United States · United States Congress · 25 September 1984
Requires the President to transmit to Congress for FY 1986 and each fiscal year thereafter a balanced budget. Permits the transmittal of alternate budget proposals which, if implemented, would result in a deficit or surplus if the President determines that a balanced budget is inappropriate for any fiscal year. Requires that any such alternate budget proposals for a fiscal year include a comprehensive plan to balance the Federal budget. Requires the Committee on the Budget of each House to report by April 15 of every year a balanced budget for the upcoming fiscal year. Requires the Committee on the Budget of either House also to report a comprehensive plan to balance the Federal budget, if it determines that a balanced budget is inappropriate for any fiscal year.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 1984
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Federal Home Loan Bank Board should delay until June 30, 1985, the effective date of its proposed regulations regarding limitations on direct investment in real estate, service corporations, and equity securities by federally insured savings and loan associations. Directs the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Banking, Finance, and Urban Affairs of the House of Representatives to examine alternatives to the proposed regulations which will ensure safety and sound investment activities.
United States · United States Congress · 9 August 1984
Amends the Foreign Assistance and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 1985 to require that: (1) at least five percent of the funds earmarked for the Agency for International Development shall be available only for the delivery of primary health care services and basic health education, training for health care workers, and medical supplies and equipment for primary health care, with such assistance to be provided through private and voluntary organizations and international organizations wherever appropriate; (2) not more than one-third of the amount allocated for such services may be used in any one country; and (3) funds allocated to carry out these provisions shall remain available until September 30, 1986.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1984
Requires the President to transmit to Congress for FY 1986 and each fiscal year thereafter a balanced budget. Permits the transmittal of alternate budget proposals which, if implemented, would result in a deficit or surplus if the President determines that a balanced budget is inappropriate for any fiscal year. Urges the President to submit to the House and the Senate, not later than September 30, 1984, a comprehensive plan to balance the Federal budget. Requires the Committee on the Budget of each House to report, by April 15, 1985, and by April 15 of each year, a balanced budget for the upcoming fiscal year. Requires the chairmen of the budget committees and an individual designated by the President to meet from time to time and agree upon common economic and technical estimating assumptions which shall be used for the preparation and reestimation of the President's budget. Establishes a commission which shall: (1) review, with respect to FY 1986, the balanced budget proposal submitted by the President and the budgets reported by the Committees on the Budget; (2) study the effectiveness of the provisions of this Act in achieving balanced Federal budgets; and (3) make recommendations for further changes which may be necessary to achieve balanced Federal budgets. Requires the commission to transmit to the President and Congress a report not later then December 31, 1986, containing a detailed statement of its findings, conclusions, and recommendations for such legislation and administrative actions as it considers appropriate. Terminates the commission 30 days after the submission of such report.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1984
Idaho Wilderness Act of 1984 - Designates the following lands in Idaho as components of the National Wilderness Preservation System: (1) the Salmo-Priest Wilderness in the Panhandle National Forest; (2) the Long Canyon-Selkirk Crest Wilderness in the Panhandle National Forest; (3) the Scotchman's Peak Wilderness in the Panhandle National Forest; (4) the Grandmother Mountain Wilderness in the Panhandle National Forest; (5) the Mallard-Larkins Wilderness in the Panhandle and Clearwater National Forests; (6) the Great Burn Wilderness in the Clearwater National Forest; (7) the Moose Mountain Wilderness in the Clearwater National Forest; (8) the Elk Summit Wilderness in the Clearwater National Forest; (9) the Salmon River Breaks Wilderness in the Payette National Forest; (10) the Payette Crest Wilderness in the Payette and Boise National Forests; (11) the Peace Rock Wilderness in the Boise National Forests; (12) the Red Mountain Wilderness in the Boise National Forest; (13) the Sawtooth Completion Wilderness in the Boise, Sawtooth, and Challis National Forests; (14) the Trinities Wilderness in the Boise National Forest; (15) the Danskin-South Fork Boise River Wilderness in the Boise National Forest; (16) the Pioneer Wilderness in the Sawtooth and Challis National Forests; (17) the Cache Peak Wilderness in the Sawtooth National Forest; (18) the Borah Peak Wilderness in the Challis National Forest; (19) the Pahsimeroi Wilderness in the Challis National Forest; (20) the North Lemhi's Wilderness in the Salmon and Challis National Forests; (21) the West Bigholes Wilderness in the Salmon National Forest; (22) the Diamond Peak Wilderness in the Targhee, Salmon, and Challis National Forests; (23) the Italian Peaks Wilderness in the Targhee National Forest; (24) the Lionhead Wilderness in the Targhee National Forest; (25) the Garns Mountain Wilderness in the Targhee National Forest; (26) the Palisades Wilderness in the Targhee National Forest; (27) the Bear Creek Wilderness in the Targhee National Forest; (28) the Caribou Mountain Wilderness in the Caribou National Forest; (29) the Cache Crest Wilderenss in the Caribou National Forest; (30) the Mt. Naomi Wilderness in the Caribou National Forest; (31) the West Fork Mink Creek Wilderness in the Caribou National Forest; and (32) the Boulder-White Clouds Wilderness in the Sawtooth and Challis National Forests and in the Salmon District of the Bureau of Land Management. