limited English proficient students and out-of-school youth achieve competence in the English language. Permits such programs to: (1) be conducted exclusively in English or in English and the student's native language; and (2) where appropriate, include instruction on how parents and family members can facilitate the educational achievement of limited English proficient children. Requires that preference for participation in such programs be accorded, to the extent feasible, to the parents and immediate family members of children enrolled in programs assisted under the Act. Sets forth a new definition, defining "programs of academic excellence" as programs of transitional or developmental bilingual education which: (1) have an established record of providing effective, academically excellent instruction; and (2) are designed to serve as models of exemplary bilingual education programs and to facilitate the dissemination of effective bilingual education practices. Redefines "Office," "Director," and "Council" to refer, respectively, to: (1) the Office of Bilingual Education and Minority Languages Affairs; (2) the Director of the Office; and (3) the National Advisory and Coordinating Council on Bilingual Education. Includes specified Adult Education Act programs as examples under the definition of "other programs for persons of limited English proficiency." Provides that the Secretary's consultation with various entities in prescribing regulations under the Act shall be done through the Council. Requires that part A funds shall be used for programs of: (1) transitional bilingual education; (2) developmental bilingual education; (3) academic excellence; (4) family English literacy; (5) bilingual preschool, special education, and gifted and talented education preparatory or supplementary to programs such as those assisted under the Act; and (6) to develop instructional materials in languages for which such materials are commercially unavailable. Provides that grants for programs described under (1) and (2) shall be for 3 years with an additional 2 years upon reapplication, those described under (3) and (4) shall be for three years, and those described under (5) and (6) shall be for one to three years. Revises application requirements for grants under part A (Financial Assistance for Bilingual Educational Programs). Directs the Assistant Secretary of the Interior for the Bureau of Indian Affairs to report annually to the Congress, the President, and the Secretary of Education. Requires that such report assess: (1) the needs of Indian children with respect to the purposes of the Act in schools operated or funded by the Department of the Interior, including those tribes and LEAs receiving assistance under the Johnson-O'Malley Act; and (2) the extent to which such needs are being met by funds provided to such schools for educational purposes through the Secretary of the Interior. Sets forth a new part B "Data Collection, Evaluation, and Research." (Redesignates the current part B "Administration" as part D.) Provides that funds available under part B shall be used for: (1) collecting data on the number of limited English proficient persons and the educational services available to such persons; (2) evaluating the operation and effectiveness of programs assisted under the Act; (3) conducting research to improve the effectiveness of bilingual education programs; and (4) collecting, analyzing, and disseminating data and information on bilingual education. (These new part B provisions also replace and revise some research and evaluation provisions under the current part C "Supportive Services and Activities.") Sets forth provisions for part B grants to State programs for collecting, aggregating, analyzing, and publishing data and information on the State's population of limited English proficient persons and the educational services provided or available to them. Sets forth application and reporting requirements for such programs. Sets forth additional activities which such programs may provide for. Sets minimum and maximum limits on the amount of such grants. Directs the Secretary to issue within six months after the date of enactment of this Act, regulations which set forth a comprehensive design for evaluating the programs assisted under part A. Requires that such regulations: (1) be developed by the director in consultation with the Council; and (2) provide for the collection of specified kinds of information and data. Directs the Secretary to establish, through competitive three-year grants to institutions of higher education, at least two evaluation assistance centers which shall provide, upon the request of SEAs or LEAs, technical assistance regarding methods and techniques for identifying the educational needs and competencies of limited English proficient persons and assessing the educational progress achieved through programs such as those assisted under the Act. Revises provisions for research contracts under the Act. Provides for continuing longitudinal studies on specified aspects of bilingual education. Provides for studies to determine when students' English language proficiency is sufficiently well developed to permit them to derive optional benefits from an all-English instructional program. Deletes provisions for contracts for development and dissemination of instructional materials and equipment. Requires the Director of the National Institute of Education to consult with the Director and the Council to insure that research activities under the General Education Act complement and do not duplicate activities under part B of the Act. Directs