United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders Treatment Act of 1985 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to designate 20 centers for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and related disorders. Requires such centers to: (1) provide a central facility for diagnosis, evaluation, and counseling; (2) develop standards of treatment and methods of delivering cost-effective services; (3) train professionals and nonprofessionals in diagnosing and treating such disorders; and (4) develop a comprehensive acute and long-term treatment program. Directs the Secretary to make $1,000,000 available to each center for each of at least five years for teaching, training, research, and staffing. Authorizes FY 1985 through 1989 appropriations. Permits eligible persons to elect to receive benefits as provided for by this Act rather than under titles XVIII (Medicare), XIX (Medicaid), or XX (Grants to States for Service) of the Social Security Act, or under the Older Americans Act of 1965.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Tehran American School Claim Act of 1985 - Authorizes and directs the Comptroller General of the United States to settle and adjust the claim of the Tehran American School arising from the sale of three motor vehicles arranged by the U.S. Embassy in Iran in 1979.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Interstate Highway Funding Act of 1985 - Approves the interstate highway cost estimate for FY 1985 and 1986 and the interstate substitute cost estimate for highway and urban mass transit projects for FY 1984, 1985, and 1986. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to adjust and reallocate the minimum allocation made on March 9, 1984, to reflect the apportionments made under this Act. Directs the Secretary to apportion specified funds for FY 1987 and 1988, using certain apportionment factors. Revises the procedures for releasing interstate construction funds and interstate substitute funds to direct the Secretary to release such funds if the Congress has not approved either the interstate cost estimate or substitute cost estimate by October 1 of the year of apportionment. Extends through FY 1986 the availability period for the expenditure and obligation of certain sums earmarked for: (1) the interstate system, (2) public mass transit projects; or (3) highway assistance projects. Decreases the Federal share payable for emergency relief funds for repair projects on the Federal-aid highway system and the Interstate System, unless such emergency repairs are to minimize damage, protect facilities, or restore essential traffic and are accomplished within 30 days after the occurrence. Provides for the funding of certain highway projects with interstate discretionary funds. Requires that a specified percentage of State withdrawal funds be available to the Secretary for State highway research and planning. Authorizes Federal matching funds for bridge replacement and rehabilitation for specified bridges not on the Federal-aid highway system. Amends the Surface Transportation Assistance Act of 1982 to include small business concerns owned and controlled by women among such concerns that are eligible for a specified percentage of expenditures under such Act. Amends the General Bridge Act of 1906, the General Bridge Act of 1946, the International Bridge Act of 1972, the Department of Transportation Act, and various other Acts to repeal provisions which regulate toll facilities. Requires toll increases on such facilities to be just and reasonable. Declares that no report, list, schedule, or survey compiled by a State concerning the evaluation of hazardous roadway conditions or rail-highway crossings in order to plan and prioritize safety projects shall be required to be admitted into evidence or used for any other purpose in a Federal or State court. Requires toll authorities to certify to the State Governor that such facilities are adequately maintained and that funding is available for the replacement or repair of such facilities. Provides that if funds from the Highway Trust Fund are used for such repairs, then such State's apportionment for the next fiscal year shall be reduced by such amount. Exempts international toll facilities and such facilities on the Federal-aid system from such requirement. Provides for: (1) crediting the fair market value of right-of-way donations for highway projects to the State matching share when such donations are made to the State; and (2) revesting such property to the donor if it is not required after environmental assessments. States that the fair market value of lands donated to the State of California for a State Route 73 relocation and construction project in Orange County shall first be credited toward payment of the non-Federal share of such project cost. Directs the Secretary to reserve amounts expended for right-of-way for a route withdrawal until the right-of-way disposition decision has been made. Directs the Secretary to conduct a study of the Bridge Replacement and Rehabilitation Program. Sets forth the following items for inclusion in such study: (1) an analysis of the progress made toward replacing and rehabilitating inadequate bridges on or off the Federal-aid system; (2) a review of the bridge inspection program; (3) an analysis of the effectiveness of the bridge discretionary program; and (4) a review of the bridge program's effect on the rehabilitation of historic bridges. Requires the Transportation Research Board of the National Research Council to carry out a study of the bridge formula with respect to vehicle weights and the life span of bridges. Makes costs incurred to mitigate harm to historic bridges as a result of Federal-aid projects, eligible for Federal-aid highway funds. Permits States to use demolition funds for preservation of historic bridges. Requires (currently, authorizes) States to inventory bridges on the Federal-aid system for historic significance. Directs the Secretary to approve the planting of native wildflowers for landscaping and scenic enhancement of Federal-aid highways. Makes the repair or reconstruction of a Federal-aid primary route in the vicinity of Horseshoe Bend, Idaho, which has experienced slide damage eligible for emergency relief funds. Requires an annual minimum allocation of 85 percent of estimated tax payments attributable to States in the Highway Trust Fund. Specifies the programs applicable to such requirement. States that the Secretary may not preclude any State from receiving additional funds for FY 1986 if the Congress has approved such extensions. Permits an interstate transfer project in Maryland to be completed in increments. Requires the Secretary to assist the District of Columbia and Virginia in carrying out a demonstration project on Interstates 95 and 395 which restricts the use of express lanes during certain rush hours after the District of Columbia completes reconstruction of a specified bridge. (Currently, the Secretary is required to carry out such demonstration project after the District of Columbia begins actual reconstruction.) Provides that the Federal share payable for individual projects authorized by statute after FY 1983 and for which authorizations are provided out of the Highway Trust Fund, shall not exceed 50 percent of the total costs or a specified amount, whichever is less. Directs the Secretary to carry out the following demonstration projects designed: (1) in Cattaraugus County, New York, to demonstrate the extent to which the economy of an Indian reservation can be improved by completion of key elements of a modern, grade-separated access controlled highway which serves the reservation; (2) in Montana, to demonstrate the improved serviceability of rural roads when provided with specified reconstruction; (3) in the vicinity of Cleveland, Texas, to demonstrate the reduction in congestion by providing a four-line divided highway with interchanges in an area with at-grade crossings; (4) in Idaho, to determine the economic and social impact of controlled-access highway services on a redeveloping central business district of a certain population; (5) in Manchester, New Hampshire, to demonstrate the feasibility of replacing a functionally obsolete and structurally deficient bridge located in a historic district, with a modern structure while preserving the integrity of the district; (6) in the State of Washington, to determine the economic and social impact of utilizing the air space above a controlled-access highway to mitigate the impact on a major urban area of construction of the highway and for other transportation uses; (7) in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, to demonstrate the benefits of a causeway to Ford Island; (8) in Georgia, to demonstrate the best method for replacing a functionally obsolete bridge across the Savannah River with a modern structure; (9) on the Turquoise Trail to demonstrate transportation efficiencies gained by upgrading the highway connecting two Indian reservations; (10) in Dubuque, Iowa, to demonstrate the benefits of constructing a section of the Federal-Aid Primary System connecting to the Interstate Highway System; (11) in Sparks, Nevada, to demonstrate the economic and social impact of constructing Sparks Boulevard and an interchange with Interstate 80; (12) in South Carolina to demonstrate the increased accessibility resulting from a highway and bridge connection from the Isle of Palms to the South Carolina mainland; and (13) in the area of Brunswick-Topsham, Maine, to demonstrate increased access to defense related facilities by the construction of a limited access highway connecting a major interstate highway corridor with a naval air station and a shipyard engaged in defense production activities. Authorizes appropriations out of the Highway Trust Fund (other than the Mass Transit Account) to carry out such projects and sets forth reporting dates after the completion of such projects. Amends the Surface Transportation Assistance Act of 1982 to increase the authorized appropriations for the demonstration project near Devils Lake, North Dakota. Makes "Buy American" provisions applicable to projects whose total costs exceed $500,000. Authorizes appropriations for the upgrading of certain highways in New Mexico for the transportation of nuclear waste generated during defense-related activities. Sets forth obligation limitations for Federal-aid highways and highway safety construction programs for FY 1986. Makes sums apportioned or allocated for highway substitute projects available for constructing bicycle facilities. Authorizes States to adjust their interstate substitution programs which were approved in concept by the Secretary on or before September 30, 1983. Authorizes States to add and delete projects until September 30, 1985, without altering the existing entitlement. Directs the Secretary to study the feasibility of constructing a new East-West Highway linking the Delaware Memorial Bridge with the Atlantic City Expressway and other north-south arteries in southern New Jersey. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 for such study. Amends the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1970 to release the requirement imposed upon the Secretaries of the Interior and of Transportation to convey to the State of Maryland a specified section of the Baltimore-Washington Parkway. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress regarding the impact of State prison industries upon competing private industries which furnish the same materials for Federal-aid highway use. Requires that when allocating discretionary interstate substitute highway funds, the Secretary give consideration to States with certain reduced allocations. Authorizes States to use funds which were apportioned for FY 1985 and subsequent years for the construction of bridges to replace specified ferries. Extends from FY 1985 to FY 1986 the Secretary's authority to provide certain supplemental Federal assistance to State highway projects which use asphalt or recycled materials.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Amends the Board for International Broadcasting Act of 1973 to direct the Board for International Broadcasting to require Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Incorporated, to establish a Russian language program, to be known as Radio Maccabee, for the Jewish population of the Soviet Union. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 and 1987 for such program.