United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1985
Law Enforcement and Intelligence Officer's Tort Liability Protection Act - Amends the Federal judicial code to grant certain Federal district courts exclusive jurisdiction of civil claims against the United States under the Federal Torts Claim Act for money damages arising under the Constitution for injury to or loss of property or life caused by any investigative, law enforcement, or intelligence officer while acting within the scope of his office or employment. Empowers the head of each Federal agency to determine claims for money damages against the United States for such injuries or loss. Increases from $25,000 to $50,000 the maximum amount which an agency head may award without prior written approval of the Attorney General. Makes the United States liable for injuries or loss caused by an investigative, law enforcement, or intelligence officer while acting within the scope of employment but in violation of the Constitution. Provides criteria for the measure of damages based upon certain circumstances and the conduct of the offending officer. States that claims for such injuries must first be presented and denied by the appropriate Federal agency before the claims may be brought against the United States. Makes the remedies provided under this Act exclusive of any other civil action. Deems such remedies an equally effective substitute for recoveries sought under the Constitution against the Federal employee in an individual capacity. Requires substitution of the United States as the party defendant upon certification by the Attorney General that the defendant Federal employee was acting within the scope of employment. Subjects Federal employees to administrative investigation or disciplinary action if their actions in violation of the Constitution result in a judgment against the United States or a settlement paid by the United States. States that Federal tort claims procedure shall not apply to: (1) non-Constitutional claims; and (2) Constitutional claims arising from the activities of certain Federal instrumentalities. Retains the right of a plaintiff to a jury trial where a civil action is brought against a Federal employee in his individual capacity.
United States · United States Congress · 20 February 1985
Prohibits ending the voluntary restraint on imports of Japanese automobiles until U.S. exports to Japan are substantially increased and the U.S. trade deficit with Japan is substantially reduced.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1985
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) Paraguay should carry out an investigation to locate and arrest Josef Mengele and extradite him to the Federal Republic of Germany; and (2) the United States should take actions to ensure that Josef Mengele is brought to justice.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1985
Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1985 - Amends the Education Amendments of 1972, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, and the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to provide a definition of the phrase "program or activity." Defines such term as all of the operations of: (1) a department or agency of a State or of a local government; (2) the entity of such State or local government that distributes Federal assistance and each such department or agency to which the assistance is extended; (3) a university or a system of higher education; (4) a local educational agency or other school system; (5) a corporation, partnership, or other private organization; or (6) any other entity consistent with the coverage provided above.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1985
Malt Beverage Interbrand Competition Act - Declares that no antitrust law shall prohibit the importer, brewer, or trademark licensee of a trademarked malt beverage, when such beverage has substantial competition from other malt beverages in an area, from: (1) entering into an agreement granting a wholesale distributor the exclusive right to sell such beverage within any defined geographic area within a State; or (2) limiting such distributor to the sale of such beverage for ultimate resale to consumers in such area. Declares that this Act shall not affect any provision of any State law.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1985
Fair Tax Act of 1985 - Title I: Reduction of Individual and Corporate Tax Rates - Subtitle A: Reduction of Rates - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to revise individual tax rates. Imposes a flat tax rate of 14 percent on the taxable income of individuals. Imposes a surtax of 12 and 16 percent of the amount by which adjusted gross income exceeds specified levels. Imposes a flat tax rate of 30 percent on the taxable income of estates and trusts. Imposes a flat tax rate of 30 percent on the taxable income of corporations. Subtitle B: Increase in Personal Exemption for Taxpayer and Standard Deduction - Increases the personal exemption to $1,600 for an individual taxpayer and spouse and to $1,800 for an individual who is a head of a household. Raises the standard deduction to $6,000 in the case of a joint return or a surviving spouse or $3,000 in the case of an individual or a married individual filing a separate return. Subtitle C: Repeals Related to Reduction in Rates - Repeals provisions relating to: (1) tax tables for individuals; (2) minimum tax for tax preferences; (3) personal service corporations; (4) special averaging rules