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United States · Official source
3,394 records where Rep. Schroeder, Patricia [D-CO-1] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 13 September 1984
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the amount of the deductions allowed for personal exemptions from $1,000 to $2,600.
United States · United States Congress · 11 September 1984
Establishes a Commission on Employment Discrimination in the Legislative Branch. Directs the Commission to: (1) employ a nongovernmental consultant to study the compensation paid to Library of Congress personnel and analyze personnel policies of the Library; (2) evaluate the compensation system of the Library for compliance with title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and make any recommendations needed to achieve compliance; (3) develop a plan for the application of title VII through the legislative branch; and (4) make recommendations to Congress for improvement of personnel policies and practices in the legislative branch. Directs the Commission to submit a final report to Congress 18 months after enactment of this Act. Terminates the Commission 30 days after submission of the final report.
United States · United States Congress · 10 August 1984
Federal District Court Organization Act of 1984 - Amends the judicial code to provide that court for the Eastern District of New York shall be held at Hauppauge in addition to Brooklyn and Hempstead. Places DeKalb and McHenry counties in the Western Division of the Northern District of Illinois. Adds Champaign-Urbana as a site for Federal district court in the Central District of Illinois. Adds a seventh division to the Southern District Court of Texas. Establishes the McAllen Division in the Southern District, comprising the counties of Hidalgo and Starr. States that court for the McAllen Division shall be held at McAllen. Places Fannin, Gilmer, and Pickens counties in the Gainesville Division of the Northern District of Georgia. Designates Statesboro instead of Swainsboro as the sixth division in the Southern District of Georgia. Adds Bennington to the sites of Federal district courts in Vermont. Adds Boulder to the sites of Federal district court in Colorado.
United States · United States Congress · 10 August 1984
Amends part A (General Provisions) of title XI of the Social Security Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to invite each State having an approved plan under part A (Aid to Families with Dependent Children) of title IV of the Social Security Act to submit an application to establish and conduct a demonstration project for the purpose of testing whether the provision of mandatory education or vocational training (or both) for the caretaker parents of dependent children under six years of age in families receiving AFDC would enable such families to leave the AFDC rolls quickly and assist such parents in securing long-term gainful employment at earnings levels sufficient to maintain their families without public assistance. Requires any State desiring to establish and conduct such a demonstration project to submit an application to the Secretary within six-months after the enactment of this Act. Requires the application to include assurances that the proposed project would be permitted under applicable State and local law. Directs the Secretary to consider all applications submitted and to approve ten of the proposed projects within nine months after the enactment of this Act. Requires six of the approved projects to be located in urban areas and four to be located in predominantly rural areas. Prohibits the approval of a project unless: (1) it is of sufficient size and scope to demonstrate program and cost effectiveness and to permit the drawing of valid inferences for evaluation and permit the drawing of valid inferences for evaluation and policy recommendations; (2) it will be conducted for a period of not less than three nor more than five years; (3) it covers all caretaker parents in families which are eligible for aid under the applicable State plan and which include one or more children under six years of age; and (4) it complies fully with all other requirements and will contribute to the purposes of this Act. Defines "caretaker parent" to mean the parent of a dependent child under age six with whom such child is living, who is personally providing care for such child, who is eligible for AFDC, and who is or would be exempt from the manpower services, training, and employment registration requirements because that parent personally provides care for such child. Directs a State, in conducting an approved demonstration project to: (1) offer each caretaker parent in a jurisdiction involved an opportunity to participate in the project; (2) establish an individualized program for the education or vocational training of each participating caretaker parent; and (3) permit such parent to receive education or training under the program so established (from the time the youngest child in the care of such parent is six-months old, or earlier with a physician's written permission) until either the parent is employed and self-sufficient, the parent is no longer a caretaker parent, or the family has become ineligible for aid. Permits a State to make participation in the project by caretaker parents in the State mandatory rather than voluntary. Permits a jurisdiction within a State to make participation mandatory, if the State does not exercise its option. Directs the Secretary to pay each State with an approved demonstration project 90 percent of the costs incurred by the State in establishing and carrying out such project. Requires the remainder of the costs incurred to be paid from non-Federal sources. Requires the education or training for caretaker parents in such program to meet the following requirements: (1) for caretaker parents without a high school diploma; (2) after receipt of such diploma (or in the case of an individual already having a high school diploma or better), the caretaker parent must participate in an approved post-secondary education program, an approved vocational education program, or a program of employment and training under auspices of the Job Training Partnership Act; (3) the award of an academic scholarship to a caretaker parent shall not result in any loss of eligibility or benefits under AFDC or any other public assistance program, so long as the scholarship payments are made directly to the appropriate educational institution; (4) the education and training must include instruction in family management and life skills, employment and job search training, career counseling, and community-supported recreational activities; (5) appropriate English language and adjustment training must be provided for caretaker parents from immigrant groups who have language or cultural adjustment difficulties; (6) special training must be provided for physically handicapped participants; (7) education and training for each participate in the project must be provided for at least 20 hours per week and must be coordinated with available child care services; (8) any caretaker parent who has completed all of the education and training required by this Act shall remain a participant in the project for 20 hours a week of job search and placement assistance (with associated child care) until either the parent is employed and self-sufficient, the parent is no longer a caretaker parent, or the family has become ineligible for AFDC. Provides that in the case of a caretaker parent who ceases to be a participant in the project because he or she has completed all of the education and training required by this Act and has become employed: (1) the parent will be provided with child care services, as necessary, without charge for a six-month period, and for an additional six-month period subject to the payment of a gradually increasing portion of the cost of such services; and (2) the parent shall be considered for a 12-month period to be still a project participant for purposes of receiving Medicaid (title XIX of the Social Security Act). Requires all of the child care and transportation which is necessary for a caretaker parent to participate in a demonstration project to be included, without charge to the caretaker parent, as a part of the project. Requires each approved project to be designed so as to provide an effective demonstration of: (1) the planning and design of quality and cost-effective approaches to child and infant care, utilizing group services provided by the participants themselves or utilizing any other child care services which may be available; (2) the cost-effective utilization of existing publicly-funded educational, vocational, and other training programs; (3) coordination with other community service providers, including job developers; and (4) cost- effective and creative approaches to the utilization of transportation facilities. Prohibits participation in an approved project by a caretaker parent from resulting in any loss of eligibility or benefits under AFDC or any other public assistance program. Provides that if any caretaker parent refuses to undergo any education or training required by this Act or otherwise fails to participate in an approved demonstration project, without a reasonable basis for such refusal or failure as determined on medical, psychological, psychiatric, or other grounds by an appropriate licensed practitioner in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary (subject to a State being granted a waiver): (1) such parent's needs shall not be taken into account in determining need under AFDC with respect to the parent's family; and (2) any AFDC payments shall be made in the form of protective payments. Permits any State whose application for a demonstration project is approved to submit to the Secretary a request for the waiver of any requirement which would otherwise apply with respect to the project under title XI or title IV of the Social Security Act. Directs the Secretary, if authorized, to approve the request upon a determination that the waiver is necessary in order for the project to accomplish its purpose. Requires each approved demonstration project to have a voluntary advisory group to assist in developing the program and in monitoring the project. Sets forth reporting requirements (including reports to Congress). Requires each State in which a demonstration project is located to submit to the Secretary such information as the Secretary may require concerning a project. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 9 August 1984
Amends the Military Selective Service Act to eliminate the requirement that persons under the age of 21 register for military service while there remains in effect a reduction in Federal highway aid to States which have not established a minimum drinking age of 21.
