United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1985
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat the use of a public safety vehicle by a public safety employee as a working condition fringe for purposes of the tax exclusion of certain employee fringe benefits. Defines "public safety employee" to include any person working in law enforcement, fire protection, or emergency medical services.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1985
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish an applicable test rate of nine percent for determining whether there is imputed interest in the case of seller-financed property. Permits a lower test interest rate of 80 percent of the Treasury rate where such rates are lower than the nine percent test rate. Provides for a blended test rate for instances where the loan amount exceeds $2,000,000. Authorizes the imputation of interest in seller-financed property sales of $2,000,000 or less of ten percent or 110 percent of the Treasury rate, whichever is less, where the test interest rates have not been met. Allows for a blended imputed interest rate where the debt amount exceeds $2,000,000. Requires that all loan amounts from a single transaction or series of related transactions be aggregated for purposes of determining the loan amount. Provides that the imputed interest rules will not apply to assumptions of loans unless the terms and conditions of such debt obligations are modified in connection with the assumption. Repeals the provisions of the Code limiting the amount of interest expense a purchaser of personal use property may deduct for tax purposes. Excepts debts instruments arising from the sale or exchange of a residence from the imputed interest provisions where the obligor of the instrument uses the property as his residence. Provides that the imputed interest rules shall not apply in the case of sales or exchanges of property used in the active business of farming where the borrowed amount does not exceed $2,000,000. Requires the interest on the obligation issued in connection with such sales or exchanges to be taken into account by both the buyer and the seller on the cash receipts and disbursement method of accounting.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1985
Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Commemorative Coin Act - Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to issue a specified number of: (1) five dollar gold coins, emblematic of the centennial of the Statue of Liberty; (2) one dollar silver coins, emblematic of the use of Ellis Island; and (3) half dollar coins, emblematic of the contributions of immigrants to America. Sets forth certain features of such coins; and provides for their sale and issuance. Provides for the distribution and use of such sale funds to the Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation. Terminates the minting of such coins on December 31, 1986.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1985
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to limit the deductions of a taxpayer attributable to farming to the sum of: (1) the gross income of such taxpayer from the trade or business of farming for such taxable year, plus; (2) an amount equal to the national median family income for the previous year. Requires the non-farm taxable income of such taxpayer to have exceeded the taxpayer's farm income in five of the preceding seven years. Provides that where the the taxpayer engages in more than one trade or business of farming, all such trade or businesses shall be treated as a single trade or business.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1985
Federal Debt Recovery Act of 1985 - Authorizes the Attorney General to make contracts retaining private counsel to furnish legal services in the case of any claim of indebtedness owed the United States. Requires the Attorney General, in making such a contract in any judicial district, to make a best effort to retain more than one private counsel from among attorneys regularly engaged in private practice in such district. Prohibits the legal fee payable for such services from exceeding the fee typically charged in the area for the collection of claims of indebtedness. Permits the head of an executive or legislative agency to refer to a private counsel so retained any claims of indebtedness owed the United States arising out of such agency's activities. Declares that, for the purposes of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, a private counsel performing collection services under this Act shall be considered a debt collector. Requires the Attorney General to transmit to the Congress an annual report on the activities of the Department of Justice to recover such indebtedness. Requires the Comptroller General to carry out an annual audit of the actions taken by the Attorney General pursuant to this Act during the preceding 12 months. Requires the Comptroller General to determine the extent to which there is competition among private counsel to obtain contracts pursuant to this Act, the reasonableness of the fees provided in such contracts, and the results of the debt collection efforts. Requires a report to the Congress on the findings and conclusions resulting from such audit. Requires the Attorney General to transmit to the Congress a report on the actions taken under this Act within 60 days after the date of enactment.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1985
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that tax-exempt interest shall not be taken into account in determining the amount of social security benefits subject to tax.
