United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1984
Older Americans Act Amendments of 1984 - Amends the Older Americans Act of 1965 to declare as an objective of the Act that community services provided under the Act should place emphasis on maintaining a continuum of care for the vulnerable elderly. Directs the Commissioner on Aging to develop linkages with utilization and quality control peer review organizations under the Social Security Act in order to insure the development of community alternatives. Increases the number of programs related to the purposes of the Act, for purposes of Federal agency cooperation. Revises provisions relating to the appointment of members to the Federal Council on Aging. Authorizes appropriations for the Council for FY 1985, 1986, and 1987. Provides for the annual authorization of appropriations to conduct program and project evaluations in an amount not exceeding one-tenth of one percent of annual funding or $300,000, whichever is lower. Defines the term: (1) "multipurpose senior center" to mean a community facility for the organization and provision of a broad spectrum of services, which shall include, but not be limited to, provision of health, social, nutritional and educational services and the provision of facilities for recreational activities for older individuals; and (2) "focal point" to mean a facility established to encourage the maximum collocation and coordination of services for older individuals. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985, 1986, and 1987 for grants for: (1) supportive services and senior centers; (2) congregate nutrition services; and (3) home delivered nutrition services. Permits a State to use up to one percent of its allotment for conducting effective demonstration projects in health and nutrition education. Requires a State agency designating an area agency on aging to give the right of first refusal to a unit of general purpose local government when the boundaries of such a unit and the boundaries of the area are reasonably contiguous. Requires area plans: (1) to provide supportive services for families of elderly victims of Alzheimers' disease and other neurological diseases and organic brain disorders; (2) to provide services for the prevention of elder abuse; and (3) in providing services, to give preference to older individuals, especially minorities, with the greatest economic or social needs. Requires an area agency before requesting a waiver of any requirements for furnishing services to conduct a public hearing. Repeals the authority of grant recipients to charge for meals. Permits grant recipients to request voluntary contributions for meals. Requires a State plan to provide that with respect to services for the prevention of elder abuse: (1) the State will identify the public and private nonprofit entities involved in the prevention, identification, and treatment of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation; (2) the State will, based on such identification, determine the extent to which the need for services for the prevention of elder abuse are unmet; (3) the State will establish, in areas where the need for services is unmet, a program for public education to identify and prevent elder abuse, receive reports of elder abuse, and refer complaints to law enforcement agencies; (4) the State will not permit involuntary or coerced participation in the program of services by alleged victims, abusers, or their households; and (5) all information gathered shall remain confidential unless all parties to the complaint agree to the release of the information, except that the information may be released to a law enforcement agency. Requires a State plan to provide assurances that each State will: (1) provide inservice training opportunities for personnel of agencies and programs funded under the Act; and (2) assign personnel to provide State leadership in developing legal assistance programs for the elderly throughout the State. Requires each State to establish at least one demonstration project for health and nutrition education to be conducted by one or more area agencies on aging. Limits State expenditures for plan administration to an amount not exceeding five percent of its allotment or $500,000, whichever is greater, except that in the case of Guam, American Samoa, the Virgin Islands, and the Northern Mariana Islands, the amount shall be five percent or $200,000, whichever is greater. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985, 1986, and 1987 for the surplus commodities program under the Act. Prohibits State agencies and area agencies on aging from requesting information or data of providers which is not pertinent to a payment made under the Act. Directs the Commissioner to make grants to States with approved State plans for: (1) supportive services for the prevention of elder abuse; and (2) inservice training and State leadership for legal assistance activities. Revises provisions relating to training, research, and discretionary projects and programs. Authorizes appropriations for such projects and programs for FY 1985, 1986, and 1987. States that the purpose of such projects and programs is to expand the knowledge and understanding of aging and the aging process, to design and test innovative ideas in programs and services for older individuals, and to help meet the needs for trained personnel in the field of aging. Directs the Commissioner to administer such projects and programs through the Administration on Aging. Provides for the special consideration of Alzheimers' disease with respect to such projects and programs. Provides for the dissemination of information with respect to project results. Directs the Commissioner, upon request, to provide assistance to State agencies on aging, to work in conjunction with State protective service agencies so as not to duplicate activities already undertaken by such protective service agencies, for the provision of technical assistance and development of training materials for personnel in State and area agencies who are engaged or intend to engage in the prevention, identification, and treatment of elder abuse. Limits to 12 percent of Federal funding the amount which shall be available for the costs of administration of a State's older American community service employment program. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to coordinate such employment program with programs of the Job Training Partnership Act, the Community Services Block Grant Act, and the Vocational Education Act of 1984, if the Secretary determines that to do so would increase job opportunities available under the Older Americans Act of 1965. Requires each State receiving funds under the older American community service employment program to report to the Secretary annually concerning the equitable distribution of funds within the State. Authorizes appropriations for such employment program for FY 1985, 1986, and 1987. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985, 1986, and 1987 for grants to Indian tribes under the Act. Amends the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 to add to the definition of the term "employee." States that such term includes any individual who is a U.S. citizen employed by an employer in a workplace in a foreign country. Provides that the provisions of such Act shall not prohibit the compulsory retirement of any employee between 65 and 70 years of age who, between the two year period immediately before retirement, is employed in a bona fide executive position, if such employee is entitled to an immediate nonforfeitable annual retirement benefit of at least $44,000. (Current law provides that the benefit must be at least $27,000.)
