United States · United States Congress · 29 June 1984
Federal Interagency Arson Prevention and Control Task Force Act of 1984 - Establishes a Federal Interagency Arson Prevention and Control Task Force to coordinate Federal anti-arson programs and to provide assistance to State and local governments for the prevention and control of arson. Directs each Federal agency with arson related activities to report annually to the Task Force with respect to their efforts in providing Federal assistance to State and local governments for the prevention and control of arson. Directs the Task Force to transmit annually a report to Congress concerning its activities and success in preventing arson. Directs the Director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms to assist the Task Force by providing access to personnel and resources of the Bureau.
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 · 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
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 · 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 · 5 June 1984
Native American Culture and Art Development Act - Establishes a corporation to be known as the Institute of Native American Culture and Arts Development, with a board of trustees including Native Americans from the private sector, appointed by the President, and Members of Congress. Identifies the Institute's primary functions as: (1) scholarly study and instruction in Native American arts and culture; and (2) the establishment of degree-awarding programs in Native American art and culture. Establishes within the Institute: (1) a Center for Culture and Art Studies; and (2) a Center for Research and Cultural Exchange. Establishes the Institute as non-profit and tax-exempt. Prohibits the Institute from engaging in any political activity regarding elective public office. Transfers to the Institute the functions of the Institute of American Indian Arts. Directs the President of the Institute to submit an annual report to the Congress and the Board. Establishes the Institute of American Indian Arts, at Santa Fe, New Mexico, as the site of the Institute of Native American Culture and Arts Development. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 1984
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Reagan administration and succeeding administrations: (1) stress to China the importance the American people attach to religious freedom; and (2) urge the Chinese Government to release from prison five Roman Catholic priests and persons of various faiths who are being held because of religious activities.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1984
Gypsy Moth Control Act of 1984 - Amends the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Research Act of 1978 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a gypsy moth research program. Gives priority to the development of: (1) biological controls; and (2) appropriate technology for use on non-Federal public and private forest land. Authorizes FY 1985 through 1989 appropriations. Amends the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978 to direct the Secretary to establish a gypsy moth control assistance program to encourage gypsy moth control on non-Federal lands. Provides for Federal cost-sharing to aid States in: (1) conducting gypsy moth population surveys and; (2) eradication and control efforts, including the provision of technical assistance. Authorizes FY 1985 through 1994 appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1984
Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to establish separate deductions for dependent care expenses and excess shelter expenses for purposes of determining eligibility for certain food stamp benefit levels. Increases the maximum amount of such deductions.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1984
Anti-Hunger Act of 1984 - Title I: School Lunch and Child Nutrition Amendments - Amends the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 and the National School Lunch Act to authorize FY 1985 through 1988 appropriations for: (1) the special supplemental food program for women, infants, and children (WIC); (2) State administrative expenses; (3) the childrens' summer food service program; and (4) the commodity distribution program. Provides a permanent authorization for the nutrition education and training program. Reduces the student cost of a reduced price lunch from 40 cents to 25 cents, and of a reduced price breakfast from 30 cents to 15 cents. Provides an additional six cents per breakfast to increase the nutritional quality of such program. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to promulgate related nutritional improvement regulations. Provides States with a three percent reimbursent for commodity for commodity transportation and storage costs. Eliminates the $1500 tuition limit for private school program particiaption. Increases the nubmer of reimbursable meals and snacks under the child care food program. Excludes certain medical expenses from household income for program eligibility purposes. Eliminates the requirement that free meal eligibility be the same as that required for food stamp eligibility. Prohibits the Secretary from requiring school lunch program income verification unless the direct cost of such verification is appropriated. Makes kindergartens in specified schools eligible for the special milk program. Obligates specified food service equipment appropriations for low-income area schools. States that school food facilities and personnel may be used for nonprofit nutrition programs for the elderly. Makes specified nonprofit private sponsors eligible for the summer feeding program. Prohibits States from using more than two and on-half percent of a current fiscal year's WIC appropriations for a preceding year's expenditures. Permits administrative funds to be used for technical assistance to improve State administrative systems. Includes Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) among the programs to be coordinated with the child nutrition programs. Provides for a reduction in program paperwork. Requires the secretary of Agriculture to fill vacancies on the National Advisory Council on Maternal, Infant, and Fetal Nutrition within 90 days, and to hold Council meetings at least annually. Title II: Amendments to the Food Stamp Act of 1977 - Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to permit elderly or disabled persons to purchase low-priced prepared meals from