United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1986
Prohibits the issuance of a letter of offer with respect to specified proposed sales of Sidewinder, Stinger, and Harpoon missiles and services to Saudi Arabia, as described in the April 8, 1986, certifications from the President to the Congress under the Arms Export Control Act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1986
Non-Smokers' Protection Act of 1986 - Establishes the policy of the United States to provide an environment free from tobacco smoke to the maximum extent practicable in Government buildings. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in consultation with the Surgeon General, to promulgate regulations to carry out such policy. Requires such regulations, at a minimum, to provide that smoking be prohibited in buildings or building sections occupied by the Government. Authorizes the Secretary to exempt certain limited areas from such restriction and grants precedence to the rights of nonsmokers in any dispute. Requires the posting of signs where smoking is permitted in a building. Directs the Secretary to solicit comments from labor organizations prior to promulgating regulations. Prohibits such regulations from superseding those that provide more stringent restrictions on smoking. Declares that nothing in this Act prevents more stringent regulations from being promulgated.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1986
Nursing Home Resident Protection Act of 1986 - Title I: Medicare and Medicaid Programs - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require intermediate care facilities (other than mental health institutions) to meet skilled nursing facility requirements established under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Act. Makes changes in the conditions placed upon skilled nursing facilities' Medicare participation relating to: (1) the quality and fairness of care; (2) patient participation in facility decision-making; and (3) the extent to which care approximates a patient's particular needs. Substantiates such objectives by providing a nonexclusive list of patients' rights at such facilities. Prohibits State agencies which have agreed to survey nursing facilities' compliance with Medicare participation conditions from providing such facilities with consultation services regarding such conditions. Requires that nursing facility survey results be posted in a place accessible to patients. Requires that nursing facility surveys be: (1) unannounced; (2) conducted by a multidisciplinary team of professionals trained and tested for their duties; (3) focused on the quality of care provided to patients; and (4) performed for each facility on a regular basis, the frequency of such surveys depending upon the facility's record. Directs State agencies to provide for the investigation of complaints against nursing facilities and to use specialized survey teams to survey and carry out enforcement action against chronically substandard facilities and other facilities threatening patients' well-being. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish criteria and procedures for evaluating an institution's plans for the correction of its violations of nursing facility standards. Directs the Secretary to conduct a random annual sample of skilled nursing and intermediate care facilities in order to validate State determinations regarding provider compliance with Medicaid requirements. Directs the Secretary to develop and implement intermediate sanctions applicable to Medicare nursing or Medicaid intermediate care facilities which do not substantially satisfy the requirements placed on such facilities, but which do not immediately jeopardize the health, safety, and well-being of their patients. Gives such facilities the right to a hearing after the determination regarding such deficiencies is made. Amends part A (General Provisions) of title XI of the Act to give an individual entitled to inpatient hospital services in a nursing or intermediate care facility the right to bring an action in an appropriate Federal district court when such facility's failure to meet the requirements of the Act adversely affects such individual. Title II: Amendments to the Older Americans Act of 1965 - Amends the ombudsman program of the Older Americans Act of 1965 to: (1) authorize an ombudsman to designate a representative to perform ombudsman functions; (2) increase the minimum which must be allotted to the program from grants to States for the provision of social services for the aged; (3) immunize ombudsmen and their representatives from liability under State and Federal law in the performance of their duties, so long as such duties are performed with due care; and (4) provide technical assistance and training for ombudsmen and their representatives. Establishes the National Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program Advisory Council in the Department of Health and Human Services to advise the Secretary regarding the development and operation of the ombudsman program. Requires the Secretary to report annually to the Congress regarding data collected on complaints and conditions in long-term care facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1986
San Luis Rey Indian Water Rights Settlement Act - Provides for the settlement of water rights claims between the United States and the La Jolla, Rincon, San Pasqual, Pauma, and Pala Bands of Mission Indians (California). Requires the Secretary of the Interior, upon the settlement of all water rights claims, to deliver water to the Indian Water Authority in the vicinity of the Bands' Reservations. Requires the Indian Water Authority to reimburse the United States for operational and maintenance costs (except construction costs) incurred in the delivery of such water. Requires the Indian Water Authority to pay costs associated with the conveyance of such water through non-Federal facilities. Prohibits the Secretary from being obligated to deliver such water if: (1) such delivery would require the construction of new Federal facilities; (2) consent is denied for the use of non-Federal facilities; or (3) necessary contracts have not been executed. Requires the Secretary to use project use power from the Central Valley Project to deliver water from the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta to the Indian Water Authority. Requires the Indian Water Authority to reimburse the United States at the project use rate for irrigation water for the operation and maintenance costs incurred in providing power for the delivery of water. Sets forth limitations on the costs of providing such power. Establishes the San Luis Rey Indian Water Authority. Provides that the Authority, upon the approval of the Secretary, may lease, sell, and manage any water or power resource on or off the Reservations of the Bands. Authorizes the Secretary to lease, grant rights-of-way across, or transfer title to any Indian tribal or allotted land which is used to divert, convey, and store the waters of the San Luis Rey River for the local entities, including the Rincon and Bear Valley powerplants.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1986
