United States · United States Congress · 24 July 1985
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit a taxpayer to designate on his or her tax return that one dollar or more of any overpayment of income tax for such taxable year shall be used to reduce the public debt of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 1985
Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to repeal the provisions which permit the President to waive the denial of nondiscriminatory treatment (most-favored-nation treatment) to nonmarket economy countries. Permits any extension of a waiver to continue in effect for the duration of the extension period.
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 1985
Disapproves the President's recommendation to extend the President's authority to waive the freedom of emigration requirements under the Trade Act of 1974 in order to extend the most-favored nation status of Romania.
United States · United States Congress · 18 July 1985
Authorizes the President, on behalf of the Congress, to present a gold medal to Aaron Copland in recognition of his contributions to American musical composition. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to provide for the sale of bronze duplicates of the medal. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 18 July 1985
Amends the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 to authorize regulating the activities of U.N. employees (including employees of the U.N. Secretariat) outside the United Nations Headquarters District in a manner determined to be in the best interests of the United States and pursuant to the United Nations Headquarters Agreement Act. Exempts U.S. nationals from such regulations. Requires the Secretary of State to report periodically to the Congress on plans to implement this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 1985
Prohibits the importation of certain species of kangaroos and kangaroo products (currently allowed to be imported under an administrative exception to the Endangered Species Act of 1973 if in accordance with the management plans of Australian states).
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 1985
Amends the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Statute (RICO) to allow a civil action to be brought by a plaintiff only when the private suit rests on an injury caused by conduct that led to the defendant's conviction of one of the predicate offenses listed in the statute or of a criminal violation of RICO itself. Requires the plaintiff to bring such action within one year of the defendant's conviction.
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 1985
Social Welfare Amendments of 1985 - Amends part A (Aid to Families With Dependent Children) of title IV of the Social Security Act to exclude the needs of employable parents or caretakers when determining need for AFDC purposes, if the youngest child has attained age 16. Repeals the current part C (Work Incentive Program) of title IV of the Act. Requires a State under part A to provide that each applicant for AFDC must participate in any one or more of the following employment related activities to which the State may refer the applicant: (1) an employment search program; (2) the State's community work experience program; (3) an alternative employment-directed program; (4) work supplementation; and (5) training activities under the Job Training Partnership Act. Provides for reductions in the amounts payable to a State if certain percentages of those required to participate in such employment related activities do not participate. Exempts certain individuals from participation in such activity including: (1) a child who is under age 16 or attending school full-time; (2) an individual who is over age 60, incapacitated, or providing home care for an individual who is incapacitated; (3) a parent personally providing care for a child under the age of six; (4) an individual working at least 30 hours a week; and (5) certain pregnant women. Requires AFDC applicants to seek work while their applications are pending. Requires a State's AFDC plan, subject to certain exceptions, to provide that minor unmarried caretaker parents must live with their parents in order to receive AFDC. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make a grant to each State for the proper and efficient administration of its AFDC plan. Directs the Secretary, in addition, to make grants to States carrying out employment related programs and demonstration projects. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1985
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the practice of forced abortions, economic coercion, and infanticide in the People's Republic of China or anywhere else in the world is condemned. Provides that if the President certifies that such practices are condoned by Chinese officials, then he should: (1) direct the U.S. representatives to the U.N. Fund for Population Activities to put forward a motion to withdraw the Fund from all operations in China; and (2) review all other bilateral relations and programs with the Chinese to consider further steps to deter such practices.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1985
Expresses the sense of the Congress that Social Security recipients should not be required, as a means of producing additional revenues, to pay income taxes on their benefits at a rate higher than the rate established by the Social Security Amendments of 1983.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1985
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the President should negotiate a treaty with other democratic nations to prevent and respond to terrorist attacks. Provides that such treaty should incorporate: (1) an operative definition of terrorism; (2) integrated intelligence operations; (3) joint counterterrorist efforts; and (4) uniform laws on asylum, extradition and punishment.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1985
Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to permit public employees engaged in law enforcement and fire protection activities to take compensatory time off in lieu of receiving overtime compensation. Sets forth conditions under which such arrangement is permissible. Requires that such compensatory time off equal one and one-half hours for each hour the employee is employed in excess of 40 hours in a workweek.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1985
States that the Congress supports the Ethiopian people in their efforts to end the policy of genocide conducted by the government of Ethiopia and calls upon such Government to agree to a ceasefire and to begin negotiations with the opposition leading to the establishment of a government of national reconciliation. Prohibits both the importation into the United States of Ethiopian goods and services and, except for emergency relief assistance, the exportation of U.S. goods and services to Ethiopia until such time as the President determines that the Ethiopian regime has ceased to conduct a policy of starvation of its people and has granted them fundamental human rights and the Congress has enacted a joint resolution approving such determination. Requires the President to suspend all economic assistance and to deny any security assistance to the Government of Ethiopia. Requires the President to submit a report to the Congress on the progress by the Ethiopian regime to end such policies.
