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Official portrait of Sen. Jeffords, James M. [I-VT]

Sen. Jeffords, James M. [I-VT]

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5,991 records where Sen. Jeffords, James M. [I-VT] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years

Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 312 (98th)referred

A concurrent resolution expressing the sense of Congress in support of the President's leadership with respect to American prisoners of war and missing in action.

United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1984

States that the Congress: (1) adopts as an objective the release of all Americans still held captive in Southeast Asia and the full accounting of those still missing; (2) recognizes and supports the President's leadership with respect to those Americans; (3) supports his efforts in impressing upon the Southeast Asian nations the determination of the United States to resolve this issue; and (4) encourages him to continue to use all means to secure a full accounting of those Americans still missing and to inform the Congress of his progress regarding this matter.

Bill· HRH.R. 5640 (98th)open

Superfund Expansion and Protection Act of 1984

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.

Bill· HRH.R. 5620 (98th)reported

Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Amendments of 1984

United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1984

Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Amendments of 1984 - Amends the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981 to increase the authorization of appropriations for low-income home energy assistance for FY 1984 and to extend such authorization through FY 1989. Revises the term "poverty level" for purposes of such Act to mean, with respect to any household in a State, the income poverty line as prescribed and revised pursuant to the Community Services Block Grant Act. Provides that the State median income promulgated by the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall be adjusted to prevent any change in income calculation procedures which would result in the reduction in or exclusion from participation of households in programs under such Act. Prohibits the allotment of funds to a State for low-income home energy assistance unless the Secretary determines that the State's application for funds satisfies the requirements of such Act and approves it. Requires that at least five percent of a State's allotment be reserved until May 15 of each year for energy crisis intervention. Requires that a State's annual application for funds for low-income home energy assistance indicate: (1) the number and type of households in the State eligible for such assistance; (2) the level of and method for determining household benefits under the assistance program; and (3) the method of program administration to be used. Requires as part of such application that a State agree to: (1) designate local community-based public or nonprofit entities to administer energy crisis intervention programs; and (2) indicate the amount which the State will reserve for energy crisis intervention and the administrative procedures for designating an energy crisis, for determining the amount of assistance to be provided during such a crisis, and for determining the use of funds reserved for energy crisis intervention but not so used. Requires that the State plan which is part of the annual application contain funding estimates for the State's low-income home energy assistance programs and describe the eligibility requirements to be used under such programs. Provides that a State shall expend funds in accordance with an approved State plan. Requires that the periodic evaluation by the Comptroller General of State expenditures of grants received under the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981 occur at least every three years. Increases the maximum amount of funds received under such Act which a State may use for low-cost residential weatherization or other energy-related home repair for low-income households. Decreases the maximum amount of grant money allotted for a fiscal year to a State for low-income home energy assistance which a State may request to be held available for the next fiscal year. Specifies additional home energy and home energy assistance data which the Secretary is required to collect on a State-by-State basis. Requires the Secretary to report to specified congressional committees on such data by June 30 of each year.

Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 301 (98th)referred

A concurrent resolution expressing the sense of Congress that States should establish clearinghouses to provide information on missing children.

United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1984

Expresses the sense of the Congress that each State should establish a clearinghouse, to work in conjunction with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, to provide information on missing children within the State. Declares that each clearinghouse should: (1) provide a centralized file for statewide exchange of information; (2) cooperate with State law enforcement agencies; (3) work as a liaison between public and private organizations; (4) provide a toll-free in- State telephone line to allow persons to report missing children; (5) provide a directory of State resources; (6) publish monthly bulletins; (7) distribute emergency flyers; and (8) train individuals in the operation of the clearinghouse.