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to file maps of these areas with the Congress as soon as practicable after enactment of this Act. Permits livestock grazing in the North Lemhi's Wilderness. Directs the Secretary to review and report to the President within five years of enactment of this Act on the suitability for inclusion in the National Wilderness Preservation System of the following areas in Idaho: (1) the North Fork Clearwater Further Planning Area in the Clearwater National Forest; (2) the Fish and Hungry Creeks Further Planning Area in the Clearwater National Forest; (3) the South Fork Salmon River Further Planning Area in the Payette and Boise National Forests; (4) the Snowbank Mountain Further Planning Area in the Boise and Payette National Forests; (5) the Deadwood River Further Planning Area in the Boise National Forest; (6) the Breadwinner Further Planning Area in the Boise National Forest; (7) the Lime Creek-Soldier Mountains Further Planning Area in the Boise and Sawtooth National Forests; (8) King Mountain Further Planning Area in the Challis National Forest; (9) the Centennial Further Planning Area in the Targhee National Forest; and (10) the Caribou City Further Planning Area in the Caribou National Forest. Sets forth factors for the Secretary to consider in making such report.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1984
Construction Industry Labor Law Amendments of 1984 - Amends the National Labor Relations Act to provide that in the construction industry two or more business entities engaged in the same or similar work with common ownership or control shall be deemed a single employer. Applies the terms of a collective bargaining agreement regarding employees of such business entities to all other business entities comprising the same single employer within the geographical area covered by the agreement. States that collective bargaining agreements may only be repudiated after the National Labor Relations Board certifies election results in which a majority of the employees select a bargaining representative other than the representative with whom such agreement was made.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1984
Expresses the sense of the Congress that Taiwan should continue and accelerate progress toward a democratic system by ending martial law and by releasing political prisoners and otherwise guaranteeing and protecting the rights of the Taiwan people.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1984
Amends Title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to eliminate the three percent trigger for cost-of-living benefit increases.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1984
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal rules relating to the determination of the issue price of certain debt instruments issued for property. Amends the Tax Reform Act of 1984 to repeal the revisions made to rules for the imputation of interest on certain deferred payments. Provides that the Internal Revenue Code shall be applied and administered as if such revisions had not been enacted.
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 1984
Tax Status of Space Act - Provides that activities performed in space for U.S. persons on any spacecraft owned by U.S. persons and articles produced in space primarily for sale or use within the United States shall be treated as activities performed within and articles produced within the United States for purposes of the Internal Revenue Code and the Tariff Schedules of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 1984
Establishes the National Commission on Federal Budget Deficit Reductions to review all relevant elements of fiscal and monetary policy. Requires particular emphasis to be given to the causes of cyclical and structural Federal budget deficits and the impact which growing structural Federal deficits have on employment, capital formation, and the vigor and viability of economic growth in the United States. Requires the Commission to: (1) identify problems which may hinder the control and reduction of Federal budget deficits; and (2) analyze all potential options which would result in deficit reductions and place the Government on a sound financial basis. Requires the Commission to report to the President and Congress by January 15, 1985, detailed findings, conclusions, and recommendations for such legislation and administrative actions as it considers appropriate. Terminates the Commission 30 days after submission of such report.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 1984
Commends the heroism of the Afghan resistance in its fight to keep Afghanistan free and independent. Condemns the massive Soviet bombing of Afghanistan.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 1984
Expresses the sense of the Congress that in light of the Helsinki Final Act of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe and other specified human rights agreements, the Soviet Union should: (1) provide the signatories of the Helsinki Final Act with information on the whereabouts, health, and legal status of Andrei Sakharov and Yelena Bonner; (2) void all charges against Yelena Bonner and issue her an exit visa in order to obtain medical care outside of the Soviet Union; and (3) allow them to live in the country of their choice. Urges the President to: (1) protest the Soviet Government's continued refusal to provide such information and to issue Yelena Bonner an exits visa; and (2) call upon all other signatory nations of the Helsinki Final Act to join in such protests.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1984
Authorizes the President, on behalf of the Congress, to present a gold medal to the family of Harry Chapin in recognition of Harry Chapin's efforts to address issues of world hunger. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to provide for the sale of bronze duplicates of the medal.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1984
Reaffirms that it is U.S. policy to oppose the practice of torture by foreign governments through the implementation of laws and through public and private diplomacy. Requests the President to: (1) instruct the U.S. representative to the United Nations to continue to raise the issue of torture by such governments; and (2) continue to involve the U.S. Government in the formulation of international standards, particularly the draft Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. Requests the Secretary of State to issue specified formal instructions to each U.S. mission chief regarding U.S. policy with respect to such torture. States that the Secretary of Commerce should continue to enforce the current restrictions on the export of crime control equipment pursuant to the Export Administration Act of 1979. Directs the heads of U.S. departments that furnish military and law enforcement training to foreign personnel to include in such training instruction regarding international human rights standards with respect to torture.
