United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1986
Career Criminal Amendments Act of 1986 - Amends the Federal criminal code to provide increased mandatory penalties for any person who transports firearms or ammunition in interstate or foreign commerce if such person has multiple convictions for serious drug offenses and violent felonies. (Current law provides increased penalties where such person had multiple convictions for robbery and burglary.)
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1986
Authorizes the President, on behalf of the Congress, to present a gold medal to Joe Kittinger in recognition of his accomplishments as an aviation pioneer. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to provide for the sale of bronze duplicates of the medal.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1986
Antiterrorism Act of 1986 - Amends the Federal criminal code to establish a new Federal offense of international terrorism. Defines international terrorism as an act of violence directed against the United States or a national of the United States which is intended to coerce, intimidate, or retaliate against a government or civilian population. Establishes criteria for the imposition of the death penalty where a death results from an act of international terrorism. Lists mitigating factors (including the defendant's age and mental capacity) and aggravating factors (including previous convictions and the nature of the offense) for jury, or court, consideration. Requires the government to serve notice upon the defendant a reasonable time before trial or acceptance of a plea that it intends to seek the death penalty and the aggravating factors upon which it will rely. Requires a separate sentencing hearing to determine the punishment to be imposed upon a defendant found guilty of international terrorism. Requires the court, or the jury by unanimous vote, to impose the death penalty upon a finding that such sentence is justified based on consideration of both the mitigating and aggravating factors. Requires the court to instruct the jury not to consider the race, color, national origin, creed, or sex of the defendant when sentencing. Establishes procedures for the appeal of a death sentence. Requires the court of appeals, upon consideration of the trial record, information submitted during the sentencing hearing, and the procedures of such hearing, to affirm the decision if: (1) the sentence was not imposed under the influence of passion, prejudice, or arbitrariness; and (2) the information supports the finding. Requires the court to provide a written explanation of its determination. Establishes procedures for the implementation of the death penalty. States that the death penalty shall not be carried out upon pregnant women. Requests the President to study the threat of terrorist attack and means to control the availability of and use of explosives by terrorists. Requests the President to report the results of such study to the Congress. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should establish a process to encourage the negotiation of an international convention to prevent international terrorism. Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to provide assistance in developing and implementing antiterrorism plans for deep draft ports, international airports, and other important facilities. Makes the transmission of threats in foreign commerce, as well as interstate commerce, a Federal offense.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1986
Career Criminal Amendments Act of 1986 - Amends title VII (Unlawful Possession or Receipt of Firearms) of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to expand the firearms-related crimes for which persons with multiple convictions may receive increased penalties to include serious drug offenses and crimes of violence. (Previous law provided increased penalties for robbery and burglary only.)
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 1986
Allows the Attorney General to accept donations on behalf of the Bureau of Prisons and the Federal Prison Industries, Incorporated. Amends the Walsh-Healey Act to remove the limitation regarding the use of convict labor in the manufacture, production, or furnishing of goods purchased by the Federal Government.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1986
Computer Fraud and Abuse Act of 1986 - Amends the Federal criminal code to change the scienter requirement from "knowingly" to "intentionally" for certain offenses regarding accessing the computer files of another. Revises the definition of "financial institution" to which the financial record provisions of computer fraud law apply. Applies such provisions to any financial records (including those of corporations and small businesses), not just those of individuals and certain partnerships. Revises the criminal liability of persons who exceed authorized access to Federal computers. (Makes the basic offense trespass. Removes the coverage of authorized accessors who exceed their authorization, but without "intent to defraud.") Creates new Federal criminal offenses of: (1) property theft by computer occurring as part of a scheme to defraud; (2) altering information in, or preventing the authorized use of, a Federal interest computer; and (3) trafficking in computer access passwords. Eliminates the special conspiracy provisions for computer crimes. (Such conspiracies shall be treated under the general Federal conspiracy statutes.) Amends penalty provisions to remove the cap on fines for certain computer crimes. Exempts authorized law enforcement or intelligence activities.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1986
Ballistic Knife Prohibition Act of 1986 - Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit the possession, manufacture, sale, importation, and mailing of ballistic knives (knives with a detachable blade that is propelled by a spring-operated mechanism).