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 · 6 August 1984
War Powers Act of 1984 - Amends the War Powers Resolution to rename the resolution the War Powers Act. Authorizes U.S. armed forces, in the absence of a congressional declaration of war, to be introduced into hostilities or into a situation where the imminent introduction of such forces into hostilities is clearly indicated by the circumstances, only: (1) to repel an attack upon the United States, to take retaliatory actions in the event of such an attack, and to forestall the direct and imminent threat of such an attack; (2) to repel an attack against U.S. armed forces located outside the United States and to forestall the direct and imminent threat of such an attack; (3) to protect U.S. citizens while evacuating them from a country where they are being subject to a direct and imminent threat to their lives either sponsored by the country's government or beyond the power of such government to control, provided the President shall make every effort to terminate the threat without using U.S. armed forces and provided that the President shall where possible obtain the consent of the government before using U.S. armed forces; or (4) pursuant to specific statutory authorization. Requires the President to report to the Speaker of the House and the President of the Senate whenever U.S. armed forces are introduced into hostilities or into one of the other situations listed above. Requires the President to report to Congress at least once every six months for as long as U.S. armed forces are engaged in hostilities outside the United States. Limits the length of time that U.S. armed forces may be used in hostilities or in such situations to 30 days unless Congress enacts a law providing otherwise. Permits Congress by law or joint resolution to terminate U.S. involvement before the expiration of the 30 days. Provides for expedited consideration of proposals to continue or terminate the use of U.S. armed forces in such situations. States that statutory authorization either for introducing U.S. armed forces into or for sustaining their use in hostilities or situations where imminent introduction of such forces into hostilities is clearly indicated by the circumstances shall not be inferred from: (1) any provisions of law unless such provision specifically authorizes such introduction or use of the armed forces and states that it is intended to constitute specific statutory authorization within the meaning of this Act; or (2) any treaty unless the treaty is implemented by a law specifically authorizing such introduction or use of such armed forces and stating that it is intended to constitute specific statutory authorization within the meaning of this Act. Permits U.S. armed forces to participate jointly with members of military forces of other countries in high-level military commands that were established before enactment of this Act and pursuant to a treaty which was ratified before such enactment.
United States · United States Congress · 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 · 31 July 1984
Expresses the sense of the Congress that Taiwan should continue and accelerate progress toward a democratic system by ending martial law and by releasing political prisoners and otherwise guaranteeing and protecting the rights of the Taiwan people.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 1984
Agricultural Patent Reform Act of 1984 - Amends the patent laws to extend the terms of patents which encompass specified products or methods for using a product, including methods of manufacturing which primarily use recombinant DNA technology, any of which are subject to certain nonpatent regulatory review periods. Sets forth the terms and conditions of such extension, including a five year limitation on the extension and a 25 year maximum patent term from the earliest filing. Directs the Commissioner of Patents to notify the appropriate Federal agency upon receipt from a product sponsor of a notice of extension. Requires the notified agency to determine the applicable regulatory review period and whether, within that period, the sponsor acted with due diligence. Provides for notice and informal hearings for persons interested in such determinations. Grants a product sponsor the opportunity to designate any data submitted during the regulatory review period as a trade secret or confidential. Directs the Commissioner, upon a final determination of the applicable regulatory review period, to issue to the owner of record of a patent a certificate of extension stating the fact and length of the extension and identifying the product and the use and the claim to which such extension is applicable. Makes such certificate a part of the original patent. Limits the application of such patent term extension to patents for: (1) any new animal drug or antibiotic subject to regulation under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act; (2) any veterinary biological product subject to regulation under the Virus-Serum-Toxin Act; (3) any pesticide subject to regulation under the Federal Insectide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act; and (4) any chemical substance or mixture subject to regulation under the Toxic Substances Control Act.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1984
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal rules relating to the determination of the issue price of certain debt instruments issued for property. Amends the Tax Reform Act of 1984 to repeal the revisions made to rules for the imputation of interest on certain deferred payments. Provides that the Internal Revenue Code shall be applied and administered as if such revisions had not been enacted.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1984
States that the House of Representatives disapproves the appointment of Anne M. Burford as Chairperson of the National Advisory Committee on Oceans and Atmosphere, and urges the President to withdraw her appointment.
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 1984
Amends the judicial code to add Boulder to the sites of Federal district courts in Colorado.
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 1984
Fair Employment Relations Resolution - Declares that the purpose of this resolution is to implement specified clauses of rule XLIII (prohibiting a Member, officer, or employee of the House from engaging in employment discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin) and rule XI (requiring that professional committee staff members be appointed without regard to race, creed, sex, or age and solely on the basis of fitness to perform their duties) of the Rules of the House of Representatives. Title I: Fair Employment Relations Board - Establishes the House Fair Employment Relations Board to: (1) make policies and guidelines for the implementation and enforcement of such rules; (2) supervise the operation of the House Fair Employment Relations Office; and (3) hear and determine complaints alleging violations of such rules. Title II: House Fair Employment Relations Office - Establishes the House Fair Employment Relations Office, headed by a Director (appointed by the Board), to: (1) develop procedures to implement the policies and guidelines of the Board; and (2) report to the House on information maintained on each category of individuals afforded equal employment opportunity by such rules. Directs the Office to utilize such information to identify discriminatory wage-setting practices. Requires the Office, upon request, to recommend to House committees improvements in their employment practices. Directs the Office to report to the House, by January 3, 1985, on the continuation or improvement of the procedures for settling complaints. Title III: Complaints of Violations of Equal Employment Opportunity - Sets forth procedures for individuals who allege discrimination in violation of rules XLIII or rule XI, including counseling and conciliation, formal complaints and hearings, and appeals to the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct.
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 1984
Expresses the sense of the Congress that American artists and athletes who decline to participate in cultural and sports activities in South Africa because of that country's apartheid system are to be commended. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Department of State should: (1) inform U.S. artists and athletes who request information on travel to South Africa for such activities that the U.S. Government discourages such travel; (2) confirm U.S. opposition toward recognition of the so-called independent homelands; and (3) express its sympathy with the victims of apartheid by voting in favor of U.N. resolutions that seek to mobilize activities by cultural and sports personalities against apartheid.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 1984
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
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
Record Rental Amendment of 1984 - Amends the copyright law to prohibit the unauthorized rental of a phonorecord by its owner for commercial advantage. Deems such unauthorized use an infringement and subject to civil penalties. Includes within the scope of a compulsory license to make and distribute phonorecords the right to rent them. Requires the licensee to pay a royalty for each rental. Terminates such restrictions on rental after five years.