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 1985
Supports U.S. policy which rejects capitulating to international terrorist demands. Expresses the House of Representatives' hope for the safe return of all U.S. hostages (in Lebanon), just compensation for their suffering, and just punishment and retribution for the crimes and atrocities committed by the terrorists.
United States · United States Congress · 20 June 1985
Amends the Federal criminal code to establish criteria for the imposition of the death penalty for Federal crimes. Requires the Government, for any offense punishable by death, to serve notice upon the defendant a reasonable time before trial or acceptance of a plea that it intends to seek the death penalty, as well as notice of the aggravating factors upon which it will rely. Requires a separate sentencing hearing before a jury or the court upon motion by the defendant when the defendant is found guilty or pleads guilty to an offense punishable by death. Provides that no presentence report shall be prepared in such cases. Provides that at the hearing, any information may be presented as to any matter relevant to the sentence and shall include all matters relating to any of the listed aggravating factors and to any mitigating factors. Allows the defendant to present any information relevant to sentencing, without regard to the rules of evidence, but permits information to be excluded where its probative value is substantially outweighed by the danger of unfair prejudice, confusion of the issues, or misleading of the jury. Allows the Government to present any information relevant to mitigating or aggravating factors in accordance with the rules of evidence applicable to a criminal trial in which the question of guilt or innocence is determined. Permits the Government and the defendant opportunity to rebut any information received at the hearing. Specifies mitigating factors which the defendant must establish by a preponderance of the information and aggravating factors which the Government must prove beyond a reasonable doubt. Lists threshold aggravating factors for homicide, including that the defendant: (1) intentionally killed the victim; (2) intentionally inflicted serious bodily injury which resulted in the death of the victim; or (3) intentionally participated in an act which he reasonably should have known would create grave risk of death to a person and the victim did die as a direct result of the act. Sets forth other aggravating factors. Includes among the mitigating factors that the defendant was less than 18 years old at the time of the crime. Conditions imposition of the death penalty on a unanimous finding by the jury that: (1) some aggravating factor exists in addition to a threshold factor; and (2) the aggravating factor sufficiently outweighs any mitigating factor found to exist. Directs the court to impose the death penalty upon a finding that such sentence is justified. Requires the court to instruct the jury not to consider the race, color, national origin, creed, or sex of the defendant in its consideration of the death sentence. Establishes procedures for appeal from a death sentence. Requires the court of appeals, upon considering the record and the information and procedures of the sentencing hearing, to affirm the decision if: (1) the sentence was not imposed under influence of passion, prejudice, or arbitrariness; and (2) the information supports the finding of aggravating factors or the absence of mitigating factors. Requires the court to provide a written explanation of its determination. Revises the definition of "aircraft piracy" to state that it is a continuing offense throughout the period the seizure or exercise of control continues.
United States · United States Congress · 20 June 1985
Home Employment Enterprise Act - Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to permit individuals to engage in industrial homework (including sewing, knitting, jewelry, or craftmaking) or perform any service in or about their place of residence as employees of any employer covered by such Act if the employer complies with minimum wage and maximum hours requirements under such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 1985
Comprehensive Trade Law Reform Act of 1985 - Title I: Countervailing and Antidumping Duties - Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to add requirements for a country to be considered a "country under the Agreement" (the Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures) for purposes of the countervailing duty provisions of such Act. Requires such a country to have made a commitment under the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) to: (1) eliminate its export subsidies within one year (five for least developed countries); (2) not increase, extend, or add export subsidies; and (3) eliminate immediately export subsidies on those products in which such country is competitive. Requires the International Trade Commission (ITC), upon request, to investigate whether the merchandise is already competitive in the U.S. market and whether the merchandise would be competitive in the absence of export subsidies. Directs the administering authority to review the status of, and compliance with, specified trade agreements at least once during each 12 month period. Directs the administering authority to publish such determinations. Imposes penalties for failure of a foreign country to honor any term of such agreements, including withdrawing designation of a country as a "country under the Agreement," suspension of liquidation of imports, and initiation of a countervailing duty investigation. Directs the administering authority, if there is an affirmative determination, based upon allegations in a petition for relief of the existence of a subsidy which requires the imposition of a countervailing duty and the petition alleges that the subsidy is inconsistent with the Agreement or if the administering authority initiates a countervailing duty investigation and the administering authority has reason to believe that a subsidy is inconsistent with the Agreement, to: (1) notify the U.S. Customs Service and direct customs officials to collect and forward to the administering authority information on the imports of the merchandise which is the subject of the investigation; (2) order the suspension of liquidation of all entries of such merchandise; and (3) begin monitoring the volume of imports of such merchandise to determine whether the volume of such imports has significantly increased. Prohibits making any determination on whether the volume of such imports has significantly increased until 60 days after the date the investigation began. Terminates any suspension of liquidation of such imports if the administering authority makes a preliminary determination that a subsidy does not exist. Directs the administering authority to order the posting of security for, and the application of a suspension of liquidation of, unliquidated imports which were imported 90 days before the date on which the preliminary determination is published if there is a determination that the volume of imports has surged, the alleged subsidy is inconsistent with the Agreement, and there have been massive imports of the merchandise subject to the countervailing duty investigation