United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1986
Amends the Internal Revenue Code and title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to provide that the pensions received by retired judges who are assigned to active duty shall not be treated as wages for purposes of title II.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1986
Amends the Export Administration Act of 1979 to prohibit exporting any item on the U.S. Munitions List to any country which the Secretary of State determines engages in or provides support or sanctuary for international terrorism. Prohibits exporting to such a country: (1) goods, technology, or other information that could make a significant contribution to the military potential of that country or that could enhance the ability of such country to support international terrorism; and (2) any aircraft. Prohibits rescinding a determination that a country supports international terrorism, unless the Secretary of State, at least 60 days before the rescission would take effect, certifies to the Congress that: (1) the country has not provided support for international terrorism for the preceding 12 months; and (2) the country has made explicit assurances that it will not support international terrorism in the future. Directs the President to try to secure international cooperation in prohibiting such exports to such countries. Directs the Secretary of State, within 90 days of enactment of this Act, to compile a list of countries providing support to international terrorism and a list of the goods, technology, and other information which shall not be exported to such countries.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1986
Amends the Export-Import Bank Act of 1945 to prohibit the Export-Import Bank from guaranteeing, insuring, or extending credit in connection with any export of goods or services to Angola until the President certifies to the Congress that no Cuban military personnel or military personnel from any other controlled country remain in Angola.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1986
Authorizes the President, on behalf of the Congress, to present a gold medal to Mary Lasker in recognition of her humanitarian contributions in medical research and education, urban beautification, and the fine arts. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to provide for the sale of bronze duplicates of the medal.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1986
Declares that each standing committee of the House of Representatives may, within two days of adoption of this resolution, submit to the House Budget Committee alternatives to the President's sequestration order under the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act), insofar as such order affects laws within the jurisdiction of the committee. Requires the Budget Committee, within four days of adoption of this resolution, to report a resolution containing instructions to committees sufficient to achieve the total level of deficit reduction contained in the President's sequestration order for FY 1986. Provides that such instructions shall require that each committee (and each subcommittee of the Committee on Appropriations) achieve the same level of deficit reduction with respect to programs under its jurisdiction as would have been saved under the President's order. Requires committees to submit recommendations to the Budget Committee by February 21, 1986, sufficient to meet deficit reductions. Requires the Budget Committee to promptly report a reconciliation bill carrying out such recommendations. Authorizes the Budget Committee to include legislative language within the jurisdiction of any noncomplying committee. Requires such reconciliation bill to include a provision which states that if it is enacted on or before March 1, 1986, then the sequestration order for FY 1986 is null and void. Establishes procedures for floor consideration of such reconciliation bill, including limitation on debates and amendments.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1986
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the United States, in cooperation with other members of the international donor community, should call upon the Ethiopian Government to recognize that resources donated for famine relief should be used for that purpose and not diverted to resettlement efforts; (2) such forced resettlements by the Ethiopian Government should be halted and monitored by the United Nations (U.N.); (3) the Ethiopian Government should commit sufficient resources to move food and relief goods to meet the needs of its people; and (4) the U.N. should insist on free access to resettlement sites for international observers and the news media and report on conditions in the resettlement camps.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1986
Establishes a veterans' home loan guaranty limitation amount of $17,600,000,000 reduced by 4.3 percent for purposes of implementing any sequestration order issued by the President for FY 1986 calling for a reduction of such loan commitments.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1986
Nonprogram Crop Amendments of 1986 - Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to define "nonprogram crop," for purposes of permitted plantings in quarantine areas for wheat, feed grains, cotton, and rice, as any commodity other than one whose increased production would adversely affect the income of the producers of such commodity.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1986
Amends the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act) to exempt cost-of-living increases in Federal civil service retirement and disability programs, military retirement benefits, and certain railroad retirement benefits from reduction under the President's sequestration order.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1986