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 · 25 June 1984
Designates July 9, 1984, as African Refugees Relief Day.
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 1984
Establishes a commission to be known as the Martin Luther King, Jr. Federal Holiday Commission to: (1) encourage appropriate ceremonies and activities throughout the United States relating to the first observance of the Federal legal holiday honoring Martin Luther King, Jr.; and (2) provide advice and assistance to the Federal Government and to State and local governments and private organizations with respect to the observance of the holiday. Sets forth requirements regarding the membership and staff of the Commission. Authorizes the heads of all Government departments and agencies, upon the request of the Commission, to detail any of their personnel to the Commission and to otherwise assist the Commission in carrying out its responsibilities under this Act. Requires that all of the Commission's expenditures be made from donated funds. Directs the Commission, not later than April 20, 1986, to report to the President and the Congress concerning its activities under this Act. Terminates the Commission after the submission of such report.
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 1984
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should: (1) ensure that U.S. officials carry out his pledge to resolve the issue of the Americans still missing and unaccounted for in Indochina; (2) work for the immediate release of any Americans still held captive and the return of the remains of those who died in Southeast Asia; and (3) make every effort to secure the cooperation pledged by Laos and Vietnam in resolving this issue.
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 1984
Criminal Fine Enforcement Act of 1984 - Amends the Federal criminal code in regard to the collection and payment of fines and penalties. Provides that a judgment may direct imprisonment until a fine or penalty is paid if the court finds that the defendant has the present ability to pay such fine or penalty. States that a judgment imposing the payment of a fine or penalty is a lien in favor of the United States and it applies to all property of the defendant other than property exempt from levy under the Internal Revenue Code. States that payment of a fine is due immediately unless the court requires payment by installment or by any date certain. Allows the Attorney General to make payment due immediately upon the default of any installment payment. Requires the defendant to pay interest at a rate of 1.5 percent per month on any amount of a fine or penalty that is past due (plus an extra 25 percent if the delinquency extends beyond 90 days). Allows the Attorney General and the Director of the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts to provide by regulation that fines for specified categories of offenses be paid to the clerk of the court. Provides that if the fine is imposed on an organization, payments are authorized from the assets of the organization; but if the fine is imposed on a director, officer, employee, or agent of the organization, payment shall not be authorized from organization assets unless expressly permitted by State law. Requires a defendant to pay a fine made a condition of probation even after the probation's end. Provides penalties for criminal default on a fine. Lists factors that the court must consider in determining whether to impose a fine, including: (1) the ability of the defendant to pay; (2) the burden that payment will impose on the defendant; and (3) any restitution or reparation made by the defendant. States that if a defendant has the obligation to make restitution to a victim of the offense, the court shall impose a fine only to the extent that such fine will not impair the ability of the defendant to make restitution. Increases the maximum fine levels for certain felonies, misdemeanors, and offenses which result in pecuniary gain. Provides a procedure for establishing security if a fine is stayed. Conditions parole upon a diligent effort to pay a fine. Increases the fine for the commission of a misdemeanor to $5,000 for an individual and $10,000 for an organization.
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 1984
Federal Polygraph Limitation and Anti-Censorship Act of 1984 - Prohibits a Federal agency from: (1) requiring or, except as specified, requesting any employee or applicant to take a polygraph test; or (2) taking any adverse action, or failing to take any beneficial action, toward an employee or applicant either for refusing to take a polygraph test or on the basis of the results of such a test. Authorizes an agency to request that an employee take a polygraph test voluntarily if: (1) the test is administered as part of a specific investigation into alleged criminal conduct after all other reasonable investigative means have been completed, solely to develop information essential to the investigation; (2) the individual is reasonably believed to have knowledge of the matter under investigation; and (3) the alleged criminal conduct constitutes an offense punishable by death or imprisonment for a term exceeding one year. Authorizes only employees of certain agencies to administer a polygraph test. Prohibits an agency from: (1) requesting or requiring an employee or applicant to enter into any agreement providing for agency review of an employee's information before the employee may disclose the information to the public outside of his or her official capacity; (2) taking any adverse action, or failing to take any beneficial action, toward an employee or applicant for refusing to enter into, or to comply with, such a prepublication review agreement; or (3) establishing or enforcing any other requirement in order to compel prepublication review. Authorizes any person aggrieved by a violation of this Act to bring a civil action against the United States for equitable or monetary relief, or both, in the appropriate U.S. district court, provided: (1) such action is commenced within two years after the violation occurred; and (2) such person chooses to commence such civil action in lieu of any available remedial action under agency administrative procedures. Exempts the Central Intelligence Agency and the National Security Agency from applicability of this Act. Rescinds the provisions of any existing prepublication review agreement. Directs the head of each agency concerned to notify each individual who was a party to such an agreement of its recission.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 1984
Amends the Federal criminal code to define "armor piercing ammunition." Excludes from the definition: (1) shot gun shot required by Federal or State regulations for hunting; (2) frangible projectiles for target shooting; and (3) projectiles that the Secretary of Treasury determines are primarily intended for sporting purposes. Makes it unlawful for any person to manufacture or import armor piercing ammunition. Allows for: (1) the manufacture or importation of armor piercing ammunition for the use of the United States or any State or local government; and (2) manufacture for the sole purpose of exportation. Establishes a licensing fee of $1,000 per year for manufacturers and importers of armor piercing ammunition. Imposes an additional mandatory sentence of not less than five years for any person who uses or carries a firearm and is in possession of armor piercing ammunition during the commission of a violent felony. Provides that such sentence shall not be suspended nor probation nor parole granted.
United States · United States Congress · 31 May 1984
Amends the Adoption Assistance and Child Welfare Act of 1980 and part E (Foster Care and Adoption Assistance) of title IV of the Social Security Act to make permanent certain provisions relating to foster care assistance. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide for the establishment or continuation of a network of Child Welfare Resource Centers to help in the implementation of programs relating to child welfare under part B (Child Welfare Services) of title IV and programs relating to foster care and adoption assistance under part E. Directs the Secretary to provide the necessary funding for the Centers from: (1) certain funds which remain unclaimed by States under part E; and (2) such sums as may be appropriated for the Centers.
United States · United States Congress · 30 May 1984
Reproductive Health Equity Act - Amends the Social Security Act (Medicaid), the Indian Health Care Improvement Act, the Peace Corps Act, the District of Columbia Self-Government and Governmental Reorganization Act, and other Federal laws covering armed forces personnel and dependents, and Federal employees' health benefits, to provide that services related to abortion are made available in the same manner as are other pregnancy- related services under federally-funded programs.
