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United States · Official source
1,816 records where Rep. Watkins, Wes [R-OK-3] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 9 July 1985
Designates the week beginning September 1, 1985, as National Buy American Week.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1985
Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act to reduce from $5,000 to $1,000 the limitation on a multicandidate political committee contribution to an election candidate. Limits to $50,000 the aggregate sum which candidates for congressional office may accept from multicandidate political committees.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1985
Designates the Week of October 6 through October 12, 1985, as Myasthenia Gravis Awareness Week.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1985
Designates July 13, 1985, as Live Aid Day.
United States · United States Congress · 20 June 1985
Designates the week beginning October 6, 1985, as National Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Awareness Week.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1985
Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1985 - Title I: Reorganization Within Department of Agriculture - Establishes within the Department of Agriculture the Rural Development Administration, which shall be headed by an Administrator appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate. Renames the Farmers Home Administration (FmHA) the Farm Administration. Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to make grants to nonprofit institutions to establish rural technology development centers to seek to improve rural economic conditions. Permits the Secretary to provide employment related technical assistance in economically depressed rural areas. Authorizes grants for up to 75 percent of the administrative cost of rural development projects incurred by organizations and public bodies. Directs the Secretary to carry out provisions of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act, except for specified loan provisions, through the Rural Development Administration. States that titles V (Rural Development and Small Farm Research and Education) and VI (Miscellaneous) of the Rural Development Act of 1972 shall be carried out through the Rural Development Administration. Amends the Agriculture and Food Act of 1981 to expand the number of designated assistance areas from 225 to 450. Transfers certain conservation loan programs from the Farmers Home Administration (FmHA) to the Soil Conservation Service. Makes conforming amendments to specified agricultural and rural affairs Acts. Title II: Administration of Federal Rural Housing and Community Development Programs - Transfers to the Rural Development Administration all functions of the Farmers Home Administration relating to: (1) the FmHA loan program; and (2) certain trusts that may be established under the Federal National Mortgage Association Charter Act. Title III: Administrative Provisions - Sets forth administrative provisions.
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 · 12 June 1985
Designates the month of November 1985 as National Diabetes Month.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1985
Authorizes and requests the President to designate the week beginning October 20, 1985, as The Lessons of Grenada Week.
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
Expresses the Senate's commendation of the Soil Conservation Service on its 50th anniversary, and the Senate's commitment to vigorous soil and water conservation efforts.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1985
Designates August 14, 1985, as Social Security Day and the week of August 11 through August 17, 1985, as Social Security Week. Authorizes and requests the President to commemorate August 14, 1985, as the 50th anniversary of the Social Security Act.
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
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 · 22 May 1985
Authorizes and requests the President to designate July 16, 1985, as National Atomic Veterans Day.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1985
Designates June 12, 1985, as Anne Frank Day.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 1985
Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to include in the definition of "subsidy" (for countervailing duty purposes) any resource input subsidy as provided for under the provisions of this Act. States that a "resource input subsidy" is found to exist if: (1) (a) a product is provided or sold by a government-regulated or controlled entity within a country for input use within such country at a domestic price that is lower than the fair market value of the input product and is not freely available to U.S. producers; and (b) a product would, if sold at the fair market value, constitute a significant portion of the total cost of the manufacture or production of the merchandise in or for which the input product is used; or (2) under specified circumstances, the right to remove or extract such product is provided or sold by a government or a government-regulated or controlled entity within a country. Sets forth the method of calculation for the amount of a resource input subsidy. Defines "fair market value" and "input use" for purposes of this Act. Requires injury determinations by the U.S. International Trade Commission to be made in all countervailing duty investigations relating to the existence of resource input subsidies.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1985
Designates May 25, 1985, as Missing Children Day.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1985
Provides for $14,000,000 to be transferred to the Agency for International Development for humanitarian assistance for the Nicaraguan resistance forces. Urges the President to: (1) pursue diplomatic and economic steps (including embargo of U.S. trade with Nicaragua) to resolve the conflict in Nicaragua; (2) suspend military maneuvers in Honduras if Nicaragua agrees to a cease-fire and opens a dialog with the democratic resistance; (3) call upon the democratic resistance in Nicaragua to remove from its ranks any human rights violators; and (4) resume bilateral discussions with Nicaragua. Requires the President to report to the Congress. Permits the President, under specified circumstances, to request the Congress to authorize additional assistance for the resistance. Sets forth specified congressional procedures with respect to the enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1985