Effective Schools and Even Start Act - Requires each State receiving an allotment under a certain provision of the Education Consolidation and Improvement Act of 1981 after enactment of this Act to use a specified portion of such allotment to: (1) plan for, and review proposed changes in, effective schools programs; (2) implement and support effective schools programs; (3) obtain technical assistance and consultant services with respect to effective schools programs from qualified nonprofit educational organizations; (4) design, develop, and publish educational materials on effective schools programs; (5) develop and implement data collection and analysis systems concerning effective schools programs; (6) promote State and local educational agency awareness of effective schools information; (7) conduct evaluations of effective schools programs; and/or (8) otherwise identify and disseminate information concerning exemplary effective schools programs. Requires the Secretary of Education (the Secretary) to provide assistance in order to inform State educational agencies of the requirements of this Act and to help such agencies comply with such requirements. Requires the Secretary to make grants from specified funds appropriated pursuant to the Education Consolidation and Improvement Act of 1981 and the Adult Education Act to provide a program of adult literacy training which includes involving parents and children together in an effort to enhance the likelihood of educational achievement. Sets forth the elements to be included in such program. Defines an eligible program participant as a parent or child (aged three to seven) from a family: (1) that includes a parent who is eligible for participation in an adult basic education program under the Adult Education Act; and (2) that resides with a child (aged three to seven) in a certain type of school attendance area. Declares that any agency that operates an adult basic education program and serves an area which has an especially high concentration of children from low-income families is eligible to apply for a grant under the Even Start program. Sets forth the requirements for a grant application. Requires that two-thirds of the applications selected for final review shall be from urban areas and one-third shall be from rural areas. Provides for the creation of a review panel to make the final selection of grant recipients. Requires any State educational agency required to use funds for an effective school program to amend its application under a specified section of the Education Consolidation and Improvement Act of 1981 to reflect the activities to be conducted with such funds. Requires such a State educational agency and an Even Start program applicant who has been selected to receive funding to enter into a program agreement with the Secretary. Sets forth the information to be included in such agreements. Requires the Secretary to analyze the effective schools programs conducted pursuant to this Act and report to the Congress on such programs by September 30, 1989. Requires the Secretary to provide for annual evaluations of the effectiveness of Even Start programs in providing specified services. Requires the results of the evaluations to be submitted to the national diffusion network for possible dissemination.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1986
Community Services Programs Amendments of 1986 - Amends the Head Start Act to authorize appropriations for FY 1987 through 1990 to carry out the Head Start program. Amends the Follow Through Act to authorize appropriations for FY 1987 through 1990 to carry out the Follow Through program. Amends the Omnibus Reconciliation Act of 1981 to: (1) rename specified provisions as the "Dependent Care Programs Act"; and (2) authorize appropriations for FY 1987 through 1990 to make allotments to States for such dependent care programs. Amends the Community Services Block Grant Act (the Act) to authorize appropriations for FY 1987 through 1990 for grants to States to ameliorate poverty. Requires compliance evaluations to include identification of the impact the use of such funds has on children, homeless families, and the elderly poor. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide for use of community services block grants under the Act for specified programs of the Community Economic Development Act of 1981. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1987 through 1990 for community food and nutrition programs under the Act.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1986
Amends the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981 to authorize home energy grants for FY 1987 through 1989. Deems the full amount of home energy assistance payments, regardless of whether made directly to a household or indirectly for its benefit, to be heating or cooling expenses for purposes of the excess shelter expense deduction under the Food Stamp Act of 1977.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1986
Fair Trade and Economic Justice Act - Title I: Declares U.S. policies, including to promote an open and fair international trading system and to treat as an unfair practice competitive and advantages derived from denial of worker rights. Title II: Negotiating Objectives Regarding the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade and Enforcement of Internationally Recognized Worker Rights - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to include among the actions to be taken on trade agreements the enhancement of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) through: (1) the adoption of an additional GATT article declaring that the exploitation of workers is an unjustifiable means for a country to gain a competitive trade advantage; (2) the amendment of the GATT to affirm such principle; or (3) the adoption and implementation of a code or internationally recognized worker rights. Prohibits the President from entering into any negotiation with respect to any trade agreement unless the President first reports to specified congressional committees on the actions that will be taken to protect workers' rights and to redress the trade disadvantage of countries that rely primarily on direct taxes for revenue needs. Prohibits any trade agreement entered into after enactment of this Act from taking effect with respect to the United States unless the President consults with specified congressional committees on the progress being made to protect workers' rights. Title III: Relief from Unfair Trade Practices - Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to establish in the International Trade Commission (ITC) the Office of Unfair Trade Investigations. Sets forth the functions of such Office, including: (1) carrying out the functions assigned on October 1, 1985, to the ITC's Office of Unfair Import Investigations; and (2) monitoring the operation of U.S. and foreign trade laws, policies, and practices. Requires the Office to take certain actions if a foreign country or instrumentality is suspected of: (1) subsidizing or dumping exports to the United States; (2) engaging in unfair trading practices; or (3) violating U.S. trade rights under trade agreements. Sets forth factors to be considered by the Office. Authorizes the U.S. Court of International Trade to review an Office determination of whether a country's foreign trade policies deny internationally recognized worker rights. Prohibits the Office from taking action in certain cases. Requires the ITC to ensure that the Office has sufficient manpower and resources to carry out its functions. Transfers from the President to the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) certain functions relating to enforcement of U.S. trade rights under trade agreements and response to certain foreign trade practices. Requires the USTR, if notified that a foreign act, policy, or practice is a cause of injury or threat of injury to a domestic industry or is injurious industrial targeting, to decide which of the following actions to take, in addition to actions taken under the GATT: (1) suspension, withdrawal, or prevention of application of trade benefits; (2) imposition of import duties or restrictions on the production and services of such foreign entity; (3) negotiation of orderly marketing agreements; (4) development of actions to restore or improve the international competitiveness of the injured or threatened industry; and/or (5) the denial of most favored nation treatment to products of the foreign entity. Requires the USTR, upon receiving such notification, to begin negotiations on an agreement to eliminate the injurious act, practice, or policy. Authorizes the USTR, subject to presidential disapproval, to: (1) restrict the terms and conditions of certain service sector access authorizations; or (2) deny the issuance of such authorizations.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1986
Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to provide for annual increases in the minimum wage (five percent annually, plus any changes in the consumer price index), until a certain wage rate is attained (one-half the average hourly earnings of production or nonsupervisory workers on private nonagricultural payrolls).
