United States · United States Congress · 3 October 1984
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the Customs Service should suspend the operation of interim regulations, for at least six months, to permit the completion of a comprehensive analysis, with the participation by retailers and other specified groups, of the effects of such regulations on U.S. imports of textiles and apparel.
United States · United States Congress · 3 October 1984
Expresses the Senate's appreciation to members of the entertainment industry, especially the Entertainment Industries Council, for their work in discouraging and communicating the danger of drug use.
United States · United States Congress · 2 October 1984
Modifies the project for flood protection on the Chariton River, Iowa and Missouri, to direct the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, to sell storage space in Rathbun Lake, Iowa, to the Rathbun Regional Water Association.
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 1984
Domestic Food Assistance Act of 1984 - Title I: Food Stamp Program - Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to raise food stamp allotments from 99 to 100 percent of the thrifty food plan. Increases the earned income deduction from 18 to 20 percent. Makes households each of whose members receive Supplemental Security Income (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 cannot be a basis for denial of food stamp eligibility or termination of benefits. Increases the resources limitation from $1500 to $2250, and from $3000 to $3500 for the elderly and disabled. Increases the threshold for accounting a vehicle's value against resources from $4500 to $5500. Permits States to stagger coupon issuance. Requires (currently permits) the Secretary to provide for alternative means of coupon issuance if doing so would improve program integrity. Prohibits financial institutions from charging retail food stores coupon redemption fees. Directs States to periodically assess the need to keep food stamp offices open during weekend or evening hours. Makes homeless persons eligible for food stamps. Prohibits appropriations under such Act from being transferred to the Office of the Inspector General of the Department of Agriculture. Requires States imposing a sales tax on food stamp purchases to transfer such revenues to the Secretary of the Treasury within 15 months of the end of each fiscal year. Authorizes States to establish community work experience programs. Title II: Nutrition Surveillance - Amends the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 to include periodic health and nutrition samplings of vulnerable low income groups in the Department of Agriculture's continuing food consumption survey. Title III: Food Distribution and Emergency Shelters - Authorizes the transfer of specified agricultural commodities to public or nonprofit organizations for low-income assistance. Authorizes military commissaries to donate surplus food to local food banks. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to States to assist the homeless. Authorizes FY 1984 through 1986 appropriations. Title IV: Effective Dates - Makes the provisions of this Act effective within 45 days after enactment.
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 1984
Temporary Agricultural Interest Rate Reduction Act of 1984 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a one-year program of agricultural operating loan interest rate reductions if interest rates are ten percent or more as of March 1, 1985. Requires participants to repay any assistance provided under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 1984
Designates the week beginning February 17, 1985, as a time to recognize the contributions of volunteers who give their time to become Big Brothers and Big Sisters to youths in need of adult companionship.
United States · United States Congress · 6 September 1984
Agricultural Credit Assistance Act of 1984 - Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to temporarily take over lending institution-held agricultural loans (at from 75 percent to 95 percent of original value) at reduced interest rates. Requires the Secretary to issue such a lending institution an obligation for the amount of the take-over. Limits loan amounts to $750,000 and maximum interest rate buy-downs to five percent.
United States · United States Congress · 9 August 1984
Authorizes the Special Counsel of the Merit Systems Protection Board to appear as a counsel on behalf of any party in a civil action brought in connection with any function of the Special Counsel and to initiate and prosecute on behalf of any party in any such case an appeal of the decision of any administrative tribunal, U.S. district court, or the U.S. Claims Court. Authorizes any person aggrieved by a prohibited personnel practice to intervene in any administrative or judicial action brought by the Special Counsel under this Act. Entitles any such party appealing an administrative decision to have the facts subject to trial de novo by the reviewing court.
United States · United States Congress · 9 August 1984
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal rules relating to the determination of the issue price of certain debt instruments issued for property. Amends the Tax Reform Act of 1984 to repeal the revisions made to rules for the imputation of interest on certain deferred payments. Provides that the Internal Revenue Code shall be applied and administered as if such revisions had not been enacted.