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 · 24 May 1984
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that current tax incentives for renewable energy sources should be extended.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1984
Census Awareness and Accountability Act of 1984 - Directs the Secretary of Commerce, with respect to each decennial and mid-decade census, to submit to the committees of Congress having legislative jurisdiction over the census, not later than 18 months before the appropriate census date, a report containing the Secretary's determination concerning the procedure for estimating and adjusting for any overcount or undercount in any tabulation of total population by State or other geographical area which may occur in such census (including the estimated total cost and the projected timetable for carrying out such procedures). Directs the Secretary to establish a program to provide grants to States and local units of government in order to promote activities designed to minimize the extent of any undercounts which may occur in the decennial census. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 through 1990 for such grants.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 1984
Federal Pay Equity and Management Improvement Act of 1984 - Title I: Pay Equity - Directs the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to study and report to the President and specified congressional committees on: (1) any Government practices of setting lower wage rates under the position classification system or the prevailing pay rate system for jobs held predominately by women than for jobs with comparable duties and requirements held predominantly by men; (2) the discriminatory wage differentials resulting from such practices; (3) appropriate measures for eliminating such practices and differentials, including proposals for the use of equitable job-evaluation techniques and training programs for individuals responsible for implementing such measures; and (4) a timetable for implementing such measures within two years. Declares that nothing in this Act authorizes any reduction in the pay for any position. Requires OPM to submit monthly interim reports on its activities to the congressional committees and to provide advance notice of proposed methods to be used to identify discriminatory wage-setting practices or discriminatory wage differentials. Directs OPM to establish a Pay Equity Study Council to advise OPM on its activities under this title. Requires that the Council consist of at least six representatives of labor organizations representing substantial numbers of female employees. Directs OPM to carry out a continuing program of providing technical assistance to assist an agency, upon request, in applying any position-classification or job grading standard created or revised under this title. Requires OPM, beginnning in 1986, to submit to the President and Congress an annual report on actions taken during the previous year and actions planned for the current year to carry out this title. Directs each Federal agency responsible for submitting an equal employment opportunity plan under the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to: (1) include in each plan or update a review and identification of any discriminatory wage-setting practices and wage differentials with respect to its employees and a plan to eliminate any such practices and differentials; and (2) submit a plan or update containing such information within one year after the effective date of this title. Title II: Performance Management and Recognition System - Revises the merit pay system. Renames the system the performance management and recognition system. Allows the President to exclude any class of employees within any agency unit from such system under specified conditions. Excludes employees of the Office of the Architect of the Capitol, the Library of Congress, the Botanic Garden, and the Administrative Office of the Courts from such system. Declares that such system shall provide for general pay increases, merit increases, and performance awards based on an employee's performance as measured on a five-level scale consisting of one fully successful level, two levels below fully successful, and two levels above fully successful. Requires that any employee whose performance is rated at: (1) the second level below fully successful receive no general pay increase; (2) the first level below fully successful receive one half of the general increase; and (3) the fully successful level or above receive the full general increase. Authorizes annual merit increases to take effect on the first applicable pay period beginning on or after October 1 of each year. Sets the amount of a merit increase at one-ninth of the difference between the minimum and maximum rates of basic pay for the pay grade. Provides for the award of a full merit increase or a fraction thereof based on the employee's level of performance and the employee's basic pay rate within his or her pay grade. Denies merit increases to employees who perform below the fully successful level. Prohibits an employee covered by the performance management and recognition system from being paid at a rate greater than the maximum rate of basic pay for the grade of the employee's position. Allows a covered employee to be paid less than the minimum pay for such grade only as a result of the employee failing to qualify for a full general pay increase. Prohibits a reduction in the pay of an employee brought under such system so long as the employee continues to occupy the same position. Requires the payment of a performance award in an amount not less than two percent and not more than ten percent of an employee's annual rate of basic pay to any employee whose performance is rated at the second level above fully successful. Authorizes the payment of a performance award not exceeding ten percent of an employee's basic pay to any employee whose performance is rated at the first level above fully successful. Limits the funds available to an agency for performance awards to a specified percentage of the agency funds payable for the basic pay of employees under the performance management and recognition system. Continues the cash award program (currently provided under the merit pay system) under the performance management and recognition system. Directs OPM to report to the President and Congress annually on the effectiveness of such system. Prohibits OPM from promulgating regulations restricting the individual or aggregate amount of performance awards. Terminates such system on September 30, 1989. Requires agencies to develop separate performance appraisal procedures for employees covered by such system. Requires such performance appraisal procedures to require the joint participation of the supervising official and the employee in establishing performance standards. Directs OPM to prescribe regulations requiring that such procedures assure accurate evaluation of job performance, communication with employees regarding performance standards at the begining of each appraisal period, evaluation of employees based upon such standards, assistance to employees performing below the fully successful level, and the reassignment, reduction in grade, or removal of any employee who continues to perform below the fully successful level after being afforded reasonable opportunity to improve his or her performance. Lists factors to be considered in performance appraisals, including organizational accomplishment. Entitles an employee whose performance is rated below the fully successful level to: (1) receive prompt notice of that rating and an opportunity for reconsideration of such rating within the agency; and (2) appeal any such rating which is affirmed on reconsideration to the Merit Systems Protection Board. Requires each agency to establish a performance standards review board to: (1) assess the agency's performance standards; (2) study the feasibility of an awards program based on the collective performance of groups of employees under the performance management and recognition system; and (3) provide technical assistance with respect to demonstration projects relating to performance standards. Prohibits OPM or any agency from prescribing any particular distribution of levels of performance ratings or any specific performance standard or element. Prohibits any reduction in the basic pay rate of an individual serving in a position which: (1) is under the merit pay system before the effective date of this title solely because such position does not become covered by the performance management and recognition system; or (2) ceases to be covered by the performance management and recognition system upon termination of such system. Title III: Senior Executive Service - Expresses the sense of Congress that the Senior Executive Service should be continued indefinitely. Establishes the minimum amount of a performance award for a career appointee in the Senior Executive Service (SES) as five percent of the appointee's basic pay rate. Limits the aggregate amount of performance awards payable to SES career appointees of an agency to a specified percentage of the basic pay payable to such appointees during the preceding fiscal year. Prohibits the total number of noncareer appointees in all agencies in a fiscal year from exceeding ten percent of the average number of senior executives occupying SES positions in all agencies during the preceding fiscal year. Revises a limitation on the number of SES positions in an agency that may be filled by noncareer appointees to prohibit such number from exceeding 25 percent of the average number of senior executive occupying SES positions in the agency during the preceding fiscal year. Permits a career appointee to be removed from the SES due to a reduction-in-force if the appointee is not assigned to another SES position within the same agency or placed in a SES position in another agency within 45 (currently 120) days after OPM received the original agency's certification that no SES position is available. Prohibits a career appointee from being reassigned outside of his or her commuting area unless he or she is consulted and provided 60 days notice concerning such reassignment. Directs OPM to prescribe regulations providing career appointees rights comparable to competing employees in the event of a transfer of functions between agencies. Authorizes an agency to take an adverse action against an employee because the employee fails to accept a directed reassignment or to accompany a position in a transfer of function. Provides that the involuntary separation of an employee for failure to accept a directed reassignment to a position or to accompany a position in a transfer of function outside his or her commuting area shall not be considered to be a removal for cause on charges of misconduct or delinquency in determining such employee's eligibility for immediate civil service retirement.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 1984
Repeals the termination date of the authority of the President or an Inspector General or other designated official of a Federal agency to pay cash awards to employees whose disclosures of fraud, waste, or mismanagement result in cost savings to the agency.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 1984
Federal Courts Civil Priorities Act - Requires each Federal court to formulate its own rules of priority regarding the order in which civil actions shall be heard. Specifies exceptions. Authorizes the Judicial Conference of the United States to modify such rules to establish consistency.