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
Agricultural Trade Enhancement Act of 1985 - Establishes an Agricultural Trade Committee composed of the Secretary of Agriculture, the U.S. Trade Representative, and other persons appointed by the President. Directs the Committee to: (1) identify all major unfair trade practices of foreign countries that adversely affect farm commodities and their products; (2) develop recommendations for eliminating or mitigating such adverse effects; and (3) report its findings and recommendations to the President within six months of enactment of this Act. Terminates the Committee after submission of its report. Directs the President, as soon as practicable after submission of such report, to: (1) use any remedies available under any international agreement to eliminate or mitigate the adverse effects of the unfair practices identified by the Committee; and (2) direct the appropriate agencies to take the necessary steps to eliminate or mitigate such adverse effects. Amends the Food for Peace Act of 1966 to authorize the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) to guarantee credits made to finance commercial export sales of agricultural commodities out of private stocks to certain developing countries. Authorizes the CCC to provide intermediate credit financing to promote the export sales of farm commodities. Deletes specified limits on the credit terms for such sales and on the resale or transshipment of such commodities. Directs the Secretary to carry out the CCC export credit sales program including the credit guarantee program using not less than $500,000,000 for each of FY 1985 through 1988. Limits the duration of any restriction imposed on exports of farm commodities or the products of such commodities to 60 days. Prohibits such limitation from applying during a war declared by the Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Interstate Highway Funding Act of 1985 - Approves the interstate highway cost estimate for FY 1985 and 1986 and the interstate substitute cost estimate for highway and urban mass transit projects for FY 1984, 1985, and 1986. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to adjust and reallocate the minimum allocation made on March 9, 1984, to reflect the apportionments made under this Act. Directs the Secretary to apportion specified funds for FY 1987 and 1988, using certain apportionment factors. Revises the procedures for releasing interstate construction funds and interstate substitute funds to direct the Secretary to release such funds if the Congress has not approved either the interstate cost estimate or substitute cost estimate by October 1 of the year of apportionment. Extends through FY 1986 the availability period for the expenditure and obligation of certain sums earmarked for: (1) the interstate system, (2) public mass transit projects; or (3) highway assistance projects. Decreases the Federal share payable for emergency relief funds for repair projects on the Federal-aid highway system and the Interstate System, unless such emergency repairs are to minimize damage, protect facilities, or restore essential traffic and are accomplished within 30 days after the occurrence. Provides for the funding of certain highway projects with interstate discretionary funds. Requires that a specified percentage of State withdrawal funds be available to the Secretary for State highway research and planning. Authorizes Federal matching funds for bridge replacement and rehabilitation for specified bridges not on the Federal-aid highway system. Amends the Surface Transportation Assistance Act of 1982 to include small business concerns owned and controlled by women among such concerns that are eligible for a specified percentage of expenditures under such Act. Amends the General Bridge Act of 1906, the General Bridge Act of 1946, the International Bridge Act of 1972, the Department of Transportation Act, and various other Acts to repeal provisions which regulate toll facilities. Requires toll increases on such facilities to be just and reasonable. Declares that no report, list, schedule, or survey compiled by a State concerning the evaluation of hazardous roadway conditions or rail-highway crossings in order to plan and prioritize safety projects shall be required to be admitted into evidence or used for any other purpose in a Federal or State court. Requires toll authorities to certify to the State Governor that such facilities are adequately maintained and that funding is available for the replacement or repair of such facilities. Provides that if funds from the Highway Trust Fund are used for such repairs, then such State's apportionment for the next fiscal year shall be reduced by such amount. Exempts international toll facilities and such facilities on the Federal-aid system from such requirement. Provides for: (1) crediting the fair market value of right-of-way donations for highway projects to the State matching share when such donations are made to the State; and (2) revesting such property to the donor if it is not required after environmental assessments. States that the fair market value of lands donated to the State of California for a State Route 73 relocation and construction project in Orange County shall first be credited toward payment of the non-Federal share of such project cost. Directs the Secretary to reserve amounts expended for right-of-way for a route withdrawal until the right-of-way disposition decision has been made. Directs the Secretary to conduct a study of the Bridge Replacement and Rehabilitation Program. Sets forth the following items for inclusion in such study: (1) an analysis of the progress made toward replacing and rehabilitating inadequate bridges on or off the Federal-aid system; (2) a review of the bridge inspection program; (3) an analysis of the effectiveness of the bridge discretionary program; and (4) a review of the bridge program's effect on the rehabilitation of historic bridges. Requires the Transportation Research Board of the National Research Council to carry out a study of the bridge formula with respect to vehicle weights and the life span of bridges. Makes costs incurred to mitigate harm to historic bridges as a result of Federal-aid projects, eligible for Federal-aid highway funds. Permits States to use demolition funds for preservation of historic bridges. Requires (currently, authorizes) States to inventory bridges on the Federal-aid system for historic significance. Directs the Secretary to approve the planting of native wildflowers for landscaping and scenic enhancement of Federal-aid highways. Makes the repair or reconstruction of a Federal-aid primary route in the vicinity of Horseshoe Bend, Idaho, which has experienced slide damage eligible