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Official portrait of Rep. Watkins, Wes [R-OK-3]

Rep. Watkins, Wes [R-OK-3]

United States · Official source

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1,816 records where Rep. Watkins, Wes [R-OK-3] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years

Bill· HRH.R. 4391 (99th)open

A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to exempt from any requirement for sequestration of appropriated funds any amounts available to provide certain benefits to veterans with service-connected disabilities.

United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1986

Amends Federal veterans' benefits provisions to exempt from any sequestration of funds under the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act) certain benefits of veterans and their dependents and survivors which are based upon the service-connected disability or death of such veterans.

Bill· HRH.R. 4370 (99th)open

Bill Nichols Department of Defense Reorganization Act of 1986

United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1986

Department of Defense Reorganization Act of 1986 - Title I: Unified and Specified Commands - Amends general military law to direct the President to establish unified and specified combatant commands to perform military missions and to prescribe the force structure of such commands. Authorizes the Secretary of Defense, if a situation warrants it, to establish a special combatant command. Requires the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) to periodically (not less frequently than every other year) review the overall structure of the unified and specified combatant commands and make appropriate recommendations to the President. Directs the President to promptly notify the Congress of any action taken in response to such recommendations. Directs the Secretary of each military department to assign all forces under their jurisdiction (except forces assigned to recruiting, organizing, training, or supplying the armed forces) to unified and specified combatant commands as established under this Act. Outlines provisions concerning the command hierarchy of such assigned forces. Provides that commanders of combatant commands shall be supervised by the Chairman of JCS, and be responsible to the President and the Secretary of Defense for their missions. Makes the Secretary of each military department responsible for the support and administration of forces assigned by that department to combatant commands. Authorizes the commander of a combatant command to request the Secretary of Defense for the transfer to such commander of support or administrative functions. Directs the Secretary of Defense to include in the annual budget of the Department of Defense (DOD) a separate budget proposal for activities of each of the unified and specified combatant commands. Outlines information concerning activities of such combatant commands to be included in such proposals. Requires the commander of each such command to submit to the Chairman of JCS, for review and recommendations, annual program and budget proposals for such commands. Outlines provisions concerning the selection and tenure of combatant command subordinate commanders and staff officers. Establishes in DOD the Joint Commanders Council, consisting of the Chairman of JCS and the commanders of the combatant commands. Directs such council to advise the chairman, the President, and the Secretary of Defense on appropriate matters. Requires the Chairman of JCS to submit to the Secretary of Defense recommendation for the allocation of defense resources under the proposed national defense budget for each fiscal year, and to take certain other specified actions in connection with activities of the unified and specified combatant commands. Directs the Secretary of Defense (the Secretary) to provide for the transfer of staff personnel to the staffs of the commanders of the unified and specified commands in conformity with the reorganization under this Act. Limits the total staff size of the unified and specified commands to a number no greater than the staff size of the military departments before such transfer. Outlines considerations to be included in the initial review of the structure of the unified and specified commands. Title II: Defense Agencies - Directs the Secretary, in appropriate cases, to provide for the performance by one agency or organization of supply or service activities common to more than one military department. Directs the Secretary to periodically (and not less frequently than every two years) review the services and supplies provided by the defense agencies to ensure that such provision is more economical than the provision of such services by the military departments. Specifies various officers and directors whose views are required as part of the Secretary's review. Requires the Chairman of JCS to periodically (and not less frequently than every two years) report to the Secretary concerning the combat support agencies. Outlines information to be included in each report. Directs the Chairman to: (1) provide for the participation of the combat support agencies in joint training exercises; and (2) assess the performance of each agency in such exercise