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
Supreme Court Mandatory Appellate Jurisdiction Reform Act of 1984 - Repeals the provision of the judicial code authorizing any party (in a proceeding to which the United States is a party) to appeal directly to the Supreme Court from a Federal court order which declares an Act of Congress unconstitutional. Repeals Supreme Court mandatory jurisdiction to hear appeals from a Federal appellate court decision holding a State statute unconstitutional. Repeals Supreme Court mandatory jurisdiction to hear appeals from decisions of the highest court of a State (including Puerto Rico) which hold that: (1) a Federal treaty or statute is invalid; or (2) a State law is valid. Makes technical and conforming amendments.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1984
Amends the Foreign Service Act of 1980 to provide an annuity for any person who was a former spouse of a participant or former participant in the Foreign Service Retirement and Disability System on February 15, 1981, and for whom no election is made by the participant or former participant. Declares that a former spouse shall not be qualified for an annuity if, before the annuity commences, the former spouse remarries before becoming 60 years old. Sets forth the method of determining when the annuity shall commence and when it shall terminate. Prohibits a former spouse who has been paid a lump-sum payment from receiving an annuity unless the former spouse returns the payment to the Foreign Service Retirement and Disability Fund. Prohibits payment of an annuity until after the appropriate application has been provided to the Secretary of State. Directs the Secretary to: (1) prescribe the regulations for such application within 120 days of enactment of this Act; and (2) inform each person who was a former spouse on February 15, 1981, of any rights such person might have. Requires that limitations on health care payments to an eligible person shall be waived if the Secretary determines that the person's illness was clearly caused or materially aggravated because the person is or has been located abroad. (Current law authorizes waiver of such limitations.) Authorizes a former spouse of a member or former member of the Foreign Service to enroll in the health benefits plan which covered the former spouse before the divorce or separation if within 31 days of the date the divorce or separation becomes final the former spouse: (1) files an election for such enrollment; and (2) arranges to pay currently into the Employees Health Benefits Fund an amount equal to the sum of the employee and agency contributions payable by an employee in the same health benefits plan. Authorizes waiver of the 31 day time limit for enrollment by a former spouse. Permits any individual who becomes a former spouse on or before the date of enactment of this Act to enroll in a health benefits plan if, within six months of enactment of this Act, such individual files an election for such enrollment and arranges to make the appropriate payments. Requires the Secretary to take all practicable steps to: (1) determine the identity and address of each former spouse; and (2) notify such former spouse of that individual's rights to enrollment in a health benefits plan. Requires waiver of the six month time limit for enrollment by a former spouse if the Secretary determines the waiver is necessary. Declares that any former spouse who remarries before age 60 is not eligible to elect coverage by such a health benefit plan.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1984
Arms Race Moratorium Act - Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should immediately communicate to the Soviet Union the willingness of the United States to enter into a mutual United States - Soviet Union moratorium on the flight testing and deployment of new ballistic missiles and anti-satellite weapons and the testing of nuclear warheads. Prohibits spending or obligating any U.S. funds for the flight testing or deployment of new ballistic missiles, the flight testing against objects in space or the deployment of anti-satellite weapons, or the testing of nuclear warheads if, within 90 days of enactment of this Act, the President has not made such a communication with the Soviet Union and, within such period, the Soviet Union communicates to the President that at the end of the 90 days the Soviet Union will observe a mutual United States - Soviet Union moratorium on such testing and deployment. Authorizes U.S. funding for such testing and deployment if, after the beginning of the moratorium, the President certifies to Congress that the Soviet Union has conducted a test or deployed a missile or anti-satellite weapon or tested a nuclear warhead inconsistent with the moratorium. Requires the President, as part of such certification, to submit to Congress an unclassified report summarizing the basis for the certification and a classified report describing in detail the basis for the certification. Directs the President to report annually to the Congress: (1) on the progress in negotiating nuclear arms control agreements with the Soviet Union; (2) on whether the President believes that continuation of the moratorium is in the best national security interests of the United States. Authorizes Congress, if the President states that continuation of the moratorium is not in the best national security interests of the United States, to enact a joint resolution which terminates the moratorium and permits funds, to be used for testing and deployment.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1984
Semiconductor Chip Protection Act of 1984 - Extends copyright protection to original mask works fixed in semiconductor chip products. Defines a mask work as the two- and three-dimensional features of shape, pattern, and configuration of the surface of the layers of a semiconductor chip product which portray the appearance of a product or convey information. Requires as a condition of protection that: (1) the owner of the mask work be a resident or citizen of the United States or of a country which is party to a protection treaty to which the United States is also a party on the date the work is first commercially exploited or registered; (2) the work is first commercially exploited in the United States; or (3) the mask work comes within the scope of a presidential proclamation extending reciprocal protection to the works of foreign citizens or residents. Vests exclusive rights in the mask work in the owner who may transfer, convey, or bequeath such interest. Recognizes the first registered transfer in case of a conflict. Sets the copyright term for mask works at ten years from the date of registration or first commercial exploitation, whichever comes first. Sets forth the exclusive rights of the owner of such a copyright, including the rights to: (1) reproduce the mask; (2) import or distribute a semiconductor chip product in which the mask work is embodied; and (3) cause another to perform such acts. Excludes from the applicability of an owner's exclusive rights a mask work used for educational purposes or an innocent purchaser of a semiconductor chip product. Protects works registered within two years of the date of their first commercial exploitation. Sets forth administrative procedures for the Register of Copyrights. Permits the owner of the mask work to place a notice of copyright on such works which includes the words 'mask work' or M in a circle, the year the work was first fixed in a semiconductor chip product, and the name of the owner of the work. Entitles the owner of a mask work whose protection has been infringed or whose registration of such work has been refused to institute a civil action. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury and the U.S. Postal Service to issue regulations for the enforcement of the right to import mask works. Permits the impoundment and seizure of mask works imported in violation of the owner's exclusive rights. Sets forth remedies for infringement, including temporary and permanent injunctive relief, actual damages, and the award of the infringer's profits to the owner. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1984
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should express to the Soviet Union the U.S. disapproval of the Soviet Union's: (1) systematic nondelivery of U.S. mail addressed to persons in the Soviet Union; and (2) violation of specified treaties governing international mail. States that at the meeting of the Congress of the Universal Postal Union in Hamburg, Germany, U.S. representatives should; (1) bring such violations to the attention of the Union; (2) request that an investigation of such violations be conducted by the Union; and (3) consider possible sanctions against the Soviet Union for such violations.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1984
Limits the amount payable to Government Accounting Office (GAO) experts and consultants to the maximum rate for GS-18. Increases from ten to 15 the number of experts and consultants GAO may procure for not more than three years. Allows GAO to include such positions in its Senior Executive Service. Increases from 100 to 119 the number of GAO positions for which the compensation may not exceed the maximum pay rate for GS-18.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1984
Authorizes the President to award the Medal of Honor to the unknown soldier of the Vietnam era buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
United States · United States Congress · 12 April 1984