Social Security Trust Funds Safeguard Act of 1986 - Amends titles II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) and XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to require that all amounts appropriated to, or deposited in, a trust fund established under one of those programs be immediately and exclusively available for the purposes for which trust fund amounts are specifically made available under such program. Requires the President, in addition to appointing one member of the the public to the Board of Trustees of the social security trust funds (currently two members of the public are chosen), to appoint a Managing Trustee to the board, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, for a term of four years. Provides that the Managing Trustee may be removed only for cause, but is prohibited from engaging in any other business, vocation, or employment. Requires the Department of Health and Human Services to provide the Managing Trustee with appropriate assistance. Directs the Managing Trustee to invest that portion of the social security trust funds which is not required to meet current withdrawals in accordance with an annual investment plan submitted by the Board. Requires the Board to conduct a continuing study and actuarial analysis of the status of investments made by the Managing Trustee and, by August 1 of each year, formulate and submit to the President and each House of the Congress an investment plan to govern the investments of the social security trust funds during the fiscal year. Requires the annual investment plan to set forth standards governing the investment and disinvestment of the trust funds which ensure, so far as is possible, that the OASDI and Medicare programs fulfill their intended purposes in a fiscally and actuarially sound nonpartisan manner, free from the influence of irrelevant budgetary or fiscal considerations. Directs that such plan be accompanied by any recommendations of the Board regarding investment of the social security trust funds. Directs that the investment plan and recommendations be incorporated in a special message to each House. Sets a minimum and maximum on amounts of the social security trust funds to be invested in obligations which are not obligations of the United States but which are guaranteed as to both principal and interest by the United States. Sets forth effective date and transitional provisions.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1986
Authorizes the L-5 Society to establish a memorial on Federal land in the District of Columbia or its environs to honor America's astronauts, especially those astronauts who gave their lives in pursuit of knowledge for all mankind. Requires the L-5 Society to select, subject to the approval of the Commission of Fine Arts and the National Capital Planning Commission, the site, design, and plans for the memorial. Terminates the authority to establish the memorial if its construction is not begun within five years with non-Federal funds sufficient to ensure its completion.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1986
Prohibits any benefits payable from the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund, including cost-of-living increases, during calendar year 1987 from being subject to reduction or suspension by statute or presidential order.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1986
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that citizens or residents of the United States who are in a foreign country in violation of an executive order shall not be permitted to exclude from income the foreign earned income from sources within such country or the housing expenses allocable for housing in such country.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1986
Live Birth Abortion Revision Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to deny a taxpayer's personal exemption deduction for a child who is born alive after an induced abortion or an attempt to perform an abortion and dies as a result of such procedure. Denies the deduction for abortion expenses unless the abortion was performed to save the life of the mother. Denies the personal exemption deduction for the spouse or a dependent of the taxpayer if the taxpayer intentionally causes the death of such spouse or dependent. Requires a court determination of an intentional cause of death.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1986
Expresses disapproval of the refusal of the U.S.S.R. to recognize the sovereignty of the Baltic Republics. Designates the 14th day of June 1986 as Baltic Freedom Day. Authorizes and requests the President to submit the issue of Baltic self-determination to the United Nations.
United States · United States Congress · 19 December 1985
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) the President should continue to express to the Soviet Union U.S. opposition with respect to the harassment and arrests of Hebrew teachers and Jewish activists in the Soviet Union; and (2) the Soviet Union should comply with its commitments under specified international human rights agreements and cease its persecution of individuals on the basis of their Jewish faith.
United States · United States Congress · 18 December 1985
Rural Satellite Dish Owners Protection Act - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to prohibit encryption of any satellite cable programming for private viewing beginning 30 days after enactment of this Act, unless: (1) the encryption complies with Federal Communications Commission standards; (2) decryption devices are available for lease or purchase by all interested persons within 60 days after request at a reasonable price relative to manufacturing and distribution costs; and (3) monthly subscription fees for such programming do not exceed fees assessed to cable subscribers within the same vicinity. Provides for the civil enforcement of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 11 December 1985
Polygraph Reform Act of 1985 - Declares that no employer may take any action affecting the employment status of an employee or prospective employee if such action is based on the results of a polygraph examination that was not administered in accordance with the standards established by this Act. Lists areas of questioning into which polygraph examiners may not inquire. Lists the rights of the polygraph examinee, including the right to terminate the questioning at any time. Lists the qualification standards for polygraph examiners. Requires any State or local government agency wishing to develop and enforce standards for the use of polygraphs to submit such plans to the Secretary of Labor for certification. Provides that no person may conduct a polygraph examination unless such person is certified by the Secretary. Provides certain limitations for the disclosure of information obtained during a polygraph examination. States that the rights and procedures established by this Act may not be waived. Provides civil penalties for violations of this Act. Allows a person who is given a polygraph examination in violation of this Act to bring a civil suit against the polygraph examiner. Sets the maximum fine for such violations.