Farm Policy Reform Act of 1985 - Title I: Agricultural Commodity Supply Management - Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949, effective for the 1986 through 1999 crops, to require the Secretary of Agriculture to conduct referendums (August of 1985, 1989, 1993, and 1997) to determine by majority vote if a mandatory supply management program shall be in effect for the succeeding four-year program period. Provides that the Secretary shall determine the farm program for the succeeding four-year period if such referendum fails. Provides for 36-month loans at rates of 70 percent of parity for 1986 with two-percent annual increments rising to 90 percent of parity for 1996 through 1999. Eliminates target prices. Directs the Secretary to proclaim a national marketing quota (for each commodity) for each of the 1986 through 1999 crops based on domestic and export demands, and food aid and carryover requirements. Directs the Secretary to proclaim a national acreage allotment for each of the 1986 through 1999 crop years. Requires producers who earn more than 50 percent of their gross income from nonfarm sources to set aside an additional ten percent of eligible crop acreage. Permits the Secretary to award bonus acres if the allotment request totals do not exceed the national marketing quota. Directs the Secretary to issue marketing certificates for each commodity at the same time acreage allotments are assigned. Bases such certificates on the higher of county average yield or farm yield. Permits adjustments. Permits excess production to be: (1) used for on-farm use; (2) stored and marketed in the subsequent year; (3) donated for specified foreign food assistance programs; and (4) sold to the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) for 50 percent of the loan level. Requires producers to apply conservation measures (including haying and grazing or wildlife use) to set-aside acres. Directs the Secretary to establish a farmers disaster reserve (in lieu of crop insurance) for each commodity for the 1986 through 1999 crop years. Requires producers to contribute a portion of their production to such reserve. Provides that in the event of a disaster, producers will receive 90 percent of their marketing certificate amount reduced by actual production, not to exceed an annual value of $360,000. Permits the use of CCC stocks to supplement insufficient reserve stocks. Amends the National Wool Act to extend the wool and mohair program through 1990. Suspends marketing quota, certificate, and other specified provisions of current law with regard to the 1986 through 1999 wheat and feed grain crops. Title II: Agricultural Credit - Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to limit Farmers Home Administration (FmHA) guaranteed ownership and operating loans to ten percent of such total loans. Requires farm recordkeeping training for limited resource borrowers. Limits direct operating loans to any individual to $200,000, except that no more than 25 percent of the funds may be used for loans in excess of $100,000. Limits similar guaranteed operating loans to $400,000, except that no more than 25 percent of guaranty authority may be for loans in excess of $200,000. Limits total individual indebtedness to $500,000. Revises FmHA emergency loan provisions, including: (1) making such loans more family-farm oriented; (2) reducing the individual loan ceiling; and (3) making such loans available only to persons unable to secure credit elsewhere. Provides for loan (principal and interest) and foreclosure deferrals for up to five years, for the period 1986 through 1999. Sets forth loan default provisions. Expands county committee membership to five, of which three must be farmer-elected. Sets forth time limits for approval of FmHA loans and loan guarantees. Establishes an appeals procedure for FmHA loan applications, including: (1) written notice of an adverse decision; and (2) opportunities for informal and formal hearings. Limits the leasing or sale of FmHA-held land to persons who are eligible for FmHA ownership or operating loans. Sets forth a priority order for such dispositions, with first priority for limited resource borrowers. Directs the Secretary to sell to such borrower at a price which reflects the average expected income from such land. Authorizes the Secretary to make or insure loans to assist borrowers. Directs the Secretary to conduct an ongoing search to identify, publicize, and transfer such farmland to eligible borrowers. Requires the Secretary to furnish borrowers with loan summary statements at least once a year. Increases from 20 percent to 25 percent the amount of FmHA ownership and operating loans for limited resource borrowers. Directs the Secretary to: (1) conduct a study of the appropriateness of the FmHA "Farm and Home Plan"; and (2) report within 120 days to the appropriate congressional committees. Title III: Agricultural Exports and Imports - Subtitle A: Agricultural Exports - Amends the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954 (Public Law 480) to permit local currency sales to developing countries with a per capita gross national product of $500 or less. Authorizes grants to private entities for projects to improve storage and marketing or expand private enterprise. Requires using at least $500,000,000 annually for FY 1985 through 1988 for an intermediate export credit program. Increases minimum food relief tonnage under title II of P.L. 480 for FY 1985 through 1990. Requires at least 60 percent of such commodities to be in the form of processed and fortified foods. Authorizes multiyear agreements with nonprofit voluntary agencies. Requires such agencies to maintain an operating reserve of at least 15 percent in disaster or drought-prone areas. Directs the Secretary to maintain a processed product and fortified grain reserve. Increases famine relief funding for: (1) CCC reimbursement; and (2) foreign currency purchases. Directs the President, to the extent possible, to enter into multilateral agreements with other food exporting nations to aid needy nations. Subtitle B: Agricultural Imports - Directs the Secretary to utilize existing law to minimize agricultural and food imports. Amends the Federal Meat Inspection Act to require country of origin labeling of imported meat. Requires eating establishments serving imported meat to so inform patrons. Title IV: Soil and Water Conservation - Subtitle A: Soil and Water Conservation - Amends the Soil Conservation and Domestic Allotment Act to direct the Secretary to establish a training program for Soil Conservation Service personnel. Directs the Secretary to: (1) promote energy and water conservation through dry land farming; and (2) strengthen the role of local and state committees. Requires producers to use agricultural conservation program payments and grants in accordance with a conservation plan approved by the local soil and water conservation district or by the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to provide technical assistance. Directs the Secretary to enter into ten-year conservation reserve program contracts to promote soil and water conservation on erosion-prone land. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into five-year contracts to reduce water use from underground aquifers to irrigate land. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle B: Highly Erodible Land Conservation - Makes any person who cultivates crops on highly erodible land ineligible for five years for: (1) price supports; (2) farm storage facility loans; (3) crop insurance; (4) disaster payments; or (5) specified other agricultural loans. Exempts crops planted: (1) on land cultivated from 1981 through 1985; (2) before enactment of this Act; or (3) under specified conservation systems. Directs the Secretary to: (1) use local agricultural committees to help administer such program; and (2) complete certain soil capability surveys as soon as practicable. Title V: Food Assistance Programs - Subtitle A: Food Stamp Program - Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to base food stamp allotments on the projected average cost of the thrifty food plan for the coming (as of October 1) year. Raises the earned income deduction from 18 percent to 20 percent. Separates and raises the maximum dependent care deduction ($160) and excess shelter deduction ($175). Permits family income to be calculated prospectively or retrospectively. Authorizes supplemental allotments to a household that experiences a monthly income loss of $100 or more. Increases resource limitations. Waives nonliquid asset requirements for up to four months in areas of high unemployment or high farm foreclosures. Requires States to conduct food stamp public information programs. Authorizes food stamp program appropriations through FY 1989. Subtitle B: Child Nutrition Programs - Amends the National School Lunch Act to permit certain private nonprofit agencies to participate in the children's summer food service program. Amends the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 to increase the school breakfast program subsidy by six cents per meal. Requires the Secretary to review and revise the nutrition requirements for such meals. Subtitle C: Food Distribution Program - Amends the Agriculture and Consumer Protection Act of 1973 to extend the commodity supplemental food program through FY 1989. Amends the Temporary Emergency Food Assistance Act of 1983 to extend the temporary emergency food assistance program through 1989. Subtitle D: Effective Date - Makes the provisions of this title effective upon enactment, unless otherwise provided for.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 1985
Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a program to make grants to States to pay for the establishment and operation of international trade development centers or the expansion of existing international trade development centers to enhance the exportation of agricultural products and related products. Requires such grants to provide half the funding for such centers. Requires the Secretary to give preference to States which intend to use as sites for international trade development centers land-grant colleges which: (1) operate agriculture programs; (2) have existing international trade programs; and (3) have a communications system that might be linked on an international basis to conduct conferences on trade negotiations. Provides that such centers may: (1) establish a permanent data base to address the problems faced by potential exporters; (2) be used to house exhibits on agricultural products produced in the United States; and (3) carry out certain other activities.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1985
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide an exemption from the minimum tax for capital gains on sales of farm property by insolvent farmers.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1985
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the President should make the overvalued dollar, the U.S. trade deficit, and cooperative measures to redress such imbalances a priority at the Bonn Summit, West Germany, on May 2, 1985. Sets forth specified assurances and commitments the President should seek from participating governments to correct such imbalances. Requests the President to report to the Congress on the results of his efforts.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1985
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) the Rural Electrification Program must continue to provide financing and technical assistance at reasonable cost; and (2) the people of the United States and Federal and State governmental agencies should commemorate the Rural Electrification Administration on its 50th anniversary.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1985
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should establish a task force of expert farmers to address the long-range concerns of the U.S. agricultural industry.
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 1985
Defines a "family farmer" for purposes of Federal bankruptcy law as any person (other than a corporation) owning a farm, at least 80 percent of whose debts arise out of such farming operation. Allows a family farmer with a regular annual income and with total secured and unsecured debts of less than $1,000,000 to qualify as a debtor under bankruptcy provisions providing for the adjustment of debts of an individual with regular income (personal bankruptcy provisions). Provides that involuntary bankruptcy cases may not be commenced against family farmers. Extends by 120 days the periods following the order for relief during which only a debtor may file a reorganization plan and after which any party in interest may file a reorganization plan in the case of a debtor who is a farmer. Revises the compensation of a trustee appointed to a personal bankruptcy case where the debtor is a family farmer to a percentage fee not exceeding the sum of up to ten percent of the aggregate payments up to $450,000 under the plan of such debtor plus three percent of the aggregate amount of payments exceeding $450,000, based on the maximum annual compensation and the actual necessary expenses incurred by the trustee. Prohibits a court from converting a reorganization case to a liquidation case, or a personal bankruptcy case to a reorganization or liquidation case, if the debtor is a family farmer. Allows a plan filed in a personal bankruptcy case to modify the rights of holders of claims secured only by a security interest in real property which is a family farmer's principal residence and which such family farmer uses for farming operations. Extends from five to seven years the maximum period over which payments may be made under such a plan in the case of a debtor who is a family farmer. Requires a court, at the timely request of such a debtor, to hold a hearing to determine from the facts and circumstances of the debtor and the case a reasonable time after such a plan is filed within which the debtor shall begin making such payments.