Amends the Equal Access to Justice Act to provide that the decision of the adjudicative officer of a Federal agency constitutes the final administrative decision regarding the award of certain legal expenses to a party prevailing against the United States in an adversary adjudication. Authorizes the adjudicative officer to adjust the net worth standards for individuals and businesses or organizations eligible for such an award to reflect increases in the cost of living. Enables certain municipal corporations and unincorporated towns to be parties to actions under such Act. Redefines "adversary adjudication" to include any appeal before an agency board of contract appeals under the Contract Disputes Act of 1978. Defines "position of the agency" to include actions and omissions of the agency. Authorizes a party other than the United States that is dissatisfied with an adjudicative officer's determination of such expenses to appeal the determination to the appropriate U.S. court within 30 days after such determination is made. Directs the United States, if dissatisfied, to petition for leave to appeal such determination and bars any appeal if the petition is denied. Requires a court's determination on such an appeal to be a de novo review based solely on the factual record made before the agency. Authorizes appropriations for each agency for payment of expenses awarded to parties prevailing against the agency in an adversary adjudication. Requires the payment of interest on any amount of such expenses remaining due 60 days after final agency action awarding such expenses. Authorizes a court to award certain legal expenses to the prevailing party in any civil action brought by or against any Federal agency or official. Provides for the award of such expenses to any party prevailing against the United States in proceedings for judicial review of agency action. Authorizes the court to adjust the net worth eligibility standards for the award of such expenses to reflect increases in the cost of living. Redefines "civil action" to include any appeal by a party other than the United States from a decision of a contracting officer on a dispute in a Federal contract. Authorizes appropriations for each agency for payment of expenses awarded to the party prevailing against the agency in a civil action. Requires the payment of interest on such expenses remaining due 60 days after being awarded. Repeals the termination dates of the legal expenses award provisions of the Equal Access to Justice Act, thus making them permanent law.
United States · United States Congress · 12 April 1984
Civil Rights Act of 1984 - Amends the Education Amendments of 1972, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 and the Civil Rights Act to prohibit discrimination by any recipient of Federal financial assistance. (Currently, discrimination is prohibited only in a program or activity receiving Federal assistance.) Defines the term "recipient" to extend comprehensive coverage for purposes of the four Acts to any State or local governmental unit, any public or private agency or entity, and any subunit, successor, assignee, or transfereee of any such unit, agency, or entity.
United States · United States Congress · 12 April 1984
Expresses the sense of the Congress that a bilateral summit on trade relations between the United States and Mexico should be held. Specifies the objectives that should be included at such summit (including objectives related to: tariff preferences; investments in Mexico; U.S. fishing rights; transportation problems; trade-free zones; employment; petroleum and alternative energy matters; and pollution).
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1984
Resolves that the mining of Nicaraguan ports and sea lanes should be immediately terminated, that the United States cease supporting groups which carry out such mining operations, and that the existing mines be removed.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1984
States that the Congress strongly disapproves the President's decision to withdraw U.S. recognition of the International Court of Justice with regard to Central America and urges him to reconsider such decision.
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1984
Telecommunications Employees' Protection Act of 1984 - Extends the agreement providing for the reciprocal recognition of employees' service credit by entities subject to the modified judgment of the U.S. District Court of the District of Columbia in the case of the United States v. Western Electric, et alia, to cover certain employees who change employment between such entities on or after January 1, 1985.
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1984
Nondiscrimination in Business Expense Deductions Act of 1984 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that no deduction from gross income shall be allowed to a taxpayer for entertainment expenses for food, beverages, lodging, or entertainment incurred in connection with a facility which discriminates on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Exempts facilities operated by a religious organization where access is limited to members of a particular religion. Treats dues and fees paid to discriminatory facilities as nondeductible expenses. Requires a submission of a statement to the Secretary of the Treasury that a facility not open to the public does not discriminate in order for amounts paid to such facility to qualify for the entertainment expense deduction. Requires the posting of a public notice in the facility stating the nondiscriminatory policy. Permits the Secretary to revoke the acceptance of the statement of nondiscrimination. Requires the taxpayer to report any amounts paid or incurred for food, beverages, lodging, or entertainment in any facility which is not open to the public or does not serve the public.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1984
Acid Deposition Control Act of 1984 - Title I: Acid Deposition Control Program - Amends the Clean Air Act ("the Act") to establish an acid deposition control program. Defines an "acid deposition impact region" as the 31 States east of or bordering on the Mississippi River and the District of Columbia. Requires that by January 1, 1996, the total annual sulfur dioxide emissions in the acid deposition impact region not exceed a level 11,000,000 tons less than the actual level of such emissions in 1980. Requires that one-half of such reduction be completed within six years after the enactment of this Act, or January 1, 1991, whichever is earlier. Provides that sulfur dioxide emissions from major stationary sources which did not begin operation before January 1, 1981, or which have increased emissions since such date (to the extent such emissions do not exceed one and two-tenths pounds of sulfur dioxide per million Btu of heat input on a 30-day basis), calculated on an annual basis, shall not be added to the amount of sulfur dioxide which the State in which such sources are located is required to reduce by January 1, 1996, under provisions for regional reduction allocation and State reduction requirements. Provides that no emissions from such sources shall be added in any State which during 1980 had no major stationary source which was a utility boiler which had an actual annual average emission rate greater than one and two-tenths pounds of sulfur dioxide per million Btu of heat input. Provides that increases in sulfur dioxide emissions from utility boilers which are coal capable as defined under the Fuel Use Act and which convert to the use of coal as a primary fuel shall be so added only to the extent such emissions from a particular source exceed one and one-half pounds of sulfur dioxide per million Btu of heat input on an annual average. Prohibits any major stationary source of sulfur dioxide or nitrogen oxides from commencing operation after January 1, 1996, in such region unless there has been identified for such source a simultaneous net reduction in emissions of sulfur dioxide or nitrogen oxides, or both, at one or more points in such region: (1) in excess of the emissions which potentially would result from the proposed new source; and (2) not otherwise required by a State implementation plan. Exempts from such prohibition any major stationary source which: (1) adopts the best available control technology, as defined under specified provisions of the Act as appropriate for the location of the proposed new source; and (2) attains at least the most stringent emission limitation shown by an adequate operating history to have been achieved in practice by a major stationary source of the same size, type, and class within the region. Directs the Governors of all 31 States within the region to enter into negotiations to establish sulfur dioxide emission reduction requirements for each such State sufficient to achieve the total reduction required for the region. Makes such an agreement binding and enforceable on each such State, but only upon notification to the Administrator by the Governors of 75 percent of the States in the region, within 18 months after enactment of this Act, that such agreement has been reached. Requires each such State, if the Governors fail to reach agreement within such 18 months, to achieve its share of the reduction in annual sulfur dioxide emissions required for the region. Bases such share on the actual utility emissions which are in excess of one and two-tenths pounds of sulfur dioxide per million Btu of heat input averaged over 1980. Authorizes the Governors of any two or more States in the region to reallot among agreeing States such required reductions, provided that the total reductions equal the required total. Requires each such State, within 30 months after the enactment of this Act, to adopt enforceable measures to achieve the required reduction in sulfur dioxide emissions, including emissions limitations and schedules for compliance for sources within such State and other means of emissions reduction in accordance with specified provisions. Directs the Governor of such State to submit such measures to the Administrator for review and to the Governors of all other States in the region