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Official portrait of Sen. Stafford, Robert T. [R-VT]

Sen. Stafford, Robert T. [R-VT]

United States · Official source

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1,874 records where Sen. Stafford, Robert T. [R-VT] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years

Law· SS. 49 (99th)enacted

Firearms Owners' Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985

Title I: Amendments to Title 18, United States Code (18 U.S.C. 921-928) - Amends the Gun Control Act of 1968 to redefine: (1) "manufacturer" to mean any person engaged in the "business of manufacturing" (instead of "manufacture" of) firearms or ammunition; and (2) "dealer" to exclude dealers in ammunition. Adds a new definition "engaged in the business" with respect to manufacturer, dealers, and importers. Defines as a manufacturer, dealer, or importer of firearms a person who manufactures or deals in a regular course of trade or business with the principal objective of livelihood and profit. Defines "with the principal objective of livelihood and profit" to mean that the intent underlying the sale or disposition of firearms is predominantly one of obtaining livelihood and pecuniary gain. Excludes as dealers persons making occasional sales or repairs of firearms. Eliminates certain activities involving ammunition from the coverage of the current prohibitions. Permits the interstate sale of handguns where the sale complies with the law of the licensee's State and the State of the purchaser's residence. Presumes the licensee to have actual knowledge of the published laws of the States. Revises the current prohibition against certain classes of persons transporting a firearm or ammunition in interstate commerce to extend such prohibition to possession or receipt in commerce or affecting commerce of any firearm or ammunition. Includes as additional categories illegal aliens, dishonorably discharged members of the armed forces, and U.S. citizens who renounce their citizenship. Excludes ammunition dealers from the current licensing requirements. Declares that a licensed dealer's personal collection of firearms shall not be subject to recordkeeping requirements in specific circumstances. Permits the Secretary of the Treasury to revoke a license only where the holder "willfully" violates a provision of the Act. Bars the Secretary from denying or revoking a license on the basis of violations which are alleged in criminal proceedings instituted against a licensee, where such individual is not convicted of such charges. Allows the Government to voluntarily dismiss criminal charges prior to trial and still proceed with revocation. Imposes as a condition for the inspection or examination of records, documents, firearms, or ammunition that the Secretary has reasonable cause to believe that a violation has occurred and that evidence may be found on the premises. Requires a warrant to be issued for such search. Provides exceptions to such warrant requirement. Requires licensed collectors to maintain records of the receipt, sale, or other disposition of firearms. Requires records maintained by a licensee who has discontinued business to be delivered to the Archivist of the United States and the Secretary of the Treasury and to be disposed of after 20 years. Sets forth information-gathering procedures for tracing firearms and prohibits criminal charges based solely on information provided under those procedures. Prohibits records from being kept at a centralized location or entered in a computer for storage or retrieval. Permits licensed importers, manufacturers, and dealers to conduct business at temporary locations other than the one specified on a license (for example, gun shows). Establishes either a "knowing" (scienter) or a "willful" requirement with respect to general violations of the Act. Imposes additional penalties for the use of a firearm during the commission of a Federal crime of violence and for carrying a firearm in furtherance of a Federal crime of violence. Increases the penalties for the criminal misuse of firearms by making such penalties mandatory and at higher fine levels or longer prison terms than current law requires. Extends to first offenders the requirement, currently applicable only to second offenders, that the court not suspend any sentence or grant probation. Prohibits the granting of parole to first and subsequent offenders. Declares that no person shall be subject to the additional, mandatory penalties if use of the firearm or destructive device was a nonfelonious attempt to protect persons or property. Amends the forfeiture provision to subject to seizure any firearm or ammunition "involved in or used" in a knowing violation of the Gun Control Act (instead of "involved in or used or intended to be used"). Directs the court to award attorney fees to the prevailing party (other than the United States) in a proceeding for the return of seized firearms or ammunition. Requires the court to award such fees in any other action upon a finding that the action was without foundation or was initiated in bad faith. Limits seizure to firearms individually identified as involved in the violation. Revises the current procedure allowing persons who have been convicted of a crime to apply to the Secretary for relief from the firearms prohibitions. Permits any person prohibited from possessing, shipping, transporting, or receiving firearms or ammunition to apply for relief. Requires, instead of permits, the Secretary to grant release, unless the applicant will be likely to act in a manner dangerous to public safety. Permits any person who is denied relief to seek de novo judicial review in Federal court. Imposes on the applicant the burden of proof. Makes the authority of the Secretary to permit importation of certain types of firearms and ammunition nondiscretionary. Increases the number of types of sporting firearms which may be imported. Amends the rulemaking authority of the Secretary to provide that no regulation may require the transfer of records required under this Act to a facility owned, managed, or controlled by the United States or any State or the establishment of any system of registration of firearms, firearms owners, or firearms transactions. Requires a 90-day public comment period for proposed regulations (no period is currently specified). Prohibits the Secretary from prescribing regulations which require purchasers of black powder to complete affidavits or forms attesting to their exemption from certain provisions of the Federal criminal code. Declares any law or regulation promulgated by any State prohibiting the transfer of an unloaded and not readily accessible firearm or ammunition null and void. Title II: Amendments to Title VII of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 - Repeals title VII of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act (relating to the receipt, possession, or transportation of firearms by felons, dishonorably discharged veterans, mental incompetents, illegal aliens, and persons renouncing their United States citizenship).

Bill· SS. 51 (99th)open

Superfund Improvement Act of 1985

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.

