United States · United States Congress · 11 September 1985
Amends the Merchant Marine Act, 1936, to provide for the termination of a capital fund construction agreement entered into between the Secretary of Commerce and a corporation owning or leasing vessels eligible for such fund if the Secretary determines, after a hearing, that a hostile change in control of such corporation is inconsistent with the purposes of such agreement. Directs the Secretary to terminate such an agreement when a nonqualified withdrawal is made from such fund within three years after a hostile change in control, if the Secretary determines that the withdrawal is inconsistent with the purposes of such agreement. Imposes penalties for the termination of such agreements.
United States · United States Congress · 4 September 1985
Enterprise Zone Development and Employment Act of 1985 - Title I: Designation of Enterprize Zones - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for the designation of enterprise zones by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development for purposes of extending the tax incentives and regulatory flexibility measures provided by this Act. Provides that State and local governments shall nominate areas for such designation. Limits the designation of enterprise zones to 100 nominated areas, by the later of a 24 month period or July 1, 1985 (one-fourth of which must be in rural areas). Limits the period during which such deisgnation shall remain in effect. Provides that the Secretary may designate such zones only if: (1) the area is within the jurisdiction of the local government; (2) the boundary of the area is continuous; (3) the area has a population of at least 4,000 if any portion thereof is located within a standard metropolitan statistical area (with a population of at least 50,000) or 1,500 otherwise, or is within an Indian reservation; and (4) the area meets specified unemployment and poverty requirements. Requires nominating local governments, as a condition of the Secretary's designation, to agree in writing to follow a course of action which may include reducing tax rates, improving local services, simplifying or streamlining regulation of business, receiving commitments of private entities to assist employees and residents of the area, permitting State and local income tax deductions for fees for services performed by a nongovernmental entity formerly performed by a governmental entity, giving special preference to contractors owned and operated by members of a minority, and giving of surplus land in the enterprise zone to neighborhood organizations agreeing to operate a business on the land. Describes areas to which preference shall be given in deciding to designate enterprise zones. Requires the Secretary to prepare and submit to the Congress every four years a report on the effects of such enterprise zones' designation. Requires that any property tax reduction effected by a local government under the terms of this Act be disregarded for purposes of determining the eligibility of a State or local government for Federal assistance or benefits. States that designation of an enterprise zone shall not give displaced persons from such an area any rights or benefits under the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970. Treats any area designated as an enterprise zone as a labor surplus area under Federal law. Title II: Federal Income Tax Incentives - Subtitle A: Credits for Employers and Employees - Allows employers located in enterprise zones a nonrefundable income tax credit for increased employment expenditures and employment of the disadvantaged. Allows a three-year carryback and a 15-year carryover of such credit. Sets the amount of such credit at ten percent of the increase in payroll (taking into account a maximum of $17,500 in wages per year per employee) plus 50 percent of the wages paid to certain disadvantaged workers for the first three years of the enterprise zone designation. Phases out such economically disadvantaged credit. Disallows a deduction for the portion of the wages or salaries taken into account for such credit. Requires that where there is an early termination of employment by an employer in the case of qualified economically disadvantaged individuals, the tax for that taxable year in which the termination occurred must be increased by the tax credits allowed for such employees. Allows employees located in enterprise zones a nonrefundable income tax credit equal to five percent of qualified wages earned per year (taking into account a maximum of $10,500 in wages per year). Phases out such credit. Subtitle B: Credits for Investment in Tangible Property in Enterprise Zones - Allows businesses an additional investment tax credit for investments made in certain enterprise zone construction property located in enterprise zones. Limits such credit to ten percent for new enterprise zone construction property, including rental property. Requires that the property subject to such credit be located in an enterprise zone, be predominantly used in the zone, be either constructed, reconstructed, renovated, etc. during the period of zone designation or acquired during such period, and not be acquired from relatives or related corporations. Requires the recapture of such credit upon the early disposition of the property. Provides for a phase-out of the enterprise zone tax credit as the enterprise zone ends. Provides for an adjustment to the basis of the enterprise zone construction property to reflect the enterprise zone tax credit. Subtitle C: Nonrecognition of Qualified Enterprise Zone Capital Gain Where Acquisition of Enterprise Zone Business Property - Provides for the nonrecognition of capital gain on the sale of property where within the one-year period beginning on the date of such sale qualified replacement property is acquired by the taxpayer, to the extent the gain from the sale does not exceed the cost of the replacement property. Defines "qualified replacement property" as any personal property used predominantly in an enterprise zone in the active conduct of a trade or business within the enterprise zone, any real property located in the enterprise zone used in the active conduct of a trade or business, or any corporation, partnership, or other entity if, for the three most recent taxable years of such entity ending before the date of the purchase of such interest, such entity was a qualified business. Sets forth special rules for the operation of this provision. Requires the basis of the replacement property to be reduced by an amount equal to the amount of gain not recognized on the sale of such other property. Extends the period for the statute of limitations relating to the assessment of tax with respect to the sale of property involving the nonrecognition provisions. Provides that the holding period for the qualified replacement property shall include the period for which the property sold or exchanged had been held as of the date of the sale or exchange. Subtitle D: Deduction for Purchase of Enterprise Stock - Allows a taxpayer to deduct the aggregate amount paid during the taxable year for the purchase of enterprise stock on the original issue of such stock by a qualified issuer. Limits the maximum amount of such deduction to $100,000 a year. Requires that the $100,000 limit must be allocated among the members of a controlled group. Requires the pro rata allocation of the $100,000 limit among the stock purchased where the aggregate amount of stock purchased exceeds the $100,000 limitation. Requires that the gain from the disposition of the stock shall be treated as ordinary income. Provides a formula for calculating such gain. Provides that interest is charged on the disposition of such stock if such disposition occurs before the end of the three-year period beginning on the date the stock was purchased. Provides that where an issuer ceases to be a qualified issuer of enterprise stock before the close of the fifth taxable year after the date the stock was issued, the taxpayer must include in income the amount of the deduction allowed with respect to such stock plus interest on the aggregate decrease in tax of the taxpayer resulting from the deduction allowed with respect to such stock. Sets forth special rules with respect to such stock. Requires the basis of such stock to be reduced by the amount of the deduction allowed with respect to such stock. Subtitle E: Rules Relating to Industrial Development Bonds - Provides that limitations on the cost recovery deductions for property financed with tax-exempt industrial development bonds shall not apply to enterprise zone property. Provides that the termination of the small issue exemption shall not apply to industrial development bonds the proceeds of which are used to finance facilities in such enterprise zones. Subtitle F: Ordinary Loss Deduction for Securities of Enterprise Zone Business Which Become Worthless - Permits an ordinary loss deduction for securities of enterprise zone businesses which become worthless during the taxable year. Subtitle G: Increase in Research Credit for Research Conducted in Enterprise Zones - Increases the tax credit for increasing research activities to 37 and one-half percent. (currently, 25 percent for research conducted in enterprise zones). Subtitle H: Sense of the Congress with Respect to Tax Simplification - Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Internal Revenue Service should simplify the administration and enforcement of any provision of the Internal Revenue Code affected by this Act. Subtitle I: Regulations - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to issue regulations to carry out the provisions of this Act not later than six months after the date of enactment. Title III: Regulatory Flexibility - Revises the definition of "small entity" for purposes of the analysis of regulatory functions to include qualified businesses (as defined in Title II of this Act) and governments and nonprofit enterprises operating within enterprise zones. Authorizes Federal agencies, upon request by a designating government, to waive or modify rules and regulations which pertain to the carrying out of projects or activities within an enterprise zone. Requires agencies to approve such request if the resulting benefits of job creation, community development, or economic revitalization outweigh the public interest in continuation of the rule unchanged. Disallows waiver or modification of a rule that would directly violate a statutory requirement (including the Davis-Bacon Act and Fair Labor Standards Act) or which would present a danger to the public health and safety. Provides that such waivers or modifications of a rule shall remain in effect as long as the zone designations. Amends the Department of Housing and Urban Development Act to direct the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to promote the coordination of all enterprise zone programs and consolidate all periodic reports required under such programs into one summary report. Title IV: Establishment of Foreign-Trade Zones in Enterprise Zones - Requires the Foreign-Trade Board to consider on a priority basis and expedite the processing of applications for the establishment of foreign-trade zones within enterprise zones. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to give priority to, and expedite applications for, the establishment of ports of entry necessary to establish such zones. States that, to the maximum extent practicable, foreign-trade zones should be established within enterprise zones.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1985
Amends Federal law to recodify, consolidate, and revise specified shipping and related maritime provisions regarding admiralty, maritime jurisdiction, and maritime liability. Reorganizes existing law regarding: (1) liability to individuals; (2) liability for personal property; (3) liability limitations; (4) commercial instruments and maritime liens; and (5) public vessels and goods. Sets financial responsibility requirements for specified kinds of vessels, including penalties for noncompliance. Provides for judicial review of attorney's fees in civil suits with respect to liability of vessels, owners, and other persons to individuals.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1985
Amends the Merchant Marine Act, 1936 to provide for the termination of a capital fund construction agreement entered into between the Secretary of Commerce and a corporation owning or leasing vessels eligible for such fund if the Secretary determines that a change in control of a corporation is contrary to the public interest. Allows any director of a corporation in office before a change in control to request the Secretary to hold a hearing to determine if the change is consistent with the purpose of the capital fund construction agreement. Authorizes the Secretary to terminate such agreement if, in the hearing, it is determined that such change in control is inconsistent with the purposes of the agreement. Directs the Secretary to terminate such an agreement when a nonqualified withdrawal is made from such fund within three years after a change in control, and a hearing determines that such withdrawal is not consistent with the purposes of the agreement. Imposes penalties for the termination of such agreements.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1985
Amends Federal law to recodify, consolidate, and revise specified shipping and related maritime provisions regarding maritime commercial instruments, maritime liens, and public vessels and goods (including actions by or against the United States).
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1985
Amends Federal law to recodify, consolidate, and revise specified shipping and related maritime provisions regarding maritime liability for personal property and goods. Reorganizes existing law regarding liability for personal property and liability for transporting goods. Applies the United Nations Convention on the Carriage of Goods by Sea, 1978 ("Hamburg Rules") to any contract to transport goods by water to or from a place in the United States, effective upon the occurrence of specified contingencies.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1985
Telecommunications Trade Act of 1985 - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to initiate an investigation to identify those countries denying the United States equivalent access to a potentially substantial telecommunications market. Provides for public notice of, and participation in, the decision to initiate an investigation, including a petition process whereby persons may request the Secretary to make a finding regarding certain countries. Requires the Secretary to decide, within 45 days of receiving a petition, whether to initiate an investigation on the basis of the petition. Directs the Secretary, within 60 days of the initiation of an investigation, to: (1) make and explain the preliminary finding; (2) if affirmative, preliminarily recommend enforcement actions; and (3) invite interested parties to comment. Directs the Secretary, within 120 days of the decision to initiate an investigation, to give the President and the public notice of the final finding and, if the final finding is affirmative, the final recommendations. Specifies the factors the Secretary must assess in deciding whether a country is denying equivalent telecommunications market access. Requires the President, within 60 days of a final affirmative finding, to determine appropriate enforcement actions and direct the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to implement them, unless the President takes one or more specified actions under the Trade Act of 1974. Directs the President to inform the Congress and give public notice of the enforcement actions he or she deems appropriate, including the reasons for any actions differing from those recommended by the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to determine annually whether the action taken effectuates the purposes of this Act and report to the President and the Congress. Authorizes the President to modify, suspend, or augment the enforcement actions. Directs the President to notify the Congress and the public of the results of the Secretary's review and explain steps taken regarding enforcement actions. Directs the Secretary to review annually the potential market for U.S. telecommunications in countries formerly excluded from investigation by their lack of a potentially substantial market. Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to authorize and direct the FCC to implement any enforcement actions which the President determines to be appropriate under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1985
Amends the Merchant Marine Act, 1936 to allow the Secretary of Transportation to authorize a vessel operator receiving or applying for an operating-differential subsidy to construct or reconstruct its vessels in a foreign shipyard, or acquire such vessels outside the United States, if certain vessel conditions are met.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1985
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income the value of tangible personal property which is awarded to an employee by his employer by reason of length of service, productivity, or safety achievements. Limits the amount of such exclusion to the amount which would be allowable as an income tax deduction to the employer. Requires employers to make informational returns relating to employee achievement awards.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1985
Elderly Crime Prevention and Victim Assistance Act of 1985 - Establishes in the Office of Justice Programs of the Department of Justice the National Resource Office Relating to Crimes Against Older Individuals. Provides for the appointment of an administrator from the employees of the Department of Justice to head such office. Requires the administrator to coordinate activities of the Department of Justice relating to training of law enforcement officers, financial assistance for older victims, compilation of statistical information, and research with regard to crimes committed against the elderly. Requires the administrator to: (1) establish a liaison with all Federal departments and agencies involved with programs for older persons who are or may become victims of crimes; (2) disseminate information regarding such programs and assistance; and (3) provide technical assistance to reduce or prevent the committing of crime against older individuals.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1985
Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to direct the Federal Communications Commission to: (1) establish regulations necessary to ensure access (currently, reasonable access) to telephone service by persons with impaired hearing; and (2) require that all telephones (currently, essential telephones) provide internal means for effective use with hearing aids specially designed for telephone use. Repeals a provision directing the Commission to consider the costs and benefits to all telephone users when making rules concerning telephone service for the disabled.