Bill· HRH.R. 5581 (98th)referred

Solar Energy and Energy Conservation Bank Reauthorization Act of 1984

United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1984

Solar Energy and Energy Conservation Bank Reauthorization Act of 1984 - Title I: Reauthorization of Bank - Amends the Solar Energy and Energy Conservation Bank Act to extend the life of the Solar Energy and Energy Conservation Bank until September 30, 1990. (Under current law, the Bank will cease to exist after September 30, 1987.) Requires that 25 percent of the payments by the Bank to financial institutions to provide financial assistance for the installation of solar energy systems in residential, commercial, and agricultural buildings be allocated for active solar energy. Requires an equitable distribution of financial assistance between residential and multifamily residential buildings. Permits all financial institutions to apply directly to the Bank for financial assistance. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 through 1990 for the financial assistance program under the Solar Energy and Energy Conservation Bank Act for the purchase and installation of residential and commercial energy conserving improvements and solar energy systems. Amends the Federal National Mortgage Association Charter Act to eliminate the condition under which the Board of the Bank would not exercise its authority to purchase loans for energy conserving improvements or to purchase mortgages secured by newly constructed homes with solar energy systems. Title II: Financial Assistance to Promote Construction of Highly Energy Efficient Buildings - Amends the Solar Energy and Energy Conservation Bank Act to authorize the Bank to make payments to financial institutions for financial assistance to builders of newly constructed or substantially rehabilitated highly energy efficient buildings (a residential building which utilizes no more than 60 percent of the energy utilized by a building of a similar size that meets the cost-effective energy conservation standards established by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development in effect as of June 30, 1980). Permits financial assistance to be so provided only if the expenditures for new construction or substantial rehabilitation of highly energy efficient buildings are made after the enactment of this Act. Specifies the maximum amount of financial assistance which may be provided for new construction or substantial rehabilitation of highly energy efficient buildings. Sets forth conditions on such financial assistance which are in addition to the general conditions on financial assistance provided by the Bank under such Act. Amends the Federal National Mortgage Association Charter Act to authorize the Bank to purchase mortgages secured by newly constructed or substantially rehabilitated highly energy efficient buildings.

Bill· HRH.R. 5569 (98th)referred

Sex Discrimination in the United States Code Reform Act of 1983

United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1984

Sex Discrimination in the United States Code Reform Act of 1983 - Title I: Armed Forces, Soldiers' Home, Coast Guard, Lighthouse Service, and Merchant Marine - Amends Federal laws dealing with the Army, the Navy, the Air Force, and the Coast Guard to eliminate gender-based distinctions. Title II: Elimination of Gender-Based Distinctions Under the Social Security Act and the Railroad Retirement Act - Eliminates gender-based distinctions in the social security and railroad retirement programs. Title III: Amendments to United States Code - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act, the Walsh-Healey Act, the Child Nutrition Act of 1966, the Federal criminal code and other Acts (dealing with Indian affairs, transportation, public lands, Saint Elizabeth's Hospital, contract law, the U.S. Coast Guard, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, longshoremen and harbor workers, conservation programs, internee benefits, and the spouses of former presidents, among other subjects) to eliminate gender-based distinctions. Title IV: Effective Date - Sets forth the effective date for the provisions of this Act.

Bill· HRH.R. 5571 (98th)open

Arms Race Moratorium Act

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.

Bill· HRH.R. 5529 (98th)open

Agricultural Patent Reform Act of 1984

United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1984

Agricultural Patent Reform Act of 1984 - Amends the patent laws to extend the terms of patents which emcompass specified products or methods for using a product, including methods of manufacturing which primarily use recombinant DNA technology, any of which are subject to certain nonpatent regulatory review periods. Sets forth the terms and conditions of such extension, including a five year limitation. Directs the Commissioner of Patents to issue to the owner of record of a patent a certificate of extension stating the fact and length of the extension and identifying the product and the use and the claim to which such extension is applicable. Makes such certificate a part of the original patent. Limits the application of such patent term extension to patents for: (1) any new animal drug or antibiotic subject to regulation under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act; (2) any veterinary biological product subject to regulation under the virus, serum, toxin, and analogous products provisions of the Act of March 4, 1913; (3) any pesticide subject to regulation under the Federal Insectide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act; and (4) any chemical substance or mixture subject to regulation under the Toxic Substances Control Act.