for lump-sum distributions; (5) accumulated corporate surplus; (6) personal holding companies; (7) income averaging; and (8) graduated corporate tax rates. Repeals the indexing of tax rates. Applies the trust throwback rules only to amounts distributed from foreign trusts. Title II: Base Broadening-Subtitle A: Credits - Repeals the general tax credit, the investment tax credit, the possessions tax credit and the income tax credits relating to: (1) the elderly and the permanently and totally disabled; (2) contributions to candidates for public office; (3) home purchases; (4) residential energy conservation; (5) producing fuel from a nonconventional source; (6) alcohol used as fuel; (7) increasing research activities; (8) employee stock ownership; and (9) clinical testing for certain drugs. Allows an income tax deduction for household and dependent care expenses necessary for employment. (Present law allows an income tax credit for such expenses.) Subtitle B: Exclusions - Repeals the partial income tax exclusion for interest and dividends. Repeals the exclusion for: (1) qualified transportation furnished by an employer; (2) cafeteria plans furnished by an employer; (3) dependent care assistance programs; (4) dividend reinvestment in public utilities; (5) payments to encourage mining for defenses purposes; (6) earned income of citizens living abroad; (7) certain allowances; (8) income earned from sources within possessions of the United States; and (9) income earned from sources within Puerto Rico. Treats as taxable income: (1) amounts paid by an employer for group-term life insurance; (2) unemployment compensation; (3) the annual increase in the cash surrender value of life insurance policies; (4) interest on industrial development bonds and mortgage subsidy bonds; and (5) amounts contributed by an employer to accident and health plans. Provides a limited exclusion from income for scholarships and fellowships. Imposes the surtax on the gain from the sale of a principal residence. Amends the Merchant Marine Act to repeal the tax exemption for deposits into, and withdrawals from, a capital construction fund. Subtitle C: Deductions - Repeals the deduction for two-earner married couples and the deduction for adoption expenses. Limits the amount of the interest deduction for individuals. Repeals the deduction for State and local personal property and sales taxes. Restricts the charitable contribution for corporations to 50 percent of the charitable contributions made during the year. Increases the floor on the deduction for medical and dental expenses from five percent to ten percent. Subtitle D: Repeal of Special Capital Gains Treatment - Repeals the alternative tax on capital gains for corporations and the deduction for individuals for capital gains. Limits the amount of the capital loss deduction without regard to distinctions between short term and long term capital losses. Eliminates the distinction between short-term and long-term gains and losses. Title III: Capital Cost Recovery-Subtitle A: Simplified Cost Recovery Systems - Allows individuals and corporations a deduction from gross income for a percentage of the balance in a recovery account for each year. Includes in the recovery account the cost of recovery property which is depreciable property used in a trade or business or held for the production of income which is placed in service after December 31, 1986. Establishes six classes of recovery property and specifies a class life for each. Assigns property to each class according to the class life of the property. Sets forth rules for the calculation of the recovery percentage on the basis of the class life of the property. Allows individuals and corporations a deduction for depletable property determined as a percentage of the balance in a recovery account for each year. Establishes six classes of depletable property and assigns a class life to each. Assigns a ten-year class life for oil, gas, and geothermal wells. Subtitle B: Other Changes - Repeals the income tax deductions for: (1) intangible drilling and development costs for oil, gas, and geothermal wells; (2) depreciation; (3) amortization of pollution control facilities; (4) improvements made by a lessee on a lessor's property; (5) certain depreciable assets; (6) amortization of reforestation expenditures; (7) percentage depletion; (8) development expenditures; and (9) mining and exploration expenditures. Allows a ten-year period for the amortization of construction period interest and taxes. Allows a deduction of circulation expenses for a newspaper, magazine, or other periodical ratably over a ten-year period. Excludes amounts chargeable to a capital account from such treatment. Provides for the deduction of 50 percent of tertiary injectant expenses in the taxable year and 50 percent of such expenses in the succeeding taxable year. Title IV: Miscellaneous Provisions - Subtitle A: Foreign Income - Requires an individual who owns stock in a corporation which is a controlled foreign corporation to include in income a pro rata share of the corporations's earnings and profits for such year. Reduces such amount by any amount required to be included in income by reason of the amount being foreign personal holding company income. Repeals the foreign sales corporations (FSC) provisions for taxable years beginning after December 31, 1986. Repeals the domestic international sales corporations (DISC) provisions for taxable years beginning after December 31, 1986. Subtitle B: Other Miscellaneous Provisions - Repeals the tax exemption for credit unions. Reduces the limit on benefits which may be paid to a participant under defined benefit plans and defined contribution plans. Repeals the cost-of-living adjustment for defined benefit plans. Continues the cost-of-living adjustment for purposes of calculating a participant's average compensation for his or her high three years. Requires farmers to compute their taxable income using the accrual method of accounting with the capitalization of preproduction expenses. Exempts taxpayers who do not have gross receipts exceeding $1,000,000. Requires farming syndicates to use the accrual method of accounting without regard to gross receipts. Provides that farmers who must use the accrual method cannot expense the following: (1) soil and water conservation expenditures; (2) fertilizer; and (3) expenses for clearing land. Requires the deferral of income or loss must be taken into account in determining tax liability under the completed contract method of accounting. Requires that the taxpayer with adjusted gross income in excess of $100,000 must make estimated payments equal to 90 percent of current year tax. Requires the recognition of the gain or loss on distributions of property by corporations. Eliminates the special bad debt reserves of financial institutions. Title V: Effective Dates - Sets forth the effective dates for the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1985
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that one-half of the cost of insurance paid by a self-employed taxpayer for medical care during the taxable year will be allowed as a business deduction.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1985
Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) it would be in the best interests of allied security and unity for each member country of the security treaty (ANZUS) between Australia, New Zealand, and the United States to reinstate the practice of permitting all naval ships of other member countries access to the ports of such member country; and (2) the President should continue discussions with New Zealand regarding the access of U.S. ships to its ports, explore with Australia the desirability of a bilateral security treaty, preclude New Zealand from participating in military activities with the United States until the present impasse is resolved, and exercise the right of the United States to withdraw from New Zealand the benefits of the injury test provided under the Tariff Act of 1930.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1985
Veterans' Administration Adjudication Procedure and Judicial Review Act - Title I: Adjudication Procedures - Codifies, for Veterans Administration (VA) adjudication purposes, the burden of proof and reasonable doubt standards currently provided for by VA regulation. States that a claimant has the burden of submitting sufficient evidence to justify his or her claim, and that if an approximate balance of positive and negative evidence exists regarding the merits of a claim, the VA is to resolve such doubt in favor of the claimant. States that VA subpoenas may be served either by personal delivery or by registered or certified mail. Requires the chairman of the Board of Veterans' Appeals to submit an annual report to the appropriate congressional committees concerning the Board's current handling of cases and projections for the subsequent fiscal year. Requires the Board to: (1) provide notice to a claimant and an opportunity for a hearing before a decision may be based on "additional official information" received after a Board decision has previously been made; and (2) make its decision exclusively on evidence and material of record in the proceeding. Removes the requirement that new material sufficient to allow the Board to reopen a previously disallowed claim be in the form of official reports. Provides that the Board's discretionary authority to reopen a claim will not be diminished by a judicial decision following an appeal as provided for by this Act. Requires the Board to mail to the claimant notice of its decision and the reasons for such decision. Provides that, upon the request of a claimant, the Board shall provide an independent advisory medical opinion when there exists substantial medical disagreement with respect to a material issue in a veteran's appeal. Sets forth new procedural rules for adjudication hearings regarding: (1) oaths, affirmations, and witness examination; (2) admissibility of evidence; (3) procedural rights of claimants; (4) disqualification of a hearing officer; (5) the record of the proceedings and the claimant's right to examine and obtain a copy of such record; and (6) the exclusiveness of veterans' adjudication procedures and rights prescribed by the Administrator. Requires the Administrator to provide at each stage of the appeal proceedings written notice to a claimant of the claimant's procedural rights. Authorizes the Administrator to conduct a study of two alternative claims resolution methods: one a new intermediate-level adjudication process; the other an enhanced schedule of formal Appeals Board hearings. Directs the Administrator to report to the Congress on such studies. Title II: Veterans Administration Rule Making - Includes the VA's rulemaking procedures under the relevant provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act. Title III: Judicial Review - Provides for judicial review of VA decisions in the Federal court system. States with regard to jurisdiction: (1) the definition of final