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Official portrait of Rep. Fascell, Dante B. [D-FL-19]

Rep. Fascell, Dante B. [D-FL-19]

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3,351 records where Rep. Fascell, Dante B. [D-FL-19] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years

Bill· HRH.R. 5990 (98th)referred

State and Local Narcotics Control Assistance Act of 1984

United States · United States Congress · 29 June 1984

State and Local Narcotics Control Assistance Act of 1984 - Authorizes the Attorney General to make grants to States to assist States and local governments to increase their drug enforcement activities. Requires such grants to be based on the relative needs of the States, taking into consideration the severity of drug trafficking and abuse and the availability of State and local resources to resolve such problems. Establishes a procedure for grant applications. Requires such an application to include a State-wide strategy for the enforcement of State drug laws. Imposes limitations on the use of such grants, including a maximum ten percent allocation for administrative purposes. Requires each State which receives a grant to submit a yearly report to the Attorney General, who shall in turn report to Congress with respect to such grants. Allows the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to States for developing more effective drug prevention, treatment and rehabilitation programs. Establishes a procedure for grant applications. Authorizes appropriations for both grant programs for FY 1986 through 1990.

Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 620 (98th)open

A joint resolution to approve the Compact of Free Association, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 29 June 1984

Grants congressional approval of the Compact of Free Association between the United States, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Marshall Islands. Declares that the defense sites of the United States established in the Marshall Islands or the Federated States of Micronesia in accordance with such Compact and its related agreements are within the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States. Provides that upon the effective date of the Compact of Free Association the laws of the United States generally applicable to the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands shall continue to apply to the Republic of Palau. Makes the Republic of Palau eligible for such proportion of Federal assistance as it would otherwise have been eligible to receive under such laws prior to the effective date of the Compact.

Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 332 (98th)passed

A concurrent resolution expressing the sense of the Congress that the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics should provide the signatories of the Helsinki Final Act with specific information as to the whereabouts, health, and legal status of Andrei Sakharov and Yelena Bonner.

United States · United States Congress · 28 June 1984

Expresses the sense of the Congress that in light of the Helsinki Final Act of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe and other specified human rights agreements, the Soviet Union should: (1) provide the signatories of the Helsinki Final Act with information on the whereabouts, health, and legal status of Andrei Sakharov and Yelena Bonner; (2) void all charges against Yelena Bonner and issue her an exit visa in order to obtain medical care outside of the Soviet Union; and (3) allow them to live in the country of their choice. Urges the President to: (1) protest the Soviet Government's continued refusal to provide such information and to issue Yelena Bonner an exits visa; and (2) call upon all other signatory nations of the Helsinki Final Act to join in such protests.

Bill· HRH.R. 5937 (98th)referred

A bill to award a special gold medal to the family of Harry Chapin.

United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1984

Authorizes the President, on behalf of the Congress, to present a gold medal to the family of Harry Chapin in recognition of Harry Chapin's efforts to address issues of world hunger. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to provide for the sale of bronze duplicates of the medal.

Law· HJRESH.J.Res. 605 (98th)enacted

A joint resolution regarding the implementation of the policy of the United States Government in opposition to the practice of torture by any foreign government.

United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1984

Reaffirms that it is U.S. policy to oppose the practice of torture by foreign governments through the implementation of laws and through public and private diplomacy. Requests the President to: (1) instruct the U.S. representative to the United Nations to continue to raise the issue of torture by such governments; and (2) continue to involve the U.S. Government in the formulation of international standards, particularly the draft Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. Requests the Secretary of State to issue specified formal instructions to each U.S. mission chief regarding U.S. policy with respect to such torture. States that the Secretary of Commerce should continue to enforce the current restrictions on the export of crime control equipment pursuant to the Export Administration Act of 1979. Directs the heads of U.S. departments that furnish military and law enforcement training to foreign personnel to include in such training instruction regarding international human rights standards with respect to torture.

