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 · 8 May 1985
Provides for $14,000,000 to be transferred to the Agency for International Development for humanitarian assistance for the Nicaraguan resistance forces. Urges the President to: (1) pursue diplomatic and economic steps (including embargo of U.S. trade with Nicaragua) to resolve the conflict in Nicaragua; (2) suspend military maneuvers in Honduras if Nicaragua agrees to a cease-fire and opens a dialog with the democratic resistance; (3) call upon the democratic resistance in Nicaragua to remove from its ranks any human rights violators; and (4) resume bilateral discussions with Nicaragua. Requires the President to report to the Congress. Permits the President, under specified circumstances, to request the Congress to authorize additional assistance for the resistance. Sets forth specified congressional procedures with respect to the enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1985
Beekeeper Protection Act of 1985 - Requires the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC), within 90 days of enactment of this Act, to investigate and report to the President on the effects of honey imports on certain domestic programs and on the amount of products processed in the United States from honey. Requires the President, if the ITC recommends that fees or limitations be imposed on honey imports, to: (1) impose such fees or limitations; or (2) deny the existence of the facts justifying such fees or limitations . Requires the President to take such action within 60 days of the issuance of the ITC report.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1985
Amends the Tariff Schedules of the United States to provide that martial arts uniforms and components made of cotton or man-made fibers may not be classified under a specified item of the Schedules (relating to hand-loomed and folklore products). Increases the duty on such uniforms.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1985
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should establish a task force of expert farmers to address the long-range concerns of the U.S. agricultural industry.
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 1985
Amends the Federal criminal code to impose a penalty of one to five years' imprisonment for any parent who transports or entices his or her child from a State in violation of or with intent to violate a child custody order.
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 1985
Establishes in the legislative branch of the Government the Perot Commission on Americans Missing in Southeast Asia to conduct an investigation and report to the Congress its findings with respect to the existence and the release of prisoners of war in Southeast Asia. Sets forth specified administrative procedures and powers of the Commission. Requires the Commission to terminate 30 days after the filing of its report to the Congress or on January 3, 1987, whichever occurs first.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1985
Hazardous Waste Reduction Act of 1985 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose a tax on the receipt of: (1) taxable hazardous waste in any qualified hazardous waste management unit; and (2) taxable hazardous waste for export or for disposal in the ocean pursuant to a permit. Provides that the tax rate for all forms of land and ocean waste disposal, except underground injection wells, shall be $20 for each ton of hazardous waste. Provides that the tax rate for each ton of hazardous waste placed in underground injection wells shall be five dollars per ton. Authorizes the Secretary of Treasury to increase the rates of tax on such hazardous waste where the tax revenue falls below projections for any year. Requires the tax to be paid by the owner or operator of the qualified waste management unit at which the taxable waste is received or by the person exporting the taxable hazardous waste or the person holding the permit for transport for ocean disposal. Requires the tax to be paid at the close of the calendar quarter during which the taxable hazardous waste became subject to tax. Imposes a tax of $20 per ton on hazardous waste placed in a facility other than a qualified hazardous waste management unit or pursuant to a permit for export or ocean dumping. Makes the person placing the hazardous material in the facility or location liable for the tax. Provides that such tax will not apply with respect to small quantity generator waste, or with respect to the placement of taxable hazardous waste in any facility, vehicle, or location if such placement is not required to comply with permit, interim status, or manifest requirement under the Solid Waste Disposal Act. Provides that the tax does not apply to the placement of taxable hazardous waste in a vehicle which is required to transport such taxable hazardous waste. Exempts from the tax waste removed from a Superfund site or a closed interim status facility or waste required to be studied. Exempts from the tax qualified wastewater treatment facilities. Provides that the exemption for qualified wastewater treatment facilities shall not apply after November 8, 1988, unless the facility is in compliance with