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 1985
Amends the Farm Credit Act of 1971 to require that sales and exchanges of real property by Farm Credit System institutions include all mineral rights in such property.
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 1985
Designates November 30, 1985, as National Mark Twain Day.
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 1985
Establishes in the legislative branch of the Government the Perot Commission on Americans Missing in Southeast Asia to conduct an investigation and report to the Congress its findings with respect to the existence and the release of prisoners of war in Southeast Asia. Sets forth specified administrative procedures and powers of the Commission. Requires the Commission to terminate 30 days after the filing of its report to the Congress or on January 3, 1987, whichever occurs first.
United States · United States Congress · 23 April 1985
Authorizes the President, on behalf of the Congress, to present a gold medal honoring George Gershwin to his sister, Frances Gershwin Godowsky, and a gold medal honoring Ira Gershwin to his widow, Lenore Gershwin. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to provide for the sale of bronze duplicates of the medal. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 22 April 1985
Prohibits imports of beef, bananas, or sugar from Nicaragua until the President finds that the policies of the Nicaraguan Government regarding opposition to the resistance forces and a democratic government are consistent with its obligations under the terms of the Nicaraguan revolution and the promises made to the Organization of American States.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1985
Amends the Agriculture and Food Act of 1981 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to take all feasible steps to cause the exportation at competitive world prices of basic agricultural commodities produced in the United States. Directs the Secretary to subsidize, if necessary, the price of exporting any basic agricultural commodity covered by a price support loan program. Limits the total value of such subsidy.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1985
Human Nutrition Research Act of 1985 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to: (1) develop and implement a national food and human nutrition research and extension program; (2) establish nutrition research as a separate and distinct mission of the Department of Agriculture; (3) conduct a study of the relationship, if any, between dietary cholesterol and blood cholesterol; and (4) establish a nutrition education program.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1985
Renewable Energy and Conservation Transition Act of 1985 - Title I: Extension of Business Energy Credits - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend the energy investment tax credit for solar energy property from 1985 to 1990. Sets the amount of such credit during such period at 15 percent for low temperature solar property and 25 percent for all other solar property. Extends the energy investment tax credit for wind property from 1985 to 1988. Sets the amount of such credit at: (1) ten percent during 1986 and 1987; and (2) five percent during 1988. Extends the energy investment tax credit for geothermal property and biomass property from 1985 to 1988. Extends the energy investment tax credit for ocean thermal property from 1985 to 1990. Revises the definition of "solar property" for purposes of such tax credit. Sets forth special rules for geothermal equipment to qualify for such credit. Title II: Affirmative Commitment Rule to Extend the Business Credit for Certain Long-Term Projects - Extends the time period during which an affirmative commitment must be made in order for long-term energy projects to be eligible for the energy investment tax credit. Allows such extension: (1) from 1990 to 1993 for solar energy property; (2) from 1988 to 1990 for geothermal energy property; and (3) from 1985 to 1990 for hydroelectric generating property. Title III: Extension of Residential Energy Credits - Extends the residential energy income tax credit for solar renewable energy property from 1985 to 1990. Phases out such credit over such period of time. Provides that solar hot water systems and active space heating systems must meet certain additional standards in order to qualify for such credit. Extends the residential energy income tax credit for wind renewable energy property from 1985 to 1988. Phases out such credit over such period of time. Extends the residential energy income tax credit for geothermal renewable energy property from 1985 to 1988. Phases out such credit over such period of time. Revises the definition of geothermal deposits for purposes of such credit. Revises the definition of energy conservation expenditures for purposes of the residential energy income tax credit to limit the amounts taken into account to $700. Limits the energy conservation income tax credit to taxpayers with an adjusted gross income of less than $30,000. Title IV: Effective Date - Sets forth the effective date of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 1985
Trade Law Modernization Act of 1985 - Title I: National Trade Policy and Negotiating Objectives; Negotiation Authority - Sets forth national trade policy objectives that shall guide U.S. trade policy and domestic economic policy. Directs the Administering Authority (the U.S. Trade Representative) to submit by March 1 of each year to specified congressional committees a statement of the actions the Administering Authority proposes to take during such year to achieve such objectives. Requires the committees to hold hearings on such proposals and to advise the Administering Authority on such proposals. Declares that U.S. objectives in any trade negotiations shall be: (1) to obtain more open and equitable market access abroad for U.S. products and services, the reduction and elimination of the adverse effects of certain foreign trade practices, and improved effectiveness of the rules governing international trade; (2) to develop internationally accepted rules which meet certain needs; and (3) to promote international cooperation in trade and monetary policies. Directs the Administering Authority to seek to obtain fair and equitable market opportunities through consultations on negotiations with foreign countries or instrumentalities in order to remedy the harmful efforts on U.S. trade of discriminatory procurement practices and regulatory requirements of such countries or instrumentalities. Authorizes the Administering Authority to: (1) suspend or withdraw benefits under any trade agreement with such countries or instrumentalities; (2) direct customs officers to impose import restrictions on the goods of such countries or instrumentalities and to impose fees or restrictions on the services of such countries or instrumentalities; (3) make available analysis and information to other U.S. agencies and courts for the purpose of ensuring consideration