Bill· SS. 53 (99th)reported

Clean Water Act Amendments of 1985

United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985

Clean Water Act Amendments of 1985 - Title I: Regulatory Amendments - Amends the Clean Water Act (Federal Water Pollution Control Act) to extend the authorization of appropriations through FY 1989. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection agency (EPA) to continue the Chesapeake Bay Program and establish an Office for same within EPA to: (1) collect and disseminate research and other information on the environmental quality of the Bay; (2) coordinate Federal research efforts; (3) conduct research on sediment deposition in the Bay; and (4) conduct research on how environmental changes effect the living resources of the Bay, with particular emphasis on the impact of pollutant loadings. Directs the Administrator to make a grant to a State affected by the interstate management plan developed under the Bay Program to implement management mechanisms in the plan if the State has approved and committed to implement all or substantially all aspects of the plan. Requires a State or combination of the States, in order to qualify for such grants, to submit a plan for proposed abatement actions to reduce Bay pollution and meet applicable water quality standards and estimated costs for the approval of the Administrator. Limits such grants to 55 percent of the plan implementation costs. Limits administrative costs. Requires States to submit progress reports biennially to the Administrator for transmittal to the Congress. Directs the Administrator to make a grant to an affected State to assess the principal factors having an adverse effect on the environmental quality of the Narragansett Bay in conjunction with developing and implementing a management program to improve such Bay's water quality. Limits such grants to 55 percent of the program implementation costs. Requires a State to submit a description of the proposed program for Administrator approval, demonstrating that it will: (1) establish a committee to provide advice on design and implementation of a management program and to coordinate communication on issues affecting such Bay's water quality; (2) review and coordinate water pollution abatement programs and research; (3) establish methods for improving sampling data collection and a system for collecting, analyzing, storing, and disseminating such data; and (4) develop and implement water quality management practices and measures to reduce pollutant loadings in such Bay. Requires States to submit annual progress reports to the Administrator. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 through 1988 for such Chesapeake and Narragansett Bays programs. Directs the Administrator to award an annual grant to support a National Clearinghouse on small flows and innovative or alternative technologies information. Extends for three years, through July 1, 1987, the outside compliance dates for direct dischargers to: (1) achieve best available technology (BAT) effluent limitations for toxic pollutants and of nonconventional pollutants; (2) achieve best conventional technology (BCT) for specified conventional pollutants; and (3) meet effluent limitations through best practicable control (BPT) or according to permit requirements based on best judgment. Makes eligibility requirements more stringent for a municipal treatment facility to receive an ocean discharge waiver. Requires such works to be in compliance with applicable pretreatment requirements and, if serving a population of 5,000 or more, to be enforcing a toxic pollutant control program for industrial pollution comparable to Federal categorical pretreatment standards. Requires such a facility to be providing a minimum of primary treatment of its municipal effluent, including disinfection when appropriate, at the time of the waiver application. Requires the affected marine waters to exhibit the physical and tidal characteristics sufficient for effective flushing action. Requires the level of effluent concentration in saline estuarine waters to be nondeleterious to marine life and use. Permits a municipal facility, subject to specified conditions, to apply for an ocean waiver if under a contract made prior to December 31, 1982, if it discharged its sewage into another municipal facility which itself has applied for an ocean waiver. Requires States to identify bodies of water within or adjacent to them which will not meet State water quality standards because of toxic pollutants after the implementation of BAT. Requires the Administrator within two years of this Act's enactment to develop guidelines for such identification and for measuring water quality criteria for toxic pollutants on other than pollutant-by-pollutant criteria, using biomonitoring assessment techniques. Directs the States to establish numerical criteria based on EPA's national water quality criteria for toxic pollutants which could otherwise interfere with designated water uses. Permits such criteria to include the use of biological monitoring or assessments methods. Directs a State, within two years of identifying post-BAT toxic polluted waters, to establish effluent limitations for point sources discharging into such navigable waters, incorporating such limitations into discharge permits and taking substantial nonpoint source pollution into account. Requires compliance within three years of the limitations' establishment and the consideration of public health as a factor when establishing such limitations. Permits the Administrator, with State concurrence, to modify effluent limitations: (1) if a non-toxic polluter demonstrates that complete compliance does not satisfy a reasonable cost-benefit analysis; or (2) for five years if a toxic polluter demonstrates that a modified maximum limitation within the polluter's economic means will result in reasonable progress to post-BAT water quality standards. Directs the Administrator, within three years of this Act's enactment, to publish guidelines for effluent limitations for toxic pollutants for industrial categories currently without such guidelines. Revises national pollutant discharge elimitation systems (NPDES) permits to require a publicly-owned municipal treatment works to meet the requirements of its permits through its own efforts rather than through mandatory pretreatment of conventional pollutants by indirect dischargers. Increases the daily, judicially-imposed civil penalty for violations of the Clean Water Act. Authorizes the Administrator to assess additional civil penalties daily, up to a specified amount, subject to review procedures. Increases criminal penalties for knowing violations of the Clean Water Act to the felony level and establishes criminal penalties for introducing harmful substances into sewer systems or a publicly-owned treatment works. Revises the NPDES to permit the Administrator to delegate a portion of such system to a State with an approved plan for assuming administration of the entire program within five years or for administering one or more discharge categories. Provides for the return of such system to the Federal Government at a State's or the Administrator's behest. Increases from five to ten years the NPDES permit term for those permits without waivers or modifications. Requires the prompt modification of permits whenever more stringent requirements or new pollutant controls are established. Revises venue provisions to permit an applicant for judicial review of certain Administrator actions to bring suit in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal district in which such applicant has its principal place of business or where such applicant transacts the business which is directly affected by the action in question. Increases the appeal period. Provides a random selection procedure to determine the forum when reviews of a particular EPA action have been filed in more than one court. Empowers the court to award attorney's fees to a prevailing or substantially prevailing party. Requires States to develop Administrator-approved nonpoint source pollution management programs identifying: (1) the waters prevented from meeting applicable standards by such pollution; (2) categories of such pollutants; (3) best management practices to institute; (4) an implementation schedule; (5) any additional State authorities necessary for the program, including an implementation schedule for acquiring such authorities; and (6) the effect of existing Federal programs on such program. Provides for resubmittal of rejected programs which are subsequently modified. Directs the Administrator to develop a program for any State which fails to do so and report on his or her actions to the Congress. Directs the Administrator to make grants to States of up to 75 percent of implementation costs if remaining funds are non-Federal. Sets forth a per State allotment schedule, reserving one-third of the available funds for particularly difficult problems, innovative technology, interstate pollution, and Indian tribes. Directs the Administrator to reallot unobligated funds. Sets forth conditions on fund usage. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 through 1988. Requires each State to report to the Administrator annually on its progress. Directs the Administrator to transmit to the Office of Management and Budget and the appropriate Federal departments and agencies a list of those assistance programs and development projects identified by States for which individual assistance applications and projects will be reviewed. Requires each Federal department and agency to modify existing regulations to allow States to conduct such review and accommodate the concerns of the State regarding the consistency of such applications or projects with the State program. Directs the Administrator to collect and make available information pertaining to management practices and implementation methods. Directs the Administrator, within three years of this Act's enactment, to report to the Congress on the State management programs and grants to States. Exempts from permit requirements any effluent limitation, certain stormwater runoff discharges from mining operations or oil or gas exploration, production, processing, or treatment operations. Requires exempted run-offs to be a product of precipitation flows or systems designed to collect or convey such water. Requires that such run-offs be uncontaminated (as determined by the Administrator). Sets forth anti-backsliding requirements relating to renewal or reissuance of NPDES permits. Revises the sewage sludge disposal timetable. Directs the Administrator to identify in two stages, one year apart, starting within six months of this Act's enactment, those toxic pollutants which may be present in sewage sludge in concentrations which may adversely affect public health or the environment. Directs the Administrator to publish regulations specifying acceptable management practices and establishing numerical limitations for each such pollutant and requiring compliance within six months after publication. Requires that such regulations be published within one year of the pollutant's identification. Authorizes the Administrator to promulgate a design, equipment, management practice, or operational standard for certain pollutants if a numerical limitation is not feasible and the same protection can be achieved. Directs the Administrator to finally resolve disputes between States as to whether a proposed or already permitted discharge or a discharge not subject to permit in one State would or does violate water quality standards or adversely affect public health in another State. States that nothing in the Clean Water Act preempts redress mechanisms available under State common law or other Federal statutes. Applies State law in cases of interstate pollution. Directs the Administrator, within two years after the enactment of this Act, to report to the Congress on hazardous wastes identified or listed under the Solid Waste Disposal Act which are excluded from regulation under hazardous waste management provisions of such Act (under regulations exempting mixtures of domestic sewage and other wastes that pass through a sewer system to a publicly owned treatment works for treatment). Requires that such report evaluate whether such exclusion should continue. Permits the town of Hampton, New Hampshire, to continue using its ad valorem tax user charge system for collecting the costs of operation and maintenance of its sewage treatment works in satisfaction of specified requirements for grants for treatment works. Requires the Administrator to review such system for compliance with other requirements. Imposes a cap on raw sewage discharges from the drainage areas of the North River plant, Manhattan, New York, and the Red Hook Plant, Brooklyn, New York, into navigable waters (the Hudson-Raritan Estuary) if New York City fails to meet the deadlines for achieving advanced preliminary treatment contained in the consent decree of December 30, 1982 (August 1, 1986, for the North River plant; August 1, 1987, for the Red Hook plant). Permits the Administrator to raise such cap for seasonal variation or so-called acts of God. States that violations of this Act shall be considered violations of the Clean Water Act, as well as of the consent decree. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Administrator should not agree to any further modification of the advanced preliminary treatment schedule in the consent decree. Directs the Administrator to work with New York City, implement monitoring activities for both plants, and commence enforcement actions in the event of unexcused violations. Title II: Construction Grant Amendments - Authorizes appropriations for publicly-owned waste treatment works construction grants for FY 1986 through FY 1990. Allocates funds among the States.