United States · United States Congress · 20 June 1984
Designates August 1, 1984, as Helsinki Human Rights Day. Authorizes and requests the President to issue a proclamation reasserting the American commitment to full implementation of the human rights and humanitarian provisions of the Helsinki Accords. Requests the President to raise the issue of noncompliance with such provisions with the Soviet Union and Eastern European countries at every available opportunity.
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 1984
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should: (1) ensure that U.S. officials carry out his pledge to resolve the issue of the Americans still missing and unaccounted for in Indochina; (2) work for the immediate release of any Americans still held captive and the return of the remains of those who died in Southeast Asia; and (3) make every effort to secure the cooperation pledged by Laos and Vietnam in resolving this issue.
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 1984
Law Enforcement Officers Protection Act of 1984 - Amends the Federal criminal code to define "armor piercing ammunition." Excludes from the definition: (1) shot gun shot required by Federal or State regulations for hunting; (2) frangible projectiles for target shooting; and (3) projectiles that the Secretary of Treasury determines are primarily intended for sporting purposes. Makes it unlawful for any person to manufacture or import armor piercing ammunition. Allows for: (1) the manufacture or importation of armor piercing ammunition for the use of the United States or any State or local government; and (2) manufacture for the sole purpose of exportation. Establishes a licensing fee of $1,000 per year for manufacturers and importers of armor piercing ammunition. Imposes an additional mandatory sentence of not less than five years for any person who uses or carries a firearm and is in possession of armor piercing ammunition during the commission of a violent felony. Provides that such sentence shall not be suspended nor probation nor parole granted.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 1984
Declares that the Congress pledges to continue its efforts to reduce the budget deficits. Directs the President and the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to strengthen U.S. cooperation with the central banks and other appropriate institutions of our major allies. Directs the President to resolve current policy ambiguity by formally withdrawing the May 4, 1981, policy of nonintervention in exchange markets and by reaffirming the principles of responsible exchange-market stewardship agreed to at the Williamsburg economic summit.
United States · United States Congress · 31 May 1984
Expresses the sense of Congress that television and radio networks and stations broadcasting coverage of the XXIII Olympiad should include public service announcements or other informational programming warning young people of the dangers of alcohol and drug abuse.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1984
Improved Standards for Laboratory Animals Act - Amends the Animal Welfare Act to include Federal agencies which use animals for research or experimentation as research facilities for purposes of such Act. Revises the humane standards for animals transported in commerce. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to promulgate standards for research facilities with respect to animal care and treatment and practice in experimental procedures to ensure that animal pain and distress are minimized. Directs the Secretary to require research facilities to report at least annually that such standards are being followed. Specifies those items which must be included in a research facility's statement of compliance with such standards. Provides that a research facility shall be required to establish an animal research committee which shall inspect all animal study areas and facilities of the research facility at least semiannually and file an inspection certification report at the research facility. Requires that such report include any violations by the research facility of the standards promulgated by the Secretary. Provides that the research facility shall be given an opportunity to correct any such violations. Requires the committee to notify the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service of the Department of Agriculture and the Federal agency funding the research facility if the research facility fails to correct conditions. Provides that the committee report shall be maintained by the research facility for at least three years and shall be made available for inspection by the Secretary, the funding Federal agency, and the Department of Agriculture inspectors. Requires a research facility to provide annual instruction for scientists, animal technicians, and other personnel in humane animal maintenance and experimentation and animal research and testing methods. Requires that employees of a research facility be told to report any violations of this Act by the research facility to the committee. Directs the Secretary to establish an information service at the National Agricultural Library which shall provide information on improved methods of animal experimentation. Requires a funding Federal agency to suspend or revoke Federal support for any project where animal care, treatment, and practices are not in compliance with applicable standards despite notification to the research facility involved. Provides that no rules or regulations promulgated by the Secretary may require a research facility to disclose trade secrets or privileged or confidential commercial or financial information. Makes it unlawful for any member of an animal research committee to release or use to his or her advantage any confidential information of a research facility. Sets forth criminal penalties for any such violations. Permits any person injured by such a violation to recover all damages, court costs, and attorney's fees.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1984
States that the Congress: (1) adopts as an objective the release of all Americans still held captive in Southeast Asia and the full accounting of those still missing; (2) recognizes and supports the President's leadership with respect to those Americans; (3) supports his efforts in impressing upon the Southeast Asian nations the determination of the United States to resolve this issue; and (4) encourages him to continue to use all means to secure a full accounting of those Americans still missing and to inform the Congress of his progress regarding this matter.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1984
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Constitution provides that all citizens have the right to keep and bear arms and that such right supersedes the power and authority of any government.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 1984
