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Official portrait of Rep. Kolter, Joseph P. [D-PA-4]

Rep. Kolter, Joseph P. [D-PA-4]

United States · Official source

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3,007 records where Rep. Kolter, Joseph P. [D-PA-4] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years

Resolution· HRESH.Res. 56 (99th)referred

A resolution concerning observance by the Government of Romania of the human rights of Hungarians in Transylvania, especially the right of self-determination.

United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1985

Declares that the House of Representatives deplores the denial of the rights of Hungarians and people of other nationalities in Transylvania by the Romanian Government. Requests the President and the Secretary of State to discuss the human rights of the Hungarians in Transylvania with the Government of Romania.

Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 54 (99th)reported

A concurrent resolution expressing the sense of the Congress with respect to implementation of the International Whaling Commission moratorium on commercial whaling.

United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1985

Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President and the Secretary of State should take all diplomatic and legal means possible to achieve worldwide compliance with the International Whaling Commission moratorium on commercial whaling.

Bill· HRH.R. 994 (99th)open

Controlled Substances Penalties Act of 1985

United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1985

Controlled Substances Penalties Act of 1985 - Amends the Controlled Substances Act and the Controlled Substances Import and Export Act to increase the penalties for offenses involving: (1) a kilogram or more of cocaine; (2) two or more kilograms of any other narcotic drug in schedule I or II; (3) a kilogram or more of phencyclidine (PCP); or (4) 25 grams or more of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD). Provides for a fine of not more than $500,000 or imprisonment for not more than 30 years. Prohibits any person from being released on bail pending trial for or appeal with respect to an offense under such Act. Requires first offenders to serve at least one half of their sentences before they become eligible for parole. Makes second drug offenders subject to the imposition of the death penalty or life imprisonment. Limits imposition of the death penalty to defendants who resisted arrest or were armed with dangerous weapons at the time of arrest.

Bill· HRH.R. 976 (99th)open

Fair Trade in Ferroalloys Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1985

Fair Trade in Ferroalloys Act - Amends the Tariff Schedules of the United States to replace the current tariff on certain ferroalloys with a tariff equal to the fair price differential. Defines fair price differential. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to publish annually the fair price for such ferroalloys.

Bill· HRH.R. 983 (99th)open

A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 to revise and extend the targeted jobs credit.

United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1985

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend the targeted jobs income tax credit from 1985 to 1990. Increases the amount of wages which may be taken into account for such credit from $6,000 to $10,000 per year. Revises the definition of "members of economically disadvantaged families" to increase from 70 percent to 80 percent of the Bureau of Labor Statistics' lower living standard the amount of income a family may have in order to qualify as a member of a targeted group.

