United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1984
Intellectual Property Rights Protection and Fair Trade Act 1984 - Directs the President to review, on a country by country basis, the adequacy and effectiveness of such country's efforts to protect the intellectual property rights of U.S. nationals in the context of U.S. trade relations, including, but not limited to, negotiations with respect to a General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) convention and the implementation of treaties and conventions. Requires the President to consult with private sector representatives as required by the Trade Act of 1974. Directs the President to report the results of such review to Congress within one year after enactment of this Act, including recommendations for bilateral and multilateral initiatives, negotiating plans and priorities, dealing with inadequate protections in high technology areas, and the imposition of trade suspensions or denials of trade concessions. Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to prohibit the President from designating as a beneficiary developing country for purposes of such Act a country which fails to provide adequate intellectual property protection to U.S. nationals or does not assume a constructive role with respect to GATT or compliance with existing treaties and conventions. Permits the President to exempt any country where substantial progress is being made upon presenting written assurances to that effect to Congress. Permits an exemption, up to one year, for any country if it would be in the security or economic interest of the United States. Requires written notification to Congress. Permits a one year extension of such exemption. Requires the President to withdraw or suspend the designation of a beneficiary developing country if after two years after the initial report under this Act is submitted, such country fails to comply with the requirements or qualify for an exemption under this Act. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize the President to assist developing nations in establishing and enforcing effective systems for the protection of intellectual property rights. Sets forth the factors the President must consider in determining whether or not to provide such assistance, including the good faith efforts of the country in question, the relative economic importance of such country, the extent of protection deficiency, and the threat to the technological and trade interests of the United States. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1984
Urea Formaldehyde Foam Insulation Corrective Measures Act - Title I: Financial and Other Assistance - Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, through the Federal Housing Administration, to guarantee loans of up to $10,000 and to make interest reduction payments on such loans in order to assist persons in taking corrective measures with respect to urea formaldehyde foam insulation in their homes, or to reimburse persons for measures taken. Lists expenses for which such loans may be used. Authorizes the Secretary to provide technical assistance to help a homeowner identify the presence of urea formaldehyde foam insulation, detect the level of formaldehyde gas, and take corrective measures. Provides that a person shall be eligible for assistance under this Act only if such person: (1) owns a home in which the level of formaldehyde gas from such insulation exceeds a level determined by the Secretary to adversely affect the health of residents; (2) incurred expenses in taking corrective measures with respect to such insulation installed after December 31, 1969, and before enactment of this Act; and (3) submits an application within 18 months after notice of the availability of such assistance is published. Prohibits any person from receiving such assistance for more than three homes. Directs the Secretary to: (1) publish in the Federal Register a notice of the availability of, and application procedures for, such assistance; (2) conduct audits of the use of such assistance; and (3) report to Congress on such assistance program annually. Authorizes appropriations. Title II: Denial of Energy Credit - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to deny any residential energy tax credit for expenditures for the installation of urea formaldehyde foam insulation.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1984
States that the United States joins in recognizing the anniversaries of the Warsaw uprising and the Polish resistance to the World War II invasion of Poland.
United States · United States Congress · 30 March 1984
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should take steps to: (1) issue a proclamation commemorating the Ukrainian famine of 1933; (2) issue a warning that the continued enslavement of the Ukrainian nation is a threat to world peace; and (3) convey to the Soviet people U.S. sentiments for the recovery of Ukrainian freedom and independence.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1984
Expresses the sense of the Senate that congressional action is necessary to consummate any sale of the Consolidated Rail Corporation (Conrail) and that congressional hearings should be held regarding the activities of the Department of Transportation with respect to such sale.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1984
White House Conference on Small Business Authorization Act - Calls upon the President to conduct a National White House Conference on Small Business, not earlier than January 1, 1985, and not later than September 1, 1986, to: (1) increase public awareness of the contributions of small business; (2) identify small business problems; (3) examine the status of minority and women small business owners; (4) assist small business in carrying out its role as the nation's job creator; (5) develop specific recommendations for executive and legislative action; and (6) review the status of recommendations adopted at the Conference. Authorizes and directs Federal departments, agencies, and instrumentalities to provide support and assistance to the planning of such conference. Requires a final report of the Conference, within six months from the date such conference is convened, to be submitted to the President and the Congress. Requires the Small Business Administration to report annually to the Congress for the next three years following the submission of the final report of the Conference. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1984
Commission on the Ukraine Famine Act - Establishes a Commission to be known as the Commission on the Ukraine Famine which shall study the 1932-1933 Ukraine famine in order to: (1) expand the world's knowledge of the famine; and (2) provide the American public with a better understanding of the Soviet system. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1984