Bill· HRH.R. 5903 (98th)referred

Water Quality Renewal Act of 1984

United States · United States Congress · 20 June 1984

Water Quality Renewal Act of 1984 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (the Act) (also known as the Clean Water Act) to authorize appropriations for FY 1983 through 1988 for: (1) specified research, investigation, and training programs in water pollution control; (2) State and interstate pollution control programs; (3) undergraduate programs in water quality control; (4) grants for developing waste treatment management plans for areas with substantial water quality control problems; (5) water pollution control programs in agricultural areas; (6) agreements among Government agencies providing for maximum use of existing programs for water quality control; (7) grants to States for lake pollution control; and (8) carrying out the Act generally. Increases the authorization for grants for construction of waste treatment works for FY 1984 and 1985. Authorizes appropriations for such grants for FY 1986 through 1988. Revises the timetable for compliance of all pollutants with effluent limitations. Extends the compliance date for all toxic pollutants referred to in a specified table of a congressional committee print (the priority toxic pollutants). Requires such compliance as expeditiously as possible, but in no case later than three years and six months after the date effluent limitations are established. Extends the compliance date for all other toxic pollutants which may be listed under specified provisions of the Act. Requires such compliance as expeditiously as possible, but in no case later than three years and six months after the date effluent limitations are established. Extends the compliance date for application of best conventional technology (for specified conventional pollutants) from July 1, 1984, to July 1, 1987. Extends the compliance date for application of best available technology for all other pollutants. Requires such compliance as expeditiously as possible, but no later than three years and six months after effluent limitations are established. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to promulgate final regulations establishing effluent limitations for direct dischargers and limitations requiring pretreatment for all the priority toxic pollutants which are discharged from certain categories of point sources in accordance with a specified schedule. Requires the Administrator to publish in the Federal Register a list of all navigable waters in each State the water quality of which is being impaired by the discharge from specific sources of toxic pollutants. Directs the Administrator to establish an individual control strategy for each listed segment of navigable waters which shall reduce the discharge of toxic pollutants from such sources so as to allow the achievement of water quality which provides for the protection and propagation of fish, shellfish, and wildlife and provides for recreation in and on the water. Increases the civil penalties for violations of requirements with respect to water quality standards under the Act, but provides that States are not required by the Act to have civil penalties in the same monetary amount for such violations. Requires the Administrator to monitor, study, and report to Congress on the effects of the impoundment and discharge of waters by dams upon the quality of navigable waters. Sets forth provisions for nonpoint source control implementation programs. Provides for State nonpoint source control reports and plans and grants to States for implementation of such plans. Directs the Governor of each State to prepare and submit for the approval of the Administrator a report on: (1) those portions of the navigable waters within a State that, as a result of pollution from nonpoint sources in whole or in part, are not meeting applicable water quality standards or the goals and requirements of the Act; (2) those categories and subcategories of nonpoint sources which add significant pollutant loadings to each portion of such waters in amounts which contribute to nonattainment of such water quality standards for such goals and requirements; (3) State and local programs for controlling pollutant loadings added from nonpoint sources to such waters, including but not limited to programs receiving Federal assistance under this Act; and (4) the process, including intergovernmental coordination and public participation for identifying best management practices and measures to control such categories and subcategories of nonpoint sources and to reduce, to the maximum extent practicable, the level of pollution resulting from such categories and subcategories. Requires that such reports and updates be based on available information. Permits such reports or updates to include all or part of an approved existing water quality management program. Directs the Governor of each State to prepare and submit for the approval of the Administrator: (1) a plan which the State proposes to implement in the four-fiscal-year period beginning after the date of submission of the report for controlling pollution added from nonpoint sources to navigable waters within the State and for improving the quality of such waters; and (2) a report identifying each Federal department, agency, or instrumentality which is likely to be engaging in, supporting, or providing financial assistance for any activity or program within the State during such four-fiscal-year period and which would be inconsistent with plan implementation, and recommending appropriate administrative modification of such program or activity. Requires that such plans specify the following State practices and measures during the four-fiscal-year period: (1) each portion of navigable waters and land area contributing to nonpoint source pollution which significantly affects portions of such waters; (2) the order of, and schedule for, such implementation; (3) the categories and subcategories of nonpoint sources of pollution; (4) the best management practices and measures; (5) the methods by which the State will encourage, assist, or require such implementation (by category and subcategory of pollution source); and (6) sources of Federal and other assistance other than that provided under this Act which will be available for support of such implementation and the purposes for which such assistance will be used. Requires that such plan be accompanied by a certification by the State attorney general or the head attorney of the State water pollution control agency that State laws provide adequate authority to carry out such programs or a list of any additional authority needed. Requires that such schedule: (1) establish for each category and subcategory of sources an expeditious time period for implementation of best management practices and measures; and (2) indicate estimated dates for such implementation. Requires States to utilize local public and private agencies and organizations with expertise in nonpoint source pollution control, to the maximum extent practicable, in developing and implementing such plan. Requires States, to the maximum extent possible, to develop and implement such plan on a watershed-by-watershed basis. Requires that any State reports or plans required under these nonpoint source control implementation program provisions be submitted to the Administrator within 270 days after enactment of this Act, but provides for a 270-day extension upon request of the Governor. Directs the Administrator to prepare a report which makes specified identifications for a State if the Governor does not submit such report within the required period. Directs the Administrator to consolidate and submit recommendations for modifications of Federal activities and programs submitted by the States to the appropriate Federal departments, agencies, and instrumentalities. Directs such entities to carry out their activities and programs in a manner consistent with the approved State plan and helpful to its implementation. Sets forth procedures and deadlines for approval, disapproval, or revision of reports, plans, and updates. Directs the Administrator to provide technical assistance to local agencies or organizations in developing plans, whenever a State fails to submit or the Administrator does not approve a plan. Makes such local agencies or organizations eligible to receive implementation assistance after development of such plan. Authorizes the Administrator, upon State request, to provide technical assistance to a State in developing a plan. Sets forth requirements for State petitions, interstate management conferences and agreements, and State plans for reduction of interstate water pollution from nonpoint sources. Directs the Administrator, upon State application, to make grants to each State for which a report and a plan is approved. Provides that such grants shall be made to assist States in implementing such plans. Limits the Federal share of the cost of each plan implemented with Federal assistance in any fiscal year to 50 percent of the cost to the State in implementing such plan, but requires that the Federal share be at least 50 percent and not more than 60 percent of those costs of a plan which are attributable to a watershed area with respect to which the Administrator determines that a significant number of non-Federal, non-State interests of such area are willing and able to enter into agreements to participate in such year in nonsource pollution control measures under such plan. Limits administrative costs (except costs of implementing enforcement and regulatory activities, education, training, technical assistance, demonstration projects or technology transfer programs) to ten percent of the grant amount. Sets forth maintenance of effort requirements for such grants. Limits to 15 percent of the amount appropriated for such grants the amount which may be used to make grants to any one State, including any grants to any local agency or organization with authority to control pollution from nonpoint sources in any area in such State. Authorizes the Administrator to give priority in making grants for each fiscal year beginning after September 30, 1986, to any State which has included effective regulatory mechanisms in its plan and has implemented such mechanisms in the preceding fiscal year. Directs the Secretary to give consideration to a State's inclusion and implementation of effective regulatory mechanisms in determining the Federal share of any such grant. Authorizes appropriations for such grants for FY 1985 through 1988. Directs the Administrator, upon application of a State with an approved report and plan, to make grants to assist such State in carrying out groundwater water quality protection activities which will advance the State toward implementation of a comprehensive nonpoint source pollution control program. Requires that such activities include research, planning, groundwater assessments, demonstration programs, enforcement, technical assistance, education, and training to protect groundwater quality and prevent groundwater contamination from nonpoint pollution sources. Makes the Federal share of the cost of assisting a State in such groundwater protection activities in any fiscal year 50 percent of the costs incurred by the State in carrying out such activities, but sets a maximum amount for such Federal assistance to a State in any fiscal year. Authorizes appropriations for such grants for FY 1985 through 1988. Directs the Administrator, by January 1, 1985, and each January 1 thereafter, to report to specified congressional committees on the activities carried out under this Act for the preceding fiscal year and the progress made in reducing nonpoint source pollution in the navigable waters. Directs the Administrator, by January 1, 1988, to transmit a final report to Congress on the activities carried out under this Act, with specified analyses and recommendations. Requires that at least five percent of appropriations for such grants in any fiscal year be available to the Administrator to maintain personnel levels at the Environmental Protection Agency which are adequate to carry out this Act. Includes plans approved under this Act under provisions of the Act for agreements with the Secretaries of Agriculture, Army, and the Interior to provide maximum utilization of programs to achieve and maintain water quality. Declares that it is the national policy that plans for the control of nonpoint sources of pollution be developed and implemented in an expeditious manner so as to enable the goals of the Act to be met through the control of both point and nonpoint sources of pollution. Directs the Administrator, within one year after the enactment of this Act, to submit to specified congressional committees a lake restoration guidance manual establishing procedures to guide future State and local efforts to improve water quality in lakes. Adds to the authorized uses of grants for construction of treatment works projects to address water quality problems due to impacts of discharges from combined storm water and sanitary sewer overflows. Increases for FY 1985 and subsequent fiscal years the amount of additional funds which the Administrator shall have available for addressing water quality problems of marine bays and estuaries subject to lower levels of water quality due to the impact of discharges from combined storm water and sanitary sewer overflows. Increases to 65 percent the Federal share of construction costs under the treatment works construction grants program for FY 1985 and subsequent fiscal years. (Current law provides that the 75 percent Federal share shall be decreased to 55 percent for FY 1985 and subsequent fiscal years.) Provides that the activated bio-filter feature of the project for treatment works of the city of Little Falls, Minnesota, shall be deemed to be an innovative wastewater process and technique for purposes of specified provisions of the Act. Provides that the amount of any grant under the Act for such feature shall be 85 percent of the cost thereof. Authorizes the Administrator, in addition to any grant for innovative technology in treatment works, to make a grant to fund all of the costs of the modification or replacement of biodisc equipment (rotating biological contactors) in any publicly owned treatment works if the Administrator finds that such equipment has not met design performance specifications, unless such failure is attributable to negligence on the part of any person, and if such failure has significantly increased capital or operating and maintenance expeditures. Directs the Administrator, before taking final action on plans, specifications, and estimates for treatment works construction, to enter into a written agreement with the grant applicant which establishes and specifies which items of the proposed project are eligible for Federal payment under specified provisions of the Act. Prohibits the Administrator from later modifying such eligibility determinations unless they are found to have been made in violation of applicable Federal statutes and regulations. Provides that such eligibility determinations shall not preclude the Administrator from auditing a project pursuant to specified provisions of the Act, or other authority, or from withholding or recovering Federal funds for costs which are found to be unallowable or which are incurred on a project which fails to meet design specifications or effluent limitations contained in the grant agreement and permit. Provides for grantee certification of the treatment process. Provides that the approval of construction plans by the Administrator shall not include a determination or approval of the treatment work's unit processes, which constitute the treatment technology. Prohibits the Administrator from approving plans, specifications, and estimates for a project unless the applicant certifies that the proposed unit processes and treatment technology are capable of meeting the effluent limitations for which such process and technology are designed. Revises local treatment works grant conditions to require, within two years after enactment of this Act that: (1) any required areawide waste treatment management plan is being implemented or is being developed with reasonable progress toward implementation; (2) the State is implementing or developing any required State plan and is in compliance with water quality reporting requirements. Provides that a system of user charges which imposes a lower charge for low-income residential users (as defined by the Administrator) shall be deemed to be a user charge system meeting specified requirements for treatment works grants if the Administrator determines that such system was adopted after public notice and hearing. Requires that State allotments for the treatment works construction grants programs for FY 1986 through 1988 be allotted, in accordance with a specified table, for each such year by the Administrator not later than the tenth day which begins after the enactment of this Act. Extends through FY 1988 the authorization of appropriations for minimum allotments to States and specified U.S. territories and possessions. Increases, from thirty-three one-hundredths of one percent to two-thirds of one percent, the portion of the total allotment which shall be allotted to specified U.S. territories and possessions. Extends through FY 1988 specified provisions relating to the reservation of certain amounts from State allotments in order to make grants to States for administration of such allotments. Directs the Administrator to reserve specified amounts from the allotments to the States of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut in order to make grants in FY 1985 and subsequent fiscal years to the Interstate Sanitation Commission established by such States by interstate compact to carry out the functions of such Commission under the Act. Extends through FY 1988 specified provisions relating to minimum expenditures for increasing the Federal share of grants for construction of treatment works utilizing innovative processes and techniques. Requires a State to allocate at least 50 percent of its water quality management planning grant in any fiscal year to regional and interstate public comprehensive organizations in such State, except when the Administrator and the Governor determine that such allocation will not substantially assist in achieving the goals of the Act. Directs the Administrator to reserve one-quarter of one percent of appropriations for the treatment works construction grants program for FY 1985 and subsequent fiscal years for carrying out investigations and audits of such construction projects. Provides that such sums shall be in addition to any sums otherwise appropriated for or allocated to the Office of the Inspector General. Directs the Administrator to make grants for specified purposes from the appropriate State allotments for treatment works construction to: (1) the city of Avalon, California; (2) the owners of the Rocky River Wastewater Treatment Plant in Rocky River, Ohio; (3) Walker and Smithfield Townships, Pennsylvania; (4) the Elk Pinch Public Service District, Kanawha County, West Virginia; (5) the city of Taylor Mill, Kentucky; and (6) the city of Watsonville, California. Establishes a program of grants to States for establishment of State water pollution control revolving funds for providing assistance to municipalities and intermunicipal and interstate agencies for construction of publicly owned treatment works. Requires a State to first deposit an amount equal to 20 percent of such grant allotted to the State for a fiscal year before such grant can be made. Sets forth certification, reporting, and other requirements relating to such grants and the types of assistance which such revolving funds may offer. Authorizes appropriations for such grants for FY 1985 through 1988. Revises innovative technology compliance deadlines for direct dischargers. Requires such compliance within two years after the date for compliance with an effluent limitation which is otherwise applicable. Directs the Administrator, in carrying out specified provisions of the Act, to conduct research, in conjunction with other Federal, State, and interstate agencies, on the harmful effects on the health and welfare of persons caused by pollutants in water. Requires that such research: (1) place special emphasis on the effect that bioaccumulation of pollutants in aquatic species has in reducing the value of aquatic commercial and sport industries; and (2) study methods to reduce and remove pollutants from aquatic species so as to restore and enhance these resources. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 through 1988 for such research. Directs the Administrator, in developing, publishing, and revising water quality criteria, to consider the effects of specified factors on the ecosystem. Requires that new or revised water quality criteria should be established so as to provide an ample margin of safety to protect human health and fish and wildlife resources, and, if there is a well-founded and significant difference of opinion as to the latest scientific and research knowledge in such matters with respect to a pollutant, directs the Administrator to publish a description of such difference of opinion along with the publication of such criteria. Directs the Administrator to promulgate guidelines establishing test procedures for the analysis of pollutants within 90 days from the date of enactment of this Act. Authorizes the Administrator to establish a single compliance date for pretreatment standards, upon the request of any source (indirect discharger) subject to two or more pretreatment standards which are promulgated before the enactment of this Act and for which more than one compliance date is prescribed. Requires that such single compliance date not be later than one year after the first of such compliance dates or not later than the last of such compliance dates, whichever occurs first. Requires that the applicant demonstrate that: (1) establishment of a single compliance date will result in earlier compliance by the applicant with all such standards; and (2) the technology which is the basis for one of the applicable pretreatment standards is inconsistent with the technology which is the basis for another of the applicable pretreatment standards, or the pretreatment standard with the later compliance date requires sufficient additional technology to justify such single compliance date. Requires that any such application by a source for a single compliance date be made within 30 days after the date of enactment of this Act. Directs the Administrator to: (1) provide public notice of such application within two weeks after its receipt; and (2) approve or deny such application within 60 days after the last day of such two-week period. Extends the deadline for compliance with electroplating pretreatment standards to December 31, 1984. Directs the Administrator to increase the number of employees of the Environmental Protection Agency if necessary to effectively implement pretreatment requirements under specified provisions of the Act. Authorizes the owner or operator of a publicly owned treatment works which receives the treated effluent to grant up to a two-year extension for compliance with a categorical pretreatment standard to any new or existing facility (indirect discharger) which proposes to comply with such standard by using an innovative treatment system meeting specified standards, if: (1) the Administrator determines that the innovative system has the potential for industry-wide application and the action will not cause the publicly owned treatment works to be in violation of its permit; and (2) the Administrator (or a State with an approved pretreatment program) concurs with the proposed action of the owner or operator of such treatment works. Revises provisions for criminal penalties for specified violations under the Act. Adds provisions for civil penalties to be assessed by the Administrator or the Secretary of the Army for specified violations under the Act. Revises provisions for the Clean Lakes Program (a grant assistance program to improve the water quality of lakes). Makes such program applicable to saline, as well as fresh water, lakes. Adds provisions for grants to States for priority projects for control of nonpoint sources of pollution which are contributing to the degradation of water quality in lakes. Directs the Administrator to distribute such grants equitably among the States. Limits the amount of such a grant to not more than 70 percent of the project cost. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 through 1989 for such grants. Adds provisions for grants to States to carry out approved methods and procedures which may be applied to lakes and other waters to restore water quality, insofar as such quality has deteriorated as a result of high acidity which may be due to acid deposition. Allows any State to submit for approval to the Administrator: (1) a survey of such water quality deterioration; and (2) methods and procedures which may be applied. Specifies some of the methods which may be approved for such purpose. Limits the amount so granted to any State in any fiscal year to more than 80 percent of the funds expended by such State in such year for carrying out such approved methods and procedures. Directs the Administrator to the distribute such grant funds equitably on the basis of the relative need of each applicant State for the restoration of water quality as a result of such deterioration. Provides that such assistance shall be in addition to any other Federal financial assistance. Authorizes appropriations for such grants for FY 1985 through 1989. Directs the Administrator to report annually to specified congressional committees on the status and trend of water quality in lakes in the United States, including the nature and extent of pollution loading from point and nonpoint sources and the extent to which the use of lakes is impaired as a result of pollution, particularly with respect to toxic pollution. Directs the Administrator, in cooperation with the State of Texas, to study water quality problems in Lake Houston, Houston, Texas, and undertake control measures to improve water quality. Requires such study to include specified evaluations. Directs the Administrator to report, with recommendations, to specified congressional committees on such study and control measures. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 and subsequent fiscal years for such purposes. Directs the Administrator, in cooperation with the Secretary of the Army and in consultation with appropriate State and local agencies, to: (1) conduct a one-year comprehensive study of the Beaver Lake, Arkansas; (2) undertake a demonstration project for measures identified in such study for preserving and enhancing the reservoir's water quality; and (3) report, with recommendations, on such study and project to specified congressional committees. Makes specified funds available for such purposes. Directs the Administrator to undertake demonstration projects for specified cleanup operations for the following New Jersey bodies of water: (1) Greenwood Lake and Belcher Creek; (2) Deal Lake; and (3) Alcyon Lake. Directs the Administrator to report, with recommendations, on such projects to specified congressional committees. Authorizes appropriations for such projects. Revises provisions for permits under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES). Provides that such permits are for fixed terms not exceeding ten years (currently five years), but not exceeding five years in any case: (1) where the permit modifies specified requirements of the Act; or (2) where the State determines that the applicant has not consistently complied with any NPDES permit held by such applicant. Requires that such permits be modified promptly to insure compliance with any new or revised effluent limitation for toxic pollutants or any new or revised requirement pursuant to water quality standards established under specified provisions of the Act which is more stringent than the existing effluent limitation or requirement in the permit or which controls a pollutant not controlled in the permit. Prohibits the Administrator from requiring an NPDES permit, or from directly or indirectly requiring any State to require such a permit for discharges of stormwater runoff from mining operations or oil or gas exploration, production, processing, or treatment operations composed entirely of flows which are: (1) from conveyances or conveyance systems used for collecting and conveying precipitation runoff; and (2) not contaminated with process wastes, overburden, raw materials, toxic pollutants above natural background levels, spilled product, hazardous substances, or oil, or grease. Requires any person discharging such stormwater runoff to: (1) monitor the quality of water in such flows; and (2) report at least annually to the Administrator on the results of such monitoring. Prohibits the Administrator to the extent that inadequate design or operation of a publicly owned treatment works causes such works to fail to meet NPDES permit requirements, from requiring (in issuing an NPDES permit) pretreatment by a discharger of identified conventional pollutants which are introduced into such treatment works other than pretreatment to assure compliance with specified pretreatment standards. Provides that such prohibition shall not affect specified authorities of the Administrator and of State and local governments under the Act. Authorizes a State Governor to submit an NPDES permit program for a portion of the discharges into the navigable waters in such State. Requires that such a partial permit program cover at a minimum administration of a major category of the discharges into the navigable waters of the State or a major component of the State's NPDES permit program. Authorizes the Administrator, if specified conditions are met, to approve: (1) a partial permit program covering administration of a major category of discharges; or (2) a partial and phased permit program covering administration of a major component (including discharge categories) of a State permit program. Provides that a State may return, or the Administrator may withdraw approval of, delegated NPDES permit program responsibilities. Directs the Administrator, for up to ten years after the enactment of this Act, to administer the terms of permits for two specified pulp mills in Alaska, and prohibits the Administrator from setting discharge standards under such permits which are less than those in effect on May 10, 1984. Provides that the term "point source" does not include agricultural stormwater discharges. Authorizes the Administrator to make a grant to the city of New York to install additional facilities and make modifications necessary for the Newtown Creek sewage treatment plant to provide secondary treatment. Makes the Federal share 75 percent of the cost of such project. Authorizes appropriations for such purpose for FY 1985 and subsequent fiscal years. Provides that such funds shall be in addition to any other amounts authorized under the construction grants program provisions of the Act. Directs the Administrator to make grants to the city of San Diego, California, for construction of a project consisting of: (1) a publicly owned treatment works in such city to provide primary or advanced treatment of not less than 60,000,000 gallons of municipal sewage and industrial waste per day for the city of Tijuana, Mexico; and (2) a publicly owned treatment works in such city to provide primary or more advanced treatment of such amount of municipal sewage and industrial waste per day for such city of San Diego as may be necessary to meet the objectives of the Act. Sets forth requirements relating to such grants and projects. Permits, through 1993, the discharge of pollutants for any ocean outfall constructed with such Federal assistance if such pollutants have received primary or more advanced treatment. Authorizes appropriations to the Administrator for such grants for FY 1985 and subsequent fiscal years. Directs the Administrator to make grants to the city of Naco, Arizona, for construction of a project consisting of a publicly owned treatment works in such city to provide primary or more advanced treatment of not less than 150,000 gallons of untreated sewage emanating from the city of Naco, Sonora, Mexico. Sets forth requirements relating to such grants and project. Authorizes appropriations to the Administrator to make such grants for FY 1985 and subsequent fiscal years. Prohibits the city of New York, after March 15, 1986, from discharging raw sewage into navigable waters in an amount which is greater for any 30-day period than an amount equal to 30 times the average daily discharge by the city during the 12-month period preceding such date. Authorizes the Administrator to waive such limitation to the extent and for such limited period of time as may be reasonably necessary for the city to resume operation of a wastewater treatment plant operated by the city, in the event of any significant interruption in such operation. Directs the Administrator to undertake measures, including modifications of compliance schedules, to reduce and eliminate at the earliest practicable date the discharge of raw sewage by the city of New York, taking into account any increase in the authorization for grants for the construction of treatment works made by this Act and standards and practices necessary for attaining a specified level of water quality. Provides that the Okolona Sewer Construction District, Jefferson County, Kentucky, shall be permitted to operate the Okolona Sewage Construction District Treatment Works and shall not be required to use any other facility for wastewater treatment until the West County Wastewater Treatment Plant, Jefferson County, Kentucky, is completed. Directs the Administrator to issue a permit under the Act for such purpose. Directs the Administrator to make grants to the Metropolitan District Commission, Massachusetts, for a project to undertake emergency improvements at the Deer Island Waste Water Treatment Plant in Boston, Massachusetts. Limits the Federal share to 75 percent of the cost of such improvements. Authorizes appropriations for each of FY 1985 through 1987 for such grants. Directs the Administrator, notwithstanding any provision of the Act, to pay, to the extent provided in appropriation Acts, in the same proportion as the Federal share of other project costs, all expenses for the relocation of facilities for the distribution of natural gas with respect to the entire wastewater treatment works known as Oakwood Beach and Red Hook projects, New York. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 and subsequent fiscal years for such purpose. Directs the Administrator to undertake necessary measures, including removal of accumulated raw sewage, to restore the quality of the waters adversely affected by the raw sewage discharge into Brady's run, Pennsylvania, which resulted from the destruction of the Chippewa Township, Pennsylvania, sewage treatment facility. Directs the Administrator to study the feasibility and desirability of eliminating the regulation of discharges of pollutants into navigable waters in amounts which, in terms of volume, concentration, and type of pollutant, are not significant (de minimis discharges). Directs the Administrator to report, with recommendations, in such study to specified congressional committees within one year after enactment of this Act. Directs the Administrator to study the effectiveness of specified innovative and alternative wastewater treatment processes and techniques which have been used in treatment works constructed under the Act. Sets forth requirements relating to such study. Directs the Administrator to report, with recommendations to specified congressional committees within two years after enactment of this Act. Directs the Administrator to study the water quality improvements which have been achieved by application of best available technology economically achievable pursuant to specified provisions of the Act. Sets forth requirements relating to such study. Directs the Administrator to report, with recommendations, on such study to specified congressional committees within two years after the enactment of this Act. Directs the Administrator to study the testing procedures for analysis of pollutants established under specified provisions of the Act. Sets forth requirements relating to such study. Directs the Administrator to report, with recommendations, on such study to specified congressional committees within one year after the enactment of this Act. Directs the Administrator, biennially after the date of submission of such report, to conduct a state-of-the-art review of such test procedures to determine their adequacy and effectiveness. Directs the Administrator to submit to such congressional committees recommendations, based on such review for modifying such test procedures to improve their effectiveness. Directs the Administrator to study the pretreatment of toxic pollutants, including a study of: (1) the adequacy of data on environmental impacts of toxic industrial pollutants discharged through publicly owned treatment works; (2) the extent to which secondary treatment at publicly owned treatment works removes toxic pollutants; (3) the capability of publicly owned treatment works to revise pretreatment requirements under specified provisions of the Act; (4) possible alternative regulatory strategies for protecting the operations of publicly owned treatment works from industrial discharges, including evaluation of each such strategy's potential to achieve the goals of the Act; and (5) the adequacy of Federal, State, and local resources to establish, implement, and enforce multiple pretreatment limits for toxic pollutants for each alternative strategy identified. Directs the Administrator to report, with recommendations, on such study to specified congressional committees within two years after the enactment of this Act. Directs the Administrator to study the problem of the corrosive effects of sulfides in collection and treatment systems, the extent to which the uniform imposition of categorical pretreatment standards will exacerbate this problem, and the range of available options to deal with the effects. Requires that such study be conducted in consultation with the Los Angeles City and County sanitation agencies which have observed examples of corrosion probably caused by sulfides. Directs the Administrator to report, with recommendations, on such study to specified congressional committees within one year after the enactment of this Act. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 and subsequent fiscal years for such study and report. Requires as new conditions for the modification of treatment requirements with respect to the discharge of pollutants from a publicly owned treatment works that an applicant for such modification demonstrate that: (1) in the case of a treatment works serving a population of 50,000 or more, there is in effect a specified pretreatment program for toxic pollutants introduced into such works for which there is no pretreatment requirement in effect; and (2) the effluent which is discharged from such works is receiving primary treatment and meets the criteria for water quality established by the Administrator. Revises the meaning of the phrase "discharge of any pollutant into marine water." Sets forth provisions relating to maintenance of water quality in estuaries. Directs the Administrator to convene a management conference upon determination that the attainment or maintenance of water quality in an estuary requires the control of sources of pollution in more than one State. Sets forth requirements for conference membership. Requires that an interstate agency be the lead agency for carrying out such provisions in any case in which such agency has jurisdiction over all or a significant part of the estuary. Directs the Administrator to give priority consideration under such provisions to: (1) Long Island Sound; (2) Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts; and (3) Delaware Bay, Delaware and New Jersey. Prohibits convening such a conference before a final adjudication has been made in any pending State boundary dispute involving the estuary. Provides that such a management conference shall establish and provide for the implementation of a master plan which addresses the pollution problems of the estuary involved. Authorizes the Administrator to make grants to States participating in such a management conference which are equal to 50 percent of a State's cost of implementing a master plan for a fiscal year. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1984 through 1988 for such grants. Authorizes appropriations to the Administrator for FY 1984 through 1988 for: (1) administrative expenses with respect to such management conferences; (2) grants for the development of master plans for estuaries; and (3) monitoring the implementation of such master plans. Adds provisions relating to Chesapeake and Narragansett Bays. Directs the Administrator to continue the Chesapeake Bay program and to establish and maintain in the EPA an office, division, or branch of Chesapeake Bay Programs to: (1) collect and disseminate research and other information on the environmental quality of the Bay; (2) coordinate Federal and State efforts to improve the quality of research projects pertaining to the Bay; (3) conduct research on sediment deposition in the Bay; and (4) conduct research on how natural and man-induced environmental changes impact on the living resources of the Bay, with particular emphasis on the impact of pollutant loadings of nutrients, chlorine, acid precipitation, dissolved oxygen, and toxic pollutants, (including organic chemicals and heavy metals), and with special attention to the impact on the striped bass. Directs the Administrator, at the request of the Governor of a State affected by the interstate management plan developed under the Chesapeake Bay program, to make a grant to implement management mechanisms in the plan if the State has, within one year after the date of enactment of this Act, approved and committed to implement all or substantially all aspects of the plan. Requires a State or combination of States in order to qualify for such grants, to submit a plan for proposed abatement actions and estimated costs for the approval of the Administrator. Limits such grants to 50 percent of the plan implementation costs in any year and requires non-Federal sources to provide the remainder of such costs during such fiscal year. Limits administrative costs to ten percent of the annual Federal grant to a State. Requires States to submit progress reports to the Administrator within 18 months after the receipt of such grants, and biennally thereafter. Directs the Administrator to transmit such reports, with comments, to Congress. Directs the Administrator, at the request of the Governor of an affected State and after consultation with appropriate Federal and State agencies and other interested persons, to make a grant for purposes of assessing the principal factors having an adverse effect on the environmental quality of the Narragansett Bay, as perceived by both scientists and users, in conjunction with developing and implementing a management program to improve such Bay's water quality. Limits such grants to 50 percent of the program implementation costs and requires non-Federal sources to provide the remainder. Requires States to submit descriptions of the proposed programs for the approval of the Administrator. Directs the Administrator to approve each such program within three months of receipt if the applicant State demonstrates that it will: (1) establish a committee to provide advice on design and implementation of a management program and to coordinate communication on issues affecting such Bay's water quality; (2) review and coordinate federal and State water pollution abatement programs to address adverse water quality factors; (3) establish methods for improving sampling data collection and a system for collecting, analyzing, storing, and disseminating such data; and (4) develop and implement within three years after enactment of this Act, water quality management practices and measures (including land use requirements) to reduce to the greatest extent feasible pollutant loadings in such Bay and to improve its water quality. Requires States to submit progress reports to the Administrator, within two years after issuance of such grants and annually thereafter. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 through 1988 for such Chesapeake and Narragansett Bays programs. Sets forth provisions relating to the New York and New Jersey Harbor area (the Harbor). Directs the Administrator to: (1) collect and make available information on the environmental quality of the Harbor; (2) coordinate Federal and State efforts to improve the Harbor's water quality; and (3) determine the impact of natural and man-induced environmental changes on the living resources of the Harbor and on adjacent coastal areas and the relationships among such changes, with particular emphasis on the impact of pollutant loadings of sewage, dissolved oxygen, and toxic pollutants, including organic chemicals and heavy metals. Directs the Administrator, at the request of the Governor of a State affected by any interstate management plan relating to the Harbor and developed pursuant to specified provisions of this Act for maintenance of water quality in estuaries, to make a grant to implement the management mechanisms contained in such plan. Allows an affected State or combination of States to submit, to the Administrator a plan including the estimated cost of the abatement actions proposed to be taken during the next fiscal year. Directs the Administrator, if the plan is consistent with specified national policies and goals under the Act, to approve such plan and to finance up to 50 percent of the costs of implementing such plan in any fiscal year, on condition that non-Federal sources provide the remainder of such costs. Limits administrative costs to ten percent of such annual Federal grant to a State. Requires such States to submit progress reports on the implementation of such plans, within 18 months after the date of receipt of such grant and biennially thereafter. Directs the Administrator to transmit such reports, with comments, to Congress. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 through 1988 for purposes of such provisions for the Harbor. Authorizes the Administrator to undertake a study on consumptive uses of Great Lakes water. Authorizes the Administrator to conduct such study in cooperation with other interested Federal agencies and the eight Great Lake States and their local governments. Requires such study to focus on all possible control measures which can be implemented to reduce the quantity of Great Lakes water consumed without adversely affecting the projected growth of the Great Lakes region. Requires that such study include an analysis of both existing and new technology which appears to be feasible in the foreseeable future. Requires that such study include at a minimum: (1) a review of methodologies used to forecast Great Lakes consumptive uses; (2) an analysis of the effect that enforcement of provisions of the Act relating to thermal discharges has had on consumption of Great Lakes water; (3) an analysis of the effect of laws, regulations, and national policy objectives on consumptive uses of Great Lakes water used in manufacturing; (4) an analysis of the economic effects on a consuming industry and other Great Lakes interests associated with a particular consumptive use control strategy; (5) an analysis of associated environmental impacts, both singularly and in combination with other consumptive use control strategies; and (6) a summary discussion with recommendations for methods of controlling consumptive use so as to maximize benefits to the Great Lakes ecosystem and also provide for continued full economic growth for consuming industries as well as other industries which depend on the use of Great Lakes water. Authorizes appropriations for such study for FY 1985 and subsequent fiscal years. Grants an exception to a time limitation relating to an application for a permit modification for less than secondary treatment involving an ocean discharge. Provides that a publicly owned treatment works which, before December 1, 1982, had a contractual arrangement to use a portion of the capacity of another publicly owned treatment works which has applied for or receives such a modification, may apply for such a modification for itself within 30 days after enactment of this Act. Designates the Great Lakes National Program Office of the Environmental Protection Agency as the Great Lakes International Coordination Office. Directs the head of the Office to serve as the principal liaison person on Great Lakes matters to the International Joint Commission, United States and Canada. Requires the Office to: (1) develop and implement specific action plans to carry out U.S. responsibility under the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement of 1978; (2) coordinate Agency actions aimed at improving Great Lakes water quality; (3) coordinate Agency actions with other Federal, State, and local authorities; (4) establish a Great Lakes system-wide surveillance network to monitor the water quality of the Great Lakes, with emphasis on monitoring toxic pollutants; and (5) serve as liaison with, and provide information to, the Canadian members of the Commission and the Canadian counterpart of the Agency. Directs the Administrator to: (1) ensure that the Office enters into specified agreements with Agency organizational elements involved in Great Lakes activities in the appropriate State agencies; and (2) include a funding request for the office as a separate budget line item in the Agency's annual budget submission to Congress. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 through 1990 for the Office. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 to carry out water quality studies of the Great Lakes under the Act. Directs the Administrator, within 120 days after enactment of this Act and at the beginning of each fiscal year thereafter, to submit to Congress a comprehensive assessment of the planned efforts to be pursued in the succeeding fiscal year for implementing the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement of 1978. Requires such assessment to include specified information. Directs the Administrator, within 150 days after the end of each fiscal year, to submit to Congress a comprehensive report which describes specified achievements, progress, and long-term prospects for improving Great Lakes water quality. Authorizes the Administrator (or an approved State program) to issue a permit which modifies specified requirements with respect to the pH level of any discharge, and with respect to discharges of iron and manganese, from the remined area of any coal remining operation. Requires that such modified requirements apply the best available technology economically achievable on a case-by-case basis, using best professional judgment. Prohibits such a permit from allowing the pH level of any discharge, or the discharges of iron and manganese, to exceed the levels being discharged from the remined area before the coal remining operation begins. Provides that no payment may be made under this Act except to the extent provided in advance in appropriation Acts.

Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 599 (98th)referred

A joint resolution to designate August 1, 1984, as "Helsinki Human Rights Day".

United States · United States Congress · 20 June 1984

Designates August 1, 1984, as Helsinki Human Rights Day. Authorizes and requests the President to issue a proclamation reasserting the American commitment to full implementation of the human rights and humanitarian provisions of the Helsinki Accords. Requests the President to raise the issue of noncompliance with such provisions with the Soviet Union and Eastern European countries at every available opportunity.

Law· HRH.R. 5890 (98th)enacted

A bill to establish a commission to assist in the first observance of the Federal legal holiday honoring Martin Luther King, Jr.

United States · United States Congress · 19 June 1984

Establishes a commission to be known as the Martin Luther King, Jr. Federal Holiday Commission to: (1) encourage appropriate ceremonies and activities throughout the United States relating to the first observance of the Federal legal holiday honoring Martin Luther King, Jr.; and (2) provide advice and assistance to the Federal Government and to State and local governments and private organizations with respect to the observance of the holiday. Sets forth requirements regarding the membership and staff of the Commission. Authorizes the heads of all Government departments and agencies, upon the request of the Commission, to detail any of their personnel to the Commission and to otherwise assist the Commission in carrying out its responsibilities under this Act. Requires that all of the Commission's expenditures be made from donated funds. Directs the Commission, not later than April 20, 1986, to report to the President and the Congress concerning its activities under this Act. Terminates the Commission after the submission of such report.

Bill· HRH.R. 5861 (98th)open

Medicare Preferred Provider Organization and Competition Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 June 1984

Medicare Preferred Provider Organization and Competition Act - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services, through negotiations, to provide for the determination of payment rates for services by preferred provider organizations so long as the total amount of payments made under title XVIII pursuant to such rates does not exceed the lesser of: (1) 95 percent of the adjusted average per capita cost; or (2) the adjusted community rate plus the actuarial value of additional benefits provided. Defines a "preferred provider organization" as an eligible health maintenance organization or competitive medical plan which has entered into an agreement with the Secretary under which: (1) the organization will provide directly or indirectly to individuals enrolled with the organization and entitled to benefits under part A (Hospital Insurance) of title XVIII, and enrolled under part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of title XVIII, all the services described in parts A and B and the organization will provide directly or indirectly to individuals enrolled with the organization and enrolled under part B (but not entitled to benefits under part A) all the services described in part B; (2) the organization may provide additional services or benefits if these services or benefits are specifically identified to the Secretary and prospective enrollees; (3) the organization agrees to meet requirements respecting access to care, quality of care, program administration, marketing and enrollment practices and materials, full and fair disclosure for enrollees, relationships with health care providers, financial viability, and protections to assure that enrollees will be held harmless in the case of the insolvency of an organization; and (4) the organization agrees to receive payment on a per capita basis. Prohibits any State from preventing any group health plan payors: (1) from negotiating or entering into contracts for alternative rates of payments with, or determining alternative rates of payment for, providers of health care services and offering the benefit of such alternative rates to group health plan beneficiaries who select such providers; or (2) with the agreement of group policyholders and subject to the terms of any applicable collective bargaining agreement, from limiting payment under a policy to services secured by group health plan beneficiaries from providers of health care services charging alternative rates.

