United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1984
Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 ("the Act") to revise title I provisions. Retitles title I (currently "Continuing Postsecondary Education Program and Planning") as "Targeted Educational Outreach and Informational Programs." Retitles and replaces part A (currently "Commission on National Development in Postsecondary Education") with new provisions for "Postsecondary Education Innovation and Expansion Grants." Directs the Secretary of Education to carry out a program, in accordance with such title I part A, to assist eligible postsecondary institutions to establish programs to enhance the educational opportunities available to adult learners. Directs the Secretary, from specified sums, to award grants to institutions with applications meeting specified criteria for such assistance. Sets the maximum award that may be made under a single application under part A at $200,000 (to remain available for expenditure for not more than a three-year period). Makes institutions of higher education, as defined under general provisions of the Act, and combinations of such institutions eligible to apply for such assistance. Sets forth permissible uses of such grant funds. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 through 1989 to carry out part A. Retitles and replaces part B (currently "Education Outreach Programs") with new provisions for "Postsecondary Outreach Grants." Directs the Secretary, in accordance with such title I part B, to carry out a program to assist postsecondary institutions to establish and carry out programs designed to encourage the establishment and growth of off-campus educational programs. Authorizes the Secretary to award grants to institutions with applications meeting specified criteria for assistance. Sets the maximum award that may be made under a single application under part B at $100,000 (to remain available for expenditure for not more than a three-year period). Makes institutions of higher education, as defined under general provisions of the Act, or combinations of such institutions, eligible for such assistance. Sets forth permissible uses of such grant funds. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 through 1989 to carry out part B. Eliminates provisions for the National Advisory Council on Continuing Education. Sets forth new title I part C provisions for "Research Program Grants." Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to, and contracts with, institutions of higher education, public and private institutions and organizations, and States, or any combination thereof, to support the purposes of such part C by providing assistance to such educational institutions for specified educational research, development, information, and training activities relating to postsecondary education for adult learners. Sets forth application requirements for such grants and contracts. Sets the maximum award that may be made under a single application under part C at $200,000 (to remain available for expenditure for not more than a three-year period). Sets forth permissible uses of funds under part C. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 through 1989 to carry out part C. Sets forth a new title I part D ("Defined Term") which defines the term "adult learner" for purposes of title I.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1984
Equal Access Act - Prohibits federally-funded public secondary schools which allow non-school-sponsored groups of students to meet from discriminating against any meeting of students on the basis of religious content if: (1) the meeting is voluntary and student initiated; (2) there is no government sponsorship; and (3) no unlawful activity is permitted.
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 1984
Impact Aid Amendments of 1984 - Amends Federal law relating to the impact aid program of Federal assistance for local educational agencies (LEAs) in areas affected by Federal activity. Eliminates the authority of the Secretary of Education to make payments to LEAs on behalf of so-called "b" children in attendance at LEA schools who: (1) resided on Federal property; (2) resided with a parent employed on Federal property situated in the same county, school district, or State as the LEA; or (3) had a parent on active duty in the uniformed services. (Maintains the authority to make such payments on behalf of so-called "a" children in attendance at LEA schools who reside on Federal property and who: (1) do so with a parent employed on Federal property situated in the same county, school district, or State as the LEA; or (2) have a parent on active duty in the uniformed services.) Makes conforming amendments. Sets the entitlement of any LEA with respect to children who reside on low-rent federally subsidized housing property at 15 percent of the amount determined by the current formula under such impact aid program. Revises the formula for estimating the amount of preliminary payments under the impact aid program. Revises the formula for determining adjustments in impact aid payments where necessitated by the amount of appropriations. Eliminates provisions relating to certain discretionary allocations under the impact aid program. Revises certain restrictions on eligibility for disaster assistance under the impact aid program. Permits such disaster assistance payments to LEAs suffering damages from disasters occurring after September 30, 1983. Raises the threshold of eligibility for such disaster assistance from $1,000 or one-half of one percent of the LEA's current operating expenditures during the previous fiscal year to $10,000 or five percent of such expenditures, whichever is less. Amends the Education Amendments of 1974 to eliminate specified hold-harmless provisions which provide time for LEAs to adjust their budgets to decreases in enrollment caused by declining Federal activities within their jurisdictions.
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 1984
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the use of chemical and biological weapons pose grave threats and that the United States should: (1) increase its investigations of suspected instances of chemical and biological warfare; (2) encourage the development of antidotes for such weapons, especially for the mycotoxin; (3) urge other nations to investigate suspected instances of such warfare; (4) help U.N. investigators gain access to areas where such warfare is suspected; and (5) negotiate with the Soviet Union and other nations to strengthen existing treaties regarding such warfare by ensuring compliance with such treaties.
