United States · United States Congress · 4 October 1984
Title I: Price Support for Feed Grains and Wheat - Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to establish price support programs for the 1986 through 1989 feed grain and wheat crops. Places limits on the resale of such crops acquired for use as alcohol fuels. Establishes a civil penalty for violations of this title. Title II: Exportation of Agricultural Commodities - Subtitle A: Financing Exports - Amends the Food For Peace Act of 1966 to extend the Agricultural Export Credit Revolving Fund through FY 1989. Amends the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954 to extend the export program through FY 1989. Subtitle B: Bartering for Strategic and Critical Materials - Directs the President and the Secretary of Energy, respectively, to seek to acquire petroleum products and strategic and critical materials by bartering Commodity Credit Corporation agricultural stocks. Requires at least ten percent of any such commodities to be shipped from U.S. Great Lakes ports. Title III: Soil Conservation - Subtitle A: Highly Erodible Land - Makes persons growing crops on highly erodible land ineligible for price supports and other agricultural program benefits. Sets forth exemptions based on previous plantings or prior determinations of erodibility. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to complete specified land capability classification surveys as soon as practicable. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle B: Studies Related to Land Use - Directs the Secretary to undertake: (1) a cropland base protection study; and (2) an analysis of Department of Agriculture soil conservation programs. Subtitle C: Program to Reduce Erosion - Directs the Secretary, during FY 1986 through 1988, to enter into long-term soil and water conservation contracts with owners and operators of erosion-prone land. Sets forth program provisions. Authorizes FY 1986 through 1988 appropriations. Subtitle D: Definitions and Miscellaneous Provisions - Directs the Secretary to publish regulations implementing this title in the Federal Register within 180 days.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 1984
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the President should direct appropriate members of the administration to: (1) pursue discussions with Canada directed toward resolving problems relating to U.S. imports of Canadian pork; and (2) use all available authorities to protect the economic viability of the U.S. pork industry and to promote free and fair trade.
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 1984
Amends the Tariff Schedules of the United States to include all forms of silicone in the term "synthetic plastics materials." Provides a duty for silicone resins and materials. Provides that the term "rubber" does not include silicones. Provides staged rate reductions for silicone resins and materials in 1986 and 1987. Deletes the rate of duty under column LDDC (Least developed developing countries) whenever the rate of duty in column 1 is reduced to the same level or lower than the rate of duty in column LDDC.
United States · United States Congress · 13 September 1984
State Minimum Return Act of 1984 - Directs the head of each Federal agency to reallocate Federal expenditures, with specified exceptions, to States having a Federal expenditure to Federal tax ratio of less than 100 percent as necessary to ensure that by the end of FY 1989 each State receives in any fiscal year Federal expenditures equal to at least 90 percent of the Federal tax burden imposed on such State for such year. Directs each agency to: (1) attempt to increase the national share of procurement contracts awarded to qualified firms in each such State by ten percent per fiscal year; and (2) report to the Director of the Office of Management and Budget at the end of each year on the percentage increase achieved and the reasons for not achieving a ten percent increase, if applicable. Requires the Director to report to Congress on the progress made during each fiscal year on increasing the share of procurement contracts the preponderance of the value of which has been performed in such States. Requires that each State with a Federal expenditure to Federal tax ratio of less than 90 percent for any fiscal year receive 110 percent of the average percentage share of all other Federal expenditures received by such State during the most recent three fiscal years. Prohibits any reallocation of expenditures which will reduce: (1) the expenditures under any program to a State by ten percent or more in a fiscal year; or (2) the Federal expenditure to Federal tax ratio of any State below 90 percent. Prohibits any reallocation of expenditures from resulting in any State or other governmental unit reducing benefits to ultimate beneficiaries or changing eligibility requirements under any program which results in direct payments to individuals and which involves an income test to determine an individual's eligibility for assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1984