in a relatively short period. Directs the administering authority to terminate any suspension of liquidation of imports and to release any posted security requirement if a countervailing duty investigation is terminated. Requires the final determination of the administering authority in a countervailing duty investigation, if there is a final determination that a subsidy exists and if there is a finding that the volume of the investigated imports has increased significantly, to contain a finding on whether the alleged subsidy is inconsistent with the Agreement and whether there have been massive imports of the merchandise being investigated over a relatively short period of time. (Such finding is a finding of critical circumstances.) Requires the final determination of the ITC, if such determination is that there is no material injury but that there is a threat of material injury, to include a finding as to whether material injury by reason of subsidized imports would have been found but for any suspension of liquidation of such imports. (Deletes the provision requiring the ITC to include in its final determination findings as to whether there is material injury which will be difficult to repair and whether the material injury was caused by massive imports of subsidized merchandise over a relatively short period of time.) Requires the administering authority, if the administering authority makes a final determination that critical circumstances do not exist or if the ITC determines that there is no material injury but that there is a threat of material injury or that the establishment of a U.S. industry is materially retarded, to: (1) terminate any suspension of liquidation of imports ordered under a countervailing duty investigation; and (2) release any security and refund any cash deposit required with respect to such imports. Permits determinations of whether critical circumstances exist with respect to imports of articles that are not duty-free. Directs the administering authority, if the preliminary determination in an antidumping investigation is affirmative or if the investigation is initiated by the administering authority, to: (1) notify the U.S. Customs Service of such determination and direct customs officers to collect and forward information on the volume and value of imports of the merchandise subject to such investigation; and (2) begin monitoring the volume of such imports to determine whether the volume of such imports has significantly increased. Requires the administering authority to publish notice of a determination that the volume of such imports has significantly increased. Prohibits making such a determination until 60 days after the antidumping investigation has begun. Directs the administering authority to order the suspension of liquidation of all imports of the articles subject to the antidumping investigation 70 days after the date the investigation has begun. Terminates such suspension of liquidation if the preliminary determination under waiver of verification is negative. Directs the administering authority to determine whether critical circumstances exist if the administering authority determines that the volume of imports of the articles under investigation for dumping has significantly increased. (Current law requires the administering authority to determine whether critical circumstances exist if the petitioner alleges critical circumstances.) Requires the administering authority, if it determines that critical circumstances exist, to order the posting of security for, and require any suspension of liquidation to apply to, unliquidated entries of merchandise imported on or after the date that is 90 days before the date on which the affirmative preliminary determination is published. Terminates any suspension of liquidation of imports and releases any posted security if an antidumping investigation is terminated. Requires the final determination of the administering authority in an antidumping investigation, if it finds that the merchandise subject to the investigation is being, or is likely to be, sold in the United States at less than fair value and the administering authority has found that the volume of imports of such merchandise has increased significantly, to contain a finding as to whether: (1) either there is a history of dumping in the United States or elsewhere of such merchandise that the importer knew or should have known that the exporter was selling such merchandise at less than its fair value; and (2) there have been massive imports of such merchandise over a relatively short period. (Current law requires such a finding to be included in the final determination if such critical circumstances have been alleged in the petition for relief.) Requires the final determination of the ITC, if such determination is that there is no material injury but that there is a threat of material injury, to include a finding as to whether material injury by reason of dumped imports would have been found but for any suspension of liquidation of such imports. Requires the administering authority, if the administering authority makes a specified final determination or the ITC determines that there is no material injury but that there is a threat of material injury or that the establishment of a U.S. industry is materially retarded, to: (1) terminate any suspension of liquidation of imports of such merchandise; and (2) release any security and refund any cash deposit required with respect to such imports. Declares that if the ITC has made an affirmative preliminary or final determination that countervailing or antidumping duties should be imposed with respect to merchandise that is the subject of a countervailing or antidumping duty investigation during the one-year period ending on the date on which such investigation is begun: (1) the ITC shall not be required to make another preliminary determination of injury; and (2) the preliminary determination of relief shall be applied without regard for the requirement that an affirmative injury determination be obtained. Authorizes the administering authority to suspend a countervailing duty investigation if the government of the country in which the subsidy practice is alleged to occur agrees, or exporters who account for substantially all of the imports of the merchandise agree, to: (1) eliminate the subsidy completely within six months; or (2) cease exports of such merchandise to the United States within six months. Deletes the provision authorizing suspension of such investigation if the subsidizing country agrees to offset the amount of the subsidy. Adds new conditions for the waiver of deposit of estimated antidumping duties. Authorizes such waiver if in addition to the current requirements: (1) the investigation has not been designated as extraordinarily complicated; (2) the final determination has not been postponed; (3) credible evidence is presented that the amount by which the foreign market value of the merchandise exceeds the U.S. price is significantly less than the amount of such excess specified in the antidumping duty order; and (4) the data concerning the foreign market value and the U.S. price apply to sales in the usual commercial quantities and in the ordinary course of trade and the number of such sales are sufficient to form an adequate basis