certain minimum technological requirements or meets certain interim status surface impoundments requirements. Permits a tax credit where the taxable hazardous waste is moved from one unit or facility to another. Provides that where the taxable waste is moved from a surface impoundment to an underground injection well, the credit is the difference between the tax on the surface impoundment and the tax on the underground injection. Permits a tax credit for all waste rendered nonhazardous by reason of treatment or conversion within 12 months of receipt at the unit or facility. Prohibits the tax credit for treatment or conversion at a qualified wastewater treatment facility. Prohibits the tax credit for land treatment. Provides that the tax credit will not apply to any treatment or conversion which violates any requirement of Federal or State law relating to the management of hazardous taxable waste. Provides that this tax shall apply for the period from January 1, 1986, through September 30, 1990. Requires every person subject to this tax to keep records, render such statements, make such returns, and comply with such rules and regulations as the Secretary of the Treasury may require. Provides that the revenues from this tax shall be deposited in the Hazardous Substance Superfund. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to make various reports to the Congress concerning different aspects of this tax on hazardous waste disposal.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1985
Renewable Energy and Conservation Transition Act of 1985 - Title I: Extension of Business Energy Credits - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend the energy investment tax credit for solar energy property from 1985 to 1990. Sets the amount of such credit during such period at 15 percent for low temperature solar property and 25 percent for all other solar property. Extends the energy investment tax credit for wind property from 1985 to 1988. Sets the amount of such credit at: (1) ten percent during 1986 and 1987; and (2) five percent during 1988. Extends the energy investment tax credit for geothermal property and biomass property from 1985 to 1988. Extends the energy investment tax credit for ocean thermal property from 1985 to 1990. Revises the definition of "solar property" for purposes of such tax credit. Sets forth special rules for geothermal equipment to qualify for such credit. Title II: Affirmative Commitment Rule to Extend the Business Credit for Certain Long-Term Projects - Extends the time period during which an affirmative commitment must be made in order for long-term energy projects to be eligible for the energy investment tax credit. Allows such extension: (1) from 1990 to 1993 for solar energy property; (2) from 1988 to 1990 for geothermal energy property; and (3) from 1985 to 1990 for hydroelectric generating property. Title III: Extension of Residential Energy Credits - Extends the residential energy income tax credit for solar renewable energy property from 1985 to 1990. Phases out such credit over such period of time. Provides that solar hot water systems and active space heating systems must meet certain additional standards in order to qualify for such credit. Extends the residential energy income tax credit for wind renewable energy property from 1985 to 1988. Phases out such credit over such period of time. Extends the residential energy income tax credit for geothermal renewable energy property from 1985 to 1988. Phases out such credit over such period of time. Revises the definition of geothermal deposits for purposes of such credit. Revises the definition of energy conservation expenditures for purposes of the residential energy income tax credit to limit the amounts taken into account to $700. Limits the energy conservation income tax credit to taxpayers with an adjusted gross income of less than $30,000. Title IV: Effective Date - Sets forth the effective date of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 1985
Children's Justice Reform Act - Amends the Child Abuse Amendments of 1984 to authorize a Children's Justice Grant Program. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make additional grants to States under specified provisions of the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act for identification, treatment, and prevention of sexual abuse. Makes a State eligible for such assistance if the Secretary determines that the State, within one year after the enactment of this Act, has enacted specified legal and administrative changes with respect to the investigation and prosecution of child sexual abuse cases. Requires a State, to be eligible for such assistance, to have in effect a child sexual abuse program which includes at least one statute or administrative procedure to carry out the following categories of reforms: (1) handling such cases so as to reduce the trauma to the child victim; (2) improving the chances of successful prosecution or legal action against child molesters; and (3) improving procedures to protect children from sexual abuse. Directs the Secretary to issue necessary regulations for such assistance program. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 and 1987.