Bill· HRH.R. 5525 (98th)open

Semiconductor Chip Protection Act of 1984

United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1984

Semiconductor Chip Protection Act of 1984 - Extends copyright protection to original mask works fixed in semiconductor chip products. Defines a mask work as the two- and three-dimensional features of shape, pattern, and configuration of the surface of the layers of a semiconductor chip product which portray the appearance of a product or convey information. Requires as a condition of protection that: (1) the owner of the mask work be a resident or citizen of the United States or of a country which is party to a protection treaty to which the United States is also a party on the date the work is first commercially exploited or registered; (2) the work is first commercially exploited in the United States; or (3) the mask work comes within the scope of a presidential proclamation extending reciprocal protection to the works of foreign citizens or residents. Vests exclusive rights in the mask work in the owner who may transfer, convey, or bequeath such interest. Recognizes the first registered transfer in case of a conflict. Sets the copyright term for mask works at ten years from the date of registration or first commercial exploitation, whichever comes first. Sets forth the exclusive rights of the owner of such a copyright, including the rights to: (1) reproduce the mask; (2) import or distribute a semiconductor chip product in which the mask work is embodied; and (3) cause another to perform such acts. Excludes from the applicability of an owner's exclusive rights a mask work used for educational purposes or an innocent purchaser of a semiconductor chip product. Protects works registered within two years of the date of their first commercial exploitation. Sets forth administrative procedures for the Register of Copyrights. Permits the owner of the mask work to place a notice of copyright on such works which includes the words 'mask work' or M in a circle, the year the work was first fixed in a semiconductor chip product, and the name of the owner of the work. Entitles the owner of a mask work whose protection has been infringed or whose registration of such work has been refused to institute a civil action. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury and the U.S. Postal Service to issue regulations for the enforcement of the right to import mask works. Permits the impoundment and seizure of mask works imported in violation of the owner's exclusive rights. Sets forth remedies for infringement, including temporary and permanent injunctive relief, actual damages, and the award of the infringer's profits to the owner. Authorizes appropriations.

Bill· HRH.R. 5490 (98th)open

Civil Rights Act of 1984

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.

Bill· HRH.R. 5476 (98th)referred

A bill to amend title XI of the Higher Education Act of 1965.

United States · United States Congress · 12 April 1984

Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 ("the Act") to revise title XI provisions. Renames title XI (currently "Urban Grant University Program") "Urban Grant University and Community Learning Programs." Adds new part B provisions for a Community Learning Program. Extends the authorization of appropriations for the Urban Grant University Program (redesignated part A of title XI of the Act) through FY 1990. Permits other entities within the community, including the applicant university, to pay the non-Federal share of the cost of projects under the Urban Grant University Program. Provides that the Federal share of such project cost shall not exceed 90 percent. Includes planning services under the Urban Grant University Program. Makes technical amendments to definitions for Urban Grant University Program purposes. Sets forth provisions for the new part B Community Learning Program. Directs the Secrtary of Education to carry out a Community Learning Program to assist postsecondary institutions to establish and carry out programs to involve students in tutoring programs designed to address the problem of illiteracy. Authorizes the Secretary, from sums available for part B, to award grants to institutions meeting specified criteria. Allows any institution of higher education, as defined under specified provisions of the Act, to apply to the Secretary for part B assistance. Directs the Secretary to make awards on a competitive basis taking into consideration the relative cost and effectiveness of the proposed program. Sets forth application requirements. Limits the size and duration of such grants. Sets forth permissible uses of Community Learning Program grant funds. Authorizes appropriations for the Community Learning Program (established as part B of title XI of the Act by this Act) for each fiscal year through FY 1990.

Bill· HRH.R. 5414 (98th)referred

Older Americans Act Amendments of 1984

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.

Bill· HRH.R. 5382 (98th)referred

A bill to amend title I of the Higher Education Act of 1965.