Omnibus Health Services and Health Services Research Programs Act of 1984 - Title I: Categorical Programs - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize FY 1985 through 1987 appropriations for: (1) health services research; and (2) health statistics. Establishes in the Department of Health and Human Services (to be located in the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health) the Center for Medical Technology Assessment. Directs such Center to assess health care technologies, including whether specific medical technologies should be reimbursable under Federal health programs. Subjects grants or contracts in excess of $50,000 to scientific peer review. Establishes the National Council on Medical Technology Assessment to serve as an advisory body and to review grant and contract applications. Obligates funds appropriated under this Act for such Council for FY 1985 through 1987. Authorizes FY 1985 through 1987 appropriations for: (1) childhood immunization; (2) tuberculosis prevention; (3) venereal disease prevention; (4) acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) prevention and information dissemination; (5) migrant health; and (6) community health centers. Directs the Secretary, through the Centers for Disease Control, to establish a six-month supply of childhood disease vaccines. Repeals part C (Primary Care Block Grants) of title X of such Act. Title II: Health Maintenance Organizations - Repeals requirements regarding: (1) health systems agency review; (2) periodic compliance demonstration; (3) funding source limitations; and (4) specified reports. Makes the existing quarterly State law digest update an annual update. Authorizes FY 1985 through 1987 appropriations. Title IV: Family Planning - Authorizes FY 1985 through 1987 appropriations for: (1) family planning services; (2) training; and (3) information services. Title V: Alcohol, Drug Abuse and Mental Health Services Block Grant - Authorizes FY 1985 through 1987 appropriations for alcohol, drug abuse, and mental health services. Requires State mental health authorities to develop arrangements to protect the interests of employees adversely affected by mental health services delivery changes. Provides that for FY 1986 and 1987 mental health grants shall be distributed as basic grants and population-based incentive grants. Authorizes FY 1985 appropriations for incentive grant application assistance. Requires a State to develop and submit a comprehensive mental health services delivery plan in order to be eligible for such incentive grants. Sets forth minimum plan requirements. Requires each State to establish a mental health services Advisory Council.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1984
Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to authorize appropriations for: (1) FY 1985 through 1987 to be used by the Secretary of Commerce to assist in the planning and construction of public telecommunications facilities; and (2) FY 1987 through 1989 for the Public Broadcasting Fund used by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1984
Family Violence Prevention and Services Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to States to assist in supporting the establishment, maintenance, and expansion of programs and projects to: (1) prevent incidents of family violence; and (2) provide shelter and related assistance for victims and dependents of victims of family violence. Sets forth requirements for grant applications. Limits to five percent of such grant funds the amount which may be used for State administrative costs. Requires that at least 70 percent of such funds be distributed to nonprofit private organizations (including religious and charitable organizations and voluntary associations). Requires that the remainder be distributed to local public agencies. Requires the State, in distributing such funds, to give special emphasis to the support of community-based projects of demonstrated effectiveness, particularly those with the primary purpose of operating shelters for victims and dependents and those which provide counseling, alcohol and drug abuse treatment, and self-help services to abusers and victims. Prohibits projects receiving grant funds from: (1) requiring a minimum length of stay for shelter residents; or (2) censoring mail or telephone calls of shelter residents, or interfering in any way with reconciliation efforts, unless requested to do so by the resident. Requires States receiving grants to certify, within one year after receipt of such funds, to the Secretary that the State has a procedure for the eviction of an abusing spouse from a shared residence. Permits grant funds to be used to provide shelter and related assistance to victims of violence by individuals with whom they reside, provided that victims of family violence are first served. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to Indian tribes and intertribal organizations for such projects for the prevention of family violence and for shelters and related assistance for victims and dependents. Sets forth limits on the amount of such grants to single entities other than States. Prohibits direct payments to victims or dependents. Prohibits imposition of income eligibility standards. Requires local grant recipients to provide local shares of grant funds. Requires that at least 75 percent of grant funds be distributed to entities to provide immediate shelter and related assistance to victims and dependents. Sets forth formulas for allotment of such grant funds to States and to specified U.S. territories and possessions. Sets forth provisions for administration of programs under this title. Directs the Secretary to: (1) maintain records on programs under this title and coordinate all Federal programs relating to family violence; (2) support research on the provision of shelter and related assistance to victims and dependents; and (3) establish a national information and resource clearinghouse on family violence to be coordinated with the information clearinghouse maintained by the National Center on Child Abuse and Neglect. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to, or contracts with, public or nonprofit private entities to provide technical assistance, training, and outreach services. Directs the Secretary to review, evaluate, and report to the Congress on the effectiveness of the program (particularly in relation to repeated incidents of family violence) under this title, within two years after funds are first obligated for program grants. Sets forth prohibitions against discrimination in programs funded under this title. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1984 through 1986 to carry out this title. Requires that: (1) 90 percent of such appropriations be used for grants to States, with between one-half and one percent of those appropriations to be available for grants to Indian tribes and intertribal organizations; and (2) ten percent of such appropriations be used by the Secretary to carry out this title. Directs the Secretary to establish an office to be known as the National Center on Elder Abuse. Directs the Secretary, through the Center, to do the following with respect to elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation: (1) compile, publish, and disseminate a summary annually of recently conducted research; (2) develop and maintain an information clearinghouse on all programs showing promise of success in prevention, identification, and treatment; (3) compile, publish, and disseminate personnel training materials; (4) provide technical assistance to public and nonprofit private agencies and organizations in planning, improving, developing, and carrying out related programs and activities; (5) conduct research into causes, prevention, treatment, and identification; and (6) make a complete study and investigation (in consultation with the National Institute on Aging) of the national incidence, including a determination of the extent to which incidents are increasing in number or severity. Directs the Secretary, within 18 months after enactment of this Act, to report to the President and Congress on the results of such research, with appropriate recommendations. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the activities of the Center. Directs the Attorney General to make grants for regionally-based training and technical assistance for local and State law enforcement agency personnel to respond to incidents of family violence. Provides for awarding of such grants on a competitive basis. Directs the Attorney General to: (1) select recipients who have demonstrated their effectiveness in preparing such personnel to handle such incidents; and (2) give priority to application proposals to develop, demonstrate, or disseminate information about improved techniques for law enforcement officers' response to such incidents. Authorizes appropriations for such grants for each of the fiscal years for which this title is in effect. Directs the Secretary to study: (1) the necessity and impact of mandatory reporting requirements relating to incidents of family violence, particularly elder abuse; and (2) the effect of immunity on the mandatory reporting process. Directs the Secretary, within 18 months after enactment of this Act, to report to Congress on the results of such study, with appropriate recommendations. Authorizes appropriations to carry out such study.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1984
Medicare Solvency and Health Care Financing Reform Act of 1984 - Adds a new title XXI to the Public Health Service Act entitled "Programs For Reforming the Health Care Financing System." Sets forth part A of such title entitled "State Health Care Programs." Provides that if a State transmits to the Secretary of Health and Human Services, within one year of the enactment of this Act, a statement that the State intends to submit a health care plan (described below), for purposes of making payments to the State under title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act the Federal medical assistance percentage shall be 102 percent of such percentage as otherwise determined under Medicaid for such State for up to one year. Directs the Secretary to exempt hospitals in a State from the prospective payment limits established under this Act for certain time periods occurring during the first year of the transition period (defined in part C of title XXI as the 24-month period beginning January 1985) if: (1) the State requests such treatment; (2) the State indicates an intention to have implemented a State plan under title XXI which will provide for a recoupment of any revenues received in excess of the amounts permitted under part A; and (3) the State has agreed, with respect to such hospitals, that if a State plan under this Act is not implemented by the end of the first year of the transition period, then the Secretary shall provide for such adjustment in the prospective payment limits under part I of part B as will provide for recoupment in the subsequent year of any revenues received in excess of amounts permitted. Authorizes a State to apply to the Secretary for the approval of a health care plan for the State for an initial period of up to three years, subject to disapproval. Authorizes extensions of such initial period for up to two additional years. Provides that, for any one year period, in the case of any State with an approved plan: (1) the transitional period provisions of subpart I of part B of title XXI shall not apply; (2) requirements for reimbursement (other than those relating to beneficiary cost sharing) under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act shall be waived; and (3) for purposes of making payments to a State under Medicaid the Federal medical assistance percentage shall, for the year the plan is in effect, be 103 percent (or 104 percent in the case of an unrestricted Medicaid plan) of the amount of the Federal medical assistance percentage otherwise determined under Medicaid and 102 percent (or 103 percent in the case of an unrestricted Medicaid plan) for any subsequent year (except for any extension period) of the amount of the Federal medical assistance percentage otherwise determined. Defines "unrestricted Medicaid plan" as a State Medicaid plan which does not impose any limitation on the scope or duration of inpatient hospital services other than requiring that such services be medically necessary. Directs the Secretary to annually review each approved plan. Requires the continued approval, for a certain time, of a plan not in compliance, if the State certifies that it will comply within a stated time period. Permits a further extension of approval if there is a trend towards compliance. Provides for the establishment of a Federal program with respect to hospitals for a State which cannot comply. Requires a State plan, in order to be approved, to meet the general requirements set forth below and, if applicable, certain requirements relating to ratesetting plans. Permits a plan, in meeting the general requirements, to be designed in a manner that meets such requirements through a ratesetting system, a voluntary system, or through the use of competitive mechanisms. Requires a plan to be designed in a manner so as to provide, to the satisfaction of the Secretary, that: (1) the amount of the total revenues per discharge for all hospitals in the State for each year beginning before 1987 in which the plan is in effect may not exceed the base general hospital revenues per discharge increased by the sum of the compounded sum of the percentage limits for a year and the previous years for which the State plan was in effect, and the population-discharge factor; and (2) the amount of the total revenues per discharge for all services furnished to hospitals inpatients for all hospitals in the State for each year beginning after 1986 in which the plan is in effect may not exceed the sum of the base general hospital revenues per discharge increased by the sum of the compounded sum of the percentage limits for a year and the previous years for which the State plan was in effect, and the population-discharge factor, plus the base physician-related hospital revenues per discharge increased by the sum of the compounded sum of the percentage limits for a year and the previous years for which the plan is in effect and provided for a limitation under this clause (2), and the population-discharge factor. Authorizes a State, at its option, to apply the test specified in clause (2) instead of the test specified in clause (1) with respect to years prior to 1986. Permits a plan, instead of meeting the above requirements, to meet such other alternative test of constraint of health care costs as the Secretary determines will not result in a greater expenditure of funds under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act and by private payers than would have been made if the plan met the above requirements. Requires a plan to be designed so as to provide that the amount of revenues for inpatient hospital services and physicians' services to hospital inpatients and individuals entitled to benefits under parts A (Hospital Insurance) and B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of title XVIII of the Social Security Act may not exceed the amount which would