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 1985
Defense Environmental Restoration Act of 1985 - Subjects facilities under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of Defense to the requirements of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) (Superfund). Exempts the Secretary from the financial responsibility requirements. Prohibits the delegation to the Secretary of any response authority under such Act, requiring such authority to remain with the President or the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as appropriate. Permits the designation of the Secretary and other Department of Defense (DOD) officials as natural resources trustees under such Act. Authorizes the Administrator to delegate other authorities to the Secretary or DOD officials if it would be cost-effective except the authority to approve remedial action at a site on the National Priorities List (NPL) in a nonemergency situation. Authorizes the President to issue response action orders as necessary to protect the national security. Directs the Secretary to establish within the Office of the Secretary an office to implement the Defense Environmental Restoration Program which includes investigating and cleaning up contamination from hazardous substances and correcting environmental damage. Directs the Secretary to carry out response actions with respect to releases of hazardous substances from sites and vessels under the Secretary's jurisdiction. Excludes response actions which do not result in a new facility from military construction requirements. Permits removal or remedial action by another responsible party. Directs the Secretary to pay all fees and charges imposed by State and local authorities for storage and/or disposal of hazardous substances on lands under the jurisdiction of the Secretary. Authorizes the Secretary to implement the administrative abatement authorities where there may be an imminent and substantial endangerment to public health or the environment from a DOD controlled facility. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 through 1990 to carry out the restoration program. Makes available to the Secretary amounts recovered from responsible parties for response actions of the Secretary. Authorizes the Secretary to settle claims under CERCLA up to a specified amount. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 through 1990 for emergency removal actions where the release or threatened release of any hazardous substance presents an imminent and substantial endangerment to the public health or environment. Limits the per-site expenditure unless the Secretary and the Administrator agree that continued response actions are required in an emergency-type situation. Requires each emergency removal action to be completed within six months if possible or within 18 months at the outside. Requires the Secretary to notify the Congress within 15 days of obligating emergency funds. Authorizes the Secretary to use facility maintenance funds for response actions, including emergency actions. Authorizes the Secretary to utilize the services of any other Government agency on a reimbursable basis to carry out this Act. Directs the Secretary to establish a research, development, and demonstration program regarding hazardous waste management, including cost-effective strategies and technological innovation. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 through 1990. Directs the Secretary to notify the Administrator of the Agency of Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) within one year of this Act's enactment of the 25 hazardous substances most frequently used at DOD facilities for which no standard or water quality criteria are in effect under the other Federal environmental and water quality statutes. Requires ATSDR to prepare profiles on such substances within one year of receiving the funds to do so. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary to keep the regional EPA offices and the appropriate State and local authorities informed about any hazardous substance releases or proposed response actions occurring at a DOD site within their area. Requires that such notice be made prior to taking a response action in nonemergency situations. Directs the Secretary to establish a Technical Review Committee of such authorities whenever possible to review and comment on DOD proposals. Requires the Secretary to provide an opportunity for public participation before adopting a plan for remedial action at any DOD site on the NPL. Directs the Secretary to report annually to the Congress on the implementation of this Act, including a statement for each site and its hazardous substances, the response actions taken or proposed, and the costs involved. Directs the Secretary to provide the Congress with information on military construction projects in the budget attributable to environmental restoration programs. Requires military construction authorizations to separately set forth the amount requested for environmental restoration for each military department and defense agency. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out otherwise unauthorized emergency construction for hazardous substance response actions up to a specified amount and after congressional notification.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1985
Provides that, for taxable years prior to 1985, rural letter carriers are permitted to compute the amount of the deduction for the use of their automobile in performing services involving the collection and delivery of mail on a rural route by: (1) using the amount received as equipment maintenance allowances from the United States Postal Service; or (2) using the form entitled "Worksheet for Use of Rural Carrier in Reporting Equipment Allowance and Claiming Transportation Expense Deduction." Provides that, for taxable years beginning after 1984, rural letter carriers are permitted to compute the amount of their deduction for use of their automobile in performing such services: (1) by using a standard mileage rate for all such miles of such use equal to 150 percent of the basic standard rate; or (2) by calculating the equipment allowance deduction equal to the operating expenses. Removes the 50 percent of business use limitation contained in the Internal Revenue Code for rural letter carriers who claim the investment tax credit and the depreciation deduction for their automobiles.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1985