Bill· HRH.R. 5863 (98th)referred

Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders Treatment Act of 1984

United States · United States Congress · 14 June 1984

Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders Treatment Act of 1984 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to designate 20 centers for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and related disorders. Requires such centers to: (1) provide a central facility for diagnosis, evaluation, and counseling; (2) develop standards of treatment and methods of delivering cost-effective services; (3) train professionals and nonprofessionals in diagnosing and treating such disorders; and (4) develop a comprehensive acute and long-term treatment program. Authorizes FY 1985 through 1989 appropriations. Directs the Secretary to make $1,000,000 available to each center for each of at least five years for teaching, training, research, and staffing. Permits eligible persons to elect to receive benefits as provided for by this Act rather than under titles XVIII (Medicare), XIX (Medicaid), or XX (Grants to States for Service) of the Social Security Act, or under the Older Americans Act of 1965.

Bill· HRH.R. 5857 (98th)referred

Medicare Hospital Marketbasket Adjustment Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 June 1984

Medicare Hospital Marketbasket Adjustment Act - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to limit the increase in hospital costs to the increase in the marketbasket of hospital costs. (Current law provides that the rate of increase for hospitals shall be the marketbasket plus one percent.) Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to report to Congress annually on the introduction of new health care technologies.

Bill· HRH.R. 5859 (98th)referred

A bill to provide for development of a methodology for payment for hospital outpatient care under the medicare program based on the diagnosis-related group in which patients' treatment is classified.

United States · United States Congress · 14 June 1984

Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop a methodology for the payment for hospital outpatient care under part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act on the basis of a classification of patients by the diagnosis related group (DRG) of the treatment of the patients. Requires the methodology to be designed in a manner as to deny payment for such care where payment with respect to such care was intended to be provided in the payment to the hospital under the DRG related prospective payment system. Directs the Secretary to report to Congress on the methodology developed. Directs the Secretary to report to Congress on the cost of services for which payment is made under part A (Hospital Insurance) or part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of title XVIII during the 30 day period prior to, and the 60 day period after, each hospitalization for which payment is made under Medicare.

Bill· HRH.R. 5862 (98th)referred

A bill to provide for an intra-HMO competition demonstration project.

United States · United States Congress · 14 June 1984

Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide for Medicare (title XVIII of the Social Security Act) demonstration projects in at least four States, under which: (1) the Secretary would contract with one or more health maintenance organizations or competitive medical plans (organizations) to perform the functions both of intermediaries under part A (Hospital Insurance) of title XVIII and carriers under part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) with respect to benefits furnished in a State; (2) if the Secretary contracts with one organization in an area, the Secretary must permit any other organization in the area to enter into such a contract; (3) individuals residing in the State covered by the project and entitled or enrolled under part A or B of title XVIII would be required to enroll with at least one participating organization, but may elect to receive any covered service through any qualified Medicare provider; (4) an organization may offer additional benefits, at no additional cost; (5) an organization will not charge copayments or deductibles if a beneficiary is enrolled with and receives benefits directly from the organization; (6) each organization would receive payment at an annual per capita rate equal to 95 percent of the adjusted per capita cost; and (7) each organization shall have the right of final claim review for necessity and appropriateness of items and services furnished. Directs the Secretary to submit to Congress a protocol report concerning such demonstration projects and annual reports.

Bill· HRH.R. 5856 (98th)open

A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act with respect to denying additional capital-related costs associated with the churning of hospital assets.

United States · United States Congress · 14 June 1984

Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to prohibit, for purposes of establishing an appropriate allowance for depreciation, interest on capital indebtedness, and return on equity capital, the valuation of a hospital asset whose ownership has changed from exceeding the valuation of the asset established for Medicare purposes (less accumulated depreciation) as of: (1) the date of the enactment of this Act, in the case of assets for which a valuation has been established as of such date; or (2) the date the valuation is first established for Medicare purposes, in the case of assets for which a valuation is first established after the date of the enactment of this Act.

Bill· HRH.R. 5835 (98th)open

A bill to amend Chapter 44, Title 18, United States Code, to regulate the manufacture and importation of armor piercing ammunition.

United States · United States Congress · 13 June 1984

Amends the Federal criminal code to define "armor piercing ammunition." Excludes from the definition: (1) shot gun shot required by Federal or State regulations for hunting; (2) frangible projectiles for target shooting; and (3) projectiles that the Secretary of Treasury determines are primarily intended for sporting purposes. Makes it unlawful for any person to manufacture or import armor piercing ammunition. Allows for: (1) the manufacture or importation of armor piercing ammunition for the use of the United States or any State or local government; and (2) manufacture for the sole purpose of exportation. 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. Provides that such sentence shall not be suspended nor probation nor parole granted.

Bill· HRH.R. 5840 (98th)referred

Atomic Veterans Relief Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 June 1984

Atomic Veterans Relief Act - Provides disability benefits to veterans who participated in atomic tests or the occupation of Hiroshima or Nagasaki after World War II and who, within 40 years, suffer from diseases that may be attributable to ionizing radiation, including: (1) leukemia, (2) polycythemia vera; (3) carcinoma of the thyroid; (4) chromosomal damage; (5) posterior subcapsular cataracts; and (6) other radiogenic cancers. Directs the Administrator of Veterans Affairs to promulgate regulations to resolve benefit claims and provide standards for benefit determinations and the inclusion of additional diseases as the basis for benefits. Provides for survivors' benefits. Directs the Administrator to report to the Veterans' Affairs Committees of Congress whenever legislative action related to the subject matter of the regulations is needed. Establishes in the Veterans Administration the Advisory Committee on Veterans Exposed to Ionizing Radiation to report annually to the Administrator on the administration of the benefits provided by this Act. Directs the Administrator to submit such report to Congress with appropriate comments. Provides medical care for the treatment of genetic or congenital disorders in the natural children of affected veterans. Entitles such children to educational assistance. Requires the Administrator to carry out an outreach, screening, and counseling program to serve those veterans, dependents, and survivors entitled to benefits under this Act. Directs the Administrator to establish a research and training program for the diagnosis and treatment of disabilities caused by exposure to ionizing radiation, including a centralized registry of claims. Directs the Administrator to make a comprehensive report on these programs in the annual report to Congress under this Act.

Law· HJRESH.J.Res. 580 (98th)enacted

A joint resolution authorizing the Kahlil Gibran Centennial Foundation to establish a memorial in the District of Columbia.

United States · United States Congress · 30 May 1984

Authorizes the Kahlil Gibran Centennial Foundation of Washington, District of Columbia, to erect a memorial on public ground in the District of Columbia in commemoration of the Lebanese-American poet and artist, Kahlil Gibran. Provides that the memorial shall be in the form of a sculptured monument and shall be designated the Kahlil Gibran Memorial. Directs the Secretary of the Interior, with the approval of the National Commission of Fine Arts and the National Capital Planning Commission, to select a site on public grounds for such memorial. Subjects the design and any plans for the memorial to the approval of the Secretary, the National Commission of Fine Arts, and the National Capital Planning Commission. Prohibits the United States or the District of Columbia from expending any money for the establishment of the memorial. Provides that the authority of this resolution shall lapse unless: (1) construction is commenced within five years from the enactment of this resolution; and (2) prior to the commencement of construction, the Secretary determines that sufficient funds are available for the completion of the memorial. Makes the maintenance and care of the monument the responsibility of the Secretary of the Interior.

Bill· HRH.R. 5613 (98th)open

Prohibition Against the Training or Support of Terrorist Organizations Act of 1984

United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1984

Prohibition Against Training or Support of Terrorist Organizations Act of 1984 - Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit U.S. nationals, resident aliens, and businesses from serving in, training, assisting, or recruiting for an international terrorist group or the armed forces or an intelligence agency of any foreign government. Provides for a fine of not more than five times the total compensation received for such violation, or $100,000, whichever is greater, or imprisonment for not more than 10 years. Provides for the forfeiture of any property obtained as the result of such violation.

Bill· HRH.R. 5612 (98th)reported

Act for Rewards for Information Concerning Terrorist Acts

United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1984

Act for Rewards for Information Concerning Terrorist Acts - Amends the Federal criminal code to provide a reward not to exceed $500,000 to any individual who furnishes information regarding an act of terrorism directed against a U.S. person or U.S. property. Authorizes the Attorney General or the Secretary of State to determine whether an individual is entitled to a reward and the amount to be paid. Provides 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. Authorizes appropriations. Makes Federal, State and local officers and employees ineligible for such payment.

Bill· HRH.R. 5581 (98th)referred

Solar Energy and Energy Conservation Bank Reauthorization Act of 1984

United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1984

Solar Energy and Energy Conservation Bank Reauthorization Act of 1984 - Title I: Reauthorization of Bank - Amends the Solar Energy and Energy Conservation Bank Act to extend the life of the Solar Energy and Energy Conservation Bank until September 30, 1990. (Under current law, the Bank will cease to exist after September 30, 1987.) Requires that 25 percent of the payments by the Bank to financial institutions to provide financial assistance for the installation of solar energy systems in residential, commercial, and agricultural buildings be allocated for active solar energy. Requires an equitable distribution of financial assistance between residential and multifamily residential buildings. Permits all financial institutions to apply directly to the Bank for financial assistance. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 through 1990 for the financial assistance program under the Solar Energy and Energy Conservation Bank Act for the purchase and installation of residential and commercial energy conserving improvements and solar energy systems. Amends the Federal National Mortgage Association Charter Act to eliminate the condition under which the Board of the Bank would not exercise its authority to purchase loans for energy conserving improvements or to purchase mortgages secured by newly constructed homes with solar energy systems. Title II: Financial Assistance to Promote Construction of Highly Energy Efficient Buildings - Amends the Solar Energy and Energy Conservation Bank Act to authorize the Bank to make payments to financial institutions for financial assistance to builders of newly constructed or substantially rehabilitated highly energy efficient buildings (a residential building which utilizes no more than 60 percent of the energy utilized by a building of a similar size that meets the cost-effective energy conservation standards established by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development in effect as of June 30, 1980). Permits financial assistance to be so provided only if the expenditures for new construction or substantial rehabilitation of highly energy efficient buildings are made after the enactment of this Act. Specifies the maximum amount of financial assistance which may be provided for new construction or substantial rehabilitation of highly energy efficient buildings. Sets forth conditions on such financial assistance which are in addition to the general conditions on financial assistance provided by the Bank under such Act. Amends the Federal National Mortgage Association Charter Act to authorize the Bank to purchase mortgages secured by newly constructed or substantially rehabilitated highly energy efficient buildings.

