United States · United States Congress · 30 May 1984
Secondary School Basic Skills Act - Establishes a program of grants to local educational agencies (LEAs) having especially high concentrations of children from low-income families to enable such agencies to provide more effective instruction in basic skills for economically disadvantaged secondary school students. Defines "basic skills" to include reading, writing, and mathematics computational proficiency as well as comprehension and reasoning. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 through 1990. Makes certain amounts of such appropriations available for specified activities and types of grants under this Act. Makes a secondary school eligible to receive assistance under this Act for program grants only if 20 percent or more of children aged 14 to 17, inclusive, who are enrolled in such school are counted under LEA basic grant provisions of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA), as modified by the Education Consolidation and Improvement Act of 1981 (ECIA). Requires that funds made available under this Act for program grants be used to develop new approaches to, and carry out, educational services and activities designed specifically to raise the basic skills of low achieving disadvantaged children. Authorizes the Secretary of Education, through the National Institute of Education (NIE) and from specified funds appropriated for program grants for FY 1985 through 1990, to make grants to LEAs, institutions of higher education, and other public agencies and nonprofit private organizations. Provides that such grants shall be made to such entities on behalf of and for the purpose of assisting eligible secondary schools to develop, implement, and carryout new approaches to achieving improved basic skills instruction of low- achieving economically disadvantaged secondary school students. Sets forth application requirements. Requires that the application be made on behalf of the eligible school by: (1) the LEA; or (2) an institution of higher education, public agency, or private nonprofit organization if such entity will provide educational services or conduct educational activities subject to the proposal. Requires applicants to assure their participation in a national evaluation. Requires that administrators and teachers in the eligible school participate in the preparation of the proposal. Requires that the appropriate State educational agency (SEA) review and comment on the application before submittal to the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to assure that: (1) eligible applicants represent various geographic regions of the country, including both rural and urban secondary schools within those various geographic regions; and (2) at least one demonstration grant is made in each State in each fiscal year, unless no applications are received from a State. Requires each LEA which desires to receive program grants under this Act to file with the Secretary an application containing specified assurances. Provides that each LEA and each institution of higher education, public agency, and private nonprofit organization applying on behalf of an eligible secondary school may receive payments for any fiscal year in which it files an application with the SEA. Sets forth requirements for such applications. Requires consultation with parents and teachers of low-achieving economically disadvantaged secondary school students in program design and implementation. Establishes a National Secondary School Basic Skills Panel in NIE to: (1) identify successful model programs; and (2) advise the Secretary with respect to specified aspects of program grant applications and proposals. Directs the Secretary, through NIE, to annually conduct a national evaluation of the effectiveness and the implementation of program grants. Requires that such assessment results be submitted to Congress and disseminated to SEAs, LEAs, State legislatures, and Governors. Directs the Secretary, through NIE, to monitor grants and coordinate activities under this Act with other research activities conducted by NIE and through the Office of Educational Research and Improvement. Authorizes NIE, once program grants are awarded, to provide eligible recipients with technical assistance. Prohibits the Secretary from disapproving an LEA application without affording notice and opportunity for a hearing. Directs the Secretary to make payments as expeditiously as possible after approval of applications. Prohibits any grant from being made with respect to any eligible secondary school for more than two fiscal years unless there is: (1) an improved performance of the targeted secondary school students at the school on a State approved basic skills test; or (2) a decrease in the dropout rate at the school. Directs the Secretary to prescribe regulations relating to such prohibition.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 1984
Directs the Administrator of Veterans Affairs to report to Congress within 180 days on providing Federal benefits, such as health care and monetary compensation for dioxin exposure or other traumas, to eligible civilians serving in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam era.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 1984
Federal Timber Contract Payment Modification Act - Authorizes requesting purchasers of Federal timber to buy out pre-1982 and specified reformed contracts held with the Secretary of Agriculture or the Secretary of the Interior. Permits a buy-out of: (1) up to 55 percent of a contract's volume, with a maximum of 200,000,000 board feet, for purchasers holding more than 27,300,000 board feet of timber in qualifying contracts; or (2) up to 15,000,000 board feet or one contract (whichever is greater) for purchasers holding 27,000,000 or less board feet of timber in qualifying contracts. Bases purchaser cost on net worth and projected contract losses. States that amounts collected from buy-outs shall be available for timber management appropriation. Limits FY 1984 Forest Service region six timber sales to 4,300,000,000 board feet. States that beginning in FY 1985 and continuing until completion of specified 1983 contract extensions (but at least through FY 1991) such region's timber sales shall be adjusted to specified levels. Treats affiliated concerns as a single entity for purposes of calculating net worth and buy-out limitations.
