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Official portrait of Rep. Studds, Gerry E. [D-MA-10]

Rep. Studds, Gerry E. [D-MA-10]

United States · Official source

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3,666 records where Rep. Studds, Gerry E. [D-MA-10] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years

Bill· HRH.R. 4698 (99th)referred

Economic Diversification Promotion Act of 1986

United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1986

Economic Diversification Promotion Act of 1986 - Amends title III (Special Programs) of the Carl D. Perkins Vocational Education Act (the Act) to add a new part F: Industry-Education Partnership for Training and Retraining in Defense-Dependent Communities. Directs the Secretary of Education to make grants to States to carry out industry-education partnership training programs in defense-dependent communities. Provides that such funds will be used solely for vocational education programs designed to train and retrain workers at defense or defense-related industries or facilities and other workers in defense-dependent communities to allow such workers to find employment in nondefense or defense-related businesses or industries. Requires coordination of part F programs with those under the Job Training Partnership Act and under title II (Basic State Grants for Vocational Education) of the Act. Requires active participation of State vocational education councils in developing part F programs. Requires at least 50 percent of program funds from non-Federal sources, and 50 percent of such non-Federal funds from participating business and industries (through cash or in-kind contributions). Provides that the Federal share of program costs shall be available equally from part F funds and from funds allotted to States under title II of the Act. Provides for State designation of specified funds for program use if an eligible recipient demonstrates that it is incapable of providing its share. Permits grant funds to be used solely for the part F programs already described and for: (1) limited administrative costs; (2) training and retraining of instructional and guidance personnel; (3) curriculum and materials development; and (4) other activities authorized under title III of the Act which may be essential to operating part F programs (including ensuring access of women, minorities, the handicapped, and the economically disadvantaged). Sets forth guidelines for State board approval of part F programs. Authorizes appropriations for part F programs for FY 1987 through 1989.

Bill· HRH.R. 4638 (99th)open

Medicare Quality Protection Act of 1986

United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1986

Medicare Quality Protection Act of 1986 - Title I: Quality Assurance in Inpatient Hospital Settings - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop and submit to the Congress a legislative proposal to improve the prospective payment system established under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act so that it more accurately approximates the costs of inpatient hospital services and accounts for variations in case complexity. Amends the Medicare program to require a hospital to give Medicare beneficiaries, upon their admission to the hospital, a written statement explaining: (1) the individual's rights to benefits for inpatient hospital and post-hospital Medicare services; (2) the circumstances under which such individual will be liable for charges for a continued hospital stay; (3) the individual's right to appeal denials of continued hospital services; and (4) the individual's liability for payment for services if such a denial of benefits is upheld on appeal. Amends part B (Peer Review) of title XI of the Act to require peer review organizations receiving a hospital inpatient's request for review of a hospital's decision that the patient no longer needs inpatient care to inform the patient of its decision within two days of receiving the request. Prohibits hospitals from charging patients for inpatient hospital services provided while patients wait for a peer review organization to respond to their timely review requests. Imposes a civil money penalty on hospitals which make payments to physicians and on physicians who knowingly receive payments which constitute an inducement to curtail the stay of, or services provided to, an identifiable patient. Directs the Secretary to study the adequacy of standards used for hospital compliance with Medicare participation conditions in assuring the quality of hospital services. Requires the Secretary to study the adequacy with which the prospective payment system compensates hospitals, and distributes such compensation among hospitals, for costs attributable to patients' extended hospital stays necessitated by delays in patient placement in skilled nursing facilities. Title II: Access to Appropriate Post-Hospital Care - Amends part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of the Medicare program to require hospitals to implement a discharge planning process which meets guidelines and standards, to be established by the Secretary, ensuring patients a timely and smooth transition to the most appropriate type of, and setting for, post-hospital or rehabilitative care. Extends the limitations on beneficiary liability for disallowed Medicare claims to cover home health services provided to certain unqualified individuals. Provides that skilled nursing facilities and home health agencies which keep their services for which Medicare coverage is denied below specified percentages and comply with certain administrative requirements shall not subsequently be denied payment for care provided. Sets forth reporting requirements. Directs the Secretary to develop a uniform needs assessment instrument enabling health care providers and fiscal intermediaries to evaluate an individual's need and ability to pay for post-hospital extended care, home-health, and long-term care services. Requires the Secretary to develop procedures to expedite fiscal intermediaries' determinations as to whether provider claims for post-hospital extended care and home health services may be reimbursed under the Medicare program. Directs the Secretary to provide for prompt response (within 24 hours) to beneficiary requests as to whether the beneficiary's Medicare coverage for post-hospital extended care services has been exhausted. Authorizes providers to represent beneficiaries on appeals of benefit determinations. Permits beneficiary appeals of the Secretary's denials of claims for home health service benefits. Amends the Social Security Amendments of 1983 to extend, through 1989, the annual report on the impact of the prospective payment system and require the inclusion of information in such reports regarding the quality, and accessibility to Medicare beneficiaries, of post-hospital services. Title III: Improved Review of Quality by Peer Review Organizations - Amends part B (Peer Review) of title XI of the Act to require hospitals to submit data to peer review organizations on a monthly basis. Requires peer review organizations to review selected cases where individuals are readmitted to a hospital within 30 days of their most recent hospital discharge to determine if the previous inpatient hospital services and post-hospital services met professionally recognized health care standards. Directs each peer review organization to commit a reasonable proportion of its activities to review of the quality of services provided in cases and settings where potential quality problems have been identified. Requires the Secretary to identify methods facilitating the discovery of such cases. Requires each peer review organization to have at least one consumer representative on its board of directors. Directs such organizations to investigate all written beneficiary complaints about the quality of Medicare services which are filed with the organization. Requires peer review organizations to share data with organizations responsible for accrediting providers or State officials responsible for assuring quality care if such data reflects a substantial failure by providers or practitioners to provide quality care. Title IV: Study to Develop a Strategy for Quality Review and Assurance - Directs the Secretary to arrange a study which will serve as the basis for establishing a strategy for reviewing and assuring the quality of care provided under the Medicare program. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress regarding the study within two years of enactment of this Act.