Bill· HRH.R. 945 (99th)open

Firearms Owners' Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1985

Firearms Owners' Protection Act - Title I: Amendments to Title 18, United States Code - Amends the Gun Control Act of 1968 to redefine: (1) "manufacturer" to mean any person engaged in the "business of manufacturing" (instead of "manufacture" of) firearms or ammunition; and (2) "dealer" to exclude dealers in ammunition. Adds a new definition, "engaged in the business," with respect to manufacturers, dealers, and importers. Defines as a manufacturer, dealer, or importer of firearms a person who manufactures or deals in a regular course of trade or business with the principal objective of livelihood and profit. Excludes as dealers persons making occasional sales or repairs of firearms. Eliminates certain activities involving ammunition from the coverage of the current prohibitions. Allows for the sale or delivery of any firearm to a resident of a State other than a State in which the licensee's place of business is located if such sale or delivery complies with the laws of both States. Presumes a licensee to have actual knowledge of the published laws of the State. Requires such transfer to be face to face. Revises the current prohibition against certain classes of persons transporting a firearm or ammunition in interstate commerce to extend such prohibition to possession or receipt in commerce or affecting commerce of any firearm or ammunition. Includes as additional categories illegal aliens, dishonorably discharged members of the armed forces, and U.S. citizens who renounce their citizenship. Excludes ammunition dealers from the current licensing requirements. Declares that a licensed dealer's personal collection of firearms shall not be subject to recordkeeping requirements, under specific circumstances. Permits the Secretary of the Treasury to revoke a license only where the holder "willfully" violates a provision of the Act. Bars the Secretary from denying or revoking a license on the basis of violations which are alleged in criminal proceedings instituted against a licensee where such individual is not convicted of such charges. Allows the Government to voluntarily dismiss criminal charges prior to trial and still proceed with revocation. Imposes as a condition for the inspection or examination of records, documents, firearms, or ammunition that the Secretary has reasonable cause to believe that a violation has occurred and that evidence may be found on the premises. Requires a warrant to be issued for such search. Restricts the kind of firearms information obtained from licensees which the Secretary may make available to State or local governments. Establishes a limited recordkeeping requirement for firearms collectors. Establishes a "willful" scienter (knowledge) requirement with respect to general violations of the Act. Makes it a defense to a prosecution under this section that the conduct constituting the offense consisted of simple carelessness. Amends the forfeiture provision to subject to seizure any firearm or ammunition "involved in or used" in any violation of the Gun Control Act (instead of "involved in or used or intended to be used"). Directs the court to award attorney fees to the prevailing party (other than the United States) in a proceeding for the return of seized firearms or ammunition. Requires the court to award such fees in any other action upon a finding that the action was without foundation or was initiated in bad faith. Limits seizure to firearms individually identified as involved in the violation. Revises the current procedure allowing persons who have been convicted of a crime to apply to the Secretary for relief from the firearms prohibitions by allowing such a person to appeal a denial to the U.S. district court. Amends the rulemaking authority of the Secretary to provide that no regulation may require the transfer of records required under this Act to a facility owned, managed, or controlled by the United States or any State or the establishment of any system of registration of firearms, firearms owners, or firearms transactions. Requires a 90-day public comment period for proposed regulations (no period is currently specified). Prohibits the Secretary from prescribing regulations which require purchasers of black powder to complete affidavits or forms attesting to their exemption from certain provisions of the Federal criminal code. Declares any law or regulation promulgated by any State prohibiting the transfer of an unloaded and not readily accessible firearm or ammunition null and void. Title II: Amendments to Title VII of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 - Repeals title VII of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act (relating to the receipt, possession, or transportation of firearms by felons, veterans dishonorably discharged, mental incompetents, illegal aliens, and persons renouncing their United States citizenship).

Bill· HRH.R. 962 (99th)open

A bill to amend the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to make an exception to the ban on participation of officers and employees of the United States in certain foreign arrest actions and interrogations.

United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1985

Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to exempt arrest actions and interrogations in the Bahamas from the ban on participation by U.S. officers and employees in certain foreign drug arrest actions and interrogations.

Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 136 (99th)open

A joint resolution directing that the National Institutes of Health receive full funding in fiscal year 1985 for new and competing research grants.

United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1985

Requires that funds be made available from appropriations under the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education and Related Agencies Appropriation Act, 1985 to enable the National Institutes of Health to award 6,500 new and competing research grants in FY 1985.

Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 52 (99th)failed

A concurrent resolution calling for the restoration of democracy in Chile.

United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1985

States that the Congress supports the restoration of democratic institutions and human rights in Chile. Calls upon Chile to negotiate with the democratic opposition. Provides that until Chile returns to democracy: (1) U.S. military and economic assistance to Chile should be denied and all joint military activities ceased; (2) the Overseas Private Investment Corporation should not issue additional investment insurance to Chile; and (3) the United States should oppose all loans and grants to Chile by certain international financial institutions unless such assistance is directed to programs which serve the needs of the people.

Bill· HRH.R. 933 (99th)referred

A bill to amend title II of the Social Security Act to prohibit the payment of benefits thereunder to individuals who have been deported or ordered deported from the United States on account of certain activities conducted under the direction of or in association with the Nazi government of Germany during World War II.

United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1985

Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to prohibit the payment of title II benefits to individuals who have been deported pursuant to the Immigration and Nationality Act because of activities conducted under the direction of association with the Nazi government of Germany or its allies.