decision; (2) that judicial review of a final decision in a claim for benefits may be obtained in a civil action brought within 180 days of the Board's mailing of notice of its decision, and that such action shall be brought in Federal district court; (3) that the VA shall file the various materials constituting the record in a case together with its answer to the claimant's complaint; (4) that the court may render a decision on the pleadings; and (5) that the judicial review procedures established under this Act shall not apply to insurance and home loans. States, with regard to the reviewing court's scope of review, that such court: (1) shall decide questions of law and interpret constitutional, statutory, and regulatory provisions, but that questions of fact (unless unsupported by substantial evidence) will not be subject to a trial de novo; and (2) in reviewing a final decision of the VA which is adverse to a party solely because such party failed to comply with VA procedures, may only review questions concerning such procedures. Sets out provisions regarding remand, survival of actions, and appellate review. Title IV: Attorneys' Fees - Authorizes the Administrator to allow attorneys' fees above the present $10 maximum if the appealing party's claim is allowed by the VA after an initial denial. States that such fee shall be the lesser of: (1) the fee agreed upon by the party and attorney; (2) $500, unless the Administrator approves a greater amount; or (3) if the party and attorney have entered into a contingent-fee agreement, not more than 25 percent of the total of any past-due benefits awarded on the basis of such party's claim. Provides for the approval of attorneys' fees in successful veterans' claims brought before a court as provided for under this Act. States that such fees shall be determined by such court, and in contingent-fee agreements such fees shall not exceed 25 percent of the total of any past-due benefits awarded on the basis of such claim. Authorizes attorneys' fees of up to $750 in certain unsuccessful veterans' claims. Prohibits the VA from authorizing payment to a claimant's attorney based on past-due benefits unless such benefits are owed as of the date of the VA's or a court's award. States that such provisions regarding attorneys' fees shall only apply to claims for benefits under the laws administered by the VA and shall not apply in cases in which the VA is the plaintiff or in which other attorneys' fees statutes are otherwise controlling. Title V: Effective Dates - Sets forth the effective dates for this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1985
Anti-Nuclear Terrorism Act of 1985 - Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to require every individual allowed unescorted access to a nuclear power facility to be fingerprinted. Provides that all fingerprints shall be submitted to the Attorney General for identification and appropriate processing. Authorizes the Nuclear Regulatory Commission by rule to waive such requirement under certain conditions. Allows the Commission to prescribe regulations regarding the use of information received by the Attorney General.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1985
Expresses the sense of the Congress that it is necessary to change enacted laws in order to reduce budget authority by an amount sufficient to reduce outlays by specified amounts in FY 1985 and 1986.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1985
National Commission on Neurofibromatosis Act - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish within 60 days a National Commission on Neurofibromatosis which shall formulate a plan to identify the research needed to develop an effective treatment and a cure for neurofibromatosis. Sets forth operating and related provisions. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Commission to transmit interim reports. Requires the Commission to make a final report to the President and to each House of Congress within two years. Terminates the Commission three months after submission of the final report.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Amends the Federal criminal code to define "armor-piercing ammunition." Excludes from the definition: (1) shot gun shot required by Federal or State regulations for hunting; (2) frangible projectiles for target shooting; and (3) projectiles that the Secretary of the Treasury determines are primarily intended for sporting purposes. Makes it unlawful for any person to manufacture or import armor-piercing ammunition. Allows for: (1) the manufacture or importation of armor piercing ammunition for the use of the United States or any State or local government; and (2) manufacture for the sole purpose of exportation. Establishes a licensing fee of $1,000 per year for manufacturers and importers of armor-piercing ammunition. Imposes an additional mandatory sentence of not less than five years for any person who uses or carries a firearm and is in possession of armor-piercing ammunition during the commission of a violent felony. Provides that such sentence shall not be suspended nor probation nor parole be granted.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Provides that each item of any general or special appropriation bill and any bill or joint resolution making supplemental, deficiency, or continuing appropriations that is agreed to in the same form by both Houses of the Congress shall be enrolled as a separate bill or joint resolution for presentation to the President (line-item veto).