Bill· HRH.R. 4620 (99th)referred

Medicare Fair Hospital Deductible Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1986

Medicare Fair Hospital Deductible Act - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to change the date by which the Secretary of Health and Human Services must determine the inpatient hospital deductible for the year. Limits the increase in such deductible to no more than the cost-of-living increase reflected in benefit payments under title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Act. Provides that the extended care coinsurance amount for any spell of illness in any year shall equal one-twelfth of the inpatient hospital deductible for illnesses beginning in such year.

Bill· HRH.R. 4567 (99th)open

Acid Deposition Control Act of 1986

United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1986

Acid Deposition Control Act of 1986 - Title I: Stationary Sources - Amends the Clean Air Act to require States to develop and submit to the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) an emissions limitation compliance schedule for sulfur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen from fossil-fuel-fired electric utility steam generating units. Requires a two-phase reduction in such emissions, the first to be achieved by 1993, the second by 1997. Requires each State to develop and submit to the Administrator a plan to achieve emissions reductions from other fossil-fuel-fired steam generating units by 1977. Directs the Administrator to conduct and update a comprehensive annual inventory of emissions of sulfur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen from stationary sources, identifying achievable reductions which could be made by 1997. Requires States to submit to the Administrator for approval a plan for achieving such reductions. Grants States discretion in their choice of compliance measures. Requires the Administrator to report to the Congress by July 1, 1993, on phase I reductions and the feasibility of meeting phase II reductions. States that phase II reductions will not take effect if the Congress enacts legislation to that effect. Sets forth emissions rates a State without an approved reductions plan must follow. Authorizes the Administrator to impose a fee on the generation and importation of electric energy between December 31, 1988, and December 31, 1996, to subsidize the interest on qualified pollution control debt incurred by the utility. Establishes civil penalties for fee violations. Establishes in the Treasury the Acid Deposition Control Fund to receive such fees and provide interest subsidy payments for pollution control systems meeting specified standards. Revises the standards for nitrogen oxides emissions for new electric utility steam generating units which burn bituminous or subbituminous coal and for certain fossil-fuel-fired steam generating units. Requires certain smelters to be in compliance with the applicable emissions reduction standard by January 2, 1988, without extension or delay. Title II: Control of Emission from Mobile Sources - Sets oxides of nitrogen emission standards for motor vehicles for model years 1988, 1989, and beyond. Modifies hydrocarbon standards for trucks after model year 1989. Directs the Administrator to regulate sulfur in diesel fuel for 1989 and beyond. Requires either the use of onboard hydrocarbon control technology or the use of gasoline vapor recovery of hydrocarbon emissions emanating from fueling motor vehicles. Title III: International Cooperation - Expresses the concern of the Congress over transboundary pollution between the United States and Mexico and directs the Secretary of State and the Administrator to conclude an agreement within three months of enactment. Requires such an agreement to cover specified copper smelters. Requires the Secretary and the Administrator to report to the Congress within six months on negotiating such agreement. Requires EPA to perform atmospheric field experiments to determine the effects of sulfur dioxide emissions, before and after pollution controls, of the Nacozaria smelter, Mexico, on specified western States. Directs the Secretary to establish an international agency, or utilize an existing agency, to report on the effects of transboundary air pollution from copper smelters on public health and welfare in the United States and in Mexico.