United States · United States Congress · 30 March 1984
Age Discrimination in Employment Act Public Safety Officers Amendments of 1984 - Amends the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 to exclude State and local law enforcement officers and firefighters from coverage under the Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1984
Permits the sale of supplies or services from Department of Defense inventories financed through a Department working-capital fund on a noninterference basis to a U.S. manufacturer or developer for use in products to be used in a contract with a Federal agency or a friendly foreign government as well as in a contract for the Department.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1984
Fair Trade in Steel Act of 1984 - Declares that it is the policy of Congress that access to the U.S. market for foreign-produced carbon, alloy, and specialty steel mill products should be on an equitable basis to safeguard national security, insure orderly trade in steel mill products, reduce unfair trade in steel mill products, and alleviate U.S. balance-of-payments problems. Expresses the intent of Congress to: (1) expand the economic viability of the U.S. steel industry and the jobs of its workers; (2) prevent the further decline of the domestic steel industry; and (3) temper the economic hardships resulting from unemployment in steel industry communities by encouraging reinvestment in existing steelmaking facilities. Limits annual imports of specified steel mill product categories to specified percentages of the apparent domestic supply which are based on adjusted average import penetration levels for each such product category for the years 1979, 1980, and 1981. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to allocate global product limitations among foreign countries, groups of countries, or areas. Sets forth guidelines for making such allocations. Requires the Secretary to make an annual determination of the expected apparent domestic supply in each steel mill product category. Requires the Secretary to revise such determination periodically during the year. Directs the Secretary to determine, within 90 days after the effective date of this Act, whether the steel industry companies have plans to use substantially all of the cash flow from the steel sector for reinvestment in and the modernization of the steel sector. Prohibits the import restrictions from taking effect until the Secretary determines that the steel companies have such plans. Directs the Secretary to monitor steel sector investments made and announced by the steel industry and to consult with steel industry representatives and employees in the course of such monitoring. Directs the Secretary to determine annually whether steel companies are using substantially all the cash flow from the steel sector for reinvestment in and modernization of the steel sector. Directs the Secretary to modify or suspend the relevant import restrictions if the Secretary determines that substantially less than all the cash flow from the steel sector is being used for such reinvestment and modernization and that the level of investment is not demonstrably justified by adverse financial conditions within the industry. Directs the Secretary to publish: (1) each annual determination and its rationale; and (2) the total amount of cash flow from the steel sector and the total amount used for reinvestment in and modernization of the steel sector. Requires the steel companies to provide the Secretary with the information necessary for making such determinations. Directs the Secretary to examine the supply and demand situation in the United States for a specified steel product category if requested by affected steel consumers. Sets forth criteria to be used in determining short supply. Directs the Secretary to monitor imports of fabricated steel mill products. Sets forth the method of investigating whether imports of fabricated steel products are rendering ineffective or materially interfering with the objectives of this Act. Limits the quantity of iron ore that may be entered from all sources during any calendar year after the effective date of this Act. Directs the Secretary to allocate global iron ore limitations among foreign countries, groups of countries or areas. Sets forth guidelines for making such allocation. Directs the Secretary, in making such allocations, to attempt first to accommodate the requirements of individual steel mills which have been traditionally dependent on ocean sourced foreign iron ore and the requirements of contractual obligations incurred before January 1, 1984. Authorizes the Secretary to waive the import restrictions on iron ore if necessary to meet the needs of such individual steel mills. Provides for the enforcement and implementation of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1984
Pennsylvania Wilderness Act of 1984 - Designates certain lands in Pennsylvania as components of the National Wilderness Preservation System, including Allegheny Islands Wilderness-Proposed and Hickory Creek Wilderness-Proposed. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to administer such lands in accordance with the Wilderness Act. Authorizes the Secretary to acquire lands or interests in lands within the Hickory Creek Wilderness, including oil, gas, mineral interests, and scenic easements. Requires the owner's consent for such acquisition. Limits the appropriation for such acquisitions to $2,000,000. Designates certain lands in the Allegheny National Forest, Pennsylvania, as the Allegheny National Recreation Area. Identifies the lands composing such area as the Allegheny Front, Cornplanter, and Tracy Ridge, including the Allegheny Reservoir. Directs the Secretary to administer the national recreation area in accordance with the following objectives: (1) minimizing the environmental impacts of mineral exploration and development, including privately owned oil and gas; (2) maximizing recreational opportunities on the Allegheny Reservoir, including motorized and non-motorized boating; (3) protection of fish and wildlife habitat; and (4) protection of watershed and free flowing streams. Directs the Secretary to publish a management plan accompanied by an environmental impact statement for the national recreation area. Presents guidelines for the plan. Provides for public participation in preparing the comprehensive management plan. Permits hunting and fishing in accordance with Federal and State laws within the boundaries of the national recreation area. Requires the Secretary to consult with the appropriate State fish and game department before implementing any regulations. Withdraws the minerals in all Federally owned lands within the national recreation area from all forms of appropriation and disposition under either mining laws or mineral leasing laws. Requires special use permit applicants to submit a plan of operations consistent with the objectives of the national recreation area, including a reclamation plan. Directs the Secretary to file maps and legal descriptions of the wilderness and national recreation areas with specified congressional committees. States that the RARE II final environmental statement shall not be subject to judicial review concerning the national forest system lands in Pennsylvania. States that the wilderness designation under this Act is not a congressional intent to create buffer zones around such wilderness area.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1984
