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United States · Official source
2,614 records where Sen. Mitchell, George J. [D-ME] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1986
Recognizes the Ireland Fund for its laudable charitable achievements, and its founder, Dr. Anthony J.F. O'Reilly, for the humane work he has inspired on behalf of the people of Ireland.
United States · United States Congress · 27 March 1986
Designates the week beginning on November 9, 1986, as National Women Veterans Recognition Week.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1986
Mutual Nuclear Warhead Testing Moratorium Act - Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should declare that the United States will stop testing nuclear warheads and will invite the Soviet Union to meet with the United States to enter into negotiations for the conclusion of a Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty at the earliest possible date. Declares that the United States should continue the cessation of the testing of nuclear warheads so long as the Soviet Union refrains from the testing of nuclear warheads and substantive Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty negotiations are in progress. Expresses the sense of the Congress that during such cessation the President should seek resumption of the comprehensive test ban talks between the United States, Great Britain, and the Soviet Union. Prohibits the United States from obligating or spending any money for testing nuclear warheads during the six-month period beginning 30 days after passage of this Act if the President does not declare such a cessation of nuclear testing. Authorizes such spending if the President certifies to the Congress that the Soviet Union on or after such date tested a nuclear warhead. Requires the President to include in any such certification: (1) an unclassified report summarizing the basis for the certification; and (2) a classified report describing the Soviet activities that are the basis for the certification. Requires the President to report annually to the Congress on: (1) the progress in nuclear arms control negotiations with the Soviet Union; and (2) whether the President believes that continuation of the cessation of nuclear testing is in the U.S. national security interest.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1986
Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act Amendments of 1986 - Title I: Preregistration Access to Data - Amends the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to provide for public access to health, safety, and environmental data submitted in support of an initial application for the registration of a new active ingredient or initial food use of a previously registered active ingredient. Makes such information available in EPA offices or authorized State agencies upon submission of an affirmation that the reviewer is not employed by a pesticide company and will not violate specified confidentiality provisions. Provides criminal penalties for the wrongful disclosure of such data. Title II: Conditional Registration - Prohibits EPA from granting conditional registration for a new use or active ingredient where the data concerning chronic toxicity, neurotoxicity, or teratogenicity are required for registration for a nonminor use, and such data requirement was in effect at the time the data studies were begun. Provides that such conditional registrations shall not cause any unreasonable adverse effect on the environment and shall be in the public interest. Requires registrants to provide all additional registration data within a reasonable time. Title III: Registration and Revenues - Establishes a pesticide reregistration schedule. Requires EPA to develop within: (1) 60 days a priority list of 300 pesticide active ingredients that have not been reregistered since September 30, 1978; and (2) 90 days a list of remaining chemicals that have not been reregistered since such date. Directs that highest priority be given to pesticides that: (1) are in major food or feed use and may result in postharvest residues; (2) may result in toxic residues in potable groundwater, fish, or shellfish; (3) have significant outstanding data requirements; or (4) are used in crops with high worker exposure. Requires EPA data evaluations of such lists within 18 months, and 24 months, respectively. Grants registrants up to four years (plus a possible discretionary two-year extension) to complete any outstanding data requirements. Requires suspension of registration for failure to meet such deadlines. Requires EPA to complete registration within one year of receiving such data. Provides with regard to such reregistration for a one-time fee of $50,000 to identify outstanding data requirements, and a one-time fee of $100,000 to evaluate and reregister the pesticide. Authorizes reduced fees for nonfood or nonfeed uses. Provides for apportioned fees in the case of multiple registrants. Establishes a related revolving fund in the Treasury for such funds. Title IV: Inert Ingredients - Directs EPA to establish a priority list of between 50 and 75 inert ingredients based on health or environmental dangers. States that such list shall not be subject to judicial review. Sets forth the conditions for removal from such list based on administrative review or additional data. Requires EPA to develop and publish within one year a toxicity study plan for each such listed ingredient. Grants registrants up to four years (plus a possible discretionary two-year extension) to complete any required studies. Requires EPA to complete any required action within one year on receiving such data. Provides for the substitution of listed inert ingredients with other inert ingredients not posing similar health or environmental dangers. Requires pesticides containing listed inert ingredients to list them on the label. States that a pesticide whose ingredient statement does not satisfy the requirements of such Act (as amended by this Act) with respect to a listed ingredient shall not be misbranded until 120 days after the publication of the data plan or the date on which EPA approves a label change, whichever occurs later. Requires registrants of pesticides containing listed inert ingredients to make necessary formula statement changes. Title V: Public Right to Know - Requires registrants to develop