United States · United States Congress · 12 April 1984
Developmental Disabilities Act of 1984 - Amends the Mental Retardation Facilities and Community Mental Health Centers Construction Act of 1963 to cite title I of such Act as the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act. States that with regard to State grants and university-affiliated facilities grants under this Act, the Federal project share shall be 75 percent generally, and 90 percent in poverty areas. Sets forth provisions concerning: (1) recordkeeping and audits; (2) U.S. recovery rights for facility sale or nonuse; (3) State operations control; and (4) reporting requirements of of the States and the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Requires the Secretary to consult with the Secretary of Education before awarding grants or approving any State plan under this Act. Provides for grant recipient employment of handicapped persons. Sets forth congressional findings respecting the rights of persons with developmental disabilities. Requires a State to have a plan approved by the Secretary in order to receive planning and service funds. Sets forth plan requirements, including the establishment of a State Planning Council to serve as an advocate for persons with developmental disabilities. Requires each State program to include a habilitation plan as provided for under this Act. Requires such plans to be reviewed at least annually. Authorizes FY 1985 through 1987 appropriations. Allocates State amounts based on: (1) population; (2) financial need; and (3) the extent of need for such services. Prohibits any State from receiving such grants unless it has in effect a system to protect and advocate the rights of persons with developmental disabilities. Sets forth such a system's requirements. Authorizes FY 1985 through 1987 appropriations. Directs the Secretary to make grants to university affiliated facilities to aid in the provision of interdisciplinary training, the conduct of service demonstration programs, and the dissemination of information which will increase and support the independence, productivity, and integration into the community of persons with developmental disabilities. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to: (1) a recipient facility for satellite feasibility studies, applied research, or service-related-training; and (2) assist in establishing satellite centers, including administrative and operating costs. Requires the Secretary to establish implementing regulations within six months. Authorizes FY 1985 through 1987 appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary to make special project grants. Directs the Secretary to prepare and submit to Congress within six months a study on intermediate care facilities for the mentally retarded. Authorizes FY 1985 through 1987 appropriations for such purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 12 April 1984
Civil Rights Act of 1984 - Amends the Education Amendments of 1972, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 and the Civil Rights Act to prohibit discrimination by any recipient of Federal financial assistance. (Currently, discrimination is prohibited only in a program or activity receiving Federal assistance.) Defines the term "recipient" to extend comprehensive coverage for purposes of the four Acts to any State or local governmental unit, any public or private agency or entity, and any subunit successor, assignee, or transferee of any such unit, agency, or entity.
United States · United States Congress · 12 April 1984
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the United States should: (1) pursue with the Soviet Union the resolution of concerns over compliance with strategic and other arms control agreements through the Standing Consultative Commission and other diplomatic channels; and (2) continue its commitments under such agreements as long as the Soviet Union continues to observe such agreements, or until a new agreement is concluded. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should consider the impact of any changes to his policy regarding such agreements on the long-term security interests of the United States and its allies.
United States · United States Congress · 11 April 1984
Authorizes appropriations for the completion of comprehensive plans of development for specified river basins throughout the United States. Includes completion of local flood protection in the Columbia River Basin under the Act's authorization.
United States · United States Congress · 11 April 1984
Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) all nations should condemn chemical warfare and should bring any such use to the attention of the United Nations; and (2) the United States should give attention to negotiation of a verifiable agreement, open to participation by all nations, banning the production and stockpiling of lethal chemical agents.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1984
Amends the John F. Kennedy Center Act to authorize appropriations for the nonperforming arts functions of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts for FY 1985 and 1986.
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 1984
Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1984 - Approves the interstate highway cost estimate for FY 1985 and 1986 and the interstate substitute cost estimate for FY 1984 and 1985. 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. Revises the procedures for releasing interstate construction funds and interstate substitute funds, including allowing the Secretary to release such funds without congressional approval. Decreases the Federal share payable for emergency relief funds for repair projects on the Federal-aid highway system and the Interstate System, unless such emergency repairs are to minimize damage, protect facilities, or restore essential traffic and are accomplished within 30 days after the occurrence. Provides for the funding of certain highway projects with interstate discretionary funds. Requires that a specified percentage of State withdrawal funds be available to the Secretary for State highway research and planning. Authorizes Federal matching funds for bridge replacement and rehabilitation for specified bridges not on the Federal-aid highway system. Amends the Surface Transportation Assistance Act of 1982 to include small business concerns owned and controlled by women among such concerns that are eligible for a specified percentage of expenditures under such Act. Amends the General Bridge Act of 1906, the General Bridge Act of 1946, the International Bridge Act of 1972, the Department of Transportation Act, and various other Acts to repeal provisions which regulate toll facilities. Declares that no report, list, schedule, or survey compiled by a State concerning the evaluation of hazardous roadway conditions or rail-highway crossings in order to plan and prioritize safety projects shall be required to be admitted into evidence or used for any other purpose in a Federal or State court. Provides for a reduction in Federal-aid highway funds to States that permit the use of toll revenues for purposes other than those specifically provided by Federal law. Provides for crediting the fair market value of right-of-way donations for highway projects to the State matching share when such donations are made to the State. Requires reduction of sums returned to the Secretary because of route withdrawals by the amount expended to purchase a right-of-way for a withdrawn route if such right-of-way is applied to a public purpose determined by the Secretary to be in the public interest within ten years from the date of the approved withdrawal. Directs the Secretary to conduct a study of the Bridge Replacement and Rehabilitation Program. Sets forth the following items for inclusion in such study: (1) an analysis of the progress made toward replacing and rehabilitating inadequate bridges on or off the Federal-aid system; (2) a review of the bridge inspection program; (3) an analysis of the effectiveness of the bridge discretionary program; (4) a review of the bridge program's effect on the rehabilitation of historic bridges; and (5) a review of the bridge formula and the effect of large vehicles on the life of a bridge.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1984