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Declares that it shall not be in order for either House of the Congress to consider an appropriations bill that would cause the aggregate total budget authority for national defense and non-defense discretionary activities for FY 1986 to exceed specified FY 1985 levels. Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for no increase in hospital or physician reimbursements during FY 1986. Prohibits any cost of living increase in Federal benefits or payments during FY 1986.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Amends the Steel Import Stabilization Act to direct the U.S. Trade Representative, in negotiating with Japan and South Korea on steel products import limits, to negotiate the apportionment of the aggregate limit among specified subcategories of steel products. Directs the U.S. Trade Representative to apportion the aggregate limit if such negotiations are not successfully concluded within 30 days of the enactment of this Act. Sets forth such subcategories.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Designates May 7, 1985, as Helsinki Human Rights Day. Requests the President to: (1) reassert American commitment to the Helsinki Accords; (2) raise the issue of noncompliance with such Accords with the U.S.S.R. and the Warsaw Pact nations; and (3) convey to U.S. allies the necessity of unity on these points.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should appoint a special diplomatic envoy to investigate and report on how the United States could assist Ireland, Great Britain, and communities in Northern Ireland in arriving at a peaceful resolution of the conflict in Northern Ireland.
United States · United States Congress · 10 October 1984
Partnerships in Research Act - Authorizes the National Science Foundation to make grants to institutions of higher education to pay the Federal share of the costs of basic research projects designed to enhance new technologies. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 through 1987 for such purpose. Allows an institution of higher education to use payments received under this Act in any fiscal year for such purpose. Requires the Director of the Foundation, for purposes of this Act, to prepare and publish in each fiscal year in the Federal Register a list of new technologies. Sets forth application requirements for such grants. Requires that the non-Federal share of project costs be furnished by businesses. Directs the Foundation to establish criteria for approval of applications and to adopt approval procedures designed to assure equitable distribution of such grants among the States and among types of institutions of higher education making applications. Directs the Foundation to pay a Federal share not to exceed 50 percent of project cost for each fiscal year. Allows the non-Federal share to be in cash or in kind. Limits to not more than two percent the portion of appropriations under this Act in any fiscal year which may be paid to any single institution of higher education.
United States · United States Congress · 10 October 1984
Law Enforcement and Investigative Officers Civil Liability Protection Act of 1984 - Amends the Federal judicial code to grant certain Federal district courts exclusive jurisdiction of civil claims against the United States for certain injuries or losses caused by an investigative or law enforcement officer while acting within the scope of employment but in violation of the Constitution. Empowers the head of each Federal agency to determine claims for money damages against the United States for such injuries or loss. Increases from $25,000 to $50,000 the maximum amount which an agency head may award without prior written approval of the Attorney General. Makes the United States liable for injuries or loss caused by an investigative or law enforcement officer while acting within the scope of employment but in violation of the Constitution. Provides criteria for the measure of damages based upon certain circumstances and the conduct of the offending officer. Requires that claims for such injuries must first be presented and denied by the appropriate Federal agency before the claims may be brought against the United States. Makes the remedies provided under this Act exclusive of any other civil action. Deems such remedies an equally effective substitute for recoveries sought under the Constitution against the Federal employee in an individual capacity. Requires substitution of the United States as the party defendant upon certification by the Attorney General that the defendant Federal employee was acting within the scope of employment. Subjects Federal employees to administrative investigation or disciplinary action if their actions in violation of the Constitution result in a judgment against the United States or a settlement paid by the United States. States that Federal torts claims procedure shall not apply to: (1) non-Constitutional claims; and (2) Constitutional claims arising from the activities of certain Federal instrumentalities. Retains the right of a plaintiff to a jury trial where a civil action is brought against a Federal employee in his individual capacity.
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 1984
Correctional Improvements Act of 1984 - Amends the Federal criminal code to extend the escape from custody offense to persons who are in custody as a result of civil contempt. Prohibits providing or possessing contraband in Federal prison. Makes it a Federal offense for any person to provide an inmate with: (1) a firearm or other destructive device; (2) any weapon or object that may be used as a means to facilitate escape; (3) narcotic drugs; (4) controlled substances; (5) alcoholic beverages; (6) U.S. currency; or (7) any other object. Prohibits Federal inmates from possessing the above. Establishes penalties based upon the kind of contraband either provided or possessed. Provides for imprisonment for not more than ten years or a fine of not more than $25,000 for any person who intentionally causes or assists in any mutiny or riot in Federal prison. Authorizes the seizure and forfeiture of contraband found in the possession of prisoners. Establishes an offense involving the trespass upon any reservation, land or facility of the Bureau of Prisons. Extends the arrest authority of the officers and employees of the Bureau of Prisons. Authorizes the Attorney General to contract with private organizations and entities for the imprisonment, subsistence, care, and employment of Federal prisoners. Increases the maximum amount of the gratuity given prisoners upon discharge from $100 to $500. Establishes authority for the United States to exchange inmates with States. Authorizes the Attorney General to accept gifts or donations of property for the use of the Bureau of Prisons, or the Federal Prison Industries, Incorporated. Allows the Bureau of Prisons to accept voluntary services. Authorizes the chief executive officer of a Federal penal or correctional facility to order an autopsy on the body of a deceased inmate.