the National Center for Education Statistics to collect and publish as part of its annual report on the condition of education specified data relating to numbers of limited English proficient persons, programs available for their education, and teachers and staff participating in or training for such programs. Sets forth a new part C "Training and Technical Assistance." (Current law has some similar training provisions under part A. The current part C is entitled "Supportive Services and Activities.") Requires that funds available under the new part C be used to: (1) establish, operate, and improve training programs for educational personnel preparing to participate in, or personnel participating in, the conduct of programs of bilingual education (requires that such training programs emphasize opportunities for career development, advancement, and lateral mobility, and permits training of teachers, administrators, counselors, teacher aides, and parents); (2) train persons to teach and counsel such bilingual education personnel; (3) encourage reform, innovation, and improvement in applicable education curricula in graduate education, in the structure of the academic profession, and in recruitment and retention of higher education and graduate school faculties, as related to bilingual education; (4) operate short-term training institutes designed to improve the skills of participants in programs of bilingual education, which may include summer programs designed to include the instructional competency of educational personnel in the languages used in the program; and (5) provide inservice training and technical assistance to parents and educational personnel participating in, or preparing to participate in, bilingual education programs. Allows institutions of higher education to apply for grants or contracts for the activities described in (1), (2), and (3). Allows institutions of higher education (including junior colleges and community colleges), private for-profit or nonprofit organizations (which apply jointly with or after consultation with SEAs or LEAs), SEAs, or LEAs to apply for grants or contracts for the activities described in (4). Allows institutions of higher education (including junior colleges and community colleges), private for-profit or nonprofit organizations, or SEAs to apply for grants or contracts for the activities described in (5). Makes specified application requirements concerning consultation with parents and other representatives of children applicable to applications grants or contracts for preservice or inservice training activities described under (1). Directs the Secretary, in making a grant or contract for preservice training programs described in (1), to give preference to programs which involve parents in the educational process and which contain coursework in: (1) teaching English as a second language; (2) use of a non-English language for instructional purposes; (3) linguistics; and (4) evaluation and assessment. Requires that preservice training programs be designed to ensure that participants become proficient in English and a second language of instruction. Directs the Secretary to establish at least 16 multifunctional resource centers, through competitive grants or contracts, pursuant to provisions for inservice training and technical assistance to parents and educational personnel participating in, or preparing to participate in, bilingual education programs. Requires that consideration be given to the geographic and linguistic distribution of children of limited English proficiency in awarding grants and contracts for such centers. Requires each center, in addition to providing such technical assistance and training, to gather and provide information to other centers on a particular area of bilingual education, including specified topics. Authorizes the Secretary to award fellowships for advanced study of bilingual education in such areas as teacher training, program administration, research and evaluation, and curriculum development. Requires that at least 500 such fellowships leading to a graduate degree be awarded for FY 1985. Requires that such fellowships be awarded: (1) to the extent feasible, in proportion to the needs of various groups of individuals with limited English proficiency; and (2) with preference given to individuals intending to study bilingual education in the following specialized areas, vocational education, adult education, gifted and talented education, special education, education technology, literacy, and mathematics and science education. Directs the Secretary to: (1) include information on the operation of the fellowship program in specified reports required under this Act; (2) undertake an ongoing longitudinal study of the impact of recipients of such fellowships on the field of bilingual education; and (3) through a specified clearinghouse, disseminate research undertaken by recipients of such fellowships. Requires fellowship recipients to agree to either repay such assistance or work for a period equivalent to the fellowship period in an activity related to bilingual education. Authorizes the Secretary to waive this requirement in extraordinary circumstances. Directs the Secretary, in making grants or contracts under part C, to give priority to eligible applicants with demonstrated competence and experience in the field of bilingual education and provide for stipends for persons participating in part C training programs. Redesignates part B "Administration" provisions under a new part D. (The current part D is entitled "Continued Bilingual Education Assistance.") Renames