United States · United States Congress · 6 August 1984
War Powers Act of 1984 - Amends the War Powers Resolution to rename the resolution the War Powers Act. Authorizes U.S. armed forces, in the absence of a congressional declaration of war, to be introduced into hostilities or into a situation where the imminent introduction of such forces into hostilities is clearly indicated by the circumstances, only: (1) to repel an attack upon the United States, to take retaliatory actions in the event of such an attack, and to forestall the direct and imminent threat of such an attack; (2) to repel an attack against U.S. armed forces located outside the United States and to forestall the direct and imminent threat of such an attack; (3) to protect U.S. citizens while evacuating them from a country where they are being subject to a direct and imminent threat to their lives either sponsored by the country's government or beyond the power of such government to control, provided the President shall make every effort to terminate the threat without using U.S. armed forces and provided that the President shall where possible obtain the consent of the government before using U.S. armed forces; or (4) pursuant to specific statutory authorization. Requires the President to report to the Speaker of the House and the President of the Senate whenever U.S. armed forces are introduced into hostilities or into one of the other situations listed above. Requires the President to report to Congress at least once every six months for as long as U.S. armed forces are engaged in hostilities outside the United States. Limits the length of time that U.S. armed forces may be used in hostilities or in such situations to 30 days unless Congress enacts a law providing otherwise. Permits Congress by law or joint resolution to terminate U.S. involvement before the expiration of the 30 days. Provides for expedited consideration of proposals to continue or terminate the use of U.S. armed forces in such situations. States that statutory authorization either for introducing U.S. armed forces into or for sustaining their use in hostilities or situations where imminent introduction of such forces into hostilities is clearly indicated by the circumstances shall not be inferred from: (1) any provisions of law unless such provision specifically authorizes such introduction or use of the armed forces and states that it is intended to constitute specific statutory authorization within the meaning of this Act; or (2) any treaty unless the treaty is implemented by a law specifically authorizing such introduction or use of such armed forces and stating that it is intended to constitute specific statutory authorization within the meaning of this Act. Permits U.S. armed forces to participate jointly with members of military forces of other countries in high-level military commands that were established before enactment of this Act and pursuant to a treaty which was ratified before such enactment.
United States · United States Congress · 6 August 1984
Fair Reduction-in-Force Practices Act of 1984 - Prohibits any executive agency, the Government Printing Office, or the Library of Congress from conducting a reduction in force unless it cannot respond to the reason for the need for a proposed reduction in force by: (1) instituting general cost-reduction measures; (2) establishing practical programs for eliminating inefficient or wasteful agency practices; (3) transferring funds between agency programs and activities; (4) reassigning employees to other positions within the agency, positions funded by trust or revolving fund accounts, or positions with a State or local government; (5) transferring or detailing employees; or (6) limiting the hours of intermittent employees and reducing the use of temporary employees. Requires an agency head to notify the exclusive representative of any unit having an employee who would be affected by a proposed reduction in force of any determination of a need for a reduction in force. Sets forth procedures governing collective bargaining over a reduction in force. Prohibits an agency from conducting a reduction in force unless: (1) after satisfying the previous requirements of this Act, it submits a report concerning the proposed reduction in force to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM); and (2) OPM certifies on the basis of such report that the requirements of this Act have been met. Requires the report to OPM to: (1) describe the actions to be taken, the reasons the reduction in force is necessary, all alternatives and proposals considered and implemented, and the anticipated impact of the proposed reduction in force on the operations and management of the agency; (2) provide any views and recommendations submitted by employee or management representatives; (3) indicate the estimated total cost to the Government of the proposed reduction in force; and (4) compare the estimated savings, over three years, anticipated through the proposed reduction in force with the estimated savings anticipated through the alternatives and proposals considered and implemented. Requires such reports to be submitted to specified congressional committees and made available to certain subcommittees. Permits an agency to issue notice of a proposed reduction in force to employees no earlier than ten days after OPM certifies that the requirements of this Act have been met. Entitles an affected employee to at least 30 days' advance notice. Requires such notice to specify: (1) the personnel action to be taken and its effective date; (2) the information used in determining the employee's standing in the competition for retention; (3) the place where and time when the employee may inspect records pertaining to his or her case; (4) any exceptions to the general order of release; and (5) the employee's right to appeal to the Merit Systems Protection Board or to use any negotiated grievance procedure available. Directs OPM to establish a Government-wide placement register for each occupational category. Requires the name of each employee specifically notified of a reduction in force to be placed on the register for each occupation for which the employee is qualified. Directs OPM to prescribe regulations prohibiting an agency from filling a vacant position by a new appointment, transfer, reemployment, reassignment, or promotion unless the agency determines