by such agencies and courts of the competitive impact of pending administrative or judicial decisions of such agencies or courts that could significantly enlarge the access of foreign products and services to the U.S. market; and (4) recommend action to the President with respect to service sector access authorization (a Federal authorization that gives a foreign supplier of services access to U.S. markets). Directs the Administering Authority, if there is a significant denial of market opportunities in a foreign country for U.S. products and services in an economic sector where the United States has increased market opportunities for such country's products and services, to: (1) act to obtain fair and equitable market opportunities in the markets of such foreign country; and (2) pending achievement of such opportunities, impose equivalent conditions of market access. Authorizes action to be taken under this Act upon motion of the Administering Authority or after investigation upon the filing of a petition. Title II: Transfer of Authority to Administering Authority; Amendments to Title I of Trade Act of 1974 - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to transfer from the President to the Administering Authority the authority to: (1) take action in cases of market disruption; and (2) extend tariff preferences under the Generalized System of Preferences. Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to transfer from the President to the Administering Authority the authority to make the final review of actions to prevent unfair practices in the importation of articles into the United States. Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to direct the Secretary of Commerce to establish a program to evaluate the industrial and trade policies of other countries and the effects of such policies on U.S. industries, trade, and employment. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress annually on such program. Directs the Secretary in conjunction with the U.S. Trade Representative, to establish special industry sector advisory panels to assess the actual or potential dislocation, challenge, or opportunity for the industry sectors involved and to formulate recommendations for responses by business, government, and labor. Requires the industry and labor advisory committees established by the Trade Act of 1974 to hold joint meetings at the call of the respective committee chairs and to meet at the call of the Administering Authority before and during trade negotiations to provide policy and technical advice and advice on any other factors relevant to U.S. positions in such trade negotiations. Authorizes the President to impose a temporary import surcharge at a level which the President determines to be necessary to assist in restoring equilibrium in the balance of payments in certain circumstances. (Currently such surcharge may not exceed 15 percent.) Limits the duration of such surcharge or limits imposed on imports to improve the balance of payments to one year. (Currently such measures may be imposed for only 150 days.) Deletes certain restrictions on imposing import limitations for such purposes. Authorizes one year extensions of such measures. Title III: 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 International Trade Commission (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 under employment) 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; and (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 (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 import 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 an 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 IV: 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 action by the President; 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). Authorizes the President, upon recommendation of the Administering Authority, to: (1) restrict the terms and conditions of any service sector access authorization; or (2) deny the issuance of any such authorization. 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 determinations were 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 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 on 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 V: Countervailing and Antidumping Duties - Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to add requirements for a country to be considered a "country under the Agreement" for purposes of the countervailing duty provisions of such Act. Requires such a country to have made a commitment under the 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 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 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. Includes natural resource subsidies within the definition of subsidy for purposes of such Act. Declares that a natural resource subsidy exists if: (1) a natural resource product is provided or sold by a government-controlled entity within a country for use in the manufacture or production in such country of merchandise which is the subject of a countervailing duty investigation at a domestic price that is lower than the fair market value of the natural resource product in such country and that is not freely available to U.S. producers for purchase of that product for export to the United States; and (2) such natural resource product would, if sold at the fair market value, constitute a significant portion of the total cost of the manufacture or production of such merchandise. Changes the definition of foreign market value for purposes of countervailing duty investigations. Requires the Administering Authority to include in calculating the cost of producing the merchandise the value of any benefit the producer or manufacturer has received from government research and development programs. Requires sales made at less than cost of production to be disregarded in the determination of foreign market value if such sales were made over an extended period of time and in substantial quantities. Sets forth a special rule for determining cost of production and constructed value if imports of the merchandise into the home market have been unreasonably restrained. Requires the ITC, in determining whether a U.S. industry is threatened with material injury because of imports, to consider: (1) 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 merchandise and to cause or threaten to cause material injury to the United States; and (2) the extent to which the United States is the focal point for exports of the merchandise by reason of restraints on exports of the merchandise to, or on imports of the merchandise into, third country markets.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1985