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 · 9 May 1984
Prohibits introducing U.S. armed forces into or over El Salvador or Nicaragua for combat purposes and prohibits obligating or spending U.S. funds for such introduction, unless: (1) the Congress has declared war or enacted specific authorization for such use of U.S. armed forces; or (2) such introduction of U.S. armed forces is necessary to meet a clear and present danger of hostile attack upon the United States or to meet a clear and present danger to, and to provide evacuation of, U.S. citizens. Requires the President, if U.S. forces enter El Salvador or Nicaragua under one of the exceptions to the prohibition, to describe the reasons for their actions to Congress. Provides for expedited consideration of legislation seeking a declaration of war or a specific authorization for the introduction of U.S. armed forces into or over Nicaragua or El Salvador. Prohibits U.S. agencies from providing any assistance or funding to support military or paramilitary operations in or against Nicaragua by any nation, group, organization, or individual.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1984
Declares that the action by the Secretary of State in attempting to withdraw for two years the U.S. acceptance of the compulsory jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice with respect to disputes with any Central American state or arising out of or relating to events in Central America is null and void.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1984
Prohibits certain corporations from paying compensation to any employee in excess of 2,500 percent of the present cash value of all compensation received by the least compensated full time employee of that corporation unless such compensation is approved by a 70 percent vote of all shareholders of such corporation. Limits applicability of this Act to U.S. corporations which meet specified criteria, including having at least $100,000,000 in total property, total sales, or total assets.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1984
Urban Radioactive Materials Protection Act of 1984 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to issue new regulations pertaining to shipments of hazardous materials after preparing, filing, and considering an environmental impact statement and making an environmental and safety assessment of alternative routes for transportation of such materials. Declares ineffective as of 90 days after enactment of this Act all routing regulations issued in the Department of Transportation regulatory docket HM164.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1984
Declares that the United States: (1) shall initiate a dialogue with the participants in the Contadora process to develop a common strategy for regional stability; (2) should assist efforts to implement specified objectives by offering such advisory services as may be requested and by exerting vigorous diplomatic efforts to persuade other governments involved in Central America to observe these conditions; and (3) should announce its willingness to pursue multilateral negotiations with the Central American countries. Declares that for the three months following enactment of this Act: (1) the United States shall suspend certain military assistance and arms sales to Central American countries except for medical facilities or supplies; (2) the United States shall suspend construction of military facilities in Central American countries; (3) the United States shall not participate in training exercises in or off shores of Central American countries; (4) the number of members of U.S. armed forces in any Central American country may not exceed the number in that country on the date of enactment of this Act unless needed to protect U.S. citizens; (5) the United States shall suspend all air reconnaissance flights for armed forces of any Central American country; and (6) there shall be no obligation or expenditure of Central Intelligence Agency funds, Defense Department funds, or any other U.S. funds to support military or paramilitary operations in Nicaragua by any nation, group, organization, movement, or individual. Requires the President to report to Congress within three months of enactment of this Act on the results of U.S. policy in Central America.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1984
Consumer Products Energy Efficiency Amendments of 1983 - Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to provide that a labeling rule applicable to a consumer product covered under such Act shall require the disclosure, in any printed matter displayed or distributed at the time of sale of such product, of information which is required under such Act to be disclosed on the product's label or in advertising related to such product. Requires the Federal Trade Commission to require a manufacturer of a covered product to which a labeling rule applies to disclose in any of its advertisements the information which is required to be disclosed on the product's label. Requires that such disclosures be made in a manner likely to assist consumers in making purchasing decisions. Requires the Secretary of Energy to make available to consumers comparative guides of each type and class of covered products, indicating its energy efficiency and annual operating cost. Directs the Secretary to prescribe energy standards for water heaters, central air conditioners, and furnaces, which shall be no less than the median energy efficiency for each type of product for 1980 and which shall be based upon test procedures prescribed by the Secretary. Includes as factors to be considered by the Secretary in doing a cost-benefit analysis with respect to an energy efficiency standard: (1) the effect of such standard on the promotion of domestic production; and (2) the effect of such standard on the reduction of unemployment and the improvement of the economy. Requires that the Secretary's annual report on the energy conservation program for consumer products include information on the percentage of covered products which are imported and on the percentage of components of covered products which are imported. Authorizes the Secretary to prescribe energy efficiency standards for covered products if the Secretary determines, among other factors, that an improvement of 20 percent or more in the energy efficiency of the products is technologically feasible. (Under current law, it must be determined that a substantial improvement in the energy efficiency of a product is technologically feasible before the Secretary may prescribe such standards.) Revises the factors which the Secretary must consider in determining whether a performance-related feature of a covered product justifies the establishment of a higher or lower energy efficiency standard for such product. Requires the Secretary to prescribe a combined average energy efficiency standard for each of the types of covered products under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act. Provides that if the average energy efficiency of the total number of a type of covered product made by a manufacturer or marketed by a private labeler are determined to meet the combined average energy efficiency standard for such type, such manufacturer or labeler shall be treated as meeting the applicable energy efficiency standard for the 12-month period beginning with the date of such determination. Requires the Secretary to issue a guideline for improvement in the energy efficiency for a type of covered product for each of the following five years if no standard is prescribed for such product. Requires the Secretary to monitor such improvements and to prescribe an energy efficiency standard whenever a type of product fails, for three consecutive years, to achieve at least half of the improvement under such a guideline.
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 · 2 May 1984
States that the United States joins in recognizing the anniversaries of the Warsaw uprising and the Polish resistance to the World War II invasion of Poland.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1984
Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw Restoration Act - Extends Federal recognition to the Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians in Oregon. Declares tribal members to be eligible for all Federal services and benefits furnished to federally recognized tribes without regard to the existence of a reservation for such Tribe or the residence of tribal members on such a reservation. Makes provisions of a specified Act relating to Federal supervision of property of western Oregon Indians inapplicable to the Tribe and restores all rights and privileges diminished by such Act. Precludes the restoration of hunting, fishing, or trapping rights. Declares the tribal membership roll to be open. Prescribes procedures to determine eligibility for enrollment. Grants the franchise to tribal members who are 18 years old. Establishes an Interim Council to govern the Tribe until a constitution and by-laws have been adopted by a majority vote. Directs such Council to draft and distribute a proposed constitution and by-laws. Provides for the election of tribal officials after the adoption of a constitution and by-laws. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to accept specified lands in trust for the Tribe in Coos County and Curry County, Oregon, if such lands are offered to the Government free of purchase cost.
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 · 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
Indian Tribal Governmental Tax Status Amendments of 1984 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat an Indian tribal government as a State for purposes of: (1) credit for contributions to candidates for public office; (2) excluding from gross income amounts received from a sickness and disability fund; (3) exclusion of scholarship and fellowship grants; (4) the business expenses deduction relating to appearances with respect to legislation; (5) taxation of contributions of certain employers for employee annuities; (6) discount obligations issued by tribal governments; (7) credits and deductions for tribal death taxes for purposes of determining Federal estate tax liability; and (8) arrangements for Federal collection of tribal income taxes. Authorizes Indian tribal governments to issue tax-exempt industrial development bonds if substantially all the proceeds of the issue are used with respect to facilities located on a reservation. Authorizes Indian tribal governments to issue mortgage subsidy bonds. Permits the issuance of tax-exempt bonds the proceeds of which are to be used for utility-type activities. Limits the amount of an industrial development bond or mortgage bond issue to $7,500,000 per tribe. Extends permanently the provisions of the Indian Tribal Governmental Tax Status Act of 1982.