for comment. Provides for such review and approval according to specified procedures. Directs the Administrator to approve such measures if, taking into consideration the comments of the other State Governors, the Administrator finds that such measures: (1) contain enforceable requirements for continuous emission reduction; (2) contain requirements for monitoring by the source and enforcement agencies to assure that the emission limitations are being met; and (3) are adequate to meet the required reduction in sulfur dioxide emissions for such State by the deadline under this Act. Makes each emission limitation, compliance schedule, or other measure approved under this Act a requirement of an applicable implementation plan and an emission limitation for purposes of specified provisions of the Act. Provides that, in the case of any major stationary source which is in any State in the region and which is not by December 31, 1986, in full compliance with the applicable implementation plan in effect on January 1, 1981, the owner or operator shall be subject to: (1) the emission limitation established under specified provisions of this Act for all facilities in such State owned or operated by such owner or operator; and (2) a noncompliance penalty for each such source or facility, including each electric generating facility, for the period from the original date for compliance under the applicable implementation plan until actual compliance with such emission limitation. Requires that such enforceable measures adopted by States in the region include compliance schedules which specify actions to be performed leading toward final compliance and increments of progress to be achieved by dates in advance of dates by which the State requires each particular source to comply with the emission limitation necessary to attain the reduction for such State. Requires the State in adopting (and the Administrator in reviewing) such measures to stage or phase such compliance dates so that to the maximum extent practicable one-half of the total emission reduction under this Act is achieved within six years of enactment, or prior to January 1, 1991, whichever is earlier. Requires each major stationary source which proposes to comply with an emission limitation established under this Act by any means other than an innovative system of continuous emission reduction technology or the replacement of existing facilities with new facilities of substantially lower emissions to comply with such emission limitation by January 1, 1994. Sets forth major stationary source sulfur dioxide reduction requirements to apply in any State in the region which has not: (1) adopted, within 30 months after enactment of this Act, measures to achieve the required reduction; or (2) had such measures approved by the Administrator within six months after their submission. Requires, in such States, the owner or operator of each fossil-fuel-burning electric generating facility which is a major stationary source which is not subject to specified performance standards for new stationary sources to comply with an emission limitation or limitations for all such facilities owned or operated by the same entity in such region equivalent to an average among such facilities of one and two-tenths pounds of sulfur dioxide per million Btu of heat input on a 30-day average. Requires the owner or operator of each such facility to submit to the Administrator a plan or schedule of compliance for achieving such emission limitation or equivalent emission reduction in accordance with provisions for enforceable mission reduction programs, within three years after the enactment of this Act or six months after the date on which such owner or operator becomes subject to such emission limitation, whichever is later. Directs the Administrator to approve such plan and compliance schedule if it: (1) contains enforceable requirements for continuous emission reduction; (2) contains requirements for monitoring by the source and enforcement agencies to assure that the emission limitations are being met; and (3) will achieve the required emission reduction in a manner consistent with a specified schedule established under provisions for State enforceable measures, or otherwise at the earliest practicable date, but no later than January 1, 1994. Makes specified violations of such requirements violations of emissions limitations for purposes of certain provisions of the Act. Sets forth provisions for enforceable emission reduction programs. Permits alternative methods or programs for net emission reduction to be used to maintain emission limitations or attain emission reductions required under specified provisions of this Act. Permits a State or the owner or operator of a source to use such alternative methods or programs, in addition to enforceable continuous emission reduction measures, if emissions limitations under such methods or programs are enforceable by the Federal Government, States other than those in which the emissions occur, and citizens under specified provisions of the Act. Includes among such alternative methods or programs: (1) least emissions dispatch to meet electric generating demand and existing generating capacity; (2) retirement of major stationary sources at an earlier date than provided in schedules on file with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the Internal Revenue Service, or State utility regulatory agencies; (3) investments in energy conservation where reductions in emissions can be identified with such investments; (4) trading of emission reduction requirements and actual reductions on a State or regional basis, for which States and the Administrator are authorized to establish emission reduction banks or brokerage institutions to facilitate such trading; (5) precombustion cleaning of fuels; and (6) fuel substitution. Permits a State or the owner or operator of a source required to achieve emission reductions under specified provisions of this Act to substitute reductions in nitrogen oxides emissions, at a rate of two units by weight of nitrogen oxides for each unit of sulfur dioxide. Directs the Administrator to: (1) conduct a study of air pollution problems associated with the long-range transport of pollutants in the portions of the continental United States not included in the acid deposition impact region; and (2) report the results of such study to the Congress within two years after the enactment of this Act. Directs the Acid Precipitation Task Force established under the Energy Security Act to submit to specified congressional committees two comprehensive reports, one by December 31, 1986, and one by December 31, 1988. Requires that such reports present specified research findings and recommendations, based on existing scientific knowledge, for reducing acid deposition and its effects. Directs the Task Force to provide for appropriate scientific peer review of such research and of its reports. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 through 1989 in addition to any other funds authorized to be appropriated to the Task Force to carry out specified research activities under such Act. Directs the Administrator, promptly after the date established under provisions for major stationary source sulfur dioxide reduction requirements, to report to specified congressional committees on emission limitation and other enforceable measures adopted by the States and approved by the Administrator or in effect under such provisions, for all States in the region. Directs the Administrator to develop an inventory of sources of nitrogen oxides in the region and in each State in the region. Directs the Administrator, within four years after enactment of this Act, to report to specified congressional committees on: (1) such inventory; (2) control technology and methods for new and existing sources of nitrogen oxides; and (3) any recommendations for requirements to reduce existing emissions or control new emissions of nitrogen oxides to reduce acid deposition, including but not limited to the question of whether levels of such emissions should be strictly limited or reduced. Establishes a National Commission on Air Quality Employment Impacts to study and report to Congress on the direct and indirect impacts on employment in domestic coal mining that would result from the reduction of emissions required by this Act. Authorizes the Commission, if it deems it appropriate, to study and report on other direct employment impacts of this Act on industries related to coal mining. Requires that the Commission's report be filed with specified congressional committees by December 31, 1987. Permits such report to include: (1) legislative recommendations to correct any substantially adverse impact on employment dislocations in coal mining regions caused by this Act; and (2) recommendations to States, counties, cities, or private industrial entities to aid in the correction of said employment dislocation. Provides for Commission membership, including representatives of specified congressional committees, a representative of the United Mine Workers, and representatives of the coal industry. Provides for cooperation, information, and technical assistance from Federal agencies for the Commission. Terminates the Commission upon completion of its report. Authorizes the Commission, in the conduct of the study, to contract with nongovernmental entities competent to perform research or investigations in areas within the Commission's mandate, and to hold public hearings, forums, and workshops to enable full public participation. Authorizes the Commission to contract with nonprofit technical and scientific organizations, including the National Academy of Sciences, to develop necessary technical information for a specified authorized study. Authorizes the Commission to expend up to $3,000,000 to carry out its required functions.