Adult Education Act Amendments of 1984 - Amends the Adult Education Act (the Act) to redefine "adult" to mean a person who is beyond the age of compulsory school attendance under State law. Redefines "adult education" to mean instruction or services below the college level for adults who do not have: (1) the basic skills to enable them to function effectively in society; or (2) a certificate of graduation from a school providing secondary education (and who have not achieved an equivalent level of education). Revises other definitions for purposes of such Act. Revises provisions for grants to States to provide that such grants shall cover the full cost (currently 90 percent) of specified programs and to permit private for-profit organizations to participate in grant programs. Revises provisions relating to allotment of such grant funds among States and specified U.S. territories and possessions. Revises provisions for State plans. Permits a State, if it so provides in its State plan, to use grant funds for: (1) adult education projects (including ones serving persons with limited English speaking ability) which use innovative methods, materials, or activities or are part of community school programs carried out in cooperation with other Federal, State, or local programs; and (2) projects for training persons who are, or are planning to become, instructors or other personnel in the field of adult education. Revises provisions relating to administration of State plans to authorize the Secretary of Education to take appropriate action under specified provisions of the General Education Provisions Act whenever the Secretary has reason to believe that a State has failed to comply substantially with any provision of its State plan. Revises provisions for research, development, demonstration, dissemination, and evaluation programs. Deletes requirements that the Secretary fund such programs and deletes specified funding provisions for such programs. Deletes a requirement that the Secretary operate an information clearinghouse on adult education. Authorizes the Secretary (with specified funds which the Secretary is authorized to set aside, not to exceed five percent of the funds appropriated for the Act) to support applied research, development, demonstration, evaluation and related activities which will contribute to the improvement and expansion of adult education (including opportunities for elderly persons). Authorizes the Secretary to support such activities directly, or through grants to or contracts or cooperative agreements with public or private institutions, agencies, or organizations, or individuals. Authorizes the Director of the National Institute of Education to support research on the special needs of persons requiring adult education, with funds available under specified provisions of the General Education Provisions Act or with funds set-aside under the Act. Authorizes the Director to support such research directly or through grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements. Revises provisions for State advisory councils to delete requirements relating to council membership, certification, and meetings. Authorizes States to use grant funds to support a State advisory council which assists the State educational agency to plan, implement, or evaluate programs or activities under the Act. Extends the existence of the National Advisory Council on Adult Education until October 1, 1989. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 through 1989 to carry out the Act. Authorizes the Secretary to set aside up to five percent of such appropriations for research, development, demonstration, dissemination, and evaluation programs. Permits a State to use grant funds to pay: (1) for the development and administration of its State plan; and (2) up to 50 percent of the local administrative costs of programs or projects carried out through local educational agencies or public or private agencies, organizations or institutions. Repeals provisions of the Act relating to: (1) non-federal share of program costs; (2) use of funds for special experimental demonstration projects and teacher training; (3) special projects for the elderly; and (4) an adult education program for adult immigrants. Repeals specified maintenance of effort provisions under the General Education Provisions Act.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1984
Library Services and Construction Act Amendments of 1984 - Amends the Library Services and Construction Act to authorize appropriations for FY 1985 through 1989 for: (1) library services; (2) public library construction; (3) interlibrary cooperation; (4) library services for Indian tribes; (5) foreign language materials acquisition; and (6) library literacy programs. Requires a specified percentage of such funds to be made available to Indian tribes. Allows grants to States for library services to be used for assisting libraries: (1) to serve as community information or referral centers; and (2) to provide literacy programs for adults and school dropouts in cooperation with other agencies and organizations. Sets forth additional requirements for a State's annual program for library services. Restricts the Federal share of the cost of public library construction to one-third of the total cost of each project. Requires that a specified portion of such funds be returned to the Federal government if within 20 years after completion a library constructed with Federal funds is no longer used for library purposes. Sets forth resource sharing requirements for State basic and long-range library programs. Deletes provisions for grants to States for older readers services, but revises required plan priorities to include programs and projects that serve the elderly. Requires the Secretary of Education to make grants to Indian tribes that have submitted an approved application for library services for Indians living on or near reservations. Provides that funds made available by such grants may be used for: (1) training of Indians as library personnel; (2) purchase of library materials; (3) special library programs for Indians; (4) salaries of library personnel; (5) construction, purchase, renovation, or remodeling of library buildings and facilities; (6) transportation to enable Indians to have access to library services; (7) dissemination of information about library services; (8) assessment of tribal library needs; and (9) contracts to provide library services. Amends the National Commission on Libraries and Information Science Act to direct the Librarian of Congress to permit the National Commission on Libraries and Information Science to access the Subject Content Oriental Retriever for Processing Information On-Line (SCORPIO).
