United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1985
Liberty Double-Eagle Bullion Coin Act - Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue gold double-eagle coins. Sets forth specifications for and the design of such coins. Makes such coins legal tender. Permits the sale of such coins at a price equal to the cost of minting and issuing such coins plus a surcharge equal to the amount by which the fair market value of gold bullion held by the United States and used in the minting of the coins exceeds the statutory maximum value of any gold certificates outstanding against the bullion. Requires the revenue from such surcharges to be used to reduce the national debt. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1985
Amends rule X of the Rules of the House of Representatives to require each standing committee to review, on a continuing basis and when considering public bills or resolutions, those portions of the President's Private Sector Survey on Cost Control (Grace Commission report) pertaining to such committee's jurisdiction. Amends rule XI to require each committee report on a public bill or resolution to contain: (1) an identification of each recommendation of the Survey to be implemented and the resulting estimated program cost savings or revenue enhancement; and (2) a statement setting forth the disposition of each recommendation pertaining to such bill or resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1985
Nuclear Powerplant Standardization Act of 1985 - Title I: Licensing and Regulatory Process - Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to require the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to establish procedures, standards, and criteria permitting the approval of standardized ten-year facility designs. Declares that a design approval shall be considered to be a license for the purpose of such Act. Requires the Commission to establish procedures for an additional ten-year renewal of such a design approval. Requires the Commission to establish procedures, standards, and criteria permitting the approval of a site or sites for one or more utilization or production facilities for industrial or commercial purposes for a period of ten years. Authorizes the Commission, after a determination that a proposed site is suitable, to issue a permit which shall be considered to be a license. Requires the Commission to establish procedures for a ten-year renewal of site permits. Requires that before issuance of construction and operating licenses: (1) an opportunity be provided for public hearings; and (2) the applicant establish competency to construct and operate the facility in conformity with the application. Requires the holder of a license to notify the Commission of the proposed date of initial operation at least nine months before commencement. Directs the Commission to adopt regulations establishing criteria to govern all modifications of Commission regulatory requirements. Declares that the Commission, in making any determination under this Act, need not consider or reconsider any issue that has been resolved in any other proceeding under this Act, in the absence of significant new information substantially affecting the conclusions reached in the other proceeding. Title II: Technical and Conforming Amendments - Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to conform to the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1985
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to: (1) establish the Lewis and Clark National Historic Site in Montana; and (2) enter into cooperative and management agreements with the State of Montana for rescue, firefighting, and law enforcement services with respect to such site. Specifies those lands which the Secretary is authorized to acquire for the establishment of such site. Provides that such lands shall revert to the State of Montana if the Secretary uses such lands for any purpose other than as authorized under this Act. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 and 1987, including specified sums for the construction of a visitor center.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1985
Wheat Export Incentive Act of 1985 - Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to authorize loan and purchase price supports, target prices at $4.25 per bushel, program acreages, and payments for the 1986 through 1991 wheat crops. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture through the Commodity Credit Corporation to establish a wheat export certificate program to provide monetary incentives for the export of wheat from private stocks.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1985
Amends the Clayton Act to temporarily prohibit any person engaged in commerce or in any activity affecting commerce from acquiring control of a domestic petroleum corporation if the corporation disapproves the acquisition. Defines "control" as the acquisition of more than four percent of the stock, share capital, or assets of the corporation. Directs the Secretary of Energy, the Federal Trade Commission, the Securities and Exchange Commission, and the Federal Reserve Board to investigate and report to the Congress on the effects of such prohibited corporate takeovers on domestic petroleum supplies, competition in the marketing of petroleum products, petroleum industry financing methods, and credit markets, respectively.
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.
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).
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1985
Declares that the President direct the Secretary of Agriculture to implement a modified debt recovery program to make structural changes in the agricultural loan programs designed to benefit family farmers.
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).
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1985
Hunters' Protection Act of 1985 - Amends the Federal criminal code to make it a Federal offense to obstruct or impede the participation of any person in a lawful hunt or hunting season. Provides for a fine of not more than $500 and/or imprisonment for not longer than 60 days or if violence or the destruction of property occurs a fine of not more than $5,000 and/or imprisonment for not more than five years.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1985
Amends rule XLIX of the Rules of the House of Representatives to require a two-thirds vote on legislation that increases the statutory limit on the public debt.