United States · United States Congress · 11 September 1984
States that: (1) the United States should not lend support to any South African constitutional reform arrangements which do not address the political aspirations of that nation's black majority; (2) the Congress condemns the South African Government's arbitrary arrests and detention of peaceful opponents to such government's constitutional arrangements; (3) the Congress is dismayed by such government's decision to defy and to bypass its high court's rulings in order to suppress lawful political opposition; and (4) the South African Government should terminate such practices and release those persons who have been imprisoned for expressing their political preferences.
United States · United States Congress · 10 August 1984
Agricultural Patent Reform Act of 1984 - Amends the patent laws to extend the terms of patents which emcompass specified products or methods for using a product, including methods of manufacturing which primarily use recombinant DNA technology, any of which are subject to certain nonpatent regulatory review periods. Sets forth the terms and conditions of such extension, including a five year limitation on the extension and a 25 year maximum patent term for the earliest filing. Directs the Commissioner of Patents to notify the appropriate Federal agency upon receipt from the product sponsor of a notice of extension to determine the applicable regulatory review period and whether, within that period, the sponsor acted with due diligence. Provides for notice and informal hearings for persons interested in such determinations. Permits the setting of fees to cover the costs of review. Directs the Commissioner, upon a final determination of the applicable regulatory review period, to issue to the owner of record of a patent a certificate of extension stating the fact and length of the extension and identifying the product and the use and the claim to which such extension is applicable. Makes such certificate a part of the original patent. Limits the application of such patent term extension to patents for: (1) any new animal drug or antibiotic subject to regulation under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act; (2) any veterinary biological product subject to regulation under the Virus-Serum-Toxin Act; (3) any pesticide subject to regulation under the Federal Insectide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act; and (4) any chemical substance or mixture subject to regulation under the Toxic Substances Control Act.
United States · United States Congress · 9 August 1984
Authorizes the Special Counsel of the Merit Systems Protection Board to appear as a counsel on behalf of any party in a civil action brought in connection with any function of the Special Counsel and to initiate and prosecute on behalf of any party in any such case an appeal of the decision of any administrative tribunal, U.S. district court, or the U.S. Claims Court. Authorizes any person aggrieved by a prohibited personnel practice to intervene in any administrative or judicial action brought by the Special Counsel under this Act. Entitles any such party appealing an administrative decision to have the facts subject to trial de novo by the reviewing court.
United States · United States Congress · 9 August 1984
Drug Price Competition and Patent Term Restoration Act of 1984 - Title I: Abbreviated New Drug Applications - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to authorize abbreviated applications for the approval of a new drug. Sets forth the contents of an abbreviated application, including: (1) information to show that the conditions of use prescribed in the labeling proposed for a new drug have been previously approved for a drug that appears on a list prepared by the Secretary of Health and Human Services (listed drug); and (2) a certification relating to patents covering such listed drug. Requires an applicant who makes such a certification to state in the application that a specified notice has been given to: (1) each owner of the patent (or owner-representative); and (2) the holder (or holder-representative) of the approved application for the drug or drug use claimed by the patent. Sets forth information to be included in such notice. Requires the permission of the Secretary before an abbreviated application may be submitted for a new drug which has a different active ingredient or whose route of administration, dosage form, or strength differ from that of a listed drug. Directs the Secretary to approve an application for a drug unless specified findings are made. Requires the Secretary to approve or disapprove an application within a specified time. Requires the approval of a drug to be withdrawn or suspended if the application for approval was abbreviated and it refers to a drug the approval of which was withdrawn or suspended for specified reasons. Requires the Secretary, within 60 days of enactment, to publish: (1) a list of each drug which has been approved for safety and effectiveness before enactment of this Act; (2) the date of approval (if after 1981) and the number of the application; and (3) whether in vitro or in vitro bioequivalence studies, or both, are required for applications filed under this Act which will refer to the drug published. Provides for periodic revisions of the list. Prohibits listing of a drug whose approval has been withdrawn or suspended. Requires the applicant to file with the application (or amend it when the information becomes available) the patent number and the expiration date of any patent which claims the drug or a method of using it and with respect to which a claim of patent infringement