Health in Advertising Act - Amends the Federal Cigarette Labeling and Advertising Act to prohibit cigarette and other tobacco product advertising on any medium of electronic communication subject to Federal Communications Commission jurisdiction.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1984
Petroleum Marketing Practices Act Amendments of 1984 - Amends the Petroleum Marketing Practices Act to: (1) redefine the term "failure"; and (2) define the terms "constructive termination" and "similar motor fuel marketing operations." Defines "constructive termination" to mean: (1) the failure by the franchisor to supply the franchisee with motor fuel in an amount equal to the minimum specified in the franchise agreement; (2) the failure by the franchisor to make motor fuel available to the franchisee such minimum amount at a price which enables the franchisee to compete with similar motor fuel marketing operations of the franchisor; or (3) any adjustment in the quantity of fuel a franchisee is required or entitled to receive unless the franchisor can show that either the adjustment is applied equally to all franchisees and marketing operations of the franchisor within the relevant geographic area, or, if it is a downward adjustment, the franchisor can show that it is reasonable. Prohibits a motor fuel franchisor from constructively terminating a franchise. Requires a franchisor, in certain circumstances prior to terminating a franchise, to make a bona fide reasonable offer to transfer the franchise to the franchisee. Permits nonrenewal of a franchise relationship if the franchisor and franchisee cannot agree to changes or additions to the provisions of the franchise which are fair and reasonable. Prohibits nonrenewal because of the failure of the franchisor and franchisee to agree to changes or additions to the provisions of the franchise which relate to materially altering, adding to, or replacing the marketing premises. Permits nonrenewal, in a situation where renewal is presently permitted, when it would be uneconomical to the franchisor despite any reasonable changes acceptable to the franchisee, only if the franchisor demonstrates that the nonrenewal is not being made with the intent of avoiding competition with the franchisee. Requires a franchisor to notify a franchisee, 90 days prior to the franchisor's final opportunity to exercise an option to buy or to continue leasing the land where the franchise is located, of the name, address, and phone number of the owner or holder of the underlying lease. Provides that if a franchisee enters into an agreement with the owner or lessor to maintain possession of the premises, then the franchise agreement may continue, at the option of the franchisee. Requires any franchisor who competes with its own franchisees to supply motor fuel to its franchisees at a price and on terms which reasonably enable the franchisee to compete with the franchisor. States that the burden of proof is on the franchisor to show lack of competition. Revises the definition of "trial franchise." Permits a franchisee to maintain a civil action against a franchisor if the franchisor constructively terminates the franchise. States that the death, retirement, or disability of a franchisee shall not be grounds for termination or nonrenewal of the franchise if, prior the franchisee's death, retirement, or disability, the franchisee provides the franchisor with a succession plan. Permits termination or nonrenewal if: (1) the franchisor notifies the franchisee in writing, within 30 days of receipt of the plan, of the franchisor's rejection of the plan; (2) the rejection notice includes reasons for the rejection; and (3) the rejection is reasonable. Provides a franchisee with the right to sell or otherwise transfer the franchise subject to the approval of the franchisor. Prohibits approval from being withheld unreasonably.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1984
Religious Speech Protection Act - Prohibits federally funded public secondary schools which allow non-school-sponsored groups of students to meet from discriminating against any meeting of students on the basis of religious content if: (1) the meeting is voluntary and student initiated; (2) there is no government sponsorship; and (3) no unlawful activity is permitted.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1984
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act Amendments of 1984 - Title I: Funding - Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (Superfund) (CERCLA) to replace provisions for environmental taxes on petroleum, certain chemicals, and hazardous waste disposal with provisions for fees on petroleum, certain chemicals, and hazardous waste disposal and provisions for the collection, enforcement, and deposit of such fees in the Hazardous Substance Response Trust Fund. Imposes a fee of four cents a barrel on: (1) crude oil received at a U.S. refinery (to be paid by the operator of the U.S. refinery); and (2) petroleum products entering the United States for consumption, use, or warehousing (to be paid by the person entering the product for such purposes). Imposes such fee (to be paid by the user or exporter) on any domestic crude oil if: (1) it is used in or exported from the United States; and (2) such fee was not imposed before such use or exemption. Provides that such fee shall not apply to any use of domestic crude oil for extracting oil or natural gas on the premises where such crude oil was produced. Sets forth definitions and special rules. Provides that only one fee may be imposed under this part with respect to any petroleum product. Makes such fee effective on October 1, 1985. Provides that such fee shall not apply after September 30, 1990. Imposes a fee on any assessed chemicals sold (or used) by the manufacturer, producer, or importer thereof. Sets forth a table of assessed chemicals, with a specified fee per ton for each. Sets forth definitions, exceptions, and other special rules. Provides for a refund or credit for certain uses. Makes such fee effective on October 1, 1985. Provides that such fee shall not apply after September 30, 