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1985
Directs the President to: (1) secure from the Indochina nations a full accounting of Americans captured or missing as a result of the Vietnam conflict; and (2) work for the release of captive Americans and the return of the remains of those American servicemen and civilians who died in Southeast Asia. Requires the President to submit two reports to Congress on American POW/MIAs in Southeast Asia.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1985
Repeals provisions of the Deficit Reduction Act of 1984 relating to: (1) the limitation on the deduction for depreciation and the investment tax credit for luxury automobiles and certain property which may be used for personal purposes; and (2) the maintenance of contemporaneous records with respect to business travel expenses, including automobile expenses, business entertainment expenses, and expenses for gifts.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1985
Federal Food Irradiation Development and Control Act of 1985 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to delete "sources of radiation" from the definition of "food additive". Defines "food irradiation treatment" as a food process. Applies specified food additive regulatory provisions to food irradiation treatments. Declares it to be the express intent of the Congress to require national uniformity in the regulation of food irradiation treatment. Prohibits States or their political subdivisions from establishing food irradiation requirements different from, or in addition to, Federal requirements. Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to state that the Department of Energy may lease at fair market rates nuclear byproduct material for commercial food irradiation purposes. Establishes within the Department of Agriculture the Joint Operating Commission for Food Irradiation Treatment. Includes within such Commission's functions: (1) research and information exchange coordination; (2) encouragement of private enterprise in the development of food irradiation treatment; and (3) an annual report to the Congress. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1985
Directs the Secretary of Transportation (upon request of a State Governor) to permit maximum State speed limits of 65 miles per hour on rural segments of the Interstate System if the Secretary determines that such an increase is not likely to have a significant adverse effect on highway safety. Requires the Secretary to give interested parties notice and opportunity for comment before making such determination. Prescribes certain factors which must be considered by a State Governor and the Secretary before such a determination is made. Requires the Governor of a State in which a higher speed limit has been permitted to report to the Secretary every five years regarding such factors. Directs the Secretary to withdraw the higher speed limit permission if it is determined that the standards upon which such permission was based are no longer being met. Provides that such withdrawal may only be made: (1) after the Secretary has afforded interested parties notice and opportunity for comment; and (2) after a State has had reasonable time to comply with the standards for increased speed limits.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1985
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a refundable income tax credit for expenses incurred in the care of elderly family members. Sets such credit at 30 percent of the expenses incurred for taxpayers with incomes of $25,000 or less. Reduces the rate of such credit, but not below 20 percent, by one percent for each $2,000 of taxpayer income in excess of $25,000. Limits such credit to taxpayers with an adjusted gross income of less than $75,000. Imposes a maximum $10,000 limit on the amount of elderly care expenses that can be taken into account. Defines "qualified family member" as any individual who: (1) is related to the taxpayer by blood or marriage; (2) is at least 70 years of age, is diagnosed with senile dementia of the Alzheimer type, or is disabled; and (3) has a family income of $15,000 or less. Defines "qualified elderly care expenses" as payments for: (1) home health agency services; (2) homemaker services; (3) adult day care; (4) respite care; or (5) certain health care equipment and supplies.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1985