and provide for any necessary changes. Requires the chairman to develop a uniform system for reporting each such agency's readiness to perform in a war or threat to national security. Establishes in each combat support agency a combat support agency policy council. Outlines the composition of such council. Requires such council to: (1) advise the director of that agency on policy matters relating to the operation of that agency; and (2) consider and provide advice as directed by the Secretary of Defense. Requires the director of a combat support agency, upon request, to assign a representative of that agency to the headquarters of a unified or specified combatant commands. Defines "combat support agency." Requires the Secretary of Defense to conduct a study of the functions and organizational structure of the defense agencies. Outlines determinations to be made in such study. Directs the Chairman of JCS and the Secretaries of the military departments to each conduct a study of the functions and organizational structure of the defense agencies. Requires each such study to be submitted to the Secretary of Defense. Outlines matters to be considered in each such study. Directs the Secretary of Defense, within a specified conditional deadline, to report to the Senate and House Armed Services Committees concerning the studies made of the functions and organizational structure of the defense agencies, together with recommendations. Title III: Joint Officer Subspecialty - Directs the Secretary of Defense to establish a secondary occupational specialty for officers in each branch of the armed forces, to be known as the joint subspecialty. Outlines provisions concerning the number, selection, and assignments of officers to joint subspecialties. Directs the Secretary to establish career guidelines for officers in the joint subspecialty. Directs the Secretary to revise the curriculum of schools of the National Defense University in order to enhance the education and training of officers in joint military matters. Requires officers graduating from a joint military school in a joint subspecialty to be assigned to a joint position in that officer's next duty assignment. Prohibits an officer from commanding a unified or specified combatant command unless such officer is in a joint subspecialty. Prohibits an officer from appointment as Chairman of JCS unless the officer has served as the commander of a unified or specified command. Sets forth the promotion policy for joint service officers (including faster promotions). Directs the Secretary to establish procedures for monitoring the careers of officers in the joint subspecialty or other joint officers. Revises provisions concerning the review of promotion lists by the Chairman of JCS to allow the Chairman, in a limited number of instances, to recommend for promotion officers who: (1) have served in joint assignments; and (2) were considered by a review board but not recommended for promotion. Allows the Secretary of the military department concerned to disagree with the Chairman's promotion recommendations. Requires the Secretary concerned to record their disagreement as part of their transmittal to the Secretary of Defense of the selection board's report. Requires the Secretary of Defense to resolve any such disagreements before transmitting the report to the President. Requires previous joint officer assignments for officers promoted to brigadier general or real admiral (lower half). Authorizes the Secretary to waive such prerequisite in appropriate cases. Outlines the length of duty as a joint officer required for promotion to certain grades. Requires the Chairman of JCS to advise the Secretaries of the military departments concerned with respect to duty assignments of officers in the joint subspecialty and other joint officers. Requires the Secretary of Defense to ensure that military schools strengthen the focus on joint military operations in preparing certain level officers for joint duty assignments. Directs the Secretary of Defense to make the initial selection of officers for the joint subspecialty, following certain special rules. Title IV: Military Department Organization - Directs the Secretary of Defense to reorganize the executive part of the military departments, following specified reorganization policies. Defines the executive part of each military department. Outlines the functions of the Assistant Secretaries of a military department as reorganized under this Act. Limits to 30 the size of the personal staff of the Secretary of a military department. Limits the size of the staff of each military department to 85 percent of the size of such staff before the reorganization. Requires the Secretary of Defense to provide that operation and planning responsibilities that are duplicated by the staff of the JCS shall be shifted to that staff. Requires the Secretary, as well as the Secretaries of the military departments, to provide that functions able to be performed by commands outside the Washington, D.C. area shall be reassigned to those commands. Directs the Secretary to complete implementation of this title no later than 180 days after the enactment of this Act, and to report to the Congress on such implementation 30 days after such date.