Satellite Television Viewing Rights Act of 1985 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to allow any person to receive encrypted satellite cable programming decoded for private viewing upon compliance with prices, terms, and conditions established in the marketplace or by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Prohibits any person from: (1) denying the availability of such programming for private viewing; (2) substantially restricting the availability of such programming for private viewing through pricing or other terms or conditions; (3) discriminating in price between different distributors offering comparable distribution services; or (4) requiring a person to purchase or lease decoding equipment from a specific source in order to receive such programming. Directs the FCC, if petitioned, to establish reasonable prices, terms, and conditions for the private viewing of such programming in a market by any person who: (1) has been denied viewing rights for at least ten days; (2) has been offered such rights on terms or conditions which substantially restrict the availability of programming; (3) resides in the franchised area of a cable television system where the operator is the sole source of such programming; or (4) resides outside of the franchised area of a cable system where the price for viewing rights is higher than the price paid by subscribers within the market. Sets forth factors to be considered by the FCC in establishing prices.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1985
Expresses the sense of the Congress that National Guard and reserve members should be recognized for the essential role they play in the national defense. Urges and requests employers and supervisors to abide by Federal law and grant a leave of absence for military training to members of the Guard and reserves and provide such employees equal consideration for job benefits and promotions.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1985
Amends the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act to exempt from certain cargo preference requirements activities of the Commodity Credit Corporation or the Department of Agriculture that promote the export of agricultural commodities.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1985
Amends the Agriculture and Food Act of 1981 to provide that a buyer in the ordinary course of business who buys farm products from a seller engaged in farming operations shall take free of any seller-created security interest even though the buyer knows of its existence, unless within 12 months before the sale the buyer: (1) received notice of the security interest and of any payment obligations imposed by the secured party as conditions for waiver or release of the security interest and (2) has failed to perform such obligations. Sets forth parallel provisions for commission merchants or selling agents.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1985
Department of Defense Competitive Procurement Act of 1985 - Prohibits the amount of competitive defense procurements made during a fiscal year from being less than: (1) the applicable percentage for that year; and (2) the amount of all applicable procurements made by the Department of Defense during that year. Prohibits the obligation of funds for the purchase of goods or services in an other-than-competitive procedure if in any fiscal year the amount of competitive defense procurements is less than that required. Defines "competitive defense procurements," "applicable percentage," and "applicable procurements" for purposes of such requirement.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1985
Family Farmer Bankruptcy Reform Act of 1985 - Defines a "family farmer" for purposes of Federal bankruptcy law as a person who received more than 50 percent of gross income from farming operations, including a person that is a corporation that issues stock: (1) which is not publicly traded; and (2) the majority of which is held by one family. Allows a family farmer that owes secured and unsecured debts totaling less than $1,000,000 to qualify as a debtor under bankruptcy provisions providing for the adjustment of debts of an individual with regular income. Authorizes a plan filed under such provisions to modify the rights of holders of claims secured only by a security interest in real property which is a family farmer's principal residence and which such family farmer uses for farming operations. Prohibits the court from granting a discharge of any debt for payment on a claim if the rights of the claim holder are so modified. Permits the court to approve a plan providing for payment over a period of up to ten years in the case of a debtor who is a family farmer. Provides for the confirmation of a family farmer's plan with respect to allowed secured claims on a basis similar to that provided under bankruptcy reorganization provisions. Allows a family farmer up to 270 days after such a plan is filed to commence making payments proposed by the plan.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1985
Expresses the sense of the Congress that, in order to honor the Camp David Accords, Egypt should: (1) return its Ambassador to Israel; (2) take steps to increase trade and tourism with Israel; and (3) take steps to curb anti-Semitic statements.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1985
Readiness Enhancement of Air Force Reserve Special Operations Act of 1985 - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 for the operation and maintenance of: (1) a Special Operations Wing of the Air Force Reserve; and (2) the Directorate of the Department of Defense Task Force on Drug Law Enforcement. Directs the Secretary of Defense, not later than September 30, 1985, to report to specified congressional committees concerning the expenditure of funds authorized by this Act. Outlines information to be included in such report.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1985
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) veterans' disability compensation payments should remain exempt from Federal income taxation; and (2) the President should reject any proposals to tax such payments.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1985
Authorizes the Armored Force Monument Committee, the United States Armor Association, the World Wars Tank Corps Association, the Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge, the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment Association, the Tank Destroyer Association, the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th, and 16th Armored Division Associations, and the Council of Armored Division Associations to erect a memorial in or near Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia, to honor and commemorate the American Armored Force. Directs the Secretary of the Interior, with the approval of the National Commission of Fine Arts and the National Capital Planning Commission, to select the site and approve the design and plans. Obligates the United States to expenses of maintenance only. Requires the commencement of the erection of the memorial within five years with a certification of sufficiency of funds necessary before commencement.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1985