United States · United States Congress · 12 April 1984
Taxpayers' Procedural Safeguard Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase from ten days to 30 days the time period during which a taxpayer must pay a tax deficiency after notice and demand for payment. Sets forth requirements for information which must be included with such notice to a taxpayer. Allows the release of a levy upon the wages or salary of a taxpayer if: (1) the taxpayer has entered into an agreement for the payment of tax liability; or (2) the Secretary of the Treasury determines that such liability is unenforceable due to the financial condition of the taxpayer. (Present law allows the release of a levy only when the liability is satisfied or becomes unenforceable due to lapse of time.) Increases by specified amounts the aggregate sum of a taxpayer's personal effects and trade or business property which is exempt from levy. Increases by specified amounts the wages, salary, and other income of a taxpayer which is exempt from levy. Exempts from levy: (1) the principal residence of the taxpayer; (2) any motor vehicle used for transportation to the place of business of the taxpayer; and (3) any tangible personal property used in carrying on the trade or business of the taxpayer if such levy would prevent the taxpayer from carrying on such trade or business. Allows levy on such property if: (1) a district director or assistant district director of the Internal Revenue Service personally approves (in writing) the levy of such property; or (2) the collection of tax would be in jeopardy. Prohibits the levy on any property if the amount of the estimated expenses which would be incurred with respect to the levy and sale of such property exceeds: (1) the fair market value of such property at the time of levy; or (2) the liability for which such levy is made. Revises requirements for the administrative review of jeopardy levy and assessment. Requires the award of court costs and certain fees in civil suits brought against the United States if the position of the United States in such a proceeding was not substantially justified. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into written agreements with a taxpayer providing for installment payments of tax liability if the Secretary determines that such an agreement will facilitate the collection of the tax liability. Requires the Secretary to make a written offer to enter into such an agreement if: (1) the taxpayer's liability does not exceed $20,000; and (2) the taxpayer has not been delinquent in payments under any other such agreement during the previous three years. Provides that such an agreement shall be binding upon the Secretary unless: (1) information provided by the taxpayer was inaccurate or incomplete; or (2) the Secretary determines that the financial condition of the taxpayer has significantly changed. Requires the abatement of deficiency and any penalty or interest attributable to written advice by the Internal Revenue Service. Sets forth procedures involving taxpayer interviews. Requires the Internal Revenue Service, upon a taxpayer's request, to: (1) conduct such an interview at a reasonable time and place convenient to the taxpayer; and (2) allow the taxpayer to make a recording of such interview. Requires the officer or employee conducting such interview to warn the taxpayer that: (1) he has the right to remain silent; (2) any statement he makes may be used against him; and (3) he has the right to the presence of an attorney, accountant, or return preparer. Establishes within the Internal Revenue Service an Office of Ombudsman. Sets forth the duties and responsibilities of the Ombudsman. Requires the Ombudsman to submit annual reports to specified committees of the Congress. Authorizes the Ombudsman, upon application filed by a taxpayer, to issue a Taxpayer Assistance Order if, in the determination of the Ombudsman: (1) the taxpayer is suffering or about to suffer from an unusual or irreparable loss as a result of the manner in which the internal revenue laws are being administered by the Secretary; and (2) the Secretary has failed to carry out any of his duties or has violated any provision of law. Specifies that the terms of a taxpayer assistance order may require the Secretary to: (1) release property of the taxpayer levied upon; or (2) cease or refrain from certain actions. Requires the Secretary to obey any Taxpayer Assistance Order issued by the Ombudsman. Allows an administrative appeal of tax liens. Provides for a civil cause of action by a taxpayer for a wrongful lien or levy upon property.
United States · United States Congress · 11 April 1984
Older Americans Act Amendments of 1984 - Title I: Amendments Regarding Objectives and Definitions - Amends the Older Americans Act of 1965 to declare as an objective of such Act that our older people should have available a comprehensive array of community-based, long-term care services adequate to appropriately sustain them in their communities and in their homes. Title II: Amendments Regarding the Administration on Aging - Replaces provisions establishing the Administration on Aging in the Office of the Secretary of Health and Human Services with provisions establishing, under the general authority of the Secretary, an Office on Aging (the Office). Provides that the Office shall assume the duties and functions of the Administration on Aging. Provides that the Office shall, as was the Administration on Aging, be headed by the Commissioner on Aging. Requires the Office, in addition to the duties and functions of the Administration that it has assumed, to consult with national organizations representing minority individuals to develop and disseminate training packages and to provide technical assistance efforts designed to assist State and area agencies in providing services to older individuals with the greatest economic or social needs. Authorizes funds to be appropriated for FY 1985 through 1987 for the Federal Council on Aging. Directs the Secretary to issue regulations for the administration of the Older Americans Act of 1965. Prohibits the Secretary from making grants or contracts under such Act for training, research, and discretionary projects and programs until the Secretary develops and publishes general standards to be used in evaluating such projects and programs. Title III: Grants for Programs on Aging - Defines: (1) an "older individual" as any individual who is 60 or older; and (2) "multipurpose senior centers" as community facilities for the organization and provision of a broad spectrum of services, including health, social, nutritional, and educational services and facilities for recreational activities for older individuals. Authorizes funds to be appropriated for FY 1985 through 1987 for social service grants and nutrition project grants under the Older Americans Act of 1965. Requires each area agency on aging to: (1) specify annually in its area plan the amount of funds spent for each category of services in the preceding year; (2) conduct efforts to coordinate community- based, long-term care services designed to keep individuals in their homes, thereby deferring unnecessary institutionalization; (3) provide assurances that it will give particular attention in providing services to low-income minority older individuals; and (4) include minority individuals on the advisory councils which the agencies are required to establish. Requires a State's plan under such Act, in planning and operating its long-term care ombudsman program, to consider the views of area agencies on aging, older individuals, and provider agencies. Authorizes funds to be appropriated for FY 1985 through 1987 for the surplus commodity program under such Act. Provides for grants for counseling regarding appropriate health and life insurance coverage. Title IV: Training, Research, and Discretionary Programs Related to Aging - Revises provisions of the Older Americans Act of 1965 relating to training, research, and discretionary programs. Directs the Commissioner to make grants and enter into contracts for training, research, and discretionary programs related to aging in order to: (1) provide comprehensive