Resolution· HRESH.Res. 407 (99th)referred

A resolution expressing the sense of the United States House of Representatives that the Secretary of Agriculture should investigate identification procedures to be used in lieu of the hot-iron branding of animals' cheeks.

United States · United States Congress · 8 April 1986

Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Secretary of Agriculture should take immediate steps to investigate alternative animal identification procedures in lieu of hot-iron cheek branding.

Law· HRH.R. 4421 (99th)enacted

Human Services Reauthorization Act of 1986

United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1986

Community Services Programs Amendments of 1986 - Amends the Head Start Act to authorize appropriations for FY 1987 through 1990 to carry out the Head Start program. Amends the Follow Through Act to authorize appropriations for FY 1987 through 1990 to carry out the Follow Through program. Amends the Omnibus Reconciliation Act of 1981 to: (1) rename specified provisions as the "Dependent Care Programs Act"; and (2) authorize appropriations for FY 1987 through 1990 to make allotments to States for such dependent care programs. Amends the Community Services Block Grant Act (the Act) to authorize appropriations for FY 1987 through 1990 for grants to States to ameliorate poverty. Requires compliance evaluations to include identification of the impact the use of such funds has on children, homeless families, and the elderly poor. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide for use of community services block grants under the Act for specified programs of the Community Economic Development Act of 1981. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1987 through 1990 for community food and nutrition programs under the Act.

Bill· HRH.R. 4415 (99th)open

A bill to impose certain limitations on damage awards in actions for personal injury incurred by seamen on fishing vessels and to require additional safety regulations for fishing vessels.

United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1986

Limits the liability of an owner of a fishing vessel or the employer of a seamen in an action brought by a seaman against such owner or employer as long as the employer provides: (1) a cure for an ill, injured, or disabled seaman; and (2) maintenance for a seaman becoming ill, injured, or disabled while in the service of the vessel, at a daily rate of at least $40. Outlines the civil actions to which such liability limitations apply. Exempts from such limitations those actions in which the owner's or employer's gross negligence or willful misconduct is proven. Amends Federal law relating to the operation of fishing vessels to direct the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to prescribe certain safety regulations applicable to fishing vessels and certain associated equipment. Directs the Secretary, in prescribing such regulations, to consider the specialized nature and economics of the operations of such fishing vessels. Authorizes the Secretary to exempt a vessel from any regulation under this Act for good cause.

Resolution· HRESH.Res. 392 (99th)referred

A resolution to express the sense of the House of Representatives that the Postmaster General should issue a postage stamp honoring all American servicemen and civilians still unaccounted for as a result of the conflict in Indochina.

United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1986

Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Postmaster General should issue a postage stamp honoring American servicemen and civilians still unaccounted for as a result of the conflict in Indochina.

Bill· HRH.R. 4311 (99th)open

Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act of 1986

United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1986

Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act of 1986 - Amends the Toxic Substances Control Act to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to promulgate regulations for asbestos hazard abatement in the schools. Directs the Administrator to develop a model accreditation plan for States to give accreditation to individuals who inspect, manage, abate, and analyze asbestos problems. Makes the use of accredited personnel a condition for receiving financial assistance under the Asbestos School Hazard Abatement Act of 1984. Requires each State Governor to establish administrative procedures for the certification of school asbestos inspection and abatement programs and for asbestos management plans, all to be carried forward by the local educational agency. Requires warning labels on any asbestos still in routine maintenance areas of a school building. Makes any local educational agency which fails to comply with this Act liable for civil penalties, including injunctive action. Requires the Administrator or appropriate Governor to investigate citizen complaints Authorizes the Administrator or the appropriate State Governor to take necessary response measures where asbestos in a school building may be hazardous and adequate local measures have not been taken. Sets forth the relationship of pollution liability insurance risk retention groups to State law, including securities law. Establishes the Asbestos Trust Fund in the Treasury to carry out the Asbestos Hazards Abatement Assistance Program. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1987 through 1990.