Bill· HRH.R. 4357 (99th)referred

A bill to provide that the Internal Revenue Service may not before July 1, 1987, enforce its regulations relating to substantiation requirements for the deductions attributable to the business use of vehicles.

United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1986

Provides that the Internal Revenue Service may not, before July 1, 1987, enforce its regulations relating to substantiation requirements for the deductions attributable to the business use of vehicles. Requires the Internal Revenue Service to follow the regulations in effect prior to the enactment of the Tax Reform Act of 1984. Prohibits the issuance of any regulations with respect to the substantiation requirements before July 1, 1987.

Law· HRH.R. 4331 (99th)enacted

Rural Industrial Assistance Act of 1986

United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1986

Rural Industrial Assistance Act of 1986 - Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to make grants for rural technology development centers to promote the development of new products and processes in depressed rural areas.

Bill· HRH.R. 4299 (99th)referred

A bill to provide that any requirement to substantiate a deduction under the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 for business use of a vehicle be based on the regulations in effect before the Tax Reform Act of 1984.

United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1986

Provides that any requirement to substantiate a deduction under the Internal Revenue Code with respect to the business use of a vehicle must be based on regulations in effect before the Tax Reform Act of 1984.

Bill· HRH.R. 4267 (99th)open

A bill to amend the Agricultural Act of 1949 to provide increased income to producers of wheat and feed grains for the 1986 through 1990 crops of such commodities, to amend the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to provide by law for a debt adjustment program and to require the interest rate for buy-down loans to be not greater than the cost of money to the lending institution, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1986

Title I: Wheat and Feed Grains - Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949, effective for the 1986 through 1990 wheat and feed grain crops, to establish voluntary marketing certificate programs for producers participating in annual acreage reduction programs. Determines the amount of such certificates by multiplying the individual farm program acreage by the farm's program yield (at a minimum of 1985 levels). States that such certificates are nontransferable. Makes such certificates available to importers. Requires wheat and feed grains sold for domestic consumption to be accompanied by a market certificate. Permits noncertificate wheat or feed grains to be sold for export or used on the producing farm. Provides that wheat or feed grains produced in excess of a farm's certificates may be used on that farm, sold for export, or carried over to the subsequent marketing year. Sets 1986 through 1990 loan rates at: (1) $5.00 per bushel for wheat; and (2) $3.50 per bushel for corn. Sets forth penalties for violations of such provisions. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to provide export incentives in cash or in kind to U.S. exporters selling certificate-accompanied grain abroad. Title II: Debt Adjustment - Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to direct the Secretary to provide a debt adjustment program of guaranteed farm ownership and operating loans. Includes provisions for debt write-offs and interest rate reductions in such program. Title III: Agricultural Loan Losses - Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act to permit an agricultural bank to amortize the loss from a restructured agricultural loan over ten years.

Bill· HRH.R. 4183 (99th)referred

A bill to authorize the Smithsonian Institution to plan, design, and construct facilities for the National Air and Space Museum.

United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1986

Authorizes the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution to plan, design, and construct facilities for the National Air and Space Museum at Washington Dulles International Airport for expansion of the Museum. Authorizes the Board of Regents to receive and use private donations for carrying out this Act.

Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 522 (99th)referred

A joint resolution to express the disapproval of the Congress with respect to the proposed rescission of budget authority for the urban development action grant program.

United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1986

Declares that the proposed rescission of budget authority (R86-55) for the urban development action grant program should not be approved in any rescission bill. Requires that such program be resumed not later than the date of enactment of this joint resolution.

Bill· HRH.R. 4060 (99th)referred

A bill to amend title 5, United States Code, to provide that the full cost-of-living adjustment in annuities payable from the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund shall be made for 1987.

United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1986

Prohibits any benefits payable from the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund, including cost-of-living increases, during calendar year 1987 from being subject to reduction or suspension by statute or presidential order.

Bill· HRH.R. 3805 (99th)referred

A bill to amend the Agricultural Act of 1949 to provide for producer-approved wheat and feed grain referenda for the 1987 through 1990 crops of such commodities.