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1986
Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act of 1986 - Amends the Toxic Substances Control Act to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to promulgate regulations for asbestos hazard abatement in the schools. Directs the Administrator to develop a model accreditation plan for States to give accreditation to individuals who inspect, manage, abate, and analyze asbestos problems. Makes the use of accredited personnel a condition for receiving financial assistance under the Asbestos School Hazard Abatement Act of 1984. Requires each State Governor to establish administrative procedures for the certification of school asbestos inspection and abatement programs and for asbestos management plans, all to be carried forward by the local educational agency. Requires warning labels on any asbestos still in routine maintenance areas of a school building. Makes any local educational agency which fails to comply with this Act liable for civil penalties, including injunctive action. Requires the Administrator or appropriate Governor to investigate citizen complaints Authorizes the Administrator or the appropriate State Governor to take necessary response measures where asbestos in a school building may be hazardous and adequate local measures have not been taken. Sets forth the relationship of pollution liability insurance risk retention groups to State law, including securities law. Establishes the Asbestos Trust Fund in the Treasury to carry out the Asbestos Hazards Abatement Assistance Program. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1987 through 1990.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1986
Parental and Medical Leave Act of 1986 - Title I: General Requirements for Parental and Medical Leave - Entitles employees to parental leave for specified periods in cases involving the birth, adoption, or serious health condition of a child. Entitles employees to temporary medical leave for specified periods in cases involving inability to work because of a serious health condition. Sets forth conditions for certification for such types of leave. Provides that such leave may be without pay. Allows employees to substitute other types of paid leave to cover part of such leave period. Sets forth employment and benefits protections relating to such leave. Provides for administrative enforcement of this title by the Secretary of Labor, as well as enforcement by civil action. Sets forth provisions for injunctive relief, monetary relief, and attorneys' fees. Requires employers to post notice of the pertinent provisions of this title. Title II: Parental Leave and Temporary Medical Leave for Civil Service Employees - Amends specified Federal law to entitle civil service employees to parental leave and temporary medical leave for specified periods. Provides that such leave will be without pay. Allows employees to substitute other types of paid leave for part of such leave. Sets forth protection for job position and health insurance benefits of employees using such leave. Directs the Office of Personnel Management to prescribe regulations for administration of this title which are consistent with the regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Labor under title I of this Act. Title III: Commission on Paid Parental and Medical Leave - Establishes the Commission on Paid Parental and Medical Leave. Requires the Commission to report on its study of paid parental and medical leave to the Congress within two years after the Commission first meets. Terminates the Commission within 30 days after its final report. Title IV: Miscellaneous Provisions - Sets forth the effect of this Act on existing laws and existing employment benefits. Directs the Secretary of Labor to prescribe regulations to carry out title I of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1986
Amends the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act) to exempt the pay adjustments of employees under the Federal prevailing rate pay system (blue collar employees) from the President's sequestration order.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1986
Declares that the House of Representatives calls upon the President to urge: (1) Jean-Claude Duvalier to return to the Haitian people the wealth he has taken illegally; and (2) other countries to deny him asylum until he returns such funds.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1986
Medicare Part C: Catastrophic Health Insurance Act of 1986 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to add a new part C entitled "Program for Catastrophic Coverage, Long-Term Care, and Certain Preventive Benefits." (Redesignates the current part C as part D.) Provides coverage for individuals who are entitled to part A (Hospital Insurance) benefits, are enrolled under part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance), and enroll with a public or private organization having a contract with the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide part C services (part C organizations). Requires part C organizations to provide services without imposing deductibles, copayments, or coinsurance, or imposing time restrictions on benefits for inpatient hospital services or extended care services. Requires, in addition, that part C organizations provide: (1) routine biennial physical checkups; (2) routine eye care, including an annual vision examination and prescription eyeglasses; (3) dental services, including teeth cleaning, extractions, examinations, and dentures; (4) hearing examinations and aids; and (5) intermediate and long-term care services provided in the least restrictive environment. Directs part C organizations to provide additional health benefits to enrollees if the adjusted community payment rate for required services is less than the average per capita payment to the organization for the annual contract period. Authorizes the Secretary's contract with part C organizations to provide additional optional services if such services will not substantially discourage enrollments. Requires part C organizations to reimburse other organizations which provide medically and immediately necessary services to their enrollees in circumstances where such services could not reasonably have been obtained through the enrollee's organization. Requires the Secretary to make advance monthly payments to part C organizations