Veterans' Administration Adjudication Procedure and Judicial Review Act - Title I: Adjudication Procedures - Codifies for Veterans Administration (VA) adjudication purposes the burden of proof and reasonable doubt standards currently provided for by VA regulation. States that a claimant has the burden of submitting sufficient evidence to justify his or her claim, and that if an approximate balance of positive and negative evidence exists regarding the merits of a claim, the VA is to resolve such doubt in favor of the claimant. States that VA subpoenas may be served either by personal delivery or by registered or certified mail. Requires the chairman of the Board of Veterans' Appeals to submit an annual report to the appropriate congressional committees concerning the Board's current handling of cases and projections for the subsequent fiscal year. Requires the Board to: (1) provide notice to a claimant and an opportunity for a hearing before a decision may be based on "additional official information" received after a Board decision has previously been made; and (2) make its decision exclusively on evidence and material of record in the proceeding. Removes the requirement that new material sufficient to allow the Board to reopen a previously disallowed claim be in the form of official reports. Provides that the Board's discretionary authority to reopen a claim will not be diminished by a judicial decision following an appeal as provided for by this Act. Requires the Board to mail to the claimant notice of its decision and the reasons for such decision. Provides that, upon the request of a claimant, the Board shall provide an independent advisory medical opinion when there exists substantial medical disagreement with respect to a material issue in a veteran's appeal. Sets forth new procedural rules for adjudication hearings regarding: (1) oaths, affirmations, and witness examination; (2) admissibility of evidence; (3) procedural rights of claimants; (4) disqualification of a hearing officer; (5) the record of the proceedings and the claimant's right to examine and obtain a copy of such record; and (6) the exclusiveness of veterans' adjudication procedures and rights prescribed by the Administrator. Requires the Administrator to provide at each stage of the appeal proceedings written notice to a claimant of the claimant's procedural rights. Directs the Administrator to conduct a study of two alternative claims resolution methods: one a new intermediate-level adjudication process; the other an enhanced schedule of formal Appeals Board hearings. Directs the Administrator to report to the Congress on such studies. Title II: Veterans Administration Rule Making - Includes the VA's rulemaking procedures under the relevant provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act. Title III: Judicial Review - Provides for judicial review of VA decisions in the Federal court system. States with regard to jurisdiction: (1) the definition of final decision; (2) that judicial review of a final decision in a claim for benefits may be obtained in a civil action brought within 180 days of the Board's mailing of notice of its decision, and that such action shall be brought in Federal district court; (3) that the VA shall file the various materials constituting the record in a case together with its answer to the claimant's complaint; (4) that the court may render a decision on the pleadings; and (5) that the judicial review procedures established under this Act shall not apply to insurance and home loans. States, with regard to the reviewing court's scope of review, that such court: (1) shall decide questions of law and interpret constitutional, statutory, and regulatory provisions, but that questions of fact (unless unsupported by substantial evidence) will not be subject to a trial de novo; and (2) in reviewing a final decision of the VA which is adverse to a party solely because such party failed to comply with VA procedures, may only review questions concerning such procedures. Sets out provisions regarding remand, survival of actions, and appellate review. Title IV: Attorneys' Fees - Authorizes the Administrator to allow attorneys' fees above the present $10 maximum if the appealing party's claim is allowed by the VA after an initial denial. States that such fee shall be the lesser of: (1) the fee agreed upon by the party and attorney; (2) $500, unless the Administrator approves a greater amount; or (3) if the party and attorney have entered into a contingent-fee agreement, not more than 25 percent of the total of any past-due benefits awarded on the basis of such party's claim. Provides for the approval of attorneys' fees in successful veterans' claims brought before a court as provided for under this Act. States that such fees shall be determined by such court, and in contingent-fee agreements such fees shall not exceed 25 percent of the total of any past-due benefits awarded on the basis of such claim. Authorizes attorneys' fees of up to $750 in certain unsuccessful veterans' claims. Prohibits the VA from authorizing payment to a claimant's attorney based on past-due benefits unless such benefits are owed as of the date of the VA's or a court's award. States that such provisions regarding attorneys' fees shall only apply to claims for benefits under the laws administered by the VA and shall not apply in cases in which the VA is the plaintiff or in which other attorneys' fees statutes are otherwise controlling. Title V: Effective Dates - Sets forth the effective dates for this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1985
Fair Voting Hours Act of 1985 - Provides for uniform voting hours (between 8 o'clock a.m., eastern standard time and 11 o'clock p.m., eastern standard time) for presidential general elections beginning in 1988.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1985