United States · United States Congress · 21 November 1985

Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to conduct a referendum of wheat and feed grains producers every two years to determine whether they favor the national marketing certificate program proposed by this Act. Sets forth the eligibility requirements for voting in such referendum. Provides that if the marketing certificate programs are not approved by such producers, the Secretary shall provide loans, purchases, payments, and other assistance. Describes the operation of the national marketing certificate program for wheat, if approved. Sets forth the method for determining the amount of loans and purchases which will be available to wheat producers. Requires loans and purchases to be a level which will maintain the competitive relationship of wheat to other grains. States that the level of wheat loans and purchases for the 1987 through 1990 marketing years may not be established at less than $4.50 per bushel. Allows the Secretary to make such certificates available to importers of wheat. Provides that a marketing certificate shall authorize the producer or importer to market, barter, or donate an amount of wheat equal to the amount of the certificate. States that wheat accompanied by a marketing certificate that is sold or transferred for export shall be eligible for an export incentive payment. Allows the Secretary to provide incentive payments for domestically marketed, bartered, or donated wheat if necessary to assure that wheat remains competitive in the domestic market. Allows excess wheat to be used on farms, transferred for export, or held over to the succeeding marketing year and marketed under a certificate for such year. Prohibits the transfer of marketing certificates. Describes the operation of the national marketing certificate program for feed grains. Sets forth the method for determining the amount of loans and purchases which will be available to feed grains producers. Requires loans and purchases to be at a level which will maintain the competitive relationship of corn to other grains. States that the level of corn loans and purchases for the 1987 through 1990 marketing years may not be established at less than $3.25 per bushel. Provides loans and purchases for other feed grains at levels in relation to that of corn. Allows the Secretary to make such certificates available to importers of feed grains. Provides that a marketing certificate shall authorize the producer or importer to market, barter, or donate an amount of feed grain equal to the amount of the certificate. States that feed grain accompanied by a marketing certificate that is sold or transferred for export shall be eligible for an export incentive payment. Allows the Secretary to provide incentive payments for domestically marketed, bartered, or donated feed grains if necessary to assure that such feed grains remain competitive in the domestic market. Allows excess feed grains to be used on the farms, transferred for export, or held over to the succeeding marketing year and marketed under a certificate for such year. Prohibits the transfer of marketing certificates. Permits the imposition of penalties, at the discretion of the Secretary, for noncompliance with this Act. Prohibits wheat or feed grain producers from adjusting their crop acreage bases. Directs the Secretary to advise the President on the need to impose fees or quantitative limitations on articles that may be imported. Directs the Secretary to provide export incentives to reduce world price levels if necessary.

Bill· HRH.R. 3800 (99th)open

Telecommunications Equipment and Information Services Act of 1985

United States · United States Congress · 20 November 1985

Telecommunications Equipment and Information Services Act of 1985 - Authorizes the Bell operating companies to provide information services (excluding electronic publishing) and to manufacture telecommunications equipment, subject to such regulations as the Federal Communications Commission may prescribe. Conditions such authority on the Commission's determination that no Bell operating company could impede competition in the information services or telecommunications equipment manufacturing businesses. Requires the Commission to include in its annual report to the Congress an assessment, providing for public comment, of the impact of this Act on employment in such businesses.

Bill· HRH.R. 3803 (99th)referred

Truth in Import Advertising Act of 1985

United States · United States Congress · 20 November 1985

Truth in Import Advertising Act of 1985 - Makes it unlawful to distribute or cause to be distributed in commerce any consumer commodity unless it has a label listing the domestic content percentage of the commodity. Prohibits advertising any such commodity unless the advertising contains such label information. Sets forth the wording of such labels. Provides for enforcement of this Act.

Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 462 (99th)open

A joint resolution to designate May 25, 1986, as "Hands Across America Day", for the purpose of helping people to help themselves, and commending United Support of Artists for Africa for their efforts toward combatting domestic hunger with a nationwide linkup coast-to-coast human chain 4000 miles long.

United States · United States Congress · 20 November 1985

Designates May 25, 1986, as Hands Across America Day. Authorizes and requests the President to commend: (1) United Support of Artists for Africa for their Hands Across America project; and (2) the American people for their commitment to helping people help themselves.

Bill· HRH.R. 3780 (99th)referred

Small Contribution Tax Credit Reform Act of 1985

United States · United States Congress · 19 November 1985

Small Contribution Tax Credit Reform Act of 1985 - Amends the the Internal Revenue Code to repeal the income tax credit for contributions to presidential, state, and local candidates, political action committees, and newsletter fund contributions. Allows an income tax credit for congressional candidate contributions. Limits the amount of such credit to $100 for a taxable year ($200 in the case of a joint return).

Bill· HRH.R. 3733 (99th)referred

Foreign Agents Compulsory Ethics in Trade Act of 1985

United States · United States Congress · 12 November 1985

Foreign Agents Compulsory Ethics in Trade Act of 1985 - Prohibits former high-level Federal civilian officers or employees or high-ranking officers of the uniformed services from representing or advising foreign principals during the ten-year period beginning on the last day of such a person's Federal employment or service. Authorizes the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Commerce to jointly determine a longer prohibitive period in the interest of national security. Establishes criminal penalties for violations of this Act. Defines and lists employee positions to which this Act applies.