for emergency relief funds. Requires an annual minimum allocation of 85 percent of estimated tax payments attributable to States in the Highway Trust Fund. Specifies the programs applicable to such requirement. States that the Secretary may not preclude any State from receiving additional funds for FY 1986 if the Congress has approved such extensions. Permits an interstate transfer project in Maryland to be completed in increments. Requires the Secretary to assist the District of Columbia and Virginia in carrying out a demonstration project on Interstates 95 and 395 which restricts the use of express lanes during certain rush hours after the District of Columbia completes reconstruction of a specified bridge. (Currently, the Secretary is required to carry out such demonstration project after the District of Columbia begins actual reconstruction.) Provides that the Federal share payable for individual projects authorized by statute after FY 1983 and for which authorizations are provided out of the Highway Trust Fund, shall not exceed 50 percent of the total costs or a specified amount, whichever is less. Directs the Secretary to carry out the following demonstration projects designed: (1) in Cattaraugus County, New York, to demonstrate the extent to which the economy of an Indian reservation can be improved by completion of key elements of a modern, grade-separated access controlled highway which serves the reservation; (2) in Montana, to demonstrate the improved serviceability of rural roads when provided with specified reconstruction; (3) in the vicinity of Cleveland, Texas, to demonstrate the reduction in congestion by providing a four-line divided highway with interchanges in an area with at-grade crossings; (4) in Idaho, to determine the economic and social impact of controlled-access highway services on a redeveloping central business district of a certain population; (5) in Manchester, New Hampshire, to demonstrate the feasibility of replacing a functionally obsolete and structurally deficient bridge located in a historic district, with a modern structure while preserving the integrity of the district; (6) in the State of Washington, to determine the economic and social impact of utilizing the air space above a controlled-access highway to mitigate the impact on a major urban area of construction of the highway and for other transportation uses; (7) in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, to demonstrate the benefits of a causeway to Ford Island; (8) in Georgia, to demonstrate the best method for replacing a functionally obsolete bridge across the Savannah River with a modern structure; (9) on the Turquoise Trail to demonstrate transportation efficiencies gained by upgrading the highway connecting two Indian reservations; (10) in Dubuque, Iowa, to demonstrate the benefits of constructing a section of the Federal-Aid Primary System connecting to the Interstate Highway System; (11) in Sparks, Nevada, to demonstrate the economic and social impact of constructing Sparks Boulevard and an interchange with Interstate 80; (12) in South Carolina to demonstrate the increased accessibility resulting from a highway and bridge connection from the Isle of Palms to the South Carolina mainland; and (13) in the area of Brunswick-Topsham, Maine, to demonstrate increased access to defense related facilities by the construction of a limited access highway connecting a major interstate highway corridor with a naval air station and a shipyard engaged in defense production activities. Authorizes appropriations out of the Highway Trust Fund (other than the Mass Transit Account) to carry out such projects and sets forth reporting dates after the completion of such projects. Amends the Surface Transportation Assistance Act of 1982 to increase the authorized appropriations for the demonstration project near Devils Lake, North Dakota. Makes "Buy American" provisions applicable to projects whose total costs exceed $500,000. Authorizes appropriations for the upgrading of certain highways in New Mexico for the transportation of nuclear waste generated during defense-related activities. Sets forth obligation limitations for Federal-aid highways and highway safety construction programs for FY 1986. Makes sums apportioned or allocated for highway substitute projects available for constructing bicycle facilities. Authorizes States to adjust their interstate substitution programs which were approved in concept by the Secretary on or before September 30, 1983. Authorizes States to add and delete projects until September 30, 1985, without altering the existing entitlement. Directs the Secretary to study the feasibility of constructing a new East-West Highway linking the Delaware Memorial Bridge with the Atlantic City Expressway and other north-south arteries in southern New Jersey. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 for such study. Amends the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1970 to release the requirement imposed upon the Secretaries of the Interior and of Transportation to convey to the State of Maryland a specified section of the Baltimore-Washington Parkway. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress regarding the impact of State prison industries upon competing private industries which furnish the same materials for Federal-aid highway use. Requires that when allocating discretionary interstate substitute highway funds, the Secretary give consideration to States with certain reduced allocations. Authorizes States to use funds which were apportioned for FY 1985 and subsequent years for the construction of bridges to replace specified ferries. Extends from FY 1985 to FY 1986 the Secretary's authority to provide certain supplemental Federal assistance to State highway projects which use asphalt or recycled materials.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Amends the Board for International Broadcasting Act of 1973 to direct the Board for International Broadcasting to require Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Incorporated, to establish a Russian language program, to be known as Radio Maccabee, for the Jewish population of the Soviet Union. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 and 1987 for such program.