could reasonably be asserted if a non-licensee engaged in the drug's manufacture, use, or sale. Requires the Secretary to disapprove the application if it does not contain such patent information, or to withdraw appproval if the patent information was not filed within a specified time after notification. Requires a similar certification relating to patents covering a drug for which the applicant files a non-abbreviated application for approval. Requires the applicant who makes such a certification to state that the applicant has given notice to specified patent-owners and application-holders or their representatives. Requires safety and effectiveness data submitted in a non-abbreviated application to be made available to the public, if not previously disclosed, upon request, under certain conditions. Provides for the promulgation of regulations to administer the amendments made by this title. Title II: Patent Extension - Extends the term of a patent which claims a product, a method of using a product, or a method of manufacturing a product if specified conditions are met. Requires among such conditions that: (1) the term of the patent has not expired before an application for extension is submitted; (2) the term of the patent has never been extended; and (3) an application for extension is submitted by the owner of record of the patent or its agent and in accordance with specified requirements. Sets special conditions for an application for a product primarily using recombinant DNA technology. Limits the rights derived from a patent during an extension period to the rights available before the term of the patent expired. Limits, with specified exceptions, the term of the extension to the time equal to the regulatory review period for the approved product. Sets forth the requirements for an extension application. Requires the Patent Commissioner to notify the Secretary of Health and Human Services of the extension application if the patent involves any human drug product, a medical device, or a food or color additive, or a method of use or manufacture subject to the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act. Provides for review of the application by the Secretary. Declares that it is not a patent infringement to make, use, or sell a patented invention (other than a new animal drug or veterinary biological product) solely for uses reasonably related to the development and submission of information under a Federal law which regulates the manufacture, use, or sale of drugs. Declares that it shall be a patent infringement to submit an abbreviated application for a drug claimed, or whose use is claimed, in a patent if the purpose of the submission is to obtain approval to engage in the commercial manufacture, use, or sale of such a drug before the patent expires. Sets forth civil remedies for such an infringement. Prohibits injunctive or other relief in an action for patent infringement if the relief would prohibit the making, using, or selling of a patented invention for uses reasonably related to the development of information under a Federal drug regulatory law. Makes the invalidity of a patent extension a defense in a patent infringement action. Title III: Separability Clause - Provides that if any provision of this Act is declared unconstitutional, the remainder of the Act shall not be affected.
United States · United States Congress · 9 August 1984
Expresses the sense of the Senate that no recess appointments should be made when the Senate stands adjourned or recessed within a session for a period of less than 30 days.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1984
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to reduce the rate of imputed interest for: (1) the first $250,000 of the sale price of residential property sold by an individual; (2) the first $1,500,000 of the sale price of farm property sold by an individual, partnership, estate or small business corporation; and (3) the first $500,000 of the sale price of real property associated with the sale of a trade or business.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 1984
Proclaims October 23, 1984, as "A Time of Remembrance" for Americans to take time to reflect on the sacrifices that have been made in the pursuit of peace and freedom.
United States · United States Congress · 20 June 1984
Congratulates and commends the USA Philharmonic Society for its work on behalf of the Nation's young musicians and its commitment to furthering better understanding among peoples of all nations through the language of music.
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 1984
Fair Insurance Coverage Act - Prohibits any insurer from discriminating in an insurance contract against any person because of blindness. Includes within the prohibition refusing to make or negotiate a contract for insurance or giving different treatment with respect to terms, conditions, rates, or benefits because of blindness. Establishes a preference for State actions prior to judicial enforcement under this Act. Authorizes any aggrieved person, in the absence of State actions or jurisdiction, to bring an action under this Act for individual relief. Authorizes the Attorney General of the United States to bring an action for injunctive relief whenever there is reasonable cause to believe a person is engaged in a pattern or practice of discrimination or when an individual is aggrieved and an issue of general public importance is raised. Grants the Federal district courts jurisdiction of such actions regardless of the amount in controversy. Allows a court to order monetary, equitable, or other appropriate relief, including punitive damages.