Bill· SS. 52 (99th)referred

Acid Rain Control Act of 1985

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.

Bill· SJRESS.J.Res. 8 (99th)referred

A joint resolution to approve the Interstate and Interstate Substitute Cost Estimates, to amend title 23 of the United States Code, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985

Approves the interstate highway cost estimate for FY 1985 and 1986 and the interstate substitute cost estimate 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. Approves the interstate highway cost estimate for FY 1987 and 1988. Revises the procedure for releasing interstate construction funds and interstate substitute funds, including allowing the Secretary to release such funds without congressional approval. Makes FY 1984 funds apportioned for highway or public mass transit projects available for obligation through FY 1986.

Bill· SJRESS.J.Res. 1 (99th)referred

A joint resolution calling for a mutual and verifiable freeze and reduction in nuclear weapons.

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.

Bill· SS. 3075 (98th)referred

Toxic Substances Control Act Amendments of 1984

United States · United States Congress · 5 October 1984

Toxic Substances Control Act Amendments of 1984 - Amends the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) to revise the statements of findings and policy. Refers to the need for more information about toxicity and human and environmental exposure in order to identify and control unreasonable risks presented by chemical substances. Declares that chemical manufacturers and processors have a duty to be informed about toxic effects of such substances and mixtures and to take appropriate actions to prevent exposures that might be harmful to human health or the environment. Revises definitions to include the designee of the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under references to "the Administrator." Includes any microorganism or other biological substance under the definition of "chemical substance" for purposes of regulation. Provides that an exclusion for pesticides from TSCA jurisdiction shall not be taken to so exclude exposures to chemical substances which occur during the manufacture of a pesticide. Includes under the term "standards for the development of test data" a prescription of environmental or human monitoring or other exposure studies for test data for a chemical substance or mixture to be developed and analyzed. Revises provisions for testing of chemical substances and mixtures to provide that standards also may be prescribed for environmental or human monitoring or other exposure studies. Requires the EPA to periodically establish test methodology guidelines which may be used for development of data prescribed in rules under testing requirements and in testing agreements under provisions (as added by this Act) for testing of large volume chemicals. Directs the Administrator to review, not less than once each five years, the adequacy of the test methodology guidelines and make appropriate revisions. Deletes a requirement for an annual review of the adequacy of the standards for development of test data. Deletes the maximum limit on the total number of chemical substances and mixtures which may be on a priority list for consideration of testing requirements. Requires that interagency testing committee meetings relating to the priority list be open to the public and that announcements of such meetings be published at least two weeks in advance. Allows closed meetings to be conducted for administrative and personnel matters. Requires the committee, in making a priority list recommendation, to identify the chemical properties or effects for which testing is recommended. Sets forth a presumption that testing for the effects recommended is needed with respect to chemical substances and mixtures added to the priority list by the committee. Requires manufacturers of the listed substances to either individually or collectively submit study plans for the conduct of such testing no later than 180 days from the date of submission of the committee's report to the Administrator. Requires that manufacturers and processors of the listed substances be afforded an opportunity to provide evidence which demonstrates to the Administrator's satisfaction that such testing is not appropriate, in whole or in part. Sets forth relevant factors to be considered by the Administrator. Directs the Administrator to establish certain procedures for such decisions concerning the continued need for such testing. Specifies that the Administrator is not precluded by priority list provisions from making the required findings leading to an EPA rule requiring testing of a substance based upon an independent analysis of the issues involved. Makes specified provisions for exemptions applicable to testing conducted pursuant to priority list provisions. Adds to the membership of the interagency testing committee one member from the Fish and Wildlife Service and the Consumer Products Safety Commission. Establishes requirements for the testing of large volume chemicals. Makes subject to a test rule each chemical substance which is manufactured, processed, sold in, or imported into, the United States in aggregate quantities of 100,000,000 or more pounds per year. Requires each manufacturer of such substance to test it in accordance with specified requirements. Allows designation of other manufacturers or qualified third parties to conduct such tests and submit test data. Sets forth provisions relating to: (1) the effects for which such testing is required; (2) test procedures and guidelines; (3) alternative or innovative test methods and procedures; (4) a listing procedure; (5) generally applicable reporting rules and health and safety study submission rules; (6) test scheduling; (7) exemption and modifications; (8) certification of test results; and (9) inspection and audit. Adds to prohibited acts: (1) failing or refusing to comply with any requirement for the testing of large volume chemicals; or (2) providing a false or misleading certification under such requirements. Provides that each day after such a false or misleading certification is made shall constitute a separate violation until the day such certification is withdrawn and a complete and accurate substitute certification is filed in its place. Disqualifies any corporation which knows or should have known that its certification is false or misleading from making further certifications under requirements for the testing of large volume chemicals for a five-year period (or a longer period determined by the Administrator after notice and opportunity for a hearing on the record). Provides that the term "person," when used in provisions for prohibited acts and penalties to ensure compliance with such certification requirements, shall include corporate officers and officers of other entities, in their personal as well as official capacities. Sets forth provisions for negotiated testing agreements. Authorizes the Administrator to negotiate agreements by which chemical manufacturers or processors will test the substance or mixture, upon EPA determination that adequate test data can be developed more promptly under such an agreement than under a test rule. Requires such agreements to include specified elements described under testing requirement rules. Requires publication of the text of a proposed agreement, and at least a 60-day period for public comment. Prohibits any such agreement from being based in whole or part on any information or data which has not been placed in a record which is public subject to specified confidentiality provisions. Requires that a reasonable basis for the agreement be provided by that portion of the record which is not confidential. Authorizes modifications of agreements upon petition of any person or the Administrator's own motion. Provides that such provisions for negotiated agreements do not affect the Administrator's authority to subsequently promulgate an EPA test rule requirement for any chemical substance or mixture which is subject to such an agreement. Directs the Administrator to promptly promulgate an EPA test rule to require that testing be performed if a person or group fails to conduct the testing agreed upon. Provides that specified findings requirements shall not apply to such promulgation. Adds provisions for EPA authority for expedited information gathering to support the current expedited review process when the Administrator: (1) has made the requisite finding that there may be a reasonable basis to conclude that a chemical substance or mixture presents or will present a significant risk of serious or widespread harm to human beings from cancer, gene mutations, or birth defects; and (2) finds that the EPA's ability to initiate appropriate action under specified provisions to prevent or reduce to a sufficient extent such risk or to make a finding that such risk is not unreasonable is limited due to the lack of relevant data. Authorizes the Administrator, under such circumstances, to perform or contract for additional testing and exposure studies which are reasonable and necessary to initiate appropriate action, provided that such activities are initiated within the 180-day expedited review period and the Administrator's action are published within such period. Authorizes the Administrator to seek reimbursement for the costs of such testing and exposure studies from the manufacturers and processors of the substances. Revises requirements for manufacturing and processing notices for new chemicals and those for which there is a significant new use (the pre-manufacturing notice program or PMN). Replaces references to "a significant new use" of a chemical substance with references to manufacture or processing of a chemical substance in a manner or for "a use which may lead to significant new exposure to human beings or significant new release to the environment." Authorizes the Administrator to allow a new chemical (or one involving significant new exposure or release) to be manufactured or processed when the PMN program notice review is completed and there has been a determination that specified actions concerning such notice will not be taken by the EPA. Revises PMN program requirements for submission of test data. Makes it the manufacturer's or processor's duty to submit data which makes