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1984
Student Loan Consolidation Act of 1984 - Amends part B (Federal, State, and Private Programs of Low-Interest Insured Loans to Students in Institutions of Higher Education) of title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) to add new provisions for student loan consolidation. Directs the Secretary of Education (or a State or nonprofit private institution or organization with which the Secretary has an agreement under provisions for Federal payments to reduce interest costs) to enter into agreements with the Student Loan Marketing Association (Sallie Mae) and specified eligible commercial lenders and State agencies to provide consolidation loans to eligible borrowers. Provides for such consolidation of student loans made, insured, or guaranteed under part B or under part E (Direct Loans to Students in Institutions of Higher Education). Requires that such consolidation loans be covered by a properly issued certificate of insurance. Provides that loans covered by a certificate of insurance issued by a State or nonprofit private institution or organization shall be considered to be insured loans for purposes of Federal reimbursements, but that no administrative cost allowance will be paid with respect to such loans. Defines eligible borrowers, for consolidation loan purposes, as those who: (1) owe at least $5,000 to one or more lenders or programs under title IV; (2) have not carried at least one-half the normal full-time academic work-load at an eligible institution during the previous four months; (3) if in repayment status are not delinquent with respect to any required payment on such indebtedness by more than 90 days; (4) are not parent borrowers under the Auxiliary Loan program; and (5) certify, subject to specified penalties, that they are not currently receiving compensation for employment for which the total annualized monthly rate of pay of the borrower is in excess of 200 percent of the outstanding principal balance of all such loans (provides for deductions for dependent children in determining such total annualized monthly rate of pay). Terminates an individual's eligibility for a consolidation loan upon receipt of a consolidation loan, except with respect to student loans received after the date of receipt of the consolidation loan. Provides that only loans received after such date shall be taken into account for the purpose of computing the outstanding indebtedness of such an individual. Sets forth requirements for such consolidation loan agreements. Requires eligible commercial lenders to agree to make consolidation loans: (1) upon application of any eligible borrower, if the lender holds an outstanding loan of the borrower which is selected by the borrower for such consolidation; and (2) to other eligible borrowers only to the extent permitted by the Secretary in an agreement under specified provisions. Requires specified State lending agencies to make such consolidation loans, subject to the availability of funds allocated for such purpose, to any eligible borrower who: (1) is, or was at the time of receiving a loan which is selected for consolidation, a resident of the State of such lender; or (2) received loans under title IV while attending an institution of higher education in the State of such lender. Permits such State lending agencies to elect to limit the further availability of their consolidation loans to those borrowers for whom the State lending agency is the holder of a loan selected for consolidation. Requires Sallie Mae to agree to make a consolidation loan upon application of any eligible borrower, if that borrower has no other application pending with another lender for a consolidation loan. Sets forth requirements for such consolidation loan agreements. Limits the making of any such consolidation loan from the proceeds of any tax-exempt bond or other obligation to an amount no greater than 15 percent of the total outstanding principal on all loans under title IV held by a lender. Requires lenders to notify borrowers of the availability and terms of consolidation loans. Directs the Secretary to issue certificates of comprehensive insurance coverage to lenders which have entered into such consolidation loan agreements. Sets forth required provisions for such certificates. Provides that such consolidation loans shall be insurable only if the loan is made to an eligible borrower who has agreed to notify the holder of the loan promptly concerning any change of address and the loan is evidenced by a note or other written agreement which meets specified requirements. Sets the interest rate for such consolidation loans at nine percent per year except that in the case of a consolidation of auxiliary loans made to an independent undergraduate or graduate student the consolidation loan shall have an annual interest rate equal to the highest applicable interest rate on such auxiliary loans (either 12 or 14 percent). Permits consolidation loan lenders, except as provided in specified provisions, to establish repayment terms, including graduated and income sensitive repayment schedules. Limits the initial repayment period to a specified maximum period. Sets minimum monthly installment requirements. Provides that such initial repayment schedule shall continue to be effective unless the borrower demonstrates, pursuant to specified requirements, to the lender that the borrower's eligibility index is less than or equal to a specified level. Provides for determination of such eligibility index on the basis of the dependent-adjusted gross income on the borrower's Federal income tax return for the preceding taxable year. Requires commencement of repayment within a specified period after all holders have discharged the borrower's liability on the loans selected for consolidation. Prohibits charging an origination fee or insurance premium to the borrower on any consolidation loan. Provides that no insurance premium shall be payable by the lender to the issuer of the certificate of insurance with respect to any such loan. Authorizes the Secretary, after a hearing and a determination of need, to enter into an agreement with specified eligible lenders from another State to consolidate loans in any State where specified eligible lenders from that State have not entered into such an agreement. Requires that notice of such hearing be sent to the Governor of the affected State and to specified lenders. Permits the Governor and lenders to present evidence and testimony and examine witnesses at such hearing. Requires that full consideration be given to the views of the Governor and lenders. Provides that authority to make such consolidation loans shall expire at the close of FY 1986. Provides that consolidation loans shall not be considered to be new loans made to students for purposes of determining the maximum amount of loans that can be federally-insured under specified HEA provisions. Makes technical and conforming amendments. Provides that the applicable percentage to be added in determining the special allowance on consolidation loans shall be three percent (rather than three and one half percent). Directs the Secretary to: (1) evaluate the cost, efficiency, and impact of the consolidation loan program established by this Act; and (2) report to the Congress by June 30, 1986, on findings and recommendations relating to such evaluation.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1984