restaurants or similar establishments. Permits an elderly person who is unable to purchase and prepare food to be considered a separate household independently of the income level of the others with whom he or she lives. Provides for thrifty food plan increases in States that tax retail food sales. Increases the covered cost of such plan to 100 percent. Revises the definition of "disabled" to mean a person receiving Federal or State blindness or disability assistance based on the same as or substantially the same criteria as used under title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security. Act. Makes households each of whose members receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or AFDC assistance 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 earned income deduction from 18 to 20 percent. Separates dependent care and excess shelter expense deductions. Changes the elderly or disabled medical expense threshold from $35 to five percent of the household's monthly inocme. Grnats States the option of calculating income either prospectively or retrospectively. Authorizes emergency allotment increases if the household experiences a sudden income loss of more than $100 in a month. 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. Authorizes outreach activities. Provides for the participation of homeless persons in the food stam program. Authorizes the Secretary to set food stamp office hours. Extends existing seven percent State error sanctions through FY 1985. Postpones the decreased five percent rate until FY 1986. Requires States imposing a tax on food stamp purchases to transfer such funds to the Secretary of the Treasury.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1984
Older Americans Act Amendments of 1984 - Amends the Older Americans Act of 1965 to declare as an objective of the Act that community services provided under the Act should place emphasis on maintaining a continuum of care for the vulnerable elderly. Directs the Commissioner on Aging to develop linkages with utilization and quality control peer review organizations under the Social Security Act in order to insure the development of community alternatives. Increases the number of programs related to the purposes of the Act, for purposes of Federal agency cooperation. Revises provisions relating to the appointment of members to the Federal Council on Aging. Authorizes appropriations for the Council for FY 1985, 1986, and 1987. Provides for the annual authorization of appropriations to conduct program and project evaluations in an amount not exceeding one-tenth of one percent of annual funding or $300,000, whichever is lower. Defines the term: (1) "multipurpose senior center" to mean a community facility for the organization and provision of a broad spectrum of services, which shall include, but not be limited to, provision of health, social, nutritional and educational services and the provision of facilities for recreational activities for older individuals; and (2) "focal point" to mean a facility established to encourage the maximum collocation and coordination of services for older individuals. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985, 1986, and 1987 for grants for: (1) supportive services and senior centers; (2) congregate nutrition services; and (3) home delivered nutrition services. Permits a State to use up to one percent of its allotment for conducting effective demonstration projects in health and nutrition education. Requires a State agency designating an area agency on aging to give the right of first refusal to a unit of general purpose local government when the boundaries of such a unit and the boundaries of the area are reasonably contiguous. Requires area plans: (1) to provide supportive services for families of elderly victims of Alzheimers' disease and other neurological diseases and organic brain disorders; (2) to provide services for the prevention of elder abuse; and (3) in providing services, to give preference to older individuals, especially minorities, with the greatest economic or social needs. Requires an area agency before requesting a waiver of any requirements for furnishing services to conduct a public hearing. Repeals the authority of grant recipients to charge for meals. Permits grant recipients to request voluntary contributions for meals. Requires a State plan to provide that with respect to services for the prevention of elder abuse: (1) the State will identify the public and private nonprofit entities involved in the prevention, identification, and treatment of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation; (2) the State will, based on such identification, determine the extent to which the need for services for the prevention of elder abuse are unmet; (3) the State will establish, in areas where the need for services is unmet, a program for public education to identify and prevent elder abuse, receive reports of elder abuse, and refer complaints to law enforcement agencies; (4) the State will not permit involuntary or coerced participation in the program of services by alleged victims, abusers, or their households; and (5) all information gathered shall remain confidential unless all parties to the complaint agree to the release of the information, except that the information may be released to a law enforcement agency. Requires a State plan to provide assurances that each State will: (1) provide inservice training opportunities for personnel of agencies and programs funded under the Act; and (2) assign personnel to provide State leadership in developing legal assistance programs for the elderly throughout the State. Requires each State to establish at least one demonstration project for health and nutrition education to be conducted by one or more area agencies on aging. Limits State expenditures for plan administration to an amount not exceeding five percent of its allotment or $500,000, whichever is greater, except that in the case of Guam, American Samoa, the Virgin Islands, and the Northern Mariana Islands, the amount shall be five percent or $200,000, whichever is greater. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985, 1986, and 1987 for the surplus commodities program under the Act. Prohibits State agencies and area agencies on aging from requesting information or data of providers which is not pertinent to a payment made under the Act. Directs the Commissioner to make grants to States with approved State plans for: (1) supportive services for the prevention of elder abuse; and (2) inservice training and State leadership for legal assistance activities. Revises provisions relating to training, research, and discretionary projects and programs. Authorizes appropriations for such projects and programs for FY 1985, 1986, and 1987. States that the purpose of such projects and programs is to expand the knowledge and understanding of aging and the aging process, to design and test innovative ideas in programs and services for older individuals, and to help meet the needs for trained personnel in the field of aging. Directs the Commissioner to administer such projects and programs through the Administration on Aging. Provides for the special consideration of Alzheimers' disease with respect to such projects and programs. Provides for the dissemination of information with respect to project results. Directs the Commissioner, upon request, to provide assistance to State agencies on aging, to work in conjunction with State protective service agencies so as not to duplicate activities already undertaken by such protective service agencies, for the provision of technical assistance and development of training materials for personnel in State and area agencies who are engaged or intend to engage in the prevention, identification, and treatment of elder abuse. Limits to 12 percent of Federal funding the amount which shall be available for the costs of administration of a State's older American community service employment program. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to coordinate such employment program with programs of the Job Training Partnership Act, the Community Services Block Grant Act, and the Vocational Education Act of 1984, if the Secretary determines that to do so would increase job opportunities available under the Older Americans Act of 1965. Requires each State receiving funds under the older American community service employment program to report to the Secretary annually concerning the equitable distribution of funds within the State. Authorizes appropriations for such employment program for FY 1985, 1986, and 1987. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985, 1986, and 1987 for grants to Indian tribes under the Act. Amends the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 to add to the definition of the term "employee." States that such term includes any individual who is a U.S. citizen employed by an employer in a workplace in a foreign country. Provides that the provisions of such Act shall not prohibit the compulsory retirement of any employee between 65 and 70 years of age who, between the two year period immediately before retirement, is employed in a bona fide executive position, if such employee is entitled to an immediate nonforfeitable annual retirement benefit of at least $44,000. (Current law provides that the benefit must be at least $27,000.)
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 transferee of any such unit, agency, or entity.
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1984
Age Discrimination in Employment Act Public Safety Officers Amendments of 1984 - Amends the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 to exclude State and local law enforcement officers and firefighters from coverage under the Act.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1984
White House Conference on Small Business Authorization Act - Calls upon the President to conduct a National White House Conference on Small Business, not earlier than January 1, 1985, and not later than September 1, 1986, to: (1) increase public awareness of the contributions of small business; (2) identify small business problems; (3) examine the status of minority and women small business owners; (4) assist small business in carrying out its role as the nation's job creator; (5) develop specific recommendations for executive and legislative action; and (6) review the status of recommendations adopted at the Conference. Authorizes and directs Federal departments, agencies, and instrumentalities to provide support and assistance to the planning of such conference. Requires a final report of the Conference, within six months from the date such conference is convened, to be submitted to the President and the Congress. Requires the Small Business Administration to report annually to the Congress for the next three years following the submission of the final report of the Conference. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1984
Commemorates on June 6, 1984, the fortieth anniversary of the allied forces invasion against the Nazi army. Authorizes and requests the President to designate June 6, 1984, as D-Day National Remembrance Day.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1984
Surplus Food Commodities Trade and Donation Act of 1984 - Declares that it is the policy of Congress to increase the quantities of surplus dairy products and wheat that are provided by the United States to other nations by authorizing the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) to undertake additional concessional sales and foreign donation programs. Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to require the CCC, to the extent the Secretary of Agriculture determines appropriate, to export dairy products and wheat acquired by the CCC through price support operations through: (1) concessional sales; (2) donation; or (3) any combination of such sales and donations. Prohibits making such exports in amounts that will reduce the amounts of commodities traditionally available through donations to domestic nonprofit feeding programs or agencies. Authorizes the CCC to: (1) export dairy products and wheat under agreements with foreign governments and humanitarian organizations; (2) enter into agreements to provide dairy products and wheat in installments over an extended period of time; (3) exchange its stocks of such commodities for similar products produced domestically that will more nearly meet the needs of importing nations; (4) finance the concessional sales and exportation of such commodities and serve as the purchaser's shipping agent; and (5) pay certain incidental costs, freight, and transportaiton charges relating to commodities furnished for donations. Requires the provision of such commodities to be coordinated with other U.S. foreign assistance programs. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to ensure that: (1) the commodities exported for donation will be used for humanitarian feeding programs that directly benefit needy persons except that the sale or barter of such commodities may be permitted; and (2) dispositions of such commodities encourage increased use of commodities and agreements avoid displacing usual marketings of such commodities by the United States or any other nation. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish three special U.S. Agricultural Trade Offices to assist in the implementation of the program of concessional sales and donation of dairy products and wheat established by this Act. Requires the offices to be maintained until September 30, 1994. Requires that one office be located in each of Manila, Philippines, Mexico City, Mexico, and Dakar, Senegal. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress on the effectiveness of such Offices. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1984