in accordance with a per capita rate of payment for each class of enrollee, such rates to be determined annually pursuant to a specified formula. Authorizes retroactive payment adjustments to account for any difference between the actual number of individuals enrolled and the number estimated to be enrolled in determining the advance payment. Authorizes part C organizations to charge or permit providers to charge liable third parties or enrollees, to the extent they have been paid by third parties, for the organizations' services. Requires the Secretary's part C payments to be made exclusively to part C organizations. Provides that, where an individual receiving inpatient hospital services enrolls in a part C organization, such organization shall not be financially responsible for those services. Provides, however, that where part C enrollment is terminated while inpatient hospital services are being provided, the organization is financially responsible for such services from the date of enrollment to the date of discharge. Provides part C enrollees with protection against the risk of and responsibility for a part C organization's insolvency. Requires part C organizations to provide meaningful procedures for hearing and resolving grievances between the organization, or its service providers, and enrollees. Authorizes enrollee appeal to a local review board, at least one-half of which is composed of representatives of part C eligible individuals. Provides for further appeal to the Secretary where the amount in controversy is at least $100 and judicial review of the Secretary's determination if that amount equals or exceeds $1,000. Requires part C organizations to have an ongoing quality assurance program which stresses health outcomes and provides for the review of its health care services by health care professionals. Requires peer review organizations to review part C health care services. Directs the Secretary to annually review such services. Sets forth miscellaneous terms required in a part C organization's contract with the Secretary, including provisions facilitating the flow of information from such organizations. Requires each organization to have an annual 30-day open enrollment period and the Secretary to establish a single 30-day period where several organizations service the same area. Requires part C organizations to inform individuals seeking to enroll regarding benefits provided, premiums required, and such other information as the Secretary may require. Prohibits an organization's distribution of applications or promotional and informational materials unless such materials have been submitted to the Secretary at least 45 days before distribution and have not been disapproved. Terminates an individual's enrollment upon such individual's: (1) loss of entitlement to part A (Hospital Insurance) benefits; (2) termination from part B (Supplemenal Medical Insurance) enrollment; or (3) failure to pay part C premiums. Sets forth the procedure to be used in determining the monthly premium required of part C enrollees. Limits the monthly premium which may be required to a specified percentage of an individual's gross income, except in the case of late enrollments. Deposits such payments in the Federal Medicare Part C Trust Fund. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into agreements with States in order to effect the part C enrollment of eligible groups covered under certain State public assistance programs. Establishes the Medicare Part C Trust Fund in the Treasury. Transfers to such trust fund those amounts in other Medicare trust funds which would have been expended under parts A and B had the enrollee chosen coverage under those programs.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1986
Amends part B (Peer Review) of title IX of the Social Security Act to require peer review organizations receiving a Medicare beneficiary's request, while such beneficiary is still a hospital inpatient, for reconsideration of a determination denying payment for continuing inpatient hospital care to give the beneficiary notice of its reconsidered determination within two days of receiving the request.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1986
Native American Diabetes Prevention and Control Act of 1986 - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to determine: (1) the incidence of diabetes among Native Americans; (2) activities the Indian Health Service should take to reduce such incidence, to provide guidance in the prevention, treatment, and control of diabetes, to provide early diagnosis, and to ensure proper health care to those Native Americans who are diagnosed as diabetic; and (3) the fiscal impact to the Federal Government of treating diabetes among such people. Requires the Secretary to prepare an inventory of all health care programs and resources within the United States that are available for the treatment, prevention, or control of diabetes among Native Americans. Requires the Secretary to transmit to the President and the Congress a report containing his determinations and research activities among Native Americans. Requires the Secretary to: (1) implement a program to strengthen and expand the diabetes program of the Indian Health Service; (2) enable the Service to treat such disease effectively; and (3) conduct, for Federal, tribal, and other Native American health care providers, training programs with respect to the prevention and treatment of diabetes. Requires the Secretary to: (1) maintain specified model diabetes clinics; and (2) establish such clinics at additional locations. Requires the Secretary to develop specified programs with respect to data collection and analysis and research relating to diabetes among Native Americans.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1986
Amends the Federal criminal code to increase the penalties for mail fraud. Raises the maximum fine from $1,000 to $10,000 and raises the maximum term of imprisonment from five to 15 years. Provides for the criminal forfeiture of all property constituting or derived from the profits or proceeds of such an offense or property used to facilitate certain violations. Authorizes the civil forfeiture of property constituting the profits or proceeds of certain violations or used to facilitate such violations. Permits the Attorney General and the Postal Service to retain, transfer, or sell forfeited property.