and coordinated nondegree education, training programs, and curricula at institutions of higher education and at other educational organizations for practitioners in the fields of nutrition, health care, supportive services, housing, and long-term care; (2) provide inservice training opportunities to the personnel of State offices, area agencies, senior centers, and nutrition sites to strengthen their capacity to remain responsive to the needs of older individuals; and (3) provide courses on aging and dissemination of information about aging. Directs the Office on Aging to conduct both: (1) long-term educational activities to prepare personnel for careers in the field of aging; and (2) short-term inservice training and continuing education activities for State and area agency personnel, and other personnel, in the field of aging. Requires multidiscriplinary centers of gerontology to: (1) conduct research and policy analysis and function as a technical resource for the Commissioners, policy makers, service providers, and Congress; (2) recruit and train personnel; (3) conduct research toward the development of information related to aging; (4) stimulate the incorporation of information on aging into the teaching of biological, behavioral, and social sciences at colleges and universities; (5) develop training programs in the field of aging; (6) serve as a repository of information and knowledge on aging; (7) provide consultation to organizations servicing older individuals under provisions of this Act; and (8) provide data to the Commissioner on projects and activities for which training, research, and discretionary program funds are provided. Sets forth the purposes of research and development projects under the Older Americans Act of 1965. Directs the Commissioner to select for research assistance research activities which will, within three years of enactment of this Act: (1) contribute to the establishment and maintenance of a demographic data base which contains information on the population of older individuals; (2) identify the future needs of older individuals; (3) identify the kinds and comprehensiveness of programs required to satisfy such needs; and (4) identify the kinds and number of personnel required to carry out such programs. Authorizes making grants and contracts for projects designed to identify older individuals who suffer from Alzheimer's disease and other neurological diseases and provide family respite services and other community-based care services to such individuals. Revises provisions relating to special demonstration projects on legal services for older individuals. Directs the Commissioner to make grants and enter into contracts to: (1) provide nationwide legal services support activities to State and area agencies on aging for providing, developing, or supporting legal services for older individuals; and (2) support demonstration projects to expand or improve the delivery of legal services to older individuals with social or economic needs. Authorizes funds to be appropriated for FY 1985 through 1987 for training, research, and discretionary programs under the Older Americans Act of 1965. Directs the Commissioner to: (1) be responsible for the administration, implementation, and making of grants and contracts for such programs; and (2) annually provide a report on the expenditure of funds for such programs. Title V: Community Service Employment - Amends the Older Americans Community Service Employment Act to authorize funds to be appropriated for FY 1985 through 1987. Increases the number of part-time employment positions provided under such Act. Title VI: Grants for Indian Tribes - Decreases to 60 the number of individuals in a tribe who must have attained age 60 in order for a tribe to be eligible for a grant under the Older Americans Act of 1965. Authorizes funds to be appropriated for FY 1985 through 1987 under the Older Americans Act of 1965 for grants to Indian tribes. Title VII: Amendments to Other Laws; Effective DAtes - Sets forth conforming amendments and effective dates.
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.
United States · United States Congress · 30 March 1984
County Revenue Enhancement Act of 1984 - Amends specified Federal laws to provide that the Secretary of the Treasury shall pay an additional 25 percent of revenues received from each national forest to the State in which it is located. Authorizes the appropriate State legislature to expend such funds for any public purpose, including the public schools and roads of the counties in which such national forest is located. Repeals a requirement of Federal law that ten percent of all moneys received from the national forests shall be made available for road and trail maintenance within the national forests in States in which such proceeds were derived. Amends Federal law to replace the use of the calendar year with the use of a fiscal year. Increases from 25 percent to 50 percent the payments which the Secretary of Agriculture must make to counties out of net revenues received from the use of the land.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1984
Prohibits an automobile manufacturer from selling or leasing or offering to sell or lease any new automobile in interstate commerce to any person (including an automobile dealer) during any sales period at a price which is higher than the lowest price at which any other automobile of the same model, similarly equipped, is sold or leased or offered for sale or lease, by the manufacturer during that sales period. Sets forth specified exceptions to such prohibition. Permits any person to bring an action against an automobile manufacturer to require compliance with this Act. Declares that nothing in this Act shall repeal, modify, or otherwise affect the application of any provision of the Federal antitrust laws.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1984
States that the President should: (1) renew the agreement between the United States and the Soviet Union on space cooperation for peaceful purposes; (2) initiate talks with the Soviet Union and other interested governments on opportunities for cooperative East-West space ventures as an alternative to an arms race in space; and (3) submit to the Congress a report detailing the steps taken in pursuance of these goals.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1984
States that the United States shall maintain its commitment to the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty (ABM) and not engage in programs which are inconsistent with such treaty. States that the President should not abrogate such treaty without the consent of the Congress, and should seek discussions with the Soviet Union to consider questions of compliance with the ABM Treaty.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1984
Urges the President to seek an agreement with the Soviet Union to: (1) declare a verifiable and limited moratorium on the testing in space of antisatellite weapons; and (2) resume negotiations on a verifiable ban on the testing, production, deployment, and use of any antisatellite weapon. Declares that such agreements should not restrict non-weapons operations in space, such as the U.S. space shuttle program.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1984
Urges the President to seek an agreement with the Soviet Union to: (1) declare a verifiable and limited moratorium on the testing in space of antisatellite weapons; (2) resume negotiations on a verifiable ban on the testing, production, deployment, and use of any antisatellite weapon; and (3) seek a verifiable treaty prohibiting any space-directed or space-based weapons system which is designed to cause damage on earth, in the atmosphere, or on objects placed in space. Declares that such agreements should not restrict non-weapons operations in space, such as the U.S. space shuttle program.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1984