Administrative Law Judge Corps Act - Amends Federal law to establish, in Washington, D.C., an Administrative Law Judge Corps (the Corps) comprised of all current administrative law judges. States that the chief administrative law judge shall be the chief administrative officer of the Corps as well as its presiding judge. Specifies the qualifications for chief judge. States that such judge shall be appointed by the President, with the advice and consent of the Senate. Directs the chief judge to submit a written report to the President and the Congress. Establishes divisions (to number between four and ten) within the Corps, with each division headed by a division chief judge appointed by the President, with the consent of the Senate. Identifies initial divisions and their respective areas of jurisdiction. Specifies qualifications required for division chief judges. States that the Corps' policymaking body shall be the Council of the Corps (the Council), comprised of the chief judge and the division chief judges. Authorizes the Council to approve or disapprove: (1) the assignment of judges to divisions; (2) creation, abolition, or reorganization of divisions; and (3) re-assignments of division chief judges. Authorizes the Council to determine matters of general Corps policy, including: (1) the issuance of regulations for Corps proceedings; (2) creation or abolition of divisions or regional offices; (3) contractual transactions; and (4) delegation of functions to division chief judges. Establishes a Judicial Nomination Commission (the Commission) to submit a list of qualified nominees for positions of chief judge and division chief judges. Specifies officials who shall appoint a member to the Commission. Sets the terms of initial Corps appointments and the procedure for filling vacancies. Prescribes a procedure for recommending appointments to the President. Directs the Corps to appoint new judges from a register maintained by the Office of Personnel Management. Confers jurisdiction upon members of the Corps to adjudicate cases under specified sections of the Administrative Procedure Act. Requires cases arising under such sections to be referred to the Corps. Directs the Council to issue regulations for assigning such cases. Provides guidelines for the removal and discipline of administrative law judges. Establishes a Complaints Resolution Board within the Corps to recommend action upon complaints against the official conduct of judges. Details the membership of such Board and the procedures to be followed. Declares Board proceedings and the contents of complaints to be privileged and confidential. Exempts documents and reports considered by the Board from the disclosure and publication requirements of the Freedom of Information Act. Exempts the Board from compliance with the public meeting requirements of specified Federal law. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1985
High Technology Research and Scientific Education Act of 1985 - Title I: The Credit for Increasing Research Activities - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the tax credit for research and development (R&D) expenditures. Modifies the definition of qualified research for purposes of the R&D credit to narrow the category of eligible activities for which the credit is allowable. Provides that in-house and contract research expenses paid or incurred by a regular corporation (not an S corporation, a personal holding company, or a service corporation) will constitute qualified research expenses for R&D credit purposes if the corporation undertakes the research with the intention to use the result thereof in the active conduct of a present or future trade or business. Provides that in the case of research being conducted in partnership form, research expenses will constitute qualified research expenses if they are incurred by the partnership in carrying on a trade or business as applied at the partnership level, and the credit is apportioned among the partners in accordance with general partnership rules. Provides exceptions to this general rule where: (1) there is a joint venture enterprise of regular corporations; or (2) not all of the members of the joint venture are regular corporations, but each member's own trade or business would satisfy the trade or business test with respect to the partnership's research expenditures. Provides that for these two exceptions the research expenses will flow through to the partners, with the trade or business test being applied at the partner level. Title II: Promotion of University Research and Scientific Investigation - Establishes a new income tax credit equal to 20 percent of that portion of a corporation's payments to universities (and other qualified non-profit tax-exempt organizations for basic research) which exceeds a fixed, historical "minimum university basic research" floor. Defines the "minimum university basic research" floor as one percent of the annual average of the corporate taxpayer's combined qualified in-house research expenses, contract research expenses and university basic research payments for the base period composed of the period from 1981 through 1983. Provides that the amounts of research expenses which fall below the floor shall remain eligible for the present R&D credit and are included in the corporation's base period for purposes of calculating the present R&D credit. Treats the amounts which exceed the "minimum university basic research" floor as ineligible for the present R&D credit and excludes such amounts from the corporate taxpayer's base year research expenses for purposes of calculating the corporations R&D credit under present law. Provides that a corporation's payments to universities for basic research that is eligible for the new tax credit shall be reduced to the extent that the corporation's general (i.e., not designated for research purposes) charitable giving to all universities falls below historical levels (the annual average of undesignated payments for three of the immediately preceding four years as selected by the taxpayer). Makes additions to the list of organizations to which corporate payments for basic research may be made and be eligible for the tax credit. Allows a corporation an income tax deduction for contributions of scientific or technical property to an institution of higher education. Defines scientific property to mean tangible personal property (including computer software) used in a trade or business, which is donated for the direct education of students or faculty, for research and experimentation, or for research training in the United States in mathematics, the physical, biological, or chemical sciences, engineering, or advanced computer sciences. Sets forth a formula for determining the amount of the allowable deduction for contributions of scientific property. Provides for an income tax exclusion for the scholarships, fellowship grants, student loan forgiveness, or stipends of a graduate student in mathematics, engineering, computer science, or the physical or biological sciences. Provides that such tax exclusion is not forfeited merely because the student is required, as a condition of the scholarship or fellowship, to perform future service in teaching or research.