Superfund Expansion and Protection Act of 1984 - Title I: Provisions Relating Primarily to Response and Liability - Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (Superfund) (CERCLA) (the Act) to revise the definition of "hazardous substance" to include petroleum (including crude oil or any fraction thereof) which: (1) is released from an underground storage tank (as defined in title IV of this title); or (2) may present a significant risk to human health. Transfers the definition of "pollutant or contaminant" from under provisions for response authorities under the Act to among the definitions for purposes of the entire Act. Provides that such term shall include petroleum (including crude oil or any fraction thereof) only in the case of a release from an underground storage tank as defined in title IV of this title. Adds references to "pollutants or contaminants" under specified provisions of the Act. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) (the Administrator) to promulgate regulations, within six months after enactment of this Act, establishing that one single quantity shall be the reportable quantity of any hazardous substance regardless of the medium into which the hazardous substance is released. Increases the amount of criminal fines and the duration of criminal sentences for specified violations under the Act. Adds civil penalties for specified violations under the Act. Revises response authorities provisions to transfer from the President to the Administrator the authority to determine whether a response action will be done properly by the responsible party. Authorizes the Administrator, as well as the President, to undertake response actions. Requires that any removal action undertaken by the Administrator, or by any responsible party, be consistent, to the extent practicable, with any long term remedial action with respect to the release or threatened release. Directs the Administrator, to the maximum extent possible, to assess the risk to human health associated with the release or threatened release. Revises response authorities provisions relating to agreements with States. Requires States to make specified agreements with the Administrator, rather than with the President. Eliminates the requirement that a State assure all future maintenance of the removal and remedial actions provided for the expected life of such actions. Requires the State to pay ten percent of the costs of remedial action and ten percent of all future operation and maintenance costs of any onsite remedial action. Requires a 50 percent or greater State share of response costs only in the case of facilities operated, as well as owned, by the State or local government at the time of hazardous waste disposal. Requires the State to also pay all future operation and maintenance costs of any onsite remedial action at such State or locally owned and operated facilities. Provides for credits to any State which has paid more than a ten percent share of remedial costs at a facility owned, but not operated, by such State or local government. Provides that reasonable administrative expenses may be credited against a State's ten percent share. Sets forth mandatory cleanup standards. Directs the Administrator, rather than the President, to select appropriate cost-effective remedial actions determined to be necessary. Requires that such actions be in accordance with: (1) the National Contingency Plan, to the extent practicable; and (2) a required protection level. Directs the Administrator, in evaluating the cost-effectiveness of a remedial action, to consider permanent solutions and alternative treatment technologies to the maximum extent practicable. Requires that the remedial action provide for a level or standard of control necessary to protect human health and the environment. Requires that such level or standard be as stringent as the most stringent applicable standard under the Toxic Substances Control Act, Safe Drinking Water Act, Clean Air Act, or Clean Water Act (or water quality criteria under the Clean Water Act). Requires that any remedial action which provides for containment at the facility comply with standards applicable to facilities required to obtain hazardous waste management permits under the Solid Waste Disposal Act. Authorizes the Administrator to waive the requirement of the most stringent applicable standard, or of the specified containment standard, and to select an alternative remedial action upon a finding that: (1) such alternative remedial action will provide substantially equivalent protection; or (2) compliance with such requirements at that facility will consume such a disproportionate share of the resources of the Hazardous Substances Trust Fund (the Fund) as to have the effect of deferring or preventing remedial action at other facilities which pose a significantly greater threat to human health and the environment. Prohibits permit requirements for any removal or remedial action undertaken pursuant to the Act 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 required protection level. Revises provisions for information gathering and access authorities to refer to the Administrator, rather than the President. Applies specified information requirements to generators of hazardous wastes, even if such information is available at the facility where such waste is located. Provides for access to such facilities by duly designated Federal and State officers, whenever necessary to carry out any provision of the Act, at reasonable times and for a reasonable duration. Prohibits anyone from impeding or interfering with such entry. Directs the Administrator of the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) to prepare toxicological profiles sufficient to establish the likely effect on human health of at least 100 hazardous substances which are most frequently found or which pose the most significant threat to human health at facilities listed on the National Priorities List prepared under the National Contingency Plan. Requires that the 100 profiles be completed 48 months after enactment of this Act (at 12-month intervals for four groups of 25 substances). Adds new provisions for public participation in remedial action planning. Sets forth mandatory remedial action schedules. Directs the Administrator (of EPA) to commence remedial investigations for all facilities which are listed, as of the enactment date of this Act, on the National Priorities List (NPL) in accordance with the following schedule: (1) one-third of such facilities within six months after such enactment date; (2) two-thirds within 12 months after such date; and (3) all within 18 months after such date. Directs the Administrator to list not fewer than 1,600 facilities on the NPL by January 1, 1988. Directs the Administrator to commence remedial actions and feasibility studies for each