for comparison. Requires the administering authority, before determining to allow such waiver, to: (1) make all confidential information supplied to the administering authority available under a protective order to all interested parties; and (2) afford all interested parties an opportunity to comment on whether the waiver should be permitted. Amends the definition of "subsidy" for purposes of the countervailing duty provisions to include the provision of capital, loans, loan guarantees, goods, or services at preferential rates or on terms inconsistent with commercial considerations. Amends the definition of "interested party" to include a U.S. manufacturer, producer, or wholesaler, or a union, trade or business association, or another association which represents manufacturers, producers or wholesalers of a like product of major parts, materials, components, or assemblies or subassemblies which are irrevocably destined for incorporation into the like product. Defines "diversionary dumping" as the purchase by a manufacturer or producer of any material or component at less than the foreign market value of such material or component which is incorporated into the merchandise under investigation and which has been the subject of a previous antidumping investigation. Sets forth the method of determining the adjustment amounts for determining foreign market value, sales at less than the cost of production, and the constructed value of components and materials. Includes subsidies provided under the authority of a statute, regulation, policy, or practice of a customs union within the definition of upstream subsidies. Creates a presumption of competitive benefit if: (1) a countervailing duty order is in effect with respect to an input product or an input product is subject to an import restriction agreement; (2) a subsidy continues to be paid on such input product after the countervailing duty order was issued or after the agreement took effect; and (3) the administering authority determines that an increase in imports of merchandise under a countervaling duty investigation has occurred. Requires (currently authorizes) the administering authority and the ITC to make confidential information submitted to an antidumping or countervailing duty investigation available upon receipt of a request which describes in general terms (currently with particularity) the type of information sought and the reasons for the request, unless the person who submitted such information establishes that substantial harm to the business operations of such person would result from such disclosure. Sets forth additional limits on disclosure of such information, including a time limit on making the determination of whether to disclose information. Title II: Relief from Injury Caused by Import Competition - Transfers from the President to the Administering Authority the authority to take certain actions following import relief investigations by the ITC. Authorizes a petition for import relief to include within its statement of reasons for requesting import relief the desire to facilitate the orderly transfer of resources to enhance competitiveness. Changes the scope of the ITC's import relief investigation to include determining whether an article is being imported into the United States in such increased quantities as to be a cause (currently substantial cause) of serious injury or threat of serious injury to any domestic industry that produces an article like or directly competitive with the imported article or that produces materials, parts, components, or subassemblies irrevocably destined for incorporation in an article like or directly competitive with the imported article. Changes one of the factors that must be considered in making such determination with respect to serious injury in order to cover the inability of a significant number of firms to operate domestic production facilities at a reasonable profit. (Current law refers to the inability of firms to operate at a reasonable profit.) Changes the factors that must be considered in making such determination with respect to the threat of serious injury in order to cover: (1) a decline in sales or market share in the domestic industry; (2) a higher and growing inventory in the domestic industry; (3) a downward trend in production, profits, wages, or employment (or increasing underemployment) in the domestic industry; (4) any combination of coordinated government actions that are bestowed on a specific enterprise, industry, or group thereof the effect of which is to assist the beneficiary to become more competitive in the export of any class or kind of merchandise and that causes or threatens to cause serious injury to the domestic industry; (5) the extent to which the U.S. market is the focal point for diversion of exports of the article concerned because of restraints on exports of such article to, or imports of such articles into, third country markets; (6) in the case of an industry that has developed an industry assessment and competitiveness strategy, the inability of producers in the domestic industry to generate adequate capital to finance the modernization of plant and equipment or to otherwise enhance competitiveness. Requires (currently authorizes) the ITC to make certain determinations with respect to determining the domestic industry producing an article like or directly competitive with an imported article. Defines "cause" for purposes of determining whether imports are a cause of injury to mean a cause which is important. Declares that a cause may be important even though other causes are of equal or greater importance. Requires the ITC, if it finds that serious injury or the threat of serious injury exists for a domestic industry, to: (1) find the amount of the increase in, or imposition of, any duty or import restriction necessary to prevent or remedy such injury; and (currently or) (2) if it determines that adjustment assistance can assist in remedying such injury, recommend the provision of such assistance. Directs the Administering Authority, if during an important relief investigation it finds that critical circumstances exist, to impose provisional measures (increase in tariff, tariff-rate quotas, quantitative restrictions, orderly marketing agreements or a combination of such actions). Requires such measures to remain in effect until the later of the date: (1) on which the President revokes such measures; (2) on which the ITC makes a negative determination of injury; or (3) which is 60 days after the date on which the ITC makes an affirmative determination of injury. Declares that critical circumstances exist if a significant increase in imports over a short time has led to circumstances in which delay in relief would cause damage that would be difficult to repair. Requires the ITC, if it finds that serious injury has resulted from imports, to determine: (1) whether trade in the article concerned has been affected by coordinated government actions that are bestowed on a specific enterprise, industry, or group and that assist the beneficiary in becoming more competitive in exporting a class or kind of merchandise; and (2) the extent to which the U.S. market is the focal point for diversion of exports of such article because of restraints on exports of such article to, or on imports of such article