that there is no qualified individual on the appropriate register. Directs OPM to match each individual on the register with the available position for which the individual is best suited and, if the individual is qualified for more than one position, with the position which would be the least disruptive for the individual (considering the duties, pay, work schedule, and location of the position). Requires each individual to be offered an appointment to the position to which he or she has been matched unless the agency offering such position objects on the ground that appointment of another person is necessary to prevent substantial disruption to an essential agency function or to increase the percentage of women and minorities in the work force to the percentage as of April 1, 1981. Entitles an individual to remain on appropriate placement registers and to be considered for employment for two years. Requires the individual's name to be removed from such registers if: (1) the individual requests that he or she no longer be considered for employment; (2) the personnel action under the proposed reduction in force does not take effect; (3) the individual accepts an offer of an appointment under this Act; or (4) the individual is offered a position within the same commuting area and with the same pay, grade, and work schedule as the position from which the individual was released. Entitles individuals who have been affected by or notified of a reduction in force since April 1, 1981, to be placed on registers upon application. Requires OPM to prescribe regulations prohibiting an agency from filling a vacant position by new appointment, transfer, reemployment, reassignment, or promotion, even if there is no qualified individual on the retention registers, if there is available a person who, notwithstanding any minimum qualification requirements for the position: (1) receives specific notice of a proposed reduction in force and applies for consideration for vacant positions; (2) meets the educational requirements for the position; and (3) can reasonably be expected to satisfactorily perform the duties of such position within 180 days of appointment (with training, if necessary). Prohibits an agency from evaluating the performance of such an employee before 180 days after the employee is appointed. Allows the agency, after such period, to remove such employee for unacceptable performance. Disqualifies from such assignment program any individual who fails to achieve an acceptable performance rating in two consecutive positions. Permits individuals who have been notified of or affected by a reduction in force since April 1, 1981, to be assigned under such program upon application. Directs OPM to require agencies to transmit, at least monthly, a list of the employees notified of a reduction in force and a list of positions the agency plans to fill during the next six months. Requires OPM to make a list of all such positions available to such employees for inspection. Requires OPM to submit biannual reports to the President and to specified congressional committees on the implementation of the provisions of this Act. Sets forth requirements concerning the contents of such reports.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1984
Law Enforcement Officers Protection Act of 1984 - Amends the Federal criminal code to define "armor piercing ammunition." Excludes from the definition: (1) shotgun shot composed in order to comply with Federal or State law; (2) frangible projectiles for target shooting; (3) ammunition containing frangible projectiles; and (4) any ammunition or projectiles which the Secretary of the Treasury determines are primarily intended for sporting purposes. Makes it unlawful for any person to manufacture or import armor piercing ammunition. Allows: (1) the manufacture or importation of armor piercing ammunition for the use of the United States or any State or local government; (2) manufacture for the sole purpose of exportation; or (3) manufacture or importation for the purposes of testing and experimentation authorized by the Secretary. Establishes a licensing fee of $1,000 per year for manufacturers and importers of armor piercing ammunition. Imposes an additional mandatory sentence of not less than five years for any person who uses or carries a firearm and is in possession of armor piercing ammunition during the commission of a violent felony. States that such sentence shall not be suspended nor shall probation or parole be granted.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1984
Expresses the sense of the Congress that Taiwan should continue and accelerate progress toward a democratic system by ending martial law and by releasing political prisoners and otherwise guaranteeing and protecting the rights of the Taiwan people.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 1984
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an income tax credit in an amount equal to 50 percent of expenses incurred for the purchase and installation of television subtitle equipment to be used by a hearing-impaired individual. Limits the amount of such credit to $250 ($125 in the case of a married individual filing a separate return).
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1984
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal rules relating to the determination of the issue price of certain debt instruments issued for property. Amends the Tax Reform Act of 1984 to repeal the revisions made to rules for the imputation of interest on certain deferred payments. Provides that the Internal Revenue Code shall be applied and administered as if such revisions had not been enacted.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1984
States that the House of Representatives disapproves the appointment of Anne M. Burford as Chairperson of the National Advisory Committee on Oceans and Atmosphere, and urges the President to withdraw her appointment.
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 1984
Tax Status of Space Act - Provides that activities performed in space for U.S. persons on any spacecraft owned by U.S. persons and articles produced in space primarily for sale or use within the United States shall be treated as activities performed within and articles produced within the United States for purposes of the Internal Revenue Code and the Tariff Schedules of the United States.