Impact Aid Amendments of 1984 - Amends Federal law relating to the impact aid program of Federal assistance for local educational agencies (LEAs) in areas affected by Federal activity. Eliminates the authority of the Secretary of Education to make payments to LEAs on behalf of so-called "b" children in attendance at LEA schools who: (1) resided on Federal property; (2) resided with a parent employed on Federal property situated in the same county, school district, or State as the LEA; or (3) had a parent on active duty in the uniformed services. (Maintains the authority to make such payments on behalf of so-called "a" children in attendance at LEA schools who reside on Federal property and who: (1) do so with a parent employed on Federal property situated in the same county, school district, or State as the the LEA; or (2) have a parent on active duty in the uniformed services.) Makes conforming amendments. Sets the entitlement of any LEA with respect to children who reside on low-rent federally subsidized housing property at 50 percent of the amount determined by the current formula under such impact aid program. Revises the formula for estimating the amount of preliminary payments under the impact aid program. Revises the formula for determining adjustments in impact aid payments where necessitated by the amount of appropriations. Eliminates provisions relating to certain discretionary allocations under the impact aid program. Revises certain restrictions on eligibility for disaster assistance under the impact aid program. Permits such disaster assistance payments to LEAs suffering damages from disasters occurring after September 30, 1983. Raises the threshold of eligibility for such disaster assistance from $1,000 or one-half of one percent of the LEA's current operating expenditures during the previous fiscal year to $10,000 or five percent of such expenditures, whichever is less. Amends the Education Amendments of 1974 to eliminate specified hold-harmless provisions which provide time for LEAs to adjust their budgets to decreases in enrollment caused by declining Federal activities within their jurisdictions.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1984
Commemorates on June 6, 1984, the fortieth anniversary of the allied forces invasion against the Nazi army. Authorizes and requests the President to designate June 6, 1984, as D-Day National Remembrance Day.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1984
Satellite Viewing Rights Act of 1984 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to authorize any person to manufacture, import, distribute, sell, or lease equipment for use in receiving satellite television programming and to receive satellite programming which is not encrypted, without obligation to the person producing or transmitting such programming. Prohibits any person from manufacturing, importing, distributing, selling, leasing, or advertising equipment intended for the unauthorized reception and decoding of encrypted satellite programming.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1984
Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to authorize appropriations for: (1) FY 1985 through 1987 to be used by the Secretary of Commerce to assist in the planning and construction of public telecommunications facilities; and (2) FY 1987 through 1989 for the Public Broadcasting Fund used by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1984
Amends the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 to prohibit discrimination against handicapped persons in any program or activity conducted by any recipient of Federal financial assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1984
Increases from one-half of one percent to one percent of the total loan amount the fee a veteran must pay when obtaining a veterans' housing loan, loan guarantee, or loan insurance. Requires that such fees be deposited in the Veterans Administration Loan Guaranty Revolving Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 29 February 1984
Human Services Reauthorization Act - Title I: Low-Income Home Energy Assistance - Amends the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981 to extend the authorization of appropriations for low-income home energy assistance to FY 1985 through 1989. Includes in the term "energy crisis intervention" household energy related emergencies. Requires that at least five percent of a State's allotment of funds for low-income home energy assistance be reserved until March 15 of each year for energy crisis intervention, which shall be administered by public or nonprofit entities having experience in and the capacity to administer such programs. Requires as part of the annual application for an allotment of funds for low-income home energy assistance that a State agree to: (1) describe the eligibility requirements for households desiring to participate in the low-income home energy assistance program and the manner in which the State determines benefit levels; and (2) indicate the amount which the State will reserve for energy crisis intervention and the administration procedures for designating an emergency and determining the assistance to be provided and for determining the use of funds reserved for energy crisis intervention but not expended for emergencies. Provides that home energy assistance payments provided to a household by a private nonprofit organization or by an entity whose revenues are derived primarily on a rate-of-return basis regulated by the State or Federal Government shall not be considered income for such household for purposes of Federal or State law if the appropriate State agency certifies that such assistance is based on need. Decreases the maximum amount of grant money allotted for a fiscal year to States for low-income home energy assistance which a State may request to be held available for the next fiscal year. Specifies additional home energy and home energy assistance data which the Secretary of Health and Human Services is required to collect on a State-by-State basis. Specifies the dates by which the Secretary's annual reports on such data must be submitted to Congress. Prohibits the Secretary from using more than $350,000 in any fiscal year for demonstration and analysis of effective ways to meet the energy needs of low-income households. Title II: Community Services Block Grant - Amends the Community Services Block Grant Act to increase the authorization of appropriations for community services grants for FY 1985 and 1986 and to authorize appropriations for such grants for FY 1987 through 1989. Permits a State to revise the poverty line for purposes of community services grants to 125 percent of the official poverty line established by the Director of the Office of Management and Budget if the State determines that such revision will serve the objectives of such grants. Revises the amount of funds which a State applying for a community services block grant must agree to make available to community action agencies and organizations serving seasonal or migrant farmworkers. Requires that the remainder of such funds be used to permit existing community action agencies to serve geographic areas not being served or to establish new community action agencies. Sets forth waiver provisions with respect to such funding requirements. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Service to provide training and ongoing activities of national and regional significance related to the purposes of the community services grant program. (Under current law, the Secretary has discretionary authority to provide such training and activities.) Permits the Secretary to make grants, loans, and loan guarantees to nonprofit private organizations applying jointly with business concerns for funding. Title III: Head Start Program - Amends the Head Start Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to administer the Head Start program through the Administration for Children, Youth, and Families within the Department of Health and Human Services. Authorizes the appropriations for the Head Start program for FY 1985 through 1989. Requires the Secretary to reserve for training and technical assistance for each fiscal year funds which are not less than the amount spent for such activities under such Act in FY 1982. Requires the Secretary to designate as Head Start agencies any local public or private nonprofit agency which was receiving funds under any Head Start program on August 31, 1981, if such agency meets program and fiscal requirements established by the Secretary. (Under current law, the Secretary is required to give priority in the designation of Head Start agencies to such local agencies.) Authorizes the Secretary to designate a Head Start agency from among qualified applicants in a community if there is no Head Start agency or program serving such community. Permits each Head Start program operated in a community to provide more than one year of Head Start services to children from age three to the age of compulsory school attendance in the State where the program is located. Requires the Secretary to provide technical assistance and training in connection with Head Start programs. (Under current law, the Secretary is authorized to provide such activities.) Specifies the types of programs which must be included in such training activities.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1984