Human Services Amendments of 1984 - Title I: Project Head Start - Amends the Head Start Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services ("the Secretary," for purposes of this title) to administer Project Head Start through the Administration for Children, Youth, and Families within the Department of Health and Human Services. Makes technical amendments to such Act. Authorizes appropriations for the Head Start program for FY 1985 through 1989. Requires the Secretary to reserve for training and technical assistance for each fiscal year funds which are not less than the amount spent for such activities under such Act in FY 1982. Prohibits funds reserved for discretionary payments by the Secretary under such Act from being combined with funds appropriated under any other Act if the purposes of combining funds is to make a single discretionary grant or a single discretionary payment. Requires the Secretary to designate as Head Start agencies any local public or private nonprofit agency in a community if such agency: (1) was receiving funds under any Head Start program on August 31, 1981; and (2) meets program and fiscal requirements established by the Secretary. (Under current law, the Secretary is required to give priority in the designation of Head Start agencies to such local agencies.) Authorizes the Secretary to designate a Head Start agency from among qualified applicants in a community if there is no Head Start agency or program serving such community. Requires that any such designation be governed by the program and fiscal requirements, criteria, and standards applicable on September 1, 1983, to then existing Head Start agencies. Requires that specified provisions relating to designation of Head Start agencies be carried out in FY 1985 through 1989 in accordance with the rules issued under such provisions by the Secretary as in effect on September 1, 1983. Permits each Head Start program operated in a community to provide services to any eligible child for any period from age three to the age of compulsory school attendance in the State where the program operates. Requires the Secretary to provide technical assistance and training in connection with Head Start programs. (Under current law, the Secretary is authorized to provide such assistance and training.) Requires that such training activities include: (1) a national child development associate training and assessment program providing the necessary credentials for such personnel; and (2) training, including resource access projects, which improves the ability of such personnel to provide Head Start services to handicapped children. Prohibits funds for Head Start research, demonstration, and pilot projects from being combined with funds available to carry out any other provision of law if the purpose of combining funds is to make a single discretionary grant or a single discretionary payment to a recipient of such funds. Prohibits any revision in Head Start performance standards which would result in either the elimination of, or the reduction in the scope of, types of health, education, parent involvement, social, or other services required by the performance standards issued by the Secretary as in effect on November 2, 1978. Title II: Follow Through Programs - Amends the Follow Through Act to: (1) increase the authorization of appropriations for the Follow Through program for FY 1984; and (2) authorize appropriations for such program for FY 1985 through 1989. Requires the Secretary of Education ("the Secretary," for purposes of this title) to provide financial assistance for research, demonstration, and pilot projects relating to the Follow Through program. (Under current law, the Secretary is authorized to provide such assistance.) Requires that such projects be designed to test or assist in the development of new approaches or methods that will aid in overcoming the special problems of primarily low-income children previously enrolled in Head Start or similar programs to develop to their full potential in kindergarten and the primary grades. Directs the Secretary to provide for a review and analysis of all previous evaluations and reports made in connection with all Follow Through programs and projects authorized by any Act of Congress in effect after August 20, 1964, and to provide a comprehensive evaluative report to the President and Congress by January 30, 1988. Makes a technical amendment which repeals the applicability of specified Head Start Act provisions to the Follow Through Act. Adds provisions for child care information and referral services to the Follow Through Act. (Entitles such provisions as the "Child Care Information and Referral Services Act.") Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, through the Administration for Children, Youth, and Families, to make grants to assist public or private nonprofit organizations to establish and operate community-based child care information and referral centers. Sets forth grant application requirements. Requires that grant recipients be selected through a competitive process, taking into consideration the demonstrated ability of applicants to provide such services, and giving priority to applicants for grants of less than $75,000. Requires an applicant to make specified assurances, including an assurance that it shall obtain certain percentages of its projected budget through non-Federal sources of funding during the grant period. Limits to five years the aggregate period for which such grants may be made to any single center. Sets reporting requirements for centers receiving such grants. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to report annually to specified congressional committees on activities under such child care information and referral services provisions. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 through 1989 for such child care information and referral services. Makes specified provisions for administration of the Head Start program applicable to the administration of such child information and referral services program. Title III: Community Services Programs - Amends the Community Services Block Grant Act to: (1) increase the authorization of appropriations for FY 1984 through 1986 for community services grants to States to ameliorate the causes of poverty in communities; and (2) authorize appropriations for FY 1987 through 1989 for such grants. Revises grant application provisions to require States to assure that: (1) at least 85 percent of the State allotment will be used for grants to community action agencies (or to organizations serving seasonal or migrant farmworkers) for specified purposes; and (2) the remainder will be used to make grants to local governments (or to specified types of nonprofit private community organizations or to migrant and seasonal farm worker organizations) for such specified purposes. Includes services under the Temporary Emergency Food Assistance Act of 1983 among those activities to which a State may transfer funds from a portion of its community services grant allotment. Authorizes a State, whenever it determines that a local government, or a combination of local governments, is not served by a community action agency, to: (1) use funds earmarked for grants to local governments through an existing community action agency to provide such services; or (2) if that is not feasible, establish a new community action agency to provide such services. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services ("the Secretary," for purposes of this title) to waive for any State specified limitations relating to eligibility to receive grants, under specified conditions. Directs the Secretary to: (1) conduct, in several States in each fiscal year, evaluations of the uses made of community services block grants; and (2) annually submit the results of such evaluations to specified congressional committees. Provides that the Office of Community Services within the Department of Health and Human Services shall be headed by an Assistant Secretary who shall be appointed by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Revises provisions relating to investigations conducted by the Secretary and the Comptroller General of the use of community service grant funds. Makes such investigations by the Comptroller General mandatory. Repeals a prohibition against the Secretary either requesting information not readily available to a State or requiring that any information be compiled, collected, or transmitted in any new form not already available. Requires the Secretary to provide for specified training and other ongoing activities of national or regional significance related to the purposes of the community services grants program, including certain special emphasis programs. (Under current law the Secretary has discretionary authority to provide for such training and other activities.) Adds to the list of such special emphasis programs specified types of programs for community food and nutrition and for senior opportunities and services which are described under specified provisions of the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964, as in effect on August 12, 1981. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 through 1989 for Native American programs under title VIII (the "Native American Programs Act of 1974") of the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964. Title IV: Conforming Amendments; Effective Date - Makes conforming amendments to other Federal laws. Makes references to the Assistant Secretary of the Office of Community Services in the Older American Community Services Employment Act. Makes the effective date of this Act the date of enactment or October 1, 1984, whichever occurs later.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1984
Public Employee Pension Plan Reporting and Accountability Act of 1984 - Imposes disclosure and reporting requirements upon State and local government pension plans. Establishes fiduciary standards for trustees of public employee pension benefit plans. Provides remedies and access to Federal courts. Specifies employee benefit plans which are exempt from this Act. Title I: Reporting and Disclosure - Requires the administrator of each public employee pension benefit plan to submit a registration statement to the appropriate State Governor within one year of enactment of this Act. Exempts a plan from the reporting and disclosure requirements of this Act if a State Governor certifies to the Secretary of Labor that: (1) State requirements are substantially equivalent to those of this Act; (2) the State can adequately administer its requirements; and (3) the State can adequately collect the requisite reports. Requires the Secretary of Labor to terminate any certification if a State is not meeting Federal requirements. Requires the plan administrator to: (1) publish a summary plan description; and (2) furnish such description to plan participants, beneficiaries, and specified persons. Delineates the contents of such summary plan description. Requires such description to: (1) state the rights of participants and beneficiaries; and (2) include an update whenever material modifications are made to the plan. Requires the plan administrator to publish an annual report. Specifies the contents of such report. Directs such administrator to engage an independent qualified public accountant to ascertain whether the financial statements and schedules in the annual report present fairly and in all material respects the information contained in the annual report. Requires the accountant's opinion to be included in the annual report. Requires the annual report to include a financial statement containing specified information, including the most recent annual statement of assets and liabilities of a common or a collective trust held by a bank or similar institution. Requires each plan to maintain a schedule of: (1) all assets held for investment purposes during each plan year; and (2) each transaction involving a party in interest. Requires annual reports to include, with respect to a defined benefit plan, a complete actuarial statement applicable to the appropriate plan year. Directs the plan administrator to engage an enrolled actuary to prepare such statement. Delineates the contents of the actuarial statement. Requires the annual report to include a statement from an insurance organization if any plan benefits are purchased from or guaranteed by such organization. Details the contents of such statement. Requires the enrolled actuary of the plan to make an actuarial valuation at least once every three plan years. Directs the plan administrator to furnish, upon written request of certain persons, a copy of summary plan descriptions and the status of an individual's plan benefits and contributions. Provides guidelines under which the plan administrator is directed to file the annual report with either the Secretary of Labor (the Secretary) or the appropriate State Governor. Authorizes the Secretary or Governor to reject the information filed by the plan administrator, and to take the following actions: (1) retain an independent public accountant to perform an audit; (2) retain an enrolled actuary to prepare an actuarial report; or (3) bring a civil action to enforce this Act. Presents guidelines for notice and review where claims for benefits are denied. Title II: Requirements Relating to Fiduciary Functions - Requires every plan to be established and maintained by written instructions which designate at least one named fiduciary. Details the functions of named fiduciaries and trustees. Establishes fiduciary and trustee liability. Prohibits certain transactions. Authorizes the Secretary to grant specified exemptions regarding such transactions. Imposes personal liability upon fiduciaries who fail to meet the fiduciary requirements, including removal for specified violations. Prohibits persons who have been convicted of, or imprisoned for, certain offenses from holding specified positions. Requires plan fiduciaries to be bonded. Specifies exceptions. Sets forth guidelines for the bonding procedure. Sets a limitation on actions which may be brought regarding failure to meet fiduciary requirements. Title III: Administration and Enforcement - Authorizes civil actions to redress violations of this Act. Imposes personal liability upon: (1) a plan administrator who fails to comply with a request for information; or (2) any person who fails to file required forms. Authorizes a plan to sue or be sued. Grants the United States district courts exclusive jurisdiction of civil actions brought under this Act. Grants concurrent jurisdiction to State courts and Federal district courts for specified actions. Authorizes the Federal district court to award reasonable attorney's fees under certain circumstances. Provides that suits brought against the Secretary may be brought in Federal district court. Authorizes the Secretary or appropriate State official to assess and collect a civil penalty against a party in interest who has engaged in a prohibited transaction. Grants such Secretary and State official investigative powers to determine violations of this Act. Details the extent of such powers. Authorizes the Secretary to prescribe regulations to administer this Act. Directs such Secretary to cooperate with State and local governments regarding the exchange of data and information. Prohibits interference with the exercise of rights by a plan participant or beneficiary. Establishes an Advisory Council on Governmental Plans, comprised of eleven members appointed by the President. Requires Council members to be qualified to appraise the plans falling under this Act. Requires the Council to: (1) report to the President and each House of Congress regarding implementation of this Act with possible recommendations for legislation; (2) advise the Secretary and make recommendations; and (3) monitor the costs incurred by plans under this Act and recommend cost reduction measures. Directs the Secretary to furnish staff services to the Council. States that this Act supersedes any State laws regarding public employee pension benefits plans. Specifies exceptions. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1984