the Office of Bilingual Education the Office of Bilingual Education and Minority Languages Affairs. Directs the Secretary, in consultation with the Council, to report by February 1 of 1986, 1988, and 1990 to the Congress and the President on the condition of bilingual education in the nation and the administration and operation of the Act and of other programs for persons of limited English proficiency. Revises the required contents of such reports (as compared with earlier required reports). Renames the National Advisory Council on Bilingual Education the National Advisory and Coordinating Council on Bilingual Education. Increases the number of Council members from 15 to 20. Requires that all Council members be experienced in dealing with the educational problems of children and other persons who are of limited English proficiency. Requires that five Council members be State directors of bilingual education programs, at least three of whom represent States with large populations of limited English proficient students. Requires that five Council members be local school board members or local bilingual education program directors, at least three of whom shall represent LEAs with large populations of limited English proficient students. Revises other provisions relating to categories from which specified numbers of Council members must be chosen.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1984
Limitation of Liability Act of 1984 - Entitles shipowners and salvors (persons who render services in direct connection with salvage operations) to limit liability for the following maritime claims: (1) claims for death or personal injury; (2) claims for loss or damage to property; and (3) claims for losses resulting from delay or infringement of rights. Sets forth exceptions from application of this Act. Describes conduct which bars limitation and the method for resolving counterclaims. Establishes the limits of liability. Authorizes persons seeking to limit liability to file or join a complaint for limitation of liability in the district court of the United States which has jurisdiction. Sets forth the method and procedures for such persons to establish a fund for the payment of claims against them. Repeals specified laws to conform to provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1984
Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to establish separate deductions for dependent care expenses and excess shelter expenses for determining eligibility for certain food stamp benefit levels. Increases the maximum amount of such deductions.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1984
Human Services Amendments of 1984 - Title I: Project Head Start - Amends the Head Start Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services ("the Secretary," for purposes of this title) to administer Project Head Start through the Administration for Children, Youth, and Families within the Department of Health and Human Services. Makes technical amendments to such Act. Authorizes appropriations for the Head Start program for FY 1985 through 1989. Requires the Secretary to reserve for training and technical assistance for each fiscal year funds which are not less than the amount spent for such activities under such Act in FY 1982. Prohibits funds reserved for discretionary payments by the Secretary under such Act from being combined with funds appropriated under any other Act if the purposes of combining funds is to make a single discretionary grant or a single discretionary payment. Requires the Secretary to designate as Head Start agencies any local public or private nonprofit agency in a community if such agency: (1) was receiving funds under any Head Start program on August 31, 1981; and (2) meets program and fiscal requirements established by the Secretary. (Under current law, the Secretary is required to give priority in the designation of Head Start agencies to such local agencies.) Authorizes the Secretary to designate a Head Start agency from among qualified applicants in a community if there is no Head Start agency or program serving such community. Requires that any such designation be governed by the program and fiscal requirements, criteria, and standards applicable on September 1, 1983, to then existing Head Start agencies. Requires that specified provisions relating to designation of Head Start agencies be carried out in FY 1985 through 1989 in accordance with the rules issued under such provisions by the Secretary as in effect on September 1, 1983. Permits each Head Start program operated in a community to provide services to any eligible child for any period from age three to the age of compulsory school attendance in the State where the program operates. Requires the Secretary to provide technical assistance and training in connection with Head Start programs. (Under current law, the Secretary is authorized to provide such assistance and training.) Requires that such training activities include: (1) a national child development associate training and assessment program providing the necessary credentials for such personnel; and (2) training, including resource access projects, which improves the ability of such personnel to provide Head Start services to handicapped children. Prohibits funds for Head Start research, demonstration, and pilot projects from being combined with funds available to carry out any other provision of law if the purpose of combining funds is to make a single discretionary grant or a single discretionary payment to a recipient of such funds. Prohibits any revision in Head Start performance standards