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 1985
Title I: Approval of Compact; Interpretation of, and U.S. Policies Regarding Compact; Supplemental Provisions - Grants congressional approval to the Compact of Free Association between the United States, the Marshall Islands, and the Federated States of Micronesia. Sets forth: (1) provisions for implementing such Compact (including provisions for congressional submission, presidential certification, mutual assistance in law enforcement and drug control, and review of economic development plans); and (2) U.S. policies regarding such Compact. Provides for the President to negotiate with the Government of the Marshall Islands an agreement to assure continued use of lands on Ujelang by the people of Enewetak and lands on Ejit by the people of Bikini. Requires the United States to pay, or to make loans to, the Government of the Marshall Islands for the use of land on Kwajalein Atoll for U.S. military purposes. Sets forth provisions with respect to: (1) payments to the people of Bikini, Enewetak, Rongelap, and Utirik affected by U.S. nuclear weapons tests; (2) health care; (3) agricultural and food programs; (4) establishment of the Enjebi Community Trust Fund; and (5) Rongelap and Bikini Island cleanup. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) the continuance of democracy and respect for international human rights by the Marshall Islands and the Federated States of Micronesia; (2) non-alienation of compact state lands; and (3) nuclear waste disposal. Requires the President to: (1) report to the Congress with respect to the impact of the Compact on the U.S. territories and Hawaii; and (2) seek the cooperation of the Marshall Islands and the Federated States of Micronesia in the development of international and regional fishery management policy (including jurisdiction over highly migratory species of fish found outside the territorial sea of the compact states). Prohibits U.S. funds to be used by the compact states to pay off foreign loans. Authorizes the Comptroller General to audit all U.S. assistance to the compact states. Sets forth provisions relating to: (1) Trust Territory authorizations; (2) foreign agent registration; (3) security and defense matters; (4) education assistance programs; (5) compact state debts to Federal agencies; (6) technical assistance by the U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Coast Guard, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; (7) Department of Defense medical facilities; (8) Micronesian war claims; (9) United States land use payments; (10) disease control; (11) congressional approval of amendments to the Compact; and (12) user fees. Provides that upon the effective date of the Compact: (1) the laws of the United States generally applicable to the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands shall continue to apply to the Republic of Palau; and (2) Palau shall continue to be eligible for such proportion of Federal assistance as it would otherwise have been eligible to receive under such laws prior to the effective date of such Compact. Provides for preferences to local and U.S. contractors on construction projects, and for local hiring and training for such projects. Authorizes appropriations. Declares that the exemption from U.S. income tax shall not apply to U.S. citizens who reside in the Marshall Islands and the Federated States of Micronesia. Grants the same tax incentives that are applicable to U.S. territories to the Marshall Islands and the Federated States of Micronesia. Provides duty-free entry of products imported into the United States from the Marshall Islands and the Federated States of Micronesia. Title II: Compact of Free Association - Sets forth the Compact of Free Association between the United States, the Marshall Islands, and the Federated States of Micronesia. (Declares that the people of the Marshall Islands and the Federated States of Micronesia are self-governing. States that the United States shall provide grant and program assistance to such territories. Declares that the United States has full authority and responsibility for the security and defense of such territories.) Declares that the defense sites of the United States established in the Marshall Islands or the Federated States of Micronesia in accordance with the Compact and its related agreements are within the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States. Title III: Pacific Policy Review Commission - Establishes the Pacific Policy Review Commission which shall review U.S. policy toward the Pacific region to determine whether modifications are necessary to achieve political, social, and economic development there. Requires the Commission to submit annual reports to the President and to the Congress. Authorizes appropriations. Terminates the Commission when it makes its final report to the Congress and the President.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 1985
Commercial Fishing Industry Vessel Advisory Committee Act - Establishes in the Department of Transportation as a Federal advisory committee the Commercial Fishing Industry Vessel Advisory Committee (the Committee) whose function is to advise, consult with, and make recommendations to the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating (the Secretary) on matters relating to: (1) navigation safety; (2) safety equipment and procedures; (3) marine insurance; (4) vessel design, construction, maintenance, and operation; and (5) personnel qualifications and training. Authorizes the Committee to make available to the Congress any information authorized to be given to the Secretary. Requires the Committee to meet at least once during each calendar year. Requires the Committee to consist of 17 members having various knowledge and experience in the commercial fishing industry. Requires public notice for annual appointments to such Committee. Provides a three-year term of service for appointed members, with no limit on terms per member. Requires the Secretary and the Secretary of Commerce to designate a representative to participate as an observer with the Committee. Directs the Secretary, except regarding national security issues, to consult with the Committee before: (1) proposing legislation or regulations; (2) authorizing or conducting research; or (3) taking any other major action of the U.S. Government. Allows for compensation for such Committee members unless he or she is an officer, enlisted member, or employee of the United States. Terminates the Committee on September 30, 1991. Requires the Committee, two years before such termination, to recommend to the Congress whether it should be renewed and continue beyond such termination date. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 1985
Amends the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Statute (RICO) to allow a civil action to be brought by a plaintiff only when the private suit rests on an injury caused by conduct that led to the defendant's conviction of one of the predicate offenses listed in the statute or of a criminal violation of RICO itself. Requires the plaintiff to bring such action within one year of the defendant's conviction.