Terminates the Department of Energy on December 31, 1985. Requires the President to submit to the Congress within 60 days after termination a plan for transferring the functions of such Department to other Federal agencies. Prohibits such plan from creating a new executive department. Provides that such plan shall take effect unless disapproved by resolution of either House of Congress within 60 days of submission. Requires submission of successive reorganization plans until a plan takes effect.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1985
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to provide that disability insurance benefits for an individual having a terminal illness shall begin with the first month such individual has such illness.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1985
Terminates the Department of Education on December 31, 1985. Requires the President to submit to Congress within 60 days after termination a plan for transferring the functions of such Department to other Federal agencies. Prohibits such plan from creating a new executive department. Provides that such plan shall take effect unless disapproved by resolution of either House of Congress within 60 days of submission. Requires submission of successive reorganization plans until a plan takes effect.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1985
Repeals the requirement added by the Tax Reform Act of 1984 relating to the maintenance of contemporaneous records with respect to: (1) business travel expenses, including automobile expenses; (2) business entertainment expenses; and (3) expenses for gifts.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Amends the United States Grain Standards Act to prohibit the owner or operator of an export elevator at an export port location from knowingly adding or mixing grain dust or any nongrain related material to grain shipped from such elevator. Permits fumigation of grain.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal rules relating to the determination of the issue price of certain debt instruments issued for property. Amends the Tax Reform Act of 1984 to repeal the revisions made to rules for the imputation of interest on certain deferred payments. Provides that the Internal Revenue Code shall be applied and administered as if such revisions had not been enacted.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Requires the United States Postal Service, when determining the need for an existing third- or fourth-class post office, to consider: (1) whether the office is self-sustaining; (2) the number of individuals served by such office; (3) the cost of maintaining the office; and (4) the effects on service and the economic impact resulting from using an alternative office. Directs the Service, upon determining that a post office should be closed, to publish notice of such determination in the Federal Register within 30 days of such determination and at least 30 days prior to closing such office.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that tax-exempt interest on securities held by the taxpayer before the date of the enactment of the Social Security Amendments of 1983 shall not be taken into account in determining the amount of social security benefits subject to tax.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Asset Indexing Act of 1985 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to require an inflation adjustment, based on the gross national product deflator, to the adjusted basis of certain assets (corporate stock and real property held for more than one year which is a capital asset or property used in a trade or business) at the time of sale or exchange, solely for the purpose of determining gain or loss on such assets. Excludes from such treatment: (1) creditors' interests; (2) options; (3) net lease property in the case of a lessor; (4) preferred stock with fixed dividends; and (5) stock in small business corporations, personal holding companies, and certain foreign corporations.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Electric Consumers Protection Act of 1985 - Amends the Federal Power Act to require the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to issue a new license to an existing licensee for a hydroelectric project authorized under such Act if the United States does not, upon the expiration of the existing license, exercise its right to take over, maintain, and operate such licensee's project, unless the Commission determines that such licensee's project will not meet the licensing standards under such Act. Provides that if the Commission determines that such licensee's project does not meet such standards, the Commission is authorized to issue a new license to a new licensee which may cover the existing licensee's project provided that the new licensee pays just compensation determined by the Commission and enters into any contracts required under the Federal Power Act. (Under current law, the Commission is authorized to issue a new license to the original licensee or a new license to a new licensee if the United States does not exercise its rights with respect to an expired license.)