Vocational Education Act of 1984 - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 through 1989 to carry out the provisions of titles I, II, III, and IV of this Act, relating to State programs. Makes two percent of the funds appropriated for this Act for each fiscal year available to carry out the provisions of title IV, relating to national programs. Title I: Vocational Education Assistance to the States - Part A: Allotment and Allocation - Directs the Secretary of Education (the Secretary) to reserve from sums appropriated pursuant to the authorization of appropriations under this Act: (1) two percent for the activities described in title IV (National Programs); and (2) two percent for the purpose of carrying out provisions for Indian programs. Directs the Secretary, from the remainder of such sums and subject to specified provisions, to allot to each State for each fiscal year an amount based on formulas using State allotment ratios and relative State populations of certain age groups. Allots the following percentages of such funds on the basis of population aged: (1) 15 through 19, 50 percent; (2) 20 through 24, 20 percent; and (3) 25 through 65, 15 percent. Allots the remaining 15 percent on the basis of the relative sums of such age group allotments. Sets forth a minimum State allotment amount, with specified exceptions, and minimum allotments for specified territories and possessions of the United States. Provides for reallotment among other States of any amount which the Secretary determines will not be required for carrying out a State's program for any fiscal year. Sets forth a formula for determining State allotment ratios based on relative State per capita income. Sets maximum and minimum limits on such ratios and sets ratios for specified territories and possessions of the United States. Sets forth provisions for within-State allocation of the State allotment. Directs each State to allocate from its allotment in each fiscal year: (1) up to four percent for administrative expenses; (2) one percent for expenses of the State Council on Vocational Education, within minimum and maximum dollar amounts; and (3) one percent for guidance and counseling activities at the State level. Requires that of the remainder of the State allotment: (1) 67 percent shall be available for activities described in title II (Programs for Vocational Education Opportunities); and (2) 33 percent shall be available for activities described in title III (Vocational Education Program Improvement, Innovation, and Expansion). Sets forth provisions for Indian programs. Directs the Secretary, upon the request of an eligible Indian tribe, to contract with the tribal organization to plan, conduct and administer vocational education programs with the two-percent reserved funds for such purpose. Authorizes the Secretary, from any remaining funds from such reserved funds, to enter into an agreement with the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) for the operation of vocational education programs in institutions serving eligible Indians aged 15 through 24. Makes provisions of this Act applicable to the BIA as if it were a State board. Part B: State Organizational and Planning Responsibilities - Requires any State desiring to participate in the program under this Act to establish or designate a State board of vocational education to be the sole State agency responsible for the administration or supervision of the State vocational education program. Includes among State board responsibilities: (1) coordination of program policy development; (2) coordination of State plan development, approval procedures, and submission; and (3) consultation with the State council on vocational education and other appropriate State agencies, councils, and individuals involved in program planning and approval. Allows the State board to delegate any of its responsibilities, other than those listed, to other State agencies. Requires States to assign at least one individual to work full time to assist the State board to fulfill the purposes of this Act with respect to sex equity in vocational education programs. Requires each State to expend a specified minimum amount for State administration of vocational education programs under this Act. Requires States desiring to participate in programs under this Act to establish a State council on vocational education. Sets forth requirements relating to council membership, a majority of whom must be representative of business and industry. Requires the State council to advise in-State plan development and to review the State plan. Requires each State to make available a specified minimum amount for the expenses of the State council. Sets forth requirements for State plans under this Act. Requires that State plans be submitted to the Secretary and cover a three-year period in the case of the initial plan and a two-year period thereafter, with such annual revisions as the State board determines to be necessary. Requires that such planning periods be coterminous with those under the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA). Includes among required provisions of State plans: (1) compliance with criteria for programs for the handicapped and for the disadvantaged; (2) relevant training for single working parents and homemakers desiring to enter occupations not traditionally associated with their sex; (3) program evaluation using measurements such as labor market needs; and (4) participation of private elementary and secondary school children. Sets forth requirements for State plan approval. Title II: Programs for Vocational Education Opportunities - Requires each State, from the portion of its allotment available for this title, to provide vocational education services and activities to meet the special needs, and enhance the participation, of: (1) handicapped individuals; (2) disadvantaged individuals; (3) adults who need training or retraining; (4) single working parents or individuals who have been primarily homemakers as adults; and (5) criminal offenders who are serving in a correctional institution. Limits the use of funds under this title for handicapped individuals to supplemental or additional staff, equipment, materials, and services not provided to other individuals in vocational education that are essential for handicapped individuals to participate in vocational education. Permits use of funds under this title for the improvement of vocational education programs designed to provide equal access to quality vocational education to disadvantaged individuals. Permits use of funds under this title to improve or expand vocational educational services and activities to train and retrain adult workers. Requires that such services and activities be developed in coordination with the State agency administering title III (Employment and Training Assistance for Dislocated Workers) of JTPA. Permits such funds to be used for: (1) additional training under title III of JTPA; (2) vocational education programs for training or retraining adults, including programs for older Americans and displaced homemakers; and (3) costs of serving adults in other vocational programs. Permits use of funds under this title for programs for single parents and homemakers, including basic literacy instruction, educational materials for marketable skills, and assistance with child care, transportation, or scheduling to make such programs more accessible. Permits use of funds under this title for basic skills instruction for specified groups with special needs. Allows States to use funds under this title to arrange with private vocational training institutions for educational training, equipment, or services under specified circumstances. Requires that services and activities for groups with special needs under this title include, to the extent practicable, worksite programs such as cooperative vocational education, work study, and apprenticeship programs. Distributes title II assistance as follows: (1) 20 percent for handicapped individuals; (2) 40 percent for disadvantaged individuals; (3) 20 percent for adult training or retraining; (4) 19 percent for single working parents and individuals who have been primarily homemakers as adults; and (5) one percent for criminal offenders in correctional institutions. Allocates the 60 percent of title II funds which shall be available for the handicapped and disadvantaged among local