which would result in either the elimination of, or the reduction in the scope of, types of health, education, parent involvement, social, or other services required by the performance standards issued by the Secretary as in effect on November 2, 1978. Title II: Follow Through Programs - Amends the Follow Through Act to: (1) increase the authorization of appropriations for the Follow Through program for FY 1984; and (2) authorize appropriations for such program for FY 1985 through 1989. Requires the Secretary of Education ("the Secretary," for purposes of this title) to provide financial assistance for research, demonstration, and pilot projects relating to the Follow Through program. (Under current law, the Secretary is authorized to provide such assistance.) Requires that such projects be designed to test or assist in the development of new approaches or methods that will aid in overcoming the special problems of primarily low-income children previously enrolled in Head Start or similar programs to develop to their full potential in kindergarten and the primary grades. Directs the Secretary to provide for a review and analysis of all previous evaluations and reports made in connection with all Follow Through programs and projects authorized by any Act of Congress in effect after August 20, 1964, and to provide a comprehensive evaluative report to the President and Congress by January 30, 1988. Makes a technical amendment which repeals the applicability of specified Head Start Act provisions to the Follow Through Act. Adds provisions for child care information and referral services to the Follow Through Act. (Entitles such provisions as the "Child Care Information and Referral Services Act.") Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, through the Administration for Children, Youth, and Families, to make grants to assist public or private nonprofit organizations to establish and operate community-based child care information and referral centers. Sets forth grant application requirements. Requires that grant recipients be selected through a competitive process, taking into consideration the demonstrated ability of applicants to provide such services, and giving priority to applicants for grants of less than $75,000. Requires an applicant to make specified assurances, including an assurance that it shall obtain certain percentages of its projected budget through non-Federal sources of funding during the grant period. Limits to five years the aggregate period for which such grants may be made to any single center. Sets reporting requirements for centers receiving such grants. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to report annually to specified congressional committees on activities under such child care information and referral services provisions. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 through 1989 for such child care information and referral services. Makes specified provisions for administration of the Head Start program applicable to the administration of such child information and referral services program. Title III: Community Services Programs - Amends the Community Services Block Grant Act to: (1) increase the authorization of appropriations for FY 1984 through 1986 for community services grants to States to ameliorate the causes of poverty in communities; and (2) authorize appropriations for FY 1987 through 1989 for such grants. Revises grant application provisions to require States to assure that: (1) at least 85 percent of the State allotment will be used for grants to community action agencies (or to organizations serving seasonal or migrant farmworkers) for specified purposes; and (2) the remainder will be used to make grants to local governments (or to specified types of nonprofit private community organizations or to migrant and seasonal farm worker organizations) for such specified purposes. Includes services under the Temporary Emergency Food Assistance Act of 1983 among those activities to which a State may transfer funds from a portion of its community services grant allotment. Authorizes a State, whenever it determines that a local government, or a combination of local governments, is not served by a community action agency, to: (1) use funds earmarked for grants to local governments through an existing community action agency to provide such services; or (2) if that is not feasible, establish a new community action agency to provide such services. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services ("the Secretary," for purposes of this title) to waive for any State specified limitations relating to eligibility to receive grants, under specified conditions. Directs the Secretary to: (1) conduct, in several States in each fiscal year, evaluations of the uses made of community services block grants; and (2) annually submit the results of such evaluations to specified congressional committees. Provides that the Office of Community Services within the Department of Health and Human Services shall be headed by an Assistant Secretary who shall be appointed by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Revises provisions relating to investigations conducted by the Secretary and the Comptroller General of the use of community service grant funds. Makes such investigations by the Comptroller General mandatory. Repeals a prohibition against the Secretary either requesting information not readily available to a State or requiring that any information be compiled, collected, or transmitted in any new form not already available. Requires the Secretary to provide for specified training and other ongoing activities of national or regional significance related to the purposes of the community services grants program, including certain special emphasis programs. (Under current law the Secretary has discretionary authority to provide for such training and other activities.) Adds to the list of such special emphasis programs specified types of programs for community food and nutrition and for senior opportunities and services which are described under specified provisions of the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964, as in effect on August 12, 1981. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 through 1989 for Native American programs under title VIII (the "Native American Programs Act of 1974") of the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964. Title IV: Conforming Amendments; Effective Date - Makes conforming amendments to other Federal laws. Makes references to the Assistant Secretary of the Office of Community Services in the Older American Community Services Employment Act. Makes the effective date of this Act the date of enactment or October 1, 1984, whichever occurs later.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1984
Public Employee Pension Plan Reporting and Accountability Act of 1984 - Imposes disclosure and reporting requirements upon State and local government pension plans. Establishes fiduciary standards for trustees of public employee pension benefit plans. Provides remedies and access to Federal courts. Specifies employee benefit plans which are exempt from this Act. Title I: Reporting and Disclosure - Requires the administrator of each public employee pension benefit plan to submit a registration statement to the appropriate State Governor within one year of enactment of this Act. Exempts a plan from the reporting and disclosure requirements of this Act if a State Governor certifies to the Secretary of Labor that: (1) State requirements are substantially equivalent to those of this Act; (2) the State can adequately administer its requirements; and (3) the State can adequately collect the requisite reports. Requires the Secretary of Labor to terminate any certification if a State is not meeting Federal requirements. Requires the plan administrator to: (1) publish a summary plan description; and (2) furnish such description to plan participants, beneficiaries, and specified persons. Delineates the contents of such summary plan description. Requires such description to: (1) state the rights of participants and beneficiaries; and (2) include an update whenever material modifications are made to the plan. Requires the plan administrator to publish an annual report. Specifies the contents of such report. Directs such administrator to engage an independent qualified public accountant to ascertain whether the financial statements and schedules in the annual report present fairly and in all material respects the information contained in the annual report. Requires the accountant's opinion to be included in the annual report. Requires the annual report to include a financial statement containing specified information, including the most recent annual statement of assets and liabilities of a common or a collective trust held by a bank or similar institution. Requires each plan to maintain a schedule of: (1) all assets held for investment purposes during each plan year; and (2) each transaction involving a party in interest. Requires annual reports to include, with respect to a defined benefit plan, a complete actuarial statement applicable to the appropriate plan year. Directs the plan administrator to engage an enrolled actuary to prepare such statement. Delineates the contents of the actuarial statement. Requires the annual report to include a statement from an insurance organization if any plan benefits are purchased from or guaranteed by such organization. Details the contents of such statement. Requires the enrolled actuary of the plan to make an actuarial valuation at least once every three plan years. Directs the plan administrator to furnish, upon written request of certain persons, a copy of summary plan descriptions and the status of an individual's plan benefits and contributions. Provides guidelines under which the plan administrator is directed to file the annual report with either the Secretary of Labor (the Secretary) or the appropriate State Governor. Authorizes the Secretary or Governor to reject the information filed by the plan administrator, and to take the following actions: (1) retain an independent public accountant to perform an audit; (2) retain an enrolled actuary to prepare an actuarial report; or (3) bring a civil action to enforce this Act. Presents guidelines for notice and review where claims for benefits are denied. Title II: Requirements Relating to Fiduciary Functions - Requires every plan to be established and maintained by written instructions which designate at least one named fiduciary. Details the functions of named fiduciaries and trustees. Establishes fiduciary and trustee liability. Prohibits certain transactions. Authorizes the Secretary to grant specified exemptions regarding such transactions. Imposes personal liability upon fiduciaries who fail to meet the fiduciary requirements, including removal for specified violations. Prohibits persons who have been convicted of, or imprisoned for, certain offenses from holding specified positions. Requires plan fiduciaries to be bonded. Specifies exceptions. Sets forth guidelines for the bonding procedure. Sets a limitation on actions which may be brought regarding failure to meet