facility added to the NPL after the enactment date of this Act within six months after addition of such facility to the NPL. Directs the Administrator to ensure that substantial and continuous physical on-site remedial action commences at facilities on the NPL at a rate of not fewer than 150 facilities per year beginning on October 1, 1986. Directs the Administrator to complete by January 1, 1987, preliminary assessments of all sites listed, as of the enactment date of this Act, on the Emergency and Remedial Response Information System. Directs the Administrator to ensure that remedial action is completed, to the maximum extent feasible, for all facilities listed as of the date of enactment of this Act on the NPL within five years after such enactment date. Directs the Administrator to publish an explanation of why any such remedial action could not be completed within such period. Sets forth provisions for citizen petitions for health effects studies and for emergency relief. Allows any individual or group of individuals to submit a petition to the Administrator providing evidence which: (1) demonstrates that such individual or individuals are being exposed to any hazardous substance; and (2) provides an empirical analysis of the level of exposure. Directs the Administrator to initiate a health effects study upon determination that: (1) there is a reasonable likelihood that such substance is from a facility where such substance is or was treated, stored, recycled, or disposed of, on a regular basis, or where removal action is being or was taken under any provision of the Act; and (2) the exposure may present a significant risk to human health. Directs the Administrator (or the ATSDR Administrator if so designated by the Administrator), within 30 days after receipt of such petition, to: (1) initiate a health effects study; or (2) publish a written explanation of the determination which prevented initiation of the study. Requires that each such health effects study be completed within six months after the date the petition is filed and include specified information. Requires that steps be taken to eliminate any significant risk to human health which such study finds the exposure concerned presents. Provides that such steps may include provision of alternative drinking water supplies and relocation of individuals. Requires that the National Contingency Plan (NCP) be revised within 18 months after the enactment of this Act to reflect the amendments made by this Act. Requires that the portion of the NCP known as "the National Hazardous Substance Response Plan" be revised to provide procedures and standards for remedial actions consistent with protection level requirements under this title. Sets forth provisions for citizen petitions for site ranking. Directs the Administrator, within 12 months after receipt of a citizen petition, to complete a preliminary assessment of the hazards to public health and environment associated with any actual or threatened release of a hazardous substance or pollutant or contaminant. Directs the Administrator, if such assessment indicates a significant threat, to make a prompt evaluation in accordance with the hazard ranking system referred to under specified provisions of the Act to determine the national priority of such release or threatened release. Requires that plan criteria for determining priorities among releases or threatened releases throughout the United States for purposes of taking remedial action shall also take into account: (1) the release-associated damage to natural resources which may affect the human food chain; and (2) the release-associated contamination or potential contamination of the ambient air. Sets forth provisions for abatement actions. Directs the Administrator, within 18 months after enactment of this Act, and after consultation with the Attorney General, to revise and republish specified guidelines for using imminent hazard, enforcement, and emergency response authorities to effectuate the responsibilities and powers created by this Act. Authorizes the Administrator to establish administrative procedures regarding the opportunity for a person to object to an abatement order under this title. Provides that no court shall have jurisdiction to review any such abatement order in any action other than an action to: (1) enforce such order; (2) recover a penalty for a violation; or (3) recover punitive damages. Revises liability provisions to provide for liability for Federal or State costs of removal or remedial action with respect to a release or threatened release (whether or not such action is consistent with the NCP). Adds liability for Federal or State costs of information gathering with respect to a release or threatened release. Adds liability for the costs of any action taken by the Administrator, under specified citizens petition and emergency relief provisions of this Act, to eliminate a significant risk to human health presented by exposure to a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant and the costs of any health effects study carried out under such provisions with respect to such exposure. Provides that liability under the Act (CERCLA) shall be strict, joint, and several as construed and applied under specified provisions of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act and under these CERCLA liability provisions. Provides that amounts recoverable shall include interest at a specified rate. Prohibits the Attorney General from representing any Federal agency (other than the EPA) in any civil action under title I (Hazardous Substances Releases, Liability, Compensation) of the Act (CERCLA). Authorizes the head of any such Federal agency to appoint agency attorneys or contract with non-Federal attorneys to represent the agency in any such action. Provides that, in any action under liability provisions of the Act, the results of laboratory tests conducted by the Administrator (or by a State) to determine what substances are present at the facility where a release or threatened release occurs 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. Adds to authorized uses of the Fund the payment of any costs incurred under provisions of this Act: (1) relating to emergency relief and health effects studies; (2) by the ATSDR in preparing specified toxicological profiles; and (3) by the Administrator in evaluating facilities pursuant to petitions for preliminary assessments of hazards to public health. Eliminates a requirement that 85 percent of specified money credited to the Fund be available only for specified purposes. Limits to six percent of such money the amount available for payment of specified claims. Revises audit provisions to direct the Inspector General of the EPA, in each fiscal year, to: (1) conduct an annual audit of the Trust Fund; (2) report on the status of all remedial and enforcement actions taken during the prior