Requires the President to transmit to Congress for FY 1986 and each fiscal year thereafter a balanced budget. Permits the transmittal of alternate budget proposals which, if implemented, would result in a deficit or surplus if the President determines that a balanced budget is inappropriate for any fiscal year. Urges the President to submit to the House and the Senate, not later than September 30, 1984, a comprehensive plan to balance the Federal budget. Requires the Committee on the Budget of each House to report, by April 15, 1985, and by April 15 of each year, a balanced budget for the upcoming fiscal year. Requires the chairmen of the budget committees and an individual designated by the President to meet from time to time and agree upon common economic and technical estimating assumptions which shall be used for the preparation and reestimation of the President's budget. Establishes a commission which shall: (1) review, with respect to FY 1986, the balanced budget proposal submitted by the President and the budgets reported by the Committees on the Budget; (2) study the effectiveness of the provisions of this Act in achieving balanced Federal budgets; and (3) make recommendations for further changes which may be necessary to achieve balanced Federal budgets. Requires the commission to transmit to the President and Congress a report not later then December 31, 1986, containing a detailed statement of its findings, conclusions, and recommendations for such legislation and administrative actions as it considers appropriate. Terminates the commission 30 days after the submission of such report.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1984
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal rules relating to the determination of the issue price of certain debt instruments issued for property. Amends the Tax Reform Act of 1984 to repeal the revisions made to rules for the imputation of interest on certain deferred payments. Provides that the Internal Revenue Code shall be applied and administered as if such revisions had not been enacted.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1984
States that the House of Representatives disapproves the appointment of Anne M. Burford as Chairperson of the National Advisory Committee on Oceans and Atmosphere, and urges the President to withdraw her appointment.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 1984
Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan Distribution of Judgment Funds Act - Authorizes the Saginaw Chippewa Tribe of Michigan, through its Tribal Council, to establish a Principal Investment Fund to be held in trust by the Council for the benefit of the tribe. Requires the income from such fund to be used exclusively for tribal economic development or development of tribal resources. Requires a certain percentage of the Fund's net income to be retained and included in its principal. Requires the Fund to be audited once every fiscal year and treats such report as a tribal public document. Requires the Secretary to transfer to the tribe for deposit in the Principal Investment Fund certain judgment funds awarded the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan in satisfaction of specified claims. Absolves the Secretary under any further trust responsibility for the funds after such transfer. Exempts payment or distributions from the Fund from State, local, or Federal income tax. Prohibits the consideration of such payments or distributions in determinations to deny or reduce benefits under Federal assistance programs or the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 1984
Establishes the National Commission on Federal Budget Deficit Reductions to review all relevant elements of fiscal and monetary policy. Requires particular emphasis to be given to the causes of cyclical and structural Federal budget deficits and the impact which growing structural Federal deficits have on employment, capital formation, and the vigor and viability of economic growth in the United States. Requires the Commission to: (1) identify problems which may hinder the control and reduction of Federal budget deficits; and (2) analyze all potential options which would result in deficit reductions and place the Government on a sound financial basis. Requires the Commission to report to the President and Congress by January 15, 1985, detailed findings, conclusions, and recommendations for such legislation and administrative actions as it considers appropriate. Terminates the Commission 30 days after submission of such report.
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 1984
Amends the Ethics in Government Act of 1978 to require the Director of the Office of Government Ethics to: (1) provide overall direction of executive branch policies for promoting ethical conduct; (2) evaluate and report to Congress in FY 1986 and every fourth fiscal year thereafter concerning the need for changes in such Act and in rules issued or administered by the Director and agencies regarding conflict of interest and ethical problems in order to make such Act and such rules effective alone and as supplements to conflict of interest laws and executive orders pertaining to ethical standards in executive agencies; (3) promulgate regulations under which each agency shall establish a program of mandatory briefings on applicable ethics laws and standards of conduct for officers and employees, publish summaries of representative agency decisions in cases involving financial disclosure requirements, standards of conduct, and post-employment conflict of interest regulations, and transmit summaries applicable to other agencies to the Office; and (4) maintain a case reporting system under which such summaries which are generally applicable or which involve matters of first impression shall be compiled, published, and made available to agencies and the public.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1984
Designates the week beginning February 17, 1985, as a time to recognize the contributions of volunteers who give their time to become Big Brothers and Big Sisters to youths in need of adult companionship.