a specified demonstration to the satisfaction of the Administrator. (Current law requires the submission of data which the manufacturer or processor believes makes such a showing.) Revises the required content of PMN program notices to include: (1) specific information and data concerning the substance's physical and chemical properties, associated physical hazards and toxicological properties, and the manner, duration, magnitude, and extent of human exposure or environmental release; and (2) a reasoned evaluation, based on such data and information, of the potential acute and chronic human health effects and adverse environmental effects of the substance under its anticipated conditions of manufacture, processing, distribution in commerce, use and disposal. Requires that such data include certain test data recommended by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, with exceptions under specified conditions. Revises PMN program provisions for EPA orders prohibiting or limiting manufacture of a chemical substance for which a PMN program notice has been received pending development of information. Directs the Administrator to notify the manufacturer or processor who submitted the notice of the determinations which underlie such a proposed order. Allows specific objections to the proposed order to be filed, within 30 days after such manufacturer or processor receives such notification, by such manufacturer or processor or by any person who is likely to obtain the chemical substance directly or indirectly from them. Sets forth procedures for consideration of and determinations concerning such objections. Provides that such orders shall apply to the manufacturer or processor who submitted the notice. Authorizes the Administrator to make such order apply to any other person, whether or not the person was a party to the issuance of the order, who: (1) manufactures the substance for the manufacturer or processor; or (2) processes, distributes in commerce, uses, or disposes of the chemical substance after obtaining it, directly or indirectly, as a chemical substance or as part of a mixture, from such manufacturer or processor. Provides that such order shall not apply to any person who has received a direct notice of the order either from the Administrator or under the following provision. Provides that an order may require any person subject to the order who distributes in commerce the chemical substance, either as a chemical substance or as part of a mixture, to provide a copy of the order to persons to whom the substance is distributed. Provides that any person subject to such an order who complies with its provisions shall be considered in compliance with TSCA with respect to those activities subject to the order. Makes the exclusive remedy for judicial review of the Administrator's decision to issue such an order after consideration of an objection the commencement by the person who filed the objection of a civil action in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia or the U.S. district court for the district of such person's residence or principal place of business. Requires such action to be filed within 60 days after the order becomes effective. Specifies that PMN program requirements apply to the release in the environment of any genetically engineered microorganism in any quantity for scientific experimentation, analysis, research, or development, whether or not these activities are noncommercial or commercial. Directs the Administrator, within one year after enactment, to promulgate a list of categories of chemical substances pursuant to PMN program provisions which authorize the EPA listing of chemical substances whose manufacture, processing, distribution in commerce, use, or disposal, or any combination of such activities, presents or may present an unreasonable risk of injury to health or the environment. Requires that such list contain at a minimum certain categories of chemical substances. Sets forth a table describing such categories. Authorizes the Administrator to delete from or refine, by rule, the list of categories set forth in such table, on the basis that the chemical substances thus removed from the list do not meet the requirement of actually or potentially presenting an unreasonable risk through such activities. Revises provisions for EPA regulation of hazardous chemical substances and mixtures. Deletes a provision that requires the Administrator to use the least burdensome of specified requirements. Expands the scope of such regulation by adding EPA authority to: (1) prohibit the use or disposal of a hazardous chemical substance or mixture; (2) limit the amount of such a substance or mixture which may be used or disposed of; (3) limit the manufacturing, processing, distribution in commerce, use, or disposal of such a substance or mixture, where such activities give rise to release to the environment or human exposure in excess of levels specified by the Administrator in a rule imposing the requirement; (4) require that such substance or mixture or its containers be marked with or accompanied by warning and instructions with respect to its manufacture or processing (in addition to other specified activities); or (5) prohibit or otherwise regulate any manner or method of manufacture, processing, distribution in commerce, use, or disposal of such substance or mixture. Deletes certain limitations on the Administrator's authority to promulgate rules for such EPA regulation of hazardous chemical substances or mixtures under TSCA. Directs the Administrator, in promulgating such a rule, to make a reasonable attempt to impose the least burdensome requirements consistent with the primary goal of abating unreasonable risk to human health or the environment in a timely manner. Provides that the Administrator's judgment in this regard is discretionary and shall not be overruled in response to a challenge to such requirement except to the extent that it is arbitrary and capricious. Makes requirements for reporting and retention of information applicable to distributors, users, or disposers of chemical substances (while continuing the current distinction between large and small quantity activities). Authorizes the Administrator, as an alternative to a specified rule for reporting and retention of information, to require, by written request, any manufacturer, processor, commercial distributor, user, or disposer of a chemical substance to submit information to carry out TSCA. Requires the person involved to provide, within a reasonable time, the requested information insofar as it is known or reasonably ascertainable at the time of the request. Adds information requirements relating to: (1) amounts of chemical substances or mixtures used or disposed of; (2) impurities resulting from the manufacture, processing, use, or disposal of chemical substances or mixtures; (3) the extent of human exposure; (4) the delivery movement, or holding of chemicals, including the quantity, the date of shipment, and receipt, and the consignor and consignee; and (5) such data as may be reasonably necessary to evaluate the economic consequences of activities undertaken. Revises reporting and retention of information requirements relating to small quantity activities to add coverage of chemical substances or mixtures: (1) which are subject to a negotiated testing agreement; or (2) where the Administrator has reason to believe that the activities of the small manufacturer, processor, distributor, user or disposer may present an unreasonable risk of injury to human health and the environment and where additional information is needed to ascertain the nature and extent of such risk. Directs the Administrator to publish a current inventory of chemical substances at least every five years. Repeals specified provisions for the relationship of TSCA to other Federal laws (including certain provisions involving to filing of reports and waiting periods). Retains provisions for coordination with other Federal laws and provisions specifying TSCA's relationship to the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. Repeals the general prohibition against TSCA's applicability to chemical substances or mixtures intented solely for export. Includes under export notice requirements chemical substances or mixtures which are subject to a negotiated testing agreement. Revises provisions for disclosure of data. Grants State authorities the same access to such information as that currently afforded to Federal authorities. Requires that designations of confidentiality for information be: (1) accompanied by statements of justification by the entity submitting the data; and (2) signed by an officer of such entity, with an affirmation that such officer believes such designation is valid. Provides that such confidentiality designations shall remain in effect until the chemical is manufactured. Allows redesignation, at the time manufacturing commences, of data which is believed to be still entitled to confidential treatment. Provides that, except for such provisions relating to the time of manufacture, such confidentiality designations shall remain in effect for three years from the date of such designation, subject to specified provisions. Allows renewals for additional three-year periods. Subjects any person who solicits disclosure or obtains confidential material knowing that its release was unlawful to the same criminal penalties as a person who wrongfully discloses such data. Directs the Administrator, within one year of enactment of this Act, to submit to the Congress: (1) a report on how TSCA information-gathering authorities have been and could be used to support other chemical regulatory programs; and (2) a report on the relationship between the authorities and requirements under TSCA and the activities of small businesses.

Bill· SS. 3012 (98th)referred

A bill to authorize the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, to undertake further engineering and design of water resources development projects following the submission of a report to Congress recommending implementation.

United States · United States Congress · 20 September 1984

Authorizes the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, to undertake advance engineering and design of water resources development projects after submitting a report to Congress recommending project implementation.