Law· HJRESH.J.Res. 436 (99th)enacted

A joint resolution to designate 1986 as "Save for the U.S.A. Year", and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 30 October 1985

Designates 1986 as Save for the U.S.A. Year. Requests the President to initiate a nationwide campaign, to be known as the Buy Back America campaign, to encourage the people of the United States to buy U.S. savings bonds and certificates and thereby reduce borrowings from foreign sources. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to enhance the marketability of such bonds and certificates.

Law· HRH.R. 3622 (99th)enacted

Goldwater-Nichols Department of Defense Reorganization Act of 1986

United States · United States Congress · 24 October 1985

Joint Chiefs of Staff Reorganization Act of 1985 - Revises Federal provisions concerning the composition and function of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) to define the Chairman of JCS as the principal military advisor to the President, the National Security Council, and the Secretary of Defense. Authorizes a member of JCS other than the Chairman to offer, to the Secretary of Defense and then to the President, a separate opinion in disagreement with that of the Chairman concerning military advice given. Directs that the Chairman of JCS shall supervise the commanders of the combatant commands and act as their spokesman. Extends the term of the Chairman of JCS from two to four years. Establishes the position of Deputy Chairman of JCS. Prohibits the Deputy Chairman and the Chairman from being a member of the same military branch, unless the Secretary of Defense waives such prohibition for a limited period. Sets the term of the Deputy Chairman at four years. Requires the Deputy Chairman to perform such duties as delegated by the Chairman with the approval of the Secretary of Defense. Directs the Deputy Chairman to act as Chairman if the latter position is vacated for any reason. Directs the Deputy Chairman to act as director of the Joint Staff, which performs such duties as the Chairman prescribes. Eliminates any maximum number of officers on the Joint Staff. Provides that the four-year term of a member of the Joint Staff may be extended with the approval of the Secretary of Defense. Directs the Secretary to ensure that the Joint Staff is independently organized and operated in order to provide for the unified strategic direction of the combatant forces and their operation and integration into an efficient team of land, naval, and air forces. Requires the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to submit an evaluation to the President of any person for appointment to a grade above major general or rear admiral. Requires such evaluation to consider the performance of that officer as a member of the Joint Staff and in other assignments involving joint military experiences. Requires such evaluation to be submitted to the President at the same time as the submission of the recommendation for the appointment. Directs the Chairman or the Deputy Chairman of JCS to attend all meetings of the National Security Council and participate fully in its deliberations. Directs the Secretary of Defense, no later than six months after the enactment of this Act, to report to the Congress on plans for further changes in the administration of the military high commands of each of the armed forces. Outlines proposals to be developed in such report.

Bill· HRH.R. 3623 (99th)open

A bill to declare that the United States holds certain Chilocco Indian School lands in trust for the Kaw, Otoe-Missouria, Pawnee, Ponca, and Tonkawa Indian Tribes of Oklahoma.

United States · United States Congress · 24 October 1985

Declares that all Federal rights, title, and interests to the surface estate (and specified rights to the mineral estate) in specified lands of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma are to be held in trust by the United States for the Kaw, Otoe-Missouria, Pawnee, Ponca, and Tonkawa Indian Tribes of Oklahoma. Provides that nothing in this Act shall deprive any person (other than the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma) of any right-of-way, mining claim, grazing permit, water right, or other interest in such lands before enactment of this Act. Sets forth a formula for the division and distribution of rents, royalties, grazing fees, and other income derived from such lands which remains unexpended, after the payment of maintenance costs, prior to the transfer of such lands to the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma. Restricts the use of such income to the maintenance, repair, or development of such lands.

Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 428 (99th)open

A joint resolution to prohibit the sales of certain advanced weapons to Jordan.

United States · United States Congress · 24 October 1985

Expresses the sense of the Senate that the United States: (1) should not sell advanced weapons to Jordan; (2) should ensure that Israel retains its qualitative military edge in the Middle East; and (3) should focus its efforts on bringing Jordan into direct peace negotiations with Israel.

Resolution· HRESH.Res. 298 (99th)referred

A resolution establishing an ad hoc Committee on Trade Policy.

United States · United States Congress · 17 October 1985

Establishes in the House of Representatives an ad hoc Committee on Trade Policy to report on legislation to develop and implement a policy for the United States in international trade. Terminates the Committee upon completion of the legislative process.