Hunger Relief Act of 1984 - Title I: Food Stamp and Related Provisions - Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to make homeless persons eligible to participate in the food stamp program (program). Requires State agencies to develop related certification and issuance procedures. Increases the cost of the thrifty food plan to the full cost of the plan as of June 30, 1983. Revises the definition of "disabled" to include certain persons receiving benefits under the Railroad Retirement Act or persons receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) disabled benefits. Makes households each of whose members receive SSI or Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) categorically eligible for program participation. States that denial of eligibility or termination of benefits from such programs can not be a basis for denial of food stamp eligibility or termination of benefits. Excludes loan origination fees and insurance premiums from program "income." Increases the earned income deduction from 18 to 20 percent. Separates (presently combined) dependent care and excess shelter expense deductions. Provides for an educational deduction. Grants States the option of calculating income either prospectively or retrospectively. Increases the resources limitation from $1500 to $2500, and from $3000 to $3500 for the elderly and disabled. Increases the threshhold for accounting a vehicle's value against resources from $4500 to $5500. Permits States to stagger coupon issuance. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to send Food Stamp Disaster Task Force members to oversee the program in the event of a natural disaster. Directs State agencies to periodically assess the need to keep food stamp offices open during weekend or evening hours. Requires the Secretary to encourage State agencies to disseminate program information. Provides administrative matching funds. Directs State agencies to implement job search activities. Obligates $50,000,000 beginning with FY 1985 for such costs, and provides for 50 percent reimbursement for State expenses: (1) in excess of such $50,000,000; and (2) for participant reimbursement. Requires the Secretary to monitor such programs. Establishes a four-year (FY 1985 through 1989) rural Alaskan food assistance pilot program. Sets forth program provisions. Requires program reports to the House and Senate Agriculture committees by March 1, 1988, and 1989, respectively. Requires the Secretary to issue rural Alaskan thrifty food plan adjustment regulations within ten days. Amends the Agriculture and Consumer Protection Act of 1973 to permit local programs to provide supplemental commodities to the elderly under terms prescribed by the Secretary. Prohibits any resulting reduction in assistance to women, infants, and children (WIC program). Authorizes FY 1985 and 1986 Federal Emergency Management Agency appropriations for an emergency food program. Requires the Director of such Agency to constitute a national board to administer such program. Authorizes the Commodity Credit Corporation to purchase and deliver commodities for such program. Title II: Nutrition Monitoring - Requires the Secretary to: (1) develop and implement by October 1, 1985, a continuous food consumption and expenditures survey of a representative sample of low-income persons in the United States; (2) conduct, beginning with FY 1986, a survey of a supplemental representative sample of at least one low-income subgroup; and (3) submit an interim report by April 1, 1986, and annual reports thereafter to specified congressional committees. Directs the Secretary to: (1) provide States with technical assistance to establish nutrition monitoring systems; (2) encourage research on standards and technologies for nutrition monitoring; and (3) maintain and update the Department of Agriculture (USDA) nutrient data base. Title III: Nutrition and Consumer Education - Directs the Secretary to provide States with technical and grant assistance for low-income consumer education programs. Administers such programs through the USDA's Food and Nutrition Service. Requires annual program reports to specified congressional committees. Sets forth State program requirements. Authorizes FY 1985 through 1989 appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary to set aside specified amounts for use in Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands. Title IV: School Lunch and Child Nutrition Amendments - Amends the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 and the National School Lunch Act to reduce the students' cost of a reduced price lunch from 40 cents to 25 cents, and of a reduced price breakfast from 30 cents to 15 cents. Increases reduced meal income eligibility limits from 185 percent to 195 percent of the poverty level. Provides an additional six cents per breakfast to increase the nutritional quality of such program. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to promulgate related nutritional improvement regulations. Raises the program tuition limit for private schools from $1500 to $2500. Requires annual inflation adjustments. Increases the number of reimbursable meals and snacks under the child care food program. Increases FY 1984 authorization of appropriations for nutrition education and training. Excludes certain medical expenses from household income for program eligibility purposes. Eliminates the requirement that free meal eligibility be the same as that required for food stamp eligibility. Makes kindergartens in specified schools eligible for the special milk program. Makes permanent authorizations of appropriations for: (1) the WIC program; (2) State administrative expenses; (3) nutrition education and training; (4) the childrens' summer food and service program; and (5) the commodity distribution program. Title V: Older Americans Act Amendments - Amends the Older Americans Act of 1965 to authorize FY 1985 through 1987 appropriations for: (1) congregate feeding; (2) home delivered meals; and (3) surplus commodities.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1984
Medicare Physician Fair Payment Act of 1984 - Amends part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide that payment for physicians' services will be made only to a physician entering into an annual agreement with the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Requires the agreement to provide that a physician shall be paid only on the basis of an assignment for all services provided to individuals enrolled under part B. Directs the Secretary to: (1) publish a list of all participating physicians; (2) develop a uniform claims form for use by all participating physicians; and (3) establish an advisory committee on physician reimbursement. Prohibits Medicare participation by a hospital unless every physician who is on the medical staff and who furnishes services to inpatients has entered into an assignment agreement with the Secretary.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1984
Generalized System of Preferences Revision Act of 1984 - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to require the President, in providing duty-free treatment for imports from beneficiary developing countries, to have due regard for the effect such action will have on extending internationally recognized worker rights to workers in developing countries. Defines internationally recognized worker rights. Prohibits the President from designating a country a beneficiary developing country: (1) if such country has not adopted laws that extend internationally recognized worker rights to its workers or is not satisfactorily enforcing such laws; or (2) for any calendar year occurring after a related per capita standard year in which such country had a per capita gross national product (GNP) of $5,000 or more. Requires the President, in determining whether to designate a country a beneficiary developing country, to take into account whether or not the country has adopted and is enforcing laws that extend internationally recognized worker rights to its workers. Requires that parties interested in the implementation and protection of internationally recognized workers rights shall be granted the same privilege of giving advice on the formulation of the general system of tariff preferences as parties with significant economic interest in the formulation of the system. Prohibits any article from being an eligible article for tariff preference purposes for any period during which such article is produced or processed in a designated