Bill· SS. 2957 (98th)referred

Arms Race Control Act of 1984

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.

Resolution· SRESS.Res. 433 (98th)referred

A resolution to congratulate the United States athletes who have participated in the Games of the XXIII Olympiad and urge enactment of the Senate bill relating to the clarification of certain equal opportunity laws.

United States · United States Congress · 10 August 1984

Congratulates the U.S. athletes who participated in the games of the XXIII Olympiad in Los Angeles. Urges the speedy enactment of S. 2568 (discrimination by Federal assistance recipients).

Resolution· SCONRESS.Con.Res. 135 (98th)referred

A concurrent resolution reaffirming the United States commitment to furnishing international population and family planning assistance under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961.

United States · United States Congress · 9 August 1984

Reaffirms the U.S. commitment to the furnishing of population assistance. Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) U.S. policy toward furnishing such assistance should continue; and (2) the President should not deny funds to any multilateral institution or nongovernmental or private and voluntary organization because of their participation in family planning activities that are financed with funds from non-Federal sources as long as those activities are in accordance with U.S. laws.

Resolution· SRESS.Res. 429 (98th)passed

A resolution authorizing the printing of the report entitled, "Highway Bridge Replacement and Rehabilitation Program, Fifth Annual report to Congress" as a Senate document.

United States · United States Congress · 7 August 1984

Authorizes the printing as a Senate document of the annual report of the Secretary of Transportation entitled "Highway Bridge Replacement and Rehabilitation Program, Fifth Annual Report to Congress," including additional copies for the use of the Committee on Environment and Public Works.