and submit to EPA within 120 days a summary of health, safety, and environmental data (including U.S. production plants) supporting their registered active ingredients and/or priority inert ingredients. Requires such summaries to be: (1) maintained and kept current by the registrant; and (2) made available to the public. Title VI: Data Disclosure to States - Authorizes EPA to disclose to States any information acquired under such Act, if the State and EPA assure that the owner of such information will receive no less disclosure and use protection by the State than is provided under such Act. Provides remedies for improper disclosure. Title VII: Cancellation Procedures - Bases interim administrative review criteria on levels of risk, which may include consideration of currently available exposure data. States that absence of exposure data shall not delay or preclude initiation of an interim administrative review. Prohibits the Administrator from declining to initiate an interim administrative review solely on the basis of exposure unless adequate data on all relevant means of exposure have been considered. Prescribes notice, period of comment, and related procedures for the initiation of an interim administrative review. Permits the Administrator to require changes to the labeling of a pesticide by informal rulemaking unless the changes are equivalent to a cancellation of a use, render the product unmarketable, or otherwise have a major economic impact on the product, in which case the changes shall be subject to the hearings procedures prescribed for cancellation and change in classification. Revises from 90 days after a cancellation or suspension hearing to 12 months after issuance of the notice that gave rise to such hearing the period during which the Administrator must evaluate data and reports and issue an appropriate order. Prescribes the procedure for requesting and conducting a hearing following an interim administrative review of a pesticide. Entitles any person to seek judicial review of the failure of the Administrator to make a decision about cancellation or suspension within specified time limits. Title VIII: False or Invalid Data - Directs the Administrator to issue immediately a notice of intent to suspend or cancel the registration of a pesticide if: (1) before the effective date of this Act it has been determined in the Industrial Biotest validation process that data submitted in support of such registration were invalid and have not been replaced; or (2) a registrant willfully submits material data known to be false in support of a pesticide registration. Sets forth the scope of review and other requirements for a hearing requested by any person adversely affected by a notice to suspend or cancel. Makes it unlawful to willfully falsify all or part of any data submitted under FIFRA, or to willfully submit such false data knowing it to be false. Title IX: Inspection of Laboratories - Authorizes a duly designated EPA officer or employee to enter at reasonable times and inspect relevant parts and records of any laboratory to verify the accuracy of data submitted in support of an experimental use permit or registration. Directs the Administrator to avoid duplication of inspections by coordinating actions under this title with actions taken under other Federal laws. Title X: Export of Pesticides - Requires registrants exporting pesticide products to inform foreign importers and the appropriate government regulatory office in the importing country concerning pesticide products whose registrations are cancelled, suspended, restricted, are not registered for any U.S. use, or have been voluntarily withdrawn with concern for potential adverse public health or environmental effects. Requires the Administrator to provide similar notices to foreign governments and appropriate international agencies. Requires labeling on exported pesticides that contains the same health, safety, and hazard precautions as on U.S. labels if such exports are substantially similar in composition and use to pesticides registered in the United States. Exempts exports from such requirements only if the precautions on the label conflict with the importing country's law. Directs the Administrator to participate actively in international efforts to develop improved pesticide research and regulatory programs, and to provide foreign countries with technical assistance to develop such programs. Requires the Administrator, within one year of the effective date of this Act and every three years thereafter, to conduct and publish a survey of all countries importing U.S. pesticides or exporting agricultural commodities to the United States in order to ascertain pesticide registration procedures in such countries and to control residues on foods to meet U.S. tolerances. Requires an annual report to the Congress on such activities. Requires the Administrator to revoke or amend the corresponding tolerance or exemption from tolerance of any pesticide whose registration is canceled, suspended, denied, or voluntarily withdrawn (unless such action was due solely to environmental effects). Title XI: Authorization for Appropriations - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1987 through 1990. Title XII: Employee Protection - Prohibits employers from taking any adverse action against employees who initiate or participate in proceedings under FIFRA. Title XIII: Technical Amendments - Makes technical amendments to FIFRA. Title XIV: Effective Date - Sets forth the effective date of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1986
Hazardous Substance Response Trust Fund Temporary Funding Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend temporarily the authority to collect Hazardous Substance Response Trust Fund (Superfund) excise taxes on petroleum and chemicals during the period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act and ending on the date the amount received totals $150,000,000. Terminates the authority to collect an excise tax on the receipt of hazardous waste at a qualified facility after September 30, 1985. Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (Superfund) to permit advances to such trust fund to be made through May 13, 1986.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1986
Appropriates interim funds for the Hazardous Substance Response Trust Fund (Superfund).