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Superfund Improvement Act of 1985 - Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) (Superfund) to specify how such program operates within Indian lands. Exempts remedial actions on Indian lands from the cost-sharing and future maintenance requirements imposed on States and requires the President to assure the availability of off-site disposal capability. Authorizes Indian tribes to recover damages for injury to or loss of natural resources resulting from releases of hazardous substances. Treats Indian tribes substantially like States for certain information, notification, and planning provisions. Includes household water supplies within the scope of alternative water supplies for replacement purposes. Permits a State to apply a credit for certain cleanup expenditures to a site other than the one at which the credit was earned, including credits earned at a National Priority List (NPL) site before the commitment of Federal funds. Requires the State to enter into a cooperative agreement or contract for this purpose. Limits the 50 percent (or greater) cost-sharing of cleanup obligations of a State or local government which owns a targeted facility to those situations where the State or local government both owns and operates such facility. Requires the President to consider long-term as well as short-term costs and to stress permanent solutions to waste contamination when selecting cost-effective remedial responses. Establishes a general cleanup standard for remedial actions which at least provides for the protection of human health and the environment. Requires site specific solutions where needed. States that on-site cleanup must comply with this standard but permits are not required under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976 (RCRA) (Solid Waste Disposal Act). Makes the cleanup of contaminated ground and surface water at NPL sites remedial action requiring State and Federal participation. Limits such designation and Federal involvement to five years or until the general protection standard is met. Requires as a condition of receiving Superfund money for remedial actions that a State provide assurances that there will be adequate capacity and access to hazardous waste management facilities in compliance with RCRA for a State's hazardous waste for the next 20 years. Permits the President to enter into cooperative agreements with States for hazardous waste cleanup on a multi-site basis with reimbursement of costs associated with securing site responses from responsible parties. Revises the health-related authorities of the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) to require ATSDR to: (1) provide State and local governments with consultations on toxic or hazardous substances health-related issues; (2) perform health assessments at all NPL sites and certain RCRA hazardous waste disposal facilities; (3) provide health assessments for certain individuals upon request; (4) establish a priority system for assessing CERCLA and RCRA sites based upon the degree of risk to human health; (5) receive and if necessary act upon State and local health assessments as well as its own; (6) report results and recommendations on assessments to the applicable State and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); (7) recover assessment costs from the site owner or operator; (8) conduct pilot epidemiological studies; (9) establish a registry of exposed persons if necessary; and (10) study and report to the Congress on the cost-effectiveness of medical surveillance programs. Directs the President to reduce exposures which an assessment or study finds present significant risks to human health and to mitigate such risks by providing alternative water supplies and individual relocations among other steps. Prohibits health-related activities from impeding cleanup activities. Directs the Administrator of ATSDR to prepare and update a list of hazardous substances which present the most significant potential threat to human health because of their pervasiveness or toxicity. Requires the Administrator to initiate research programs for substances about which not much is known and to coordinate them with toxicological testing techniques. Requires such research to be coordinated with other research efforts of EPA. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the costs of such research should be borne by the manufacturers of the substance in question or, where this is not practical, by the parties responsible for the release of such substance. Directs the Administrator to prepare and update toxicological profiles on each listed substance. Subjects all such research findings to peer review before dissemination. Authorizes the Administrator to establish and report to the Congress on a toxic substance diagnostic education program for health professionals. Earmarks funding from Superfund for the expenses of ATSDR. Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to require owners and operators of landfills and surface impoundments to submit to EPA or a State with an authorized program an assessment of the potential for public exposure to hazardous substances released from their units. Makes such information available to ATSDR, which may then conduct its own assessment of a particular site if necessary. Amends CERCLA to require an opportunity for public comment before a particular remedial action is chosen for any site or any settlement agreement is made. Directs the Administrator of EPA to place a high priority on purchasing the remaining properties in the Love Canal emergency declaration area, Niagara Falls, New York. Directs the President to revise the National Hazardous Substance Plan part of the National Contingency Plan to provide procedures and standards for remedial actions pursuant to this Act. Requires the President to amend the hazard ranking system to accurately reflect the relative degree of risk to human health and the environment posed by sites and facilities subject to review. Requires such system to be applied to sites and facilities newly listed on the NPL. Renders State or local governments not liable for damages from non-negligent actions taken in response to emergencies created by the release of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant from a site or facility owned by another person. Authorizes the Administrator to indemnify contractors engaged to respond to the release of hazardous substances. Permits direct claims against the financial guarantor of certain vessels carrying hazardous substances only if the owner or operator is in bankruptcy, insolvency, or out of the jurisdiction of the Federal courts. Entitles the guarantor to use all defenses that such guarantor would have available if an action has been brought by the owner or operator against such guarantor. Limits the liability of guarantors acting in good faith. Authorizes the President to specify conditions for establishing evidence of financial responsibility. Permits the use of Superfund to pay for alternative water supplies in cases involving federally owned facilities where groundwater contamination exists beyond the Federal boundary and such facility is not the only potentially responsible party. Extends the statute of limitations for filing claims against Superfund or responsible parties for damages to natural resources until the later of three years after discovery or the promulgation of damage assessment regulations. Permits the review of CERCLA regulations in any U.S. Court of Appeals. Provides a procedure to determine the forum when more than one appeal has been made. Declares that States are not preempted by Superfund from taxing the same hazardous substances as Superfund does. Requires the Administrator and States that have entered into cooperative agreements to concur in the selection of cleanup actions at Federal facilities. Deems consistent with CERCLA, and directs the Administrator to consider using, recommendation 84-4 of the Administrative Conference of the United States relating to facilitating negotiated private party cleanup of hazardous substances. Reauthorizes Superfund through FY 1990. Sets forth funding transfers and limitations.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
American Conservation Corps Act of 1985 - Establishes an American Conservation Corps within the Departments of the Interior and Agriculture. Directs the Secretaries of both departments to establish and administer a conservation and rehabilitation program on Federal public and Indian lands. Directs the Secretary of the Interior alone to establish and administer such a program on non-Federal public lands. Directs the Secretaries to assist program agencies (any Federal, State, or Indian agency responsible for the management of public lands) in establishing and operating residential and nonresidential American Conservation Corps Centers. Describes the types of projects which will receive program preference. Limits program projects to those on public lands or Indian lands, except where projects on nonpublic lands provide documented public benefits. Sets forth requirements for establishing conservation centers and eligibility criteria for enrollees in the program. Requires that preference be given to economically, socially, physically, and educationally disadvantaged youth and youth residing in areas having substantial unemployment. Requires program agencies to provide services, facilities, supplies, and equipment for conservation centers as the Secretary deems necessary. States under what conditions and for what purposes an enrollee/volunteer shall be deemed a Federal or State employee. Permits the Tennessee Valley Authority to utilize such volunteers. Sets forth compensation and reimbursement provisions for volunteers and their upkeep. Directs the Secretaries to assist program agencies in securing certification or academic credit for skills acquired by volunteers during their participation and to conduct cost-benefit analysis and evaluations of the program. Permits the Secretaries to conduct pilot programs for alternative approaches. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to report to the Congress within the year on a study of Civilian Conservation Corps sites suitable for a commemoration of such Corps. Sets forth study opportunities and limitations for program volunteers, including a requirement that program agencies provide job guidance and placement assistance. Directs the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture to report at least annually to the President and the Congress. Directs the Secretary of Labor to make available appropriate labor market information. Sets forth employee appeal rights for workers displaced by American Conservation Corps volunteers. Sets forth funding limitations. Requires participating program agencies to certify that their programs will not displace workers. Sets forth procedures whereby State shares go to local governments when no State program agency exists. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 and 1986.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
High Technology Research and Scientific Education Act of 1985 - Title I: The Credit for Increasing Research Activities - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the tax credit for research and development (R&D) expenditures. Modifies the definition of qualified research for purposes of the R&D credit to narrow the category of eligible activities for which the credit is available. Provides that all in-house and contract research expenses paid or incurred by a regular corporation shall constitute qualified R&D expenses for credit purposes if the corporation undertakes the research with the intention to use the results thereof in the active conduct of a present or future trade or business. Provides that in the case of research being conducted in the partnership form, the trade or business test is applied at the partnership level, and the credit is apportioned among the partners in accordance with general partnership rules. Title II: Promotion of University Research and Scientific Education - Establishes a new income tax credit equal to 20 percent of that portion of a corporation's payments to universities (and other nonprofit, tax-exempt organizations for basic research) which exceeds a fixed, historical "minimum university basic research" floor. Defines the fixed "minimum university basic research" floor as one percent of the annual average of the corporate taxpayer's combined qualified in-house research expenses, contract research expenses, and university basic research payments for the base period composed of the period from 1981 through 1983. Modifies the charitable contribution deduction of corporations for scientific and technical property to: (1) expand the eligible uses to which the property may be put to include direct education as well as research and research training; (2) make computer software eligible for the deduction; and (3) make state-of-the-art equipment used in the taxpayer's trade or business eligible for the deduction. Sets forth a formula for determining the amount of the allowable deduction for scientific equipment. Provides for an income tax exclusion for the scholarships, fellowship grants, student loan forgiveness, or stipends of students who are enrolled in postgraduate study as degree candidates. Provides that such tax exclusion will not be forfeited merely because the student is required, as a condition of the scholarship or fellowship, to perform future service in teaching or research.