United States · United States Congress · 22 April 1986
Requires the Administrator of Veterans Affairs to contract with non-Veterans Administration (VA) health-care facilities for the furnishing of health care for veterans in areas determined to be substantial growth areas which are geographically inaccessible to present VA facilities. Defines "substantial growth area."
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1986
Anti-Terrorism Act of 1986 - Declares that any person who organizes, attempts, commits, procures, or supports acts of terrorism shall be considered to have committed an act of aggression against the United States and may be pursued with deadly force. Defines terrorism to mean activity directed against U.S. persons which: (1) is committed by a non-U.S. national or permanent resident alien; (2) involves violent or dangerous acts which would be crimes in the United States; and (3) is intended to intimidate a civilian population, to influence government policy, or to affect the conduct of a government by assassination or kidnapping. Authorizes the President, subject to the provisions of the Constitution, to protect U.S. persons from terrorism through the use of all antiterrorism and counterterrorism measures that the President deems necessary. Requires the President's authority to apply: (1) to all terrorists wherever they may be; and (2) until the President determines that no terrorist poses a threat to U.S. persons. Prohibits this Act from being construed as granting any authority to use deadly force within the United States which would not exist in the absence of this Act. Requires the President to report to the Congress within ten days of taking any action under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1986
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to eliminate the requirement that there be at least a three-percent rise in the Consumer Price Index before a cost-of-living adjustment of benefits is made.
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1986
Declares that the House of Representatives, on behalf of the U.S. people, expresses its gratitude to the Government and people of the United Kingdom who assisted the United States in its exercise of self-defense against Libya and in the fight against state-sponsored international terrorism.
United States · United States Congress · 15 April 1986
FHA and GNMA Credit Commitment Assistance Act of 1986 - Authorizes the Government National Mortgage Association and the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) to enter into additional specified FY 1986 commitments to guarantee mortgage-backed securities and insure loans under the National Housing Act. Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to notify the appropriate congressional committees if cumulative FHA insured and guaranteed loan commitments exceed specified limits.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1986
Computer Fraud and Abuse Act a of 1986 - Amends the Federal criminal code to change the scienter requirement from "knowingly" to "intentionally" for certain offenses regarding accessing the computer files of another. Revises the definition of "financial institution" to which the financial record provisions of computer fraud law apply. Applies such provisions to any financial records (including those of corporations and small businesses), not just those of individuals and certain partnerships. Revises the criminal liability of persons who exceed authorized access to Federal computers. (Makes the basic offense trespass. Removes the coverage of authorized accessors who exceed their authorization, but without "intent to defraud.") Creates new Federal criminal offenses of: (1) property theft by computer occurring as part of a scheme to defraud; (2) altering information in, or preventing the authorized use of, a Federal interest computer; and (3) trafficking in computer access passwords. Eliminates the special conspiracy provisions for computer crimes. (Such conspiracies shall be treated under the general Federal conspiracy statutes.) Amends penalty provisions to remove the cap on fines for certain computer crimes. Exempts authorized law enforcement or intelligence activities.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1986
Amends the Garn-St Germain Depository Institutions Act of 1982 to extend the Deposit Insurance Flexibility Act and the Net Worth Certificate Act until July 15, 1986.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1986
Designates May 21, 1986, as National Andrei Sakharov Day. Authorizes and requests the President to urge the Soviet Union to permit Andrei Sakharov and Elena Bonner to freely choose their place of residence.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1986
Prohibits the issuance of a letter of offer with respect to specified proposed sales of Sidewinder, Stinger, and Harpoon missiles and services to Saudi Arabia, as described in the April 8, 1986, certifications from the President to the Congress under the Arms Export Control Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1986