United States · United States Congress · 9 August 1984
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the President should direct appropriate members of the Administration to: (1) pursue discussions with Canada directed toward resolving problems relating to U.S. imports of Canadian pork; and (2) use all available authorities to protect the economic viability of the U.S. pork industry and to promote free and fair trade.
United States · United States Congress · 8 August 1984
Requires any Federal officer or employee who is convicted of a felony to be removed from office or employment within 30 days after the employing agency receives notice of the conviction. Directs an agency to provide an employee at least 14 days' advance notice of his or her removal. Authorizes an agency to reinstate such a former employee upon such employee's written request if: (1) the employee's felony conviction is vacated by the court based on a finding that the evidence was insufficient to support the conviction and the agency head determines that further judicial proceedings are unlikely to be commenced; or (2) in the case of a retrial, the former employee is acquitted or further judicial proceedings are terminated and the vacation of the previous conviction was based on a finding of insufficient evidence. Entitles an employee who is reinstated on such basis to be paid the amount of pay lost because of his or her removal. Permits an agency to provide such reimbursement to an employee reinstated for any other reason.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1984
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to reduce the rate of imputed interest for: (1) the first $250,000 of the sale price of residential property sold by an individual; (2) the first $1,500,000 of the sale price of farm property sold by an individual, partnership, estate or small business corporation; and (3) the first $500,000 of the sale price of real property associated with the sale of a trade or business.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 1984
Authorizes the printing of additional copies of the joint committee print entitled "Industrial Policy Movement in the United States: Is it the Answer?" for the use of the Joint Economic Committee.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 1984
Conservation Service Reform Act of 1984 - Title I: Residential Conservation Service - Amends the National Energy Conservation Policy Act to extend until January 1, 1990, the time period within which energy conservation information requirements imposed upon public utilities and home heating suppliers shall apply. (Under current law, such requirements apply through January 1, 1985.) Eliminates requirements that public utilities and home heating suppliers: (1) arrange to have suggested energy conservation measures installed for residential customers; (2) arrange for related loans for such customers; and (3) provide such customers with lists of suppliers and contractors who sell or install energy conservation measures in the area served by the utilities and home heating suppliers and of lending institutions which will offer loans for the installation of such measures. Provides that an application by a utility for an exemption from the requirements under such Act which is pending on the date of the enactment of this Act shall be considered approved unless the Secretary of Energy disapproves it within 30 days after such date. Permits a State or a utility to elect to formulate and certify an alternative residential energy conservation plan in lieu of the residential energy conservation plan required to be approved by the Secretary pursuant to the National Energy Conservation Policy Act. (Permits alternative plans by utilities where an alternative State plan is not in effect or in the case of a nonregulated utility which is not included in a State plan.) Sets forth procedural requirements for the formulation of such an alternative plan. Requires that such an alternative plan: (1) provide general energy conservation suggestions to all residential customers of utilities in the State; (2) provide specific energy conservation information and improvements to customers upon their requests; (3) provide benefits to a specified percentage of residential buildings which did not receive benefits under such Act before such plan became effective; (4) reduce energy consumption by an average of ten percent or more in such residential buildings; (5) benefit low- and moderate-income individuals as well as others; (6) contain adequate procedures for installation of energy conservation measures; (7) prevent unfair, deceptive, and anticompetitive practices affecting commerce; (8) be carried out by the State, utilities within the State, or both (except in the case of a plan being certified by a utility rather than the State); (9) contain rules concerning accounting and payment of costs which are consistent with such Act; (10) provide redress for any injuries resulting from violations of plan provisions; and (11) assure that the utility will not inspect a furnace or install or inspect furnace efficiency modifications without the customer's request in the case of a furnace using a primary source of energy other than that sold by the utility. Requires the State or the utility to certify that its alternative plan has been formulated in accordance with this Act and will be adequately implemented. Sets forth reporting requirements with which the State or utility must comply. Sets forth administrative and judicial proceedings which may be commenced to require the adequate implementation of an alternative plan. Requires the Secretary of Energy to report to specified congressional committees on the residential energy conservation plans required under the National Energy Conservation Policy Act and on the alternative plans described above. Requires the Secretary to disseminate information annually to the States and public utilities providing technical assistance and relating to the most cost-effective energy conservation procedures and devices and the most successful residential energy conservation plans. Provides as an additional requirement relating to the waiver of the prohibition against supply and installation of residential energy conservation measures by public utilities that there be no unfair competitive advantages to the utility seeking such waiver. Prohibits the Governor of a State from supporting the petition of a regulated utility for such a waiver before: (1) the Governor has notified the public of the waiver petition so that interested persons may make comments and the governor has made the same determinations which the Secretary must make in approving such a petition; and (2) the utility makes all relevant information available to the Governor. Revises requirements with respect to the application of the contracting and general exemptions from the prohibition against supply and installation of residential energy conservation measures by public utilities. Sets forth review procedures for such exemptions. Title II: Repeal of Provisions Regarding Commercial Buildings and Multifamily Dwellings - Repeals title VII of the National Energy Conservation Policy Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 1984
Proclaims October 23, 1984, as "A Time of Remembrance" for Americans to take time to reflect on the sacrifices that have been made in the pursuit of peace and freedom.