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1986
Authorizes and requests the President to designate April as Fair Housing Month.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1986
Employment Opportunities for Disabled Americans Act - Makes permanent provisions which provide benefits under title XVI (Supplemental Security Income) of the Social Security Act for individuals who perform substantial gainful activity despite a severe medical impairment. Removes SSI limitations for the first two months of an individual's stay in a health facility if such individual was eligible for the benefits made permanent by this Act during the month preceding admission to the facility. Requires the district offices of the Social Security Administration to each designate a staff member to implement the program providing benefits to individuals who perform substantial gainful activity despite severe medical impairment. Revises the eligibility requirements for such benefits. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish and implement procedures which provide that whenever an individual is formally notified of his or her SSI eligibility, such individual will also be notified of the availability of assistance under title XIX (Medicaid) of such Act. Directs the Secretary, when any individual receives SSI benefits on the basis of a disability, to notify such individual of his or her potential eligibility for the SSI benefits available for those performing substantial gainful activity despite a severe medical impairment. Directs the Comptroller General to conduct a study of the operation of the SSI section which provides benefits for individuals who perform substantial gainful activity despite a severe medical impairment, with the particular objective of evaluating the work incentive provisions of such section. Requires the Comptroller General to report to the Congress the findings of such study. Provides that when an individual becomes ineligible for SSI benefits upon entitlement to child's insurance benefits under title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Act, such individual shall be treated for Medicaid purposes as continuing to receive SSI benefits so long as he or she would otherwise be eligible for such benefits. Authorizes the Secretary to conduct demonstration projects designed to assess the advantages and disadvantages of various work incentive programs under the OASDI and SSI programs. Sets forth reporting requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1986
New Clean Air Act - Amends the Clean Air Act to limit after 1991 the number of hours a fossil-fuel-burning electric generating facility which is a major stationary source of sulfur dioxide emissions may operate according to its emissions rate. Requires such major sources to attain by 1995 the best degree of emission reduction technically available. Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to periodically publish demonstrated levels of emission reduction and to promulgate emission standards for oil shale production and processing facilities, synthetic fuels production facilities, and other categories of major energy-production sources. Sets emission standards for light-duty vehicles and engines for model years after 1989 and for heavy-duty vehicles and engines for model years after 1990. Prohibits the sale of diesel fuel with a sulfur content above a certain level determined by the Administrator. Requires State vehicle inspection programs to require emissions testing or direct inspection of components of vehicle emissions control systems. Provides for the assessment of daily civil penalties for violations of the fuel and fuel additive regulatory requirements. Directs the Administrator to implement a monitoring system for assessing the effects of acid deposition by 1988. Makes it a violation of the Clean Air Act if a State's air pollutant emissions contribute to the violation of another State's water quality standard under the Clean Water Act. Amends the Clean Water Act to state that such emissions endanger health or welfare abroad if they contribute to the violation of such country's water quality standards. Directs the President to negotiate with Canada and Mexico by 1987 to cooperate in reducing air pollution. Directs the President to negotiate treaties or other international agreements to apply uniform standards of performance for the control of air pollutant emissions. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to report to the Congress by 1989 on a system of tariffs on emissions sufficient to encourage reductions.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1986
Acid Deposition Control Act - Amends the Clean Air Act to establish an interstate transport and acid precursor reduction program. Designates an acid deposition impact region comprising a long-range transport corridor of 31 States east of the Mississippi and the District of Columbia. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to report to the Congress within two years on a study of long-range transport of pollutants in the remaining States. Sets forth sulfur dioxide emission reduction standards for the acid deposition impact region of ten million tons below 1980 levels within ten years, permitting annual emissions of no more than 1.2 pounds of sulfur dioxide per million British thermal units of heat input. Restricts increases in emissions from major stationary sources of oxides of nitrogen or sulfur dioxide, except as specified. Permits States to reallocate necessary reductions among themselves so long as the total reductions of the States involved meet the required standards. Requires each impact region State to adopt enforceable emission production measures for sulfur dioxide, including compliance schedules. Requires the Administrator's approval and other Governors' perusal of such measures. Requires each major stationary source subject to an emission limitation to notify the Governor of the State, who shall notify the Administrator, within four years of its intended method of compliance. Requires sources choosing fuel substitution to be in compliance with their applicable emission limitations within six years. Requires those sources complying through the installation of a technological system of continuous emission reduction or the replacement of facilities to have entered into binding contracts for the same within six years. Subjects owners of sources in noncompliance with the applicable implementation plans to the established emission limitation schedule and a noncompliance penalty. Permits the use of the following measures to reduce emissions in addition to enforceable continuous emission reduction measures if such measures are enforceable by entities and persons other than the State in which the emissions occur: (1) least emissions dispatch to meet electric generating demand at existing generating capacity; (2) retirement of major stationary sources at an earlier than provided for date; (3) investments in energy conservation where emission reductions can be identified with such investments; (4) trading of emission reduction requirements and actual reductions through emission reduction banks or brokerage institutions; and (5) precombustion cleaning of fuels. Permits sulfur emission reduction compliance by reducing emissions of oxides of nitrogen at a rate of two units by weight of oxides of nitrogen for each unit of sulfur dioxide. Makes it a violation of the Clean Air Act to emit an air pollutant which adversely affects the public health or welfare of another State or foreign country. Repeals primary nonferrous smelter orders which permitted temporary waivers of emissions reduction requirements. Revises motor vehicle emission and fuel standards to establish oxides of nitrogen emissions standards for light-duty vehicles and engines after model year 1989 and increase the useful life of such vehicles and engines. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to revoke or suspend an automobile manufacturer's certificate of compliance with motor vehicle emissions standards if fewer than 90 percent of vehicles or engines tested in any sample or sampling period conform with the requirements being certified. Requires State automobile inspection programs to: (1) require emissions testing or direct inspection of components of vehicle emissions control systems; and (2) the replacement of inoperative parts which control emissions of oxides of nitrogen. Directs the President to negotiate with Canada and Mexico to control air pollution and to enter international agreements to establish uniform standards of air pollution control.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1986
Designates the week beginning on October 5, 1986, as Mental Illness Awareness Week.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1986
Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to prohibit any reprisal by an air carrier against any officer, employee, or contractor of such carrier for the lawful disclosure to a governmental entity (whistle blowing) regarding violations of such Act. Authorizes any person aggrieved by such a reprisal to bring a civil action.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1986
Declares that the Congress reaffirms its support for the effort of Radio in the American Sector of Berlin to serve the cause of freedom through communication of information to Berlin and the German Democratic Republic and as a symbol of U.S. commitment to the freedom of Berlin.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1986
Prohibits the Administrator of Veterans Affairs from taking any action to dispose of certain land and improvements at two Veterans Administration medical centers located in West Los Angeles and in Sepulveda, California.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1986
Extends adverse action provisions of Federal law regarding Federal employees (concerning removal, suspension for more than 14 days, reduction in grade or pay, or furlough for 30 days or less) to Postal Service employees who: (1) are preference eligibles; (2) are supervisors or employees engaged in confidential personnel work; and (3) have completed one year of continuous service in the same or similar positions.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1986
Designates the week of April 20 through April 26, 1986, as National Reading Is Fun Week.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1986
Senate Campaign Cost Limitation and Public Financing Act - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to provide for public financing of Senate general election campaigns. Entitles candidates for the Senate meeting certain criteria and agreeing to comply with specified spending limits and reporting requirements to campaign payments on a matching basis. Requires such candidates to certify that: (1) their authorized committees will not make campaign expenditures in excess of certain limitations; (2) no contributions will be accepted by such candidates or their authorized committees in violation of this Act; (3) such candidates are seeking election to the Senate and have received contributions for that campaign in excess of a certain sum; and (4) at least two candidates have qualified for election to the same seat. Prohibits candidates who accept payments under this Act from making expenditures from their personal funds, including the funds of immediate family members, in excess of a specified amount. Sets forth formulas to determine the amount of money to which a candidate is entitled. Sets spending limits for candidates receiving payments under this Act. Waives such limits for candidates whose opponents have spent sums in excess of the limit imposed for candidates receiving payments or have failed to file timely declarations on contributions and expenditures. Requires the Federal Election Commission to certify the eligibility of candidates to the Secretary of the Treasury. Directs the Secretary to disburse funds to such candidates. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to establish a separate Senate General Election Campaign Account in the Presidential Election Campaign Fund and to deposit certain sums in such account in accordance with specified guidelines. Requires repayment of excess payments and unexpended payments. Penalizes the use of funds for other than campaign purposes. Authorizes the Federal Election Commission to institute repayment actions in U.S. district courts. Specifies the administrative authority of the Commission in carrying out this Act. Requires the Commission to make certain reports to the Senate. Directs the Commission to conduct thorough audits after each Federal election of all candidates receiving payments under the Act. Provides for judicial review of Commission actions. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Commission, for one year, to study and monitor the efficacy of programs resulting from amendments made by this Act. Requires a report to the Congress by April 1 of the year following completion of such study. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal the tax credit for contributions to candidates for public office.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1986
Designates the week of May 11 through May 17, 1986, as Senior Center Week.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1986
Disapproves the proposed rescission of budget authority for payments to local governments from the Local Government Fiscal Assistance Trust Fund (R86-68) as set forth in the special message of the President transmitted to the Congress on February 5, 1986.
United States · United States Congress · 20 February 1986
Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act of 1986 - Amends the Toxic Substances Control Act to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to promulgate regulations for asbestos hazard abatement in the schools. Directs the Administrator to develop a model accreditation plan for States for individuals who inspect, manage, abate, and analyze asbestos problems. Makes the use of accredited personnel a condition for receiving financial assistance under the Asbestos School Hazard Abatement Act of 1984. Requires each State Governor to establish administrative procedures for the certification of school asbestos inspection and abatement programs and for asbestos management plans, all to be carried forward by the local educational agency. Requires warning labels on any asbestos still in routine maintenance areas of a school building. Authorizes the Administrator or the appropriate State Governor to take necessary response measures where asbestos in a school building may be hazardous and adequate local measures have not been taken. Sets forth the relationship of pollution liability insurance risk retention groups to State law, including securities law. Establishes the Asbestos Trust Fund in the Treasury to carry out the Asbestos Hazards Abatement Assistance Program. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1987 through 1990.