United States · United States Congress · 20 February 1986
Expresses the sense of the Congress that volunteer work should be taken into account by employers when hiring and listed on employment application forms.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1986
Terrorist Firearms Prevention Act of 1986 - Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit the manufacture and importation of any firearm that is not readily detectable as a firearm by standard airport security equipment and readily identifiable as a firearm. Exempts specified firearms from such manufacturing prohibition.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1986
Full Credit Card Cost Disclosure Act - Amends the Truth in Lending Act to require that any credit card solicitation include information regarding finance charge conditions, interest rates, and other related charges and fees. Requires such information, as prescribed by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, to be prominently displayed and in table form.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1986
Age Discrimination in Employment Amendments of 1986 - Amends the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 to remove the existing 70-year upper age limit of the class to which the discrimination prohibitions apply, thus extending coverage to all individuals who are at least 40 years of age. Removes the 69-year upper age limit for group health plan coverage. Delays the effect of this Act for employees under a collective bargaining contract until January 1, 1990, or the termination of such contract, if earlier.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1986
Drug Abuse Education Act of 1986 - Requires the Secretary of Education to establish a program of grants to States for drug abuse education in elementary and secondary schools. Lists the State and local educational agency uses of such funds. Restricts the amount States may use for administrative costs. Provides for: (1) the allotment of such grant funds to States; (2) State application for such grant funds; (3) allocations to local educational agencies; and (4) local application to State educational agencies. Provides for the equitable participation of children enrolled in private nonprofit elementary and secondary schools in such program. Requires the Secretary to: (1) collect and disseminate program-related information to State and local educational agencies; (2) provide technical assistance; and (3) identify research and development priorities. Authorizes appropriations for such activities. Provides that the use of such grant funds is to supplement and not supplant other Federal funds. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1987 through 1991.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1986
Amends title V (Teacher Corps and Teacher Training Programs) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to redesignate part F (National Talented Teacher Program) as "Part F-Christa McAuliffe National Talented Teacher Fellowship Program." Renames the fellowships awarded under part F the McAuliffe Fellowships.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1986
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should: (1) not provide any new food, development, or other economic assistance for Haiti; (2) suspend trade benefits to Haiti under the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act; (3) call upon other donor countries to suspend direct assistance, including military assistance; and (4) impose economic sanctions against Haiti (excluding restrictions on U.S. food exports). Declares that all such sanctions should be continued until the Haitian Government takes steps to hold free elections, implement political reforms, establish political parties, and end human rights abuses. States that the United States should provide new food and other economic assistance only if the Haitian Government cooperates to implement such assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1986
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the United States, in cooperation with other members of the international donor community, should call upon the Ethiopian Government to recognize that resources donated for famine relief should be used for that purpose and not diverted to resettlement efforts; (2) such forced resettlements by the Ethiopian Government should be halted and monitored by the United Nations (U.N.); (3) the Ethiopian Government should commit sufficient resources to move food and relief goods to meet the needs of its people; and (4) the U.N. should insist on free access to resettlement sites for international observers and the news media and report on conditions in the resettlement camps.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1986
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the President should urge the Government of South Africa to indicate its willingness to negotiate with the black majority by: (1) granting unconditional freedom to Nelson Mandela; (2) recognizing the African National Congress; and (3) establishing a framework for political talks.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1986
Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1986 - Amends specified Acts to rename them the Civil Rights Act of 1968 and the Fair Housing Act. Amends the Fair Housing Act to make it unlawful to: (1) refuse to sell or rent a dwelling to an individual because that individual, or someone associated with that individual, is handicapped; (2) discriminate against a handicapped individual in the conditions of sale or rental, or in the provision of a related service or facility; (3) refuse to permit reasonable modifications to permit access to the premises (provided the renter agrees to restore the premises to their original condition); or (4) make reasonable accommodations in rules, policies, or services to afford handicapped individuals equal use and enjoyment of a dwelling. Makes it unlawful for anyone engaged in residential real estate-related transactions to discriminate in the provision or terms of a transaction because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin. States that nothing in this Act limits the applicability of any reasonable local, State, or Federal restrictions on the maximum number of occupants permitted to occupy a dwelling unit. States that nothing in this Act regarding familial status applies to any State or Federal program aimed at assisting the elderly. Establishes new administrative enforcement authority in addition to existing enforcement provisions. Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to transmit an annual report to the Congress on the progress made in eliminating discriminatory housing practices. Allows an aggrieved person to file a complaint with the Secretary alleging a discriminatory housing practice. Allows the Secretary to file such a complaint on his own initiative or investigate a housing practice to determine whether such a complaint should be brought. Requires the Secretary to attempt to correct the discriminatory practice by informal methods of conciliation. Requires the Secretary to refer matters to the Attorney General, recommending that civil actions be filed, where a respondent has failed to comply with conciliation agreements. Allows the Secretary to refer matters to the Attorney General for prompt judicial action when necessary. Makes certain changes in the current requirements for referring charges to State or local agencies for investigation and enforcement. Specifies the elements of "substantial equivalency" which permit certification and referrals of discrimination charges. Permits the Secretary to file an administrative complaint or refer the matter to the Attorney General for civil action if the investigation supports a finding of reasonable cause, except with respect to matters involving land use control, which must be referred. Specifies the hearing procedures to be utilized if an administrative complaint is issued. Permits criminal penalties of up to a $100,000 fine and/or imprisonment for not more than one year for noncompliance with subpoenas or other lawful orders. Permits the administrative law judge to award appropriate relief, including punitive damages. Permits the filing of a petition for review of a final order in an appropriate court of appeals within 30 days of service of such order. Permits any prevailing party to be awarded reasonable attorney's fees. Makes certain revisions in the private right of action for aggrieved persons. Extends the statute of limitations from 180 days to two years. Disallows simultaneous administrative and judicial proceedings involving the same charge. Allows the Attorney General to intervene upon certification that the civil action is of general public importance. Continues the authority of the Attorney General to initiate civil actions where there is reasonable cause to believe that a pattern or practice of resistance to fair housing rights has occurred. Permits the Attorney General to commence a civil action for appropriate temporary or preliminary relief pending final disposition of the complaint. Describes the types of relief which may be granted in civil actions under such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1986