Bill· HRH.R. 5598 (98th)referred

A bill to amend the Foreign Service Act of 1980 to provide essential benefits to certain former spouses not eligible for any benefits under that Act, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1984

Amends the Foreign Service Act of 1980 to provide an annuity for any person who was a former spouse of a participant or former participant in the Foreign Service Retirement and Disability System on February 15, 1981, and for whom no election is made by the participant or former participant. Declares that a former spouse shall not be qualified for an annuity if, before the annuity commences, the former spouse remarries before becoming 60 years old. Sets forth the method of determining when the annuity shall commence and when it shall terminate. Prohibits a former spouse who has been paid a lump-sum payment from receiving an annuity unless the former spouse returns the payment to the Foreign Service Retirement and Disability Fund. Prohibits payment of an annuity until after the appropriate application has been provided to the Secretary of State. Directs the Secretary to: (1) prescribe the regulations for such application within 120 days of enactment of this Act; and (2) inform each person who was a former spouse on February 15, 1981, of any rights such person might have. Requires that limitations on health care payments to an eligible person shall be waived if the Secretary determines that the person's illness was clearly caused or materially aggravated because the person is or has been located abroad. (Current law authorizes waiver of such limitations.) Authorizes a former spouse of a member or former member of the Foreign Service to enroll in the health benefits plan which covered the former spouse before the divorce or separation if within 31 days of the date the divorce or separation becomes final the former spouse: (1) files an election for such enrollment; and (2) arranges to pay currently into the Employees Health Benefits Fund an amount equal to the sum of the employee and agency contributions payable by an employee in the same health benefits plan. Authorizes waiver of the 31 day time limit for enrollment by a former spouse. Permits any individual who becomes a former spouse on or before the date of enactment of this Act to enroll in a health benefits plan if, within six months of enactment of this Act, such individual files an election for such enrollment and arranges to make the appropriate payments. Requires the Secretary to take all practicable steps to: (1) determine the identity and address of each former spouse; and (2) notify such former spouse of that individual's rights to enrollment in a health benefits plan. Requires waiver of the six month time limit for enrollment by a former spouse if the Secretary determines the waiver is necessary. Declares that any former spouse who remarries before age 60 is not eligible to elect coverage by such a health benefit plan.

Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 294 (98th)passed

A concurrent resolution expressing the sense of the Congress that the President should express to the Government of the Soviet Union the disapproval of the American people concerning the Soviet Union's systematic nondelivery of international mail addressed to certain persons residing within the Soviet Union, and that the United States delegation to the Congress of the Universal Postal Union seek the compliance of the Government of the Soviet Union with the treaties governing international mail to which it is a party.

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.

Bill· HRH.R. 5447 (98th)open

National Fishing Enhancement Act of 1984

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.

Bill· HRH.R. 5490 (98th)open

Civil Rights Act of 1984

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.

Bill· HRH.R. 5446 (98th)referred

Interstate Banking Act of 1984

United States · United States Congress · 12 April 1984

Interstate Banking Act of 1984 - Amends specified Federal banking laws to: (1) permit a bank to operate out-of-State if the foreign State's statutory law specifically grants such authority; and (2) provide that in considering bank acquisitions, mergers, or reorganizations effect shall be given to any State laws authorizing such activities by out-of-State banks.