United States · United States Congress · 10 December 1985
Calls upon the President to direct the Agency for International Development to work in a global effort to provide universal access to childhood immunization by 1990 by: (1) assisting in the delivery, distribution, and use of vaccines; and (2) performing and supporting research and development activities that will be targeted at developing new vaccines and at modifying existing vaccines to make them more appropriate for use in developing countries. Declares that the President should appeal to the public to provide the necessary resources to achieve universal access to childhood immunization by 1990. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to increase the authorization of appropriations for FY 1987 for the Child Survival Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 5 December 1985
Expresses the sense of the Congress that Canada should carry out its pledge to discontinue the imposition of Federal excise tax on imported U.S. tourism literature.
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 1985
Amends the Merchant Marine Act, 1936, to add to such Act a new title, "Title XIV-Build and Charter," which establishes in the Treasury the Merchant Ship Revolving Fund. Provides that moneys for such Fund shall be derived from: (1) all moneys appropriated to the Fund; (2) all moneys received for the charter or sale of merchant vessels constructed under this Act; and (3) any other moneys made available for the Fund. Provides that moneys from such Fund shall be used for the construction in private U.S. shipyards of merchant vessels capable of serving as naval and military auxiliaries in time of war or national emergency. Directs the Secretary of the Navy to administer the Fund and to award contracts to private U.S. shipyards for vessel construction under this Act. Directs the Secretary to charter or sell any naval vessel constructed under this Act to a citizen of the United States for operation in the foreign commerce of the United States. Outlines information concerning the price to be charged by the Secretary for the sale or charter of such vessels. Provides that a citizen who charters or purchases a vessel under this Act shall not be eligible to receive an operating-differential subsidy for the operation of any such vessel. Prohibits the Secretary from chartering or selling any vessel constructed under this Act for operation in the transpacific or transatlantic general dry cargo service unless the Secretary makes certain findings concerning the need for such vessel, including the finding that such charter or sale is in the interest of national security. Authorizes appropriations to the Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 13 November 1985
Amends the Strategic and Critical Materials Stock Piling Act to express the intent of the Congress that: (1) the National Defense Stockpile be used to serve the interest of national defense only and not for economic or budgetary purposes; and (2) the quantities of materials stored should be sufficient to sustain the United States for a period of not less than three years in the event of a national emergency. Provides that such strategic materials, together with their quantity and quality and the form in which they are to be acquired and stored, shall be established by law and shall be known as the National Defense Stockpile. Provides that certain functions of the President under the Strategic and Critical Materials Stock Piling Act (such as stockpile management, disposal authority, the creation of advisory committees, and reports to the Congress) may be delegated only to the Secretary of Defense. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into an interagency agreement with the head of any other department or agency for the performance of such functions. Provides that appropriations for the operation of the Stockpile and for acquisitions through the Stockpile Transaction Fund shall be made to the Department of Defense as part of the appropriations for military functions of the Department.
United States · United States Congress · 13 November 1985
Criminals' Accountability Act of 1985 - Amends Federal bankruptcy provisions to make nondischargeable any debt arising from a judgment or consent decree requiring a debtor to make restitution as a result of the commission of a crime.
United States · United States Congress · 6 November 1985
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the President should: (1) forever desist from congratulating the Soviet Union on the anniversary of the Communists' seizure of power; and (2) annually express, on November 7, our solidarity with the people and countries under Soviet domination, and our hope for their imminent freedom and national integrity.
United States · United States Congress · 1 November 1985
Historic Structure Valuation Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that the value of any certified historic structure includible in the gross estate of the decedent shall be its historic use value. Defines "historic use value" as the value of the certified historic structure subject to any perpetual historic preservation easement. Requires that the election for the special valuation treatment must be made by the time prescribed for filing the tax return. Allows the executor of an estate to elect to pay all or part of the estate tax due in two or more equal installments (not to exceed 15) if the value of the certified historic structure included in the gross estate of the decedent exceeds 35 percent of the adjusted gross estate. Permits the annual payment of such installments. Limits the amount of the tax which may be paid in installments. Provides that if a deficiency has been assessed, the deficiency shall be prorated to the installments payable. Requires the interest due on any unpaid portion of the estate tax to be paid annually at the the same time as each installment payment. Requires the accelerated payment of any unpaid portion of the estate tax subject to this election if more than 50 percent of the certified historic structure amount is distributed, sold, exchanged, or otherwise disposed of to any person other than a qualified heir of the decedent. Requires any undistributed net income of the estate to be used to liquidate any unpaid portion of the estate tax payable in installments. Requires the payment of the unpaid portion of the estate tax upon notice and demand if any payment of principal or interest is not paid on or before the date fixed for the payment. Permits payment of any principal or interest amount within six months of the due date with an imposition of a penalty for such late payment. Permits the executor to elect to pay a deficiency in installments if the deficiency is assessed, the estate qualifies for the certified historic structure election, and the executor has not made the election.