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Amends the Steel Import Stabilization Act to direct the U.S. Trade Representative, in negotiating with Japan and South Korea on steel products import limits, to negotiate the apportionment of the aggregate limit among specified subcategories of steel products. Directs the U.S. Trade Representative to apportion the aggregate limit if such negotiations are not successfully concluded within 30 days of the enactment of this Act. Sets forth such subcategories.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Prohibits the expenditure of funds for the production of lethal binary chemical munitions after the enactment of this Act. Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the President should intensify efforts to reach agreement with the Soviet Union and other countries for a mutual, verifiable ban on chemical weapons; and (2) the Department of Defense should improve the capability of the United States to detect chemical weapons and protect members of the armed forces from the effects of such weapons.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Acid Rain Control Act of 1985 - 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 problems in the remaining States. Directs the Acid Precipitation Task Force to report to the appropriate congressional committees by the close of 1985 and 1987 on its research findings about acid precipitation, with recommendations for reducing its effects. Authorizes additional appropriations for FY 1985 through 1989 for the Task Force's comprehensive research plan for acid precipitation. Requires the Task Force to also conduct research on advanced flue-gas cleaning and precombustion fuel treatment technologies and inherently low-emission combustion processes. Directs the National Academy of Sciences to establish an Acid Precipitation Scientific Review Board to examine information concerning the causes and environmental effects of acid deposition, including the activities of the Task Force. Requires the Board to report to the appropriate congressional committees with recommendations for reducing acid deposition. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 through 1988. Directs the Administrator to report to the appropriate congressional committees on enforceable measures adopted by the States to reduce sulfur dioxide emissions. Directs the Office of Technology Assessment to report to the appropriate congressional committees on a cost-benefit analysis of such measures. Requires such committees to conduct hearings on acid deposition after receiving the aforementioned reports. Directs the Administrator to develop and report to the Congress on an inventory of sources of oxides of nitrogen in the acid deposition impact region. Directs the Administrator and the Secretary of the Treasury to report to the Congress on a joint study of a fee system on the generation of electricity in the acid deposition impact region to finance emissions reductions. Authorizes the Administrator to make grants to States or interstate agencies for developing methods to neutralize the effects of acid deposition in formerly fish-laden bodies of water. Sets forth sulfur dioxide emission reduction standards for the acid deposition impact region of ten million tons below 1980 levels by the beginning of 1994, permitting annual emissions of no more than 1.2 pounds of sulfur dioxide per million British thermal units of heat input. Includes emissions from major stationary sources with utility boilers, restricting increased emissions from sources or the start-up of new sources, except as specified. Restricts increases in emissions from major stationary sources of oxides of nitrogen, 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 reduction measures for sulfur dioxide, including compliance schedules. Requires the Administrator's approval and the other Governors' perusal of such measures. Requires each major stationary source subject to an emission limitation to notify the Governor of the State, and in turn, the Administrator, within three years of its intended method of compliance. Requires sources choosing fuel substitution to be in compliance with their applicable emission limitations within five 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 five 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. Directs the Administrator to review emission limits for certain major sources to determine if such limits are inappropriately based upon modeling credit for stack height above good engineering practice. Requires the State and the owner of such source to adjust emission limitations accordingly. 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.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Constitutional Amendment - Declares that equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or any State on account of sex.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
States that the United States and the Soviet Union should: (1) pursue a complete halt to the nuclear arms race; (2) decide when and how to achieve a mutual verifiable freeze on the testing, production, and further deployment of nuclear warheads, missiles, and other delivery systems; (3) give special attention to destabilizing weapons; and (4) proceeding from this freeze, pursue major, mutual, and verifiable reductions in nuclear warheads, missiles, and other delivery systems.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
States that the Senate condemns the Soviet Union's military terrorism and attempted destruction of Afghanistan. Recommends that the President provide medical, military, and food assistance to the Afghan Freedom Fighters.
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 1984
Designates the week beginning February 17, 1985, as a time to recognize the contributions of volunteers who give their time to become Big Brothers and Big Sisters to youths in need of adult companionship.
United States · United States Congress · 10 August 1984
Declares that amendments to this Act refer to amendments to the Tariff Act of 1930. Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 (the Act) to provide that the burden of persuasion with respect to an allegation made in an antidumping or countervailing duty investigation shall be on the party who has information that would verify or negate such allegation. Directs the International Trade Commission (ITC), in determining material injury or threat of material injury in antidumping or countervailing duty investigations, to consider the cumulative impact of imports of merchandise under investigation when combined with imports of the same class or kind which are subject to similar investigations. Requires the ITC to consider specified factors with respect to its determination of the threat of material injury to a U.S. industry by reason of imports (or sales for importation) of any merchandise. Requires such determination to be made on the basis of real evidence and imminent actual injury. Provides for an extension of time within which the ITC with respect to an antidumping or countervailing duty investigation must make a preliminary determination as to a material injury if: (1) a petitioner makes a timely request for such extension; and (2) the administering authority concludes that such determination is extraordinarily complicated and additional time is necessary to make such determination. (Currently, such determination could be extended if one or the other above conditions existed.) Provides that there shall be no compromises of countervailing or antidumping duty cases by the Secretary of the Treasury. Amends the Trade Agreement Act of 1979 to require the ITC, in cases involving revocation of countervailing duties, not to base a negative determination of potential material injury on any export taxes, duties, or other charges levied on the export of merchandise to the United States specifically intended to offset the subsidy received. Includes in the term "interested party" an association, a majority of whose members is composed of specified interested parties with respect to a like product. Permits the administering authority, under certain conditions, to extend the deadline for a final determination in a countervailing duty investigation to the date of its final determination in an antidumping duty investigation if the antidumping duty investigation was initiated simultaneously with the countervailing duty investigation. Includes in the definition of "subsidy" any export targeting subsidy, upstream subsidy, and domestic subsidy as determined under the provisions of this Act. Defines an "upstream subsidy" as any subsidy, as described in the Act, which: (1) is paid or bestowed by a foreign country upon a product which is used to manufacture merchandise which is already under investigation; (2) results in a price for such product that is lower than its available price in such country; and (3) has a significant effect on the cost of manufacturing or producing such merchandise. Requires, in administering such definition, that an association of two or more foreign countries, political subdivisions, dependent territories, or possessions of foreign countries organized into a customs union outside of the United States shall be treated as one country. Requires the administering authority to adjust the price of merchandise under investigation that is found to be upstream subsidized by the country that produced it. Requires the administering authority to include such upstream subsidy in any countervailing or antidumping duty that is imposed on such merchandise that has been found to have been bestowed a subsidy. Requires that a countervailing duty order shall presumptively apply to all merchandise of the class or kind which have been determined to materially injure U.S. industries and which are exported from the country being investigated, except that differing duties may be imposed if the administering authority determines that there is a significant differential between companies receiving subsidy benefits or if a State-owned enterprise is involved. Requires that the foreign market value of the merchandise under investigation shall be the constructed value of the merchandise if the administering authority determines that the cost to the foreign producer of any foreign material incorporated in the merchandise under investigation is unreasonable. Requires that the cost of such preference or subsidy shall be included in the constructed value of the imported merchandise. Authorizes the administering authority to accept an agreement to restrict the volume of imports of merchandise into the United States (with either the government of the country where the merchandise which is being investigated is produced or with the exporters of such merchandise who account for substantially all the imports of such merchandise) if the agreement will eliminate completely the injurious effect of such imports. Permits the posting of a bond or other security in lieu of the deposit of estimated antidumping duties required under the Act if, among other conditions: (1) a case for import relief has not been designated as extraordinarily complicated or the administering authority's final determination with respect to such relief has not been extended; (2) a party submitting information demonstrates that the weighted average of the amount by which the foreign market value of the merchandise exceeds the U.S. price of the merchandise is significantly less than the amount of such excess specified in an antidumping duty order; and (3) the data concerning the foreign market value and the U.S. price apply to sales in the usual wholesale quantities and in the ordinary course of trade and the number of such sales are sufficient to form an adequate basis for comparison. Sets forth procedures concerning confidential information and written comments from interested parties regarding the posting of such bond. Extends the authority of the Secretary of the Treasury to require the presentation of a valid export license as a condition for the entry of steel products into the United States. Authorizes the imposition of countervailing duties upon merchandise, provided such merchandise meets all the other requirements for the imposition of countervailing duties, which is: (1) sold (or likely to be sold) for importation into the United States; and (2) by reason of sales (or likelihood of sales) of such merchandise imported into the United States. Requires the ITC to make a final determination of whether a U.S. industry is materially injured by reason of sales (or likelihood of sales) for importion of the merchandise with respect to which the administering authority has made an affirmative determination under the Act. Provides that, for purposes of this Act, a reference to the sale of merchandise includes the entering into of any leasing arrangement regarding the merchanside that is equivalent to the sale of such merchandise. Provides that the existence of sales for future delivery of irrevocable offers to sell the merchandise that is the subject of a countervailing or antidumping duty petition may be a basis for an affirmative determination by the administering authority.