otherwise be payable (including copayments and deductibles) for such services under title XVIII. Permits a plan (other than a plan providing for the establishment of rates of hospital reimbursement for hospital inpatient services) to provide that payment under title XVIII for inpatient hospital services and for other services furnished to hospital inpatients shall continue to be made in the amounts and in the manner otherwise provided under Medicare. Requires that the unreimbursed costs incurred by hospitals in providing services to low-income, uninsured, or underinsured patients (other than Medicare or Medicaid patients) be paid pursuant to a plan in an amount which must, in the aggregate, be the same proportion of total revenues as such unreimbursed costs are of total costs of patients who are neither Medicare nor Medicaid patients. Provides that such unreimbursed costs shall be paid through distribution of funds pooled at the statewide level, through a higher payment rate, or through another method approved by the Secretary. Requires a plan to have a mechanism for providing fair hearings for hospitals and any other entities aggrieved by determinations made under the plan. Requires a State to provide for the appointment of a panel, consisting of members with expertise in health care economics and service delivery, to advise in the development and implementation of its plan, periodically review and propose modifications to the plan, and establish the methodology for establishing the percentage limit used to compute hospital revenues. Requires such methodology to include the use of appropriate external price indicators, the use of data from major collective-bargaining agreements for nonsupervisory hospital employees, and other appropriate indicators of wage costs. Requires the methodology to be approved by the Secretary. Requires a plan, to the extent that it provides for meeting plan requirements through a system which provides for the establishment of rates for hospital reimbursement for hospital inpatient services by an entity other than the hospital, to meet the following additional requirements: (1) except as provided in clause (2), the plan must provide equitable treatment of all entities that pay for health services covered under the plan, of hospital employees, and of patients; (2) if the plan is established under State law, the plan must take into account the proportion of costs associated with, and services covered by, the different payors, including Medicare and Medicaid, and may not permit undue shifting of proportions of costs among the different payors; (3) the plan may not make available any discount in price to any purchaser unless the discount accurately reflects economic benefits to a hospital resulting from a service arrangement with a purchaser and the discount is made available to all other purchasers who can satisfy such service; and (4) the plan must provide a procedure whereby, upon the request of a hospital, an adjustment can be considered to the rate limitation applicable under the plan to that hospital to reflect a significant change in the inpatient hospital services, increased costs for the compensation of employees, funds necessary to provide for the efficient operation of a hospital which the State has determined should remain in operation, and higher expenses associated with a regional tertiary care institution, teaching hospital, or children's hospital. Directs the Secretary, in reviewing a plan which provides for control of hospital inpatient costs through a competitive mechanism, to take into account the degree to which the plan provides for the following or other measures to improve price competition among providers: (1) the plan provides for open enrollment periods; (2) the plan provides for the dissemination of information concerning different health benefits plans; (3) the plan encourages innovation and public incentives to new forms of health care delivery and financing; (4) there are negotiated prices and risk-sharing between insurers and health care providers; and (5) the laws of the State do not impose legal barriers to competition in negotiated and other arrangements among insurers and health care providers. Sets forth part B of title XXI entitled "Residual Federal Program" subpart I of part B entitled "Transition Period." Provides that, subject to the provisions of subpart I, for any accounting period of a hospital subject to subpart I the total revenues for inpatient hospital services may not exceed the total of such revenues that are permitted on the basis of prospective payment limits established under subpart I for the hospital's discharges as classified by diagnosis-related groups. Requires each hospital subject to a limitation on revenues under subpart I to provide for the publication of a price list which establishes the price per discharge which any payor may pay for inpatient hospital services. Requires a hospital to submit its price list to the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to determine (for each accounting period) a prospective payment limit for inpatient hospital services for discharges classified by diagnosis-related groups. Sets forth the method for determining and adjusting the limit for each hospital for discharges. Authorizes the Secretary, at the request of a hospital, to increase the allowable revenues for an accounting period or provide for an increase in the base number of discharges otherwise permitted under subpart I to allow for higher revenues than would otherwise be permitted if: (1) a major renovation or replacement of physical plant or significant change in the capacity of the hospital has occurred; (2) the hospital is a sole community provider or provides a disproportionate percentage of its services to low-income or Medicare patients, the hospital would otherwise be insolvent, and the State has determined that the hospital should remain open; (3) a larger revenue increase is needed because the hospital is a regional tertiary care institution, teaching hospital or children's hospital; and (4) there has been a significant change in the characteristics of the hospital's mix of patients. Subjects a hospital which has total inpatient revenues for an accounting period in excess of its applicable limit to a civil penalty, unless the excess is deposited in an escrow account. Permits withdrawals from the account upon the Secretary's certification that the total inpatient revenues of a hospital for an accounting period fall below the applicable limit for that period. Imposes a civil penalty upon a physician or other person or entity (other than a hospital) who has charged any person or entity for inpatient hospital services which are required by law to be billed to a hospital. Sets forth provisions relating to notice, opportunity for a hearing, and appeal of such penalties. Prohibits a hospital from engaging in an admission practice that results in: (1) a refusal to admit a patient who is unable to pay for inpatient hospital services; (2) the refusal to admit a patient who would be expected to require unusually costly or prolonged treatment; or (3) the refusal to provide emergency services to any person in need of such services. Sets forth penalties, including exclusion from Medicare or Medicaid participation, for hospitals committing such admissions violations. Sets forth subpart II of Part B entitled "Post-Transition Period." Provides