United States · United States Congress · 20 February 1985
Authorizes the Secretary of the military department concerned to retain in an active status until the age of 60 any reserve officer serving as a technician in a position for which reserve membership is required.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1985
Railroad Antimonopoly Act of 1985 - Amends the Sherman Act to prohibit any owner rail carrier from monopolizing a route by denying any shipper or other rail carrier the use, on reasonable terms, of a facility which is the sole facility over which bulk commodities must be moved to connect with the track of a competing rail carrier or to reach the destination of shipment. Bars any rate restriction under this Act if the owner rail carrier permits a competing carrier to use such sole facility. Specifies procedures for determining rates for the use of a sole facility if there is no competition. Prohibits an owner rail carrier from conditioning the use of a sole facility upon use of other facilities. Permits a shipper to elect to connect with a water carrier instead of, or in addition to, a competing rail carrier at the first connection point; provided that the cost of connecting with the water carrier is no greater than the cost of connecting with the competing rail carrier, or the owner rail carrier is reimbursed for the difference in cost. Entitles any person injured by a violation of this Act to bring an action to recover damages and to seek injunctive relief as provided under the Clayton Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1985
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose a 50 percent excise tax on any "greenmail profits" paid to certain corporate stockholders. Defines "greenmail profits" as any gain realized by a four-percent shareholder of any stock in a corporation if: (1) the shareholder held such stock for a period of less than two years; and (2) during the two-year period ending on the date of the sale or exchange of such stock there was a public tender offer for such stock or a four-percent shareholder submitted a written proposal for a public tender offer. Disallows an income tax deduction for certain interest paid or accrued with respect to hostile acquisition indebtedness. Defines "hostile acquisition indebtedness" as certain subordinate obligations issued after February 18, 1985, in connection with a hostile acquisition.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1985
Urges the United States and the People's Republic of China to begin talks aimed at creating a jointly administered United States-People's Republic of China Student Exchange for Understanding Program. Sets forth certain aspects of such exchange program.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1985
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose a 50 percent excise tax on any "greenmail profits" paid to certain corporate stockholders. Defines "greenmail profits" as any gain realized by a four-percent shareholder of any stock in a corporation if: (1) the shareholder held such stock for a period of less than two years; and (2) during the two-year period ending on the date of the sale or exchange of such stock there was a public tender offer for such stock. Requires that a hostile stock purchase in a corporate takeover attempt be treated as an asset acquisition by the purchasing corporation. Disallows an income tax deduction for any interest paid or accrued on indebtedness incurred to acquire stock in a corporation pursuant to a hostile offer.
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 · 31 January 1985
Establishes a presumption of service-connection for disability purposes for former prisoners of war suffering from the following conditions, manifest to a degree of ten percent or more after active service: (1) chronic liver disease; (2) organic residuals of hypothermia; (3) gastro-intestinal disorders; (4) arthritis; (5) cardiovascular conditions; (6) peripheral neuropathy; (7) immunological dysfunctions; or (8) chronic pulmonary disease. Decreases from six months to 30 days the amount of time a former prisoner of war must have been incarcerated to be eligible for outpatient dental services.