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.
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 1984
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should make every effort to convene an international conference on terrorism: (1) at which participating countries would share intelligence about international terrorist organizations and discuss counterterrorism strategy and techniques; and (2) which would result in the adoption of a Convention for the Suppression of International Terrorism to strengthen international law with respect to terrorist acts. Provides for the establishment by the Convention of effective procedures for dealing with such international terrorism.
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 1984
Expresses the sense of the Congress that American artists and athletes who decline to participate in cultural and sports activities in South Africa because of that country's apartheid system are to be commended. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Department of State should: (1) inform U.S. artists and athletes who request information on travel to South Africa for such activities that the U.S. Government discourages such travel; (2) confirm U.S. opposition toward recognition of the so-called independent homelands; and (3) express its sympathy with the victims of apartheid by voting in favor of U.N. resolutions that seek to mobilize activities by cultural and sports personalities against apartheid.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 1984
Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct a study on the collection of information by the Department of Health and Human Services in order to determine what information is being collected from the same class of individuals more than once. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress on such study by a specified date. Requires that such report include detailed recommendations for collecting information more efficiently and reducing information collection that is duplicative.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 1984
Commission on Poverty Definition Reform Resolution - Establishes the Commission on Poverty Definition Reform. Directs the Commission to: (1) describe the development nature, and functions of Federal poverty definitions; (2) examine the adequacy of current Federal poverty thresholds in reflecting poverty in the United States; (3) determine the types and adequacy of the data bases used by the Government for calculating poverty; (4) evaluate all current efforts to value noncash benefits which may influence the determination of the Federal poverty status of an individual or group; (5) compile a list of Federal and State programs which are linked to any Federal or State poverty definition; (6) develop, assess, and conduct public hearings on options for measuring poverty; and (7) report to Congress recommendations on methods of measuring poverty which ensure that federally established poverty levels accurately reflect the true nature and extent of poverty. Grants the Commission subpoena power. Directs the Commission to submit to Congress an interim report one year after it is organized and a final report two years after it is organized. Terminates the Commission 30 days after it submits its final report. Requires expenses of the Commission to be paid from the contingent fund of the House of Representatives.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 1984
Establishes the National Commission on Federal Budget Deficit Reductions to review all relevant elements of fiscal and monetary policy. Requires particular emphasis to be given to the causes of cyclical and structural Federal budget deficits and the impact which growing structural Federal deficits have on employment, capital formation, and the vigor and viability of economic growth in the United States. Requires the Commission to: (1) identify problems which may hinder the control and reduction of Federal budget deficits; and (2) analyze all potential options which would result in deficit reductions and place the Government on a sound financial basis. Requires the Commission to report to the President and Congress by January 15, 1985, detailed findings, conclusions, and recommendations for such legislation and administrative actions as it considers appropriate. Terminates the Commission 30 days after submission of such report.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 1984
Commends the heroism of the Afghan resistance in its fight to keep Afghanistan free and independent. Condemns the massive Soviet bombing of Afghanistan.
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.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1984
Establishes a pilot program for fellowships under the House of Representatives for persons who are blind or deaf. Requires the Committee on House Administration to report to the House on the effectiveness of, and the desirability of, continuing such program.
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.
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.
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.
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 1984
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should: (1) ensure that U.S. officials carry out his pledge to resolve the issue of the Americans still missing and unaccounted for in Indochina; (2) work for the immediate release of any Americans still held captive and the return of the remains of those who died in Southeast Asia; and (3) make every effort to secure the cooperation pledged by Laos and Vietnam in resolving this issue.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1984
Designates the week beginning February 17, 1985, as a time to recognize the contributions of volunteers who give their time to become Big Brothers and Big Sisters to youths in need of adult companionship.
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 1984
Law Enforcement Officers Protection Act of 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.
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.
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.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 1984
Requests the President to take steps to schedule annual summit meetings between the United States and the Soviet Union beginning on April 25, 1985, on the Elbe River in Germany.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 1984
Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to require certain protections of the seniority rights of affected employees in cases of airline consolidations, mergers, or acquisitions of control.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 1984
Declares that the Congress pledges to continue its efforts to reduce the budget deficits. Directs the President and the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to strengthen U.S. cooperation with the central banks and other appropriate institutions of our major allies. Directs the President to resolve current policy ambiguity by formally withdrawing the May 4, 1981, policy of nonintervention in exchange markets and by reaffirming the principles of responsible exchange-market stewardship agreed to at the Williamsburg economic summit.