into, third country markets. Directs the Administering Authority, if it determines to provide import relief and the ITC has found that trade in the article has been affected by such coordinated government actions, to consult and negotiate with other countries that produce or consume such article to seek the establishment of a multilateral framework to maintain and develop fair, equitable, and nondisruptive patterns of trade in such article. Directs the Administering Authority, after the ITC begins an import relief investigation based on a petition, to establish, upon request, an industry advisory group. Requires such advisory group to prepare for the industry concerned an assessment of current problems and a strategy to enhance competitiveness. Directs the Administering Authority to try to obtain, on a confidential basis, information from the individual members of such advisory group on: (1) how such members intend to act upon the recommendations in such assessment and strategy; and (2) any other actions such members intend to take which will foster the objectives of the strategy. Requires the Administering Authority, the ITC, the Secretary of Labor, and the Secretary of Commerce to consider such assessment and strategy in making any import relief determination or taking any import relief actions. Requires the Administering Authority, if it determines to provide import relief and if an industry assessment and competitiveness strategy was submitted to the Administering Authority, to publish notice of the availability of, and a summary of, such assessment and strategy. Requires a review committee, if such summary is published, to: (1) monitor actions taken by the petitioners to improve the competitive position of the industry; (2) make recommendations for administrative action; and (3) submit recommended legislation to the Congress. Requires the review committee to consult with the advisory group members if the review committee determines that the firms or workers are not implementing or are implementing unsatisfactorily: (1) the recommended objectives and actions in the industry assessment and competitiveness strategy; or (2) the actions declared in the confidential information obtained by the advisory group. Requires the Administering Authority to request the ITC to issue a report on the probable economic effect on the industry of import relief if, after consultations with the advisory group members, the review committee determines that the failure to implement or failure to implement satisfactorily such actions is not justified by changed circumstances and has adversely affected overall implementation of the objectives of the industry assessment and competitiveness strategy. Requires the Administering Authority, if it decides to provide import relief, to consult with petitioners and representatives of workers and firms in the affected industry on the advisability and desirability of taking appropriate action under countervailing or antidumping duty provisions of the Tariff Act of 1930 or under title III of the Trade Act of 1974 if the Administering Authority has reason to believe that a foreign government or firm is engaged in any action or practice for which such relief is available. Title III: Relief from Injurious Industrial Targeting and Unfair Trade Practices - Provides that injurious industrial targeting may trigger import relief actions. Defines injurious industrial targeting to mean any combination of coordinated government actions: (1) which are bestowed on a specific enterprise, industry, or group thereof; (2) which assist such enterprise, industry, or group to become more competitive in the export of any class or kind of merchandise; and (3) which cause or threaten to cause material injury. Transfers from the President to the Administering Authority the authority to take certain actions to enforce U.S. rights under trade agreements and to respond to certain foreign trade practices. Authorizes the Administering Authority to: (1) suspend, withdraw, or prevent application of the benefit of trade agreement concessions with the foreign country or instrumentality involved; (2) direct customs officers to assess duties or impose other import restrictions on the products of such country or instrumentality or to assess fees or impose restrictions on the services of such country or instrumentality for such time in such amount, and to such degree as the Administering Authority deems appropriate; (3) negotiate agreements to offset the burden or restrictions on U.S. commerce; (4) submit proposed administrative actions and legislation to implement any other government action which would restore or improve the international competitive position of the injured or threatened industry; (5) recommend to the President action respecting service sector authorization; or (6) any combination of such actions. Transfers to the Administering Authority from the President the authority to impose certain limits on service sector access authorizations (authorizations that permit a foreign supplier of services access to the U.S. market). Deletes the provision authorizing the President to take action to enforce U.S. trade rights even though no petition for relief has been filed. Directs the Administering Authority to consult with representatives of domestic firms and workers that may be affected by any import relief investigation which is initiated by petition filed with the Administering Authority regarding any determination which is required to be made by the Administering Authority. Directs the Administering Authority, upon written request, to make confidential business information obtained by it in connection with an import relief investigation available under a protective order. Prohibits release of information classified for national security reasons. Requires the Administering Authority to act upon requests for such information within ten days of the request. Requires the Administering Authority, in conducting an import relief investigation initiated by petition to the Administering Authority, to present detailed questionnaires to the foreign government or enterprise involved in order to obtain information concerning the allegations in the petition. Directs the Administering Authority to verify any such information which the Administering Authority relied upon in making any determinations. Provides for relying on the best information available, which may be the information contained in the petition, if the foreign government fails to provide information or provides insufficient or unsatisfactory information. Requires the Administering Authority to make a preliminary determination within five months of the start of such an import relief investigation on whether there is reason to believe that import relief is warranted. Authorizes the Administering Authority to take certain actions based on the preliminary finding. Requires the final determination to be made within 11 months of the start of the investigation. Requires the Administering Authority to determine what actions to take if the final determination is that import relief is warranted, except that specific actions are required if injurious industrial targeting is found to exist. Requires the Administering Authority to consult with the petitioner and representatives of the affected domestic firms