United States · United States Congress · 9 July 1985
Seafood Marketing Councils Act - Provides for the creation of seafood marketing councils to promote the consumption of fish and fish products. Requires council applications to be in the form of a proposed charter, which must include certain information such as the fish and fish products planned to be marketed and promoted, and the sectors (geographic areas) that will be represented by the proposed council. Places certain organizational restrictions on the councils. Requires the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (the Administrator) to determine the suitability of a proposed charter within 30 days after submission. Requires a referendum to be held, and 50 percent or more of the fish and fish products' value of an area to be represented by sector participants who approve the charter, before the Administrator can establish the council and approve the proposed charter. Provides for the appointment of council members to a newly established council. Outlines various functions of a council, including the preparation and submission to the Administrator for review of a plan for marketing, promotion, and consumer education of the fish and fish products represented by a council. Prohibits any such plan from containing any references to any private brand or trade name or from using deceptive acts with respect to the quality, value, or use of competing products. Outlines powers of a council, including that of adopting standards relating to the quality of fish and fish products and the sector operating procedures of the council. Requires such standards to be adopted by a majority of the council and implemented by the Administrator. Enumerates specified duties of the Administrator with respect to the review and regulation of marketing and promotion plans submitted by the councils. Requires NOAA employees to maintain the confidentiality of all books and records opened to them by each council. Provides fines and penalties for any individual violating such confidentiality. Directs a council to impose such assessments as necessary to carry out functions. Directs such assessments to be imposed on sector participants in the receiving sector, or the importing sector, or both, as approved in the council charter. Directs the Administrator to assist each council in the determination and implementation of such assessments. Allows any person subjected to an assessment to petition the Administrator for a review and ruling on the validity of such assessment. Gives an appropriate U.S. district court jurisdiction to review such rulings. Establishes in the Treasury a Seafood Marketing Fund for making payments to carry out the annual marketing and promotion plans and annual budgets of the councils. Requires assessments and revenues from investments to be deposited in such Fund. Outlines administrative procedures for the voluntary termination of a council. Provides civil penalties for any person violating any provision of any order or regulation issued by the Administrator under this Act. Outlines procedures for review of any such penalties levied upon an individual. Authorizes the Administrator to make any necessary investigations to carry out the provisions of this Act. Provides the Administrator with other administrative powers. Allows the Administrator to obtain enforcement of such powers with the aid of any U.S. court. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1985
Amends the Safe Drinking Water Act to prohibit the use of lead pipes or solder in the installation or repair of any distribution system for drinking water. Requires State compliance with such restrictions as a condition of receiving funding for public water system supervision programs. Requires that lead pipes or solder sold in retail establishments be labeled as federally prohibited for use in drinking water supply systems. Requires each public water system to notify users of adverse health effects of lead exposure and the means available to mitigate such exposure.
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 1985
Supports U.S. policy which rejects capitulating to international terrorist demands. Expresses the House of Representatives' hope for the safe return of all U.S. hostages (in Lebanon), just compensation for their suffering, and just punishment and retribution for the crimes and atrocities committed by the terrorists.
United States · United States Congress · 20 June 1985
Superfund Amendments of 1985 - Title I: Provisions Relating Primarily to Response and Liability - Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA)(Superfund) to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish reportable quantities for all hazardous substances by December 31, 1986. Directs the Administrator to give primary attention to releases which may present a threat to public health. Confirms the President's discretion to decide when responsible parties are authorized to conduct cleanup actions in lieu of Superfund-financed responses. Requires short-term removal actions undertaken by the Administrator to contribute to the highest degree possible to the efficient performance of any long-term action. Increases the maximum time and funding limit on short-term response actions when appropriate. Limits the 50 percent State cleanup obligation to those facilities which are both owned and operated by the State. Credits States with expenditures made at National Priorities List (NPL) sites on cost-eligible response actions. Revises other State cost-sharing measures. Treats long-term cleanup of groundwater, surface water, or soil contamination as part of the costs of remedial action. Grants EPA employees or contractors the necessary access to facilities and information to determine if the need for a response action exists. Prescribes a cleanup schedule for Superfund, requiring an evaluation within three years of sites on the Emergency Response and Remedial Investigation System (ERRIS) list for possible inclusion on the NPL. Sets a schedule for the conduct of remedial investigations and feasibility studies (RIFS) for NPL sites, requiring the commencement of remedial action at a minimum of 90 percent of such facilities within one year of the RIFS' completion. Directs the Administrator to revise the National Contingency Plan (NCP) within 18 months to reflect this Act's amendments. Requires the review of the hazard ranking system within one year. Permits individuals to petition the Administrator for a preliminary hazard assessment at a site. Includes contamination of the ambient air as a criterion for ranking a hazard. Eliminates the requirement that the NPL contain at least 400 sites. Prohibits the Administrator from taking abatement action against any release resulting from an applied pesticide registered under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act. Includes all vessels releasing hazardous substances within the jurisdiction of the United States under the liability provisions of CERCLA. Makes certain investigatory and assessment costs recoverable from the responsible party. Exempts from liability for all but negligence actions of government agencies responding to a hazardous substance emergency. Directs the Administrator and each Governor to appoint Federal and State trustees, respectively, for natural resources, creating a rebuttable presumption that their assessment of damages to such resources is valid. States that cleanup costs incurred in a response action constitute a Federal lien against the property of a responsible party. Sets forth evidentiary requirements for establishing financial responsibility. Permits direct action against a financial guarantor if the person liable is financially or physically unavailable for redress. Entitles such a guarantor to all rights and defenses available to the liable party. Limits the liability of such guarantor to its financial responsibility to the responsible party. Increases criminal penalties and adds certain civil penalties for violations of this Act, including failure to provide accurate information at specified times. Establishes a total fund level of $1,750,000,000 for each of five years, through FY 1990. Authorizes the use of Superfund monies for the authorities created by this Act. Eliminates the use of Superfund for payment of natural resource damage claims. Revises auditing procedures to require annual audits and reports to the Congress by the Inspector General. Authorizes appropriations for Superfund for FY 1986 through 1990. Establishes a six-year statute of