1990. Imposes a fee on the disposal of hazardous waste which is listed or identified under specified provisions of the Solid Waste Disposal Act. Provides that such fee shall apply only to hazardous waste disposal which is required to be carried out in compliance with hazardous waste management provisions of such Act, and shall not apply to the treatment of any hazardous waste, including thermal treatment by incineration at a facility for which a permit is in effect under hazardous waste management provisions of such Act. Sets the amount of such fee at: (1) $20 per ton of assessable hazardous waste which is disposed of by means other than underground injection; and (2) $10 per ton of assessable hazardous waste which is disposed of by means of underground injection. Requires the owner or operator of the facility to pay such fee with respect to the disposal of any hazardous waste at a facility for which a permit is in effect under the hazardous waste management provisions of the Solid Waste Disposal Act. Requires the person disposing of the hazardous waste to pay such fee with respect to any other disposal of hazardous waste. Sets forth special rules relating to such fee on disposal of hazardous waste. Provides that no such fee shall be imposed on the disposal of any solid waste which is required to be studied under specified provisions of the Solid Waste Disposal Act unless, after receipt of the required studies, the Congress enacts legislation respecting the application of such fee to such solid waste. Makes the fee on disposal of hazardous waste effective on October 1, 1985. Provides that such fee shall not apply after September 30, 1990. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to promulgate regulations for the collection of fees under this title, including reporting and information-gathering regulations. Authorizes the Administrator to use authorities relating to inspection of records and access under hazardous waste management provisions of the Solid Waste Disposal Act and specified provisions of this Act for purposes of carrying out this title. Sets forth criminal and civil penalties for specified violations of this title. Requires that revenues from fees established under this title be deposited in the Hazardous Substance Response Trust Fund. Authorizes appropriations to the Fund for FY 1986 through 1990. Title II: Amendments Relating to Response Authorities under CERCLA - Amends CERCLA to revise provisions relating to response authorities. Revises provisions relating to the State share of certain costs. Prohibits the Administrator from providing specified remedial actions unless the State in which the release first occurs enters into a contract or cooperative agreement with the Administrator providing specified assurances deemed adequate by the Administrator. Limits the State share to: (1) ten percent of the future operation and maintenance costs of any onsite remedial actions provided for the expected life of such actions, as determined by the Administrator, and ten percent of costs of the remedial action; or (2) 50 percent of any sums expended in response to a release or threatened release at a facility (not including navigable waters or the beds underlying those waters) that was owned and operated by the State or local government at the time of any disposal of hazardous substances therein, including all future operation and maintenance costs of any onsite remedial action. Directs the President to reimburse from the Fund any State which has paid, at any time after the enactment of CERCLA, in excess of ten percent of the costs of remedial action at a facility owned but not operated by the State or local government. Repeals specified provisions relating to CERCLA preemption of State law (thus allows States to require taxes or other contributions to State funds similar to Superfund. Authorizes States to bring abatement actions under CERCLA in Federal district courts and to take other necessary abatement actions, including issuing orders to protect public health and welfare and the environment. Raises the amount of the fine for willful violations of, or failures or refusals to comply with, such abatement orders of the President (or of a State). Sets forth provisions for citizen petitions for evaluation of facilities included in the emergency and remedial response information system (ERRIS). Allows any person, in the case of any release or threatened release at an ERRIS facility, to petition the Administrator to evaluate such facility in accordance with the hazard ranking system under the national contingency plan in order to determine the national priority of such release or threatened release. Directs the Administrator, upon receipt of any such petition, to promptly commence such evaluation or provide a written explanation as to why such evaluation is not warranted. Authorizes the Administrator to make grants available to any group of individuals which may be affected by a release or threatened release at any facility which is listed under the national priorities list under the national contingency plan for the purpose of enabling such group to obtain technical assistance to review and assess data and information prepared by the Administrator in connection with: (1) the evaluation of such facility under the hazard ranking system; or (2) any proposed plan for remedial action at such facility. Allows only one such grant with respect to any single facility. Limits the amount of any such grant to $40,000. Requires each grant recipient to contribute at least one-eighth of the total costs of the review and assessment. Sets forth standards for cleanup actions under CERCLA response authorities. Provides that the remedial action selected shall require that the level or standard of control of each hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant be consistent with such standards under other relevant provisions of law. Directs the Administrator to make any revisions in the national contingency plan necessary to carry out such purpose. Permits waivers of such standards if: (1) an alternative remedial action will provide protection of human health and the environment substantially equivalent to the remedial action which would be necessary to comply with such standards; or (2) compliance with such standards at the site or facility in question will consume such a disproportionate share of the Fund resources as to have the effect of deferring or preventing remedial action at other sites or facilities which pose a significantly greater threat to human health and the environment. Provides that no permit shall be required under Federal, State, or local law for any removal or remedial action undertaken by any person pursuant to CERCLA at the location of the release or threatened release. Authorizes the Administrator to establish the