Declares that it is the sense of Congress that the Federal bank regulatory agencies should require their examiners to exercise caution and restraint in adversely classifying loans made to agricultural borrowers.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1984
Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to prohibit any Department of Agriculture officer or employee who acts upon or reviews any land purchase loan applications under such Act from acquiring any interest in the land involved for five years.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1984
Fair Trade in Steel Act of 1984 - Declares that it is the policy of Congress that access to the U.S. market for foreign-produced carbon, alloy, and specialty steel mill products should be on an equitable basis to safeguard national security, insure orderly trade in steel mill products, reduce unfair trade in steel mill products, and alleviate U.S. balance-of-payments problems. Expresses the intent of Congress to: (1) expand the economic viability of the U.S. steel industry and the jobs of its workers; (2) prevent the further decline of the domestic steel industry; and (3) temper the economic hardships resulting from unemployment in steel industry communities by encouraging reinvestment in existing steelmaking facilities. Limits annual imports of specified steel mill product categories to specified percentages of the apparent domestic supply which are based on adjusted average import penetration levels for each such product category for the years 1979, 1980, and 1981. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to allocate global product limitations among foreign countries, groups of countries, or areas. Sets forth guidelines for making such allocations. Requires the Secretary to make an annual determination of the expected apparent domestic supply in each steel mill product category. Requires the Secretary to revise such determination periodically during the year. Directs the Secretary to determine, within 90 days of enactment of this Act, whether the steel industry companies have plans to use substantially all of the cash flow from the steel sector for reinvestment in and the modernization of the steel sector. Suspends the import restrictions until the Secretary determines that the steel companies have such plans. Directs the Secretary to monitor steel sector investments made and announced by the steel industry and to consult with steel industry representatives and employees in the course of such monitoring. Directs the Secretary to determine annually whether steel companies are using substantially all the cash flow from the steel sector for reinvestment in and modernization of the steel sector. Directs the Secretary to modify or suspend the relevant import restrictions if the Secretary determines that substantially less than all the cash flow from the steel sector is being used for such reinvestment and modernization and that the level of investment is not demonstrably justified by adverse financial conditions within the industry. Directs the Secretary to publish: (1) each annual determination and its rationale; and (2) the total amount of cash flow from the steel sector and the total amount used for reinvestment in and modernization of the steel sector. Requires the Secretary's annual determination to include an evaluation of the steel industry's progress toward fulfillment of the reinvestment and modernization plans. Directs the Secretary to examine the supply and demand situation in the United States for a specified steel product category if reguested by affected steel consumers. Sets forth criteria to be used in determining short supply. Directs the Secretary to monitor imports of fabricated steel mill products. Sets forth the method of investigating whether imports of fabricated steel products are rendering ineffective or materially interfering with the objectives of this Act. Limits the quantity of iron ore that may be entered from all sources during any calendar year after the effective date of this Act. Directs the Secretary to allocate global iron ore limitations among foreign countries, groups of countries or areas. Sets forth guidelines for making such allocation. Directs the Secretary, in making such allocations, to attempt first to accommodate the requirements of individual steel mills which have been traditionally dependent on ocean sourced foreign iron ore and the requirements of contractual obligations incurred before January 1, 1984. Authorizes the Secretary to waive the import restrictions on iron are if necessary to meet the needs of such individual steel mills. Provides for the enforcement and implementation of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 29 February 1984
Impact Aid Authorization Act of 1984 - Amends the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981 to authorize appropriations through FY 1989 for the impact aid program for federally affected schools. Increases the authority for reimbursements to eligible local educational agencies for revenues lost from federally owned, nontaxable property. Requires the Secretary of Education, not later than November 15, of each year, to publish the percentage change in the price index published for October of the preceding fiscal year and October of the fiscal year in which such publication is made. Bases the amount authorized for such impact aid programs on such percentage change. Limits such percentage change to no more than five percent. Repeals the three-year phaseout of impact aid to federally affected schools whose students' parents either live or work on Federal property. Authorizes appropriations for such impact aid through FY 1989.