Bill· HRH.R. 5420 (98th)referred

International Security and Development Cooperation Act of 1984

United States · United States Congress · 11 April 1984

International Security and Development Cooperation Act of 1984 - Title I: Military Sales and Related Programs - Amends the Arms Export Control Act to authorize appropriations for FY 1985 to carry out foreign military credit sales. Sets the ceiling on total foreign military credit sales for FY 1985. Earmarks a specified amount of such sales for Israel. Releases Israel from its obligation to repay such credits. Earmarks specified portions of the credits earmarked for Israel for: (1) research and development in the United States for the Lavi program; and (2) procurement in Israel of defense articles and services for the Lavi program. Earmarks a specified amount of the foreign military credit sales for Egypt. Releases Egypt from its obligation to repay such credits. Sets the ceiling on the principal amount of foreign military loan guarantees for FY 1985. Requires, for FY 1985, the principal amount of such loan guarantees with respect to Greece, South Korea, Portugal, Somalia, Spain (so long as Spain is a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization), Sudan and Turkey to be repaid within 20 years following a ten year grace period. Prohibits foreign military sales financing for the Philippines or Zaire for FY 1985. Limits the amount of military sales credits and loan guarantees under the Arms Export Control Act for Tunisia for FY 1985. Requires the principal amount of foreign military loan guarantees for FY 1984 with respect to South Korea to be repaid within 20 years following a ten year grace period. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize appropriations for FY 1985 for: (1) military assistance; (2) international military education and training; and (3) peacekeeping operations. Limits such military assistance for FY 1985 for Zaire. Amends the Arms Export Control Act to authorize the President to finance the procurement of arms by friendly foreign countries and international organizations on such terms and conditions as the President may determine. Directs the President to set the interest rate and to require repayment in U.S. dollars within 12 years after the loan agreement is signed unless a longer period is specifically authorized by statute for that country or international organization. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 to maintain adequate reserves in the Guaranty Reserve Fund. Requires charges for administrative services for foreign military sales to be calculated on an average percentage basis to recover the full estimated costs (excluding a pro rata share of fixed base operation costs). Authorizes the President to provide on a reciprocal basis free cataloging data and cataloging services to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) or to any member government of the Organization. Changes the reporting date for the annual report on international volume of arms traffic from February 1 to April 1. Provides for security assistance surveys in foreign countries. (Current law provides for defense requirement surveys which are included in the definition of security assistance surveys.) Requires the President to submit copies of such surveys to the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Increases the details which must be included in the quarterly reports on U.S. military advisors abroad. Increases the criminal penalties for certain violations of the Arms Export Control Act. Imposes a ceiling on the amount of civil penalty for an export control violation. Includes charges for official reception and representation expenses within charges for administrative services for foreign military sales financing. Limits the amount that may be used each fiscal year for official reception and representation expenses. Prohibits using the Special Defense Acquisition Fund for research and development. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize the President to waive the requirement that the net proceeds from the sale by a foreign country of military assistance program items must be paid to the United States. Imposes ceilings on the value of additions to arms stockpiles in foreign countries for FY 1984 and 1985. Adds Pakistan, Tunisia, Yemen, Lebanon, and Venezuela to the list of countries that are authorized to have more than six members of the U.S. armed forces in their countries to carry out international security assistance programs. Authorizes the President to authorize foreign military personnel to attend professional military education institutions in the United States for free if the governments of such foreign military personnel and the United States have an agreement that provides reciprocal benefits for U.S. military personnel. Encourages the President to allocate a portion of the international military education and training funds for education and training in certain maritime skills. Permits using foreign assistance funds to assist in maritime law enforcement in foreign countries. Prohibits the President's special waiver authority under the Foreign Assistance Act from being used in any fiscal year to authorize: (1) more than a specified amount in sales under the Arms Export Control Act; (2) the use of more than a specified amount of funds made available for use under such Act or the Arms Export Control Act; and (3) the use of more than a specified amount of foreign currencies. Allots the funds from among such categories if the President's special waiver authority is used to authorize an arms sales and to authorize the financing of that sale. Limits the amount of the funds made available for use under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 or the Arms Export Act that may be allotted to any one country in any fiscal year unless that country is a victim of communist aggression. Limits the amount of the total funds other than the foreign currencies that may be allocated to any one country in any fiscal year. Declares that it is U.S. policy to support a negotiated political solution to the conflict in the Western Sahara. Prohibits members of the U.S. armed forces from performing defense services under the Foreign Assistance Act or the Arms Export Control Act or conducting military education and training activities under the Foreign Assistance Act in the Western Sahara so long as the military conflict continues. Declares that the foreign military sales financing authorized by this Act for Jordan is provided in the hope that Jordan will enter into direct negotiations with Israel to resolve the state of war between Israel and Jordan. Prohibits using foreign military sales financing authorized by this Act to finance procurement by Jordan of certain advanced military equipment and prohibits making a specified certification under the Arms Export Control Act with respect to a proposed sale of advanced aircraft and military weapon systems, unless the President has certified to Congress that Jordan is publicly committed to the recognition of Israel and to prompt entry into direct peace negotiations with Israel. Directs the President to submit a report to Congress which analyzes conventional arms exports and possible approaches to developing multilateral limitations on conventional arms sales. Imposes a ceiling for FY 1985 on military assistance and arms sales credits and loan guarantees to Turkey. Reaffirms U.S. policy toward the eastern Mediterranean, particularly toward a settlement in Cyprus. Reaffirms that the United States shall take full account of the observance by all parties directly involved in the Cyprus dispute of their applicable obligations under international law and treaties and that such observance shall be a factor in determining military assistance for Greece and Turkey. Authorizes military assistance for FY 1985 for Turkey or Greece only if the President certifies to Congress that: (1) such assistance for Turkey or Greece is necessary to enable that country to fulfill its NATO obligations and will not upset the current regional balance of military strength; (2) Turkey or Greece is taking steps to achieve a settlement of the Cyprus conflict and is publicly committed to the prompt withdrawal of all foreign troops from Cyprus as part of a settlement; and (3) Turkey is continuing to return to democratic rule and to improve its observance of human rights. Title II: Economic Support Fund - Authorizes appropriations for the Economic Support Fund for FY 1985. Earmarks a specified amount for emergency assistance. Deletes the current provisions relating to: (1) Middle East programs; (2) Eastern Mediterranean programs; (3) the prohibition of funds for nuclear facilities; (4) the special requirements fund; (5) Tunisia programs; (6) Costa Rica programs; (7) Nicaragua programs; and (8) Poland programs. Earmarks specified amounts of the FY 1985 Economic Support Fund authorization for: (1) Israel on a grant basis; (2) Egypt; and (3) Lebanon. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the United States should finance and, where appropriate, participate in cooperative scientific and technological projects in the Middle East. Earmarks a specified amount of the FY 1985 Economic Support Fund authorization for the Philippines. Requires that funds provided to countries in Africa under balance-of-payments support agreements shall be used to meet long term development needs in those countries according to specified criteria. Requires annual evaluations of the extent to which such agreements meet those criteria. Earmarks specified amounts of the FY 1985 Economic Support Fund authorization for Southern Africa and for certain regional programs in Southern Africa. Prohibits using funds from the Economic Support Fund for education or training programs controlled by the Government of South Africa. Permits such funds to be used for programs which clearly reflect in both their character and organizational sponsorship the objective of a majority of South Africans for an end to apartheid. Earmarks specified amounts of the FY 1985 Economic Support Fund authorization for: (1) Zaire; (2) Tunisia; (3) Cyprus; (4) Turkey; and (5) bilateral cooperative activities with Greece and with Turkey. Earmarks a specified amount of the Cyprus funds for confidence-building measures between the two Cypriot communities. Title III: Development Assistance - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 for agricultural development programs. Earmarks a specified amount of such funds for disaster relief assistance in Africa. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 for population planning and health programs. Earmarks specified percentages of the population planning funds for the United Nations Fund for Population Activities and for the Office of Population in the Agency for International Development. Directs the President to promote activities designed to deal directly with the special health needs of children and mothers. Authorizes appropriations to carry out such activities (the Child Survival Fund). Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 for: (1) education and human resources development; (2) development of indigenous energy resources; (3) the private sector revolving fund; (4) the Sahel development program; and (5) private and voluntary organizations. Requires the President to report to Congress within 90 (currently 30) days of deciding to continue support for the programs of private and voluntary organizations in countries which antedate a prohibition against aid to such countries. Recognizes that cooperatives provide an opportunity for people to participate directly in democratic decisionmaking. Requires that development assistance shall be provided to cooperatives which offer large numbers of low- and middle-income people in developing countries an opportunity to participate in democratic decisionmaking. Directs the President to use certain poverty measurement standards in determining target populations for U.S. development assistance and to strengthen U.S. efforts to assure that a substantial percentage of development assistance directly improves the lives of the poor majority. Requires that development activities designed to increase the institutional capabilities of private organizations or governments or that attempt to stimulate scientific and technological research shall be designed and monitored to insure that the ultimate beneficiaries of these activities are the poor majority. Requires that the annual report to Congress on foreign assistance shall include an evaluation of the extent to which development programs directly benefit the poor majority. Recognizes that shelter, including essential urban development services, is among the most fundamental of human needs. Changes the term "housing" in the housing guarantees provisions to "shelter". Increases the ceiling on the total principal amount of outstanding housing guarantees. Extends the authority for such provisions through September 30, 1986. Authorizes the Administrator of the agency primarily responsible for administering development assistance, in order to meet obligations pursuant to certain Federal loan guarantees, to borrow from the Treasury subject to specified limitations. Provides that the agricultural and productive credit and self-help community development programs shall not be limited to Latin American countries. Extends the authority for such programs through September 30, 1986. Increases the amount the President is authorized to spend to aid disadvantaged children in Asia. Amends the International Security and Development Cooperation Act of 1980 to authorize appropriations for the African Development Foundation for FY 1985. Extends the authority of the Foundation until September 30, 1990. Title IV: Economic Policy Initiative for Africa - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to provide assistance to promote growth-oriented policy reforms in sub-Saharan Africa. Requires that agreements providing funds to finance imports by countries in sub-Saharan Africa under sector programs shall require that those imports be used to meet long-term development needs in those countries according to specified criteria. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985. Requires the administrator of the agency primarily responsible for administering this policy initiative to consult with Congress. Title V: Other Assistance Programs - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 for American schools and hospitals abroad and for international organizations and programs. Earmarks specified amounts for specified international organizations and programs. Authorizes additional appropriations for FY 1984 for payment to the International Atomic Energy Agency. Prohibits funds authorized for international organizations and programs from being made available for the U.S. proportionate share for programs for the Palestine Liberation Organization or for projects whose primary purpose is to provide benefits to the Palestine Liberation Organization or entities associated with it. Directs the Secretary of State to review at least annually and to report to Congress on U.S. contributions to international organizations and programs. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 for international narcotics control. Requires the President's report to Congress on the international narcotics control program for the last quarter of each fiscal year to include a yearly total of obligations and expenditures made and of equipment provided to carry out the program. Requires a mid-year report to Congress by August 1 of each year on activities and operations to carry out the program. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should: (1) take steps to place the question of Cuban involvement in illicit drug trafficking on the agenda of the United Nations; (2) request the Organization of American States to consider this question as soon as possible; and (3) request other appropriate international organizations and international forums to consider this question. Directs the President to report to Congress on actions taken relating to investigating Cuban involvement in illicit drug trafficking. Requires the President to direct the appropriate executive branch agencies to cooperate with the requests for assistance from the Royal Commission of Inquiry of the Bahamas which is investigating allegations of narcotics related corruption in the Bahamas. Requires the President to report to Congress on actions taken pursuant to providing such cooperation. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 for: (1) international disaster assistance; (2) antiterrorism assistance; (3) trade and development programs; and (4) the operating expenses of the agency primarily responsible for administering the development assistance programs. Earmarks a specified amount of the FY 1985 development assistance funds to aid refugees and displaced persons in Africa. Title VI: Food-for-Peace Program - Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to delete the provision relating to the distribution by the Commodity Credit Corporation to needy persons outside the United States of dairy products donated through foreign governments and humanitarian organizations. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to furnish agricultural commodities acquired by the Commodity Credit Corporation through price-support operations to carry out the food-for-peace programs of the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954. Amends the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954 to authorize commodities which the U.S. has donated for famine relief to be furnished for direct distribution, sale, barter, or other appropriate disposition. Requires that consideration be given, in the case of famine relief commodities distributed by nonprofit voluntary agencies, to nutritional and development objectives as established by those agencies. Requires that, in carrying out food for development programs, consideration shall be given to using the expertise of U.S. nonprofit voluntary agencies and cooperatives. Limits the amount of the funds available for FY 1985 to carry out the Agricultural Trade and Development Act of 1954 that shall be used for the farmer-to-farmer food production assistance program and for the recruitment and training of persons for the farmer-to-farmer program. Requires the Administrator for the Agency for International Development (AID) to report to Congress within 120 days of enactment of this Act on the manner in which the Agency intends to implement that program. Requires the President to report annually to Congress on planned programing of famine relief for the coming year. Title VII: Peace Corps - Amends the Peace Corps Act to authorize appropriations to carry out such Act for FY 1985. Declares that it is U.S. policy to provide, to the maximum extent possible, opportunities for service in the Peace Corps to at least 10,000 individuals by the end of FY 1988 and thereafter. Directs the President to include in the annual report on the Peace Corps to Congress a description of the plans to carry out that policy. Provides that certain employment requirements of the Peace Corps Act do not apply to foreign national employees. Authorizes the sale of technical publications produced by the Peace Corps. Permits a specified amount of the proceeds of such sales to be credited to the currently applicable appropriation of the Peace Corps. Title VIII: Latin America and the Caribbean - Amends the International Security and Development Cooperation Act of 1981 to add the following conditions to the list of conditions which the President must certify to Congress before arms export licenses may be issued to or for Chile: (1) that an elected civilian government is in power in Chile; and (2) that Chile has granted Israel's request for the extradition of Walter Rauff. Prohibits providing Chile with any military assistance, financing, sales, or arms export licenses for FY 1985 if the President submits a certification with respect to Chile prior to enactment of this provision. Prohibits providing international military education and training for FY 1985 for Uruguay. Permits such assistance for Paraguay for FY 1985 only if Paraguay extradites Joseph Mengele. Declares that to the maximum extent possible development assistance and Economic Support Fund assistance for Haiti should be provided through private and voluntary agencies. Permits the obligation for the Government of Haiti of FY 1985 funds for development assistance, Economic Support Fund programs, and international military education and training only if the President determines that Haiti: (1) is continuing to cooperate in halting illegal emigration to the United States from Haiti; (2) is cooperating fully in implementing U.S. development, food, and other economic assistance programs in Haiti; (3) is continuing to comply with the fiscal performance targets set by the International Monetary Fund; and (4) is making a concerted and significant effort to improve the human rights situation in Haiti. Requires the President to report to Congress every six months on the extent to which Haiti's actions are consistent with those conditions. Prohibits military assistance or assistance under the Arms Export Control Act for Haiti for FY 1984 or 1985. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to earmark a specified amount of the FY 1985 Economic Support Fund authorization for: (1) Peru; (2) Bolivia; (3) Ecuador; and (4) countries in the Eastern Caribbean. Earmarks for scholarships for economically disadvantaged students from Latin America and the Caribbean specified amounts of the FY 1985 authorization for: (1) education and human resource development provisions of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961; and (2) the U.S. Information Agency. Requires the U.S. Information Agency and AID to each consult with U.S. missions in Latin America and the Caribbean before allocating any of the scholarship funds. Requires that at least 75 percent of the funds be used for undergraduate education and technical training and at least 15 percent shall be allocated for Caribbean students. Requires that at least 30 percent of the students receiving scholarships for FY 1985 shall be primarily involved in educational and technical training programs in agriculture. Sets forth guidelines for the scholarship programs. Requires the U.S. Information Agency and AID to convene a conference on educational exchange programs sponsored by the United States in order to evaluate the programs. Requires the President to report to Congress by January 1, 1985, on the roles that certain educational institutions in the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico could play in developing the Eastern Caribbean, the Caribbean, and Central America. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1969 to require the Inter-American Foundation to place primary emphasis on the enhancement of the access of poor people to essential resources and services and on the promotion of social justice and socio-economic development. Directs the Inter-American Foundation to carry out its purposes through and in response to organizations indigenous to Latin America and the Caribbean. Requires the Inter-American Foundation to make its funding decisions independently and to advise the U.S. Government and the various Latin American and Caribbean governments of its activities in their countries. Authorizes the Inter-American Foundation to make grants, loans, and loan guarantees to groups engaged in peaceful activities for specified purposes. Limits the amount of grants, loans, and loan guarantees that the Foundation may make for any particular project in any fiscal year. Authorizes the Foundation to inform the U.S. public and multilateral development institutions of knowledge gained from its development projects. Requires certain projects to have priority. Requires that all members of the Board of the Foundation shall be appointed on the basis of their experience with, understanding of, and sensitivity to community-level development processes in Latin America and the Caribbean. Requires the President of the Foundation to be responsible for the day-to-day management of the Foundation. Requires the staff of the Foundation to be employed on the basis of experience in and knowledge of grass-roots, social, and economic development in the region. Lists criteria for the President of the Foundation. Repeals the provision authorizing the Secretary of State to detail employees to the Foundation. Provides that development assistance and Economic Support Fund assistance for countries in Latin America and the Caribbean should be provided, to the maximum extent possible, through experienced private and voluntary organizations. Permits the use of foreign assistance funds for training or support of foreign law enforcement forces of a country which has a long-standing democratic tradition, which does not have standing armed forces, and which does not engage in a consistent pattern of gross violations of human rights. Directs the President to work in close consultation with the Latin American and Caribbean countries which are major sources of unauthorized immigration to develop reciprocal trade and economic development programs of mutual benefit. Congratulates President Alfonsin of Argentina. Offers congressional support to him and to the people of Argentina. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should take the appropriate steps to: (1) promote the restructuring of the Argentine debt and that of other democracies in Latin America; (2) permit Argentina and other democracies in Latin America to restructure their loan obligations to U.S. financial institutions; and (3) on a multilateral basis to develop plans for reducing the financial pressures on Argentina and other Latin American democracies resulting from the size and short maturity of their foreign debt. Title IX: Miscellaneous Provisions - Prohibits making development assistance funds available for the U.S. proportionate share for programs for the South-West Africa People's Organization unless the President certifies to the Congress that such funds would not be used to support the military or paramilitary activities of the South-West Africa People's Organization. Directs the Secretary to review at least annually the accounts of all international organizations receiving U.S. funding and to report to Congress on the amounts spent by each such organization for such purposes and the amount contributed by the United States to each such organization. Prohibits using foreign assistance funds to procure construction or engineering services from certain advanced developing countries which are not receiving any direct economic assistance from the United States. Increases the ceiling on certain foreign aid grants or agreements relating to construction projects. Requires the plans for water projects to include a computation of benefits and costs made according to specified standards. Authorizes the President to remove a country from the list of communist countries for such time as the President determines if the President reports to Congress that such action is important to the national interest. Imposes certain notification requirements for program changes of funds appropriated to carry out the Arms Export Control Act. Provides that the notification requirement does not apply to the reprogramming of less than $25,000 for international narcotics control or for international military education and training for certain countries. Requires the President to notify Congress, within 30 days of enactment of a law appropriating funds to carry out the Arms Export Control Act, of each foreign country and international organization that will be receiving funds pursuant to such law. Repeals certain obsolete provisions of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961. Directs the President to report annually to Congress on the economic conditions prevailing in Egypt, Israel, and Turkey which may affect their respective ability to meet their international debt obligations and to stabilize their economics. Reaffirms U.S. policy toward the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO). Prohibits negotiations with the PLO or any of its representatives and prohibits recognition of the PLO unless and until the PLO recognizes Israel's right to exist, accepts United Nations Security Council Resolutions 242 and 238, and renounces the use of terrorism. Declares that the funds and authorities provided by this Act for the Middle East should help to promote peace in the Middle East. Expresses the sense of the Congress that all U.S. aid to Egypt is provided in the expectation that Egypt will support and fulfill the provisions of the Camp David accords and the Egyptian-Israeli Peace Treaty. Requires the annual congressional presentation documents for international security and economic assistance to be submitted to the appropriate congressional committees by January 31 of each year. Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the President should create a bipartisan panel of experts to review U.S. participation in the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and should report to the Congress by October 1, 1984; (2) the President should take all necessary steps to ensure the upgrading of the U.S. mission to UNESCO and the appropriate office of the Department of State in order to further ensure a fair and thorough examination of UNESCO's willingness to implement needed reforms; and (3) the executive branch shall not announce a final withdrawal decision concerning UNESCO until the relevant congressional committees have been fully consulted. Title X: Central America - Authorizes supplemental appropriations for FY 1985 for: (1) foreign military sales credits; (2) military assistance programs; (3) international military education and training; and (4) the Economic Support Fund. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to add El Salvador and Honduras to the list of countries which are authorized to have more than six members of the U.S. armed forces in their countries. Authorizes supplemental appropriations for FY 1985 for: (1) agricultural development programs in rural areas; (2) population planning programs; (3) health programs; (4) education and human resources development; (5) development of indigenous energy resources; and (6) operating expenses for the agency primarily responsible for administering development assistance programs. Increases the ceiling on outstanding worldwide housing guarantees. Authorizes supplemental appropriations for FY 1985 to carry out the Peace Corps Act. Authorizes supplemental appropriations for FY 1984 for the following programs in Central America: (1) health programs; (2) education and human resources development; (3) development of indigenous energy resources; and (4) Economic Support Fund programs. Authorizes supplemental appropriations: (1) to carry out the purposes of the Peace Corps Act with respect to Central America for FY 1984; (2) for the guaranty reserve fund for FY 1985; and (3) for U.S. Information Agency programs for Central America for FY 1985. Directs the President to impose conditions on the furnishing of military assistance and economic assistance to El Salvador in order to foster political and economic development and security in El Salvador. Directs the President to report to Congress by September 30, 1984, on the policies of El Salvador for achieving political and economic development and conditions of security. Lists information to be included in the report. Authorizes providing a specified amount of military assistance and up to one-half of the congressionally approved economic assistance for El Salvador for FY 1985 if the President reports to Congress that El Salvador has made demonstrated progress in achieving specified political objectives. Authorizes providing a specified additional amount of military assistance and the remaining economic support assistance if: (1) the President submits a second report to Congress stating that El Salvador has achieved certain objectives and, since the first report, has made additional progress in achieving other objectives; and (2) Congress enacts a joint resolution stating in substance that Congress agrees with the President's determination. Limits the total number of U.S. military advisers in El Salvador at any time to 55, excluding members of the armed forces who are in El Salvador solely to perform medical training or services. Prohibits the President from using the special drawdown authority with respect to El Salvador for FY 1984 and 1985. Prohibits providing El Salvador with delayed billing for arms sales during FY 1984 and 1985 unless the President first reports to the Congress that an emergency has arisen which requires military assistance to El Salvador and that the emergency requirement cannot be met under any other law. Requires that Presidential waiver of the limitations of this Act on aid to El Salvador shall take effect on the date the President submits a written notification to Congress and shall cease to be effective 30 days later unless, during those 30 days, Congress enacts a joint resolution approving the waiver. Declares that for FY 1985: (1) all local currencies generated in El Salvador with funds from Economic Support Fund programs shall be deposited in a special account and shall be available only for certain development and assistance programs; (2) Economic Support Fund funds may not be credited to the Central Reserve Bank of El Salvador or mixed with its foreign exchange reserves; and (3) not less than one-fourth of the Economic Support Fund balance of payments support shall be in the form of a Commodity Import Program. Lists criteria for such a Commodity Import Program. Requires the Agency for International Development to report annually to Congress on the activities and commodities financed pursuant to such program. Requires the President each fiscal year, before spending any economic Support Fund funds to provide economic stabilization assistance for El Salvador, to be satisfied that the Central Reserve Bank of El Salvador has implemented or taken appropriate steps to implement the major recommendations contained in a specified study on foreign exchange policy at that bank. Requires the President to report to Congress on the implementation of that report. Prohibits introducing U.S. armed forces into Honduras for training exercises and other purposes unless: (1) they are responsible for providing security at the U.S. embassy in Honduras; or (2) they are performing functions pursuant to the Foreign Assistance Act of 1981 or the Arms Export Control Act except that not more than 300 members of the armed forces may be in Honduras for such purpose at any one time. Prohibits obligating or spending funds for U.S. armed forces in Honduras except as specified in this title. Requires the withdrawal of U.S. armed forces in Honduras who are not covered by the exceptions in this title. Directs the President to consult with Congress before introducing U.S. armed forces into hostilities in Honduras or into situations in Honduras where imminent involvement in hostilities is clearly indicated. Limits the total military assistance and international military education and training assistance for Honduras for FY 1984 and 1985. Prohibits arms sales credits and loan guarantees for Honduras for FY 1984 or 1985. Prohibits obligating funds for military assistance or for international military education and training assistance for Guatemala for FY 1984 and 1985. Prohibits issuing letters of offer of arms sales and arms sales credits and loan guarantees for Guatemala for FY 1984 and 1985. Prohibits issuing export licenses for arms to Guatemala and export licenses for the armed forces of Guatemala under the Export Administration Act of 1979 for FY 1984 and 1985. Prohibits assigning or detailing members of the U.S. armed forces to Guatemala for FY 1984 and 1985 to carry out certain functions. Prohibits U.S. armed forces from participating in joint military exercises with the armed forces of Guatemala and prohibits spending appropriations for U.S. participation in such exercises during FY 1984 and 1985. Lists certain exceptions to such prohibitions which are provided only to enable the military forces of Guatemala to obtain equipment and training for civilian engineering and construction projects and mobile medical teams. Authorizes appropriations for the Economic Support Fund for FY 1984 to be used for bilateral and regional economic assistance programs of reconstruction and development with respect to Belize, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, and Nicaragua. Authorizes these funds to be obligated only if the President reports to Congress that: (1) the countries of the region have entered into a comprehensive peace agreement; (2) a Central American development plan has been formulated; and (3) a donor coordination group has been established. Declares that Congress expects that, in seeking such goals, the efforts of the Contadora countries will be encouraged and supported and that the United States will actively assist the Contadora countries in seeking a regional settlement in Central America. Declares that Congress expects that, once such goals are attained, U.S. economic assistance for Central America for future years will continue at a level comparable to the aggregate level authorized by this Act. Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the President should enter into negotiations with Central American countries to establish a Central American Development Organization; and (2) to establish a Central American Development Organization should be based upon specified principles. Declares that the Administrator of the agency primarily responsible for administering the development assistance provisions of the Foreign Assistance Act should be the chair of the Central American Development Organization and should carry out the functions of the chair under the supervision of the Secretary of State. Authorizes the President to participate in the Central American Development Organization. Directs the Administrator to prepare a proposal to carry out these functions and to keep specified congressional committees informed on the development of the proposal. Provides for the appointment of three members of the House of Representatives and three members of the Senate who shall be kept informed by the executive branch of all negotiations or discussions concerning the establishment of the Central American Development Organization. Requires the President to transmit to specified congressional committees any agreement which the President proposes to sign providing for the establishment of and U.S. participation in the Central American Development Organization at least 60 days before signing such agreement. Requires consultation with those committees during those 60 days. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to declare that the prohibition against providing assistance to governments to compensate owners for expropriated or nationalized property shall not apply to assistance to a foreign government to compensate nationals of that country in accordance with a land reform program if such assistance will further U.S. national interests. Authorizes the President to furnish Economic Support Fund assistance to countries and organizations to strengthen the administration of justice in Central American and Caribbean countries. Limits the amount of such assistance and the activities which such assistance may support. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the FY 1984 and 1985 agricultural development assistance funds should be used for a comprehensive rural electrification program in Central America. Authorizes the agency primarily responsible for administering development assistance programs to guarantee or insure short-term trade credits which are provided for the purpose of financing goods and services for the use of the private sector in Central American countries in any case where the proposed guarantee or insurance does not, in the judgment of the Board of Directors of the Export-Import Bank of the United States, offer the necessary reasonable assurance of repayment. Prohibits the agency from providing a guarantee or insurance for short-term trade credits unless the credits are repayable within one year. Terminates the agency's guarantee and insurance authority after September 30, 1989. Limits the amount of commitments to guarantee or insure such credits in FY 1985. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the United States should support honest elections in Panama. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the United States should encourage Guatemala to recognize the independence of Belize and to enter into a mutual nonaggression treaty with Belize.