Bill· SS. 2892 (98th)open

Superfund Amendments of 1984

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1984

Superfund Amendments of 1984 - Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) (Superfund) to add a definition of "underground storage tank." Revises the definition of "hazardous substance" to include any petroleum substance contained in an underground storage tank. Excludes from specified liability provisions persons who have sold or delivered a petroleum product intended for resale or use which is subsequently stored in an underground storage tank. Provides for cost recovery for responses to releases of pollutants or contaminants by adding the terms "pollutants or contaminants" to specified references to hazardous substances under liability provisions. Requires listing of pollutants or contaminants as hazardous substances under specified conditions. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (the EPA Administrator), within one year after the initiation of response to a release or threat of release of a pollutant or contaminant which may present an imminent and substantial danger to the public health or welfare, to decide whether to designate such pollutant or contaminant as a hazardous substance. Directs the EPA Administrator to publish such decision. Directs the EPA Administrator, if the decision is in the affirmative, to simultaneously promulgate such designation as an interim final regulation. Increases criminal penalties for specified violations under CERCLA. Amends the Clean Water Act to revise criminal penalty provisions. Increases criminal penalties for specified violations. Sets forth penalties for persons who negligently or knowingly introduce into a sewer system or into a publicly owned treatment works any pollutant or hazardous substance which causes or may reasonably be anticipated to cause personal injury or property damage, or causes such treatment works to violate any effluent limitation or condition in any permit issued to the treatment works under specified provisions of the Clean Water Act by the EPA Administrator or a State. Provides that no State shall be required, before July 1, 1986, to modify a permit program approved or submitted under specified provisions of the Clean Water Act as a result of the amendment made by such provisions of this Act. Authorizes, under CERCLA, community relocation and business and employee protection in cases of toxic substance contamination. Includes under the term "remove" or "removal" the costs of permanent relocation of residents where it is determined that such permanent relocation is cost-effective or may be necessary to protect health or welfare. Provides that such term may also include, in the case of a business located in an area of evacuation or relocation, the payment of those installments of principal and interest on business debt which accrue between the date of evacuation or temporary relocation and 30 days following the date that permanent relocation is actually accomplished or, if permanent relocation is formally rejected as the appropriate response, the date on which evacuation or temporary relocation ceases. Provides that such term may also include, in the case of an individual unemployed as a result of such evacuation or relocation, specified types of assistance authorized under the Disaster Relief Act of 1974. Exempts permanent relocation payments from specified limitations on Superfund obligations. Revises CERCLA provisions relating to the State share of costs of remedial actions in response to a release of a hazardous substance at a disposal facility owned by a State or local government. Requires that such facility be operated, as well as owned, by the State or local government in order for such provisions to apply. Provides that, for purposes of such State share of cleanup costs at facilities owned and operated by a State or local government, "facility" does not include navigable waters or the beds underlying those waters. Provides for reimbursement to the State of any amount paid by the State after the enactment of this Act in excess of ten percent of the costs of remedial action at a facility owned but not operated by the State or local government. Revises health-related response authority provisions to provide that, in cases of public health emergencies declared by a Federal or State public health official authorized by Federal or State law to make such declarations, exposed persons shall be eligible for admission to and treatment at hospitals or other facilities which provide medical care or assistance. Requires that the costs of such treatment be treated as removal costs for purposes of response authority provisions. Directs the Administrator of the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (the ATSDR Administrator) to: (1) within six months after the enactment of this Act, prepare a list of at least 100 hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants which, in the sole discretion of the ATSDR Administrator, are determined to be most often released into the environment or found at the location of responses under response authority provisions or at facilities on the National Priority List; (2) within 24 months after such enactment, prepare a list of an additional 100 or more such hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants; and (3) at least annually thereafter, add to such list other substances which are frequently found or otherwise pose a potentially significant threat to human health by reason of their physical, chemical, or biological nature. Directs the ATSDR Administrator, following a review of the existing literature, to initiate a research program for each hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant so listed. Requires that such research program: (1) be designed to determine the health effects of such substance, both by itself and in combination with other substances with which it is commonly found, and techniques for developing methods to determine such health effects; and (2) include specified types of studies and information. Directs the ATSDR Administrator to prepare, based on the data developed and collected on the health effects of hazardous substances, toxicological profiles sufficient to establish the likely effect on human health of each of the substances so listed. Requires that such profiles be revised and republished as necessary, but no less often than once every five years. Requires that the costs of such research and preparation of profiles be treated as response costs for purposes of recovery under liability provisions. Allows any individual or group of individuals or any State or local public health authority or any licensed physician to submit a petition to the ATSDR Administrator providing evidence that: (1) such individual or individuals are or have been exposed to a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant; (2) such exposure has resulted or is resulting in levels of illness in excess of what is to be expected; and (3) the probable source of such exposure is a release under CERCLA. Directs the ATSDR Administrator, within 60 days after receipt of such petition, to: (1) initiate a health effects study; or (2) determine that such a study is unwarranted, and provide a written explanation of such determination. Provides that such a determination shall constitute final agency action for purposes of judicial review under CERCLA or the Administrative Procedures Act. Requires that each such health effects study ascertain specified information. Directs the President to take such steps as may be necessary to eliminate any significant risk to human health which such study finds the exposure concerned presents. Provides that such steps may include provision of alternative household water supplies and permanent or temporary relocation of individuals. Provides that nothing in such health effects study and emergency relief provisions shall be construed to delay or otherwise affect or impair the authority of the EPA Administrator to exercise any authority vested in the EPA Administrator under any other provision of law (including but not limited to the imminent hazard authority under specified provisions of the Solid Waste Disposal Act) or the response and abatement authorities under CERCLA. Provides that the ATSDR Administrator, in implementation of these and other health-related authorities under CERCLA: (1) is authorized to provide for peer review where appropriate; and (2) shall establish and maintain a program of clinical training for physicians and other health professionals. Directs the President, for the purpose of implementing these and other health-related authorities under CERCLA, to provide adequate personnel (no fewer than 100 full-time equivalent employees) to the ATSDR. Includes under authorized uses of the Hazardous Substance Response Trust Fund (Superfund) the costs of such laboratory studies and health assessments. Revises provisions relating to the National Contingency Plan to direct the ATSDR Administrator to conduct, as part of the response to each of the releases or threatened releases listed under the National Contingency Plan, a preliminary assessment of the hazards to human health associated with such release or threatened release. Requires that such assessment include a list, prepared by the Administrator of the EPA, of all hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants being released or threatened to be released. Directs the ATSDR Administrator, if such assessment indicates the possibility of a significant threat to human health, to undertake a health effects study. Directs the ATSDR Administrator, if the ATSDR Administrator has not previously conducted such an assessment, to undertake and complete such an assessment within 12 months after the enactment of this Act. Includes under authorized uses of Superfund: (1) payment of any expenses or costs incurred under such emergency relief and health effects studies provisions; and (2) costs incurred by ATSDR in preparing toxicological profiles. Revises response authority provisions to add provisions for public participation. Requires that notice of the proposed action and an opportunity for meeting in the affected area, as well as a reasonable opportunity to comment, be afforded to the public prior to the United States' or a State's final selection of remedial action or entry into a covenant to settle or dispose of a claim arising under CERCLA. Requires that such notice be accompanied by a discussion and analysis sufficient to provide a reasonable explanation of the proposal and alternative proposals considered. Defines "alternative water supplies," under CERCLA, as including, but not being limited to, drinking water and household water supplies. Adds to response authority provisions a requirement that the President provide alternative water supplies as a removal action in any case in which: (1) a drinking water supply is closed or restricted by a State, local, or Federal public health officer due to contamination with a hazardous substance or pollutant or contaminant; or (2) the presence of a hazardous substance in a drinking water supply constitutes a danger to human health through short-term or long-term exposure. Requires that such action begin within seven days of notice of such closure or restriction or of receipt of evidence of such presence of a hazardous substance. Requires public health officers, in determining whether a drinking water supply is to be closed or restricted, to take into account the recommended maximum contaminant levels, if any, established under the Safe Drinking Water Act for such hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants. Directs the EPA Administrator, within 12 months after the enactment of this Act, to revise the National Contingency Plan to reflect the requirements of the amendments to CERCLA made by this Act. Requires that the portion of such Plan known as the National Hazardous Substance Response Plan be revised to provide procedures and standards for remedial actions undertaken pursuant to CERCLA which are consistent with amendments made by this Act relating to the selection of remedial action. Directs the EPA Administrator, within 12 months after the enactment of this Act, to propose amendments to the hazard ranking system in effect on July 1, 1984 (under CERCLA provisions for the National Contingency Plan). Requires that such proposed amendments be published in the Federal Register and otherwise be made available for public review and comment to the same manner and extent as regulations promulgated pursuant to the Administrative Procedures Act. Requires that the system in effect on July 1, 1984, shall continue in full force and effect until the effective date of any proposed changes. Sets forth provisions relating to Federal facilities. Revises provisions for the President's authority to delegate duties or powers under CERCLA to require the concurrence of the EPA Administrator (or the responsible State official) in the selection of appropriate remedial action with respect to a Federal facility or activity for which such duties or powers are delegated to an officer, employee, or representative of the Federal agency which owns or operates such facility or conducts such activity. Delegates abatement action authority to the EPA Administrator in such cases. Directs the EPA Administrator, within 18 months after the enactment of of this Act and after consultation with the Attorney General, to revise and republish the guidelines for using the imminent hazard, enforcement, and emergency response authorities of CERCLA abatement action provisions and other statutes administered by the EPA Administrator to effectuate the responsibilities and powers created by the amendments made by this Act. Directs the EPA Administrator, notwithstanding any other provision of law or rule of law, to establish such administrative procedures as the EPA Administrator deems advisable regarding the opportunity for any person to object to an order issued under CERCLA abatement action provisions. Authorizes a State Attorney General to initiate legal actions to recover costs, compel remedial action, or otherwise enforce requirements or claims under CERCLA in any case in which a responsible party is a Federal agency. Authorizes a court to award litigation costs to a State Attorney General who prevails or substantially prevails in such an action. Revises statute of limitations provisions for specified claims against the Superfund under CERCLA. Sets forth a three-year statute of limitations: (1) after the date of the response action, for claims for the costs of response; (2) after the date on which final regulations are promulgated for the assessment of natural resources damages, for specified claims for such damages; or (3) after the date of the discovery of the loss and its connection with the release in question or the date of enactment of this