Bill· HRH.R. 4300 (99th)reported

Family and Medical Leave Act of 1986

United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1986

Parental and Medical Leave Act of 1986 - Title I: General Requirements for Parental and Medical Leave - Entitles employees to parental leave for specified periods in cases involving the birth, adoption, or serious health condition of a child. Entitles employees to temporary medical leave for specified periods in cases involving inability to work because of a serious health condition. Sets forth conditions for certification for such types of leave. Provides that such leave may be without pay. Allows employees to substitute other types of paid leave to cover part of such leave period. Sets forth employment and benefits protections relating to such leave. Provides for administrative enforcement of this title by the Secretary of Labor, as well as enforcement by civil action. Sets forth provisions for injunctive relief, monetary relief, and attorneys' fees. Requires employers to post notice of the pertinent provisions of this title. Title II: Parental Leave and Temporary Medical Leave for Civil Service Employees - Amends specified Federal law to entitle civil service employees to parental leave and temporary medical leave for specified periods. Provides that such leave will be without pay. Allows employees to substitute other types of paid leave for part of such leave. Sets forth protection for job position and health insurance benefits of employees using such leave. Directs the Office of Personnel Management to prescribe regulations for administration of this title which are consistent with the regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Labor under title I of this Act. Title III: Commission on Paid Parental and Medical Leave - Establishes the Commission on Paid Parental and Medical Leave. Requires the Commission to report on its study of paid parental and medical leave to the Congress within two years after the Commission first meets. Terminates the Commission within 30 days after its final report. Title IV: Miscellaneous Provisions - Sets forth the effect of this Act on existing laws and existing employment benefits. Directs the Secretary of Labor to prescribe regulations to carry out title I of this Act.