United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1984

Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 ("the Act") to revise title I provisions. Retitles title I (currently "Continuing Postsecondary Education Program and Planning") as "Targeted Educational Outreach and Informational Programs." Retitles and replaces part A (currently "Commission on National Development in Postsecondary Education") with new provisions for "Postsecondary Education Innovation and Expansion Grants." Directs the Secretary of Education to carry out a program, in accordance with such title I part A, to assist eligible postsecondary institutions to establish programs to enhance the educational opportunities available to adult learners. Directs the Secretary, from specified sums, to award grants to institutions with applications meeting specified criteria for such assistance. Sets the maximum award that may be made under a single application under part A at $200,000 (to remain available for expenditure for not more than a three-year period). Makes institutions of higher education, as defined under general provisions of the Act, and combinations of such institutions eligible to apply for such assistance. Sets forth permissible uses of such grant funds. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 through 1989 to carry out part A. Retitles and replaces part B (currently "Education Outreach Programs") with new provisions for "Postsecondary Outreach Grants." Directs the Secretary, in accordance with such title I part B, to carry out a program to assist postsecondary institutions to establish and carry out programs designed to encourage the establishment and growth of off-campus educational programs. Authorizes the Secretary to award grants to institutions with applications meeting specified criteria for assistance. Sets the maximum award that may be made under a single application under part B at $100,000 (to remain available for expenditure for not more than a three-year period). Makes institutions of higher education, as defined under general provisions of the Act, or combinations of such institutions, eligible for such assistance. Sets forth permissible uses of such grant funds. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 through 1989 to carry out part B. Eliminates provisions for the National Advisory Council on Continuing Education. Sets forth new title I part C provisions for "Research Program Grants." Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to, and contracts with, institutions of higher education, public and private institutions and organizations, and States, or any combination thereof, to support the purposes of such part C by providing assistance to such educational institutions for specified educational research, development, information, and training activities relating to postsecondary education for adult learners. Sets forth application requirements for such grants and contracts. Sets the maximum award that may be made under a single application under part C at $200,000 (to remain available for expenditure for not more than a three-year period). Sets forth permissible uses of funds under part C. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 through 1989 to carry out part C. Sets forth a new title I part D ("Defined Term") which defines the term "adult learner" for purposes of title I.

Law· HRH.R. 5358 (98th)enacted

Honey Research, Promotion, and Consumer Information Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1984

Honey Research, Promotion, and Consumer Information Act - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to issue and amend honey orders. Provides for the establishment of: (1) a Honey Board; and (2) a National Honey Nominations Committee to nominate Board members and alternates. States that such Board shall administer orders, develop plans for research, promotion, and consumer information and finance such activities through producer, importer, and handler assessments. Exempts specified small producers and importers from such assessments.

Bill· HRH.R. 5345 (98th)open

Equal Access Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1984

Equal Access Act - Prohibits federally-funded public secondary schools which allow non-school-sponsored groups of students to meet from discriminating against any meeting of students on the basis of religious content if: (1) the meeting is voluntary and student initiated; (2) there is no government sponsorship; and (3) no unlawful activity is permitted.

Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 283 (98th)referred

A concurrent resolution expressing the sense of congress concerning the use and supplying of chemical and biological weapons.

United States · United States Congress · 3 April 1984

Expresses the sense of the Congress that the use of chemical and biological weapons pose grave threats and that the United States should: (1) increase its investigations of suspected instances of chemical and biological warfare; (2) encourage the development of antidotes for such weapons, especially for the mycotoxin; (3) urge other nations to investigate suspected instances of such warfare; (4) help U.N. investigators gain access to areas where such warfare is suspected; and (5) negotiate with the Soviet Union and other nations to strengthen existing treaties regarding such warfare by ensuring compliance with such treaties.

Bill· HRH.R. 5315 (98th)reported

County Revenue Enhancement Act of 1984

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.

Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 536 (98th)open

A joint resolution relating to cooperative East-West ventures in space as an alternative to a space arms race.

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.

Bill· HRH.R. 5272 (98th)referred

A bill to amend the Freedom of Information Act.

United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1984

Amends the Freedom of Information Act to deem the National Endowment for Democracy an agency for purposes of such Act.

Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 531 (98th)open

A joint resolution to maintain the commitment of the United States to the 1972 Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty Between the United States and the Soviet Union.

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.

Bill· HRH.R. 5267 (98th)referred

Rural Housing Assistance Improvement Act of 1984

United States · United States Congress · 27 March 1984

Rural Housing Assistance Improvement Act of 1984 - Amends the Housing Act of 1949 to declare that specified provisions, requiring that a specified percentage of the dwelling units financed with rural housing assistance be available only for very low-income families or persons, shall not prohibit any Farmers Home Administration office from making any rural housing loan in a fiscal year if: (1) such office has satisfied such requirement with respect to assistance previously provided in such fiscal year; or (2) sufficient amounts of the funds available to such office for loans are reserved for loans only to very low-income families or persons so that such requirement would be satisfied if all such reserved amounts were used by the end of such fiscal year.

Law· HRH.R. 5223 (98th)enacted

An act to amend the Federal Meat Inspection Act and the Poultry Products Inspection Act to exempt restaurant central kitchens under certain conditions from Federal inspection requirements.