fiduciary requirements. Title III: Administration and Enforcement - Authorizes civil actions to redress violations of this Act. Imposes personal liability upon: (1) a plan administrator who fails to comply with a request for information; or (2) any person who fails to file required forms. Authorizes a plan to sue or be sued. Grants the United States district courts exclusive jurisdiction of civil actions brought under this Act. Grants concurrent jurisdiction to State courts and Federal district courts for specified actions. Authorizes the Federal district court to award reasonable attorney's fees under certain circumstances. Provides that suits brought against the Secretary may be brought in Federal district court. Authorizes the Secretary or appropriate State official to assess and collect a civil penalty against a party in interest who has engaged in a prohibited transaction. Grants such Secretary and State official investigative powers to determine violations of this Act. Details the extent of such powers. Authorizes the Secretary to prescribe regulations to administer this Act. Directs such Secretary to cooperate with State and local governments regarding the exchange of data and information. Prohibits interference with the exercise of rights by a plan participant or beneficiary. Establishes an Advisory Council on Governmental Plans, comprised of eleven members appointed by the President. Requires Council members to be qualified to appraise the plans falling under this Act. Requires the Council to: (1) report to the President and each House of Congress regarding implementation of this Act with possible recommendations for legislation; (2) advise the Secretary and make recommendations; and (3) monitor the costs incurred by plans under this Act and recommend cost reduction measures. Directs the Secretary to furnish staff services to the Council. States that this Act supersedes any State laws regarding public employee pension benefits plans. Specifies exceptions. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1984
Hunger Relief Act of 1984 - Title I: Food Stamp and Related Provisions - Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to make homeless persons eligible to participate in the food stamp program (program). Requires State agencies to develop related certification and issuance procedures. Increases the cost of the thrifty food plan to the full cost of the plan as of June 30, 1983. Revises the definition of "disabled" to include certain persons receiving benefits under the Railroad Retirement Act or persons receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) disabled benefits. Makes households each of whose members receive SSI or Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) categorically eligible for program participation. States that denial of eligibility or termination of benefits from such programs can not be a basis for denial of food stamp eligibility or termination of benefits. Excludes loan origination fees and insurance premiums from program "income." Increases the earned income deduction from 18 to 20 percent. Separates (presently combined) dependent care and excess shelter expense deductions. Provides for an educational deduction. Grants States the option of calculating income either prospectively or retrospectively. Increases the resources limitation from $1500 to $2500, and from $3000 to $3500 for the elderly and disabled. Increases the threshhold for accounting a vehicle's value against resources from $4500 to $5500. Permits States to stagger coupon issuance. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to send Food Stamp Disaster Task Force members to oversee the program in the event of a natural disaster. Directs State agencies to periodically assess the need to keep food stamp offices open during weekend or evening hours. Requires the Secretary to encourage State agencies to disseminate program information. Provides administrative matching funds. Directs State agencies to implement job search activities. Obligates $50,000,000 beginning with FY 1985 for such costs, and provides for 50 percent reimbursement for State expenses: (1) in excess of such $50,000,000; and (2) for participant reimbursement. Requires the Secretary to monitor such programs. Establishes a four-year (FY 1985 through 1989) rural Alaskan food assistance pilot program. Sets forth program provisions. Requires program reports to the House and Senate Agriculture committees by March 1, 1988, and 1989, respectively. Requires the Secretary to issue rural Alaskan thrifty food plan adjustment regulations within ten days. Amends the Agriculture and Consumer Protection Act of 1973 to permit local programs to provide supplemental commodities to the elderly under terms prescribed by the Secretary. Prohibits any resulting reduction in assistance to women, infants, and children (WIC program). Authorizes FY 1985 and 1986 Federal Emergency Management Agency appropriations for an emergency food program. Requires the Director of such Agency to constitute a national board to administer such program. Authorizes the Commodity Credit Corporation to purchase and deliver commodities for such program. Title II: Nutrition Monitoring - Requires the Secretary to: (1) develop and implement by October 1, 1985, a continuous food consumption and expenditures survey of a representative sample of low-income persons in the United States; (2) conduct, beginning with FY 1986, a survey of a supplemental representative sample of at least one low-income subgroup; and (3) submit an interim report by April 1, 1986, and annual reports thereafter to specified congressional