Bill· HRH.R. 4287 (99th)referred

Medicare Part C: Catastrophic Health Insurance Act of 1986

United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1986

Medicare Part C: Catastrophic Health Insurance Act of 1986 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to add a new part C entitled "Program for Catastrophic Coverage, Long-Term Care, and Certain Preventive Benefits." (Redesignates the current part C as part D.) Provides coverage for individuals who are entitled to part A (Hospital Insurance) benefits, are enrolled under part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance), and enroll with a public or private organization having a contract with the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide part C services (part C organizations). Requires part C organizations to provide services without imposing deductibles, copayments, or coinsurance, or imposing time restrictions on benefits for inpatient hospital services or extended care services. Requires, in addition, that part C organizations provide: (1) routine biennial physical checkups; (2) routine eye care, including an annual vision examination and prescription eyeglasses; (3) dental services, including teeth cleaning, extractions, examinations, and dentures; (4) hearing examinations and aids; and (5) intermediate and long-term care services provided in the least restrictive environment. Directs part C organizations to provide additional health benefits to enrollees if the adjusted community payment rate for required services is less than the average per capita payment to the organization for the annual contract period. Authorizes the Secretary's contract with part C organizations to provide additional optional services if such services will not substantially discourage enrollments. Requires part C organizations to reimburse other organizations which provide medically and immediately necessary services to their enrollees in circumstances where such services could not reasonably have been obtained through the enrollee's organization. Requires the Secretary to make advance monthly payments to part C organizations in accordance with a per capita rate of payment for each class of enrollee, such rates to be determined annually pursuant to a specified formula. Authorizes retroactive payment adjustments to account for any difference between the actual number of individuals enrolled and the number estimated to be enrolled in determining the advance payment. Authorizes part C organizations to charge or permit providers to charge liable third parties or enrollees, to the extent they have been paid by third parties, for the organizations' services. Requires the Secretary's part C payments to be made exclusively to part C organizations. Provides that, where an individual receiving inpatient hospital services enrolls in a part C organization, such organization shall not be financially responsible for those services. Provides, however, that where part C enrollment is terminated while inpatient hospital services are being provided, the organization is financially responsible for such services from the date of enrollment to the date of discharge. Provides part C enrollees with protection against the risk of and responsibility for a part C organization's insolvency. Requires part C organizations to provide meaningful procedures for hearing and resolving grievances between the organization, or its service providers, and enrollees. Authorizes enrollee appeal to a local review board, at least one-half of which is composed of representatives of part C eligible individuals. Provides for further appeal to the Secretary where the amount in controversy is at least $100 and judicial review of the Secretary's determination if that amount equals or exceeds $1,000. Requires part C organizations to have an ongoing quality assurance program which stresses health outcomes and provides for the review of its health care services by health care professionals. Requires peer review organizations to review part C health care services. Directs the Secretary to annually review such services. Sets forth miscellaneous terms required in a part C organization's contract with the Secretary, including provisions facilitating the flow of information from such organizations. Requires each organization to have an annual 30-day open enrollment period and the Secretary to establish a single 30-day period where several organizations service the same area. Requires part C organizations to inform individuals seeking to enroll regarding benefits provided, premiums required, and such other information as the Secretary may require. Prohibits an organization's distribution of applications or promotional and informational materials unless such materials have been submitted to the Secretary at least 45 days before distribution and have not been disapproved. Terminates an individual's enrollment upon such individual's: (1) loss of entitlement to part A (Hospital Insurance) benefits; (2) termination from part B (Supplemenal Medical Insurance) enrollment; or (3) failure to pay part C premiums. Sets forth the procedure to be used in determining the monthly premium required of part C enrollees. Limits the monthly premium which may be required to a specified percentage of an individual's gross income, except in the case of late enrollments. Deposits such payments in the Federal Medicare Part C Trust Fund. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into agreements with States in order to effect the part C enrollment of eligible groups covered under certain State public assistance programs. Establishes the Medicare Part C Trust Fund in the Treasury. Transfers to such trust fund those amounts in other Medicare trust funds which would have been expended under parts A and B had the enrollee chosen coverage under those programs.

Bill· HRH.R. 4253 (99th)open

Tax Gap Act of 1986

United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1986

Tax Gap Act of 1986 - Title I: Internal Revenue Service Publicity Campaign and Public Relations Program - Establishes a publicity campaign and public relations program to be conducted by the Secretary of the Treasury to inform the taxpaying public regarding tax reform, tax evasion, and other tax matters aimed at increasing compliance with the tax laws. Provides for a variety of publicity techniques to be used to institute the publicity campaign and public relations program. Authorizes appropriations. Title II: Increased Taxpayer Compliance Through Improved Enforcement Activities and Strengthened Penalties and Information Reporting Requirements - Part I: Increased Audits - Directs the Secretary to initiate a highly publicized audit program targeted at: (1) the unreported legal source income for the period between 1981 and 1986; and (2) any other sector the Secretary determines to be growing in noncompliance. Authorizes additional appropriations to increase by 2,500 the number of audit examiners so as to double the number of returns audited each taxable year. Part II: Public Disclosure of Certain Taxpayers - Permits the public disclosure of the identity of taxpayers where delinquent taxes are in excess of $10,000 or the delinquent taxpayer has become subject to enforcement actions. Part III: Revision of Certain Penalties, Etc. - Provides penalties for: (1) failure to file certain information returns; (2) failure to furnish certain payee statements; and (3) failure to include certain information on certain returns and statements. Establishes certain waiver provisions, definitions, and special rules relating to the filing of information returns and statements. Increases the penalty for failure to pay tax in certain cases from 0.5 percent per month to one percent per month. Modifies the provisions relating to the tax penalty in instances involving negligence and fraud. Increases the tax penalty for substantial underpayment of tax liability from ten percent to 20 percent. Part IV: Information Reporting Provisions - Requires real estate brokers to report certain real estate transactions to the Internal Revenue Service. Requires the head of every Federal executive agency which enters into any contract to report to the Internal Revenue Service certain information relating to the person with whom such agency contracts. Requires the information reporting of State and local government income tax refunds and real and personal property taxes. Requires any tax-exempt interest received for the taxable year to be shown on the tax return for such year. Part V: Additional Authorizations - Authorizes additional appropriations for the Internal Revenue Service to increase the level of return processing and taxpayer service activities, to increase tax fraud and collection activities, and to increase litigation activities. Title III: Tax Amnesty - Provides for a one-time amnesty from criminal and civil tax penalties for a taxpayer who: (1) files a written statement with specified information concerning any underpayment of tax; (2) pays the amount of such underpayment when filing the statement; and (3) within 30 days of notification of the amount of interest payable on any tax delinquent amount, pays the amount of such interest or delinquency. Permits installment payments in certain cases. Provides that where there is a dispute with regard to an amount of the delinquent tax and it is resolved in favor of the taxpayer, the Secretary shall refund such amount with interest at the six-month Treasury bill rate. Defines the amnesty period as a six-month period with a beginning date during calendar year 1987 which is selected by the Secretary. Disallows such amnesty where: (1) there has been an underpayment assessed and a notice of deficiency with respect to the underpayment was mailed, or the taxpayer was put on notice of a substantive question of the taxpayer's tax liability; (2) there was fraud in seeking amnesty; or (3) a criminal investigation is pending. Provides that the amnesty provisions apply only to underpayments of Federal tax for taxable periods ending before January 1, 1986. Authorizes appropriations to inform the general public about the operation of the amnesty provisions.