exclusive administrative procedures for making any determination under provisions for standards for CERCLA cleanups. Includes (by removing an exclusion) under the definition of "hazardous substance" for purposes of CERCLA response and liability provisions: petroleum (including crude oil) and natural gas, natural gas liquids, liquefied natural gas, or synthetic gas usable for fuel (or mixtures of natural gas and such synthetic gas). Includes (by removing an exclusion) under the definition of "pollutant or contaminant" for purposes of CERCLA response authorities: petroleum (including crude oil) and natural gas, liquefied natural gas, or synthetic gas of pipeline quality (or mixtures of natural gas and such synthetic gas). Sets forth a regulatory program with standards for underground storage tanks. Directs the Administrator, within 12 months after the enactment of this Act, to promulgate regulations establishing performance standards, applicable to owners and operators of underground storage tanks used for the storage of hazardous substances, including gasoline or other liquid hydrocarbons, in order to prevent releases into the environment for the operational life of the tank. Provides that such regulations shall apply only to underground storage tanks located on property used primarily for commercial or governmental purposes. Directs the Administrator to distinguish in such standards between requirements for new tanks and those for tanks already in existence. Sets forth requirements which must be included in such standards. Authorizes the Administrator to implement such standards through: (1) promulgation of regulations made effective in accordance with specified hazardous waste management provisions of the Solid Waste Disposal Act; or (2) establishment of a permit program if necessary. Provides that such permits may be required for any person or category of persons who stores any hazardous substance, including gasoline or any other liquid hydrocarbon, in an underground storage tank located on property primarily used for commercial or governmental purposes. Provides that specified provisions of the Solid Waste Disposal Act shall apply to the program and requirements established under this Act in the same manner as such provisions apply to the hazardous waste regulation program under such Act. Provides that the failure or refusal of an owner or operator of any underground storage tank to provide to a supplier of any hazardous substance, including gasoline or any other liquid hydrocarbon, appropriate evidence of compliance with standards established under this Act shall constitute a defense to any enforcement action brought under any other authority of law to require such supplier to deliver any such substance to such tank. Sets forth criminal penalties for persons who knowingly commit material violations or omissions with respect to requirements established by the Administration under the regulatory program established by this Act, if such violation or omission results in a release or threatened release of any hazardous substance (including gasoline or other liquid hydrocarbon) from an underground storage tank. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 through 1987 to carry out this regulatory program. Provides that up to 50 percent of such appropriations in any such fiscal year may be used to make grants to States for development and implementation of State programs to carry out this regulatory program. Directs the Administrator, within one year after the enactment of this Act, to conduct a study regarding underground storage tanks which are located on residential property and used for the storage of hazardous substances, including gasoline or other liquid hydrocarbons. Requires that such study include estimates of the number and location of such tanks and an analysis of the extent to which there may be releases or threatened releases from such tanks into the environment. Directs the Administrator to report to the President and the Congress on the results of such study, with recommendations on whether such tanks on residential property should be subject to requirements under this regulatory program. Makes CERCLA national contingency plan provisions applicable to federally owned or operated facilities. Directs the Administrator, within one year after the enactment of this Act, to: (1) apply specified criteria (for determining priorities among releases or threatened releases throughout the United States for purposes of taking remedial action) to each facility owned or operated by a Federal agency at which there is a release or threatened release of any hazardous substance or pollutant or contaminant; and (2) revise the national priority list (based on such criteria) to include such Federal facilities in the same manner and to the same extent as non-Federal facilities. Provides for remedial investigations and feasibility studies at Federal facilities. Directs each Federal agency with administrative jurisdiction over any facility included on the national priority list under the national contingency plan to conduct, in accordance with such plan, a remedial investigation and feasibility study with respect to such facility. Requires that such investigations and studies be completed by December 31, 1986. Directs the Administrator to approve such investigations and studies which are consistent with the national contingency plan. Directs the Federal agency involved to commence remedial actions at such facility within 120 days after such approval by the Administrator. Includes references to "pollutants" or "contaminants," in addition to "hazardous substances," under CERCLA liability provisions. Revises the statute of limitations under CERCLA claims procedure provisions to allow presentation of claims and commencement of specified cost recovery actions until six years after the date of completion of the response action. Limits court review of abatement orders under CERCLA to actions to: (1) enforce such orders; (2) recover penalties for violations of such orders; or (3) recover punitive damages in connection with such order. Provides that, in any action under CERCLA liability provisions, the results of any EPA laboratory tests to determine what substances are present at the site of the release or threatened release may be introduced into evidence and shall be presumed to be accurate. Provides that such presumption shall be overcome if the defendant establishes by a preponderance of the evidence that such test results lack a reasonable basis. Includes interest on the costs and damages referred to in CERCLA liability provisions among the amounts recoverable in actions under such provisions. Provides for access authorities under CERCLA response authorities. Establishes civil penalties for noncompliance with EPA or State requests for such access. Sets