fiscal year; and (3) estimate the amount of resources, including the number of work years or personnel, which would be necessary for the Administrator to complete the implementation of all duties vested in the Administrator under this title. Requires that such audit and such status report: (1) include specified information; and (2) be reported annually by the Inspector General to the Congress. Prohibits any potentially liable person from seeking judicial review of any determination to incur any governmental response costs pursuant to response authorities provisions or to utilize the Fund for payment of such costs except in an action to recover such costs under liability provisions. Revises statute of limitations provisions under the Act. Prohibits, with specified exceptions for minors or incompetent persons, presentation of any claim or commencement of any action for damages, as defined under the Act, beyond three years after the later of: (1) the date of the discovery of the loss; (2) the date on which regulations are promulgated under specified provisions for the assessment of damages for injury to, destruction of, or loss of natural resources resulting from a release of oil or hazardous substance for purposes of the Act and of specified provisions of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act; or (3) the date on which regulations are promulgated establishing procedures for the filing of such claims. Sets a statute of limitations of six years after the date of the completion of the response action for presentation of claims or commencement of actions for recovery of response costs in cases involving the responsible person's willful misconduct or willful negligence, violation of safety, construction, or operating standards or regulations, or failures or refusals to provide reasonable cooperation and assistance requested by public officials. Extends the deadline for promulgation of regulations for the assessment of damages for injury to, destruction of, or loss of natural resources resulting from a release of oil or a hazardous substance for purposes of the Act and of specified provisions of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. Sets forth provisions concerning the relationship of this Act to other law. Authorizes States to require any person to contribute to any fund to pay compensation for claims for any response costs or damages or claims which may be compensated under the Act. Title II: Federal Cause of Action - Subtitle A: Federal Cause of Action - Establishes a Federal cause of action for damages to an individual which result from harm caused by a release of a hazardous substance from specified facilities. Allows the individual or the individual's dependents to sue for compensable damages under this title. Makes liable for such damages: (1) the owner or operator of a vessel (otherwise subject to the jurisdiction of the United States) or a facility; (2) any person who at the time of disposal of any hazardous substance owned or operated any facility at which such hazardous substance was disposed of; (3) any person who by contract, agreement, or otherwise arranged for disposal or treatment, or arranged with a transporter for transport for disposal or treatment, of hazardous substances owned or possessed by such person, by any other party or entity, at any facility owned or operated by another party or entity and containing such hazardous substances; and (4) any person who accepts or accepted any hazardous substances for transport to disposal or treatment facilities or sites selected by such person. Makes such liability strict. Makes such liability joint and several, with specified exceptions. Sets forth defenses to such strict liability. Makes the following damages compensable under this title: (1) any medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, or burial expenses due to personal injury, illness, or death; (2) any loss of income or profits or any impairment or loss of earning capacity due to personal injury, illness, or death; (3) any pain or suffering which results from personal illness, injury, or death; and (4) any economic loss and any damages to property, including diminution in value. Provides for jurisdiction over such Federal cause of action in U.S. district courts. Provides that such Federal jurisdiction shall not affect the jurisdiction of any State court with respect to any action. Authorizes the court to award litigation costs where appropriate. Provides that nothing in this title shall be construed to preempt, or otherwise affect, any provision of State law regarding liability for damages in connection with any hazardous substance. Subtitle B: General Provisions - Sets forth a three-year statute of limitations, with specified exceptions for minors or incompetent persons, for actions under this title beginning on the later of: (1) the date the individual knew (or reasonably should have known) that the injury, illness, or death or other expense was caused by the hazardous substance concerned; or (2) the date of enactment of this title. Prohibits any person who is an employee covered by a State or Federal worker's compensation plan which compensates employees for an injury, illness, or death arising out of and in the course of employment (or pursuant to similar tests of work-relatedness) from recovering any amount under this title for such injury, illness, or death. Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions - Eliminates provisions under the Act (CERCLA) relating to a legislative veto. Authorizes citizen lawsuits under the Act (CERCLA). Sets forth provisions relating to such citizen lawsuits. Title IV: Regulation of Underground Storage Tanks - Establishes a program for identification and regulation of underground storage tanks containing hazardous substances (including petroleum products), and for cleanup of leaks from such tanks. Defines "hazardous substance" for purposes of this title as: (1) any substance designated pursuant to specified provisions of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act; (2) any element, compound, mixture, solution, or substance designated pursuant to the CERCLA definition of "pollutant or contaminant," as added by this Act; (3) any hazardous waste having the characteristics identified under or listed pursuant to hazardous waste management provisions of the Solid Waste Disposal Act (but not including any waste the regulation of which under such Act has been suspended by Act of Congress); (4) any toxic pollutant listed under specified provisions of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act; (5) any hazardous air pollutant listed under specified provisions of the Clean Air Act; (6) any imminently hazardous chemical substance or mixture with respect to which the Administrator has taken action pursuant to specified provisions of the Toxic Substances Control Act; and (7) any petroleum product or fraction