United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1984

Amends the Federal Meat Inspection Act and the Poultry Products Inspection Act to exempt from Federal inspection requirements any restaurant central kitchen that prepares ready-to-eat meat and poultry products sent to and served at restaurants owned or operated by the same persons or firms which own or operate such central facility.

Bill· HRH.R. 5210 (98th)referred

Academic Libraries and Information Technology Enhancement Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1984

Academic Libraries and Information Technology Enhancement Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to revise title II of such Act. Retitles title II (College and Research Library Assistance and Library Training and Research) as "Academic Library and Information Technology Enhancement." Replaces title II part D provisions for design of the National Periodical System (funding for the design of such System under such Act will expire at the end of FY 1985) with new part D provisions for College Library Technology and Cooperation Grants. Extends through FY 1989 the authorization of appropriations for the following programs under title II: (1) part A (College Library Resources); (2) part B (Library Training, Research, and Development); and (3) part C (Strengthening Research Library Resources). Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 through 1989 for the new part D programs (College Library Technology and Cooperation Grants). Revises part A provisions for college library resource development grants to provide that such grants shall be made only to eligible institutions of higher education or combinations thereof (or branches of such an institution which are located in other communities). Deletes provisions for making such grants to other public and private nonprofit library institutions which perform certain functions. Removes the $10,000 maximum limit on such a grant. Adds to application requirements for such grants satisfactory assurances that the institution's library: (1) is participating in one or more agreements with other institutions for the sharing of library resources; and (2) will maintain or develop access for students to academically oriented data bases. Permits the latter assurance about maintenance or development of data base access to be waived in very unusual circumstances. Requires that an institution, in order to be eligible for such a grant, must: (1) be dependent, because of its limited financial resources, on the grant for improving the quality of its programs or maintaining accreditation; and (2) provide the Secretary with specified assurances relating to its need for the grant. Directs the Secretary of Education, in making awards of such grants, to take into consideration the relative need of the institution and its library based on specified criteria. Requires that the amount of the grant award reflect both such relative need and the number of students who will benefit. Directs the National Commission on Libraries and Information Sciences to: (1) study the effectiveness of specified criteria for such grants in directing funds to libraries with the greatest need; and (2) report the results of such study to Congress by the end of FY 1988. Revises part B provisions for library training, research, and development to provide that, of appropriations for part B: (1) two-thirds shall be available for library career training programs, including fellowships and traineeships; and (2) one-third for research and demonstration projects. Deletes provisions including improvement of information technology among such research and demonstration projects. Repeals provisions for special purpose grants under part B, but includes similar provisions under the new part D. Sets forth the new part D provisions for College Library Technology and Cooperation Grants. Establishes a program under which the Secretary of Education is authorized to make grants for technological equipment and other special purposes. Provides that such part D grants may be made to specified entities (similar in part to those under part B special purpose grant provisions): (1) institutions of higher education which demonstrate a need for special assistance to acquire, install, maintain, or replace technological equipment (including computer hardware and software) necessary to participate in networks for sharing of library resources; (2) combinations of higher education institutions which demonstrate a need for special assistance in establishing and strengthening joint-use library facilities, resources, or equipment; (3) other public and private nonprofit organizations which provide library and information services to institutions of higher education on a formal cooperative basis to establish, develop, or expand programs or projects that improve their services to institutions of higher education; and (4) institutions of higher education conducting research or demonstration projects to meet special national or regional needs in utilizing technology to enhance library or information sciences. Directs the Secretary, from funds appropriated for the new part D provisions, to make competitive awards to institutions or combinations of institutions in each of such four categories. Sets the minimum award at $15,000. Permits such award to be expended over a three-year period. Requires that an application for such a grant: (1) be approved by the Secretary on the basis of criteria prescribed in regulations; and (2) provide satisfactory assurance that the applicant will match grant funds with expenditures equal to at least one-third of the grant amount, for the same purpose as such grant during the three-year period for which the grant is sought. Revises title II program purposes (under the new title II heading Academic Library and Information Technology Enhancement) to replace references to assistance in establishment of a National Periodical System Corporation with references to new part D assistance to college and university libraries in acquiring technological equipment and conducting research in information technology.