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Sunset Act of 1985 - Title I: Reauthorization of Government Programs - Sets forth a ten-year schedule for reauthorization of all Federal programs according to budget function and subfunction as set forth in the Budget of the United States Government for FY 1985. Sets forth the procedure in the House of Representatives and the Senate for the consideration of any bill, resolution, or amendment which authorizes new budget authority. States that it is not in order for either House to consider any legislation which authorizes the enactment of new budget authority for a program for a period of more than ten years, for an indefinite period, or for any fiscal year beginning after the next reauthorization date applicable to such program. Provides that before the Congress can appropriate funds for any program, after its first reauthorization date, there must be a specific authorization in law to support the appropriation. Requires the committees of the Senate and House of Representatives to schedule and conduct a sunset review of programs to be reauthorized. Requires that the report accompanying such reauthorizations contain specified information and be completed during the Congress in which the program is scheduled for reauthorization. Exempts from the requirements of this Act specified programs such as interest on Federal debts, health care services, general retirement and disability payments, litigation activities which have as their objectives the protection and implementation of civil rights guaranteed by the Constitution, and specified retirement pay and benefits. Allows the reauthorization schedule set forth in this Act to be changed by concurrent resolution of the two Houses of Congress and sets forth the procedure for such change. Requires all legislation and other matters related to changes in the dates for programs under this Act to be referred to the committee with legislative jurisdiction over any program affected by the proposal and, sequentially, to the Committee on Rules in the House of Representatives and to the Committee on Rules and Administration in the Senate. Requires such committees to report any concurrent resolution or bill referred to it by a committee of legislative jurisdiction within 30 days, with a statement on each of its recommendations. Makes provisions for any proposed change which has been reported by a committee before July 1, 1980. Title II: Program Inventory - Directs the Comptroller General and the Director of the Congressional Budget Office, in cooperation with the Director of the Congressional Research Service, to prepare an inventory of Federal programs. Declares that the purpose of such program inventory is to advise and assist Congress in carrying out reauthorization and reexamination requirements and to link such reauthorization and review process with the budget process. Requires the Comptroller General to submit such program inventory to each House of Congress no later than January 1, 1986. Sets forth the contents of the inventory program, including the type of authorization provided for such programs' new budget authority and the manner in which related program areas may be grouped for evaluation and review. Directs the congressional committees, the Congressional Budget Office, and the Congressional Research Service to review the program inventory and to suggest revisions. Requires that the program inventory be revised at the end of each session of Congress, and that such revisions be reported to each House. Requires that periodic reports tabulate the progress of congressional action on bills and resolutions authorizing budget authority for programs in the inventory. Requires the Comptroller General and the Director of the Congressional Budget Office to submit periodic reports to the Congress on the adequacy of the functional and subfunctional categories for grouping programs of like missions or objectives. Title III: Program Reexamination - Requires each committee of the Senate and the House of Representatives to reexamine selected programs or groups of programs over which it has jurisdiction. Sets forth procedures for such review, and criteria for selection of program areas for evaluation. Directs each committee to consult with the appropriate committees of either the House of Representatives or the Senate in order to achieve coordination of program reevaluation. Directs each Committee to inform itself of the related activities of or assistance available from the General Accounting Office, the Congressional Budget Office, the Congressional Research Service, the Office of Technology Assessment, and other appropriate instrumentalities in the executive and judicial branches. Requires each committee to deliver a report on the reexamination to the Secretary of the Senate or the Clerk of the House at the date specified in the funding resolution first reported by such committee in 1987 and thereafter for the first session of each Congress. Allows two or more committees which have legislative jurisdiction over the same programs or portions of the same programs to examine such programs jointly and submit a joint report. Stipulates that such report: (1) contain the findings, recommendations, and justifications of the program; and (2) include specified information including, but not limited to, an assessment of the cost-effectiveness of the program and an identification of any trends, developments, and emerging conditions which are likely to affect the nature and extent of the problems or needs which the program is intended to address. Requires each executive department or agency which is responsible for a program selected for reexamination to submit a report to the Office of Management and Budget and to the appropriate committees of the Congress on its findings, recommendations, and justifications of specified aspects of the program. Title IV: Tax Expenditures - Requires the Director of the Congressional Budget Office, after consultation with the Joint Committee on Taxation of the Congress, to prepare an inventory of tax expenditure provisions and to submit a report on such inventory to the Committee on Ways and Means of the House and the Senate Finance Committee. Defines the term "tax expenditure provision" as any provision of Federal law which