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 1984
SSI Equitable Improvements and Reform Amendments of 1984 - Title I: Treatment of Income - Amends title XVI (Supplemental Security Income) of the Social Security Act to exclude from income unearned income received in the form of real or personal property: (1) if it meets the existing criteria for exclusion from resources; (2) which is of a type not normally converted into cash or otherwise used for the production of income, which is not so converted or used, and which cannot be used for food or clothing; or (3) which is received as a gift or heirloom possessing emotional or sentimental value and which is not converted into cash or otherwise used for the production of income. Makes permanent SSI and AFDC (Aid to Families with Dependent Children, part A of title IV of the Social Security Act) provisions which exempt in-kind home energy assistance provided by a private nonprofit organization. Provides for the exclusion of certain interest and dividend income. Provides that any temporary one-time income which is received by an individual in the individual's initial month of SSI eligibility shall be taken into account only for that month. Excludes from income amounts received by holocaust survivors as reparations from foreign countries. Title II: Treatment of Resources - Provides that to the extent that an overpayment results because a recipient's resources exceed the applicable limit, such overpayment shall be determined to be the lesser of: (1) the amount of benefits received or for which the recipient would have been eligible but for such resources; or (2) the amount by which the value of the resources exceeded the applicable resource limit. Modifies penalties where assets are transferred at less than fair market value. Provides that if assets are so transferred, the period of ineligibility shall bear a reasonable relationship to the uncompensated value of such resource. Permits a waiver of the penalty if: (1) the individual is in a hospital, nursing home, or other medical institution and cannot reasonably be expected to be discharged; (2) title was transferred to the individual's spouse or to the individual's child who is under age 21 or is blind or disabled; (3) the individual intended to dispose of the resource either at fair market value or for other valuable consideration; or (4) the inclusion of the resource in the individual's resources would work an undue hardship. Provides that in any event, if a State waives a similar penalty under Medicaid (title XIX of the Social Security Act) for such individual, the SSI penalty shall also be waived. Excludes from resources, for 12 months from the date of receipt, SSI or OASDI (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance, title II of the Social Security Act) underpayment amounts received in the form of a retroactive check. Increases the SSI resources limit for single individuals from $1,500 to $2,000, and for married couples from $2,250 to $3,000. Excludes from the SSI resources limit an automobile, household goods, and personal effects. (Current law also exempts such items, but only to the extent determined reasonable by the Secretary of Health and Human Services.) Title III: Determination of Benefit Amounts - Revises SSI provisions providing for a one-third reduction in benefits for an SSI recipient who lives in another person's household and who receives support and maintenance in kind from such person. Provides that an individual shall not be considered to be "living in another person's household and receiving support and maintenance in kind from such person" if such individual lives in a household with another person and such individual's pro rata share of the expenses of maintaining such household does not exceed the benefit payable to an individual with no other income who is living in another person's household and receiving support and maintenance from such person. Provides for the continuation of regular SSI benefits until the end of the second consecutive month of institutionalization if an eligible individual is institutionalized. Increases the benefits standard payable annually to: (1) an institutionalized individual from $300 to $420; and (2) an institutionalized couple from $600 to $840. Title IV: Provisions Relating to Eligibility - Provides that a disabled child who is living outside the United States with his or her parents shall maintain SSI eligibility so long as the parents retain legal residence in the United States. Provides for the payment of benefits due a deceased SSI recipient to certain individuals who contributed to the support of the deceased. (Current law provides for the payment of benefits following a beneficiary's death only to the surviving spouse.) Provides for an exemption from the requirement that an SSI applicant or recipient must file for OASDI or other pension benefits if receipt of such benefits would cause the applicant or recipient to be ineligible for SSI or Medicaid. Reduces from six months to one month the length of time that an SSI individual and spouse must live separately before they will be treated as separate individuals for SSI purposes. Title V: Overpayments, Underpayments, and Benefit Reductions - Provides that, in situations where there has not been fraud in connection with an SSI overpayment, overpayments shall be recovered through adjustments in future benefits which do not reduce any benefit payment by more than the greater of ten percent or ten dollars. Expands the SSI interim assistance program to include payment of retroactive SSI funds to a State for assistance provided during any period following the termination of an individual's SSI benefits, if and to the extent that: (1) the individual is subsequently found on reconsideration of the termination to have been eligible for such benefits; and (2) a retroactive payment of benefits for months in that period is due the individual. Repeals the penalty imposed against an SSI recipient because the group living facility in which the recipient lives fails to meet applicable standards. Increases from $100 to an amount equal to monthly SSI benefits for three months the emergency cash advances available to a presumptively eligible individual. Provides that: (1) if at any time both an overpayment and an underpayment exist in the case of an individual without a final adjustment or recovery having yet been made with respect to either of them, no such adjustment shall be made with respect to the underpayment until the individual has had a reasonable opportunity to seek a waiver of the overpayment; and (2) the existence of the underpayment shall not preclude the granting of such a waiver of the overpayment or otherwise affect the disposition thereof. Prohibits the Secretary from taking any action to recover an SSI overpayment until the Secretary has sent the SSI recipient who has been overpaid a notice containing, in clear and understandable language, certain information, including a statement of the individual's right to seek a waiver of the overpayment and to seek a reconsideration of the determination that an overpayment exists. Title VI: Extension of SSI Program - Includes the Virgin Islands and Guam within the SSI program. Directs the Secretary to conduct a study of the feasibility of extending the SSI program to Puerto Rico and to report the results to Congress. Title VII: Other Amendments - Directs the Secretary to conduct a statistically reliable survey of current and potential recipients of SSI benefits, with the objective of determining the extent to which the program is being used by individuals who are or may be eligible for SSI benefits and the extent to which current data (on the number of such individuals and their reasons for filing or not filing SSI applications) are accurate, and to report the results of such survey to Congress together with any recommendations. Directs the Secretary to establish and conduct an ongoing program designed to provide information about SSI benefits (and State supplementary benefits) to individuals who are not currently receiving such benefits. Directs the Secretary to assist applicants and recipients in executing and filing applications for SSI benefits and in furnishing any other information which may be required, with particular attention to cases where such applicants and recipients because of their physical or mental condition are incapable without undue difficulty of executing or filing such applications or furnishing such information. Directs the Secretary to take certain steps to assure that all information and forms for SSI applicants and recipients are clear and readily understandable. Sets forth the effective date.