United States · United States Congress · 20 February 1986
Human Services Reauthorization Act of 1986 - Amends the Head Start Act, the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981, the Community Services Block Grant Act, and the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981 (relating to dependent care services) to authorize FY 1987 through 1990 appropriations under such Acts.
United States · United States Congress · 18 February 1986
Disapproves the proposed deferral of budget authority (D-86-48) for community development block grants set forth in the special message of the President to the Congress on February 5, 1986, under the Impoundment Control Act of 1974.
United States · United States Congress · 18 February 1986
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the rescission of budget authority (R-86-52) for elderly and handicapped housing under the Housing Act of 1959 (Section 202 program), proposed by the President on February 5, 1986, should be disapproved.
United States · United States Congress · 18 February 1986
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the rescission of budget authority for urban development action grants (Rescission R86-55) proposed by the President on February 5, 1986, should be disapproved.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1986
Small Business Trade Remedy Act of 1986 - Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to require the Trade Remedy Assistance Office to establish a program which pays the reasonable expenses incurred by eligible small businesses in connection with any proceeding that seeks relief under the countervailing and antidumping duty provisions of the Act. Prohibits the payment of such expenses with respect to any proceeding which the Office determines to be frivolous. Requires the Office to submit an annual report to the Congress. Establishes in the Treasury the Small Business Trade Remedy Trust Fund. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to transfer to the Trust Fund such amounts out of the general fund of the Treasury that are attributable to all countervailing and antidumping duties imposed under the Act. Requires the Secretary, as trustee, to report annually to the Congress on the financial condition of the Fund. Authorizes the appropriation of amounts out of the Trust Fund which are necessary to carry out such program. Requires the International Trade Commission to issue regulations to implement this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1986
Designates April 28, 1986, as National Nursing Home Residents Day.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1986
Expresses the sense of the Senate that employee benefits should not be taxed.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1986
Declares that it is the sense of the Senate that neither the President nor the Congress should impose fees on imported crude oil and refined petroleum products.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1986
Extends congratulations and best wishes to President Ronald Reagan on his 75th birthday.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1986
High Risk Occupational Disease Notification and Prevention Act of 1986 - Establishes a Risk Assessment Board, within the Department of Health and Human Services, to: (1) review scientific reports on the incidence of disease associated with employment; (2) report to the Secretary of Health and Human Services (the Secretary) on the state of current research on such diseases; and (3) designate, from such review, employee populations at risk of disease associated with hazardous occupational exposures. Sets forth factors which the Board must consider in identifying such populations at risk. Directs the Board, within ten days of making a finding that a class or category of workers is a population at risk (30 percent greater incidence of disease than a comparable worker population not exposed to the hazardous occupational exposure), to recommend to the Secretary that individuals within such populations be notified. Prohibits the Board from considering economic feasibility in making such determinations. Gives priority for Board review to those employee populations exposed to hazardous occupational exposures for which there exists a permanent standard under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. Requires the Board to transmit to the Secretary its findings and recommendations on at least five of these employee populations within one year after the effective date of this Act. Requires the Board to provide interested persons with notice and opportunity to submit their views to the Board before making its findings and recommendations. Directs the Secretary to determine whether a class or category of employees is a population at risk based on the Board's findings and recommendations unless the Secretary concluded that: (1) the Board's procedures for notifying interested persons are not met; or (2) to do so will endanger the health or safety of a class or category of employees. Directs the Secretary, upon determination that a given class or category of employees is a population at risk of disease, to notify each individual within such population. Sets forth the required contents of such notification, including counseling information. Directs the Secretary to establish a telephone "hot line" for such employees or their personal physicians to provide additional medical and scientific information concerning the nature of the risk and its associated disease. Directs the Secretary to prepare and distribute other medical and health promotion material and information on any risk subject to such notification requirements and its associated disease. Provides that, in carrying out such notification responsibilities, the Secretary shall have access to information and data contained in the records of: (1) any Federal agency solely for the purpose of obtaining names, addresses, and work histories of employees subject to such notification; and (2) certain employers already covered by laws or regulations authorizing Federal access to their records. Encourages the Secretary, in carrying out employee notification requirements, to cooperate with private employers and State and local health departments. Exempts the Secretary and the Secretary's agents from liability with respect to acts or omissions performed pursuant to such notification requirements. Provides for judicial review of determinations made by the Secretary under this Act. Requires the Secretary to establish and certify occupational and environmental health centers to provide education, training, and technical assistance to personal physicians and social service professionals who serve employees notified that they are at risk under this Act. Directs the Secretary, through such centers, to conduct research, training, and education aimed at improving the means of identifying and monitoring medically employees exposed to occupational health hazards. Grants the Secretary in conducting such research, training, and education, access