forth requirements for the use of settlement funds obtained under CERCLA. Requires that any costs or damages recovered by the Administrator in any settlement of an action brought under liability provisions with respect to a release at a facility shall be retained by the Administrator and used only for removal or remedial action (or both) at such facility, except to the extent that the amount of settlement exceeds EPA expenses (after receipt of the settlement) for removal and remedial action at such facility. Directs the Administrator of the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), on or before September 30, 1991, to also carry out health effects studies at a total of 75 top priority sites on the national priority list under the national contingency plan. Provides that such sites shall be the 75 which the ATSDR determines to present the most significant risk to human health. Authorizes for the period FY 1986 through 1990 the use of not more than $20,000,000 of the amounts available for payments to the Secretary of Health and Human Services for costs incurred in carrying out ATSDR responsibilities under CERCLA. Provides that such sums shall remain available until expended. Authorizes for the period FY 1986 through 1990 the use of not more than $50,000,000 of the amounts available in the Fund for grants to States to implement State response actions which are consistent with the national contingency plan in the case of States which have demonstrated the ability and willingness to carry out a high level of such response actions and which are authorized to carry out State programs under hazardous waste management provisions of the Solid Waste Disposal Act. Authorizes for the period FY 1986 through 1990 the use of not more than $25,000,000 of the amounts available in the Fund for grants for research and development activities regarding innovative technologies which may be used in removal and remedial actions under CERCLA. Deletes a condition that a guarantor must be "acting in good faith" in order for certain limitations of liability to apply. Repeals specified provisions for transfer of liability to the Postclosure Liability Fund. Directs the Administrator, within six months after enactment of this Act, and after consultation with the States, to submit a report to the Congress with a schedule for the cleanup of sites which are listed on the national priority list under the national contingency plan. Repeals provisions authorizing the use of the Fund to pay the costs of Federal or State efforts in the restoration, rehabilitation, or replacement or acquiring the equivalent of any natural resources injured, destroyed, or lost as a result of a release of a hazardous substance. Repeals provisions authorizing the President or a State to assert claims against the Fund for injury to, or destruction or loss of, natural resources resulting from a release or threatened release of a hazardous substance from a vessel or a facility.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1984
Directs the President to: (1) secure from the Indochina nations a full accounting of Americans captured or missing as a result of the Vietnam conflict; and (2) work for the release of captive Americans and the return of the remains of those American servicemen and civilians who died in Southeast Asia. Requires the President to submit two reports to Congress on American POW/MIAs in Southeast Asia.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1984
Amends the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 to remove the "last employer" limitation on the receipt of certain annuities where the employment concerned is part-time nonrailroad employment and does not exceed a specified amount per annum.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1984
Leadership in Educational Administration Development Act of 1984 - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 through 1990 to carry out this Act. Directs the Secretary of Education, from such appropriations, to make available amounts, up to a specified maximum per region, necessary to establish and operate a regional technical assistance center in each Federal region. Makes any remainder of such appropriations available for metropolitan training centers. Directs the Secretary to enter into a contract with an institution of higher education (or consortium of such institutions) in each Federal region to establish and operate a regional technical assistance center. Permits the contractor to associate with a private management agency for performance of such contract. Requires the contractor to: (1) make center services available to school administrators from any of the local educational agencies (LEAs) in the region; (2) collect information on school leadership skills; (3) assess leadership skills of individual participants; (4) conduct leadership skills training for new and practicing school administrators, especially women and minority administrators; (5) operate consulting programs for school districts; (6) maintain training curricula and materials on leadership skills drawing on expertise in business, academia, civilian and military governmental agencies, and existing effective schools; (7) conduct programs which make available business executives, scholars, and practicing school administrators and which offer internships in business, industry, and in effective school districts to school administrators; (8) disseminate information on leadership skills associated with effective schools; and (9) establish model administrator projects. Directs the Secretary in selecting such contractors to take into account whether their programs would: (1) emphasize development of leadership skills identified by graduate schools of management and of education; and (2) assure provision of assistance to school administrators from LEAs in which the number of pupils in the average daily attendance is less than 2,500. Directs the Secretary to enter into contracts with LEAs, intermediate school districts, State educational agencies (SEAs), institutions of higher education, private management organizations, or nonprofit institutions (or consortium of such entities) to establish and operate metropolitan training centers in eligible LEAs. Defines an eligible LEA as any LEA which is located, in part or in whole, within a standard metropolitan statistical area (SMSA) with a population of 250,000 or more. Requires such contractors to: (1) make center services available on an equitable basis, taking account of the contributions of various LEAs to center costs, to school administrators from each of the LEAs located, in part or in whole, within the SMSA; (2) perform specified functions which are also required of regional center contractors; and (3) coordinate metropolitan center operations with those of the regional