Law· HRH.R. 4208 (99th)enacted

Coast Guard Authorization Act of 1986

United States · United States Congress · 20 February 1986

Coast Guard Authorization Act of 1986 - Authorizes appropriations for the Coast Guard for FY 1987 and 1988 for: (1) operation and maintenance and increases in salary, pay, and other employee benefits; (2) acquisition, construction, rebuilding, and improvement for aids to navigation, shore facilities, vessels, and aircraft; (3) research, development, test, and evaluation; and (4) retirement pay and benefits. Specifies the authorized average military training student loads for the Coast Guard for FY 1987 and 1988. Authorizes the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating (the Secretary) to transfer up to ten percent of appropriations among categories. Requires the Secretary to give the chairmen of the House Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries and the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation 15 days notice of any proposed transfer. Directs the Secretary to identify those activities that are necessary to maintain the logistics capability of the Coast Guard. Requires the Secretary, no later than January 31, 1987, to provide a list of such activities to the House Merchant Marine and Fisheries and the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committees. Provides that such activities may not be contracted for performance by non-government personnel, except in specified circumstances. Requires the Secretary, before the beginning of FY 1987 and 1988, to submit to the above committees a list of activities that are to be contracted for performance by non-government personnel during that fiscal year. Prohibits any Coast Guard vessel or major component of such vessel from being constructed in a foreign shipyard, unless the President makes authorized exceptions based on national security. Requires the President to notify the Congress of any such exception, and requires 30 days to pass after such notice before any contract for foreign construction may be entered into. Revises provisions concerning the Coast Guard Auxiliary to authorize the Secretary to pay interest on a claim of the Auxiliary in certain instances. Directs the Commandant of the Coast Guard to make full use of available and qualified members of the Auxiliary in rendering assistance to distressed persons, vessels, and aircraft. Revises provisions concerning the towing of vessels to require the operators of such vessels to have a license to operate a towing vessel. Directs the Secretary to retain a specified amount of the amount appropriated each year for State recreational boating safety programs for the administrative costs of such programs. Exempts Coast Guard contracts of less than $25,000 from specified Federal publication and notification requirements. Provides that whenever a vessel is forfeited to the United States, such vessel may be transferred to an educational institution with a commercial fishing program that includes certain approved courses in vessel safety and seamanship. Prohibits any Coast Guard training or instruction to employees of the government or members of the armed services of the Republic of South Africa during FY 1987 and 1988. Directs the Secretary to provide detailed reports to the Congress concerning the status of design and construction plans for the procurement of at least two new polar icebreaking vessels. Requires such reports to be submitted annually until at least two new such vessels have been delivered to the Coast Guard.

Bill· HRH.R. 4175 (99th)open

A bill to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 1987 for certain maritime programs of the Department of Transportation and the Federal Maritime Commission.

United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1986

Authorizes appropriations for the Maritime Administration for FY 1987 for: (1) payment of operating-differential subsidy obligations; (2) research and development activities; (3) operations and training activities; and (4) ocean freight differential cost obligations. Authorizes appropriations for the Federal Maritime Commission for FY 1987.