United States · United States Congress · 29 February 1984
Human Services Reauthorization Act - Title I: Low-Income Home Energy Assistance - Amends the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981 to extend the authorization of appropriations for low-income home energy assistance to FY 1985 through 1989. Includes in the term "energy crisis intervention" household energy related emergencies. Requires that at least five percent of a State's allotment of funds for low-income home energy assistance be reserved until March 15 of each year for energy crisis intervention, which shall be administered by public or nonprofit entities having experience in and the capacity to administer such programs. Requires as part of the annual application for an allotment of funds for low-income home energy assistance that a State agree to: (1) describe the eligibility requirements for households desiring to participate in the low-income home energy assistance program and the manner in which the State determines benefit levels; and (2) indicate the amount which the State will reserve for energy crisis intervention and the administration procedures for designating an emergency and determining the assistance to be provided and for determining the use of funds reserved for energy crisis intervention but not expended for emergencies. Provides that home energy assistance payments provided to a household by a private nonprofit organization or by an entity whose revenues are derived primarily on a rate-of-return basis regulated by the State or Federal Government shall not be considered income for such household for purposes of Federal or State law if the appropriate State agency certifies that such assistance is based on need. Decreases the maximum amount of grant money allotted for a fiscal year to States 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 of Health and Human Services is required to collect on a State-by-State basis. Specifies the dates by which the Secretary's annual reports on such data must be submitted to Congress. Prohibits the Secretary from using more than $350,000 in any fiscal year for demonstration and analysis of effective ways to meet the energy needs of low-income households. Title II: Community Services Block Grant - Amends the Community Services Block Grant Act to increase the authorization of appropriations for community services grants for FY 1985 and 1986 and to authorize appropriations for such grants for FY 1987 through 1989. Permits a State to revise the poverty line for purposes of community services grants to 125 percent of the official poverty line established by the Director of the Office of Management and Budget if the State determines that such revision will serve the objectives of such grants. Revises the amount of funds which a State applying for a community services block grant must agree to make available to community action agencies and organizations serving seasonal or migrant farmworkers. Requires that the remainder of such funds be used to permit existing community action agencies to serve geographic areas not being served or to establish new community action agencies. Sets forth waiver provisions with respect to such funding requirements. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Service to provide training and ongoing activities of national and regional significance related to the purposes of the community services grant program. (Under current law, the Secretary has discretionary authority to provide such training and activities.) Permits the Secretary to make grants, loans, and loan guarantees to nonprofit private organizations applying jointly with business concerns for funding. Title III: Head Start Program - Amends the Head Start Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to administer the Head Start program through the Administration for Children, Youth, and Families within the Department of Health and Human Services. Authorizes the appropriations for the Head Start program for FY 1985 through 1989. Requires the Secretary to reserve for training and technical assistance for each fiscal year funds which are not less than the amount spent for such activities under such Act in FY 1982. Requires the Secretary to designate as Head Start agencies any local public or private nonprofit agency which was receiving funds under any Head Start program on August 31, 1981, if such agency meets program and fiscal requirements established by the Secretary. (Under current law, the Secretary is required to give priority in the designation of Head Start agencies to such local agencies.) Authorizes the Secretary to designate a Head Start agency from among qualified applicants in a community if there is no Head Start agency or program serving such community. Permits each Head Start program operated in a community to provide more than one year of Head Start services to children from age three to the age of compulsory school attendance in the State where the program is located. Requires the Secretary to provide technical assistance and training in connection with Head Start programs. (Under current law, the Secretary is authorized to provide such activities.) Specifies the types of programs which must be included in such training activities.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1984
Amends the Education Amendments of 1972 to include educational institutions receiving Federal financial assistance within the prohibition against sex discrimination.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1984
Vocational-Technical Education Quality and Equity Act of 1984 - Sets forth national priorities which States are to be assisted in addressing under this Act. Lists national priorities under the following two headings: (1) improving the quality of vocational education to meet the needs of a changing economy and labor market; and (2) increasing equity in vocational education by expanding access to programs and providing services to students with specified educational needs. Title I: State Administration, Planning, and Evaluation - Part A: State Administrative Responsibilities - Sets forth requirements relating to the functions of State boards of vocational education. Includes among State board responsibilities: (1) appointment of a State director of vocational education and other personnel to administer this Act; (2) convening and meeting at least four times annually; and (3) submitting the State plan to the State advisory council on vocational-technical education. Requires the State board to assign at least one full-time individual to assist it in specified ways. Directs each State to reserve a specified amount from its basic State grant for State board