Act, whichever is later, for claims for any other damages. Sets forth exceptions for minors or incompetent persons. Includes under authorized uses of the Superfund the payment of advances for specified kinds of litigation costs to groups of individuals (or their dependents) exposed to hazardous substances in connection with a release. Provides that such advances: (1) may not include any attorney fees; and (2) must be repaid to the Superfund out of the proceeds of any award or settlement of such claims. Revises provisions for selection of remedial action to direct the President, in evaluating the cost-effectiveness of proposed alternative remedial actions, to take into account the total short- and long-term costs of such actions, including the costs of operation and maintenance for the entire period during which such activities will be required. Requires that preference be given to remedial actions which have as a principal element treatment which significantly reduces the volume, toxicity, or mobility of the hazardous substances. Declares that, where practicable treatment technologies are available, the offsite transport and disposal of hazardous substances or contaminated materials without such treatment should be the least favored alternative remedial action. Requires that remedial actions selected or otherwise required or agreed to by the President under CERCLA attain a degree of cleanup of hazardous substances, pollutants, and contaminants from the environment and of control of further release at a minimum which assures protection of human health and the environment. Requires that, to the extent practicable, such remedial actions completely remove released hazardous substances, pollutants, and contaminants from the environment. Provides that no permit shall be required under hazardous waste management provisions of the Solid Waste Disposal Act for the portion of any removal or remedial action conducted under CERCLA entirely onsite. Requires that any onsite treatment, storage, or disposal of hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants comply with the requirements of specified standards for remedial action added to CERCLA by this Act. Directs the President, subject to such specified requirements, to select the appropriate remedial action which provides a balance between the need for protection of public health and welfare and the environment at the facility under consideration and the availability of amounts from the Superfund to respond to other sites which present or may present a threat to public health or welfare or the environment, taking into consideration the relative immediacy of such threats. Revises the CERCLA definition of "remedy" or "remedial action" to also include the costs of permanent relocation where, due to the release of a hazardous substance, the resale of property is impracticable because of a substantial loss in value of such property because of a substantial burden imposed on the property by the release or threat of release and where injuries or illnesses, including acute mental distress, can be attributed to continued residence. Establishes a Federal cause of action under CERCLA. Makes specified persons who are currently liable under CERCLA also liable for the following damages: (1) any medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, or burial expenses due to bodily injury; (2) any loss of income or profits or impairment or loss of earning capacity due to bodily injury; (3) any pain and suffering due to bodily injury; (4) any economic loss and any injury to property, including diminution in value; and (5) punitive damages, whenever the court determines such award is appropriate in accordance with specified provisions, taking into account the proportion of the injured class which would benefit from such award. Sets forth the types of evidence relevant to the issue of causation of bodily injury which shall be admissible in any action for such damages. Makes such persons strictly liable for such damages without limitation to the defenses specified under other liability provisions of CERCLA. Allows punitive damages to be awarded in the case of conduct manifesting a conscious, flagrant indifference to the safety of those persons who might be harmed by a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant and constituting an extreme departure from accepted practice. Limits, in the case of damages provided for under this Act, the liability of persons who arrange for disposal or treatment, or for transport for disposal or treatment, of hazardous substances at facilities owned and operated by others to only such damages resulting from harm caused by releases of hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants owned or possessed by such persons. Makes U.S district court jurisdiction over such actions for damages established by this Act concurrent with State court jurisdiction over such actions. Declares that it is the policy of the Congress to encourage certification of class actions in actions for the damages established by this Act involving common issues of fact or law. Declares, in furtherance of that policy, that Congress finds that the requirements of rule 23 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure are met in such actions arising from the same release and presenting common issues of fact or law and involving 30 or more potential claimants. Allows, in any action for damages established under this Act, defendants to be added at the request of plaintiffs or defendants, without regard to the citizenship of parties. Requires the Federal government to make available to appropriate parties information in its possession which is material to the identification of other responsible parties who are potential defendants. Sets forth provisions for victim assistance under CERCLA. Includes among authorized uses of the Superfund the costs of grants (of up to a specified maximum annual total amount) to each of five States selected by the EPA Administrator to establish and operate a program of assistance to individuals suffering injury resulting from exposure to the release of hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants. Directs the EPA Administrator, upon application pursuant to EPA-established procedures, to select by July 1, 1985, five States which shall each establish and operate such a program for at least a five year period. Sets minimum and maximum limits on the amount of each such grant for each fiscal year in FY 1986 through 1990. Requires that States be selected in the sole discretion of the EPA Administrator on the basis of specified criteria. Sets forth requirements for such programs, including provision of group policies of insurance, medical benefits, and disability insurance under specified conditions. Sets forth provisions relating to transportation incident responses under CERCLA. Directs the Secretary of Transportation, as expeditiously as possible, to develop and establish a centralized computer based system enabling law enforcement officers, fire and safety officers, and other appropriate officers of Federal, State, and local government access while in the field and through remote communications equipment to information regarding the identity and nature of the appropriate means of response, the type of threat posed and other suitable information regarding any shipment regulated by the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act. Revises provisions relating to credits to States for specified State or local government response action costs. Authorizes the EPA Administrator, in arranging for response actions under CERCLA, to agree to indemnify a contracting party against specified claims arising out of performance of a cleanup agreement to the extent that such claim does not arise out of the negligence of the contracting party. Provides that no State or local government shall be liable under CERCLA for damages as a result of nonnegligent actions taken in response to an emergency created by the release of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant generated by or from a facility owned by another person. Includes the cost of laboratory studies and health assessments under authorized uses of the Superfund. Requires that a specified minimum amount from Superfund be used for FY 1985 to carry out epidemiologic and laboratory studies and health assessments, including any such activities related to hazardous waste stored, treated, or disposed of at a facility having a permit under specified hazardous waste management provisions of the Solid Waste Disposal Act. Requires that such activities be carried out by the ATSDR either directly or through grants to State or local governments which the ATSDR Administrator determines are capable of carrying out such activities. Requires that such activities include conducting health assessments, including those required under specified provisions of the Solid Waste Disposal Act. Directs the ATSDR Administrator, in determining sites at which to conduct such health assessments, to give priority to those facilities or sites at which there is documented evidence of release of hazardous constituents, at which the potential risk of human health appears highest, and for which, in the judgment of the ATSDR Administrator, existing health assessment data is inadequate to assess the potential risk to human health. Requires any State or local government carrying out a health assessment to: (1) report the results of the assessment to the ATSDR Administrator; and (2) include recommendations with respect to further activities which need to be carried out. Directs the ATSDR Administrator to: (1) include the same recommendations in a report on the results of any assessment carried out directly by the ATSDR; and (2) issue periodic reports which include the results of all such assessments carried out. Requires that such assessments or other activities be reported after appropriate peer review. Sets forth requirements relating to such health assessments. Provides that, in any case in which such a health assessment (including one required under the Solid Waste Disposal Act) discloses the exposure of a population to the release of a hazardous substance, the costs of such health assessment may be recovered as a cost of response under CERCLA liability provisions from persons causing or contributing to such release of such hazardous substance or, in the case of multiple releases contributing to such exposure, to all such releases. Amends hazardous waste management provisions of the Solid Waste Disposal Act to add provisions relating to exposure information and health assessments. Requires, beginning nine months after the enactment of the Solid Waste Disposal Act Amendments of 1984, that each completed application for a permit for a landfill or a surface impoundment be accompanied by information reasonably ascertainable by the owner or operator on the potential for the public to be exposed to hazardous wastes or hazardous constituents through releases related to the unit. Sets forth requirements relating to such information. Requires that such information with respect to landfills or surface impoundments for which a completed permit application has been submitted prior to such enactment date be submitted within nine months after such enactment date. Directs the EPA Administrator (or the authorized State program) to make such information, together with other relevant information, available to the ATSDR. Directs the ATSDR Administrator to conduct a health assessment and take other appropriate action with respect to risks pursuant to specified CERCLA provisions added by this Act whenever a landfill or a surface impoundment poses a substantial risk to human health. Provides that such risk may be due to the existence of releases of hazardous constituents, the magnitude of contamination with hazardous constituents which may be the result of a release, or the magnitude of the population exposed to such release or contamination. Provides that a judgment that there is such a risk may be made by the ATSDR Administrator, the EPA Administrator, or the authorized State program. Allows any member of the public to submit evidence of releases of or exposure to hazardous constituents from a facility, or as to the risks or health effects associated with such releases or exposure, to the risks or health effects associated with such releases or exposure, to the EPA Administrator, the the ATSDR Administrator, or the authorized State program. Revises CERCLA response authority provisions to authorize the President to enter into a consent order with one or more responsible parties that will properly carry out a response action. Provides for enforcement of such orders in U.S. district courts. Sets forth a maximum fine for each day of a violation of or failure to comply with such an order. Revises CERCLA abatement action provisions to allow individuals to seek injunctive relief in U.S. district courts. Provides for civil actions to seek such relief against: (1) any person, including the United States or any other governmental agency, to the extent permitted by the eleventh amendment to the Constitution, and including any past or present generator, transporter, owner, or operator who has contributed or is contributing to the past or present handling, storage, treatment, transportation, or disposal of any hazardous substance which may present an imminent and substantial endangerment to health or the environment; or (2) the EPA Administrator or the ATSDR Administrator where there is alleged a failure to perform any act or duty under CERCLA which is not discretionary. Sets forth requirements relating to such civil actions. Prohibits the commencement of such civil actions: (1) prior to 120 days after the plaintiff has given notice of the endangerment to the EPA Administrator the State in which the alleged endangerment may occur and any alleged violator or contributor; or (2) in endangerment cases, if the EPA Administrator or a State has commenced and is diligently prosecuting a civil or criminal action in a Federal or State court to require compliance or has settled such action to restrain or abate acts or conditions which may have contributed or are contributing to the activities which may present the endangerment (but allows applicants to intervene in such actions in Federal courts unless their interests are adequately represented by existing parties). Provides that only State and local governments may seek injunctive relief in endangerment cases with respect to the siting of, or issuance of a permit for, a hazardous waste treatment, storage, or disposal facility. Authorizes the court to award litigation costs to any prevailing or substantially prevailing party in such injunctive relief actions. Authorizes the court to require the filing of a bond or equivalent security if a temporary restraining order or preliminary injunction is sought.