Bill· HRH.R. 4194 (99th)open

Terrorist Firearms Prevention Act of 1986

United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1986

Terrorist Firearms Prevention Act of 1986 - Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit the manufacture and importation of any firearm that is not readily detectable as a firearm by standard airport security equipment and readily identifiable as a firearm. Exempts specified firearms from such manufacturing prohibition.

Bill· HRH.R. 4186 (99th)passed

A bill to authorize the President of the United States to award congressional gold medals to Anatoly and Avital Shcharansky in recognition of their dedication to human rights, and to authorize the Secretary of the Treasury to sell bronze duplicates of those medals.

United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1986

Authorizes and requests the President to present, on behalf of the Congress, gold medals to Anatoly and Avital Shcharansky in recognition of their supreme dedication and total commitment to human rights and freedoms. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to determine the design of the medals. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary to sell bronze duplicates of the medals.

Law· HRH.R. 4151 (99th)enacted

Omnibus Diplomatic Security and Antiterrorism Act of 1986

United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1986

Diplomatic Security Act - Title I: Diplomatic Security - Directs the Secretary of State (the Secretary) to develop and implement policies and programs to: (1) protect all civilian U.S. employees on official duty abroad and their dependents; (2) establish and operate security functions at all civilian U.S. missions abroad; (3) establish and operate security functions at all State Department facilities in the United States; and (4) protect foreign missions, international organizations, foreign officials, and other foreign persons in the United States. Requires other Federal agencies to cooperate with the State Department. Requires an Assistant Secretary of State to head the Bureau of Diplomatic Security of the State Department. Increases the number of Assistant Secretaries of State from 14 to 15. Requires the State Department's Diplomatic Security Service to be headed by a Director designated by the Secretary. Sets forth the qualifications for the Director of the Diplomatic Security Service and for other personnel of the Diplomatic Security Service. Title II: Performance and Accountability - Requires the Secretary to convene an Accountability Review Board whenever there is serious injury, loss of life, or significant destruction of property at or related to a U.S. mission abroad unless there are clearly no security or breach of duty issues involved. Sets forth administrative provisions relating to the Board. Requires the Board to determine whether: (1) there are reasonable grounds to believe the injury, loss of life, or property damage was security-related; and (2) there is reasonable cause to believe that a breach of duty by a U.S. employee contributed to such injury, loss of life, or destruction of property. Directs the Board to make recommendations to the Secretary on programs or operations subject to this Act which the Board has reviewed. Provides for disciplinary proceedings and certain agency actions with respect to U.S. employees who the Board finds reasonable cause to believe contributed to the injury, loss of life, or property destruction because of their breach of duty. Title III: Authorization of Appropriations - Authorizes appropriations to the State Department for FY 1986 through 1990 for: (1) the purposes of this Act; and (2) antiterrorism research and development. Requires the State Department Foreign Buildings Office to use American contractors to the maximum extent possible in implementing any foreign building program funded by this Act.

Resolution· HRESH.Res. 373 (99th)failed

A resolution to urge the Government of South Africa to indicate its willingness to engage in meaningful political negotiations with that country's black majority.

United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1986

Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the President should urge the Government of South Africa to indicate its willingness to negotiate with the black majority by: (1) granting unconditional freedom to Nelson Mandela; (2) recognizing the African National Congress; and (3) establishing a framework for political talks.

Bill· HRH.R. 4060 (99th)referred

A bill to amend title 5, United States Code, to provide that the full cost-of-living adjustment in annuities payable from the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund shall be made for 1987.

United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1986

Prohibits any benefits payable from the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund, including cost-of-living increases, during calendar year 1987 from being subject to reduction or suspension by statute or presidential order.

Bill· HRH.R. 4057 (99th)referred

A bill to amend part C of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 to provide that cost-of-living increases in benefits under the civil service, military, and other federal retirement and disability programs shall be exempt from reduction pursuant to a sequestration order thereunder respecting fiscal year 1986, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1986

Amends the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act) to exempt cost-of-living increases in Federal retirement and disability programs from reduction under the President's sequestration order for FY 1986. Provides for reducing the outlays of each agency to offset the increased costs.

Bill· HRH.R. 4043 (99th)referred

A bill to amend the Education of the Handicapped Act relating to the allotment formula.