center. Directs the Secretary, in selecting such contractors, to: (1) accept only those applications which demonstrate the existence of a prior agreement, among LEAs with more than one-half of the pupils in average daily attendance within the SMSA, to utilize the center; and (2) take into account whether their programs would emphasize provision of assistance to school administrators from LEAs in which the number of pupils in average daily attendance is more than 2,500 and would give preference to consortia of LEAs. Requires contracts under this Act to: (1) assure involvement of private sector managers and executives; (2) assure ongoing organizational commitment through obtaining matching funds, making in-kind contributions, demonstrating commitment to continue after expiration of funding under this Act, and organizing a policy advisory committee including representatives from business, private foundations, LEAs, and SEAs; (3) demonstrate the level of development of human relations skills which its programs will instill; and (4) establish a system of program evaluation. Provides that each contract under this Act shall be for a three-year term, subject to availability of funds. Makes such contracts non-renewable, but allows a single three-year extension to be granted if the contractor agrees to maintain the programs with assistance under this Act reduced by one-half. Authorizes the Secretary to prescribe regulations to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1984
Prohibits any reduction in force within the Employment and Training Administration which would reduce the number of civilian employees below a specified level during the period from the enactment of this Act until September 30, 1984. Directs the Secretary of Labor, in carrying out a reduction in force, to retain Native American personnel having particular competence and experience in the selection, administration, monitoring, and evaluation of Native American employment and training programs under the Job Training Partnership Act.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1984
Declares that it is the sense of Congress that the Federal bank regulatory agencies should require their examiners to exercise caution and restraint in adversely classifying loans made to agricultural borrowers.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1984
Textile Fiber and Wool Products Identification Improvement Act - Amends the Textile Fiber Products Identification Act and the Wool Products Labeling Act of 1939 to require a textile fiber or wool product to be so labeled if it has been processed or manufactured in the United States. Requires the product, as well as the package in which it is contained, to be labeled as to country of origin. Requires catalog sales descriptions and other advertisements for textile and wool products to contain country of origin information. Requires that the identification label on imported textile fiber or wool products be affixed to the most conspicuous place on the inner side of the product. Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to exempt from the additional duty for failure to mark those articles exported to the country of origin.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1984
Amends the Surface Transportation Assistance Act of 1982 to increase the authorized appropriations for highway safety programs for FY 1985 and 1986. Requires each State to expend at least eight percent of such funds for developing and implementing comprehensive programs concerning the use of child restraint systems in motor vehicles.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1984
Calls upon the news media to voluntarily refrain from: (1) projecting presidential election results; or (2) predicting the outcome of such elections until all polling places have closed.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1984
Commission on Pay Equity - Establishes a Commission on Pay Equity which shall: (1) retain a private contractor who shall study the compensation paid to job classes in a Federal legislative branch agency in which at least 50 percent of the employees are subject to provisions of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibiting discrimination in Government employment and which has the broadest range of job classification of all eligible agencies, determine whether the compensation system in that agency provides for pay equity and equal employment opportunity, and, if not, make recommendations to Congress for necessary action; and (2) based on the findings of such study, establish a comprehensive plan and make recommendations to Congress to ensure pay equity and equal employment opportunity in the legislative branch. Directs the Commission to submit to Congress appropriate interim reports and a final report within one year after its first meeting. Terminates the Commission 30 days after submission of such final report. Requires payment of Commission expenses from the contingent fund of the House of Representatives.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 1983
Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) to establish a talented teachers scholarship program and a national talented teachers fellowship program under title V (Teacher Corps and Teacher Training Programs) of HEA. Establishes the talented teachers scholarship program to make grants to States for postsecondary education scholarships to outstanding high school graduates to enable them to pursue teaching careers in public elementary or secondary education. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 and subsequent fiscal years for such purpose. Provides for allocation of such funds among the States on the basis of population. Authorizes the Secretary of Education to make such grants to States which submit applications which include specified procedures and agreements. Includes among required agreements assurances that efforts will be made to attract students who: (1) are from low-income backgrounds; or (2) express a willingness or desire to teach in schools having less than average results or serving large numbers of economically disadvantaged students. Provides that each talented teacher scholar shall receive a $5,000 scholarship for each academic year of postsecondary education for study in preparation to become an elementary or secondary education teacher. Limits such individual scholarship assistance to four years of postsecondary education, as determined by the State agency. Requires that such scholarship funds be taken into consideration in determining eligibility for other student assistance under HEA. Limits the amount of an individual scholarship to an amount which when added to other student assistance under HEA does not exceed the cost of attendance. Requires that talented teacher scholars be selected by: (1) a seven-member