allows a special exclusion, exemption, or deduction in determining liability for any tax or which provides a special credit against any tax, a preferential rate of tax, or a deferral of tax liability. Specifies the contents of the report, which include an estimate of the revenue loss from each tax provision. Requires the Director to: (1) submit a revised inventory to each House by December 1, 1986; (2) revise the inventory after the close of each session of Congress and report such revisions to Congress; and (3) periodically report on congressional action on bills and resolutions which create or affect tax provisions. Directs the House Committee on Ways and Means and the Senate Committee on Finance to prepare a reauthorization schedule for all tax provisions similar to the schedule set out for Federal programs in title I of this Act. Requires Congress to take final action on the reauthorization schedule for tax provisions before the end of the 98th Congress. Provides that each tax expenditure provision shall expire unless it is reauthorized by a law enacted during the Congress in which it is scheduled for review. Sets forth procedures and restrictions for the consideration of bills reauthorizing tax provisions, which are similar to the restrictions and procedures governing bills authorizing new budget authority for Federal programs as described in title I. Requires that the report accompanying a reauthorization bill include specified information. Permits Congress to prescribe technical rules necessary to mitigate adverse effects which might result for taxpayers who rely on a certain tax provision. Title V: Miscellaneous - Permits the committees of Congress to obtain from agencies estimates or requests for appropriations, or requests for increases in an item of any such estimate or request, and recommendations as to how the revenue needs of the Government should be met. Sets forth administrative procedures and requirements. Directs the President, with the cooperation of the head of each appropriate agency, to submit to the Congress a Regulatory Duplication and Conflicts Report for all programs scheduled for reauthorization in the next Congress. Requires that each such report identify duplicative or conflicting rules and regulations promulgated by executive departments, independent agencies, and State and local governments and contain recommendations which address such conflicts or duplications. Directs the chairmen of the House and Senate committees having jurisdiction over a program scheduled for reauthorization during a Congress to introduce a bill constituting a reauthorization within 15 days of the beginning of the second session of that Congress. Declares that it shall be in order to discharge a committee from consideration of such a bill if the committee fails to report the bill by a specified date. Makes it the duty of the Committees on Governmental Affairs and on Rules and Administration of the Senate and the Committees on Government Operations and Rules of the House to review the operation of the procedures established by this Act and to submit a report every five years beginning December 31, 1992. Authorizes appropriations through FY 1996.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Constitutional Amendment - Requires the Congress, prior to each fiscal year, to adopt a statement of receipts and outlays for that year in which total outlays are not greater than total receipts. Permits the Congress in such statement to provide for a specific excess of outlays over receipts by a three-fifths vote directed solely to that subject. Requires the President and the Congress to ensure that actual outlays do not exceed the outlays set forth in such statement. Prohibits total receipts for any fiscal year set forth in such statement from increasing by a rate greater than the rate of increase in national income in the last calendar year ending before such fiscal year, unless the Congress passes by a three-fifths vote a bill directed solely to approving specific additional receipts and such bill has become law. Requires the President, prior to each fiscal year, to transmit to the Congress a proposed statement of receipts and outlays for that year consistent with the provisions of this article. Permits the Congress to waive the provisions of this Act with respect to any fiscal year in which a declaration of war is in effect. Declares that total receipts shall include all receipts of the United States, except those derived from borrowing and total outlays shall include all outlays of the United States except those for repayment of debt principal.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Establishes the Joint Committee on Intelligence. Declares that such committee has exclusive legislative jurisdiction with respect to any intelligence activity of the Federal Government and authorizations for appropriations for specified agencies and intelligence-related activities. Directs the joint committee to classify its information and records and to establish guidelines for their maintenance, use, and availability. Sets forth procedures for the disclosure of such information. Directs the joint committee to establish and carry out rules and procedures necessary to prevent the unauthorized disclosure of information. Makes conforming amendments to the Rules of the House of Representatives, including abolishing the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, and the National Security Act of 1947.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 1984
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the President should direct appropriate members of the administration to: (1) pursue discussions with Canada directed toward resolving problems relating to U.S. imports of Canadian pork; and (2) use all available authorities to protect the economic viability of the U.S. pork industry and to promote free and fair trade.
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 1984
Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to: (1) reimburse the Gros Ventre and Assiniboine Tribes of the Fort Belknap Indian Community for funds expended for the construction of the irrigation system on the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation from 1895 to 1913; and (2) pay four percent simple interest on such funds.