Bill· HRH.R. 915 (99th)referred

A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 to allow a deduction for amounts paid or incurred for maintaining a household a member of which is a dependent of the taxpayer who has attained the age of sixty-five.

United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1985

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an income tax deduction for amounts paid or incurred in maintaining a household for a dependent of the taxpayer who has attained the age of 65. Limits the deduction to $2,400 ($3,400 if the qualified dependent is physically or mentally incapable of caring for himself).

Bill· HRH.R. 864 (99th)open

A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to improve veterans' benefits for former prisoners of wars.

United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1985

Establishes a presumption of service-connection for disability purposes for former prisoners of war suffering from the following conditions, manifest to a degree of ten percent or more after active service: (1) chronic liver disease; (2) organic residuals of hypothermia; (3) gastro-intestinal disorders; (4) arthritis; (5) cardiovascular conditions; (6) peripheral neuropathy; (7) immunological dysfunctions; or (8) chronic pulmonary disease. Decreases from six months to 30 days the amount of time a former prisoner of war must have been incarcerated to be eligible for outpatient dental services.

Bill· HRH.R. 881 (99th)open

A bill to authorize construction of a highway project in Beaver County and Lawrence County, Pennsylvania.

United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1985

Directs the Secretary of Transportation to implement a highway project on a Federal-aid Primary System highway in Beaver and Lawrence Counties, Pennsylvania, in order to demonstrate the benefits of closing a highway gap in an area of high unemployment. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 and beyond. States that the Federal share of such highway project shall be 100 percent, and that the funds are not subject to any obligation limitation. Directs the Secretary to submit a report to the Congress on the results of the project 180 days after its completion.

Bill· HRH.R. 875 (99th)referred

Equal Access to Public Accommodations Act of 1985

United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1985

Equal Access to Public Accommodations Act of 1985 - Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to prohibit sex discrimination in public accommodations and in private clubs which are not open to the public but which are used in substantial degree for business purposes of their members.

Bill· HRH.R. 901 (99th)referred

Secondary School Basic Skills Act

United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1985

Secondary School Basic Skills Act - Establishes a program of grants to local educational agencies (LEAs) having especially high concentrations of children from low-income families to enable such agencies to provide more effective instruction in basic skills for economically disadvantaged secondary school students. Defines "basic skills" (to include reading, communications, writing, and mathematics proficiency, as well as problem-solving comprehension, and reasoning.) Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 through 1991. Makes certain amounts of such appropriations available for specified activities and types of grants under this Act. Makes a secondary school eligible to receive assistance under this Act for program grants only if 20 percent or more of children aged 12 to 17, inclusive, who are enrolled in such school: (1) are counted under LEA basic grant provisions of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA), as modified by the Education Consolidation and Improvement Act of 1981 (ECIA); or (2) qualify for a free school lunch under the National School Lunch Act of 1946. Requires that funds made available under this Act for program grants be used to develop new approaches to and carry out educational services and activities designed specifically to raise the basic skills of low-achieving disadvantaged children. Authorizes the Secretary of Education, from specified funds appropriated for program grants for FY 1985 through 1990, to make grants to enable eligible secondary schools to develop, implement, and carry out new approaches to achieving improved basic skills instruction of low-achieving economically disadvantaged secondary school students. Requires that the grant application be made on behalf of the eligible secondary school by: (1) the LEA; or (2) an institution of higher education, public agency, or private nonprofit organization if such entity will provide educational services or conduct educational activities subject to the proposal. Requires applicants to assure their participation in a national evaluation. Requires that administrators, teachers, and parents in the eligible school participate in the preparation of the proposal. Requires that the appropriate State educational agency (SEA) be provided on opportunity to review and comment on the application before submittal to the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to assure that: (1) eligible applicants represent various geographic regions of the country, including both rural and urban secondary schools within those various geographic regions; and (2) at least one demonstration grant is made in each State in each fiscal year, unless no applications are received from a State. Requires each LEA which desires to receive program grants under this Act to file with the Secretary an application containing specified assurances. Allows any eligible applicant organization to apply for a five-year grant, subject to specified restrictions, on behalf of an eligible secondary school. Sets forth requirements for such applications. Requires consultation with parents and teachers of low-achieving economically disadvantaged secondary school students in program design and implementation. Directs the Secretary, through the National Institute of Education (NIE), to annually conduct a national evaluation of the effectiveness and the implementation of program grants. Requires that such assessment results be submitted to Congress and disseminated to SEAs, LEAs, State legislatures, and Governors. Directs the Secretary, through NIE, to monitor grants and coordinate activities under this Act with other research activities conducted by NIE and through the Office of Educational Research and Improvement. Directs NIE, once program grants are awarded, to provide eligible recipients with technical assistance. Prohibits the Secretary from disapproving an LEA application without affording notice and opportunity for a hearing. Directs the Secretary to make payments as expeditiously as possible after approval of applications. Prohibits any grant from being made with respect to any eligible secondary school for more than two fiscal years unless there is: (1) an improved performance of the targeted secondary school students at the school on a nationally normed basic skills test; or (2) a decrease in the dropout rate at the school. Directs the Secretary to prescribe regulations relating to such requirement. Authorizes the Secretary to grant a waiver of such requirement for one additional academic year of programming if external conditions warrant.