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 1984
Criminal Fine Enforcement Act of 1984 - Amends the Federal criminal code in regard to the collection and payment of fines and penalties. Provides that a judgment may direct imprisonment until a fine or penalty is paid if the court finds that the defendant has the present ability to pay such fine or penalty. States that a judgment imposing the payment of a fine or penalty is a lien in favor of the United States and it applies to all property of the defendant other than property exempt from levy under the Internal Revenue Code. States that payment of a fine is due immediately unless the court requires payment by installment or by any date certain. Allows the Attorney General to make payment due immediately upon the default of any installment payment. Requires the defendant to pay interest at a rate of 1.5 percent per month on any amount of a fine or penalty that is past due (plus an extra 25 percent if the delinquency extends beyond 90 days). Allows the Attorney General and the Director of the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts to provide by regulation that fines for specified categories of offenses be paid to the clerk of the court. Provides that if the fine is imposed on an organization, payments are authorized from the assets of the organization; but if the fine is imposed on a director, officer, employee, or agent of the organization, payment shall not be authorized from organization assets unless expressly permitted by State law. Requires a defendant to pay a fine made a condition of probation even after the probation's end. Provides penalties for criminal default on a fine. Lists factors that the court must consider in determining whether to impose a fine, including: (1) the ability of the defendant to pay; (2) the burden that payment will impose on the defendant; and (3) any restitution or reparation made by the defendant. States that if a defendant has the obligation to make restitution to a victim of the offense, the court shall impose a fine only to the extent that such fine will not impair the ability of the defendant to make restitution. Increases the maximum fine levels for certain felonies, misdemeanors, and offenses which result in pecuniary gain. Provides a procedure for establishing security if a fine is stayed. Conditions parole upon a diligent effort to pay a fine. Increases the fine for the commission of a misdemeanor to $5,000 for an individual and $10,000 for an organization.
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 1984
Law Enforcement Officers Protection Act of 1984 - Amends the Federal criminal code to define "armor piercing ammunition." Excludes from the definition: (1) shot gun shot required by Federal or State regulations for hunting; (2) frangible projectiles for target shooting; and (3) projectiles that the Secretary of Treasury determines are primarily intended for sporting purposes. Makes it unlawful for any person to manufacture or import armor piercing ammunition. Allows for: (1) the manufacture or importation of armor piercing ammunition for the use of the United States or any State or local government; and (2) manufacture for the sole purpose of exportation. Establishes a licensing fee of $1,000 per year for manufacturers and importers of armor piercing ammunition. Imposes an additional mandatory sentence of not less than five years for any person who uses or carries a firearm and is in possession of armor piercing ammunition during the commission of a violent felony. Provides that such sentence shall not be suspended nor probation nor parole granted.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1984
Prohibits a Federal agency from procuring by contract any services performed by Federal employees in the competitive service positions of guards, elevator operators, messengers, and custodians if such procurement would: (1) cause the separation of a preference eligible from any such position; or (2) preclude the performance of any such service by a qualified preference eligible. Allows such procurement when: (1) qualified preference eligibles are not available; or (2) the position is held by an employee other than a preference eligible on the date that the contract is entered into.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1984
Ethanol Energy Policy Act of 1984 - Title I: Ethanol Demonstration Program for Federal Vehicles - Requires the Secretary of Energy to acquire at least 1,000 ethanol-powered passenger automobiles during FY 1985 and conduct studies with respect to the performance and maintenance of such vehicles. Requires that methanol be offered for sale to the public for use in other vehicles through September 30, 1989. Authorizes the Secretary to provide Federal agencies with such ethanol-powered vehicles at their request. Requires the agencies to cooperate with the Secretary in studies related to such vehicles. Sets forth reporting requirements which apply to the Secretary. Title II: Demonstration Program for Ethanol-Powered Buses - Amends the Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1964 to permit State and local entities which are eligible for grants under any other provision of such Act to apply to the Secretary of Transportation for grants for the acquisition of ethanol-powered buses. Requires grant recipients to participate in a demonstration program under which the Secretary shall conduct studies and tests with respect to the performance and maintenance of such buses. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 for supplemental grants. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 through 1989 for the demonstration program. Sets forth reporting requirements which apply to the Secretary. Title III: Interagency Commission on Ethanol - Establishes the Interagency Commission on Ethanol to develop and coordinate implementation of a national ethanol energy policy. Requires the Commission to: (1) perform various studies with respect to the production, use, and promotion of ethanol as a fuel; (2) develop a plan for the commercialization of ethanol; (3) develop a public-awareness program on ethanol as a transportation fuel; (4) coordinate Federal efforts with respect to ethanol research and commercialization; and (5) ensure communication between Federal agencies involved in ethanol demonstration projects and establish an information clearinghouse for parties working with or interested in ethanol and related projects. Requires the Chairman of the Commission to establish a private sector advisory panel to inform the Commission about ethanol-related matters. Sets forth reporting requirements which apply to the Commission. Terminates the Commission upon the submission of its last report. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 through 1989 to carry out this title. Title IV: Allocation of Highway Revenues - Provides that for purposes of the minimum allocation of highway revenues to States, the amount of estimated tax payments attributable to highway users in any State shall be increased by the estimated amount of tax such users would have paid if there were no special tax rate or tax exemption under the Internal Revenue Code for any liquid which is at least 85 percent methanol, ethanol, or other alcohol. Title V: Tax Incentives for the Use of Ethanol As A Fuel - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit of $1,000 for each passenger automobile purchased by the taxpayer the primary fuel for which is ethanol which is domestically manufactured and the original use of which commences with the taxpayer.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1984
Authorizes appropriations, beginning in FY 1985, for law enforcement services provided by Benzie and Leelanau Counties within the boundary of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in Michigan.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1984
Amends the Ethics in Government Act of 1978 to require the Director of the Office of Government Ethics to: (1) provide overall direction of executive branch policies for promoting ethical conduct; (2) report to Congress in FY 1984, 1987, and every fourth fiscal year thereafter concerning the need for changes in agency rules concerning conflict of interest and ethical problems; (3) promulgate regulations under which each agency shall establish a program of mandatory briefings on applicable ethics laws and standards of conduct for officers and employees, publish summaries of representative agency decisions in cases involving financial disclosure requirements, standards of conduct, and post- employment conflict of interest regulations, and transmit summaries applicable to other agencies to the Office; and (4) maintain a case reporting system under which such summaries which are generally applicable or which involve matters of first impression shall be compiled, published, and made available to agencies and the public. Establishes criminal penalties to be imposed against: (1) any person who steals confidential campaign information from a candidate for Federal office or copies or communicates such information to another candidate; and (2) any candidate for Federal office who receives confidential campaign information of another candidate, knowing that such information has been stolen, copied, or communicated.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 1984
American Passbook Savings Act of 1984 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income up to $5,000 ($10,000 for joint returns) of the interest earned on a passbook savings account.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1984
Requires the Secretary of the Interior to enter into an agreement with each of the counties of Benzie and Leelanau in Michigan under which the Secretary shall pay all of the repair and maintenance costs for any highways owned by such counties in and around the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore where such costs are attributable to lakeshore traffic.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1984
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to purchase up to 80 miles of highway and highway right-of-way located in the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in Michigan from Benzie and Leelanau Counties.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1984
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should express to the Soviet Union the U.S. disapproval of the Soviet Union's: (1) systematic nondelivery of U.S. mail addressed to persons in the Soviet Union; and (2) violation of specified treaties governing international mail. States that at the meeting of the Congress of the Universal Postal Union in Hamburg, Germany, U.S. representatives should; (1) bring such violations to the attention of the Union; (2) request that an investigation of such violations be conducted by the Union; and (3) consider possible sanctions against the Soviet Union for such violations.
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 1984
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the seasonally adjusted total unemployment rate (TUR) should be used to determine the availability of extended benefits and Federal supplemental compensation of the unemployed; (2) if the seasonally adjusted TUR is not currently available for a State, an alternative method of calculating such TUR should be developed and implemented with respect to determining the availability of such benefits; and (3) the Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, and other agencies involved with the gathering of unemployment data should take all steps necessary to improve U.S. capability to measure accurately the level of total unemployment and should recommend ways to improve current unemployment compensation benefit formulas so that such benefits are made available in areas of greatest need.
United States · United States Congress · 12 April 1984
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow any taxpayer to request that any employee of the Internal Revenue Service who interviews the taxpayer shall: (1) conduct such interview at a reasonable time and place convenient to the taxpayer; and (2) allow the taxpayer to make a recording of such interview. Provides that an employee of the Internal Revenue Service may record any such interview if he informs the taxpayer of such recording prior to the interview and provides the taxpayer with a transcript of such recording upon the request of the taxpayer and reimbursement for the cost of reproduction of such transcript. Requires that prior to an interview a taxpayer shall be informed in writing that: (1) he has the right to remain silent; (2) any statement he makes may be used against him; and (3) he has the right to the presence of an attorney or any accountant or return preparer familiar with the return that is the subject of the interview.