functions. Sets forth requirements relating to State advisory councils on vocational-technical education. Limits membership of each council to 15, at least one-third of whom must be representatives of the private sector. Sets forth other membership representation requirements. Sets forth council functions and duties, including: (1) biennial evaluation of vocational education program delivery systems assisted under this Act and under the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) and of the adequacy and effectiveness of Federal, State, local, and private efforts to strengthen and improve vocational education in the State; and (2) reviewing and commenting on the State plan submitted by the State board. Directs the Secretary of Education, from sums appropriated for such State councils and allotted in a specified manner, to make grants to State councils to carry out their functions. Sets maximum and minimum limits on the amount of each such grant. Part B: Planning and Applications - Sets forth requirements for three-year State plans, to be submitted to the Secretary. Sets forth requirements for State applications for funds for each fiscal year under this Act. Sets forth requirements for three-year local plans by eligible recipients, to be formulated with the assistance of local advisory councils and to be submitted to the State board. Part C: Evaluation and Review - Sets forth requirements for State progress reports and State plan amendments. Sets forth requirements for program evaluation by State boards with the assistance of the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to report every two years to the Congress on the status of vocational education in the Nation, including a summary of State program evaluations, with conclusions and recommendations. Sets forth requirements for local progress and amendments to local plans. Title II: State Programs - Authorizes the Secretary, from State allotments under title IV of this Act to make grants to assist States in funding vocational education programs, services, and activities carried out by State boards and eligible recipients. Requires that such basic State grants be used, in accordance with approved State plans, to: (1) improve the quality of vocational education programs to meet the needs of the changing economy through strategies consistent with specified national priorities; and (2) provide equal access to, and benefit from, vocational education programs for underserved groups of individuals and groups of individuals with special needs through strategies consistent with specified national priorities. Limits the amount of the State allotment which may be transferred by a State: (1) to ten percent for such improvement purposes; and (2) to ten percent for such equal access purposes. Sets forth the following authorized activities which may be included in carrying out required uses of funds pursuant to this title: (1) vocational education responsive to labor market demands or designed to keep abreast of technological changes, including high-technology industry-education partnership programs; (2) vocational education special programs and services for underserved and special needs populations (including adult workers in need of training and retraining, disadvantaged, handicapped, minorities, and women); (3) postsecondary and adult vocational education for out-of-school youth and adults in need of training or retraining, whether employed or unemployed; (4) strengthening the institutional base of vocational education by updating curricula, equipment, materials, planning, and staff skills; (5) assigning personnel to work with employers and eligible recipients to insure that programs are responsive to the labor market; (6) vocational education through arrangements with private vocational education institutions, employers, and community-based organizations; (7) design and implementation of planned sequential vocational programs between secondary and postsecondary education levels; (8) program and curricula design and instructor training to teach and apply principles of mathematics, science, written and verbal communications, and technology related to the students' occupational goals; (9) improving the qualifications of individuals serving or preparing to serve in vocational education programs; (10) prevocational and industrial arts programs; (11) vocational student organizational activities; (12) placement services; (13) entrepreneurship programs consistent with the purposes of this Act and the goals established in the State plan; (14) special vocational education programs and support services, including career education, counseling, and guidance, work-study, cooperative, on-site, and apprenticeship, overcoming sex bias and stereotyping, assisting minorities and exemplary and innovative demonstration programs; (15) construction, equipment, and operation of residential vocational-technical schools for students at least 15 years old who require a residential facility to benefit from vocational education; (16) construction of area vocational-technical school facilities; (17) day care services for students' children; (18) up to 50 percent of administrative and supervisory costs; (19) planning, evaluation, and reporting costs; and (20) consortia with other States. Prohibits the use of such funds for activities relating to residential vocational-technical schools, area vocational education schools, or day care services for students' children unless the State board determines that: (1) it would be impossible, without expenditures for such activities, to carry out the purposes of this Act and the goals described in the State plan; and (2) adequate funds are not available from other sources for such activities. Title III: National Programs - Directs the Secretary to maintain a national vocational education data system. Requires States receiving assistance under this Act to cooperate in supplying information for such system. Directs the Secretary, in maintaining and annually updating such system, to make such system compatible with: (1) the occupational information data system established under this Act; (2) other systems developed or assisted under labor market information provisions under JTPA; and (3) other occupational supply and demand information systems developed or maintained through Federal assistance (directs the Secretary to cooperate with the Secretary of Labor in this ). Directs the Secretary to secure data about program enrollees and completers, placement and followup, staffing, and expenditures by major purposes of this Act. Establishes a National Occupational Information Coordinating Committee consisting of specified Federal officials. Directs the