educational agencies (LEAs) in a State based on the relative number of children in public schools counted under specified provisions of title I (Financial Assistance to Meet the Special Educational Needs of Children) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. Sets forth provisions relating to area vocational schools, use of community-based organizations, and joint projects with other LEAs. Directs the State board to establish criteria for the distribution of the remaining 40 percent of title II funds to eligible recipients for purposes of the programs for adult training, single working parents and dislocated homemakers, and criminal offenders. Sets forth criteria for services and activities for the handicapped and for the disadvantaged. Title III: Vocational Education Program Improvement, Innovation, and Expansion - Permits each State, from the portion of its allotment available for this title, to use grants for: (1) improvement of programs within the State; (2) expansion of activities to meet student needs, particularly in economically depressed areas where there are inadequate vocational education programs; (3) introduction of new programs, particularly in economically depressed areas; (4) exemplary and innovative programs stressing new and emerging technologies and designed to strengthen vocational education services and activities; (5) guidance and counseling activities in the improvement of programs; (6) inservice and preservice training for vocational education teachers, counselors, and administrators, with special emphasis on integration of handicapped and disadvantaged students in regular vocational education courses; (7) curriculum development, including basic skills training; (8) expansion and improvement of programs at area vocational schools; and (9) equipment acquisition and facilities renovation to improve or expand programs within the State. Distributes title III assistance as follows: (1) 25 percent for activities at the State level; and (2) 75 percent for distribution among eligible recipients, or combinations of eligible recipients, pursuant to criteria established by the State board. Directs the State board, in prescribing such criteria, to give special emphasis to economically depressed urban and rural areas of the State and to area vocational education schools serving such areas. Requires that at least ten percent of title III funds available to each State in each fiscal year shall be available only for conducting consumer and homemaking education programs. Sets forth criteria for program improvement, innovation and expansion. Title IV: National Programs - Part A: Research - Directs the Secretary, in order to carry out specified research objectives, to conduct, through the National Institute of Education (NIE), applied research on aspects of vocational education specifically related to this Act. Includes in such research: (1) methods for providing quality vocational education to handicapped individuals, disadvantaged individuals, men and women in nontraditional fields, adults, single working parents or individuals who have been primarily homemakers as adults, individuals with limited English-speaking proficiency, and individuals incarcerated in correctional institutions; (2) strategies for coordinating local, State, and Federal vocational education, manpower training, and economic development programs; (3) private sector involvement in public vocational education; (4) methods of reinforcing and enhancing basic academic skills in vocational settings; and (5) curriculum and instructional methods development relating to new and emerging technologies. Directs the Secretary to: (1) operate an information clearinghouse on activities conducted by States under titles II and III, and on research contracts made by the Secretary under this part; (2) compile an annotated bibliography of research, exemplary and innovative program projects, and curriculum development projects assisted with funds under this Act; (3) initiate leadership development and inservice education activities for State and local vocational education instructors and administrators; and (4) support meritorious, unsolicited research proposals from State and local educators relating to the goals of this Act. Limits an award to any single recipient to no more than 20 percent of the amount made available under this part in any fiscal year. Directs the Secretary to conduct a national assessment of vocational education assisted under this Act, through independent studies and analysis by the NIE. Requires that descriptions and evaluations of specified aspects of such programs be included in such assessment. Directs the NIE to: (1) consult with specified congressional committees in the design and implementation of such assessment; (2) report preliminary results to Congress in January and July of 1988; and (3) submit a final report to Congress by January 1, 1989. Prohibits any review of such reports outside the Department of Education before transmittal to Congress, but allows the President and the Secretary to make additional recommendations with respect to the assessment. Limits expenditures for such assessment to no more than 20 percent of the amounts available under this part in any fiscal year. Part B: Secretarial Fund - Authorizes the Secretary, from the amounts available for this part, to carry out, directly or through grants or contracts with public and private entities, programs and projects which support: (1) model programs providing improved access to quality vocational education programs for specified groups of individuals with special needs and for men and women seeking nontraditional occupations; (2) examples of successful cooperation between the private sector and public agencies in vocational education; (3) programs to overcome national skill shortages, as designated by the Secretary in cooperation with the Secretaries of Labor, Defense, and Commerce; and (4) other activities designated by the Secretary and related to the purposes of this Act. Requires that all programs funded under this part be: (1) of direct service to individuals enrolled; and (2) capable of wide replication by service providers. Directs the Secretary to disseminate the results of programs and projects assisted under this part in a manner designed to improve the training of teachers, other instructional personnel, counselors, and administrators. Part C: Vocational Education and Occupational Information Data Systems - Directs the Secretary to develop a national vocational education data reporting and accounting system including specified information. Requires that such system be as compatible as possible with the occupational information data system developed under this Act and other information systems involving data on programs assisted under the JTPA. Requires States receiving assistance under this Act to cooperate with such system. Provides for updates and annual data acquisition plans for such system. Requires that one-third of the funds available for this part be used for such vocational education data reporting and accounting system, and that the remaining two-thirds of funds for this part be used for an occupational information system. Establishes a National Occupational Information Coordinating Committee consisting of specified Federal officials. Directs the Committee, with specified funds, to: (1) improve coordination and communication among administrators and planners of programs authorized by this Act and by the JTPA, employment security agency administrators, research personnel, and employment and training planning and administering agencies at Federal, State, and local levels; (2) develop and implement an occupational information system to meet the common needs of vocational education and employment and training programs at all levels; and (3) assist State occupational information coordinating committees established under this Act. Requires each State receiving assistance under this Act to establish a State occupational information coordinating committee composed of representatives of specified State agencies. Directs the State committee, with funds from the National Coordinating Committee, to: (1) implement an occupational information system in the State to meet the common needs of programs of the State board under this Act and of the administering agencies under the JTPA; and (2) use the occupational information system to develop a career information