United States · United States Congress · 12 April 1984
Taxpayers' Procedural Safeguard Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase from ten days to 30 days the time period during which a taxpayer must pay a tax deficiency after notice and demand for payment. Sets forth requirements for information which must be included with such notice to a taxpayer. Allows the release of a levy upon the wages or salary of a taxpayer if: (1) the taxpayer has entered into an agreement for the payment of tax liability; or (2) the Secretary of the Treasury determines that such liability is unenforceable due to the financial condition of the taxpayer. (Present law allows the release of a levy only when the liability is satisfied or becomes unenforceable due to lapse of time.) Increases by specified amounts the aggregate sum of a taxpayer's personal effects and trade or business property which is exempt from levy. Increases by specified amounts the wages, salary, and other income of a taxpayer which is exempt from levy. Exempts from levy: (1) the principal residence of the taxpayer; (2) any motor vehicle used for transportation to the place of business of the taxpayer; and (3) any tangible personal property used in carrying on the trade or business of the taxpayer if such levy would prevent the taxpayer from carrying on such trade or business. Allows levy on such property if: (1) a district director or assistant district director of the Internal Revenue Service personally approves (in writing) the levy of such property; or (2) the collection of tax would be in jeopardy. Prohibits the levy on any property if the amount of the estimated expenses which would be incurred with respect to the levy and sale of such property exceeds: (1) the fair market value of such property at the time of levy; or (2) the liability for which such levy is made. Revises requirements for the administrative review of jeopardy levy and assessment. Requires the award of court costs and certain fees in civil suits brought against the United States if the position of the United States in such a proceeding was not substantially justified. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into written agreements with a taxpayer providing for installment payments of tax liability if the Secretary determines that such an agreement will facilitate the collection of the tax liability. Requires the Secretary to make a written offer to enter into such an agreement if: (1) the taxpayer's liability does not exceed $20,000; and (2) the taxpayer has not been delinquent in payments under any other such agreement during the previous three years. Provides that such an agreement shall be binding upon the Secretary unless: (1) information provided by the taxpayer was inaccurate or incomplete; or (2) the Secretary determines that the financial condition of the taxpayer has significantly changed. Requires the abatement of deficiency and any penalty or interest attributable to written advice by the Internal Revenue Service. Sets forth procedures involving taxpayer interviews. Requires the Internal Revenue Service, upon a taxpayer's request, to: (1) conduct such an interview at a reasonable time and place convenient to the taxpayer; and (2) allow the taxpayer to make a recording of such interview. Requires the officer or employee conducting such interview to warn the taxpayer that: (1) he has the right to remain silent; (2) any statement he makes may be used against him; and (3) he has the right to the presence of an attorney, accountant, or return preparer. Establishes within the Internal Revenue Service an Office of Ombudsman. Sets forth the duties and responsibilities of the Ombudsman. Requires the Ombudsman to submit annual reports to specified committees of the Congress. Authorizes the Ombudsman, upon application filed by a taxpayer, to issue a Taxpayer Assistance Order if, in the determination of the Ombudsman: (1) the taxpayer is suffering or about to suffer from an unusual or irreparable loss as a result of the manner in which the internal revenue laws are being administered by the Secretary; and (2) the Secretary has failed to carry out any of his duties or has violated any provision of law. Specifies that the terms of a taxpayer assistance order may require the Secretary to: (1) release property of the taxpayer levied upon; or (2) cease or refrain from certain actions. Requires the Secretary to obey any Taxpayer Assistance Order issued by the Ombudsman. Allows an administrative appeal of tax liens. Provides for a civil cause of action by a taxpayer for a wrongful lien or levy upon property.
United States · United States Congress · 11 April 1984
Amends the Tariff Schedules of the United States to include all forms of silicone in the term "synthetic plastics materials." Provides a duty for silicone resins and materials and synthetic rubber made of silicone.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1984
Amends the Tariff Schedules of the United States to require the Secretary of Agriculture to determine if the Canadian Government provides a subsidy to Canadian swine producers which is greater than U.S. subsidies to U.S. swine producers. Authorizes the Secretary, upon an affirmative finding, to impose additional duties on Canadian swine and pork products. Provides that the Secretary shall impose such an additional duty equal to the excess benefit of the Canadian subsidy that is conferred on such products. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to collect such duties. Requires the Secretary to terminate such additional duties during periods when Canada ceases to provide such subsidy.
![Official portrait of Rep. Albosta, Donald J. [D-MI-10]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/a000076_200.jpg)