thereof. Excludes from such term natural gas, natural gas liquids, propane, liquefied natural gas, or synthetic gas usable for fuel (or mixtures of natural gas and such synthetic gas). Defines "underground storage tank" to include underground pipes connected to such a tank, and lists the following exclusions from this term: (1) farm or residential underground storage tanks of 1,100 gallons or less capacity used for storing motor fuel for noncommercial purposes; (2) underground storage tanks used for storing heating oil for consumptive use on the premises where stored; (3) residential septic tanks; (4) pipelines regulated under the Natural Gas Pipeline Act of 1968; or (5) surface impoundments, pits, ponds, lagoons, or basins. Sets forth notification requirements applicable to any person who, during the calendar year immediately preceding the calendar year in which this title was enacted, has supplied any hazardous substance to 100 or more sites where there is an underground storage tank which is or has been used for the storage of any hazardous substance. Requires such persons to notify a designated State or local agency of the existence of any such tank located at such a site. Directs the Administrator, within eight months after the enactment date of this Act, to promulgate regulations (taking into account the effect on small business) regarding the providing of notice to obtain information concerning any such tanks which are not located at such sites. Requires that the notice required of such persons supplying hazardous substances to 100 or more sites where such tanks are located be provided within 12 months after the enactment of this title. Requires that the notice required with respect to all other sites where such tanks are located be provided within 12 months after the promulgation of such regulations. Requires that specified information be contained in those notices required of the suppliers to 100 or more sites and in those notices required of owners or operators which install or bring into use an underground storage tank after the enactment of this Act. Sets forth other information requirements for notices required of the suppliers to 100 or more sites, and for notices required pursuant to regulations for tanks at other sites, in the case of any such tank used for such storage prior to the enactment of this Act but taken out of operation before such enactment date (but after January 1, 1974). Provides that notice shall not be required under this title in the case of any tank for which notice was given pursuant to specified provisions of CERCLA. Requires any owner or operator which installs or brings into use an underground storage tank after the enactment of this Act to notify the designated State or local agency within a specified period. Directs the Governor of each State, within 90 days of such enactment date, to designate the appropriate State or local agencies to receive such notifications. Directs the Administrator, within 180 days of such enactment date and in consultation with designated State and local officials, to prescribe in greater detail the form and content of such notifications. Provides that, if a Governor chooses not to designate a State or local agency for such purpose, such notifications shall be submitted to the Administrator. Requires the State, if such notifications are submitted to a designated State or local agency, to compile the submitted information into a comprehensive inventory and furnish such inventory to the Administrator within 18 months of such enactment date. Sets forth provisions for release detection, prevention, and correction regulations applicable to all owners and operators of underground storage tanks used for storing hazardous substances. Directs the Administrator to promulgate such regulations after opportunity for public comment and within 18 months after enactment of this title. Requires that such regulations include requirements respecting specified areas, including: (1) leak detection or inventory systems and tank testing; (2) records of such testing, inventory, or detection; (3) reporting releases and corrective actions; (4) standards of performance for new underground tanks, including specified requirements; (5) corrective actions; (6) closure to prevent future release; and (7) evidence of financial responsibility for taking corrective action and for bodily injury and property damage to third parties. Prohibits, until the effective date of such regulations and after 180 days from the enactment of this Act, any person from installing or beginning to use an underground storage tank to store hazardous substances unless such tank is cathodically protected against corrosion, constructed of a noncorrosive material, or contained in a manner designed to prevent the release into the environment of any stored hazardous substances. Sets forth provisions for the Administrator's review and approval of State programs for underground storage tank release detection, prevention, and correction. Requires the State to demonstrate that the State program is equivalent to the Federal program under this title and that it provides for adequate enforcement of compliance with program requirements. Requires that a State's new tank standards be no less stringent than the performance standards promulgated by the Administrator pursuant to this title. Provides for notice and opportunity for public comment before determinations concerning approval of State programs are made. Gives States with approved programs primary enforcement responsibility for requirements related to control of underground storage tanks used to store hazardous substances. Provides for withdrawal of approval upon the Administrator's determination, after public hearing, that a State is not administering and enforcing the program in accordance with specified requirements. Sets forth provisions relating to inspections, monitoring, and testing. Sets forth provisions for confidentiality of information, and criminal penalties for violations of such confidentiality. Requires that all information reported to, or otherwise obtained by, the EPA under this title be made available, upon written request, to any duly authorized committee of the Congress. Sets forth provisions for Federal enforcement of requirements under this title. Sets forth civil penalties for specified violations. Makes requirements under this title applicable to Federal facilities. Authorizes the President to grant exemptions from such requirements upon determination that it is in the paramount interest of the United States to do so. Requires the President to report annually to Congress on such exemptions and the reasons for granting them. Provides that nothing in this Act shall preclude or deny any State or local authority to regulate more stringently underground storage tanks used to store hazardous substances. Directs the Administrator, within 36 months after the enactment of this title, to study the following underground storage tanks exempted under the definition of "underground storage tanks": (1) farm or residential tanks of 1,100 gallons or less capacity used for storing motor fuel for noncommercial purposes; and (2) tanks used for storing heating oil for consumptive use on the premises where stored. 