committees. Directs the Secretary to: (1) provide States with technical assistance to establish nutrition monitoring systems; (2) encourage research on standards and technologies for nutrition monitoring; and (3) maintain and update the Department of Agriculture (USDA) nutrient data base. Title III: Nutrition and Consumer Education - Directs the Secretary to provide States with technical and grant assistance for low-income consumer education programs. Administers such programs through the USDA's Food and Nutrition Service. Requires annual program reports to specified congressional committees. Sets forth State program requirements. Authorizes FY 1985 through 1989 appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary to set aside specified amounts for use in Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands. Title IV: School Lunch and Child Nutrition Amendments - Amends the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 and the National School Lunch Act to reduce the students' cost of a reduced price lunch from 40 cents to 25 cents, and of a reduced price breakfast from 30 cents to 15 cents. Increases reduced meal income eligibility limits from 185 percent to 195 percent of the poverty level. Provides an additional six cents per breakfast to increase the nutritional quality of such program. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to promulgate related nutritional improvement regulations. Raises the program tuition limit for private schools from $1500 to $2500. Requires annual inflation adjustments. Increases the number of reimbursable meals and snacks under the child care food program. Increases FY 1984 authorization of appropriations for nutrition education and training. Excludes certain medical expenses from household income for program eligibility purposes. Eliminates the requirement that free meal eligibility be the same as that required for food stamp eligibility. Makes kindergartens in specified schools eligible for the special milk program. Makes permanent authorizations of appropriations for: (1) the WIC program; (2) State administrative expenses; (3) nutrition education and training; (4) the childrens' summer food and service program; and (5) the commodity distribution program. Title V: Older Americans Act Amendments - Amends the Older Americans Act of 1965 to authorize FY 1985 through 1987 appropriations for: (1) congregate feeding; (2) home delivered meals; and (3) surplus commodities.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1984
Amends the Education Consolidation and Improvement Act of 1981 to permit the use of education block grant funds for projects for Irish children. Requires that such projects provide an opportunity to live in the United States to children aged ten through 18 from areas of Ireland that have been torn by civil strife and violence. Requires that such opportunity include attendance in U.S. schools and affiliation with children of diverse religious, ethnic, cultural, and social backgrounds in a peaceful atmosphere. Permits such funds to be used for such projects if the local educational agency concerned files with the Secretary of Education a plan containing assurances that at least one-half of the cost of such projects will be provided from private donations and that project funds will be used to pay a portion of the cost of such children's round-trip transportation, U.S. schooling, and other living expenses.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1984
States that: (1) all persons in the workplace have a fundamental right to know when they are handling or are exposed to substances hazardous to their health; (2) the Hazard Communication Standard should immediately be revised by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in order to disseminate meaningful information to workers regarding the identity and composition of hazardous substances to which workers are exposed or which they handle; (3) the Hazard Communication Standard should be immediately revised by OSHA to extend "Right To Know" protection to workers in all industries and services not presently covered by the Standard; and (4) such Standard should set minimum Federal requirements which may be exceeded by more stringent State requirements. Commends those States and local governments which have acted to safeguard workers' health and which have passed community "Right To Know" laws.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1984
Fair Trade in Steel Act of 1984 - Declares that it is the policy of Congress that access to the U.S. market for foreign-produced carbon, alloy, and specialty steel mill products should be on an equitable basis to safeguard national security, insure orderly trade in steel mill products, reduce unfair trade in steel mill products, and alleviate U.S. balance-of-payments problems. Expresses the intent of Congress to: (1) expand the economic viability of the U.S. steel industry and the jobs of its workers; (2) prevent the further decline of the domestic steel industry; and (3) temper the economic hardships resulting from unemployment in steel industry communities by encouraging reinvestment in existing steelmaking facilities. Limits annual imports of specified steel mill product categories to specified percentages of the apparent domestic supply which are based on adjusted average import penetration levels for each such product category for the years 1979, 1980, and 1981. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to allocate global product limitations among foreign countries, groups of countries, or areas. Sets forth guidelines for making such allocations. Requires the Secretary to make an annual determination of the expected apparent domestic supply in each steel mill product category. Requires the Secretary to revise such determination periodically during the year. Directs the Secretary to determine, within 90 days after the effective date of this Act, whether the steel industry companies have plans to use substantially all of the cash flow from the steel sector for reinvestment in and the modernization of the steel sector. Prohibits the import restrictions from taking effect until the Secretary determines that the steel companies have such plans. Directs the Secretary to monitor steel sector investments made and announced by the steel industry and to consult with steel industry representatives and employees in the course of such monitoring. Directs the Secretary to determine annually whether steel companies are using substantially all the cash flow from the steel sector for reinvestment in and modernization of the steel sector. Directs the Secretary to modify or suspend the relevant import restrictions if the Secretary determines that substantially less than all the cash flow from the steel sector is being used for such reinvestment and modernization and that the level of investment is not demonstrably justified by adverse financial conditions within the industry. Directs the Secretary to publish: (1) each annual determination and its rationale; and (2) the total amount of cash flow from the steel sector and the total amount used for reinvestment in and modernization of the steel sector. Requires the steel companies to provide the Secretary with the information necessary for making such determinations. Directs the Secretary to examine the supply and demand situation in the United States for a specified steel product category if requested by affected steel consumers. Sets forth criteria to be used in determining short supply. Directs the Secretary to monitor imports of fabricated steel mill products. Sets forth the method of investigating whether imports of fabricated steel products are rendering ineffective or materially interfering with the objectives of this Act. Limits the quantity of iron ore that may be entered from all sources during any calendar year after the effective date of this Act. Directs the Secretary to allocate global iron ore limitations among foreign countries, groups of countries or areas. Sets forth guidelines for making such allocation. Directs the Secretary, in making such allocations, to attempt first to accommodate the requirements of individual steel mills which have been traditionally dependent on ocean sourced foreign iron ore and the requirements of contractual obligations incurred before January 1, 1984. Authorizes the Secretary to waive the import restrictions on iron ore if necessary to meet the needs of such individual steel mills. Provides for the enforcement and implementation of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1984
Information Dissemination and Research Accountability Act - Establishes in the National Library of Medicine a National Center for Research Accountability to assist in eliminating duplication of effort in Federal research proposals involving live animals. Directs the President to appoint as members of the Center 20 experts in the biomedical information sciences who are currently employed by a Federal agency in a capacity which qualifies them to make determinations as to whether research proposals involving live animals are duplicative of other research efforts. Requires submission to the Center before it is funded of any such proposal approved by a Federal agency. Prohibits funding of any proposal which the Center determines would duplicate other research completed or in process. Authorizes the Center to contract with private entities to assist in the conduct of comprehensive full-text literature searches. Requires an annual report to Congress and the President. Directs the National Library of Medicine to: (1) acquire, transcribe, and store all biomedical information owned or available for use by Federal agencies; (2) support by grants and contracts the creation of new information for teaching and demonstrations; and (3) increase, by making grants and awards, the number of persons trained in modern methods of biomedical information storage and dissemination technologies. Permits the Library to contract with the private-sector data recording industry to improve the development of such technologies and the dissemination of full-text biomedical information to medical libraries. Requires the Library to report annually to Congress and the President on its progress. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1984
Amends the Merchant Marine Act, 1936, to set forth circumstances under which vessels built with construction differential subsidies may be permitted to transfer to the domestic coastwise trade. Conditions such transfer upon repayment of the unamortized construction differential subsidy received and makes vessels so transferred ineligible for operating differential subsidies.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1984
Amends title XVI (Supplemental Security Income) of the Social Security Act to direct the Secretary, when notifying any individual that more than the correct amount of benefits has been paid and requesting repayment of the overpayment, to clearly inform such individual of his or her right to seek a waiver of any adjustment or recovery or to negotiate a repayment plan.
![Official portrait of Rep. Biaggi, Mario [D-NY-19]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/b000432_200.jpg)