Department of International Trade and Industry Act of 1985 - Title I: General Provisions - Sets forth congressional findings and definitions related to this Act. Title II: Department of International Trade and Industry - Part A: Establishment - Establishes an independent Department of International Trade and Industry which shall be administered by a Secretary of International Trade and Industry. Requires that the Secretary shall be the U.S. Trade Representative. Sets forth the functions of the Secretary. Requires the Secretary to be: (1) Chairman of the Board of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation; (2) Chairman pro tempore of the interagency organization established pursuant to the Trade Expansion Act of 1962; (3) a member of the National Security Council; and (4) Deputy Chairman of the National Advisory Council on International Monetary and Financial Policies. Directs the Secretary to consult with the Secretary of Agriculture on all matters which potentially involve international trade in agricultural products. Requires that the Secretary shall be Chairman and the Secretary of Agriculture shall be Vice Chairman of any negotiation that includes discussion of international trade in agricultural products. Authorizes the Secretary, except where expressly prohibited by law, to assign the responsibility for conducting an international trade negotiation to the head of another Federal agency if the subject matter of the negotiation is related to the functions of that agency. Requires the President, if the provisions of a regulation, executive order, or executive agreement may have a significant impact on the international economic competitiveness of significant domestic product and service industries, to submit a statement to specified congressional committees describing the likely impact of such provisions. Requires such statement to be submitted at least 60 days before the regulation, order, or agreement will take effect. Authorizes the President to waive the impact statements if, in order to serve the national interest or deal with an emergency situation, the regulation, order, or agreement must take effect immediately. Requires that the report of a bill or resolution which contains provisions that would have a significant impact on the international economic competitiveness of significant domestic product and service industries shall contain a statement describing the likely impact of such provisions. Authorizes the Secretary to establish regional trade centers throughout the United States in order to increase exports of U.S. goods and services. Part B: Offices and Administrations - Establishes in the Office of the Secretary the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative. Establishes within the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative the Deputy U.S. Trade Representative and the Deputy U.S. Trade Representative for Agriculture. Establishes within the Department: (1) the United States Travel and Tourism Administration; (2) the Administration for Productivity and Technology (composed of the Patent and Trademark Office, the National Bureau of Standards, and Office of Telecommunications and Information, and the National Technical Information Service); (3) the Office of Small Business Trade Assistance, which shall provide small businesses with information concerning import relief and assistance in preparing petitions and applications for import relief; and (4) the Office of Competitive Analysis, which shall provide information and analysis for the Secretary, the Department, and the Congress with respect to trade policy, trade negotiating strategy, and other policies affecting the competitiveness of domestic industries. Requires the Office of Competitive Analysis to report annually to the Congress on economic and technological developments affecting the competitive position of U.S. industry. Directs the Secretary to convene an industry sector competitiveness council for specified industry sectors to assess actual or potential dislocation, challenge, or opportunity for the industry involved and to formulate recommendations for business, government, and labor. Part C: Officers - Establishes in the Department a Deputy Secretary of International Trade and Industry who, among other things, shall be Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Export-Import Bank of the United States. Establishes within the Department four Under Secretaries of International Trade and Industry, including an Under Secretary for Travel and Tourism and an Under Secretary for Agriculture. Establishes within the Department an Administrator for Productivity and Technology who shall administer the Administration for Productivity and Technology. Establishes within the Department nine Assistant Secretaries including an Assistant Secretary for Patents and Trademarks and an Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information. Establishes within the Department a General Counsel and an Inspector General. Lists other officers within the Department. Part D: Transfers to the Department - Transfers to the Secretary all functions of the U.S. Trade Representative and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative. Transfers to the Secretary, except for functions transferred by titles III, IV, and V: (1) all functions of the Secretary of Commerce; (2) all functions of the Department of Commerce; and (3) all functions of specified officers within the Department of Commerce. Part E: Administrative Provisions - Sets forth provisions dealing with: (1) personnel issues; (2) the power of the Secretary to delegate functions; (3) the succession of officers within the Department; (4) the authority of the Secretary to reorganize the Department; (5) the authority of the Secretary to issue rules and regulations; (6) the establishment of a working capital fund for the Department; (7) the transfer of funds; and (8) other administrative matters. Part F: Related Agencies - Amends the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 to require that the interagency trade organization established pursuant to that Act shall be composed of the President, the Secretaries of International Trade and Industry, Agriculture, Defense, Labor, and the Treasury and the heads of such other departments and agencies and such other officers as the President shall designate. Amends the Export-Import Bank Act of 1945 to require that the Deputy Secretary of International Trade and Industry shall serve as Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Export-Import Bank. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to require that the Secretary shall be the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation and that the Director of the United States International Development Cooperation Agency shall be the Vice Chairman of such Board. Amends the National Security Act of 1947 to make the Secretary a member of the National Security Council. Amends the Bretton Woods Agreements Act to require the U.S. executive director of the International Monetary Fund to consult with the Secretary on matters under consideration by the Fund which relate to trade. Establishes within the Executive Office of the President a Council on International Trade, Economic, and Financial Policy to coordinate U.S. trade policies with U.S. international economic policies. Establishes within the Executive Office of the President an Advisor to the President for International Trade, Economic, and Financial Policy who shall be Executive Director of the Council and Executive Director of the interagency organization established pursuant to the Trade Expansion Act of 1962. Requires the Advisor to report to the President and the Congress every six months on actual and potential conflicts between U.S. international economic policies and U.S. trade policies. Part G: Conforming Provisions - Sets forth conforming amendments. Title III: Establishment of National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration as an Independent Agency - National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Act of 1985 - Part A: Establishment of Administration - Establishes the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration as an independent agency. Requires the Administration to include specified officers, including an Administrator (appointed by the President) and a Deputy Administrator. Transfers the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration of the Department of Commerce to the Administration. Part B: Administrative Provisions - Sets forth administrative provisions. Requires the Administrator to report annually to the President on the activities of the Administration. Title IV: Establishment of the Bureau of the Census as an Independent Agency - Establishes the Bureau of the Census as an independent agency. Transfers the Bureau of the Census of the Department of Commerce to the Bureau. Sets forth the powers and duties of the Bureau of the Census. Directs the President to the report to the Congress, within 90 days of the effective date of this Act, on the coordination of statistical functions between the Bureau and the Department involved in carrying out certain statistical functions. Title V: Transfers to Other Federal Agencies - Part A: Minority Business Development Agency - Transfers the Minority Business Development Agency of the Department of Commerce to the Small Business Administration. Part B: Economic Development Administration - Transfers the Economic Development Administration of the Department of Commerce to the Department of Agriculture. Title VI: Transitional, Savings, and Conforming Provisions - Provides for transfers of other functions of the Secretary of Commerce which are not dealt with in earlier titles. Sets forth transitional, savings, and conforming provisions relating to changes made by this Act. Terminates the Department of Commerce. Title VII: Agricultural Exports - Directs the President to report to the Congress any export control imposed on agricultural commodities under the Export Administration Act of 1979. Terminates such export control if a law is not enacted within 60 days after the export control is imposed approving the export control. Directs the Secretary to take all feasible steps to bring about the export of U.S. agricultural products at competitive world prices. Authorizes the Secretary to subsidize the price of exporting agricultural commodities. Title VIII: Miscellaneous - Sets forth the effective dates for provisions of this Act. Provides for interim appointments of certain officers. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1985
1985 White House Conference on International Trade Act - Declares that it is the policy of the Congress that the Federal Government should develop and implement a policy for expanding the participation of the United States in international trade. Authorizes the President to call a White House Conference on International Trade in order to develop recommendations for further research and action in international trade. Requires the Conference to bring together representatives of Federal, State, and local governments, professional and lay people, and academics. Requires a final report of the Conference, which shall include a statement of comprehensive national policy on international trade, to be submitted to the President within 180 days after the Conference adjourns. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1985
World War I Veterans' Service Pension Act - Directs the Administrator of Veterans Affairs to pay a monthly pension of $150 to each veteran of World War I who meets specified service requirements. Requires such veteran, if receiving another pension administered by the Veterans Administration (VA), to elect which pension he will receive. Provides for the payment of a monthly pension of $100 to surviving spouses of World War I veterans who meet certain marriage requirements. Requires such surviving spouses to choose between pensions if they are currently receiving another pension through the VA.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1985
Rural Development Reorganization Act of 1985 - Title I: Reorganization Within Department of Agriculture - Amends Federal law to rename the Department of Agriculture the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. Retitles the Secretary of Agriculture the Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development. Establishes the Rural Development Administration within such Department. Renames the Farmers Home Administration the Farm Administration. Makes conforming administrative changes. Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to direct the Secretary to make grants to nonprofit institutions to establish rural technology development centers to seek to improve rural economic conditions. Permits the Secretary to provide employment-related technical assistance in economically distressed rural areas. Directs the Secretary to carry out the provisions of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act, except for specified loan provisions, through the Rural Development Administration. States that titles V and VI of the Rural Development Act of 1972 shall be carried out through the Rural Development Administration. Amends the Agriculture and Food Act of 1981 to expand the number of designated assistance areas from 225 to 450. Transfers certain conservation loan programs from the Farmers Home Administration to the Soil Conservation Service. Makes conforming amendments to specified agricultural and rural affairs Acts. Title II: Administration of Federal Rural Housing and Community Development Programs - Transfers to the Rural Development Administration current FmHA loan programs for: (1) business and industry; (2) community facilities; (3) water and waste disposal (including grant authority); and (4) rural development and planning, excluding farm production. Transfers to the new Farm Administration current FmHA single-family housing loan programs. Makes conforming amendments to the Housing Act of 1949. Provides for farm ownership assistance to be carried out through such Administration. Makes conforming amendments to the Federal National Mortgage Association Charter Act and the Federal Financing Bank Act of 1973. Title III: Administrative Provisions - Sets forth administrative provisions.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1985
Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to make grants for centers for rural technology development.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1985
Grants a Federal charter to the Franco-American War Veterans, Incorporated.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1985
Wood Products Trade Act of 1985 - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to authorize the President to enter into trade agreements which provide for voluntary restraints on exports of wood products. Declares that such agreements should also provide for the termination of subsidies and the harmonization reduction or elimination of tariff and nontariff barriers to international trade in wood products. Directs the President, in pursuing such trade agreements, to take into account trade distortions resulting from product standards and from restrictions on the trade of unprocessed logs. Requires such agreements, for specified purposes, to be treated in the same manner as trade agreements designed to reduce nontariff trade barriers and other trade distortions. Directs the President, after not more than 90 days of consultation with a foreign country or instrumentality, to: (1) terminate, withdraw, or suspend all or part of any trade agreement with such foreign entity with respect to any U.S. duty or other import restriction on wood products; and (2) terminate, withdraw, or suspend the U.S. obligations with respect to such duty or other import restriction. Requires that: (1) any duty or other import restriction with respect to which such an action has been taken shall remain in effect from February 26, 1985, through February 26, 1986; and (2) after February 26, 1986, any such duty shall be increased to ten percent ad valorem plus its column 1 duty rate, unless either a countervailing duty is imposed on that wood product because of a subsidy or the duty on the wood product is modified under a bill enacting a trade agreement on wood products. Requires that any such suspension of tariff or import restrictions on wood products shall be treated as an increase or imposition of duty for purposes of the President's authority to grant new concessions as compensation to maintain the general level of reciprocal and mutually advantageous concessions. Directs the President to consult with the Congress in carrying out this Act. Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to add as a definition of "subsidy" the furnishing of stumpage rights (the rights to cut or remove standing timber) on government lands by a country under a program or system in which those rights are furnished in exchange for a price less than the current price for comparable stumpage rights on government lands in the United States. Sets forth a formula for determining such stumpage rights subsidy in Canada. Amends the Tariff Schedules of the United States (TSUS) to change the definition of certain types of plywood for purposes of the TSUS.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1985
Amends the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act to exempt from certain cargo preference requirements activities of the Commodity Credit Corporation or the Department of Agriculture that promote the export of agricultural commodities.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1985
Designates the week of October 20 through October 26, 1985, as Lupus Awareness Week.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1985
Textile and Apparel Trade Enforcement Act of 1985 - Limits the total quantity of 1985 imports of textiles and textile products from a major exporting country to the lesser of an amount equal to 101 percent: (1) of the total quantity of textile products imported from such country if the total had increased by six percent annually (one percent annually for wool products) during 1981 through 1984; or (2) if the United States has an agreement with such country providing for an annual growth rate of less than six percent, of the total quantity of such products from such country imported during 1984. Limits the total quantity of 1985 imports of textiles and textile products from an exporting country to an amount equal to the total quantity of such products imported from such country during 1984 plus: (1) 15 percent of such quantity in the case of a category that is not an import sensitive category; or (2) one percent in the case of an import sensitive category. Provides for changing the classification of a country, except for a Caribbean country, from an exporting country to a major exporting country if the total textile imports from such country equals or exceeds one and one-quarter percent of all textiles imported into the United States. Sets forth a formula for adjusting the growth of textile imports annually. Sets forth certain minimum quantities of textile imports that all countries shall be allowed to export to the United States. Requires the Secretary of Commerce to enforce this Act. Directs the Secretary, within six months of enactment of this Act, to establish an import licensing system under which an importer of textiles will be required to present an import permit as a condition of entry of such textiles. Directs the President to report to the Congress annually on the administration of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1985
Directs the President to designate May 1985 as Older Americans Month.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1985
Polygraph Protection Act of 1985 - Prohibits any employer from using any lie detector test or examination in the work place, for both pre-employment testing and testing in the course of employment. Requires the Secretary of Labor to prepare and have printed notices setting forth this prohibition. Requires employers to post these notices. Provides for remedies for violations of this Act as found in the Fair Labor Standards Act. Exempts Federal, State, and local employees from the Act's coverage.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1985
Repeals the requirement added by the Tax Reform Act of 1984 relating to the maintenance of contemporaneous records with respect to: (1) business travel expenses, including automobile expenses; (2) business entertainment expenses; and (3) expenses for gifts.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1985
Agricultural Export Expansion Act of 1985 - Prohibits the cargo preference laws from applying to export activities of the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) or the Department of Agriculture under which: (1) stocks of farm commodities or the products thereof acquired by the CCC are made available to U.S. exporters, users, or foreign purchasers for the maintenance or expansion of export markets for U.S. farm commodities; (2) commercial credit guarantees are blended with direct interest-free credits from the CCC to reduce the interest rate on export sales of U.S. farm commodities; or (3) the CCC or the Department of Agriculture promotes the export of U.S. farm commodities on a commercial basis.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1985
Designates the month of April 1985 as Fair Housing Month.