and workers if the final determination is affirmative. Requires the Administering Authority to report to the Congress if the final determination is affirmative and the Administering Authority declines to take any action. Terminates any preliminary import relief if the final determination is negative. Requires publication in the Federal Register of such preliminary and final determinations. Requires the Administering Authority, if it makes a preliminary finding that injurious industrial targeting exists, to: (1) establish an advisory committee; and (2) formulate, in consultation with such advisory committee, proposals which would restore or improve the competitive position of affected domestic industries. Requires the Administering Authority to notify the ITC when it initiates an investigation of injurious industrial targeting. Requires the ITC to make a preliminary determination within 60 days of receiving such notice of whether there is a reasonable indication that because of sales or likely sales of the merchandise which is the subject of the investigation: (1) an industry in the United States is materially injured or is threatened with material injury; or (2) the establishment or growth of an industry in the United States is materially retarded. Requires the ITC to make a final determination of whether such circumstances exist by: (1) 45 days after the affirmative final determination of the Administering Authority if the Administering Authority's preliminary determination is affirmative; or (2) 75 days after an affirmative final determination of the Administering Authority if the Administering Authority's preliminary determination is negative. Makes the ITC's determination subject to review by the U.S. Court of International Trade if such determination was made under the countervailing or antidumping duty provisions of the Tariff Act of 1930. Defines material injury and threat of material injury. Requires the Administering Authority, pending conclusion of the investigation, to take at least one of several provisional actions in order to prevent further injury or threat of injury from injurious industrial targeting. Requires the Administering Authority, after a final determination of injury has been made, to take at least one of several actions to fully offset the material injury or threat of material injury from injurious industrial targeting. Directs the Administering Authority to submit to the President any proposed administrative action and any proposed legislation to restore or improve the competitive position of the injured industry if the preliminary and final determinations are that injurious industrial targeting has occurred. Provides for expedited consideration of such legislation. Requires the Administering Authority to report to the Congress on the actions the Administering Authority will take to offset the material injury or threat of material injury from the injurious industrial targeting. Authorizes the Administering Authority to enter into a settlement agreement with the foreign country or entity involved in lieu of taking other actions if: (1) such agreement completely eliminates the material injury or threat of material injury from the injurious industrial targeting; and (2) such agreement is approved by the petitioner if the investigation began because of a petition. Authorizes the Administering Authority to take actions to compensate a foreign country or entity if the contracting parties to the General Agreement Tariffs and Trade (GATT) disapprove of actions taken in response to injurious industrial targeting. Directs the Administering Authority to consult with the petitioner and the representatives of affected domestic firms and workers if, in the course of an investigation, the Administering Authority has reason to believe that a foreign government engaged in dumping or other actions for which relief is available under specified provisions of the Tariff Act of 1930. Title IV: Negotiating Objectives - Declares that the principal U.S. negotiating objectives shall be to: (1) obtain and preserve maximum access to international markets for U.S. manufactured products; (2) obtain the elimination of foreign barriers to market access; (3) obtain internationally accepted rules to evaluate and respond to the maintenance and operation of government-controlled enterprises that engage in international trade; and (4) establish procedures governing such enterprises.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1985
Child Abuse Reporting and Clearinghouse Improvements Act of 1985 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to clarify the intent of certain confidentiality provisions to provide that such provisions do not supersede any State or local reporting requirements of suspected child abuse. Modifies the classification system used by the Identification Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation to include a category for statistics for offenses involving child abuse (including sexual abuse). Requires the Attorney General to report to the Congress within 90 days on whether such modification has been made, or, if not, when it will be made. Amends the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act to require the National Center on Child Abuse and Neglect in coordination with the Department of Justice to compile, analyze, publish, and disseminate to each State information on effective programs in the prosecution of child sexual abuse cases. Directs the Center to develop model training materials for law enforcement, legal, judicial, and child welfare personnel to deal with child sexual abuse victims and to support research projects to identify improvements in the investigation and prosecution of child sexual abuse cases.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1985
Act to Combat International Terrorism - Defines "international terrorism" for purposes of this Act. Defines "state support of international terrorism" as any act of terrorism when committed deliberately by a State by: (1) furnishing arms, explosives, or lethal substances; (2) planning, directing, or training for such an act; (3) providing financial support; (4) providing diplomatic facilities to aid in the commission of such an act; or (5) allowing the use of its territory as a sanctuary from extradition or prosecution. Directs the President to report to the Congress every six months on incidents he determines to be acts of international terrorism. Requires the President to report within 30 days of an occurrence of terrorism if it involves citizens, property, or significant interests of the United States. Requires the report to include: (1) a description of the incident and identity of the individual, group or organization involved in the incident; (2) the identity of any government providing support; (3) a description of the actions of any government assisting in bringing about a positive termination of the incident; and (4) a description of U.S. response to the incident. Directs the President, every six months, to submit a list of states supporting international terrorism to the Congress with reasons for such determinations. Provides that with respect to any listed state the President: (1) shall not provide assistance under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961; (2) shall not sell any defense articles under the Arms Control Act; and (3) shall follow a certain procedure with regard to applications for licenses under the Arms Export Control Act. Authorizes the President to devise initiatives to combat international terrorist actions and reduce state support for such actions, including: (1) the suspension of air service between the United States and any state supporting international terrorist actions; and (2) appropriate diplomatic measures. Requires the President to promptly and fully inform the Congress on such actions. Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to require the Secretary of Transportation to conduct an assessment and report to the Congress on the effectiveness of security measures at foreign airports. Requires the Secretary to notify the appropriate authorities of a foreign government if the Secretary finds that one of its airports does not maintain and administer effective security measures. Sets forth notification procedures and, in certain circumstances, procedures to suspend service with regard to an airport which fails to bring security measures up to the specified standards. Authorizes the Secretary to provide technical assistance and training to foreign governments in aviation security. Amends the Federal criminal code to define "identification taggant" and "detection taggant." Makes it unlawful for any person to manufacture any explosive material which does not contain an identification taggant and a detection taggant. Prohibits the resale or disposal of any explosive material sold as surplus by a military, naval, or other agency of the United States which does not contain such identification or detection taggants. Allows the Secretary of the Treasury, under certain conditions, to delay the requirements with regard to detection and identification taggants. Exempts explosive material used by the Department of Defense or for national security from such identification requirements. Amends the Federal criminal code with regard to the destruction of aircraft facilities. Prohibits any act of violence against an individual on board a foreign aircraft while such aircraft is in flight. Makes it an offense to cause damage to (or place explosive devices or substances on) a foreign aircraft which renders it incapable of flight or is likely to endanger that aircraft's safety in flight. Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to extend the "special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States" to any violator of the Montreal Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts Against the Safety of Civil Aviation as long as the aircraft involved lands in the United States with an alleged offender still on board. Makes it a Federal criminal offense to convey any threats with the apparent determination and will to carry out such a threat with regard to the destruction of aircraft, trains, or vessels. Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to provide civil and criminal penalties for conveying false information with regard to aircraft piracy. Imposes a civil penalty upon any unauthorized person having possession of a concealed weapon while aboard or boarding any aircraft. Urges the President to seek international agreements to assure more effective cooperation in combating terrorism.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 1985
Expresses the sense of the Congress that procurement of the new U.S. weather radar system, NEXRAD, continue on schedule and according to the established minimum requirements agreed to by the National Weather Service, the Federal Aviation Administration, and the Department of Defense.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1985
Coal Pipeline Act of 1985 - Amends the Mineral Lands Leasing Act of 1920 to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to grant rights-of-way over Federal lands to certain persons for coal pipeline purposes. Proscribes the granting of any right-of-way through Federal land which is part of a historic site of national, State, or local significance unless there is no reasonable alternative and reasonable planning is made to minimize the harm to such site. Prohibits any person or entity (including the United States) from claiming any right or interest in water within any State for a coal pipeline unless such claim takes places under the law of the affected State. Delegates to the States all power regarding water rights for a coal pipeline in spite of any otherwise impermissible burden which may thereby be imposed upon interstate commerce. States that this Act does not: (1) impair the validity of any State law (or interstate compact) regarding any claim to water rights; (2) alter the rights of any State to its apportioned share of water under past or future allocation or interstate compact; (3) affect any Indian water rights; or (4) preempt or otherwise affect any State or Federal law or interstate compact regarding water quality or disposal. Prohibits any State acting under authority of this Act from restricting the movement through such State of water acquired in another State and within a coal pipeline. Authorizes certain persons who have received a certification from the Secretary that it is in the national interest to operate or extend a coal pipeline to acquire rights-of-way through private lands by the power of eminent domain. States this Act shall not be construed to permit any person (including the United States) to acquire any water rights through the power of eminent domain. Prohibits the acquisition of any right-of-way through the power of eminent domain if such right-of-way is upon land which is part of a historic site of national, State, or local significance, unless there is no prudent alternative and reasonable planning is made to minimize harm to such site. Sets forth certification guidelines under which the Secretary shall determine whether construction, operation, or extension of a coal pipeline is in the national interest. Requires each pipeline carrier for which a certification has been issued to provide service on reasonable request. Prohibits such carriers from unreasonably discriminating or refusing to enter into contracts with coal shippers under similar conditions in a contemporaneous period. Requires the Secretary to publish notice of coal pipeline certifications in the Federal Register. States that this Act shall not be construed to modify or preempt the ratemaking authority of any State utility regulatory agency. Requires the Secretary to establish uniform Federal standards for coal pipeline safety. Establishes penalties for failure to comply with such safety standards.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 1985
Amends the Federal criminal code to provide a mandatory life sentence (except when the death penalty is invoked) for any person convicted of gathering or delivering defense information to a foreign government.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 1985
Antitrust Damages Clarification Act of 1985 - Provides that no damages, costs, or attorney's fees shall be awarded under an antitrust suit with respect to the establishment or use of any rate, charge, or premium filed with a State insurance department or authorized, approved, or permitted to become effective pursuant to State insurance laws. Applies this Act to pending cases.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 1985