United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1986

Amends the Education of the Handicapped Act to revise a formula for determining a "cap" on the amount of funds allotted to a State for the education of handicapped children. Provides that such "cap" applies when the number of handicapped children aged three through 21 exceeds 12 percent of the total number of children aged three through 21. (Current law makes such "cap" applicable when the number of handicapped children aged three through 21 exceeds 12 percent of the total number of children aged five through 17.)

Bill· HRH.R. 3988 (99th)open

A bill to enhance the enforcement of laws conserving American lobster.

United States · United States Congress · 18 December 1985

Prohibits the entry into the customs territory of the United States of any lobster of a specified species that: (1) is smaller than the minimum possession size required under the American Lobster Fishery Management Plan; or (2) is bearing attached eggs or bears evidence of the forcible removal of eggs.

Bill· HRH.R. 3950 (99th)referred

A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 to disallow any deduction for advertising or other promotion expenses with respect to sales of tobacco and tobacco products.

United States · United States Congress · 16 December 1985

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to disallow an income tax deduction for any tobacco and tobacco product sale promotion expenses. Defines "tobacco and tobacco products" as any small cigarette, large cigarette, cigar, or smokeless tobacco product, including snuff and chewing tobacco.

Bill· HRH.R. 3906 (99th)open

National Groundwater Contamination Research Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 December 1985

National Groundwater Contamination Research Act - Requires the Director of the Geological Survey to establish and conduct a national water quality assessment program to assess groundwater and surface water resources, both current and projected. Requires the program to identify contaminated and uncontaminated but vulnerable groundwater. Requires the program to conduct synoptic surface water quality studies. Requires the Director to conduct an expanded toxic substances hydrology program to determine the movement and transformation of toxic substances in water. Authorizes Federal grants for such research out of the Water Resources Research Act of 1984 on a matching basis for FY 1986 through 1989. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 through 1989.

Bill· HRH.R. 3894 (99th)open

A bill to amend the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to provide assistance to promote immunization and oral rehydration, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 10 December 1985

Calls upon the President to direct the Agency for International Development to work in a global effort to provide universal access to childhood immunization by 1990 by: (1) assisting in the delivery, distribution, and use of vaccines; and (2) performing and supporting research and development activities that will be targeted at developing new vaccines and at modifying existing vaccines to make them more appropriate for use in developing countries. Declares that the President should appeal to the public to provide the necessary resources to achieve universal access to childhood immunization by 1990. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to increase the authorization of appropriations for FY 1987 for the Child Survival Fund.

Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 244 (99th)open

A concurrent resolution to express the sense of Congress regarding East Timor.

United States · United States Congress · 10 December 1985

Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should take measures to encourage the Government of Indonesia to: (1) allow and maintain access into East Timor for humanitarian organizations, journalists, church delegations, and human rights groups; (2) guarantee freedom of expression for the Roman Catholic Church in East Timor; (3) allow an impartial international examination of population limitation measures and the conditions that exist in areas where East Timorese have been resettled by Indonesian authorities; (4) allow qualified international observers to be present at the trials of East Timorese political prisoners; and (5) work with the U.S. and Portuguese governments to develop peace initiatives for East Timor.

Bill· HRH.R. 3806 (99th)referred

House of Representatives Election Campaign Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 November 1985

House of Representatives Election Campaign Act - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to provide for public financing of House of Representatives general election campaigns. Sets forth conditions of eligibility for, and entitlement to, payment. Establishes the formula for determining such payments, based upon State voting-age populations and whether a candidate is of a minor or major political party. Declares that eligible candidates are entitled to such payments only to defray qualified campaign expenses. Authorizes additional entitlements to opponents of nonpublicly financed candidates to match those contributions or expenditures raised, incurred, or expended which are in excess of the opponent's entitlement. Requires the Federal Election Commission to certify to the Secretary of the Treasury the full amount to which an eligible candidate is entitled. Directs the Secretary to establish the House of Representatives General Election Campaign Fund for the deposit of funds for payments to eligible candidates. Directs the Commission, after each election, to audit the campaign expenses of publicly financed candidates. Requires such candidates to repay any excess amounts received. Establishes criminal penalties for violations of this Act. Directs the Commission to report to the House after each election on actions taken under such Act. Provides for judicial review of such Commission actions.