United States · United States Congress · 10 August 1984
Arms Race Control Act of 1984 - Directs the President to propose to the Soviet Union that the two sides agree to halt for a limited time: (1) the flight, testing, and deployment of strategic ballistic missiles under development; (2) the testing of antisatellite weapons against objects in space; and (3) the detonation of any nuclear explosive device. Prohibits the obligation or spending of any funds, beginning six months after enactment of this Act, for any such testing, deployment, or detonation unless the President provides a determination and certification to the Congress, together with an unclassified report and a detailed classified report setting forth the basis for the decision stating that: (1) the President has tried in good faith and has failed to achieve a mutual and verifiable agreement with the Soviet Union to impose the constraints on such testing, deployment, and detonation; (2) the President has reliable evidence that the Soviet Union is proceeding with such testing, deployment, or detonation; and (3) failure of the United States to do the same would undermine the national security. Provides for the allocation of personnel as may be appropriate to ensure continued progress toward the goal of a comprehensive halt in the nuclear arms race. Directs the Secretary of State, in coordination with the Director of the United States Arms Control and Disarmament Agency, to transmit to the Congress an annual report regarding the status of and prospects for bilateral and multilateral negotiations to accomplish the goal of a comprehensive halt in the nuclear arms race.
United States · United States Congress · 9 August 1984
Authorizes the Special Counsel of the Merit Systems Protection Board to appear as a counsel on behalf of any party in a civil action brought in connection with any function of the Special Counsel and to initiate and prosecute on behalf of any party in any such case an appeal of the decision of any administrative tribunal, U.S. district court, or the U.S. Claims Court. Authorizes any person aggrieved by a prohibited personnel practice to intervene in any administrative or judicial action brought by the Special Counsel under this Act. Entitles any such party appealing an administrative decision to have the facts subject to trial de novo by the reviewing court.
United States · United States Congress · 9 August 1984
Expresses the sense of the Senate that no recess appointments should be made when the Senate stands adjourned or recessed within a session for a period of less than 30 days.
United States · United States Congress · 6 August 1984
Congratulates Joan Benoit for her outstanding accomplishment in the XXIII Olympiad and urges all young American athletes to draw inspiration from the example of discipline, training, hard work, and ability provided by her.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 1984
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an income tax credit in an amount equal to 50 percent of expenses incurred for the purchase and installation of television subtitle equipment to be used by a hearing-impaired individual. Limits the amount of such credit to $250 ($125 in the case of a married individual filing a separate return).
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 1984
National Advisory Committee on Oceans and Atmosphere Act of 1984 - Establishes the National Advisory Committee on Oceans and Atmosphere (the Committee). Requires the 13 members of the Committee (the currently established committee has 18 members) to: (1) not be full-time U.S. employees; (2) be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate; and (3) relfect diverse backgrounds relating to oceanic and atmospheric policy. Requires the Committee to: (1) continually review ocean policy, coastal zone management, and the U.S. marine and atmospheric science and service programs; and (2) advise the Secretary of Commerce (the Secretary) with respect to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration programs; (3) submit an annual report to the Secretary, President, and Congress. Sets forth provisions relating to: (1) the membership and Chairmanship of the Committee; (2) the terms, compensation and travel expenses of the committee members; and (3) interagency cooperation and assistance. Repeals Federal law establishing qualifications for individuals appointed to the current National Advisory Committee on Oceans and Atmosphere and authorizing appropriations for such committee. Transfers the personnel and functions of such committee to the Committee established under this Act. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985.
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 1984
Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to require the International Trade Commission (ITC), when determining whether increased imports have resulted in a serious injury to a competing domestic industry, to take into account any significant increase in the share of total imports attributable to domestic producers in the industry. Requires the ITC, when determining whether increased imports constitute a threat of serious injury to a competing domestic industry, to take into account an upward trend in imports attributable to domestic producers. Requires the ITC, when determining whether imports are a substantial cause of serious injury to a competing domestic industry, to take into account an increase in imports and a decline in the proportion of the domestic market supplied by domestic producers regardless of whether the imports are attributable to domestic producers in the industry. Requires the ITC, in determining the domestic industry producing an article like or directly competitive with an imported article, to treat as part of the domestic industry only the domestic production of a domestic producer which also imports. Defines the term "significant idling of productive facilities" to mean a decline in domestic production, the closing of plants, or the underutilization of production capacity. Prohibits the ITC, from taking into account in determining whether increased imports are a substantial cause of or a threat of serious injury to a competing domestic industry: (1) the probable effectiveness of import relief and consideration of the position of the industry in the U.S. economy; (2) the effect of import relief on consumers and on competition in the domestic markets for such articles; (3) the effect of import relief on U.S. international economic interests; or (4) the effect on U.S. industries and firms of tariff changes or other import restrictions which may result from international obligations with respect to compensation. Declares that an ITC finding that a significant number of domestic firms operate at a reasonable level of profit or that the profits of the domestic industry are not in a downward trend shall not preclude an ITC determination that increased imports are a substantial cause of or threat of serious injury to such domestic industry. Requires that the importation of any articles by domestic producers in an industry shall be a factor supporting the existence of or the threat of serious injury to such industry.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1984
Economic Competitiveness and Cooperation Act - Title I: Council on Economic Cooperation and Competitiveness - Establishes within the executive branch a Council on Economic Competitiveness and Cooperation to: (1) collect and analyze relevant domestic and international data concerning economic trends and market opportunities; (2) monitor the changing nature of the U.S. industrial economy and its capacity to provide marketable goods and services and to respond to international competition; (3) publish reports containing Council recommendations with respect to industrial development priorities; (4) create a forum for discussions of national economic problems, opportunities, and strategies; (5) identify certain industries or emerging technologies which are critical to the U.S. economy; (6) monitor the performance and prospects of such critical industries; (7) establish, upon request, subcouncils of the Council for various industries, technologies, and geographical areas; (8) recommend to the President adjustment plans for industries petitioning for import relief pursuant to the Trade Act of 1974; (9) provide policy recommendations and guidance to Congress, the President, and the Federal agencies regarding specific issues concerning industrial strategies; (10) report biannually to the President and Congress on the state of the national economy, on the status of major sectors of the national economy and on the effect of existing Government policies on industries; (11) conduct studies, including but not limited to an assessment of the impact of existing Federal credit programs on financial markets, and the gains which would be derived from improved coordination of such programs and an assessment of whether the amount and pattern of existing private and public capital investment is sufficient to finance the revitalization of mature or linkage industries and the development of emerging industries, and if not, the merits of creating a new financing institution or development bank; and (12) evaluate the competitive impact of existing government policies and business practices. Sets forth the membership and powers of the Council. Directs the Council to report within one year of enactment of this title to the Congress and the President recommendations for changes in any Federal policy necessary to implement effective industrial strategies. Directs the Council to transmit biannually to the President and Congress a report setting forth: (1) the major U.S. industrial development priorities; (2) the policies needed to meet such priorities; and (3) a summary of existing government policies affecting industries. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 to carry out this title. Title II: Technological Innovation - Part A: Joint Research and Development - Declares that no person shall be civilly liable under the Federal antitrust laws or similar State antitrust laws for making or performing a contract to carry out a research and development project jointly with another person if disclosure is made to the Attorney General. Sets forth information which must be contained in such disclosure. Requires notice of disclosure to be published in the Federal Register within 30 days of the disclosure. Requires all such information to be available to the public within 30 days of its submission to the Attorney General, unless the Attorney General determines that there is good cause to withhold such information from the public for a specified period of time. Requires the rule of reason standard to be applied to antitrust actions taken against persons making or performing a contract to carry out a joint research and development program. Limits damages for violations of antitrust laws involving such contracts to the amount of actual damages, the cost of the suit, and any interest awarded. Part B: Strategic Technologies - Requires the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy, within six months of enactment of this Act, to enter into an agreement with the National Academy of Sciences and the National Academy of Engineering to prepare a study that identifies economically strategic technologies and plans for the optimal development of such technologies. Sets forth the functions of the Academies in carrying out the study, including developing a technology development program for each technology designated as economically strategic and establishing an advisory committee composed of industry and academic experts to make recommendations for each such program. Requires the committee to submit periodic reports to the President and Congress on the technology development programs. Sets forth administrative provisions. Authorizes appropriations. Part C: Agency for Technological Innovation - Establishes in the Department of Commerce the Agency for Technological Innovation (the Agency) which shall: (1) consolidate existing Federal programs aimed at stimulating technological innovation; (2) conduct research to identify and solve problems relating to technological innovation; (3) provide a forum for persons and businesses involved in technological innovation to express their concerns and influence Federal policies and programs; (4) ensure effective dissemination and transfer of scientific information and technology; (5) demonstrate and develop new technologies for manufacturing processes; (6) coordinate Federal, State, and local efforts to promote new enterprise development; and (7) encourage and conduct research and development in human resource aspects of technological innovation. Sets forth administrative provisions governing the Agency and its component offices. Transfers to the Director of the Agency from the National Science Foundation all functions with respect to or administered by the Foundation's Division of Policy Research and Analysis and its Division of Industrial Science and Technology. Transfers to the Director all functions of the National Science Foundation relating to: (1) the enhancement of State and local scientific and technological resources, the evaluation of State and local projects to improve technological innovation, and the promotion of networks between State and local governments conducting such projects; and (2) the study and evaluation of programs providing technical training to entry level employees and the impact of such programs on promoting the adjustment of such employees to technological innovations. Transfers to the Director all the functions of the Secretary of Energy relating to the identification and promotion of exemplary inventions relating to the development, production, and conservation of energy. Transfers to the Director all functions of the Administrator of the Small Business Administration relating to the small business research program under the Small Business Act. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to carry out through the Director all functions: (1) which, on the day before the effective date of this part, were administered through the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Productivity, Technology, and Innovation, the Director of the National Technical Information Service, and the Director of the Center for the Utilization of Federal Technology; and (2) of the Secretary relating to the identification, promotion, and licensing to business and industrial concerns of inventions developed by Federal agencies. Part D: Administrative Provisions - Sets forth administrative provisions relating to the Agency. Requires the Director to prepare and transmit an annual report on Agency activities to the Secretary for transmission to the President and the Congress. Part E: Transitional, Savings, and Conforming Provisions - Sets forth transitional, savings, and conforming provisions relating to the Agency. Part F: Miscellaneous - Sets forth provisions for the effective date of this part and for interim appointments. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 through 1990 to carry out this part. Title III: Education and Human Resources - Part A: Compensatory Education for Disadvantaged Secondary School Students - Amends Chapter 1 (Financial Assistance to Meet Special Educational Needs of Disadvantaged Children) of the Educational Consolidation and Improvement Act of 1981 (ECIA) to add new provisions for programs for the special educational needs of disadvantaged secondary school students. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 through 1988 for such programs. Entitles each local educational agency (LEA) to receive a grant from such appropriations in each fiscal year in an amount relative to that received by the LEA under specified Chapter 1 provisions. Requires each LEA to use such payments for compensatory programs and projects (including equipment acquisition and minor renovation of facilities) designed to meet the special educational needs of educationally deprived secondary school students. Makes provisions of Chapter 1 of ECIA and of title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 applicable to such payments. Part B: Vocational and Adult Education - Defines "adult," for purposes of this part, as any individual who is at least 35 years of age. Defines "adult worker" as any adult who: (1) is a dislocated worker; (2) is a displaced homemaker; (3) was or is employed and needs retraining in order to reenter the job market; (4) is laid off from a job held for many years; (5) needs new or upgraded skills; or (6) is an older American and needs training or retraining. Authorizes the Secretary of Education (the Secretary, for purposes of this title) to make grants to States to pay the costs of training, retraining, and placement programs for adult workers. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 through 1988 for such grants program. Sets forth provisions for allotment of such funds to States on the basis of population aged 35 or older. Reserves ten percent of such funds for national demonstration projects and one percent for a national clearinghouse on older Americans job training. Allots one percent of such funds among specified U.S. territories and possessions. Directs the Secretary to make grants to the adult worker job training committee required to be established in each State desiring to receive assistance under this part. Sets forth requirements for the composition of such committees. Allows such grants to be used by the committees for employment based programs, training programs, and placement services. Sets forth requirements for State applications for such grants. Authorizes the Secretary, from reserved funds under this part, to make national demonstration project grants to and contracts with organizations of proven ability in providing employment services to adult workers. Requires that such projects be designed to focus attention on the special vocational needs of adults and to promote employment opportunities for adult workers. Sets forth authorized uses of such grants. Directs the Secretary, from reserved funds under this part, to establish and operate a clearinghouse on training and retraining programs for adult workers. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into contracts with public agencies and private organizations to operate such clearinghouse. Sets forth provisions for payments under this part. Amends the Vocational Education Act of 1963 (VEA) to authorize appropriations for FY 1986 through 1988 for the following programs for State vocational education: (1) basic grants; (2) program improvement and supportive services; (3) special program for the disadvantaged; and (4) consumer and homemaking education. Requires at least 20 percent of each State's allotment to be used to pay up to 50 percent of the cost of special vocational education programs described in provisions added by this Act. Adds provisions for Vocational Educational and Training Programs for Disadvantaged Youth to the basic grant provisions of State vocational education programs under VEA. Allows basic grant funds to States to be used for grants to LEAs and participating nonprofit private organizations for such specified vocational programs for disadvantaged youth. Sets forth requirements for such programs. Amends the Adult Education Act to extend through FY 1987 the authorization of appropriations for grants for special educational projects for the elderly. Extends the existence of the National Advisory Council on Adult Education until October 1, 1988. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 through 1988 to carry out the Adult Education Act. Extends through FY 1988 the authorization of appropriations for grants for improvement of educational opportunities for adult Indians. Extends through FY 1988 the authorization of appropriations for adult education programs for adult immigrants. Part C: Cancellation of Loans for Certain Teachers - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to provide for the cancellation of the guaranteed student loan debts of mathematics, science, or computer education teachers who agree to teach full-time for at least five consecutive years in a public or other nonprofit elementary or secondary school system. Provides for cancellation of such loans at a rate of ten percent for each year of such qualifying service. Part D: Education Program for Gifted and Talented Children, and Merit Scholarships - Subpart 1: Gifted and Talented Children - Gifted and Talented Children's Education Act - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to add the Gifted and Talented Children's Education Act as a part A (Gifted and Talented Children) of title IX (Additional Programs) of ESEA. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 through 1988 for programs for gifted and talented children. Sets forth provisions for State programs. Directs the Secretary to make grants to State educational agencies (SEAs) for the Federal share of the costs of planning, developing, operating, and improving programs to meet the educational needs of gifted and talented children at the preschool, elementary, and secondary levels. Permits such programs to include inservice training of personnel to teach such children. Directs the Secretary, in any fiscal year in which appropriations for such State programs are less than $15,000,000, to distribute such funds so that each SEA with an approved application receives at least $50,000. Provides for ratable reductions when appropriations are not sufficient to pay such required minimum amount to each SEA. Directs the Secretary, in any fiscal year in which such appropriations equal or exceed $15,000,000, to follow specified State allotment provisions. Requires SEA applications for such grants to contain specified assurances, including the assurance that appropriate consideration will be given to the particular educational needs of disadvantaged gifted and talented children. Prohibits a SEA from reserving more than ten percent of grant funds for program administration, technical assistance, coordination, and statewide planning. Requires a SEA to distribute, on a competitive basis, at least 90 percent of grant funds to local educational agencies (LEAs) which apply, with due regard for the quality of the proposed activities. Requires a SEA to use at least 50 percent of grant funds for programs and projects which include a component for the identification and education of disadvantaged gifted and talented children from low-income families. Permits use of grant funds for instructional equipment only if such equipment will enhance the program or project. Prohibits SEA approval of an LEA application unless the needs of children in nonprofit private elementary and secondary schools have been taken into account. Requires the SEA to provide technical assistance for proposals and programs of LEAs which are unable to compete due to smaller size or lack of financial resources. Requires that an opportunity for a hearing be afforded before the Secretary may disapprove an application which does not meet specified requirements. Sets forth provisions for State allotments in any fiscal year in which appropriations for gifted and talented children programs equal or exceed $15,000,000. Directs the Secretary to allot up to one percent of such appropriations, in accordance with their respective needs, among: (1) specified territories and possessions of the United States; (2) programs in schools operated for Indian children by the Department of the Interior; and (3) programs in overseas dependent schools of the Department of Defense. Directs the Secretary to allot the remainder among applicant States on the basis of numbers of children aged five through 17, with a $50,000 minimum allotment to each State. Sets forth provisions for reallotment of any State allotment exceeding the amount a State needs and will be able to use in a fiscal year. Directs the Secretary to designate an administrative unit within the Office of Education to administer and coordinate programs for gifted and talented children and youth. Provides that any Indian tribe which operates schools for its children shall be deemed an LEA for purposes of this Act. Limits financial assistance to any LEA to a five-year period, except assistance extended prior to the date of enactment of the Education Amendments of 1978. Makes the Federal share for any fiscal year 90 percent, but 100 percent for: (1) clearinghouse activities; (2) research, evaluation, and related activities; and (3) programs and projects involving participation of private school students. Makes conforming amendments to the Educational Consolidation and Improvement Act of 1981. Makes a technical amendment to ESEA. Subpart 2: Merit Scholarships - Authorizes the Secretary to award scholarships to individuals who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement and who show promise of continued academic achievement. Provides that such scholarships shall be awarded for a period of one academic year for the first year of study at any institution of higher education which the student chooses to attend. Requires that each student awarded such a scholarship: (1) be a grauduate of a public or private secondary school; (2) have been admitted for enrollment at an institution of higher education; and (3) show promise of continued academic achievement, pursuant to criteria established by the Secretary. Authorizes the Secretary to establish the criteria for selection of merit scholars. Directs the Secretary to adopt selection procedures designed to assure that not to exceed ten individuals will be selected from among residents of each congressional district in a State (and of the District of Columbia and of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico). Provides that each student awarded a merit scholarship shall receive a stipend, as determined by the Secretary, which shall not exceed $3,000 for the academic year of study for which it is awarded. Directs the Secretary to establish procedures under which merit scholars establish that they are maintaining satisfactory proficiency and devoting full time to the course of study for which the scholarship was awarded. Directs the Secretary to make arrangements to award merit scholarships at a place in each State which is convenient to the individuals selected as recipients. Provides that, to the extent possible, the awards shall be made by Members of the Senate and Members of the House of Representatives (or by the Delegate from the District of Columbia or the Resident Commissioner of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico) who represent the State or district from which the individuals come. Requires that the selection process be completed and the awards made during the week of April 10 in each year, except that such awards shall be made in the first year after the date of enactment of this subpart as soon as possible after such date. Sets forth administrative provisions relating to such merit scholarship program. Directs the Secretary to report annually to the President and the Congress on the activities conducted under this subpart. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 through 1988 to carry out this subpart. Title IV: Adjustment for Workers, Communities, and Industries - Part A: Unemployment Insurance - Authorizes States to establish short-time compensation programs under their unemployment compensation laws under which an individual in an industry with declining employment shall be eligible for short-time unemployment compensation for time spent in approved training while the individual continues to be employed on a reduced workweek basis. Encourages States to establish such programs in accordance with specified provisions of the Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 1982. Authorizes States to provide that unemployment compensation under their State unemployment compensation laws shall be paid to an individual who voluntarily leaves employment in a firm (or subdivision) experiencing a major reduction in employment, for weeks in which such individual is satisfactorily participating in approved training. Amends the Federal-State Extended Unemployment Compensation Act of 1970 to provide that specified provisions shall not apply to such individuals. Authorizes States to provide under their State unemployment compensation laws that an individual (including an individual who has voluntarily resigned to enter a training program) may elect, at any time during the first eight weeks of eligibility of such regular unemployment compensating payable for regular compensation, to receive an amount equal to 125 percent of the remainder in equal weekly payments over an extended period of time, if during such period the individual is satisfactorily participating in approved training. Sets a limit on the number of weeks over which the individual may choose to receive compensation. Sets forth a formula for determining the amount of remaining regular compensation for which an individual will be eligible if such individual fails to satisfactorily participate in or successfully graduates from the training program at any time after making such an election. Prohibits any individual who makes such an election from being entitled to any more compensation than would have been received if the individual had not made such election, except to the extent that such additional amount is appropriated and allocated to the State under this part. Requires States to provide that the length of an individual's benefit year under the State unemployment compensation law shall be extended by a number of weeks equal to the number of additional weeks for which such individual received unemployment compensation by reason of such an election. Requires that the amount of any extended compensation or Federal supplemental compensation to which an individual may be entitled be determined on the basis of the weekly amount of regular compensation to which an individual was entitled without regard to any such election. Requires that the determination of exhaustion of regular compensation take such election into account. Authorizes States to provide under their unemployment compensation laws that an individual who has four or more weeks of remaining eligibility for regular compensation and who accepts employment at a lower wage than that required under such State law may receive payment over the 12-month period following acceptance of such employment of an amount equal to 80 percent of the remaining regular compensation for which such individual would be eligible in the benefit year if the individual were to exhaust such eligibility. Provides that such payment shall be in periodic installments which shall be made only for so long as such individual continues such lower-paying employment (or other employment which the individual would not have been required to accept) for a continuous period. Provides that payment of such periodic payments shall terminate any eligibility for additional regular compensation and for any extended compensation or Federal supplemental compensation, during that benefit year. Authorizes appropriations for 1986 through 1988 to be alloted to States to assist them in carrying out programs authorized under this part, in addition to any other amounts authorized or allotted under the Wagner-Peyser Act. Provides that such funds may be used only for: (1) payment of additional amounts of regular compensation by reason of any extended eligibility under specified provisions of this part; and (2) reimbursement to the State for the Federal share of administrative costs incurred by the State in carrying out programs authorized under this part. Sets such Federal share at 50 percent, with a ten percent increase for each percentage point or portion thereof by which a State's average rate of total unemployment is greater than the average for all States. Directs the Secretary of Labor to allot such funds to States according to the following formula: (1) one-fourth on the basis of the relative number of unemployed residents; (2) three-eighths on the basis of the relative number of unemployed residents in excess of the national average for the civilian labor force; and (3) three-eighths on the basis of the relative decrease in numbers of residents employed in the mining, manufacturing, and construction industries over specified periods and under specified conditions. Sets forth reallotment provisions. Provides that no program authorized under this part shall be taken into consideration in determining whether there has been a net decrease in the solvency of the State unemployment compensation system for purposes of specified provisions of the Internal Revenue Code. Part B: Labor Productivity Assistance - Establishes a program of loans for individuals who are unemployed, underemployed, displaced homemakers, or dislocated workers to upgrade job skills, learn new job skills, better their employment opportunities, and increase overall labor productivity. Establishes in the Treasury a Labor Productivity Trust Fund. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury, as Trustee of the Fund, to issue to the Federal Financing Bank notes or other obligations in an amount not to exceed specified total and fiscal year limits. Requires that the proceeds from the issue of such obligations be deposited in the Trust Fund. Authorizes the Federal Financing Bank to set the interest rate on, and to purchase or sell, such obligations. Directs the Trustee to invest, in a specified limited manner, such portion of the Fund as is not required to meet current withdrawals. Authorizes the Trustee to sell at the market price any obligation acquired by the Fund. Requires that the interest on, and the proceeds from the sale or redemption of, any obligations held in the Fund be credited to and form a part of the Fund. Directs the Trustee (the Secretary of the Treasury) to transfer funds in each fiscal year out of the Fund to the Secretary of Labor (the Secretary) in amounts necessary to carry out this Act, subject to specified limitations. Provides that such transferred funds shall be available for making loans and for payment of administrative expenses under this Act. Directs the Trustee to make such expenditures from the Fund as are necessary for the redemption of notes and obligations issued pursuant to this Act. Directs the Secretary to allocate funds from the Fund among the States, to the maximum extent possible, on the basis of the allocation set forth under specified provisions of the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) relating to the allocation of assistance to dislocated workers. Sets forth individual eligibility requirements for loans under this Act. Directs the Secretary to promulgate regulations for the certification of eligible individuals identified in a specified manner. Authorizes the Secretary to use the local offices of the U.S. Employment Service in each State or the private industry councils (PICs) established under JTPA to identify and certify any individual eligible to receive such a loan. Makes an individual eligible to receive such a loan if the individual is at least 25 years old and is: (1) a dislocated worker; (2) a displaced homemaker; (3) employed in a declining industry; or (4) underemployed. Requires each certified individual to comply with specified provisions before a PIC may approve a loan to such individual. Permits PICs, in reviewing loan applications, to modify eligibility requirements and certify individuals in five percent of the loan applications, notwithstanding specified eligibility requirements set forth in this Act. Requires each certified individual desiring to receive a loan to: (1) receive counseling from the appropriate PIC regarding the loan program; (2) develop a written plan, with PIC assistance and including specified contents, for the use of a loan designed for the individualized needs of such individual; and (3) submit an application fully disclosing household income and assets. Requires a PIC to: (1) approve the loan application and written plan of any certified individual upon determining that the application and plan are in compliance with such requirements and that such approval would further the purposes of this Act; and (2) monitor the progress of an individual receiving a loan in accordance with the plan on at least a semiannual basis. Provides that an individual's unemployment benefits shall not be reduced or suspended because such individual receives a loan under this Act. Sets forth provisions relating to the terms of labor productivity assistance loans. Limits the amount of such a loan to $10,000 in aggregate per household, whether received as a single loan or as an additional loan to any other loan made under this Act. Provides for repayment of the principal in installments over a period of not more than 12 years, beginning the later of: (1) one year after the date of completion of the authorized activity approved in a recipient's plan, unless the recipient requests repayment to begin earlier; or (2) one month after the date on which such individual has an income in an amount equal to or exceeding 150 percent of the poverty line established under specified provisions of the Community Services Block Grant Act. Limits the annual interest rate on such loan to no more than two percent above the average rate of return established for 52 week Treasury bills in the most recent calendar quarter ended preceding the date of the loan. Sets forth other requirements relating to loan repayment. Sets forth the following authorized activities for which a certified individual may be approved for a loan under this Act: (1) job skills training, including any two-year college program; and (2) participation in any program, approved by a PIC, which is conducted by or in cooperation with an employer or labor union to provide early assistance to any individual who is adversely affected in employment because of plant closures or labor force reductions by an employer. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into agreements with PICs to administer the labor productivity assistance loan program authorized by this Act. Sets forth specified powers of the Secretary under this Act. Part C: Training Technology Transfer - Establishes an Office of Training Technology Transfer in the Department of Education. Provides that the Director of the Office shall be appointed by the Secretary of Education. Sets forth provisions relating to staffing and staff compensation. Requires the Director to compile and maintain a current and comprehensive inventory of all training technology developed by or under the supervision of Federal agencies, especially that developed by or under the Office of Assistant Secretary of Defense for Manpower, Reserve Affairs and Logistics of the Department of Defense. Requires that such inventory include specified contents with respect to each item of training technology listed. Requires the Director, in compiling such inventory, to: (1) consult with and fully utilize the resources of all Federal agencies engaged in the collection and dissemination of information concerning training technology; and (2) request the participation and cooperation of entities in the legislative and judicial branches. Requires the Director to disseminate the inventory and its revisions widely and on a regular basis to give all potential users of training technology ample notice of its development by Federal agencies. Requires the Director, in doing so, to use all interagency and intergovernmental communications mechanisms and to encourage the participation of independent private sector organizations. Requires the Director to develop and distribute detailed instructions and procedures for securing copies, and rights thereto, of training technology listed in such inventory and instructions for participating in a conversion assistance program established under this Act. Requires the Director to advise and consult with any entity which is a prospective user of training technology listed in the inventory and assist such entity in securing the transfer and conversion of such technology from the Federal agency which developed it. Requires the Director, if