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1985
Title I: General Accounting Office Investigation and Report - Directs the General Accounting Office to investigate the situation of displaced nationals of El Salvador, including determinations of those Salvadorans in Central America, unlawfully in the United States, or returned from the United States to El Salvador. Requires a report to the Congress. Title II: Congressional Review - Provides that such report shall be referred to the appropriate committees for hearings and committee reports. Title III: Temporary Stay of Deportation - Provides for a temporary stay of detention and deportation for specified Salvadorans presently in the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1985
Taxpayers' Bill of Rights - Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to prepare, for distribution to taxpayers, brief but comprehensive statements which set forth in nontechnical terms: (1) the rights and obligations of taxpayers during an audit; (2) the procedures by which a taxpayer may appeal any adverse decision of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS); (3) the procedures for prosecuting refund claims and filing of taxpayer complaints; and (4) the procedures which the IRS may use in enforcing the internal revenue laws. Requires a copy of such statement to accompany any tax forms sent to taxpayers. Extends permanently the authority to award court costs, attorney fees, and other fees to a prevailing party in civil tax cases. (Present law terminates such authority as of December 31, 1985.) Provides for a civil action against IRS employees for any deprivation of rights, privileges, or immunities secured by the Constitution or laws of the United States. Establishes within the Department of the Treasury an Office of the Ombudsman to provide assistance to individuals in their dealings with the Department of the Treasury (including the IRS). Requires the IRS, upon a taxpayer's request, to: (1) conduct any interview regarding a deficiency assessment in the taxpayer's residence or place of business, at a reasonable time convenient to the taxpayer; and (2) allow a taxpayer to make a recording of such interview at his own expense and with his own equipment. Requires the officer or employee conducting such interview to warn the taxpayer that: (1) he or she has the right to remain silent; (2) any statement he or she makes may be used against him or her; and (3) he or she has the right to the presence of an attorney or a certified public accountant. Requires the Comptroller General of the United States to establish a program for a continuing audit and investigation of the efficiency, uniformity, and equity of the the administration of the internal revenue laws of the United States. Requires the Comptroller General to report annually to the Congress on such program. Prohibits the use of amounts collected pursuant to audits or investigations of taxpayer returns as a basis for the evaluations of the IRS personnel who participated in such audits or investigations.
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1985
Math and Science Education Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers an income tax credit for compensation paid to: (1) precollege mathematics and science teachers hired for the summer months for employment which provides experience in the applied use of high technology; and (2) permanent employees who teach precollege mathematics or science at a public school without compensation from such school. Sets the amount of such credit at the sum of: (1) 50 percent of the aggregate compensation paid to teachers employed for the summer months; plus (2) 100 percent of the aggregate compensation paid to permanent employees who teach at public schools. Limits the amount of compensation paid to a permanent employee which may be taken into account to $1,000 multiplied by the number of months such employee teaches in a public school. Requires that teachers hired for the summer months be paid an aggregate salary greater than 25 percent of their annual teaching salary. Requires that permanent employees who teach at public schools teach at an elementary or secondary school for at least ten hours per week (at least five of which must be actual instruction in the classroom) at the request of the school district administrators.
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 · 24 January 1985
Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1985 - Amends the Education Amendments of 1972, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, and the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to provide a definition of the phrase "program or activity." Defines such term as all of the operations of: (1) a department or agency of a State or of a local government; (2) the entity of such State or local government that distributes Federal assistance and each such department or agency to which the assistance is extended; (3) a university or a system of higher education; (4) a local educational agency or other school system; (5) a corporation, partnership, or other private organization; or (6) any other entity consistent with the coverage provided above.
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
National Commemorative Events Advisory Act - Establishes the President's Advisory Commission on National Commemorative Events to establish criteria for recommending to the President that proposed commemorative events be approved or disapproved.
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
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 · 7 January 1985
Directs the Secretary of Transportation to apportion for expenditure on the National System of Interstate and Defense Highways: (1) one-half of the sums authorized to be appropriated in accordance with the interstate cost estimate for FY 1985; and (2) the sums authorized to be appropriated in accordance with the interstate cost estimate for FY 1986. Directs the Secretary to apportion: (1) one-half of the sums to be apportioned for FY 1984 for expenditure on substitute highway and transit projects; and (2) the sums to be apportioned for FY 1985 for expenditure on substitute highway and transit projects. Specifies apportionment factors.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Amends the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act to require that any attorney who collects debts on behalf of a client be subject to the provisions of such Act.