Bill· HRH.R. 882 (99th)referred

A bill to amend the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to provide that 50 percent of the grants under the urban development action grant program shall be made solely on the basis of project quality.

United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1985

Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 regarding urban development action grant criteria to require at least one-half of aggregate grant amounts to be made solely on the basis of specified criteria, of which job creation, especially for low-income persons and minorities, shall be given priority. Requires a report to the Congress.

Bill· HRH.R. 867 (99th)referred

A bill to amend section 3104 of title 38, United States Code, to permit certain service-connected disabled veterans who are retired members of the Armed Forces to receive compensation concurrently with retired pay, without deduction from either.

United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1985

Permits certain veterans with service-connected disabilities who are retired members of the uniformed services to receive compensation concurrently with retired pay, without deduction from either.

Bill· HRH.R. 822 (99th)open

A bill to provide for a General Accounting Office investigation and report on conditions of displaced Salvadorans, to provide certain rules of the House of Representatives and of the Senate with respect to review of the report, to provide for the temporary stay of detention and deportation of certain Salvadorans.

United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1985

Title I: General Accounting Office Investigation and Report - Directs the General Accounting Office to investigate the situation of displaced nationals of El Salvador, including determinations of those Salvadorans in Central America, unlawfully in the United States, or returned from the United States to El Salvador. Requires a report to the Congress. Title II: Congressional Review - Provides that such report shall be referred to the appropriate committees for hearings and committee reports. Title III: Temporary Stay of Deportation - Provides for a temporary stay of detention and deportation for specified Salvadorans presently in the United States.

Bill· HRH.R. 782 (99th)referred

A bill to amend the National Labor Relations Act to authorize the Secretary of Labor to prohibit the awarding of Federal contracts to persons who have violated certain judicial orders or orders issued by the National Labor Relations Board.

United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1985

Amends the National Labor Relations Act to authorize the Secretary of Labor to prohibit the awarding of Federal contracts to persons who have violated certain judicial orders or orders issued by the National Labor Relations Board. Limits the period of such ban to not more than three years after the Secretary has certified the identity of such person to the Comptroller General. Permits the awarding of Federal contracts to such person during the period of the ban if the Federal agency or department, after notice and opportunity for hearing to all interested parties, certifies to the Secretary that there is no other source for the material or services furnished by such person.