United States · United States Congress · 10 August 1984
Public Lands Pest Management Fund Act - Amends the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 to authorize the appropriate Secretary to take specified measures to protect public lands from insect and plant pests. States that for purposes of this Act the appropriate Secretary means the Secretary (either of Agriculture or of the Interior) under whom the affected public lands are being administered. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 10 August 1984
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to limit to ten percent the maximum rate of interest on certain underpayments of individual income tax where a notice of deficiency was not sent within one year after the later of: (1) the last day for filing of tax returns; or (2) the date such return was filed.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1984
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to: (1) establish the Lewis and Clark National Historic Site in Montana; and (2) enter into cooperative and management agreements with the State of Montana for rescue, firefighting, and law enforcement services with respect to such site. Specifies those lands which the Secretary is authorized to acquire for the establishment of such site. Provides that such lands shall revert to the State of Montana if the Secretary uses such lands for any purpose other than as authorized under this Act. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 - 1987, including specified sums for the construction of a visitor center.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1984
Amends the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 to eliminate reductions in cost of living increases for railroad retirees, and railroad spouse and survivors' annuities, as a result of increases in certain social security benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1984
Amends Title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to eliminate the three percent trigger for cost-of-living benefit increases.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1984
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal rules relating to the determination of the issue price of certain debt instruments issued for property. Amends the Tax Reform Act of 1984 to repeal the revisions made to rules for the imputation of interest on certain deferred payments. Provides that the Internal Revenue Code shall be applied and administered as if such revisions had not been enacted.
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 1984
Montana Wilderness Act of 1984 - Designates the following lands in Montana as components of the National Wilderness Preservation System: (1) the Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness Additions in the Beaverhead, Bitterroot, and Deerlodge National Forests;(2) the Italian Peak Wilderness in the Beaverhead National Forest; (3) the East Pioneer Wilderness in the Beaverhead National Forest; (4) the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness Additions in the Bitterroot and Lolo National Forests; (5) the Lost Water Canyon Wilderness in the Custer National Forest; (6) the Electric Peak Wilderness in the Deerlodge and Helena National Forests; (7) the Flint Range Wilderness in the Deerlodge National Forest; (8) the Mount Hefty Wilderness in the Flathead National Forest; (9) the Tuchuck Wilderness in the Flathead National Forest; (10) the Bob Marshall Wilderness in the Flathead, Lolo, and Lewis and Clark National Forests; (11) the Mission Mountains Wilderness Additions in the Flathead National Forest; (12) the North Absaroka Wilderness Additions in the Gallatin National Forest; (13) the Lionhead Wilderness in the Gallatin National Forest; (14) the Gates of the Mountain Wilderness Additions in the Helena National Forest; (15) the Trout Creek Wilderness in the Kootenai National Forest; (16) the Scotchman Peaks Wilderness in the Kootenai National Forest; (17) the Cabinet Mountains Wilderness Additions in the Kootenai National Forest; (18) the Ten Lakes Wilderness in the Kootenai National Forest; (19) the Scapegoat Wilderness Additions in the Lolo and Lewis and Clark National Forests; (20) the Hoodoo Wilderness in the Lolo National Forest; and (21) the Quigg Wilderness in the Lolo National Forest. Revises the boundary of the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness in Montana to exclude specified acreage north of Goose Lake. Provides that the RARE II (second roadless area review and evaluation) final environmental statement (dated January 1979) with respect to national forest system lands in Montana shall not be subject to judicial review. Releases national forest system lands in Montana which were reviewed in the RARE II program from further review by the Department of Agriculture, pending the revision of initial national forest management plans. Releases lands in Montana reviewed in the RARE II program and not designated as wilderness from management as wilderness areas. Prohibits the Department of Agriculture from conducting any further statewide roadless area review and evaluation of national forest system lands in Montana without express congressional authorization. States that the provisions above shall also apply to: (1) national forest system roadless lands in Montana which were evaluated in unit plans and the Beaverhead Forest plan in effect prior to the completion of RARE II; and (2) national forest system lands in Montana which are less than 5,000 acres in size. Requires that the Porcupine-Buffalo Horn Wildlife Area in the Gallatin National Forest be managed to protect its wildlife values, with an emphasis on maintaining the habitat requirements of the elk and grizzly bear. Provides that management direction that recognizes such values be included in the forest plans developed for the Gallatin National Forest in accordance with the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to administer the Hyalite Peaks Scenic Area within the Gallatin National Forest to preserve the area's scenic values. Provides that management direction that recognizes such values shall be included in the forest plans for the Gallatin National Forest. Designates lands in the Flathead National Forest known as the Jewel Basin as the Jewel Basin Hiking Area. Requires that upon enactment of this Act such area be withdrawn from mineral entry under the Federal mining and leasing laws and be administered so as to maintain its scenic character. Provides that management direction that recognizes the values of such area for hiking and wildlife shall be included in the forest plans for the Flathead National Forest. Sets forth management directions for the following national forest system lands: (1) the West Pioneer Recreation Area in the Beaverhead National Forest; (2) the Ten Lakes Recreation Area in the Kootenai National Forest; (3) the Middle Fork Judith Recreation Area in the Lewis and Clark National Forest; (4) the Big Snowies Recreation Area in the Lewis and Clark National Forest; (5) the West Bighole Area in the Beaverhead National Forest; (6) the Silver King Special Management Area in the Helena National Forest; (7) the Renshaw Special Management Area in the Lewis and Clark National Forest; and (8) the Elkhorn Management Area in the Helena and Deerlodge National Forests. Sets forth requirements for a land exchange between the Secretary of Agriculture and the Burlington Northern Railroad Company. Releases from management as wilderness the Bitter Creek Wilderness Study Area.