delivery system. Sets forth requirements relating to the information base for the national vocational education data system. Part D: General Provisions - Distributes title IV assistance as follows: (1) 30 percent for part A (Research); (2) 40 percent for part B (Secretarial Fund); and (3) 30 percent for part C (Vocational Education and Occupational Information Data Systems). Title V: General Provisions - Part A: Federal Administrative Provisions - Directs the Secretary to pay from the State allotment the Federal share of the costs of carrying out the approved State plan. Sets the Federal share at 50 percent of the costs of: (1) administration of the State plan; (2) vocational education opportunities services and activities under title II described in the State plan for specified groups of individuals with special needs; and (3) vocational education improvement, innovation, and expansion programs under title III. Sets forth maintenance of effort provisions. Sets forth provisions for withholding of funds from States and for judicial review of such withholding. Sets forth provisions for audits. Part B: Transitional and Conforming Provisions - Makes the effective date of this Act October 1, 1984, but directs the Secretary to prescribe regulations within 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act. Sets forth transition provisions. Authorizes each State and eligible recipient of financial assistance under this Act, or under the Vocational Education Act of 1963, to expend funds received under such Acts to conduct: (1) planning for any program or activity under this Act; and (2) any other activity deemed necessary by the recipient to provide for an orderly transition to the operation of programs under this Act. Transfers, on October 1, 1984, the personnel, property, and records of the National Occupational Information Coordinating Committee established under the Vocational Education Act of 1963 to the Nation Occupational Information Coordinating Committee established under this Act. Repeals the Vocational Education Act of 1963. Makes conforming amendments to: (1) the JTPA; (2) the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965; (3) the Higher Education Act of 1965; (4) the Adult Education Act; (5) the Appalachian Regional Development Act of 1965; (6) the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; and (7) the Vocational Education Amendments of 1968.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1984
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide that nursing care and home health aid services may be provided on a daily basis as home health services for up to 60 days with monthly physician certification of the need for such services, and after the 60 day period, on a physician certification of exceptional circumstances.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1984
Declares that Congress asks the American people to take cognizance of the commemoration of the 40th anniversary of the liberation of Rome on June 2 through June 3, 1984.
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1984
States that the President should: (1) renew the agreement between the United States and the Soviet Union on space cooperation for peaceful purposes; (2) initiate talks with the Soviet Union and other interested governments on opportunities for cooperative East-West space ventures as an alternative to an arms race in space; and (3) submit to the Congress a report detailing the steps taken in pursuance of these goals.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1984
Expresses the appreciation of Congress to the descendants of blacks who contributed to American independence. Encourages State and local governments and private organizations to conduct activities during Black History Month 1985 in honor of black involvement in the American Revolution.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1984
Authorizes the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, from March 1, 1984, through February 28, 1985, to: (1) make expenditures from the contingent fund; (2) employ personnel; (3) utilize, on a reimbursable basis, the services of department or agency personnel; (4) procure consultant services; and (5) provide for the training of its professional staff.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 1983
Job Opportunity Act of 1983 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend the expiration date for the targeted jobs tax credit from December 31, 1984, to December 31, 1989.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 1983
Wine Equity Act of 1983 - Requires the President to direct the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) to negotiate the harmonization of tariff and nontariff barriers on wine with each designated major trading country. Requires negotiations with designated major trading countries which do not export wine to the United States in order to eliminate all tariff and nontariff trade barriers of such countries to the importation of U.S. wine. Requires the President to impose tariff and nontariff trade barriers equal or substantially equivalent to the barriers applied by a designated major trading country if such country does not provide harmonization to U.S. produced-wine within 180 days of the country's designation as a designated major trading country. Provides for removing such U.S. tariff and nontariff barriers. Requires the USTR to report to specified congressional committees at the beginning and end of each negotiation. Requires the USTR to consult with such committees to identify further tariff and nontariff barriers to and potential markets for U.S. wine. Provides for assistance for the USTR from other Federal agencies.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 1983
Regional Unemployment Compensation Act of 1983 - Amends the Federal-State Extended Unemployment Compensation Act of 1970 to permit States to choose to trigger extended benefit periods on a regional basis. Sets forth requirements relating to such alternative regional trigger. Provides that "region" means a Service Delivery Area as defined under the Job Training Partnership Act. Modifies the formula for the State trigger for the extended benefits program. Modifies the formula for determination of the insured unemployment rates for purposes of the extended benefits program.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 1983
Public Capital Investment Act of 1984 - Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to make grants to any State for the purpose of the construction or rehabilitation of public capital investment projects. Authorizes any State to submit to the Secretary an application for a public investment grant under this Act. Sets forth the requirements for such applications. Requires the Secretary to approve such an application upon a finding that the State has met the necessary requirements. Enumerates authorized uses for funds granted to States for public capital investment purposes. Provides that a qualifying State shall receive annual grants under this Act, provided that the Secretary does not find that such State has failed to maintain its program substantially as originally proposed. Requires the Secretary to prohibit additional grants where the Secretary determines that a State is failing to maintain its original program. Authorizes the use of grant funds by two or more States for the construction and rehabilitation of public capital investments of a regional character. Sets forth the method for allocating funds under this Act to individual States. Specifies the procedures for the return of grant funds if an application is either not received or not approved. Requires Federal agencies to expeditiously review and act upon any permit necessary for the construction and rehabilitation of any public capital investment undertaken by a non-Federal body. Requires the Secretary to report biennially to Congress concerning the disbursement of funds under this Title and the use of those funds by participating States. Amends the Clean Water Act to authorize States to use certain funds allotted to them for revolving loans or grants for the construction of waste water treatment works. Requires repayments of such loans to be made to the States. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 through FY 1988.
![Official portrait of Sen. Stafford, Robert T. [R-VT]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/s000776_200.jpg)