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
National Diffusion Network Act - Directs the Secretary of Education to carry out a program to promote the use of exemplary educational programs, products, and practices to interested elementary and secondary schools. Requires the Secretary to provide information, materials, training, technical assistance, and evaluations. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to, and contracts with, public and nonprofit private educational institutions and organizations to carry out such program. Declares that such program shall be deemed to be a continuation of the National Diffusion Network for which provision is made under the Education Consolidation and Improvement Act of 1981. Directs the Secretary to allocate funds available under such Act to such program. Authorizes additional appropriations, if necessary, to carry out such program in FY 1986 through 1989.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Overseas Teachers Act of 1985 - Amends the Defense Department Overseas Teachers Pay and Personnel Practices Act to entitle an individual who is recruited outside the United States as a teacher in a Department of Defense overseas dependents school to the same benefits as an individual recruited in the United States. Denies such entitlement to any individual who is the spouse of a member of a uniformed service, unless: (1) the individual is legally separated from the member; (2) the member dies or has retired from Government service; (3) the individual no longer resides with the member because the member has been reassigned to another geographic area for more than 90 days; or (4) the member's benefits comparable to a teacher's quarters allowance and cost of living benefits have been terminated for any other reason. Provides that such a teaching position shall include a position for which teaching duties and responsibilities are performed: (1) in a substitute capacity; (2) as a summer teacher; (3) as an instructor for the Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps; (4) as a paraprofessional or teacher's aide; (5) for a definite term not to exceed one school year in the excepted service; or (6) for an indefinite term in the excepted service. Entitles an overseas teacher to 12 (currently ten) days of cumulative leave with pay if the school year exceeds eight months. Eliminates the limitation on the amount of leave a teacher may accumulate. Permits the use of leave for paternity purposes. Entitles a teacher to an additional three days of leave to use for any purpose during the school year. Entitles teachers who have taught for at least ten years to an additional five days of leave in each school year. Declares that any teacher may use available leave if appropriate advance notice is given. Entitles a teacher who is separated from such leave system to elect to: (1) receive a lump sum payment for such leave if the separation exceeds 31 days; or (2) receive credit for such leave as unused sick leave for purposes of determining the amount of a civil service retirement annuity. Entitles a Federal or District of Columbia employee who is transferred, promoted, or reappointed to a teaching position to: (1) receive a lump sum payment for the annual leave credited to such employee before he or she became a teacher; or (2) be recredited with such leave upon returning to a Federal or District of Columbia position without a break in service. Provides for liquidating leave in the case of a teacher who dies. Requires the Director of Dependents' Education, upon appropriate application, to grant any full-time teacher who has completed at least seven years of service a sabbatical with full pay for up to one year to enable the teacher to engage in study or uncompensated work experience which will contribute to the development of the teacher's skills, provided: (1) the teacher has not been granted a sabbatical during the preceding seven years; and (2) the teacher agrees to serve in a teaching position for three consecutive years. Requires the Secretary of Defense to prescribe a five-level pay system for overseas teachers. Requires determinations concerning appropriate pay levels to be based on the length of service of an individual as a teacher, counselor, psychologist, or social worker within the defense education system. Requires rates of basic pay within level I to be equal to the average of the range of rates of basic pay for comparable positions in school jurisdictions in the United States having an average daily attendance of 100,000 or more students. Declares the rate of pay for substitute teachers to be the lowest level of level I. Directs the Secretary to modify regulations concerning teacher compensation to require a teacher to be compensated for the appropriate fraction of his or her pay for each day of service during a school year exceeding the number of days comprising a school year in such a jurisdiction. Requires determinations concerning housing, transportation, services, or use of Government facilities for teachers at certain pay levels to correspond to such determinations for commissioned officers in the armed forces in equivalent grade levels, except that pay level I determinations shall correspond to grade level two determinations. Directs the Secretary to prescribe regulations to carry out specified overseas teacher requirements concerning: (1) the effect of administrative delays on starting dates; (2) a per diem allowance for travel to and from a duty station; (3) Government reimbursement for emergency transportation costs; (4) school assignments based on staffing requirements; (5) medical and dental benefits; (6) Government payments for the transportation of household goods; (7) service creditable for purposes of determining civil service annuities; (8) eligibility for military-controlled housing; (9) hours of duty; (10) leaves of absence; (11) qualifications and eligibility for vacancies within the system; (12) administrative leave during periods of inclement weather; and (13) class size limitations. Provides that any teacher who has served for at least three school years shall be eligible for appointment as a Federal employee in the competitive service on a non-competitive basis.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Law Enforcement Officers Protection Act of 1985 - 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 the Treasury determines are primarily intended for sporting purposes. Makes it unlawful for any person to manufacture or import armor piercing ammunition. Allows for: (1) 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 be granted.
![Official portrait of Rep. McCurdy, Dave [D-OK-4]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/m000398_200.jpg)