to employment, occupation, and health-related data maintained by Federal agencies. Authorizes the Secretary to employ experts and consultants. Prohibits discrimination by any employer, insurance carrier, or any other person against any employee on the basis that the employee is or has been a member of a population that the Secretary has determined to be at risk. Requires that the employee retain the same earnings, seniority, and benefits as in the former job if it is medically determined that the employee should be transferred to a less hazardous or non-exposed job. Prohibits any health care financing system from discriminating against an employee who has been notified by the Secretary under this Act in the payment of the costs associated with a medical monitoring program, or any subsequent treatment, including treatment required by a medical monitoring examination or the onset of disease. Sets forth procedures for review of discrimination complaints. Provides for reinstatement and specified compensation for employees who are discriminated against in violation of this Act. Sets forth civil penalties for persons or institutions that violate such discrimination prohibitions. Provides for injunctive relief against violations of this Act or any rule or regulation promulgated under this Act. Requires each health care financing system (including public and private health insurance programs, and the Medicare and Medicaid programs, and disability benefits under the Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance program) to provide appropriate testing, evaluation, and medical monitoring services to employees as required under this Act. Requires that the cost of testing, evaluation, and medical monitoring required by an employee as a result of hazardous occupational exposure and notification under this Act be included as a covered item in any health care financing system available to such employees through their employment or as an optional covered item for individual purchasers of health insurance. Provides that any treatment provided by a health care financing system to an employee for a subsequent disease that was subject to a notification under this Act may constitute an insurance subrogation claim against a workers' compensation program or insurance carrier. Provides that notification of risk to an employee under this Act and subsequent medical evaluation and monitoring shall not constitute or affect a workers' compensation claim, nor shall such notice toll any statute of limitations with respect to such a claim. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 and 1987.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1986
Expresses the sense of the Congress that certain amounts appropriated for the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention of the Department of Justice which have been proposed for rescission by the President shall be made available for obligation and expended as originally intended.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1986
Expresses the sense of the Senate that it recommends to the International Astronomical Union that seven of the moons of Uranus be named after the space shuttle Challenger's crew.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1986
Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1986 - Amends specified Acts to rename them the Civil Rights Act of 1968 and the Fair Housing Act. Amends the Fair Housing Act to make it unlawful to: (1) refuse to sell or rent a dwelling to an individual because that individual, or someone associated with that individual, is handicapped; (2) discriminate against a handicapped individual in the conditions of sale or rental, or in the provision of a related service or facility; (3) refuse to permit reasonable modifications to permit access to the premises (provided the renter agrees to restore the premises to their original condition); or (4) make reasonable accommodations in rules, policies, or services to afford handicapped individuals equal use and enjoyment of a dwelling. Makes it unlawful for anyone engaged in residential real estate-related transactions to discriminate in the provision or terms of a transaction because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin. States that nothing in this Act limits the applicability of any reasonable local, State, or Federal restrictions on the maximum number of occupants permitted to occupy a dwelling unit. States that nothing in this Act regarding familial status applies to any State or Federal program aimed at assisting the elderly. Establishes new administrative enforcement authority in addition to existing enforcement provisions. Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to transmit an annual report to the Congress on the progress made in eliminating discriminatory housing practices. Allows an aggrieved person to file a complaint with the Secretary alleging a discriminatory housing practice. Allows the Secretary to file such a complaint on his own initiative or investigate a housing practice to determine whether such a complaint should be brought. Requires the Secretary to attempt to correct the discriminatory practice by informal methods of conciliation. Requires the Secretary to refer matters to the Attorney General, recommending that civil actions be filed, where a respondent has failed to comply with conciliation agreements. Allows the Secretary to refer matters to the Attorney General for prompt judicial action when necessary. Makes certain changes in the current requirements for referring charges to State or local agencies for investigation and enforcement. Specifies the elements of "substantial equivalency" which permit certification and referrals of discrimination charges. Permits the Secretary to file an administrative complaint or refer the matter to the Attorney General for civil action if the investigation supports a finding of reasonable cause, except with respect to matters involving land use control, which must be referred. Specifies the hearing procedures to be utilized if an administrative complaint is issued. Permits criminal penalties of up to a $100,000 fine and/or imprisonment for not more than one year for noncompliance with subpoenas or other lawful orders. Permits the administrative law judge to award appropriate relief, including punitive damages. Permits the filing of a petition for review of a final order in an appropriate court of appeals within 30 days of service of such order. Permits any prevailing party to be awarded reasonable attorney's fees. Makes certain revisions in the private right of action for aggrieved persons. Extends the statute of limitations from 180 days to two years. Disallows simultaneous administrative and judicial proceedings involving the same charge. Allows the Attorney General to intervene upon certification that the civil action is of general public importance. Continues the authority of the Attorney General to initiate civil actions where there is reasonable cause to believe that a pattern or practice of resistance to fair housing rights has occurred. Permits the Attorney General to commence a civil action for appropriate temporary or preliminary relief pending final disposition of the complaint. Describes the types of relief which may be granted in civil actions under such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1986