limitations for Superfund claims, setting forth special rules for minors and incompetents. Authorizes nationwide service of process under CERCLA. Establishes a three-year statute of limitations for the initiation of actions for contribution for response costs of damages and for recovery claims for damages to natural resources. Establishes a six-year statute of limitations for cost recovery actions. Authorizes a State to require contributions to a fund to pay the costs of hazardous substance response actions or damages. Establishes within the Public Health Service the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), headed by an Administrator. Requires ATSDR to implement the health-related authorities of this Act. Directs such Administrator to establish and maintain a listing of areas closed to the public or otherwise restricted in use because of contamination by hazardous substances or pollutants or contaminants. Directs the Administrator of EPA to list and periodically revise a list of hazardous substances or pollutants or contaminants which pose the most significant potential threat to human health. Directs the Administrator of ATSDR to establish and maintain an inventory of information on the health effects of each listed substance. Requires such Administrator to also develop toxicological profiles for each such substance, assessing the current state of knowledge of their deleterious effects, and revising such profiles at least every three years. Requires the Administrator to initiate research where inadequate information is available on a substance. Requires Federal coordination of research efforts. Requires the Administrator of ATSDR to perform a health assessment for each NPL facility where a significant possibility exists that a human population has been exposed to hazardous substances existing at such facility and a significant threat of adverse health effects exists. Bases the selection of such facilities on criteria developed by the Administrator of EPA. Permits the Administrator of ATSDR to conduct health assessments at other facilities as well. Authorizes individuals to petition the Administrator of EPA for a health assessment of a site where evidence of human exposure to hazardous substances exists. Requires the completion of health assessments before the completion of remedial investigation and feasibility studies (RIFS) whenever possible. Grants priority to those sites where the potential risk to human health appears highest. Requires State or local officials conducting a health assessment to report the results and recommendations to the Administrators. Requires the Administrator of ATSDR to provide the affected State and the Administrator of EPA with the results and recommendations of any ATSDR assessment. Includes the costs of an assessment among recoverable cleanup costs whenever such assessment reveals human exposure to a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant. Directs the Administrator of ATSDR to conduct a pilot study of health effects of exposure whenever justified by an assessment to determine if full scale epidemiological studies are appropriate. Requires the Administrator to establish a registry of exposed persons if appropriate. Directs the Administrator to initiate a health surveillance program for an exposed population if justified by an epidemiological study or exposure registry. Requires the Administrator to report biennially to the Administrator of EPA on ATSDR's activities under this Act. Directs the Administrator of EPA to abate significant risks to the human population through exposure by providing alternate household water or relocation of individuals. Requires peer review of all ATSDR studies and research. Requires the Administrator of ATSDR to provide States and health professionals with educational materials on exposure-related issues. Requires the Administrator of EPA to provide a reasonable opportunity for public comment on any proposed plan for remedial action before it is implemented. Requires the Administrator to publish an explanation of any divergences from such plan or public comments. Authorizes the Administrator to make assistance available to affected individuals to help them evaluate and assess technical information and data. Prohibits the Administrator from taking a response action to certain types of releases unless such releases constitute a public health or environmental emergency. Prohibits response to releases: (1) of naturally occurring substances; (2) of building products; (3) into drinking water supply systems due to ordinary deterioration; and (4) from coal mining sites. Grants highest cleanup priority to releases which have contaminated or closed a sole or principal drinking water source. Requires the consideration of certain factors when adopting offsite remedies, including the long-term risks and uncertainties of land disposal. Exempts response-action contractors from liability for nonnegligent cleanup activities if they would not otherwise have been liable. Includes Federal facilities under CERCLA as if they were private facilities, except for certain financial responsibility and time period provisions. Requires the Administrator to establish a Federal Agency Hazardous Waste Compliance Docket for each Federal agency and department which will include information on off-site contamination and monitoring data, and releases of reportable quantities of hazardous substances. Requires that such information be made available to the public. Requires the Administrator to evaluate certain Federal facilities by January 31, 1987, for placement on the NPL, using National Contingency Plan (NCP) criteria. Requires the commencement of a RIFS within six months of a Federal site's placement on the NPL. Directs the Administrator to review the RIFS and enter into interagency agreements for cleanup when necessary, allowing for public participation. Requires each agency to report annually to the Congress on its implementation progress. Requires Federal agencies to notify buyers or transferees of Federal land where hazardous substances were disposed of or stored. Requires the Administrator to select appropriate cost-effective remedial actions in accordance with the NCP. Requires remedial actions selected to provide sufficient control or amelioration of the hazardous substance so as to protect human health and the environment. Requires such measures to take into account the long-term effectiveness of the solution and the alternative technologies available to the maximum extent possible. Requires a standard of control at least as strict as that provided by any other applicable Federal environmental law such as the Safe Drinking Water Act. Requires onsite disposal to be in compliance with the relevant provisions of the Solid Waste Disposal Act. Authorizes the Administrator to enter into agreements whereby the releasor or any potentially responsible person conducts the remedial response. Permits the Administrator to fund part of such response. Limits the liability of the cleaning up party to that specified in the agreement. Permits the Administrator to take action against any person not a party to such agreement. Enters such agreements in the appropriate U.S. district court as consent agreements, enforceable as such. Directs the Administrator to notify potentially responsible parties of each other's identities and of the seriousness of the necessary cleanup, providing a moratorium on the commencement of remedial action for a specified period after such notice has been given. Grants notified persons an opportunity to submit a proposal to the Administrator for the undertaking or financing of remedial action. Permits the Administrator to commence remedial action if no good faith proposal is forthcoming within a specified period. Authorizes the Administrator to proceed on remedial actions where a significant public health threat exists, regardless of the status of negotiations. Authorizes the Administrator to agree to refrain from pursing any future liability of a person if an approved response action would be expedited and the person is in full compliance with the consent decree. Permits such an agreement only in the public interest after an evaluation of the effectiveness of the remedy and the nature of the remaining risks. Places premiums from such agreements into a contingency fund for future remedial actions at other facilities. Permits the Administrator to settle with persons whose share of response costs is not substantial. Title II: Miscellaneous Provisions - Terminates the Post-Closure Liability Fund's responsibility to fund the cleanup of already closed sites where hazardous waste was stored in compliance with the Solid Waste Disposal Act. Requires the promulgation of natural resource assessment damage claims regulations within six months of this Act's enactment. Requires the Department of Transportation to promulgate regulations requiring shippers to notify transporters whenever hazardous substances are offered for transportation. Establishes a federally-required commencement date for the running of State statutes of limitations for injury or damages caused by exposure to a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant. Makes such date the time a plaintiff should reasonably have known exposure to such a substance caused or contributed to a personal injury. Renames the Hazardous Substance Response Trust Fund the Hazardous Substances Superfund. Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to authorize the Administrator to provide for the cleanup of leaking underground storage tanks. Requires the Administrator to use funds in the Petroleum Release Response Account of Superfund for such purposes, but holds the owners and operators of such tanks strictly liable for such costs. Authorizes State implementation of such authority under specified conditions, authorizing the Administrator to make grants to such States for such purpose. Establishes the Petroleum Release Response Account within Superfund out of specified funds. Authorizes citizen suits against violators of this Act, including the Administrator and other government officials who have failed to perform nondiscretionary duties. Permits citizen suits against nongovernment officials in the Federal district court in which the violation occurred. Permits citizen suits against any Federal official only in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. Empowers such courts to impose civil penalties and to order the performance of required acts. Requires plaintiffs to give notice to the Administrator, the alleged violator, and the State in which the violation occurred before commencing proceedings. Prohibits citizen suits where the Administrator has commenced and is pursuing an enforcement action. Permits the awarding of court costs to the substantially prevailing party. States that the United States may intervene as a matter of right in all citizen suits in which it is not otherwise a party. Requires the Federal Government to provide the assurances that it will pay a share of the remedial action and maintenance costs of a cleanup on Indian lands that is otherwise required to be made by a State. Authorizes Indian tribes to recover damages for injury to natural resources from hazardous substance releases, except as specified. Includes Indian tribes on the same basis as States under certain provisions of CERCLA. Requires the Administrator to commence a study on the adverse effects of drilling fluids, produced waters, and other wastes associated with the production of crude oil or natural gas on human health and the environment within six months of this Act's enactment. Title III: Community Right to Know and Emergency Planning - Requires owners and operators of facilities which produce, use, or store hazardous chemicals to file with local and State officials and periodically revise a material safety data sheet for each hazardous chemical. Requires such sheets to contain the same information as the sheets required under the Occupational Safety and Health Act. Requires each State Governor to designate the appropriate government officials to receive such information and who in turn must make such information available to the public. Requires such owners and operators to supply such information to any other facility owner or operator who is receiving shipments of such chemicals. Requires owners and operators to supply health professionals with specific chemical information on a substance if requested to do so. Requires owners or operators to provide a material safety data sheet to such professionals when an emergency arises or it is medically necessary to do so. Limits the use of certain information to health-related needs. Directs each Governor to appoint a Hazardous Substance Emergency Response Commission to coordinate response planning in such State. Directs these Commissions to designate local Emergency Response Committees to develop and implement Emergency Response Plans in case of a a hazardous substance emergency. Requires such Plans to include emergency notification personnel and procedures, evacuation plans, and an assessment and use plan for local medical and police resources. Requires the owner or operator of a facility having a hazardous substance emergency to immediately notify the appropriate authorities according to the Plan, including providing an emergency bulletin for the community which provides sufficient chemical and response information to inform the public of the nature of the crisis. Preempts State and local law in the area of chemical hazard communication. Establishes civil penalties for violations of these requirements and provides for court-ordered enforcement of the medical information provisions. Permits owners and operators to withhold trade secret information from their material safety data sheets, but not from medical personnel. Title IV: Provisions Relating to Taxation - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend the environmental tax on petroleum and certain chemical feedstocks for five years, through FY 1990. Repeals the Post-Closure Liability Trust Fund and tax. Exempts certain chemicals from such tax, including: (1) methane or butane used as fuel; (2) substances used in the production of fertilizer; (3) sulfuric acid produced as a byproduct of air pollution control; (4) substances derived from coal; (5) substances used in the production of motor fuel; (6) substances having transitory presence during the refining process; and (7) substances used in the production of animal feed. Allows refunds or credits for certain uses. Imposes a waste end tax sufficient to raise $300,000,000 in each of the five years of the environmental tax extension period. Imposes a broad-based corporate tax sufficient to raise $900,000,000 in each of those five years. Deposits all such revenues in Superfund. Imposes taxes sufficient to raise $250,000,000 in each of the five years for deposit in the Petroleum Release Response Account.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 1985
Amends the Endangered Species Act of 1973 to make it unlawful to sell or offer for sale in interstate or foreign commerce certain raptors, except for the sale of any such raptor to a Federal or State agency for use in a raptor recovery program approved by the Secretary of the Interior, or to a private entity for purposes of participation by that entity in such a program.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1985
Directs the Secretary of Commerce to conduct a study on crime involving the theft and illegal diversion of goods and merchandise in domestic and international shipping. Requires the Secretary to: (1) identify the categories of illegal activities associated with domestic and international commercial shipping; (2) identify the commercial losses to the shipping industry attributable to employee theft, the use of counterfeit labels, and fraudulent practices on the part of the shipping industry management; (3) identify the jurisdiction of law enforcement agencies involved in investigations of crime in commercial shipping; (4) calculate the annual expenditures made by the Federal government for enforcement measures to counter these crimes; (5) analyze the impact of such crime on profitability and consumer costs; (6) analyze the effectiveness of security systems utilized within the shipping industry and those conducted by independent contactors to prevent crime. Requires the Secretary to report the findings of such study to the Congress within one year.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1985