Bill· SS. 2859 (98th)referred

Handicapped Children's Protection Act of 1984

United States · United States Congress · 24 July 1984

Handicapped Children's Protection Act of 1984 - Amends the Education of the Handicapped Act to authorize the award of a reasonable attorney's fee as part of the costs to a parent or legal representative of a handicapped child or youth who is the prevailing party in a civil suit under such Act to protect the child's right to a free appropriate public education. Provides that such amendment shall apply to actions and proceedings brought on or after July 4, 1984, and actions and proceedings brought prior to such date which were pending on such date. Provides that nothing in the Education of the Handicapped Act shall be construed to restrict or limit the rights, procedures, and remedies under the Constitution, title V of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, or other Federal statutes prohibiting discrimination.

Bill· SS. 2791 (98th)open

Organ Transplant Contributions Act of 1984

United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1984

Organ Transplant Contributions Act of 1984 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow taxpayers to designate on their income tax returns a contribution of any portion of their income tax refund or any cash contribution voluntarily forwarded with their returns to support the National Organ Transplant Trust Fund. Establishes within the Treasury the National Organ Transplant Trust Fund. Appropriates to such trust fund an amount equal to the amount designated on tax returns for the fund. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to promulgate regulations which will establish an organ transplantation program. Directs the Secretary to authorize payments from the trust fund on behalf of eligible individuals to pay costs of organ transplantation procedures, both preoperatively and postoperatively. Defines "eligible individual" as an individual who, as determined by the Secretary, has a life-threatening medical condition for which a transplant procedure is reasonably medically necessary and who has no source of payment for an organ transplantation procedure.

Bill· SJRESS.J.Res. 320 (98th)open

A joint resolution regarding the implementation of the policy of the United States Government in opposition to the practice of torture by any foreign government.

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.

Resolution· SCONRESS.Con.Res. 125 (98th)referred

A concurrent resolution entitled the "Common Security Resolution".

United States · United States Congress · 19 June 1984

Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should be encouraged in his efforts to achieve cuts in the amounts of nuclear weapons held by each nation and to establish a lasting peace. Calls upon him to direct consideration within the Government and to initiate discussions with the Soviets concerning the Joint Statement of Agreed Principles for Disarmanent Negotiations. Requests the President to: (1) report to the Congress by December 31, 1984, regarding the steps he has taken with respect to this resolution; and (2) submit a final report to the Congress by September 30, 1985, on the U.S. Government's reassessment of the Joint Statement and the progress made in discussions with the Soviets. Encourages private organizations, foundations, and citizens to assess the continued relevance of the Joint Statement and to determine a practical approach to achieve the agreed principles set forth therein.

Bill· SS. 2766 (98th)open

A bill to amend Chapter 44, Title 18, United States Code, to regulate the manufacture and importation of armor piercing ammunition.

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.

Resolution· SCONRESS.Con.Res. 120 (98th)referred

A concurrent resolution expressing the sense of the Congress that the legislatures of the States should develop and enact legislation designed to provide child victims of sexual assault with protection and assistance during administrative and judicial proceedings.

United States · United States Congress · 8 June 1984

Expresses the sense of the Congress that the National Conference of State Legislatures should survey the States to compile and categorize child protection legislation. Declares that State legislatures should consider and enact laws which contain innovative approaches to the handling of child sexual abuse cases and which protect the victims' legal rights. Specifies a list of considerations including: (1) the establishment of interdisciplinary teams of professionals; (2) the selection of a victim-witness advocate; (3) the establishment of special procedures for child-victim testimony; and (4) the establishment of procedures to check the criminal records of adults working with children.

Bill· SS. 2736 (98th)open

Veterans' Administration Benefit Rate Increase and Program Improvement Act of 1984

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.

Bill· SS. 2634 (98th)open

Arms Race Moratorium Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1984

Arms Race Moratorium Act - Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should immediately communicate to the Soviet Union the willingness of the United States to enter into a mutual United States - Soviet Union moratorium on the flight testing and deployment of new ballistic missiles and anti-satellite weapons and the testing of nuclear warheads. Prohibits spending or obligating any U.S. funds for the flight testing or deployment of new ballistic missiles, the flight testing against objects in space or the deployment of anti-satellite weapons, or the testing of nuclear warheads if, within 90 days of enactment of this Act, the President has not made such a communication with the Soviet Union and, within such period, the Soviet Union communicates to the President that at the end of the 90 days the Soviet Union will observe a mutual United States - Soviet Union moratorium on such testing and deployment. Authorizes U.S. funding for such testing and deployment if, after the beginning of the moratorium, the President certifies to Congress that the Soviet Union has conducted a test or deployed a missile or anti-satellite weapon or tested a nuclear warhead inconsistent with the moratorium. Requires the President, as part of such certification, to submit to Congress an unclassified report summarizing the basis for the certification and a classified report describing in detail the basis for the certification. Directs the President to report annually to the Congress: (1) on the progress in negotiating nuclear arms control agreements with the Soviet Union; and (2) on whether the President believes that continuation of the moratorium is in the best national security interests of the United States. Authorizes Congress, if the President states that continuation of the moratorium is not in the best national security interests of the United States, to enact a joint resolution which terminates the moratorium and permits funds, to be used for testing and deployment.

Bill· SS. 2635 (98th)referred

Public Buildings Authorization Act of 1984

United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1984

Public Buildings Authorization Act of 1984 - Prohibits any appropriation or obligation of funds for real property management and related activities unless it has been authorized by Congress in accordance with this Act. Prohibits any public building construction, renovation, repair, or alteration unless an appropriation for the estimated costs of such construction has been authorized in the same fiscal year. Prohibits entering into any lease, beginning in FY 1986, unless the authority to enter into contracts has first been made for the maximum cost of such lease. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 for the real property management and related activities of the Public Buildings Service, with specified outlays for: (1) construction of public buildings at specified locations; (2) construction of public buildings of less than 10,000 gross square feet of space; (3) deficit balances relating to FY 1982 construction projects; (4) purchase of sites and buildings at specified locations and costs; (5) renovations, alterations, and repairs of public buildings at specified locations and costs; (6) design and construction services; (7) rental increases due to lease expirations and for expansion space; (8) payments in FY 1985 to provide for space under lease prior to FY 1985; (9) FY 1985 real property operations; (10) FY 1985 program direction; and (11) FY 1985 payments of principal, interest, taxes, and any other obligation for public buildings acquired by purchase contract. Directs that funds appropriated for construction or repair shall remain available without fiscal year limitation, provided that such construction or repair has commenced in the same year in which funds for such work was authorized. Regards commencement of design as commencement of construction. Requires that ten percent of the funds made available for renovation, alteration, and repair of public buildings and for payment of leases on buildings, shall be available for repair or alteration projects and leases, respectively, not otherwise authorized by this Act, if the Administrator of General Services (the Administrator) certifies such to be the result of emergency building conditions or changing or additional programs of Federal agencies. Prohibits the obligation of funds for such projects until 30 days after submission by the Administrator of an explanatory statement to the appropriate congressional committees which includes the reasons why such project or lease cannot be deferred for authorization until the next succeeding fiscal year.

Bill· SS. 2605 (98th)open

A bill to authorize the Administrator of General Services to convey property to the Committee for a National Museum of the Building Arts, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1984

Authorizes the Administrator of General Services to convey a Federal office building in the District of Columbia to the Committee for a National Museum of the Building Arts, Incorporated. Specifies terms to be included in the deed of conveyance, including a provision that the property be preserved in its historically authentic architectural character. Repeals Federal law providing for a cooperative agreement between the Administrator, the Committee, and the Secretary of the Interior for the operation of such a museum.