Employment Opportunities for Disabled Americans Act - Makes permanent provisions which provide benefits under title XVI (Supplemental Security Income) of the Social Security Act for individuals who perform substantial gainful activity despite a severe medical impairment. Removes SSI limitations for the first two months of an individual's stay in a health facility if such individual was eligible for the benefits made permanent by this Act during the month preceding admission to the facility. Requires the district offices of the Social Security Administration to each designate a staff member to implement the program providing benefits to individuals who perform substantial gainful activity despite severe medical impairment. Revises the eligibility requirements for such benefits. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish and implement procedures which provide that whenever an individual is formally notified of his or her SSI eligibility, such individual will also be notified of the availability of assistance under title XIX (Medicaid) of such Act. Directs the Secretary, when any individual receives SSI benefits on the basis of a disability, to notify such individual of his or her potential eligibility for the SSI benefits available for those performing substantial gainful activity despite a severe medical impairment. Directs the Comptroller General to conduct a study of the operation of the SSI section which provides benefits for individuals who perform substantial gainful activity despite a severe medical impairment, with the particular objective of evaluating the work incentive provisions of such section. Requires the Comptroller General to report to the Congress the findings of such study. Provides that when an individual becomes ineligible for SSI benefits upon entitlement to child's insurance benefits under title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Act, such individual shall be treated for Medicaid purposes as continuing to receive SSI benefits so long as he or she would otherwise be eligible for such benefits. Authorizes the Secretary to conduct demonstration projects designed to assess the advantages and disadvantages of various work incentive programs under the OASDI and SSI programs. Sets forth reporting requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1986
Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to prohibit the Overseas Private Investment Corporation from providing financial support for any project to establish or expand production or processing of citrus crops for export.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1986
Amends Federal veterans' benefits provisions to exempt from any sequestration of funds under the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act) certain benefits of veterans and their dependents and survivors which are based upon the service-connected disability or death of such veterans.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1986
Federal Firearms Law Reform Act of 1986 - Amends the Gun Control Act of 1968 to prohibit the transfer or possession of silencers. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to buy any registered silencer. Permits the interstate sale of rifles and shotguns, provided: (1) the transferee and the transferor meet in person to accomplish the transfer; and (2) the sale, delivery, and receipt comply with the legal conditions of sale in both States. Makes it unlawful for any person to sell or ship any firearm or ammunition to someone who: (1) is under indictment for, or has been convicted of, a felony; (2) is a fugitive from justice; (3) is an unlawful user of or addicted to a controlled substance; (4) has been adjudicated as a mental incompetent or committed to a mental institution; (5) has received a dishonorable discharge from the armed forces; (6) has renounced his U.S. citizenship; or (7) is an illegal alien. Makes it unlawful for such persons to receive, possess, or transfer any firearm or ammunition in interstate or foreign commerce. Permits gun sales at certain gun shows. Prohibits the importation of the barrel of any firearm if the importation of that firearm is prohibited. Revises the criteria reviewed by the Secretary in approving applications for licenses. Grants the Secretary authority to suspend (rather than just revoke) a license. Allows the Secretary to inspect the inventory and records of a licensee to ensure compliance with the recordkeeping requirements of such Act. Modifies the penalty provisions for certain licensee violations. Eliminates the recordkeeping requirements for ammunition sales involving less than 1,000 rounds. Codifies existing regulations requiring reports of multiple firearm sales. Establishes additional mandatory penalties for the use or carrying of firearms or armor-piercing ammunition during certain drug trafficking activities. Imposes additional mandatory penalties for machine gun use in crimes. Limits to felony violations the Government's authority to seize firearms and ammunition. Allows individuals who have violated the Gun Control Act of 1968 or the National Firearms Act to apply for relief from the legal disabilities imposed by such statutes. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to grant such relief. Allows the interstate transport of rifles and shotguns by individuals under certain circumstances. Prohibits the sale, delivery, or transfer of a handgun from a licensed importer, manufacturer, or dealer to an unlicensed individual unless the documentation of the transaction is sent to local law enforcement officers and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1986
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) the aspirations of the Angolan people deserve U.S. support; (2) the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA) and its leader, Dr. Jonas Malheiro Savimbi, have the right to play a role in the political life of Angola; and (3) the Marxist Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) has violated the rights of the Angolan people. Declares that the MPLA should agree to negotiations which will include UNITA, end the presence of Soviet and Cuban forces in Angola, result in national reconciliation within Angola, and facilitate the independence of Namibia. Urges the President to provide assistance to UNITA in order to promote a political solution and withdrawal of outside forces, and to help UNITA deter and resist continued Soviet, Cuban, and MPLA military escalation.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1986