Consumer Rail Equity Act - Reaffirms the intent of the Congress that the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976 and the Staggers Rail Act of 1980 be implemented in a manner which provides both greater competitive alternatives and adequate railroad revenues. Establishes a rebuttable presumption of rail market dominance if a person challenging a transportation rate shows that the railroad charging such rate does not face effective transportation competition. Shifts the burden of proof regarding transportation rate reasonableness from the shipper to the rail carrier establishing the challenged rate. Declares that it is Federal policy to encourage and promote competitive transportation rates for domestically produced coal and other commodities in order to increase their competitive position in domestic and export markets. Directs the Commission to establish a rail cost adjustment factor which includes changes in railroad productivity, volume, and output mix. Provides that certain rail carrier rates shall be reduced to the extent of any subsequent decreases in rail cost adjustment factors. Includes within the standards used to determine railroad revenue adequacy: (1) identification of revenues, expenses, and investment base reasonably related to rail transportation service; (2) straight-line depreciation of assets reasonably related to rail transportation service, minus deferred tax reserves resulting from accelerated depreciation; and (3) actual cost of debt capital and reasonable estimates of the current cost of equity capital. Requires the Commission, when making revenue adequacy determinations, to consider specified indicators of a rail carrier's financial status. Requires the Commission to determine, on an annual basis, which rail carriers are earning adequate or inadequate revenues and to determine for each rail carrier the revenues required to achieve or maintain revenue adequacy. Allows (current law requires) the Commission to exempt persons from application of this Act when: (1) such application is not necessary to implement Federal transportation policy; and (2) the Commission finds there is no market dominance involved in the affected transaction. Requires any rail carrier providing service under certain line rates to participate in competitive joint rail rates through practicable interchange connections (or publish a competitive proportional rate) if requested to do so by a rail carrier (or shipper or receiver) who has an actual or practicable interchange connection. Directs the Commission, upon petition of any interested party, to require certain terminal facilities owned by a rail carrier in interstate or foreign commerce to be used by another rail carrier if the Commission finds: (1) it is in the public interest to do so; and (2) that the owner of such terminal facility will not suffer substantial impairment of its own business interests. Directs the Commission to require, upon petition by an interested party, that rail carriers enter into reciprocal switching agreements if such an agreement is in the public interest or necessary to provide alternative competitive rail service. Directs the Commission to establish reciprocal switching compensation at a level not to exceed the current percentage of the actual variable costs for such service (unless the carrier demonstrates that a higher level is reasonable and necessary). Revises railroad line abandonment procedures to provide that a rail carrier must wait one year before resubmitting a previously denied abandonment application, unless a substantial change in circumstances can be shown. Requires the Commission to hold hearings in communities affected by a proposed railroad line abandonment if requested to do so by community protestants. Requires the Commission to base its abandonment determination upon financial data regarding the facility proposed to be abandoned rather than upon financial data regarding industry-wide averages. Subjects to Commission review any State decision regarding intrastate rates, rules, and practices if a party to such State proceedings petitions for Commission review. Requires the Commission to take action on such petition within 120 days of its receipt. Authorizes the Commission to vacate a State decision found inconsistent with this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1986
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the President should award the Presidential Medal of Freedom posthumously to Michael J. Smith, Francis R. Scobee, Ronald E. McNair, Ellison S. Onizuka, Sharon Christa McAuliffe, Gregory B. Jarvis, and Judith A. Resnik, all of whom died in the explosion of the space shuttle Challenger.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1986
Medicare Beneficiary Access Protection Act of 1986 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in determining whether payments to a home health agency should be denied under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, to apply a presumption of compliance until 12 months after certain regional intermediaries have begun to service such agencies. Requires the Secretary to apply a similar presumption of compliance to skilled nursing facilities for 30 months following enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1986
Prohibits any benefits payable from the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund, including cost-of-living increases, during calendar year 1987 from being subject to reduction or suspension by statute or presidential order.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1986
Expresses the opposition of the Congress to the Department of Transportation proposal to consolidate Federal highway aid and mass transit aid into a single urban mobility block grant. Urges that such highway and mass transit aid remain separate.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1986
Whistleblower Protection Act of 1986 - Separates the Office of Special Counsel from the Merit Systems Protection Board. Empowers the Special Counsel to represent and act as legal counsel on behalf of employees alleging prohibited personnel practices, especially whistleblowers. Revises current law with respect to the Special Counsel to reflect its advocate status. Authorizes the Special Counsel to file a petition to the Board against an official for: (1) committing prohibited personnel practices; (2) violating a law within the jurisdiction of the Special Counsel; or (3) failing to comply with an order of the Board. Sets forth disciplinary actions for such officials. Requires the Special Counsel to report annually to the Congress on its activities. Authorizes employees who have been adversely affected by a prohibited personnel practice to bring an action before the Board (instead of or in addition to taking such action to the Special Counsel). Authorizes such employees to obtain judicial review of the Board's decision in the appropriate U.S. district court. Authorizes appropriations for the Merit Systems Protection Board for 1987 through 1991 and for the Office of Special Counsel for FY 1987 through 1989.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1986
Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1986 - Amends the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (the Act) to revise and extend provisions under the Act. Provides that the Commissioner of the Rehabilitation Services Administration (the Commissioner) shall be appointed by the Secretary of Education (the Secretary). (Current law provides for appointment by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate.) Requires the Commissioner to report directly to the Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitation Services. Requires that the position of the Commissioner be a Senior Executive Service position and receive GS-18 level compensation. Lowers the Federal share for specified purposes under the Act from 80 to 75 percent. Revises the definition of "local agency" to eliminate a requirement that such agencies have certain agreements with designated State agencies. Includes Indian tribal organizations under the term "public or nonprofit agency or organization." Requires that the Commissioner's reports to the President and the Congress include statistical data on the activities and staffing of a certain information clearinghouse. Requires that the Secretary's annually published summaries of program and project evaluations include the standards used for such evaluations. Requires that the application of any State rule or policy relating to the administration and operation of programs funded by the Act (including rules or policies based on State interpretations of Federal requirements) be identified as a State-imposed requirement. Title I: Vocational Rehabilitation Services - Extends through FY 1991 the authorization of appropriations for grants to States (and Indian tribes) for provision of vocational rehabilitation services and for innovation and expansion of such services. Eliminates provisions for automatic extensions of such State grant program authorization or duration. Revises requirements for State plans for vocational rehabilitation services. Requires such plans to: (1) describe the manner in which rehabilitation engineering services will be used to provide aid to individuals with the most severe handicaps; (2) contain provisions relating to the standards governing the qualified personnel used in the provision of vocational rehabilitation services; (3) provide for other services as are specified after a determination that comparable services and benefits are not available under any other program; and (4) provide that the State shall consult with Indian tribal organizations and native Hawaiian organizations in the development of such plans. Requires that the procedures for review of a decision by a rehabilitation counselor or coordinator on an individualized written rehabilitation program shall provide an opportunity for the submission of additional evidence and information. Requires the grounds for the decision to be included in the final decision. Requires a copy of the decision to be provided to the affected individuals. Changes the scope of vocational rehabilitation services that must be provided under the Act to include: (1) "specific" (rather than "other") postemployment services necessary to assist handicapped individuals to maintain their employment; and (2) rehabilitation engineering services designed to assist severly handicapped individuals increase their functional abilities and potential for self-sufficiency. Sets forth the method of determining the non-Federal share for construction of a rehabilitation facility for States or an Indian tribal organization. Reduces the amount otherwise payable to a State for vocational rehabilitation services for the handicapped by the greater or either: (1) the amount which is twice the amount by which expenditures from non-Federal sources during such year are less than the level of expenditures under the State plan for FY 1985; or (2) the amount by which expenditures from non-Federal sources in excess of the Federal share requirement during such year are less than such expenditures under the State plan for any preceding fiscal year under the Vocational Rehabilitation Act or the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Permits the Governor of a State, after enactment of this Act, to remove an agency designated as a client assistance agency only for good cause. Directs the Secretary to pay to a client assistance agency a specified amount. Authorizes appropriations for vocational rehabilitation assistance for FY 1987 through 1991. Extends the duration of the program of grants to States for such assistance through FY 1991. Provides that the non-Federal share of costs for American Indian vocational rehabilitation services grants may be in cash or in kind. Authorizes the Commissioner to waive the non-Federal share requirement. Changes the requirements for a State's application for a grant for American Indian vocational rehabilitation programs. Requires such application to include assurances that the services provided may include services traditionally used by the tribal organization. Limits the duration of the application's effectiveness to 36 months. Requires the Secretary to give priority consideration to applications for the continuation of programs that have been funded in the past. Deletes the provision that sets forth the method of computing a State allotment for vocational rehabilitation services based upon the number of Indians living on a reservation in the State. Requires the evaluation of the American Indian vocational rehabilitation programs to include an evaluation of the nature and extent of cooperative efforts between such programs and other vocational rehabilitation programs under the Act. Directs the Secretary to conduct a study on the special problems and needs of handicapped Indians both on and off the reservation and to submit the results of such study to the President and the appropriate committees of the Congress within one year of enactment of this Act. Title II: Research and Training - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1987 through 1991 for the National Institute of Handicapped Research (the Institute) and for research grants for methods and devices to assist in the provision of vocational and rehabilitation services for handicapped individuals. Requires the Director of the Institute (the Director) to disseminate research information to tribal rehabilitation research or service agencies. Requires the Director, in conjunction with the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Indian Health Service as well as other agencies, to produce and disseminate reports on the demographic characteristics of handicapped individuals. Provides that the Director shall be appointed by the Secretary and shall report to the Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitation Services. (Current law provides for appointment by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate.) Changes the pay rate for the Director. Requires the Director to have had substantial experience in rehabilitation and in research administration. Requires the Director to establish at a higher education institution in a rural, western State a center for research and training on the delivery of rehabilitation services to rural areas. Requires the Director to submit to the Congress, within one year of enactment of this Act, policy recommendations for the establishment by the Congress of an agency designed to ensure: (1) the development and cost-effective production and marketing of technological devices; and (2) the efficient distribution of such technology to individuals with disabilities. Includes the Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Indian Affairs and the Director of the Indian Health Service on the Interagency Committee on Hanciapped Research. Provides that Federal grants for specialized rehabilitation research may include grants to: (1) Indian tribes and tribal organizations for rehabilitation research; (2) Rehabilitation Research and Training Centers, including consideration of rural issues as appropriate; (3) Rehabilitation Engineering Research Centers for innovative models for the delivery of cost-effective rehabilitation engineering services that promote use of engineering and other research to help meet the needs of the severely disabled; (4) rehabilitation research programs for handicapped Indian Americans 55 and older; (5) model research and demonstration programs providing, among other services, psychological services for preschool age handicapped children and their parents; and (6) studies of the rehabilitation needs of American Indians and methods of deliverying such services. Title III: Supplementary Services and Facilities - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1987 through 1991 for: (1) grants for construction of rehabilitation facilities, staffing, and planning assistance; (2) vocational training services for handicapped individuals; (3) training for personnel involved in providing rehabilitation services for handicapped individuals; (4) comprehensive rehabilitation centers; (5) special projects and supplementary services; and (6) special recreational programs. Authorizes the Commissioner to provide techncial assistance to State rehabilitation agencies and facilities. Sets the pay rate for experts hired by contract to provide such assistance. Sets forth requirements for scholarships using funds from a grant for training personnel involved in providing rehabilitation services. Includes rehabilitgation engineering among the areas that may be targeted for such grants. Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants for special projects operating programs to meet the needs of isolated populations of handicapped individuals, particularly among American Indians. Title IV: Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board - Requires the Chairperson of the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board to be elected by a majority vote of the Board members who represent the general public. Requires 12 (currently 11) Board members to be appointed by the President from among members of the general public. Authorizes a member of the Board whose term has expired to continue to serve until a successor has been appointed. Authorizes appropriations for the board for FY 1987 through 1991. Includes the Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Indian Affairs on the Interagency Coordinating Council established by the Act. Title V: Employment Opportunities for Individuals with Disabilities - Requires the Secretary to provide equitable distribution of assistance for grants for employment opportunities for handicapped individuals, taking into account the needs of underserved States and the needs of Indian tribes. Provides for including consideration of the individuals living on Indian reservations in apportioning such funds. Authorizes appropriations for fY 1987 through 1991 for: (1) such employment grants; and (2) projects with industry and business opportunities for handicapped individuals. Title VI: Comprehensive Services for Independent Living - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1987 through 1991 for: (1) comprehensive services for independent living for handicapped individuals; (2) independent living centers; (3) independent living services for older blind individuals; and (4) projects to protect and advocate the rights of severely handicapped individuals. Title VII: Technical and Conforming Amendments to the Act - Makes technical and conforming amendments with respect to gender neutral terminology in the Act. Title VIII: Reauthorization of Helen Keller National Center Act - Amends the Helen Keller National Center Act to authorize appropriations for such Act for FY 1987 through 1989. Title IX: Effective Dates - Sets effective dates for the provisions of of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1986
Amends Federal law relating to the transportation of military personnel and supplies to prohibit the use of an aircraft chartered by the Department of Defense (DOD) for transporting members of the armed forces unless an inspection of the aircraft and check of its operators has taken place within 48 hours prior to its flight. Requires the Secretary of Defense to receive a report on each inspection performed by Federal Aviation Administration personnel on aircraft used by a firm that contracts with DOD to provide transportation for members by charter. Requires the Secretary to exclude from contracting with DOD firms found to be using unsafe aircraft.
United States · United States Congress · 19 December 1985
Permits the reappointment of a specified number of air traffic controllers who were separated from service for participation in a strike initiated on August 3, 1981. Requires such reappointments to be made in FY 1986 and 1987.
United States · United States Congress · 19 December 1985
National Policy and Technology Foundation Act of 1985 - Establishes, as an independent agency, the National Policy and Technology Foundation to: (1) anticipate national problems and opportunities (especially with regard to world trade and labor, the environment, education, technological innovation, government, and tax and monetary policy); (2) develop cooperative public-private efforts; and (3) propose to the Congress and the President national policies for the improvement of the economic, industrial, environmental, and societal well-being of the United States (including development of the requisite knowledge base and the long-range analysis of these areas). Establishes in the Foundation, in order to facilitate its purposes: (1) a National Policy and Technology Board; (2) an Office of Director of the Foundation; (3) a National Information Office; (4) an Office of National Policy, Analysis, and Assessment; (5) an Office of National Programs; (6) an Office of the Professions; (7) an Office of Institutional and Human Resource Development; (8) an Office of Small Business; and (9) an Office of Intergovernmental Technology and Professions Delivery Systems. Transfers to the Foundation: (1) the National Bureau of Standards; (2) the Patent and Trademark Office; (3) the National Technical Information Service; (4) the Office of Small Business Research and Development; (5) the Directorate for Engineering; (6) the Division of Industrial Science and Technological Innovation (exclusive of the nonengineering programs of the industry/university cooperative research projects program element) of the National Science Foundation; (7) the Intergovernmental Programs section of the National Science Foundation; (8) the Office of Industrial Technology; (9) the Center for the Utilization of Federal Technology; and (10) the Division of Policy Research and Analysis of the National Science Foundation. Transfers to the Foundation all the functions and authorities of the National Science Foundation and the Secretary of Commerce under the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 (including the provision of assistance for the establishment of Centers for Industrial Design). Requires the Foundation to: (1) create a National Design Council, to encourage excellence in technological design; and (2) establish, through the Office of Institutional and Human Resources Development, the Federal Technological and Professions Extension Service. Requires the Foundation to submit various reports and information to the President and the Congress. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986.
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 1985
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to disallow an income tax deduction for any tobacco and tobacco product sale promotion expenses. Defines "tobacco and tobacco products" as any small cigarette, large cigarette, cigar, or smokeless tobacco product, including snuff and chewing tobacco.
United States · United States Congress · 12 December 1985
Richard M. Nixon National Historic Site Act - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to acquire specified California lands and establish the Richard M. Nixon National Historic Site. Requires the Secretary to list Richard M. Nixon's former law office on the National Register of Historic Places, if it meets specified criteria.
United States · United States Congress · 11 December 1985
National Groundwater Contamination Research Act - Requires the Director of the Geological Survey to establish and conduct a national water quality assessment program to assess groundwater and surface water resources, both current and projected. Requires the program to identify contaminated and uncontaminated but vulnerable groundwater. Requires the program to conduct synoptic surface water quality studies. Requires the Director to conduct an expanded toxic substances hydrology program to determine the movement and transformation of toxic substances in water. Authorizes Federal grants for such research out of the Water Resources Research Act of 1984 on a matching basis for FY 1986 through 1989. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 through 1989.
United States · United States Congress · 10 December 1985
Calls upon the President to direct the Agency for International Development to work in a global effort to provide universal access to childhood immunization by 1990 by: (1) assisting in the delivery, distribution, and use of vaccines; and (2) performing and supporting research and development activities that will be targeted at developing new vaccines and at modifying existing vaccines to make them more appropriate for use in developing countries. Declares that the President should appeal to the public to provide the necessary resources to achieve universal access to childhood immunization by 1990. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to increase the authorization of appropriations for FY 1987 for the Child Survival Fund.