Amends the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act to provide that either the National Marine Fisheries Service or the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (whichever is the responsible Federal agency) must be consulted where the waters of any stream or other body of water are proposed or authorized to be impounded, diverted, or controlled by any department or agency of the United States or by any public or private agency under Federal permit or license. Requires that reports and recommendations of the Secretaries of Commerce and Interior on the wildlife aspects of water projects which are based on surveys or investigations of the National Marine Fisheries Service or the United States Fish and Wildlife Service be made a part of certain Federal reports submitted to the Congress. Requires that certain such recommendations of such Secretaries regarding proposed mitigation measures cover both onsite and offsite locations. Requires any agency planning the construction of a water resource development project to transfer sufficient funds to the responsible Federal agency to allow it to carry out its responsibility under the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act. (Under current law, the transfer of such funds is discretionary.) Requires the United States Fish and Wildlife Service or the National Marine Fisheries Service (whichever is the responsible Federal agency) to: (1) compile an inventory of water projects, by categories, for which consultations and recommendations were made under such Act; and (2) select a statistically significant sample of such projects in order to evaluate the extent to which such recommendations were incorporated into licenses or permits, to notify Federal agencies having jurisdiction over such projects of such evaluation, and to evaluate compliance. Requires each Federal agency having jurisdiction over such projects to supply the responsible Federal agency appropriate information. Allows either the Secretary of Commerce or the Interior to: (1) participate or cooperate with Federal, State, local, or private agencies in the preparation of certain wildlife conservation plans; and (2) enter into contractual agreements with those parties that provide assurances, consistent with law, regarding the value and extent of habitat to be conserved or enhanced, the mitigation to be provided for the affected wildlife resources, and the nature and extent of habitat modifications which may be permitted in the future.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1985
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the United States: (1) should not sell advanced weapons to Jordan; (2) should ensure that Israel retains its qualitative military edge in the Middle East; and (3) should focus its efforts on bringing Jordan into direct peace negotiations with Israel.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1985
Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize the President to furnish assistance for economic relief and rehabilitation for Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland if specified conditions are met. Authorizes such assistance for Northern Ireland if: (1) at least 30 days before the funds are obligated the Administrator of the Agency for International Development (AID) reports to the Congress on plans for the use and disbursement of the funds and the Congress does not object to such plans within 30 days; (2) Great Britain commits itself to discussions aimed at achieving a political solution with all parties in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland; and (3) Great Britain declares its intention to withdraw from Northern Ireland. Authorizes assistance for the Republic of Ireland if all the above conditions for aid to Northern Ireland are met and Great Britain includes in its declaration of withdrawal from Northern Ireland its intention to seek or promote reunification of Northern Ireland with the Republic of Ireland. Authorizes appropriations for such purpose for FY 1986 through 1990. Provides for the establishment of an advisory board that will assist the Administrator of AID in administering such assistance. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the European Economic Community should also provide economic assistance to Northern Ireland once a political solution is developed.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1985
Authorizes the President, on behalf of the Congress, to present gold medals to Jan Scruggs, Robert Doubek, and Jack Wheeler, in recognition of their tireless efforts to give the Vietnam Veterans Memorial to the Nation. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to sell bronze duplicates of the medal. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1985
Young Astronaut Program Medal Act - Commemorates the Young Astronaut Program by directing the Secretary of the Treasury to strike and deliver to the Young Astronaut Council no more than 750,000 medals with emblems, devices, and inscriptions determined by the Secretary. Authorizes the Council to dispose of the medals at a premium and to have them delivered as required in quantities of no less than 2,000. Directs that no medals be struck after December 31, 1987. Directs the Secretary to set the price of the medals at no less than the manufacturing cost plus a surcharge of ten percent of such cost. Requires the furnishing of security sufficient to fully indemnify the United States for such costs. Directs that the medals be struck in gold, silver, and bronze and in such size or sizes as determined by the Secretary. Gives the U.S. Comptroller General the right to examine the records of the Council which are related to the medals.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1985
Korean War Veterans Memorial Act of 1985 - Authorizes the American Battle Monuments Commission to erect a memorial on Federal land in the District of Columbia or its environs to honor members of the U.S. armed forces who served in the Korean war. Subjects the selected site, design, and plans for the construction of such memorial to the approval of the National Commission of Fine Arts and the National Capital Planning Commission. Directs that, upon its completion, the memorial shall be turned over to the Department of the Interior which shall then be solely responsible for its maintenance. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 1985
Expresses the sense of the Congress that U.S. national security policy should reflect a national strategy of peace through strength. Sets forth the principles and goals of such policy.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1985
Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to reliquidate, as duty-free, four specified entries covering tubular tin products, if a certificate of actual use for the products is submitted to the U.S. Customs Service at the port of entry within 120 days of enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1985
Amends the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 to allow the Governor of any State to nominate an estuary lying in whole or in part within the State as an estuary of national significance for the purpose of convening a management conference to develop a special area management plan for the estuary. Requires the Secretary of Commerce, in consultation with the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, to review all nominations and designate those estuaries of national significance for which special area management plans should be developed. Specifies factors to be taken into consideration for purposes of making such a designation. Requires the Secretary to convene a management conference for each estuary so designated in order to develop a special area management plan for the estuary. Provides that, at the conclusion of such conference, the Secretary and the participating State Governor shall review the plan and approve it by consensus. Requires participating States to incorporate such plan into their federally approved Coastal Zone Management Programs. Requires participating States without federally approved Coastal Zone Management Programs to submit a detailed description of the implementation process for such a plan to the Secretary for certification. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to States and interstate agencies participating in a management conference to develop the special area management plans. Provides that the amount of such grants shall not exceed 50 percent of the annual cost incurred by the State or agency. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1985
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the administration should comply with the automatic appropriation and earmarking provisions of the Wallop/Breaux Sport Fish Restoration Trust Fund. States that funds owed to the States from such Fund should not be withheld or delayed.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1985