zone in a beneficiary country in which conditions prevail that are treated as exceptions to and are less strigent than the otherwise applicable conditions relating to internationally recognized worker rights. Requires the President, annually after 1984, to identify each beneficiary developing country that has a per capita GNP for the related per capita standard year of: (1) between $400 and $1,399; or (2) between $1,400 and $4,999. Directs the President to determine whether a beneficiary developing country: (1) which has the lower per capita GNP, exported to the United States a specified quantity of an eligible article or more than half of the total U.S. imports of that article during one year; or (2) which has the higher per capita GNP, exported to the United States either a specified quantity of an eligible article or more than one-fourth of the total U.S. imports of that article during that year. Prohibits a country which the President has found to have exported such quantities of a certain article from being treated as a beneficiary developing country with respect to that article. Requires such prohibition to become effective within 60 days after the President's determination unless the President makes specified findings with respect to that country. Permits such a country to be redesignated a beneficiary developing country if the imports of the article from that country did not exceed the specified limitations during the preceding three years. Extends the generalized system of preferences until six years after the enactment of this Act. Requires the President to report to Congress on the operation of the system of preferences three years after enactment of this Act. Requires the Secretary of State and the U.S. Trade Representative, in consultation with the Secretary of Labor, to prepare reports on the status of internationally recognized worker rights within beneficiary developing countries. Requires the appropriate U.S. agencies to help beneficiary developing countries to ensure that the agricultural sectors of their economies are not directed to export markets to the detriment of the reduction of foodstuffs for their citizenry.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1984
Prohibits the President from issuing a letter of offer to Jordan or Saudi Arabia for basic Stinger air defense guided missile systems. Prohibits the President, if such a sale has already been made, from making deliveries to the recipient country without specific authorization by the Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1984
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services not to establish a rate of payment for hospice care which is less than specified amounts for routine home care, continuous home care, inpatient respite care, and general inpatient care. Directs the Secretary to: (1) annually review and, if appropriate, adjust such rates; and (2) periodically report to Congress on such review and adjustments.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1984
States that: (1) all persons in the workplace have a fundamental right to know when they are handling or are exposed to substances hazardous to their health; (2) the Hazard Communication Standard should immediately be revised by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in order to disseminate meaningful information to workers regarding the identity and composition of hazardous substances to which workers are exposed or which they handle; (3) the Hazard Communication Standard should be immediately revised by OSHA to extend "Right To Know" protection to workers in all industries and services not presently covered by the Standard; and (4) such Standard should set minimum Federal requirements which may be exceeded by more stringent State requirements. Commends those States and local governments which have acted to safeguard workers' health and which have passed community "Right To Know" laws.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1984
Fair Trade in Steel Act of 1984 - Declares that it is the policy of Congress that access to the U.S. market for foreign-produced carbon, alloy, and specialty steel mill products should be on an equitable basis to safeguard national security, insure orderly trade in steel mill products, reduce unfair trade in steel mill products, and alleviate U.S. balance-of-payments problems. Expresses the intent of Congress to: (1) expand the economic viability of the U.S. steel industry and the jobs of its workers; (2) prevent the further decline of the domestic steel industry; and (3) temper the economic hardships resulting from unemployment in steel industry communities by encouraging reinvestment in existing steelmaking facilities. Limits annual imports of specified steel mill product categories to specified percentages of the apparent domestic supply which are based on adjusted average import penetration levels for each such product category for the years 1979, 1980, and 1981. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to allocate global product limitations among foreign countries, groups of countries, or areas. Sets forth guidelines for making such allocations. Requires the Secretary to make an annual determination of the expected apparent domestic supply in each steel mill product category. Requires the Secretary to revise such determination periodically during the year. Directs the Secretary to determine, within 90 days after the effective date of this Act, whether the steel industry companies have plans to use substantially all of the cash flow from the steel sector for reinvestment in and the modernization of the steel sector. Prohibits the import restrictions from taking effect until the Secretary determines that the steel companies have such plans. Directs the Secretary to monitor steel sector investments made and announced by the steel industry and to consult with steel industry representatives and employees in the course of such monitoring. Directs the Secretary to determine annually whether steel companies are using substantially all the cash flow from the steel sector for reinvestment in and modernization of the steel sector. Directs the Secretary to modify or suspend the relevant import restrictions if the Secretary determines that substantially less than all the cash flow from the steel sector is being used for such reinvestment and modernization and that the level of investment is not demonstrably justified by adverse financial conditions within the industry. Directs the Secretary to publish: (1) each annual determination and its rationale; and (2) the total amount of cash flow from the steel sector and the total amount used for reinvestment in and modernization of the steel sector. Requires the steel companies to provide the Secretary with the information necessary for making such determinations. Directs the Secretary to examine the supply and demand situation in the United States for a specified steel product category if requested by affected steel consumers. Sets forth criteria to be used in determining short supply. Directs the Secretary to monitor imports of fabricated steel mill products. Sets forth the method of investigating whether imports of fabricated steel products are rendering ineffective or materially interfering with the objectives of this Act. Limits the quantity of iron ore that may be entered from all sources during any calendar year after the effective date of this Act. Directs the Secretary to allocate global iron ore limitations among foreign countries, groups of countries or areas. Sets forth guidelines for making such allocation. Directs the Secretary, in making such allocations, to attempt first to accommodate the requirements of individual steel mills which have been traditionally dependent on ocean sourced foreign iron ore and the requirements of contractual obligations incurred before January 1, 1984. Authorizes the Secretary to waive the import restrictions on iron ore if necessary to meet the needs of such individual steel mills. Provides for the enforcement and implementation of this Act.
![Official portrait of Rep. Weaver, James H. [D-OR-4]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/w000227_200.jpg)