Designates the period of October 1, 1985, through September 30, 1986, as the time to reflect on the achievements of the Peace Corps during its 25 years and on ways such programs might be used in the future. Authorizes and requests the President to proclaim this period as a time to honor Peace Corps volunteers and reaffirm the Nation's commitment to such programs.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 1985
Declares that Aleksandr Shatravka should be released from imprisonment by the Soviet Union and should be accorded his full rights under international law, including freedom of the workplace and freedom of travel. Urges the Secretary of State to raise this case at appropriate world forums, including the U.N. General Assembly and review meetings of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1985
College Athlete Education and Protection Act of 1985 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to deny the deduction for a charitable contribution to an institution of higher education for use in the athletic program of such institution or to any other organization for use in supporting the athletic program of such institution unless for the 5-calendar-year period ending with the calendar year preceding the calendar year in which the contribution is made at least 75 percent of the scholarship athletes ceasing to be students at such school during such period receive a bachelor's degree after the completion of not more than five academic years.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1985
Directs that, notwithstanding specified time limitations, the Foreign Claims Settlement Commission of the United States receive and determine a named individual's claims against Czechoslovakia arising from the nationalization or other taking, over a specified period, of her property or that of her spouse.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1985
Deplores and condemns the murder of Major Arthur D. Nicholson, Jr., and calls on the Soviet Union to apologize for his murder and to indemnify his family. Calls on the President to rename Checkpoint Charlie in honor of Major Nicholson.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1985
Authorizes the President, on behalf of the Congress, to present gold medals to Jan Scruggs, Robert Doubek, and Jack Wheeler, in recognition of their tireless efforts to give the Vietnam Veterans Memorial to the Nation. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to sell bronze duplicates of the medal. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1985
Young Astronaut Program Medal Act - Commemorates the Young Astronaut Program by directing the Secretary of the Treasury to strike and deliver to the Young Astronaut Council no more than 750,000 medals with emblems, devices, and inscriptions determined by the Secretary. Authorizes the Council to dispose of the medals at a premium and to have them delivered as required in quantities of no less than 2,000. Directs that no medals be struck after December 31, 1987. Directs the Secretary to set the price of the medals at no less than the manufacturing cost plus a surcharge of ten percent of such cost. Requires the furnishing of security sufficient to fully indemnify the United States for such costs. Directs that the medals be struck in gold, silver, and bronze and in such size or sizes as determined by the Secretary. Gives the U.S. Comptroller General the right to examine the records of the Council which are related to the medals.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1985
Korean War Veterans Memorial Act of 1985 - Authorizes the American Battle Monuments Commission to erect a memorial on Federal land in the District of Columbia or its environs to honor members of the U.S. armed forces who served in the Korean war. Subjects the selected site, design, and plans for the construction of such memorial to the approval of the National Commission of Fine Arts and the National Capital Planning Commission. Directs that, upon its completion, the memorial shall be turned over to the Department of the Interior which shall then be solely responsible for its maintenance. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1985
Defense Procurement Conflict of Interest Act - Prohibits a former officer or employee of the Department of Defense (DOD) or former retired member of the uniformed services from accepting compensation from a Government contractor for two years following the individual's separation from Government service if, during the two years preceding separation from service, such individual had significant responsibilities for a procurement function with respect to that Government contractor. Specifies penalties for violations of this prohibition. Requires defense contractors to include in defense contracts a provision stating that the contractor agrees not to compensate an individual who falls under such category. Specifies penalties for a contractor's violation of this requirement. Requires contractors subject to such a contract term to issue an annual report listing specified information concerning individuals who had significant responsibilities for a procurement function, left Government within the previous two years, and were compensated by that contractor after leaving Government service. Requires a copy of each such report to be sent to the Inspector General of DOD. Requires the Inspector General to assess such reports and report any possible violations to the Attorney General. Provides penalties for those contractors failing to file such reports. Requires the Director of the Office of Government Ethics to have access to such reports and to submit an annual report to the Congress concerning such reports. Excludes from application of these sections those contracts for an amount less than $100,000. Requires the Secretary of Defense, not later than 180 days after enactment of this Act, to delineate the procurement functions covered by these sections and provide a list of such functions to the Congress. Allows an individual who is offered compensation which might be in violation of this Act to apply to the Director of the Office of Government Ethics for advice on the applicability of this Act to the acceptance of such compensation. Requires such application to be made jointly by the individual and the contractor proposing the compensation. Outlines information to be included in such application for advice. Requires the Director to publish notice of the application in the Federal Register.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1985
Requires the first concurrent resolution on the budget for FY 1986 reported by the House and Senate Committees on the Budget to set forth new budget authority for FY 1986 not exceeding specified levels for major functional categories.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 1985
Authorizes the Secretary of the Air Force to enter into agreements with the State of Illinois or appropriate units of local government to permit the joint use of Scott Air Force Base for military and civilian aviation purposes. Renames Scott Air Force Base as the Mel Price Air Force Base and Airport Illinois.
![Official portrait of Rep. Porter, John Edward [R-IL-10]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/p000444_200.jpg)