Committee, with funds available under title I, to: (1) annually provide funds for and assist State occupational coordinating committees; (2) improve coordination among administrators and planners of programs authorized by this Act and JTPA, employment security agency administrators, researchers, and Federal, State, and local employment and training agency personnel; (3) develop and implement an occupational information system to meet common needs of vocational education and employment and training programs; and (4) study the effects of technological change on new and existing occupational areas and the required changes in knowledge and job skills. Requires each State receiving assistance under this Act to establish a State occupational information coordinating committee composed of representatives of the State board, employment security agency, economic development agency, job training coordinating council, and agency for administering programs under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Directs the State committee, with funds from the national committee, to implement an occupational information system in the State designed to meet the needs of State board programs under this Act and administering agencies under JTPA. Establishes the President's Commission on Vocational-Technical Education (the Commission) consisting of members appointed by the President, with a majority representing the private sector of the economy and the remainder with broad experience in education and economic and human resources development (at least one of whom is a member of the National Commission for Employment Policy established under JTPA). Directs the Commission to: (1) assess national needs with respect to occupations requiring less than a baccalaureate degree; (2) identify ways to encourage cooperation between the private sector of the economy and vocational-technical education; (3) evaluate program needs for updated equipment, curricula, competent staff, and other necessary components for student preparation and worker training and retraining for the workplace; (4) examine, and make recommendations regarding, the role of vocational education in the improvement of the secondary education system; (5) make appropriate recommendations; and (6) advise the President, Congress, and Secretary on the implementation of this Act, JTPA, and adequate policies for vocational-technical education programs. Directs the Commission to make a final report of its findings and recommendations to the President, Congress, and Secretary within two years after its first meeting. Authorizes the Commission to make interim reports and recommendations. Terminates the Commission 90 days after submission of its final report. Provides that the National Center for Research in Vocational Education established under the Vocational Education Act of 1963 shall continue to be operated with funds made available under this Act. Directs the Secretary to: (1) make an annual grant for the Center's operation; and (2) on the basis of solicited applications and the advice of non-Federal experts in vocational education administration and research, designate the entity to be the Center once every five years. Requires that the Center: (1) be a nonprofit entity associated with a public or private nonprofit university which has made, or is prepared to make, a substantial financial contribution towards its establishment; and (2) have a Director, appointed by such university and assisted by the advisory committee on research and program development. Provides for a discretionary fund for the improvement of vocational education ("the Fund"). Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to States, public and private nonprofit organizations, secondary and postsecondary education institutions, and other public and private educational institutions and agencies to improve vocational and technical education. Allows such grants to be used for: (1) industry-education partner-programs, technical education, and other high-technology training; (2) institutions and programs involving new paths to career and vocational training, and new combinations of academic and experimental learning with vocational education; (3) adult programs for dislocated workers, work force entry or reentry, or training, retraining, or upgrading skills; (4) access improvement for youth with special needs, including minorities, the economically or educationally disadvantaged, those lacking English proficiency, and the handicapped; (5) linkages between academic and vocational programs of secondary education; and (6) improvement of vocational education quality and equity through new and expanded curricula or advanced training for vocational administrators and instructors. Requires that any grant or contract under the Fund to an eligible recipient of funds under title II of this Act shall be submitted to the appropriate State board for review, comment, and recommendations to be forwarded to the Secretary. Provides that the advisory committee on research and program improvement established under this Act will advise the Secretary, and the Director of the Fund appointed by the Secretary, on the award of grants under the Fund. Directs the Secretary to appoint an advisory committee on research and program improvement to advise: (1) the Secretary on selection and management of programs funded under this title; (2) the Secretary, the Director of the Center, and the Director of the Fund, with respect to policy issues in the administration of the Center and in the selection and conduct of research and demonstration projects and activities by the Center; and (3) advise the Fund. Sets forth provisions for advisory committee membership. Provides that members shall not be Federal employees. Requires the advisory committee to meet at least three times annually at the call of the Secretary, including at least one meeting at, and primarily concerned with, the Center. Title IV: General Provisions, Authorizations, and Allotments - Part A: Authorization and Allotments - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 through 1991 for: (1) basic State grants under title II to improve the quality of vocational education payments to meet the needs of the changing economy; (2) basic State grants under title II to provide equal access to, and benefit from, vocational education programs for underserved groups of individuals and groups of individuals with special needs; (3) State administration, planning, and evaluation programs under title I; (4) national programs under title III, with specified exceptions; (5) the Occupational Information Data System under title III; and (6) the Fund for the improvement of vocational education. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 and 1986 for the President's Commission on Vocational Education under title III. Requires that the amount appropriated in any fiscal year for basic State grants for improvement of program quality be substantially equal to the amount for the basic State grants for provisions of equal access to programs. Requires a State, in order to receive any allotment under this Act, to: (1) establish a State board and a State advisory council on vocational-technical education; (2) have an approved State plan and application; (3) comply with evaluation and review and other provisions of this Act. Directs the Secretary, from appropriations for basic State grants and for State administration, planning, and evaluation, to reserve two percent for Indian programs. Directs the Secretary, from the remainder of such appropriations and subject to specified provisions, to allot to each State for each fiscal year an amount based on formulas using State allotment ratios and relative State populations of certain age groups. Allots the following percentages of such funds on the basis of population age: (1) 15 through 19--50 percent; (2) 20 through 24--20 percent; and (3) 25 through 65--15 percent. Allots the remaining 15 percent on the basis of relative sums of such age group allotment. Sets forth a minimum State allotment amount, with specified exceptions, and minimum allotments for specified territories and possessions of the United States. Provides for reallotment among other States of any amount which the Secretary determines will not be required for carrying out a State's program for any fiscal year. Sets forth a formula for determining State allotment ratios based on relative State per capita income. Sets maximum and minimum limits on such ratios and sets ratios for specified territories and possessions of the United States. Sets forth provisions for Indian programs. Directs the Secretary, upon the request of an eligible Indian tribe, to contract with the tribal organization to plan, conduct and administer vocational education programs with the two-percent reserved funds for such purpose. Authorizes the Secretary, from any remaining funds from such reserved funds, to enter into an agreement with the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) for the operation of vocational education programs in institutions serving eligible Indians. Makes provisions of this Act applicable to the BIA as if it were a State board. Part B: Federal Administrative Responsibilities - Sets forth provisions for payments to States for administrative costs. Sets forth maintenance of effort requirements. Sets forth provisions for withholding of funds from States by the Secretary, and for judicial review of such withholding. Part C: Transitional and Conforming Amendments - Sets forth provisions for the transition from requirements (including expenditure of funds) under the Vocational Education Act of 1963 to requirements under this Act. Transfers the personnel, property and records of: (1) the National Advisory Council on Vocational Education established under such Act to the President's Council on Vocational-Technical Education established under this Act and to the advisory council on research and program improvement established under this Act; and (2) the National Occupational Information Coordinating Committee established under such Act to the National Occupational Information Coordinating Committee established under this Act. Repeals the Vocational Education Act of 1963. Makes conforming amendments to the JTPA, Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, the Higher Education Act of 1965, the Adult Education Act, the Appalachian Regional Development Act of 1965, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Vocational Education Amendments of 1968. Part D: Definition of Terms - Sets forth definitions of terms used in this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1984
Directs the President to: (1) secure from the Southeast Asian nations a full accounting of Americans captured or missing as a result of the Vietnam conflict; and (2) work for the release of Americans listed as prisoners of war (POW) or missing-in-action (MIA) and the return of the remains of all American POWs and MIAs who died in Southeast Asia. Requires the President to submit two reports to Congress on the POW/MIA problem.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1984
Declares that Congress asks the American people to take cognizance of the commemoration of the 40th anniversary of the liberation of Rome on June 2 through June 3, 1984.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1984
Entitles individuals who performed service as National Guard technicians before January 1, 1969, to credit for such service when determining length of service for purposes of civil service retirement, leave, employee death and disability compensation, group life and health insurance, severance pay, tenure, and status.
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1984
Makes a supplemental appropriation to the Department of Agriculture for FY 1984 to carry out the famine relief provisions (title II) of the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954 (Public Law 480).
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1984
Authorizes the Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, Incorporated to erect a National Law Enforcement Heroes Memorial on public grounds in the District of Columbia or its environs in honor and recognition of law enforcement officials in the United States who died in the line of duty. Directs the Secretary of the Interior, in consultation with the Fund, to select with the approval of the Commission of Fine Arts and the National Capital Planning Commission, a suitable site on public grounds for such memorial. Subjects the design and any plans for the memorial to the approval of the Secretary of the Interior, the Commission of Fine Arts, and the National Capital Planning Commission. Declares that no moneys belonging to the United States or the District of Columbia shall be expended for the erection of such memorial other than expenses incurred in the process of site selection and approval of design and plans.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1984
World War I Veterans Service Pension Act - Directs the Administrator of Veterans Affairs to pay (in addition to any pension already paid) a monthly pension of $150 to each veteran of World War I who meets specified service requirements and to certain surviving spouses.
![Official portrait of Sen. Melcher, John [D-MT]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/m000635_200.jpg)