statewide panel appointed by the chief State elected official, acting in consultation with the State education agency (SEA), or (2) by an existing panel designated by the chief State elected official and approved by the Secretary. Requires that such selections be made from students who have graduated or are graduating from high school and rank in the top ten percent of their graduating class. Requires the SEA to make applications available to high schools and in other convenient locations. Requires the statewide panel to develop criteria and procedures for selection. Permits such criteria to include grade point average, extracurricular activities, financial need, interest in teaching as expressed in an essay, and letters of recommendation. Sets forth scholarship conditions, including full-time enrollment and satisfactory progress in a course of study leading to teacher certification. Sets forth scholarship repayment provisions for recipients found by the SEA to be in noncompliance with agreements. Sets forth exceptions to such repayment provisions. Sets forth provisions relating to: (1) Federal administration of State programs under specified circumstances; and (2) judicial review of the Secretary's actions toward State programs. Establishes the national talented teachers fellowship program. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 and subsequent fiscal years for such fellowships for outstanding teachers. Limits to two and one-half percent that portion of such funds which may be used for administration. Requires that such funds be used to award: (1) two national teacher fellowships to public school teachers teaching in each congressional district of each State, the District of Columbia, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico; and (2) one such fellowship in Guam, the Virgin Islands, American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands. Limits fellowship awards to the average national salary of public school teachers. Prohibits receipt of an award by any individual for two consecutive years. Requires talented teacher fellows to return to a teaching position in their current school district for at least two years following the award. Permits such fellows to use such awards for such projects improving public education as the Secretary may approve, including: (1) sabbaticals for study, research, travel, or academic improvement; (2) curriculum development; (3) consultation with or assistance to other school districts; (4) development of special innovative programs; (5) community relations; or (6) model teacher programs and staff development. Establishes a National Selection Board for Talented Teaching Fellows. Sets forth provisions for membership and procedures. Requires fellowship applicants to submit proposals for projects, and indicate the extent to which they wish to continue current teaching duties, to the local education agency (LEA) for comment prior to submission to the Committee. Directs the Committee, in evaluating proposals, to: (1) consult with the LEA; (2) request recommendations from two teaching peers, the principal, and the superintendent; and (3) consider other appropriate criteria. Directs the Secretary to prescribe regulations for such selections. Requires that announcement of such awards be: (1) made in a public ceremony; and (2) done in consultation with the Member of Congress and Senators representing the school district in which the fellows teach. Requires repayment of the fellowship award to the Federal Government in the case of fraud or gross noncompliance. Authorizes the Secretary to appoint, for up to three-year terms, up to five technical employees to administer title V (Teacher Corps and Teacher Training) of HEA who may be appointed and paid without regard to specified provisions of Federal law governing appointments to the competitive service and relating to classification and pay rates.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 1983
National Uniform State Regulations of Interstate Motor Carriers Act of 1983 - Establishes in the Department of Transportation a working group composed of State officials representing agencies with expertise in vehicle registration, fuel tax, and third structure tax practices affecting the trucking industry. Directs the working group to advise, consult with, and make recommendations to the Secretary of Transportation regarding uniform State regulation of interstate motor carriers.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 1983
Alamo Commemoration Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue half dollar coins with a design emblematic of the 150th anniversary of the battle of the Alamo. Terminates such minting authority on December 31, 1986. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 1983
National Observance Advisory Act - Establishes a commission known as the President's Advisory Commission on National Observances to establish criteria for recommending to the President that a proposed national observance be approved or disapproved.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 1983
Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the Federal Railroad Administration, in conjunction with the Association of American Railroads, should be commended for its efforts to address the alcohol and drug abuse problems of railroad employees; (2) Congress and the Administration should continue to promote voluntary efforts by the railroads and rail labor organizations to implement working employee assistance programs and to enter into specified agreements; and (3) the Administration should continue to study the necessity of a Federal rulemaking to control such drug and alcohol abuse problem.
United States · United States Congress · 17 November 1983
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the American Broadcasting Company, the Department of State, and the U.S. Information Agency should work to have the television movie "The Day After" aired to the Soviet public.
United States · United States Congress · 16 November 1983
States that the Congress: (1) holds Iran responsible for upholding the rights of the Baha'is; (2) condemns Iran's decision to destroy the Baha'i faith; and (3) calls upon the President to work with appropriate foreign governments to form an appeal to Iran concerning the Baha'is, to cooperate with the United Nations in its efforts on behalf of the Baha'is, and to provide humanitarian assistance for Baha'is who flee Iran.
United States · United States Congress · 15 November 1983
Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to require on board passenger-carrying aircraft: (1) no-smoking sections for each class of service; (2) the prohibition of smoking cigars and pipes; and (3) the prohibition of smoking whenever an aircraft ventilation system is not operating at normal service.