United States · United States Congress · 31 October 1985
Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to strike bronze medals commemorating the 100th Congress. Specifies the size of the medals, leaving their quantity and design to the Secretary's determination. Authorizes appropriations which are to be reimbursed out of proceeds from sales of the medals.
United States · United States Congress · 31 October 1985
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the Postmaster General should issue a stamp, before October 1, 1986, commemorating the 100th Congress; and (2) the U.S. Postal Service should conduct a public competition for the design of the stamp.
United States · United States Congress · 30 October 1985
Amends the Uniform Code of Military Justice to provide that no person may be sentenced to death by a court-martial unless all the members of the court-martial concur in such sentence. Allows a sentence of death only if the members of the court-martial find, beyond a reasonable doubt, one or more of the following aggravating factors: (1) that the offense was committed in the presence of the enemy; (2) that the accused intended to cause a grave risk of substantial damage to national security or a mission of the United States; (3) that the offense actually caused substantial damage to U.S. national security (whether intended or not); (4) that the accused knowingly created a grave risk of death to one or more persons in addition to the victim of the offense; (5) that the accused committed the offense with the intent to avoid hazardous duty; (6) that (for certain offenses) the offense was committed in a time of war and in engaged or occupied territory; (7) that (for certain offenses) the accused was serving a sentence of 30 years or more, was committing specified crimes or was fleeing after the commission of such crimes, was committing the offense for specified purposes, or that the victims of such crimes were specified high-ranking officials or public servants; (8) that (for certain offenses) the accused was the actual perpetrator of the killing; (9) that (for certain offenses) the victim was under age 12 or the accused maimed or attempted to kill such victim; (10) that a sentence of death is authorized for such offense; (11) that the accused has previously been convicted of an offense involving espionage or treason; or (12) that the offense involved such other factors as may be prescribed by the President. Outlines instructions to be given to members of the court-martial by the military judge in such a capital punishment case. Requires members of the court-martial to vote by secret ballot in closed session. Directs the president of the court-martial, if a sentence of death is adjudged, to announce which aggravating factor(s) was found by the members.
United States · United States Congress · 29 October 1985
Grants Federal retirees an 18-month period after their retirement date to elect a survivor annuity for their spouses or to increase such annuity. Declares such election ineffective unless: (1) the spouse is notified in advance of the election; and (2) the necessary amount to cover such election is deposited in the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund prior to the expiration of the 18-month period. Declares that a survivor annuity election made under the provisions of this Act voids any such previous election. Directs the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to annually inform each employee and Member of his or her right of election, including applicable procedures and deadlines. Directs OPM to: (1) establish a training program for retirement counselors of Federal agencies; and (2) publicize a telephone number for the exclusive use of annuitants with questions relating to retirement benefits. (Requires the Director of OPM to assign knowledgeable staff to respond to such calls.) Requires the training program to provide comprehensive training on provisions relating to, and the administration of, civil service retirement benefits. Requires that training be designed to promote fully informed retirement decisions by employees and be revised as necessary to assure that current information is furnished to counselors. Requires the Director to conduct a training session once each quarter-year. Requires each retirement counsel to complete a training session once each year.
United States · United States Congress · 24 October 1985
Interstate Compact - Grants the consent of the Congress to the Southern States Energy Compact regarding coordination among specified States for the development, production, and use of energy. Declares the following States eligible parties to such compact: Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. Declares any State contiguous to the foregoing States an eligible party to the Compact. Repeals the Act of July 31, 1962 granting the consent of the Congress to the Southern Interstate Nuclear Compact.
United States · United States Congress · 23 October 1985
Authorizes the President to provide military assistance to the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA). Authorizes appropriations for such purpose for FY 1986.
![Official portrait of Rep. Bateman, Herbert H. [R-VA-1]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/b000229_200.jpg)