Bill· HRH.R. 3489 (99th)open

A bill to amend the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to authorize the provision of compensatory time in lieu of overtime compensation for employees of State, political subdivisions of States, and interstate governmental agencies and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 2 October 1985

Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to allow State, local, or interstate governmental agencies to provide compensatory time in lieu of overtime compensation. Requires that such compensatory time be one and one-half hours for each hour of employment for which overtime compensation is required. Allows such compensatory time only if it is not prohibited under a collective bargaining agreement. Requires that each such employee, upon entering employment with the public agency, be given an opportunity to elect to receive compensatory time in lieu of overtime compensation during the 12-month period following such election. Adds provisions relating to special detail work for fire protection and law enforcement employees (including prison security) of State, local, or intergovernmental agencies. Provides that any such employee who voluntarily agrees to be employed by another employer in fire protection, law enforcement, or related activities shall not be considered an employee of such State, local, or intergovernmental agency during the period of employment by the other employer. Revises the definition of "employee" to exclude any volunteer for a State, local, or interstate governmental agency who volunteers to perform such services without compensation or for expenses or a nominal fee. Provides that no State, local, or interstate governmental agency shall be liable under penalty provisions of the Act for violations (unless they are willful violations) of overtime requirements occurring before the date of enactment of this Act.

Bill· HRH.R. 3136 (99th)referred

A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 to provide for the reimbursement to State and local law enforcement agencies for costs incurred in investigations which substantially contribute to the recovery of Federal taxes.

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1985

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to require the Internal Revenue Service to reimburse State and local law enforcement agencies that provide information which substantially contributes to the recovery of Federal taxes. Limits the amount of such reimbursement to ten percent of the sum ultimately recovered.

Bill· HRH.R. 3041 (99th)passed

A bill to provide for the awarding of a special congressional gold medal to Aaron Copland.

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.

Bill· HRH.R. 3035 (99th)open

Trade Emergency and Export Promotion Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 July 1985

Trade Emergency and Export Promotion Act - Declares that actions by the President, the International Trade Commission (ITC), the Secretary of the Treasury, the Secretary of Agriculture, and the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) pursuant to this Act shall not be reviewable by any court, except for abuse of discretion. Title I: International Trade Actions and Agreements - Declares that a national emergency exists because of distortions and imbalances in trade and instability in exchange rates and that such emergency requires extraordinary measures, including action to: (1) restore the value of the dollar; and (2) either eliminate foreign unfair trade barriers or prohibit countries which employ such barriers from enjoying trade surpluses with the United States or increasing shares of world export markets. Authorizes the President to negotiate and enter into with any foreign country or entity agreements limiting the export from such country or entity, and the importation into the United States, of any article. Directs the USTR to initiate proceedings against Japan before appropriate international bodies in order to obtain authorization to take trade actions against Japan on the grounds that: (1) Japan has failed to comply with trade agreements entered into with the United States; and (2) Japan has adopted numerous domestic policies and practices that impair and violate such trade agreements and impede achievement of their objectives. Directs the USTR, with the cooperation of the Secretary of Agriculture, to initiate actions under all international trade agreements to which the United States is a party in order to take appropriate countermeasures against agricultural export subsidies provided by the European Communities and other countries which will be used to prevent: (1) injury to U.S. agricultural producers; (2) nullification or impairment of such trade agreements; and (3) serious prejudice to the United States. Authorizes the USTR to initiate actions against each foreign country (except Japan and the European Communities) or entity that was an excess worldwide trade surplus country or an excess bilateral trade surplus country for 1984 under all applicable U.S. laws and international agreements in order to: (1) enforce the rights of the United States under such international agreements; and (2) obtain the elimination of certain trade acts, policies, and practices of such countries or entities. Directs the USTR to explain in proceedings initiated under this title that the United States finds it necessary to take the actions provided in title II of this Act as interim measures pending the outcome of such proceedings in order to protect vital U.S. interests. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to develop a plan to reduce fluctuations between currencies on foreign currency exchange markets. Sets forth characteristics of such plan. Title II: Interim Domestic Trade Actions to Respond to the Trade Emergency - Subtitle A: Stand-by Duties - Directs the ITC to determine annually each major exporting country's: (1) worldwide nonpetroleum export percentage; (2) bilateral nonpetroleum export percentage; (3) worldwide nonpetroleum trade surplus; (4) bilateral nonpetroleum trade surplus; (5) worldwide trade surplus limitation; and (6) bilateral trade surplus limitation. Requires the ITC to report annually to the President on: (1) the determinations on the trade of such major exporting countries; (2) the identity of each foreign country which was an excess worldwide trade surplus country or excess bilateral trade surplus country during the preceding year; and (3) whether or not standby duties should be imposed on imports from such countries. Requires the President, within 15 days of receiving such report to determine, with respect to each country identified as an excess worldwide trade surplus country or excess bilateral trade surplus country: (1) whether such country unfairly restricts or limits the access of imports to its markets; and (2) if the President determines that such country does restrict access to its markets, whether such restriction contributes to that country's trade surplus. Requires the President, if both such determinations are positive, to impose stand-by duties on all imports from such countries. Prohibits making such determinations or imposing such duties if the U.S. trade deficit divided by the U.S. gross national product is less than one and one-half percent. Requires the President to report to the Congress, within 15 days of receiving the reports on worldwide and bilateral trade, on the determinations made with respect to imposing stand-by duties. Declares that the rate of a stand-by duty shall be 25 percent ad valorem and that such duty shall be in addition to any other duties. Provides for the implementation of such duties. Requires all revenues from such stand-by duties to be allocated to the Public Debt Reduction Account in the Treasury. Expresses the sense of the Congress that all funds in such Account be used only to reduce the Federal debt. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to report annually to the Congress on the revenue derived from such stand-by duties. Prohibits imposing stand-by duties on articles imported after April 30, 1992. Prohibits requiring reports and determinations on trade surpluses after April 1991. Subtitle B: Reports - Directs the President to report annually to specified congressional committees on the operation of this Act. Title III: Trade Law Reform - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to transfer to the USTR from the President the authority to order import relief and the authority to extend tariff preferences. Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to transfer to the USTR from the President the authority to approve or disapprove ITC actions to prevent unfair practices in import trade.

Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 177 (99th)referred

A concurrent resolution expressing the sense of Congress in opposition to the erosion of local control and participation by farmer- and rancher-borrowers in the farmer- and rancher-owned Farm Credit System and in opposition to the large-scale consolidation and mergers of the production credit associations and Federal land bank associations within the Farm Credit System.

United States · United States Congress · 17 July 1985

Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) local control by farmer and rancher borrowers in the Farm Credit System should not be diminished; and (2) wide-scale consolidations and mergers of Federal land bank associations and production credit associations should not be pursued by the Farm Credit System or accomplished through coercive action such as the threat of liquidation of dissenting associations.

Resolution· HRESH.Res. 219 (99th)referred

A resolution expressing the sense of the House with respect to the potential closing and downgrading of hundreds of local offices of the Social Security Administration.

United States · United States Congress · 11 July 1985

Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the: (1) local field office structure of the Social Security Administration should be maintained, strengthened, and fully staffed; and (2) proper amount of administrative costs of such offices should approximate 1.5 percent of the costs of the social security benefit programs serviced by such offices.

Bill· HRH.R. 2951 (99th)referred

Home and Community Based Services for the Elderly Act of 1985

United States · United States Congress · 10 July 1985

Home and Community Based Services for the Elderly Act of 1985 - Amends title XIX (Block Grants) of the Public Health Service Act to authorize a block grant program for home and community based services for the elderly. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 through 1988. Allots a State's funds on the basis of its elderly population compared to the elderly population of the nation. Reserves a portion of such allotment for Indian tribes and tribal organizations. States that grants may be used to: (1) identify individuals eligible for services; (2) plan and manage services to be provided to such individuals; (3) educate the public and medical and social service professionals concerning the availability of such services; and (4) encourage and enhance the participation of families and voluntary organizations in the provision of such services. Permits the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide technical assistance to the States. Prohibits the use of funds for: (1) inpatient services; (2) cash payments to intended recipients; (3) land purchases and construction; and (4) satisfying any requirement for the expenditure of non-Federal funds. Sets forth State application requirements.