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 1984
Requires the Interstate Commerce Commission to: (1) consider certain indicators in determining the revenue adequacy of railroads; (2) consider specified evidence when appropriate in determining whether there is effective rail competition; (3) revise proposed guidelines which prescribe reasonable rates for coal shipments; (4) prohibit certain actions with respect to reciprocal switching services; (5) expedite its study on cancellations of through routes, joint rail rates, and reciprocal switching; and (6) facilitate discovery of information regarding railroad contracts by parties with standing to challenge such contracts.
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 1984
Expresses the sense of Congress that the President, in cooperation with the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, should: (1) exercise appropriate authority to assure that an adequate flow of credit be available to American farmers at reasonable rates; and (2) take noninflationary actions necessary to reduce interest rates.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1984
Reaffirms that it is U.S. policy to oppose the practice of torture by foreign governments through the implementation of laws and through public and private diplomacy. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should: (1) instruct the U.S. representative to the United Nations to continue to raise the issue of torture by such governments; and (2) continue to involve the U.S. Government in the formulation of international standards and the implementation of the draft Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. Requests the Secretary of State to issue specified formal instructions to each U.S. mission chief regarding U.S. policy with respect to such torture. States that the Secretary of Commerce should continue to enforce the current restrictions on the export of crime control equipment pursuant to the Export Administration Act of 1979. Directs the heads of U.S. departments that furnish military and law enforcement training to foreign personnel to include in such training instruction regarding international human rights standards with respect to torture.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1984
Congratulates and commends the United States of America Philharmonic Society for its work on behalf of the Nation's young musicians and its commitment to furthering better understanding among peoples of all nations through the language of music.
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 1984
Agricultural Trade and Export Policy Commission Act - Amends the Agriculture and Food Act of 1981 to establish a National Commission on Agricultural Trade and Export Policy (Commission) to conduct a study of the agriculture-related trade and export policies and programs of the United States and the international and domestic factors affecting such policies and programs, including U.S. intergovernmental activities that affect the formulation of policies. Requires the Commission to be composed of ex officio congressional members, plus 23 members appointed by the President. Requires the Commission to submit to the President and the Congress: (1) a report containing its initial findings and recommendations by March 31, 1985; (2) additional interim reports on its work as may be requested by the chairmen of specified congressional committees; and (3) a report containing the final results of its study and recommendations by July 1, 1986. Authorizes Federal and public support to the Commission. Exempts the Commission from specified provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act and guidelines relating to the performance appraisals of Federal employees. Terminates the Commission 60 days after the transmission of its final report to the President and the Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 20 June 1984
Congratulates and commends the USA Philharmonic Society for its work on behalf of the Nation's young musicians and its commitment to furthering better understanding among peoples of all nations through the language of music.