McIntyre House Reform Amendments - Title I - Amends rule X of the Rules of the House of Representatives to require each standing committee, not later than March 1 in the first session of a Congress, to adopt its oversight plans in a meeting open to the public. Requires the committees to submit such plans to the Committee on Government Operations, which shall, not later than March 15 in the first session of a Congress, report such plans to the House with recommendations. Authorizes the Speaker of the House to appoint special ad hoc oversight committees to review specific matters within the jurisdiction of two or more committees. Amends rule XI to require each committee to include in its biennial report to the House a separate section summarizing its legislative and oversight activities during that Congress. Directs the Speaker of the House to initially refer each bill, resolution, or other matter to one committee of principal jurisdiction. Eliminates the Speaker's authority to refer any such matter initially to two or more committees for concurrent consideration. Requires standing committees to be elected by the House not later than five legislative days after the convening of each Congress. Requires each committee to hold its organizational meeting not later than eight legislative days after the commencement of a Congress. Requires the membership of each committee, select committee, and conference committee (and each subcommittee, task force, or subunit thereof) to reflect the ratio of majority to minority Members. Provides that such ratio be reflected for standing committees at the beginning of each Congress, and for select and conference committees at the time of appointment. Prohibits any standing committee from establishing more than six subcommittees, and any Member serving at any one time on more than four subcommittees. Defines subcommittee as any subunit of a standing committee established for a period of more than six months. Requires that motions to recess or adjourn be approved by the majority of committee members present. Prohibits the vote by any member of any committee or subcommittee from being cast by proxy. Provides that a majority of members of each committee or subcommittee shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of any business. Requires committee documents (other than reports on bills and resolutions) prepared for public distribution to: (1) be approved by such committee and an opportunity afforded for the inclusion of supplemental, minority, or additional views; or (2) contain a disclaimer in bold face type on its cover and not include the names of committee members. Exempts from such requirement committee documents that do not contain opinions, views, findings, or recommendations. Requires a committee chairman to consult with the ranking minority committee member and the appropriate subcommittee chairman before filing committee reports. Prohibits the issuance of subpoenas if the House is in recess or has adjourned. Requires the Committee on Rules, when reporting measures waiving a House rule, to include: (1) an explanation of and justification for such waiver; and (2) a summary of comments received from the Committee on the Budget regarding any proposed waiver of any provision of the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974. Prohibits the House from considering any primary expense resolution until the Committee on House Administration has reported and the House has adopted a resolution establishing committee staff personnel ceilings for the year. Requires such committee to specify in any primary or supplemental expense resolution the number of staff positions authorized therein, of which not less than one-third shall be selected by minority party members. Authorizes the House to consider any supplemental expense resolution in excess of such ceiling by a vote of two-thirds of the Members present. Prohibits, in the second session of the 99th Congress, the overall ceiling for majority or minority committee staff from exceeding 90 percent of such staff employed at the end of the 98th Congress. Prohibits a standing committee from engaging a consultant or appointing a temporary staff except by majority vote, a quorum being present. Amends rule XXI to remove provisions relating to the retrenchment of expenditures in appropriation bill amendments. Amends rule XXVII to prohibit the suspension of rules to consider any matter except by the direction of the committee of jurisdiction, or at the written request of the appropriate chairman or ranking minority member. Prohibits the suspension of rules to consider: (1) any matter which would authorize budget or spending authority in excess of $50,000,000; or (2) any joint resolution proposing to amend the Constitution. Requires notice in the Congressional Record of any matter under a suspension of rules at least one day before its scheduled consideration. Requires the Clerk of the House to maintain for public inspection a copy of a discharge motion, after 100 Members have signed such motion. Amends rule XXXIV to require official reporters of the House, including committee stenographers, to take down verbatim accounts of words spoken in the House and committees. Requires that such accounts be printed in the Congressional Record or the committee transcript with only typographical, technical, or grammatical corrections authorized by the Member delivering such remarks. Prohibits substantive alteration of such accounts and provides for the extension of remarks and extraneous material in the Record. Establishes rule LI to provide for television and radio coverage of House proceedings. Establishes the House Broadcast System to provide complete and unedited audio and visual broadcast coverage of chamber proceedings while the House is in session. Prohibits the restriction of broadcast coverage except as directed in an adopted resolution or when rule XXIX (secret session) is invoked. Vests in the Speaker of the House the responsibility for implementing rule LI. Establishes a Broadcast Advisory Board, consisting of majority and minority party Members, to assist the Speaker. Vests the daily operation and supervision of the broadcast system in the Executive Committee of the Radio and Television Correspondents' Galleries. Authorizes appropriations to carry out rule LI. Declares such rule inapplicable to joint congressional sessions. Provides access to the live coverage of House proceedings to: (1) accredited television and broadcast stations, networks, services, systems (including cable systems), and radio and television correspondents; (2) Member and committee offices; and (3) such other places as the Speaker deems appropriate. Prohibits commercial sponsorship as part of the broadcast coverage, the use of such coverage in commercial advertisements, and the use of such coverage as partisan campaign material. Requires the Archivist of the United States to arrange for the recording, permanent maintenance, and viewing of such coverage for reference and research purposes. Establishes rule LII to require any task force of the Committee on House Administration that is responsible for the investigation of a disputed election to be bipartisan. Establishes rule LIII to require that one-third of committee office space be assigned to minority party committee members. Title II: Additional Reform Proposals - Directs the Committee on Rules to investigate rules X and XI with respect to revising committee operations, oversight, rules and procedures, reducing staff, subcommittees, and Member subcommittee assignments. Requires a report, by resolution, not later than the end of the first session of the 99th Congress. Directs the Speaker of the House to study and implement a scheduling system of full workweeks with regular periods for committee meetings, hearings, and House sessions for the consideration of legislation. Directs the House Commission on Congressional Mailing Standards to study the current operation of the franking privilege with a view to identifying abuses and achieving a cost savings.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1985
Federal Railroad Safety Authorization Act of 1985 - Amends the Federal Railroad Safety Act of 1970 to authorize appropriations for FY 1986 and 1987. Confers jurisdiction upon district courts to issue orders requiring immediate compliance with a subpoena or directive issued by the Secretary of Transportation against an entity which is located or doing business within such district court's jurisdiction.
![Official portrait of Rep. Lent, Norman F. [R-NY-4]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/l000243_200.jpg)