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 1984
Amends the Federal criminal code to define "armor piercing ammunition." Excludes from the definition: (1) shot gun shot required by Federal or State regulations for hunting; (2) frangible projectiles for target shooting; and (3) projectiles that the Secretary of Treasury determines are primarily intended for sporting purposes. Makes it unlawful for any person to manufacture or import armor piercing ammunition. Allows for: (1) the manufacture or importation of armor piercing ammunition for the use of the United States or any State or local government; and (2) manufacture for the sole purpose of exportation. Establishes a licensing fee of $1,000 per year for manufacturers and importers of armor piercing ammunition. Imposes an additional mandatory sentence of not less than five years for any person who uses or carries a firearm and is in possession of armor piercing ammunition during the commission of a violent felony. Provides that such sentence shall not be suspended nor probation nor parole granted.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1984
Energy Security Reserve Amendments of 1984 - Rescinds $9,000,000,000 of the funds appropriated to the Energy Security Reserve by the Department of the Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1980. Prohibits the obligation of funds available to carry out title I of the Energy Security Act to those projects whose products will cost significantly more than projected market prices of competing fuels over the life of the project.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1984
Uniform Minimum Drinking Age Act of 1984 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to withhold five percent in FY 1987, and ten percent in FY 1988, of certain Federal-aid highway funds from States in which the minimum drinking age is less than 21 years.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 1984
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the International Olympic Committee should establish a permanent Olympic facility on a site that insulates the games from international politics.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1984
Praises the decision of the Supreme Court in Brown v. Board of Education, invalidating the doctrine of "separate but equal." Designates May 17, 1984, as a national day of commemoration of that decision.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1984
Act for Rewards for Information Concerning Terrorist Acts - Amends the Federal criminal code to provide a reward not to exceed $500,000 to any individual who furnishes information regarding an act of terrorism directed against a U.S. person or U.S. property. Authorizes the Attorney General or the Secretary of State to determine whether an individual is entitled to a reward and the amount to be paid. Provides that a reward of $100,000 or more may not be made without the approval of the President. Allows for the protection of the identity of the recipient of a reward if it is determined that such measures are necessary. Authorizes appropriations. Makes Federal, State and local officers and employees ineligible for such payment.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1984
Act for the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Hostage-Taking - Provides for the implementation of the International Convention Against the Taking of Hostages. Amends the kidnapping provisions of the Federal Criminal Code to include within the prohibition threatening to kill, injure, or continue to detain the kidnap victim in order to compel a third party to do or abstain from doing any act as a condition for the release of the victim. Imposes a penalty of 20 years imprisonment for such hostage-taking. Authorizes the United States, if the kidnap victim is an internationally protected person or if the kidnapping is a hostage-taking, to exercise jurisdiction if: (1) the offense was committed within the United States; (2) the alleged offender is a U.S. national; (3) the victim was a U.S. national; or (4) the offender is present within the United States. Authorizes the Attorney General to request aid from any Federal, State, or local agency in the course of enforcing the prohibition against hostage-taking.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1984
Aircraft Sabotage Act - Amends the Federal criminal code to make it a Federal offense to willfully: (1) set fire, damage, destroy or interfere with the operation of any aircraft; (2) place a destructive device or substance in or in proximity to any aircraft in order to make it unusable or hazardous to work; (3) damage any air navigation facility; (4) damage, destroy, or disable any appliance, structure, ramp, landing area or property used in connection with the operation or maintenance of any such aircraft; (5) incapacitate or use violence against any individual on such aircraft; (6) communicate false information endangering the safety of such aircraft; or (7) attempt to accomplish any of the above. Provides for a fine of not more than $100,000 or imprisonment for not more than 20 years or both. Establishes a separate offense with regard to using violence against any individual on board or destroying or damaging an aircraft registered in a country other than the United States. Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to revise the definition of "special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States". Makes it a Federal criminal act to impart or convey threats dealing with the destruction of aircraft, motor vehicles, trains or vessels. Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to provide civil and criminal penalties for conveying false information in regard to aircraft piracy, crimes on aircraft and interference with flight crew members. Prohibits any person, except authorized law enforcement officers or government employees from carrying a concealed or dangerous weapon in flight. Increases the criminal fines for certain aircraft violations.
![Official portrait of Sen. Biden, Joseph R., Jr. [D-DE]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/b000444_200.jpg)