Bill· HRH.R. 5302 (98th)referred

Home Equity Conversions Act of 1984

United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1984

Home Equity Conversions Act of 1984 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit the owner of a residence who has attained the age of 55 to enter into a sale- leaseback transaction with a prospective purchaser of the residence and retain occupancy rights to the residence under a lease requiring a fair rental. Allows the purchaser of such residence an income tax deduction for depreciation of the residence. Permits an owner of a residence who sells such residence under a sale-leaseback arrangement to claim the one-time exclusion from income of gain from the sale of a principal residence by an individual age 55 or older. Excludes from the gross income of such owner the value of any occupancy rights or fair market price discount attributable to retained occupancy rights received in a sale-leaseback transaction. Permits the use of the installment sales method of accounting in reporting gain from the sale of a residence under a sale-leaseback agreement. Provides a special rule for the treatment of an annuity purchased for the owner-occupant under a sale-leaseback transaction. Establishes a legal presumption that a sale-leaseback transaction for the sale of a residence under this Act is an activity engaged in for profit for purposes of the deductibility of certain related business expenses. Exempts the purchaser of a residence under a sale-leaseback agreement from rules disallowing income tax deductions for personal use of a residence. Provides that a personal residence subject to a sale-leaseback transaction will be eligible for the accelerated cost recovery system depreciation deduction.