Authorizes and requests the President to designate June 2 through June 8, 1986, as National Fishing Week.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1986
Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to extend the trade adjustment assistance programs for workers and firms through March 15, 1986.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1986
Expresses the deep sorrow of the Senate for the fate of the space shuttle Challenger.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1986
Federal Employees Benefits Improvement Act of 1986 - Title I: Federal Employees Health Benefits - Amends current law relating to the Federal Employee Health Benefit Plan to establish contracting authority for nurses, certified nurse-midwives, and clinical social workers. Authorizes Federal health plans to require a referral by a psychiatrist as a condition for reimbursement of clinical social workers. Prohibits such plans from requiring that services be performed under the supervision of a psychiatrist or other health practitioner. Eliminates the requirement of three medical specialties for group-practice prepayment plans. Authorizes the Office of Personnel Mangement (OPM) to waive certain health benefits plan election coverage requirements for individuals who fail to satisfy such requirements due to exceptional circumstances. Directs OPM to provide a three week period during which enrollees in health benefits plans may change or cancel their enrollments before any contract term in which the rates or benefits of a plan will change, a new plan will be offered, or an existing plan will be terminated. Authorizes an enrollee to transfer such enrollment at other times and under other conditions as prescribed by OPM. Changes from "employees" to "enrollees" those persons eligible for rebates from amounts held in contingency reserves under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Fund. Reinstates contracting authority under the plan for health services for medically underserved populations. Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) Federal health plan participants should receive adequate insurance coverage for treatment of mental illness, alcoholism, and drug addiction; and (2) OPM should encourage participating plans to provide adequate benefits relating to such illnesses. Directs OPM to report, by March 1, 1986, to the House Committee on Post Office and Civil Service and the Senate Committee on Governmental Affairs on the adequacy of current sources in assisting individuals in making an informed choice for a health plan. Requires the Director of OPM, in consultation with the Secretary of Health and Human Services, to conduct at least one demonstration project to determine the most effective (including cost-effective) means of: (1) furnishing health protection, health promotion, disease prevention, and secondary prevention services to Federal employees; (2) encouraging employees to adopt good health habits; (3) reducing health risks and medical expenses; (4) enhancing employee productivity and reducing Federal health-related liability through an occupational health program; and (5) training employees to provide certain health services and utilizing such employees through interagency agreements. Requires such project to determine the cost effectiveness of organizational structures and of social and educational programs which may be useful to achieve the objectives of such project. Sets forth administrative requirements for such project and requires a report to the Congress 60 days after its termination. Authorizes OPM to approve mixed model prepayment plans, which are combinations of group-practice and individual-practice health plans. Requires that amounts refunded during FY 1986 or 1987 to the Employees Health Benefits Fund be used solely to pay the Government contribution for annuitants enrolled in health benefits plans. Title II: Civil Service Spouse and Former Spouse Equity Improvements - Amends the Civil Service Retirement Spouse Equity Act of 1984 to make technical and clarifying changes with respect to the applicability of survivor benefits. Directs OPM to prescribe regulations under which an employee or Member of Congress may designate a portion of such employee's annuity to be used as the base for the survivor annuity for a former spouse. Title III: Miscellaneous Civil Service Amendments - Authorizes OPM to incur reception and representation expenses subject to limitations prescribed by law. Exempts actions of the Director of OPM regarding routine pay matters from certain notice requirements. Includes in pre-departure allowances for employees in a foreign area the costs incurred in U.S. territories or possessions, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or areas available to the United States in the Republic of Panama. Authorizes routine dental care at Naval hospitals and dispensaries to Federal employees and their dependents, and Federal contractors and their dependents, outside the continental limits of the United States under specified circumstances. Repeals provisions relating to a minimum annuity under the Civil Service Retirement System. Declares that certain retirees who have received erroneous overpayments before enactment of this Act shall be deemed entitled to such overpayments. Provides for lump-sum payments to certain retirees as an adjustment for certain reductions. Extends Government benefits regarding rates of pay on changes of position, annual leave, and reductions-in-force to former employees of county committees established under the soil conservation program. (Currently, such benefits are extended only to the former committee employees who are also employees of the Department of Agriculture.) Grants Federal retirees an 18-month period after their retirement date to elect a survivor annuity for their spouses or to increase such annuity. Declares such election ineffective unless the necessary amount to cover such election is deposited in the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund prior to the expiration of the 18-month period. Declares that a survivor annuity election made under the provisions of this Act voids any such previous election. Directs OPM to annually inform each employee and Member of his or her right of election, including applicable procedures and deadlines.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1986
Commends Bishop Desmond Tutu for his courageous work for peace and freedom in South Africa. Encourages all South Africans to heed to Bishop Tutu's call for a peaceful end to apartheid.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1986
Designates the first Friday of May of each year, commencing with May 2, 1986, as National Teacher Appreciation Day.