such agency has not established procedures for such transfer and conversion, to negotiate such transfer and conversion upon application by such entity. Requires the Director to enter into contracts with competent educational institutions and qualified private sector firms for the conversion of training technology in order to adapt such technology to the requirements of specified entities, upon application by such entity. Describes such an entity as: (1) a small business concern employing not more than 500 employees; (2) a public or private educational institution which is duly accredited, funded, or licensed by a State, including a college, university, community college, public school system, private preparatory school, or vocational school; (3) a trade association or a community-based organization; (4) a State or local government or agency or a private industry council; and (5) a consortium of State and local governments private industry councils, community-based organizations, or small business concerns each of which employs not more than 500 employees. Requires the Director, in awarding such contracts, to give preference to proposals by such entities which will result in the enhancement of the employability and potential earnings of a maximum number of individuals. Requires the Director to: (1) conduct analyses of national needs for conversions of training technology listed in the inventory, including analyses of the potential number of individuals who will benefit from such conversion, the content of computer software currently available for employee training, and the required levels of proficiency for the use of such software; and (2) encourage and promote multiple use of converted training technology by entities with similar training needs. Sets limits on the monetary amounts of individual contracts to specified types of entities. Authorizes the Director to allow matching payments by the applicants of up to 50 percent of the costs of conversion in cases where such costs exceed such contract limits. Prohibits any applicant which contributes to such conversion costs from receiving any proprietary interest, share of ownership or control, copyright, or patent in the technology converted with such contribution. Requires the Director to promulgate regulations and procedures for such contributions. Requires the Director, after the performance of a contract is completed, to provide a copy of the training technology converted pursuant to such contract to the entity which applied for the conversion. Requires that any training technology converted pursuant to a contract under this Act be: (1) listed in the inventory; and (2) available for conversion or transfer to any other entity purusant to this Act. Requires any entity which is not described under this Act and which wishes to obtain the transfer or conversion of any training technology listed in the inventory to pay the full cost of such transfer or conversion. Limits the authority of the Director to enter into such contracts to such extent or in such amounts as are provided in appropriation Acts. Requires the Director to conduct studies and analyses of conversions and transfers of training technology, including an evaluation of the effectiveness of training technology converted or transferred pursuant to this Act. Directs all Federal agencies to cooperate with the Director in implementing this Act. Directs any Federal agency head to report to the Secretary of Education any finding that the agency is unable to cooperate with the Director for reasons of national security. Directs the Secretary to report to the Congress by July 1 of each year all such findings received by the Secretary during the preceding 12-month period. Sets forth administrative provisions. Provides that any training technology transferred or converted pursuant to this Act shall remain in the public domain and no recipient or beneficiary of such technology shall gain any exclusive right, patent, copyright, or ownership over such technology by reason of such transfer or conversion. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 and succeeding fiscal years. Part D: Community Service Employment - Authorizes appropriations for 1986 through 1988 to provide community service employment under this part for unemployed individuals in areas of economic decline. Sets forth provisions for funding on a program year basis. Sets forth eligibility requirements for program participants. Requires that priority in the selection of participants be given to unemployed individuals who are over 40 years old at the time of selection and who have been employed during at least 40 of the last 60 calendar quarters from the date of selection. Requires that, subject to the preceding priority provision, priority be given to any unemployed individual who at the time of selection: (1) resides in a household in which no other member is employed on a full-time basis; (2) resides in a household with the lowest household income and resources relative to other applicants; (3) has been unemployed for the longest periods of time preceding the date of such selection; or (4) has a past record of the longest periods of employment relative to other applicants. Prohibits any participant from receiving wages from funds made available under this part in excess of 52 weeks in any two-year period, unless such participant is over 55 years old. Provides for certification of eligibility for all participants by the State employment services, and also provides for special certifications of eligibility under certain conditions. Requires that funds alloted under this part be used to pay the Federal share of public facilities maintenance and community improvement employment projects. Includes among authorized activities: (1) repair, rehabilitation, or improvement of public facilities; (2) conservation, rehabilitation, or improvement of public (or Indian) lands and waters; (3) public safety, health, social service, and other public welfare activities; (4) State-directed emergency aid programs to cope with natural disasters; (5) assistance for seasonal farmworkers and small farmers; and (6) assistance for State and local educational agencies. Requires that any such projects be completed within an 18-month period. Sets forth eligibility requirements for specified types of grantees under this part. Requires that such grantees serve areas of economic decline. Sets forth provisions for allotment of funds under this part. Reserves specified portions of such funds for Native American eligible entities and for specified U.S. territories and possessions. Provides for State allotments according to a formula similar to that used under part A of this title. Provides for within-State allocations to eligible grantees serving areas of economic decline. Provides that not more than half of any such allocation for an area of economic decline may be distributed to State or local educational agencies or public higher education facilities. Sets forth other requirements relating to such distribution. Sets forth reallotment provisions. Sets the Federal share for employment and training wages at 90 percent (95 percent in States where the percentage of eligible participants is at least one and one-half times greater than the national average). Prohibits States from including contributions in kind in payment of the non-Federal share of such wage costs. Sets the Federal share of administrative costs for such projects or programs at 50 percent, with a ten-year percent increase for each percent or portion thereof by which the average rate of unemployment for a State is greater than the national average. Permits the non-Federal share of such administrative costs to be paid in cash or in kind. Sets forth requirements for State applications and receipt of allotments. Sets forth requirements relating to project design. Sets forth limitations on the use of funds under this part. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1984 and succeeding fiscal years to enable the U.S. Employment Service to provide funds to State employment service agencies to certify eligible participants and refer such participants to available job openings. Sets forth general requirements relating to participation in programs under this part. Sets forth labor standards for programs under this part. Sets forth fiscal controls and sanctions under this part. Sets forth provisions for judicial review of specified actions or sanctions under this part. Part E: Community Adjustment - Amends the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) to authorize appropriations for FY 1986 through 1988 for the community adjustment and placement service programs added by this part. Adds provisions for community adjustment and placement service programs under JTPA. Directs the State Governor, from funds made available under JTPA for such program, to establish a community adjustment and placement service program in any service delivery area with high unemployment within such State. Makes such funds subject to specified JTPA provisions. Directs the Governor, after consultation with the private industry council (PIC) and local government officials in such areas, to establish community service adjustment committees composed of representatives of the Governor, of the State employment security system, and of local businesses, labor organizations, and community organizations. Permits designation of a PIC as such committee. Requires each committee to develop and implement a plan to: (1) assist the community in adjusting to local conditions caused by plant closings or relocations, substantial labor force reductions and permanent layoffs, and other economic disruptions; (2) attract new business concerns and economic opportunities in the area; and (3) assist existing businesses to modernize and expand. Directs the community service adjustment committee to establish a temporary adjustment committee at a plant site if a business provides 90 days notice of a plant closing or substantial labor force reductions or permanent layoffs. Sets forth requirements for representation on such temporary committees. Requires the temporary adjustment committee to assist employees in finding new employment, relocating, or retraining. Directs the community service adjustment committee, if without notice a business closes a plant or substantially reduces a labor force or permanently lays off employees, to: (1) organize job search activities, refer employees to retraining programs, assist in relocation, and inform employees of available options (including unemployment insurance, retraining loans, job search clubs, and community service jobs). Allows such committees to accept and use private donations and other funds from governmental agencies, without this affecting the amount of funds such committees may receive pursuant to this part. Title V: National Investment Corporation - Establishes the National Investment Association to: (1) overcome financial obstacles that place U.S. firms at an unfair disadvantage in international competition; (2) enable State and local governments to implement business development strategies that respond to regional differences, promote the international competitiveness of U.S. business, and refrain from attracting jobs and economic activity away from other jurisdictions in the United States; and (3) expand working relationships among governments and private financial institutions so that public policy responds to market forces, leverages private investment, and accelerates the removal of disincentives to productive investment in private capital markets. Sets forth provisions for membership of the board of directors of the Association. Sets forth the general powers of the Association. Sets forth capitalization provisions. Prescribes the types of stock which the Association may offer to the public, the activities for which proceeds from such stock may be used, and limitations on the amount of stock which is to be purchased by the Secretary of the Treasury. Authorizes the Association to issue and have outstanding obligations, with the approval of the Secretary of the Treasury. Sets forth provisions for investment in State-based business development. Authorizes the Association to purchase and make commitments to purchase securities which are issued by States or designated corporations to finance activities that are consistent with specified purposes and objectives. Prohibits any such assistance for projects to facilitate relocation of industrial or commercial plants or facilities from one and to another, unless the Association finds that the relocation does not significantly and adversely affect the unemployment or economic base of the area from which the plant or facility is to be relocated. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce, in consultation with the Association, to designate States as participating or nonparticipating for purposes of such investment. Authorizes the Association to certify that a State-wide business investment strategy which is approved by a Governor is in conformance with specified requirements. Directs the Association to make commitments to purchase securities for amounts not to exceed the sum of a State's subscription share, as determined according to a specified formula, and supplemental allocations, as determined under incentive provisions. Allows such commitments to remain in force for up to six years from the date of commitment so long as the State remains a participating State. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to assess and report at least annually to the Congress the degree to which activities of the Association and participating States are contributing to the purpose and objectives of this title. Sets forth provisions for secondary market operations of the Association. Authorizes the Association to: (1) guarantee and make commitments to guarantee the timely payment of principal and interest on obligations which are issued by approved financial institutions and backed by pools or trusts of qualifying business loans or participations in qualifying business loans meeting specified requirements; and (2) purchase such qualifying loans or participations from such institutions, form of such qualifying loans or participations, and issue pools or trust or guarantee obligations backed by such pools or trusts. Provides that the aggregate amount of guarantees under such provisions shall not exceed limitations contained in appropriations Acts. Authorizes the Association, either directly or by contract with governmental agencies or private organizations, to conduct studies and research, publish reports, and provide technical assistance necessary or consistent with the purpose and objectives of this title. Sets forth miscellaneous provisions relating to the Association, including conforming amendments to other Acts. Provides that the Association is not an investment company for purposes of the Investment Company Act of 1940. Sets forth provisions for executive and congressional oversight of the Association. Directs the Association to report quarterly and annually on its operations to the Secretary of Commerce who shall report annually on such operations to the Congress. Directs the Secretary to review proposed regulations of the Association within 45 days of their publication for comment. Directs the Comptroller General to audit the operations of the Association annually and report on such audit to the Congress. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to: (1) study methods for transferring ownership of the Association to the public; and (2) within five years after enactment of this Act, report to the Congress on the results of such study, including any plan or other recommendation for such transfer. Title VI: Balance of Payments and Competitiveness - Part A: Domestic Industrial Adjustments - Industrial Adjustment Act of 1984 - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to add new provisions for the implementation of trade adjustment plans. Requires the Council on Economic Competitiveness and Cooperation, at the same time as the United States International Trade Commission is conducting an investigation, to conduct an analysis as to the requirements for an adjustment plan for the industry with respect to which such investigation relates. Directs the Council, within 30 days after the Commission reports to the President, to submit to the President: (1) a determination as to whether an adjustment plan is necessary; and (2) if necessary, a recommended adjustment plan. Sets forth requirements for such adjustment plans, including recommending legislation. Directs the President, within 60 days after the Commission reports, to make such plan (excluding any confidential information) available to the public. Sets forth procedures to be followed by the President and the Congress in taking actions and considering legislation relating to such adjustment plans. Revises specified provisions of the Trade Act of 1974 to coordinate provisions established under this Act. Makes conforming amendments relating to the authority of Congress to take action with respect to such adjustment plans. Provides for monitoring of programs which benefit a specific industry. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to collect specified information with respect to the nature and extent of any foreign government's planning or carrying on a program to promote a specific industry which imports products into the United States. Directs the Secretary to: (1) publish notice of the commencement of such monitoring; and (2) solicit comments and information by published notice and through direct consultations with the domestic industry affected, importers, and the foreign government concerned. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to initiate a countervailing duty operation and/or an antidumping investigation pursuant to the Tariff Act of 1930, upon determining on the basis of information collected in such monitoring that as a result of a foreign government promotional program there is reasonable likelihood that goods are or will be sold in the United States at less than fair value. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish an Office of Trade Monitoring to gather, organize, compile, and maintain information concerning foreign government programs to promote particular industries. Requires that such information be made available on request to any Federal agency, Member of Congress, or interested member of the public. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to analyze and report quarterly to the Congress on the information collected under such monitoring provisions, together with an assessment of the likely impact of the programs being monitored on domestic industries and employment. Requires that a summary of such report be published in the Federal Register. Part B: Agency for International Development - Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Agency for International Development (AID), in implementing its programs, shall take into account specified standards, consistent with the economic policy of the United States, and shall report annually to the Congress as to its conformity to such standards. Sets forth the following standards: (1) AID programs shall encourage employment-based development that will alleviate urban crowding and reduce pressures for emigration from developing countries and that should emphasize service and infrastructure programs to improve the quality of life; (2) when consistent with these development priorities, AID programs should emphasize the application and use of U.S. technology, thereby stimulating U.S. employment, particularly in areas in which the United States enjoys a substantial comparative advantage, such as agriculture, health technology, pharmaceuticals, telecommunications, energy resource extraction and development, and education technology; (3) AID programs should take into account questions of international overcapacity in such industries as steel and petrochemicals; and (4) AID programs should be designed to reduce inflationary pressures by encouraging self-sufficiency in energy and food production.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1984
Reaffirms that it is U.S. policy to oppose the practice of torture by foreign governments through the implementation of laws and through public and private diplomacy. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should: (1) instruct the U.S. representative to the United Nations to continue to raise the issue of torture by such governments; and (2) continue to involve the U.S. Government in the formulation of international standards and the implementation of the draft Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. Requests the Secretary of State to issue specified formal instructions to each U.S. mission chief regarding U.S. policy with respect to such torture. States that the Secretary of Commerce should continue to enforce the current restrictions on the export of crime control equipment pursuant to the Export Administration Act of 1979. Directs the heads of U.S. departments that furnish military and law enforcement training to foreign personnel to include in such training instruction regarding international human rights standards with respect to torture.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1984
Congratulates and commends the United States of America Philharmonic Society for its work on behalf of the Nation's young musicians and its commitment to furthering better understanding among peoples of all nations through the language of music.
United States · United States Congress · 20 June 1984
Designates August 1, 1984, as Helsinki Human Rights Day. Authorizes and requests the President to issue a proclamation reasserting the American commitment to full implementation of the human rights and humanitarian provisions of the Helsinki Accords. Requests the President to raise the issue of noncompliance with such provisions with the Soviet Union and Eastern European countries at every available opportunity.
United States · United States Congress · 20 June 1984
Congratulates and commends the USA Philharmonic Society for its work on behalf of the Nation's young musicians and its commitment to furthering better understanding among peoples of all nations through the language of music.
United States · United States Congress · 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 · 8 June 1984
Condemns the infringement of religious freedom by the Warsaw Pact states. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the United States should raise the failure of the Warsaw Pact states to fulfill commitments on religious freedom undertaken in the Helsinki Final Act and to respect international law on human rights in the area of religion at every appropriate international forum, including all of the meetings of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe, and appropriate gatherings of the United Nations.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1984
Veterans' and Survivors' Compensation Rate Increase Act of 1984 - Title I: Disability Compensation Rate Increases - Increases the rates of: (1) veterans' disability compensation; (2) additional compensation for dependents; and (3) the clothing allowance for certain disabled veterans. Title II: Dependency and Indemnity Compensation Rate Increases - Increases the rates of: (1) dependency and indemnity compensation for spouses; (2) dependency and indemnity compensation for children; and (3) supplemental dependency and indemnity compensation for children. Title III: Alternative Rate Increases; Effective Date - Sets forth the effective dates for such increases. Makes the effective dates and amounts of increase contingent upon the percent of increase in benefits under title II of the Social Security Act scheduled to take effect on December 1, 1984.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 1984
American Footwear Act of 1984 - Limits the imports of nonrubber footwear to 400,000,000 pairs per year. Directs the Secretary of Commerce (the Secretary) to allocate the import limitations among foreign countries, taking into consideration: (1) average levels of imports for the period 1978 through 1982; (2) findings of unfair trade practices with respect to nonrubber footwear products; and (3) recent market trends. Requires the Secretary to publish annually in the Federal Register the permissible level of imports by country, groups of countries, or area. Directs the Secretary and the Secretary of the Treasury to take all necessary actions to enforce this Act. Authorizes the Secretaries to issue such implementing regulations as necessary to effect the purposes of this Act and to enforce its provisions.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1984
Uniform Minimum Drinking Age Act of 1984 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to withhold five percent in FY 1987, and ten percent in FY 1988, of certain Federal-aid highway funds from States in which the minimum drinking age is less than 21 years.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1984
Authorizes the Kahlil Gibran Centennial Foundation of Washington, District of Columbia, to erect a memorial on public ground in the District of Columbia in commemoration of the Lebanese-American poet and artist, Kahil Gibran. Provides that the memorial shall be in the form of a sculptured monument and shall be designated the Kahlil Gibran Memorial. Directs the Secretary of the Interior, with the approval of the National Commission of Fine Arts and the National Capital Planning Commission, to select a site on public grounds for such memorial. Subjects the design and any plans for the memorial to the approval of the Secretary, the National Commission of Fine Arts, and the National Capital Planning Commission. Prohibits the United States or the District of Columbia from expending any money for the establishment of the memorial. Provides that the authority of this resolution shall lapse unless: (1) construction is commenced within five years from the enactment of this resolution; and (2) prior to the commencement of construction, the Secretary determines that sufficient funds are available for the completion of the memorial. Makes the maintenance and care of the monument the responsibility of the Secretary of the Interior.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1984
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the parties in the New Ireland Forum are to be commended for their efforts to promote reconciliation of the two communities in Northern Ireland; and (2) all political parties in Northern Ireland and the British and Irish Governments should review the findings and recommendations of the Forum.
![Official portrait of Sen. Mitchell, George J. [D-ME]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/m000811_200.jpg)