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 the study, with recommendations as to whether or not such tanks should be subject to regulation under this title. Title V: Amendments of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the environmental tax on petroleum from 0.79 cent to 4.5 cents a barrel, effective October 1, 1985. Extends the period before such tax is terminated until September 30, 1990. Repeals specified CERCLA sunset provisions relating to expiration of the authority conferred by CERCLA to collect environmental taxes. Repeals specified provisions of the Hazardous Substance Response Revenue Act of 1980 relating to the Post-Closure Tax and Trust Fund, and the amendments made by such provisions. Repeals specified CERCLA provisions relating to the Post-Closure Liability Fund. Requires that all sums credited to the Post-Closure Liability Trust Fund established under the Hazardous Substance Response Revenue Act of 1980 which have not been obligated prior to the date of enactment of this title shall be refunded to the persons who paid taxes under specified provisions of the Internal Revenue Code. Requires that such funds be made on a ratable basis in proportion to the total amount of such taxes which were paid by each such person. Adds provisions for a waste end tax, effective January 1, 1987, to Internal Revenue Code provisions for environmental taxes. Imposes such waste end tax on the disposal of any hazardous substance, if such disposal is required to be carried out in compliance with hazardous waste management provisions of the Solid Waste Disposal Act. Sets the amount of such waste end tax in the case of: (1) any hazardous substance for which there is in effect under specified CERCLA regulations a reportable quantity of one pound or less, at $15 for each metric ton disposed of by underground injection and $30 for each metric ton not disposed of by such method; (2) all hazardous substances for which there is in effect under specified CERCLA regulations a reportable quantity of more than one pound, at $5 for each metric ton disposed of by underground injection and $10 for each metric ton not disposed of by such method. Provides that, in the cases of mixtures of hazardous substances with reportable quantities of one pound or less and those with reportable quantities more than one pound, the entire mixture shall be deemed to have a reportable quantity of one pound or less. Requires the owner or operator of the facility to pay such waste end tax with respect to the disposal of any hazardous substance 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 substance to pay such waste end tax with respect to any other disposal of any hazardous substance. Provides that such waste end tax shall not apply after September 30, 1990. Sets forth exemptions from such waste end tax. Provides that such tax shall not apply to the disposal of: (1) any substance by incineration in accordance with the standards applicable to incineration facilities under hazardous waste management provisions of the Solid Waste Disposal Act; (2) any substance by any person in the course of carrying out any removal and remedial action under CERCLA; or (3) any solid waste which is required to be studied under specified provisions of the Solid Waste Disposal Act unless, after the completion of the studies, a law is enacted subjecting such waste to the waste end tax. Sets forth definitions and special rules relating to such waste end tax, including rules treating waste as disposed of not later than one year after generation and as generated not earlier than the date such waste is identified as hazardous, and a rule imposing a fraction of the tax for a fraction of a metric ton of waste. Amends the Hazardous Substance Response Revenue Act of 1980 to provide that revenues from such waste end tax shall be deposited in the Hazardous Substance Response Trust Fund. Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions relating to the environmental tax on certain chemicals (and metals). Increases the rate of such tax on most chemicals on the list (but decreases such tax rate for methane). Adds other chemicals (and metals) to such tax list. Eliminates the listings of zinc chloride and zinc sulfate, but adds zinc to the list for purposes of such tax. Revises the exemption for substances derived from coal from such tax on chemicals to provide that the following substances shall not be exempt from such tax: benzene, tolvene, xylene, naphthalene, tars, and light oils. Expands the exemption for substances used in the production of fertilizer from such tax on chemicals to include as qualified substances specified substances which are sold for resale by any purchaser for use or for resale for ultimate use in a qualified use. Makes such amendments relating to the tax on certain chemicals effective on October 1, 1985. Amends the Hazardous Substance Response Revenue Act of 1980 to revise provisions relating to the Hazardous Substance Response Trust Fund (the Fund). Authorizes appropriations to the Fund for FY 1986 through 1990. Expands the scope of authorized expenditures from the Trust Fund by authorizing expenditures for other costs described under specified CERCLA provisions. Increases from 85 percent to 94 percent the Fund amounts reserved for expenditures for specified purposes. Revises provisions relating to the Fund's authority to borrow repayable advances. Extends through March 31, 1988, the period during which advances may be made for payment of response costs. Extends through September 30, 1990: (1) the period during which other advances may be made to the Fund; and (2) the deadline for final repayment of all advances to the Trust Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 1984
Expresses the sense of the Congress that local governments should adopt a parental responsibility liquor ordinance which would make parents and homeowners responsible for the consumption of alcoholic beverages on their premises by individuals under the legal drinking age.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 1984
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Reagan administration and succeeding administrations: (1) stress to China the importance the American people attach to religious freedom; and (2) urge the Chinese Government to release from prison five Roman Catholic priests and persons of various faiths who are being held because of religious activities.
![Official portrait of Rep. Patterson, Jerry M. [D-CA-38]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/p000121_200.jpg)