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 1984
Title I: Automobiles - 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 a sales period at a price higher than the lowest price at which the manufacturer sells, leases, or offers for sale or lease any other automobile of the same model, similarly equipped, during that sales period. Prohibits an automobile manufacturer from offering any incentive in connection with the sale or lease in interstate commerce of any model of new automobile unless all automobile dealers authorized by the manufacturer to sell such model have been notified, in advance, of the incentive and it remains in effect for at least 14 days. Sets forth exceptions to such prohibitions, including provision for qualified regional incentive sales programs. 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. Pre-empts State laws only to the extent inconsistent with this Act. Title II: Trucks - Prohibits any truck manufacturer from selling or leasing or offering to sell or lease any new truck in interstate commerce to any person (including a truck dealer) during a sales period at a price higher than the lowest price at which the manufacturer sells, leases, or offers to sell or lease any other new truck of the same model, similarly equipped, during that sales period. Prohibits a truck manufacturer from offering any incentive in connection with the sale or lease of any model of new truck in interstate commerce unless all truck dealers authorized by the truck manufacturer to sell that model have been notified, in advance, of the incentive and it remains in effect for at least 30 days. Sets forth exceptions to such prohibition. Prohibits any truck dealer owned by a truck manufacturer from selling or leasing or offering to sell or lease any new truck in interstate commerce to any person at a price lower than the price at which the dealer bought the truck from the manufacturer. Permits any person to bring an action against a truck 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. Pre-empts State laws only to the extent inconsistent with this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 1984
United States Scholarship Program for Developing Countries Act - Directs the President, acting through the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the U.S. Information Agency, to provide an undergraduate scholarship program for citizens and nationals of developing countries to study at American institutions of higher education. Requires that half of each payment to a student shall be in the form of a loan with repayment to be forgiven upon the student's prompt return to his or her country of origin for a period of no less than the years spent studying in the United States plus one. Sets forth guidelines for implementing the program. Directs the President, before allocating any funds, to consult with U.S. educational institutions, educational exchange organizations, U.S. missions, and the governments of participating countries on how to implement the guidelines. Authorizes the President to enter into agreements with foreign governments to further the scholarship program. Urges the Administrator of the agency primarily responsible for administering development assistance programs, in implementing such programs, to increase assistance for undergraduate scholarships for students of limited financial means from developing countries to study in the United States. Urges the President to take steps to expand the opportunities for Americans from all economic classes to study in developing countries. Authorizes the President to establish counseling and orientation services: (1) abroad to prepare foreign students for study in the United States; and (2) at U.S. schools to help them while they are in the United States. Directs the Board of Foreign Scholarships to advise and assist the President in the discharge of programs authorized by this Act. Requires the public and private sectors in the United States to be encouraged to contribute to the costs of the programs financed under this Act. Directs the President to engage the public and private sectors of developing countries in programs to maximize the use of program participants upon their return to their own countries. Authorizes the President to publicize the scholarship program abroad. Authorizes the President to provide English instruction abroad when necessary. Provides for funding to carry out this Act. Requires the President to report annually to Congress on the activities taken pursuant to this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 1984
Amends the Federal criminal code to define "armor piercing ammunition." Excludes from the definition: (1) shot gun shot required by Federal or State regulations for hunting; (2) frangible projectiles for target shooting; and (3) projectiles that the Secretary of Treasury determines are primarily intended for sporting purposes. Makes it unlawful for any person to manufacture or import armor piercing ammunition. Allows for: (1) the manufacture or importation of armor piercing ammunition for the use of the United States or any State or local government; and (2) manufacture for the sole purpose of exportation. Establishes a licensing fee of $1,000 per year for manufacturers and importers of armor piercing ammunition. Imposes an additional mandatory sentence of not less than five years for any person who uses or carries a firearm and is in possession of armor piercing ammunition during the commission of a violent felony. Provides that such sentence shall not be suspended nor probation nor parole granted.