Bill· HRH.R. 769 (99th)referred

Youth Camp Safety Act

United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1985

Youth Camp Safety Act - Establishes in the Office of the Secretary of Health and Human Services an Office of Youth Camp Safety to be headed by a Director of Youth Camp Safety. Confers upon the Director the primary responsibility for the promulgation and enforcement of Federal and State youth camp safety regulations. Provides for congressional disapproval of such proposed regulations. Requires any State which desires to assume responsibility for the development and modification of youth camp safety standards to submit a State plan to the Director for approval. Allows a State whose plan has been rejected to obtain review of the decision in the U.S. court of appeals. Authorizes the Director to make grants to States for the development of youth camp safety plans, such grants not to exceed 80 percent of the cost of carrying out the State plan. Authorizes the Director to enter and inspect youth camps and their records. Charges the Director with: (1) establishing within the Department of Health and Human Services an Advisory Council on Youth Camp Safety; and (2) reporting to the Congress and the President annually. Establishes judicial procedures to restrain any condition or practice which poses an imminent danger of serious injury at such camps. Prescribes penalties for violations by youth camp operators of the standards promulgated pursuant to this Act. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 through 1990.

Bill· HRH.R. 778 (99th)referred

A bill entitled: "The Anti-Profit Padding Act of 1985".

United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1985

Prohibits Government contracts to which cost accounting standards under the Defense Production Act of 1950 are applicable from treating the contractor's costs for facilities capital as allowable costs. Prohibits, under such contracts, facilities capital costs from being considered as incurred by the contractor. States that the cost accounting standard (4 C.F.R. 414) issued by the Cost Accounting Standards Board under the Defense Production Act of 1950, effective October 1, 1976, shall not apply to any contract for which a request for proposal is issued after enactment of this Act.

Bill· HRH.R. 787 (99th)referred

Conrail Privatization Act of 1985

United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1985

Conrail Privatization Act of 1985 - Cancels all Federal interest in debentures, contingent interest notes and series A and B preferred stock of the Consolidated Rail Corporation (Conrail). Directs the Secretary of Transportation to sell to Conrail (for a specified price) all Conrail common stock shares held by the United States. Requires the cancellation of such shares after the sale. Prohibits the carryforward of investment tax credits or net operating loss deductions for Conrail for any taxable year after December 31, 1985. Directs Conrail to issue new common and preferred stock. Restricts the ownership or control of Conrail voting securities by any one person to ten percent. Requires the Secretary of Transportation to serve on the Conrail Board of Directors. Provides that the Secretary may only vote as a member of the Board on questions of overriding public interest. Grants the Secretary exclusive power to determine which Conrail actions raise questions of overriding public interest. Maintains the geographic location of Conrail headquarters as of the day prior to the stock sale.

Bill· HRH.R. 831 (99th)referred

Taxpayers' Bill of Rights

United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1985

Taxpayers' Bill of Rights - Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to prepare, for distribution to taxpayers, brief but comprehensive statements which set forth in nontechnical terms: (1) the rights and obligations of taxpayers during an audit; (2) the procedures by which a taxpayer may appeal any adverse decision of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS); (3) the procedures for prosecuting refund claims and filing of taxpayer complaints; and (4) the procedures which the IRS may use in enforcing the internal revenue laws. Requires a copy of such statement to accompany any tax forms sent to taxpayers. Extends permanently the authority to award court costs, attorney fees, and other fees to a prevailing party in civil tax cases. (Present law terminates such authority as of December 31, 1985.) Provides for a civil action against IRS employees for any deprivation of rights, privileges, or immunities secured by the Constitution or laws of the United States. Establishes within the Department of the Treasury an Office of the Ombudsman to provide assistance to individuals in their dealings with the Department of the Treasury (including the IRS). Requires the IRS, upon a taxpayer's request, to: (1) conduct any interview regarding a deficiency assessment in the taxpayer's residence or place of business, at a reasonable time convenient to the taxpayer; and (2) allow a taxpayer to make a recording of such interview at his own expense and with his own equipment. Requires the officer or employee conducting such interview to warn the taxpayer that: (1) he or she has the right to remain silent; (2) any statement he or she makes may be used against him or her; and (3) he or she has the right to the presence of an attorney or a certified public accountant. Requires the Comptroller General of the United States to establish a program for a continuing audit and investigation of the efficiency, uniformity, and equity of the the administration of the internal revenue laws of the United States. Requires the Comptroller General to report annually to the Congress on such program. Prohibits the use of amounts collected pursuant to audits or investigations of taxpayer returns as a basis for the evaluations of the IRS personnel who participated in such audits or investigations.