Provides that any requirement to substantiate a deduction under the Internal Revenue Code with respect to the business use of a vehicle must be based on regulations in effect before the Tax Reform Act of 1984.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1986
Authorizes the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution to plan, design, and construct facilities for the National Air and Space Museum at Washington Dulles International Airport for expansion of the Museum. Authorizes the Board of Regents to receive and use private donations for carrying out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1986
General Aviation Tort Reform Act of 1986 - Amends the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure to provide uniform rules for negligence and products liability claims arising from general aviation accidents. Allows any person claiming damages from such an accident to bring a products liability action against the general aviation manufacturer if: (1) the product was defective when it left the control of the manufacturer; (2) the defective condition was the proximate cause of the harm; (3) the condition would not have been corrected by actions described in directives issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) or the manufacturer; and (4) the aircraft was being used for a purpose and in a manner for which it was manufactured. Provides an alternative method to establish manufacturer liability where the manufacturer failed to provide reasonable warnings (unless such warnings would not have affected the conduct of the product user). Provides a third method to establish manufacturer liability where: (1) the manufacturer made an express warranty with respect to the product; (2) the warranty related to that aspect of the product which caused the harm; (3) the product failed to conform to the warranty; and (4) such failure was the proximate cause of the harm. States that all actions for damages arising from a general aviation accident shall be governed by the principles of comparative responsibility. Provides that defendants in such actions are severally but not jointly liable for damages (except that manufacturers of airframes and systems or components of aircraft may be jointly and severally liable under certain circumstances). Provides a 12-year limitation on liability of manufacturers. States that express warranties running for a longer period of time and the duty to provide additional warnings shall not be affected by such limitations. Allows awards of punitive damages. Prescribes a statute of limitations for such actions. Preempts State laws to the extent that this Act establishes applicable rules or procedures. Grants Federal district courts (concurrently with State courts) original jurisdiction (without regard to the amount in controversy) in all civil actions for damages arising out of a general aviation accident. Allows the removal of State actions to an appropriate Federal district court by any defendant. Prescribes venue restrictions. Expresses the intent of the Congress that orders to pay reasonable expenses, including attorney's fees, be enforced.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1986
Bankruptcy Judgeship Act of 1986 - Amends the judicial code to increase the number of bankruptcy judges: (1) from two to three for the Eastern and Western Districts of Arkansas; (2) from seven to nine for the Northern District of California; (3) from four to six for the Eastern District of California; (4) from 12 to 19 for the Central District of California; (5) from three to four for the Southern District of California; (6) from two to four for the Middle District of Florida; (7) from four to six for the Northern District of Georgia; (8) from one to two for the Southern District of Georgia; (9) from one to two for Idaho; (10) from eight to ten for the Northern District of Illinois; (11) from two to three for the Central District of Illinois; (12) from two to three for the Northern District of Indiana; (13) from one to two for the Northern District of Iowa; (14) from one to two for the Southern District of Iowa; (15) from two to three for the Western District of Kentucky; (16) from two to three for Maryland; (17) from two to three for the Western District of Michigan; (18) from one to two for Nebraska; (19) from two to three for Nevada; (20) from five to seven for New Jersey; (21) from one to two for the Northern District of Oklahoma; (22) from two to three for the Western District of Oklahoma; (23) from four to five for Oregon; (24) from one to two for South Carolina; (25) from two to three for the Eastern District of Tennessee; (26) from two to three for the Western District of Tennessee; (27) from four to five for the Northern District of Texas; (28) from three to six for the Southern District of Texas; (29) from two to three for the Western District of Texas; (30) from two to three for Utah; (31) from three to four for the Eastern District of Virginia; (32) from one to two for the Eastern District of Washington; (33) from four to five for the Western District of Washington; and (34) from three to four for the Eastern District of Wisconsin. Makes members of the bar of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico eligible for appointment to bankruptcy judgeships.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1986
Declares that the proposed rescission of budget authority (R86-55) for the urban development action grant program should not be approved in any rescission bill. Requires that such program be resumed not later than the date of enactment of this joint resolution.
![Official portrait of Rep. McCollum, Bill [R-FL-8]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/m000350_200.jpg)