that in the case of a State not having a plan approved under part A and in effect for any period beginning after the transition period, the Secretary shall establish and implement a health care plan for such State for such period which meets the requirements of part A, with specified differences. Sets forth definitions under part C of title XXI. Establishes an Advisory Committee on Health Care Technologies and Procedures. Directs the Advisory Committee to examine the appropriateness of the various interventions and the conditions under which they are needed, the safety and efficacy of alternative therapeutic and preventive regimens, and the standards for availability and utilization of various technologies, and to publicly report on whether or not payments should be made for such services and, if so, under what conditions and frequency of service. Exempts individuals enrolled in health maintenance organizations and competitive medical plans from the limits established under title XXI on revenues and discharge of a hospital if: (1) the organization elects such treatment; or (2) the organization annually pays for more than 20 percent of the number of bed-days of care with respect to that hospital. Amends provisions of the Public Health Service Act relating to employees' health benefits plans to provide that if an employer makes a contribution with respect to the costs of a health benefits plan of an employee and the employer offers the option of membership in a health maintenance organization or a competitive medical plan, which membership provides benefits at least actuarially equivalent to those provided under the other health benefits plan, the employer shall: (1) contribute at least as much towards the membership as the maximum amount of the employer's contribution to the other plan; (2) provide for a cash rebate if the contribution with respect to any other health benefits plan exceeds the cost of membership with the organization; and (3) provide information to employees that reasonably compares the benefits and costs of different plans. Exempts from the provisions of the previous sentence employees of an employer represented by a collective bargaining representative or other employee representative selected under any law. Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, with respect to health maintenance organizations and competitive medical plans, to provide that the annual per capita rate of payment for each class of members shall be 100 percent in the care of individuals enrolled with an eligible organization in an area where at least 30 percent of the individuals eligible to enroll with an organization are enrolled. Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to exempt a health maintenance organization which is a public entity from the requirement that at least 75 percent of its membership be Medicaid eligible or insured under part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of title XVIII or under both parts A (Hospital Insurance) and B of title XVIII. Directs the Secretary, under the prospective payment provisions of title XVIII of the Social Security Act, to provide that in the case of a State health care plan approved under Part A of title XXI of the Public Health Service Act payments with respect to services covered under title XXI: (1) may, at the State's option, be made in accordance with title XXI rather than Medicare; or (2) shall be made in accordance with title XXI rather than Medicare in the case of a plan which provides for the control of hospital costs through a title XXI ratesetting mechanism. Provides for increased Medicare payments to a hospital for its operating costs if the number of admissions for an accounting period exceeds the hospital's admissions during a specified base period. Directs the Secretary to determine a regionally adjusted capital-related prospective payment rate for each inpatient hospital discharge in accordance with a specified formula. Directs the Secretary, for each diagnosis-related group, to estimate the average per discharge amount of charges recognized under part B of title XVIII attributable to items and services furnished to inpatients within such group during 1983. Provides that, subject to the part B deductible and subject to other provisions of the Medicare prospective payment rate provisions, with respect to each individual entitled to benefits under part A and enrolled under part B of title XVIII who is a hospital inpatient and whose discharge is classified within a diagnosis-related group, the Secretary shall provide for payment to the hospital of an amount equal to 80 percent of a specified rate in lieu of payments otherwise made under part B for inpatient services. Requires that: (1) payments for health care services furnished to inpatients be made to or through a hospital as a condition of the hospital's participation in the Medicare payment; and (2) the Secretary provide for notice to the public and to individuals enrolled under part B of title XVIII of the Social Security Act of such requirement. Permits the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund to borrow at any time from other social security trust funds if it can repay the loan within ten years. Provides for the periodic transfer to the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund from the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund of amounts which the Secretary determines to be equal to a specified fraction of the total revenues of the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund for each fiscal year. Directs the Secretary to conduct and report to Congress on seven studies relating to: (1) health care costs, quality, delivery, and services; and (2) the effects of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1984
Amends the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 to prohibit discrimination against handicapped persons in any program or activity conducted by any recipient of Federal financial assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1984
Fair Trade in Steel Act of 1984 - Declares that it is the policy of Congress that access to the U.S. market for foreign-produced carbon, alloy, and specialty steel mill products should be on an equitable basis to safeguard national security, insure orderly trade in steel mill products, reduce unfair trade in steel mill products, and alleviate U.S. balance-of-payments problems. Expresses the intent of Congress to: (1) expand the economic viability of the U.S. steel industry and the jobs of its workers; (2) prevent the further decline of the domestic steel industry; and (3) temper the economic hardships resulting from unemployment in steel industry communities by encouraging reinvestment in existing steelmaking facilities. Limits annual imports of specified steel mill product categories to specified percentages of the apparent domestic supply which are based on adjusted average import penetration levels for each such product category for the years 1979, 1980, and 1981. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to allocate global product limitations among foreign countries, groups of countries, or areas. Sets forth guidelines for making such allocations. Requires the Secretary to make an annual determination of the expected apparent domestic supply in each steel mill product category. Requires the Secretary to revise such determination periodically during the year. Directs the Secretary to determine, within 90 days of enactment of this Act, whether the steel industry companies have plans to use substantially all of the cash flow from the steel sector for reinvestment in and the modernization of the steel sector. Suspends the import restrictions until the Secretary determines that the steel companies have such plans. Directs the Secretary to monitor steel sector investments made and announced by the steel industry and to consult with steel industry representatives and employees in the course of such monitoring. Directs the Secretary to determine annually whether steel companies are using substantially all the cash flow from the steel sector for reinvestment in and modernization of the steel sector. Directs the Secretary to modify or suspend the relevant import restrictions if the Secretary determines that substantially less than all the cash flow from the steel sector is being used for such reinvestment and modernization and that the level of investment is not demonstrably justified by adverse financial conditions within the industry. Directs the Secretary to publish: (1) each annual determination and its rationale; and (2) the total amount of cash flow from the steel sector and the total amount used for reinvestment in and modernization of the steel sector. Requires the Secretary's annual determination to include an evaluation of the steel industry's progress toward fulfillment of the reinvestment and modernization plans. Directs the Secretary to examine the supply and demand situation in the United States for a specified steel product category if reguested by affected steel consumers. Sets forth criteria to be used in determining short supply. Directs the Secretary to monitor imports of fabricated steel mill products. Sets forth the method of investigating whether imports of fabricated steel products are rendering ineffective or materially interfering with the objectives of this Act. Limits the quantity of iron ore that may be entered from all sources during any calendar year after the effective date of this Act. Directs the Secretary to allocate global iron ore limitations among foreign countries, groups of countries or areas. Sets forth guidelines for making such allocation. Directs the Secretary, in making such allocations, to attempt first to accommodate the requirements of individual steel mills which have been traditionally dependent on ocean sourced foreign iron ore and the requirements of contractual obligations incurred before January 1, 1984. Authorizes the Secretary to waive the import restrictions on iron are if necessary to meet the needs of such individual steel mills. Provides for the enforcement and implementation of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 29 February 1984
Impact Aid Authorization Act of 1984 - Amends the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981 to authorize appropriations through FY 1989 for the impact aid program for federally affected schools. Increases the authority for reimbursements to eligible local educational agencies for revenues lost from federally owned, nontaxable property. Requires the Secretary of Education, not later than November 15, of each year, to publish the percentage change in the price index published for October of the preceding fiscal year and October of the fiscal year in which such publication is made. Bases the amount authorized for such impact aid programs on such percentage change. Limits such percentage change to no more than five percent. Repeals the three-year phaseout of impact aid to federally affected schools whose students' parents either live or work on Federal property. Authorizes appropriations for such impact aid through FY 1989.
United States · United States Congress · 29 February 1984
Human Services Reauthorization Act - Title I: Low-Income Home Energy Assistance - Amends the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981 to extend the authorization of appropriations for low-income home energy assistance to FY 1985 through 1989. Includes in the term "energy crisis intervention" household energy related emergencies. Requires that at least five percent of a State's allotment of funds for low-income home energy assistance be reserved until March 15 of each year for energy crisis intervention, which shall be administered by public or nonprofit entities having experience in and the capacity to administer such programs. Requires as part of the annual application for an allotment of funds for low-income home energy assistance that a State agree to: (1) describe the eligibility requirements for households desiring to participate in the low-income home energy assistance program and the manner in which the State determines benefit levels; and (2) indicate the amount which the State will reserve for energy crisis intervention and the administration procedures for designating an emergency and determining the assistance to be provided and for determining the use of funds reserved for energy crisis intervention but not expended for emergencies. Provides that home energy assistance payments provided to a household by a private nonprofit organization or by an entity whose revenues are derived primarily on a rate-of-return basis regulated by the State or Federal Government shall not be considered income for such household for purposes of Federal or State law if the appropriate State agency certifies that such assistance is based on need. Decreases the maximum amount of grant money allotted for a fiscal year to States for low-income home energy assistance which a State may request to be held available for the next fiscal year. Specifies additional home energy and home energy assistance data which the Secretary of Health and Human Services is required to collect on a State-by-State basis. Specifies the dates by which the Secretary's annual reports on such data must be submitted to Congress. Prohibits the Secretary from using more than $350,000 in any fiscal year for demonstration and analysis of effective ways to meet the energy needs of low-income households. Title II: Community Services Block Grant - Amends the Community Services Block Grant Act to increase the authorization of appropriations for community services grants for FY 1985 and 1986 and to authorize appropriations for such grants for FY 1987 through 1989. Permits a State to revise the poverty line for purposes of community services grants to 125 percent of the official poverty line established by the Director of the Office of Management and Budget if the State determines that such revision will serve the objectives of such grants. Revises the amount of funds which a State applying for a community services block grant must agree to make available to community action agencies and organizations serving seasonal or migrant farmworkers. Requires that the remainder of such funds be used to permit existing community action agencies to serve geographic areas not being served or to establish new community action agencies. Sets forth waiver provisions with respect to such funding requirements. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Service to provide training and ongoing activities of national and regional significance related to the purposes of the community services grant program. (Under current law, the Secretary has discretionary authority to provide such training and activities.) Permits the Secretary to make grants, loans, and loan guarantees to nonprofit private organizations applying jointly with business concerns for funding. Title III: Head Start Program - Amends the Head Start Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to administer the Head Start program through the Administration for Children, Youth, and Families within the Department of Health and Human Services. Authorizes the appropriations for the Head Start program for FY 1985 through 1989. Requires the Secretary to reserve for training and technical assistance for each fiscal year funds which are not less than the amount spent for such activities under such Act in FY 1982. Requires the Secretary to designate as Head Start agencies any local public or private nonprofit agency which was receiving funds under any Head Start program on August 31, 1981, if such agency meets program and fiscal requirements established by the Secretary. (Under current law, the Secretary is required to give priority in the designation of Head Start agencies to such local agencies.) Authorizes the Secretary to designate a Head Start agency from among qualified applicants in a community if there is no Head Start agency or program serving such community. Permits each Head Start program operated in a community to provide more than one year of Head Start services to children from age three to the age of compulsory school attendance in the State where the program is located. Requires the Secretary to provide technical assistance and training in connection with Head Start programs. (Under current law, the Secretary is authorized to provide such activities.) Specifies the types of programs which must be included in such training activities.
United States · United States Congress · 29 February 1984
Amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to prohibit certain credit transactions for the acquisition of securities of United States corporations by either United States or non-United States persons where such a transaction is financed by either United States or non-United States lenders if such a transaction is or could be prohibited if made or the transaction had otherwise occurred in a lender's office or other place of business in a State. Permits the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to exempt any class of persons from the application of such regulation. Establishes a private right of action for violations of such margin requirements. Applies the provisions of this Act to any purchase or carrying of securities 30 days after enactment of this Act, if the loan or extension of credit involved originated, or if the loan proceeds used were disbursed, on or after such date.
United States · United States Congress · 29 February 1984
Social Security Disability Determination Reform Act - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to establish disability categories which must be used by a State agency or by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, as appropriate, to describe the condition of an individual at the time a determination is made as to whether such individual is under a disability for purposes of receiving disability benefits under title II. Requires that notice to an individual of a disability determination by the Secretary include, in addition to current law requirements: (1) an explanation of why a particular disability category is determined to best describe such individual's condition; and (2) in the case of an individual for whom vocational rehabilitation services or comprehensive services for independent living would be beneficial, a statement indicating such individual's eligibility for such services, an explanation of the disability review provisions as they apply to such individual, and information on how to apply for such services. Requires that disability cases be reviewed for purposes of determining continuing eligibility for disability benefits at least once every three years where an individual was initially determined to be under a disability that is not permanent and at least once every seven years where an individual was initially determined to be under a permanent disability. Provides that in a case where an individual is under a disability and is receiving vocational rehabilitation services or comprehensive services for independent living, the case shall be reviewed for purposes of continuing eligibility whenever a State agency or the Secretary as appropriate determines that such a review is warranted. Requires a State agency or the Secretary, as appropriate, to refer any individual determined to fall within a disability category under which such individual will benefit from vocational rehabilitation services or comprehensive services for independent living to the appropriate State agency or unit administering such services pursuant to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Specifies the type of rehabilitation services for which individuals determined to be disabled are eligible, depending upon the disability category into which they fall. Sets forth reporting requirements which apply to facilities which provide either vocational rehabilitation services or comprehensive services for independent living. Provides for the reimbursement of the appropriate State unit for the costs of furnishing comprehensive services for independent living pursuant to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 from the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund and from the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund. Revises the length of the period of trial work for individuals who are under a disability but who will benefit from vocational rehabilitation services and may be able to engage in gainful activity in the future. Amends title XVI (Supplemental Security Income) of the Social Security Act to establish disability categories which must be used by a State agency or the Secretary, as appropriate, to describe the condition of an individual at the time a determination is made as to whether such individual is blind or disabled. Requires that notice to an individual of a disability determination include, in addition to current law requirements: (1) an explanation of why a particular category is determined to best describe such individual's condition; and (2) in the case of an individual for whom vocational rehabilitation services or comprehensive services for independent living would be beneficial, a statement indicating such individual's eligibility for such services and information on how to apply for such services. Requires a State agency or the Secretary, as appropriate, to refer any individual determined to fall within a disability category under which such individual will benefit from vocational rehabilitation services or comprehensive services for independent living to the appropriate State agency or unit administering such services pursuant to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Specifies the type of rehabilitation services for which individuals determined to be disabled are eligible, depending upon the disability category into which they fall. Sets forth reporting requirements which apply to facilities which provide either vocational rehabilitation services or comprehensive services for independent living. Provides for the reimbursement of the appropriate State agencies or units for the costs of furnishing comprehensive services for independent living pursuant to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Revises the length of the period of trial work for individuals who are under a disability but who will benefit from vocational rehabilitation services and may be able to engage in gainful activity in the future. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to designate disability benefits recipients under titles II and XVI of the Social Security Act as members of a targeted group of employees with respect to whom an employer may be allowed a tax credit.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1984
Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to allow a jurisdiction to conduct activities under the community development block grant program in areas in which a majority of the residents are not persons of low and moderate income if: (1) such areas have a higher proportion of low- and moderate-income persons than 75 percent of all areas in the jurisdiction; and (2) restricting such activities to the few or small areas in which a majority of the residents are low- and moderate-income persons would not address the needs of such persons in the jurisdiction generally.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1984
Amends the Education Amendments of 1972 to include educational institutions receiving Federal financial assistance within the prohibition against sex discrimination.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1984
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide that nursing care and home health aid services may be provided on a daily basis as home health services for up to 60 days with monthly physician certification of the need for such services, and after the 60 day period, on a physician certification of exceptional circumstances.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1984
Amends the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 to require each Federal agency conducting or supporting an activity (whether inside or outside the Coastal Zone) that produces an identifiable physical, biological, social or economic consequence in the zone, or initiates a chain of events likely to result in such consequences, to conduct or support that activity in a manner which is, to the maximum extent practicable, consistent with approved State management programs. Exempts from such requirement any Federal activity that is: (1) undertaken to counter the immediate effects of a declared national emergency; (2) necessary for reasons of national security; or (3) required by any provision of a Federal law which prevents consistency with any provision of an approved State coastal zone management program.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1984
Declares that it is the sense of Congress that the President should submit a revised budget proposal containing specific provisions to reduce the Federal deficit by a total of at least $200,000,000,000 over the next three fiscal years. Calls for the Congress to act expeditiously through legislative procedures to consider such proposals and enact a deficit reduction package.
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1984
Highway Revenue Equity Act - Provides that for purposes of determining the minimum allocation for any State for highway projects, the amount of taxes paid into the Highway Trust Fund with respect to gasohol and certain methanol and ethanol fuels shall be determined as if such fuels were taxed as gasoline.
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1984
Authorizes the President, on behalf of Congress, to present to Elie Wiesel a gold medal in recognition of his humanitarian efforts and outstanding contributions to world literature and human rights. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to provide for the public sale of bronze duplicates of such medal.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1984
Domestic Petroleum Company Acquisition Act of 1984 - Amends the Clayton Act to prohibit: (1) any major energy concern or affiliate from acquiring voting securities that would provide ownership or control of a domestic petroleum company; and (2) any domestic petroleum company or affiliate from acquiring, owning, or controlling any major energy concern or affiliate. Defines a "major energy concern" as any person engaged in commerce in the United States: (1) whose average net production of crude oil in the previous calendar year exceeded 500,000 barrels per day; or (2) who is under the control of one or more foreign persons. Authorizes the Attorney General, the Federal Trade Commission, or any aggrieved person to bring an action in the appropriate U.S. district court to enjoin such prohibited acts. Provides that temporary or permanent injunctive relief shall be granted upon proper showing. Provides that this Act shall not apply to an acquisition if the parties show that the transaction: (1) is likely to result in a material increase in new energy exploration, extraction, production, or conversion that cannot be achieved otherwise; or (2) is necessary to prevent one or both of the parties from becoming bankrupt.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1984
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the Office of Management and Budget should: (1) withdraw its proposed revisions to Circular A-122 that would prohibit Federal reimbursement of Government contractors and grantees for the cost of lobbying and related activities; and (2) refrain from promulgating any rule that would have a similar effect.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1984
States that the National Open Greco-Roman and the National Open Free Style Championships serve to focus attention on the sport of amateur wrestling. Designates the week beginning April 1, 1984, as National Amateur Wrestling Week.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1984
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code relating to installment sales and the regulations relating to such sales should not be modified or amended in any way that will alter the manner in which mortgage-backed builder bond transactions are currently taxed.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1984
Declares U.S. policy toward Lebanon should include: (1) the prompt withdrawal of U.S. armed forces from the multinational force in Lebanon; (2) a diplomatic effort at the United Nations to replace the multinational force with another peacekeeping force, preferably under U.N. auspices; (3) advising Lebanon of their need to develop a plan which recognizes the aspirations of all groups there; (4) development of diplomatic efforts with Syria to achieve acceptance by Syria of a reconciliation plan for Lebanon; (5) promotion of a dialog between Israel and Lebanon concerning security arrangements and a reconciliation plan for Lebanon; (6) continuation of other efforts to achieve the withdrawal of foreign troops from Lebanon and the reestablishment of a sovereign Lebanon; (7) renewal of efforts to pursue a broader Middle East peace; (8) intensification of U.S. efforts to retrain and reequip the Lebanese Armed Forces; (9) implementation of an economic assistance program for the reconstruction and development of Lebanon; and (10) implementation of military contingency plans to protect U.S. interests from terrorist attacks.
![Official portrait of Sen. Riegle, Donald W., Jr. [D-MI]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/r000249_200.jpg)