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 1984
Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to require the Secretary of Agriculture to guarantee certain lending institution-held farm loans. Provides, with regard to such program, for: (1) Federal guarantees of 90 percent of between 80 and 90 percent of the original obligation, with such ten to 20 percent debt obligation transferred to the Federal Government in exchange for the guarantee; (2) extended loans of up to 20 years; (3) county committee applicant certification; (4) lender interest rates not in excess of three percent plus the existing local Federal Reserve bank discount rate; (5) limited additional borrower debt; (6) discretionary three-year principal or interest deferrals owed to the Secretary; and (7) individual debt limits. Directs the Secretary to conduct a feasibility study for a Federal program to reduce farmland foreclosure sales through multiparty agreements with lenders and borrowers to transfer or adjust the terms of such loans.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 1984
Great Lakes Preservation Act of 1984 - Establishes within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration the Great Lakes Research and Management Office to be headed by a Director. Requires as responsibilities of the Office the following: (1) identifying Federal and State research programs relating to the Great Lakes system on an annual basis; (2) establishing a Great Lakes research exchange; (3) identifying priority Great Lakes research; (4) conducting appropriate current Great Lakes research and monitoring activities; (5) establishing a Great Lakes water quality monitoring system, with specific emphasis on toxic pollutant levels; (6) developing the long term, comprehensive environmental, resource, and economic data bases required for assessing impacts of proposed decisions on the environmental health, productivity, and economic well-being of the Great Lakes; (7) conducting an inventory of all State, Federal, and international agencies with management responsibilities for the Great Lakes system, and updating such information annually; (8) identifying priority management needs to protect and rehabilitate the Great Lakes and their resources, and developing management plans where needed; (9) developing an annual report on the state of the Great Lakes; (10) actively promoting the adoption and execution of the management and rehabilitation plans; (11) serving as the source of issues which the Federal Government refers to the International Joint Commission for study; and (12) hosting a meeting (not less often than annually) for officials of State and Federal agencies involved with the Great Lakes. Requires the Administrator, in the agency's annual budget submission to Congress, to include a funding request for the Office as a separate budget line item. Allows the Administrator to provide financial assistance in the form of grants or contracts for research, monitoring, and planning projects and activities necessary to address Great Lakes priorities. Allows any person, higher education institution, or Federal, State, or local agency or department to apply for such assistance. Requires the Administrator to act upon each grant or contract application within six months of its receipt. Permits the grant to cover, in the discretion of the Administrator, up to 100 percent of the total project cost. Requires each recipient of such financial assistance to keep full and accurate financial records. Requires such records to be maintained for three years after the completion of such project or activity. Allows access to such records for audit and examination by the Administrator and the Comptroller General. Directs the head of each department or agency of the Federal Government which is in any way connected with the enhancement of the Great Lakes to: (1) cooperate fully with the Administrator and the Director;(2) make available such personnel, services, or facilities as may be necessary to assist the Administrator or Director in their purpose; and (3) furnish, upon written request, such data or information deemed necessary by the Administrator or the Director. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, the Chief of Engineers of the Army, the Chief of the Soil Conservation Service, the Commandant of the Coast Guard, and the Director of the Fish and Wildlife Service to each submit annual reports to the Administrator regarding their efforts to comply with the Water Quality Agreement of 1978 and with recommendations made by the Office. States that this Act does not affect the jurisdiction or powers of any Federal or State department or agency or international bodies created by treaty with authority relating to the Great Lakes. Authorizes appropriations to the Administration for FY 1985-1989.
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 1984
Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) the Administration should continue to oppose the imposition of restrictions by the European Community (EC) on imports of nongrain feed ingredients and corn gluten as a means to shift to other countries part of the cost of its domestic agricultural policies; and (2) imposition of a consumption tax on vegetable oils and fats by the EC would restrain trade and violate the tariff bindings in the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade on soybeans and soybean products. States that if EC action is taken to inhibit the importation of such products, then the United States should restrict EC imports by the same proportion of reduced U.S. export products.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 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 · 8 June 1984
Expresses the sense of Congress that the portion of the street in the District of Columbia on which is located the Embassy of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, and the portion of any street in any other city in the United States on which is located a consular office or mission of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, should be named Andrei Sakharov Avenue.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1984
Energy Security Reserve Amendments of 1984 - Rescinds $9,000,000,000 of the funds appropriated to the Energy Security Reserve by the Department of the Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1980. Prohibits the obligation of funds available to carry out title I of the Energy Security Act to those projects whose products will cost significantly more than projected market prices of competing fuels over the life of the project.
![Official portrait of Sen. Jepsen, Roger W. [R-IA]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/j000101_200.jpg)