United States · United States Congress · 19 December 1985
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the effective date of any fundamental tax reform legislation should generally be January 1, 1987, while recognizing that appropriate transition rules may be necessary to avoid unintended adverse effects and recognizing further that retroactive effective dates may be necessary to extend certain provisions which expire before January 1, 1987.
United States · United States Congress · 18 December 1985
Expresses the disapproval of the Senate with the current informal freeze on the funds of the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention.
United States · United States Congress · 17 December 1985
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should negotiate a North American treaty on air pollution with Canada and Mexico.
United States · United States Congress · 13 December 1985
Extends the condolences of the Senate to the family members of soldiers of the 101st Airborne Division who died in service to their country.
United States · United States Congress · 12 December 1985
Designates the week of December 1 through December 7, 1986, as National Epidermolysis Bullosa Awareness Week.
United States · United States Congress · 12 December 1985
Expresses the Senate's condolences to Barry Goldwater and the Goldwater family upon the death of Peggy Goldwater, the wife of Senator Goldwater.
United States · United States Congress · 10 December 1985
Calls upon the President to direct the Agency for International Development to work in a global effort to provide universal access to childhood immunization by 1990 by: (1) assisting in the delivery, distribution, and use of vaccines; and (2) performing and supporting research and development activities that will be targeted at developing new vaccines and at modifying existing vaccines to make them more appropriate for use in developing countries. Declares that the President should appeal to the public to provide the necessary resources to achieve universal access to childhood immunization by 1990. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to increase the authorization of appropriations for FY 1987 for the Child Survival Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 10 December 1985
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend the termination of the environmental excise tax on petroleum (Superfund taxes) from September 30, 1985, to March 31, 1986.
United States · United States Congress · 9 December 1985
Amends the Deficit Reduction Act of 1984 to extend from August 1, 1985, until June 30, 1986, the special rules concerning the allocation of research and experimental expenditures to income from sources within the United States. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend from December 31, 1985, until June 30, 1986, the income tax credit for increased research and experimental expenditures. Extends from December 31, 1985, until June 30, 1986, the income tax deduction for expenditures to remove architectural and transportation barriers to the handicapped and elderly. Extends from December 31, 1985, until June 30, 1986, the moratorium on net operating loss carryover rules. Extends from January 1, 1986, until July 1, 1986, the moratorium on the issuance of regulations relating to faculty housing. Extends the targeted jobs income tax credit from December 31, 1985, until June 30, 1986. Extends the authorization for appropriations for administrative and publicity expenses through FY 1986. Extends from December 31, 1985, through June 30, 1986, provisions relating to the awarding of attorney's fees to a prevailing taxpayer in a Federal tax case. Extends from December 31, 1985, until June 30, 1986, the limited income tax exclusion for employer-provided educational assistance. Extends from December 31, 1985, until June 30, 1986, the income tax exclusion for amounts received under qualified group legal services plans. Extends from January 1, 1986, until July 1, 1986, the income tax exclusion for certain employer-provided commuting transportation. Extends from December 31, 1985, until June 30, 1986, the limited exclusion of dividends from a public utility that are reinvested in common stock of the utility. Extends from December 31, 1985, (until June 30, 1986, the investment tax credit for specified types of energy property. Extends from December 31, 1985, until June 30, 1986, the residential energy income tax credit. Extends from December 31, 1985, until June 30, 1986, social security coverage of retired Federal judges on active duty.
United States · United States Congress · 6 December 1985
Amends titles II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) and XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to require the Managing Trustees of the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund, Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund, Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund, and the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund to report to the Congress whenever the assets of such funds are not fully invested in accordance with, or are redeemed in variance from, standard investment procedures. Requires such report to include an estimate, to be revised upon reinvestment of the assets, of any interest loss or gain which might result from such action.
United States · United States Congress · 6 December 1985
Establishes a Senate Special Panel on Asylum to conduct a study of the general problems of persons from Communist countries seeking asylum in the United States. Requires a final report to the Senate within one year. Sets forth a specified limit on the expenses that such Panel may incur.