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 1984
Lamb Meat Quota Act of 1984 - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to impose a limit on the amount of lamb meat that may be entered into the United States during any calendar quarter or calendar year after 1984. Sets forth a formula for determining the amount of lamb meat that may be entered into the United States for such time periods. Requires the Secretary to certify such limits to the Secretary of the Treasury. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to issue regulations to ensure, to the extent practicable, that the country of origin of lamb meat subject to this Act is indicated to consumers who purchase such lamb meat at retail prices.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1984
Designates the week beginning February 17, 1985, as a time to recognize the contributions of volunteers who give their time to become Big Brothers and Big Sisters to youths in need of adult companionship.
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 1984
Law Enforcement Officers Protection Act of 1984 - Amends the Federal criminal code to define "armor piercing ammunition." Excludes from the definition: (1) shot gun shot required by Federal or State regulations for hunting; (2) frangible projectiles for target shooting; and (3) projectiles that the Secretary of Treasury determines are primarily intended for sporting purposes. Makes it unlawful for any person to manufacture or import armor piercing ammunition. Allows for: (1) the manufacture or importation of armor piercing ammunition for the use of the United States or any State or local government; and (2) manufacture for the sole purpose of exportation. Establishes a licensing fee of $1,000 per year for manufacturers and importers of armor piercing ammunition. Imposes an additional mandatory sentence of not less than five years for any person who uses or carries a firearm and is in possession of armor piercing ammunition during the commission of a violent felony. Provides that such sentence shall not be suspended nor probation nor parole granted.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1984
Railroad Regulation Improvement Act - Revises Federal law with respect to Federal rail transportation policy. Declares it to be Federal policy to provide protection to shippers of grain, soybeans, and sunflower seeds against unreasonable rail rates and practices. Prohibits the Interstate Commerce Commission from exempting persons and services from the provisions of Federal law with respect to transportation of grain, soybeans, and sunflower seeds. Sets forth standards for rail rates on such products. Makes it unlawful for certain rail carriers which can participate in a joint through rail route to fail to provide and maintain their portions of such route. Sets forth remedies in the event two or more rail carriers cannot agree on a division of revenue under joint rates established for such routes. Requires that the essential terms of contracts for the transportation of grain, soybeans, and sunflower seeds be made available to the general public in tariff format. Sets forth standards and principles to be applied by the Commission when determining unreasonable preference or prejudice. Requires applicants for abandonment or discontinuance of a railroad line to demonstrate that such line, during the preceding two-year period, produced a lower rate of return on net investment than that produced by all other rail operations of the applicant. Changes from discretionary to mandatory the requirement for rail carriers to make their transportation facilities available to other rail carriers when such availability is in the public interest.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1984
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Constitution provides that all citizens have the right to keep and bear arms and that such right supersedes the power and authority of any government.
![Official portrait of Rep. Marlenee, Ron [R-MT-2]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/m000139_200.jpg)