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Title I: Amendments to Title 18, United States Code (18 U.S.C. 921-928) - Amends the Gun Control Act of 1968 to redefine: (1) "manufacturer" to mean any person engaged in the "business of manufacturing" (instead of "manufacture" of) firearms or ammunition; and (2) "dealer" to exclude dealers in ammunition. Adds a new definition "engaged in the business" with respect to manufacturer, dealers, and importers. Defines as a manufacturer, dealer, or importer of firearms a person who manufactures or deals in a regular course of trade or business with the principal objective of livelihood and profit. Defines "with the principal objective of livelihood and profit" to mean that the intent underlying the sale or disposition of firearms is predominantly one of obtaining livelihood and pecuniary gain. Excludes as dealers persons making occasional sales or repairs of firearms. Eliminates certain activities involving ammunition from the coverage of the current prohibitions. Permits the interstate sale of handguns where the sale complies with the law of the licensee's State and the State of the purchaser's residence. Presumes the licensee to have actual knowledge of the published laws of the States. Revises the current prohibition against certain classes of persons transporting a firearm or ammunition in interstate commerce to extend such prohibition to possession or receipt in commerce or affecting commerce of any firearm or ammunition. Includes as additional categories illegal aliens, dishonorably discharged members of the armed forces, and U.S. citizens who renounce their citizenship. Excludes ammunition dealers from the current licensing requirements. Declares that a licensed dealer's personal collection of firearms shall not be subject to recordkeeping requirements in specific circumstances. Permits the Secretary of the Treasury to revoke a license only where the holder "willfully" violates a provision of the Act. Bars the Secretary from denying or revoking a license on the basis of violations which are alleged in criminal proceedings instituted against a licensee, where such individual is not convicted of such charges. Allows the Government to voluntarily dismiss criminal charges prior to trial and still proceed with revocation. Imposes as a condition for the inspection or examination of records, documents, firearms, or ammunition that the Secretary has reasonable cause to believe that a violation has occurred and that evidence may be found on the premises. Requires a warrant to be issued for such search. Provides exceptions to such warrant requirement. Requires licensed collectors to maintain records of the receipt, sale, or other disposition of firearms. Requires records maintained by a licensee who has discontinued business to be delivered to the Archivist of the United States and the Secretary of the Treasury and to be disposed of after 20 years. Sets forth information-gathering procedures for tracing firearms and prohibits criminal charges based solely on information provided under those procedures. Prohibits records from being kept at a centralized location or entered in a computer for storage or retrieval. Permits licensed importers, manufacturers, and dealers to conduct business at temporary locations other than the one specified on a license (for example, gun shows). Establishes either a "knowing" (scienter) or a "willful" requirement with respect to general violations of the Act. Imposes additional penalties for the use of a firearm during the commission of a Federal crime of violence and for carrying a firearm in furtherance of a Federal crime of violence. Increases the penalties for the criminal misuse of firearms by making such penalties mandatory and at higher fine levels or longer prison terms than current law requires. Extends to first offenders the requirement, currently applicable only to second offenders, that the court not suspend any sentence or grant probation. Prohibits the granting of parole to first and subsequent offenders. Declares that no person shall be subject to the additional, mandatory penalties if use of the firearm or destructive device was a nonfelonious attempt to protect persons or property. Amends the forfeiture provision to subject to seizure any firearm or ammunition "involved in or used" in a knowing violation of the Gun Control Act (instead of "involved in or used or intended to be used"). Directs the court to award attorney fees to the prevailing party (other than the United States) in a proceeding for the return of seized firearms or ammunition. Requires the court to award such fees in any other action upon a finding that the action was without foundation or was initiated in bad faith. Limits seizure to firearms individually identified as involved in the violation. Revises the current procedure allowing persons who have been convicted of a crime to apply to the Secretary for relief from the firearms prohibitions. Permits any person prohibited from possessing, shipping, transporting, or receiving firearms or ammunition to apply for relief. Requires, instead of permits, the Secretary to grant release, unless the applicant will be likely to act in a manner dangerous to public safety. Permits any person who is denied relief to seek de novo judicial review in Federal court. Imposes on the applicant the burden of proof. Makes the authority of the Secretary to permit importation of certain types of firearms and ammunition nondiscretionary. Increases the number of types of sporting firearms which may be imported. Amends the rulemaking authority of the Secretary to provide that no regulation may require the transfer of records required under this Act to a facility owned, managed, or controlled by the United States or any State or the establishment of any system of registration of firearms, firearms owners, or firearms transactions. Requires a 90-day public comment period for proposed regulations (no period is currently specified). Prohibits the Secretary from prescribing regulations which require purchasers of black powder to complete affidavits or forms attesting to their exemption from certain provisions of the Federal criminal code. Declares any law or regulation promulgated by any State prohibiting the transfer of an unloaded and not readily accessible firearm or ammunition null and void. Title II: Amendments to Title VII of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 - Repeals title VII of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act (relating to the receipt, possession, or transportation of firearms by felons, dishonorably discharged veterans, mental incompetents, illegal aliens, and persons renouncing their United States citizenship).
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
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
Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to provide coverage as a "qualified pregnant woman" to a pregnant woman who is a member of a family which meets the income and resources requirements of part A (Aid to Families with Dependent Children) of title IV of such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Constitutional Amendment - Requires the Congress, prior to each fiscal year, to adopt a statement of receipts and outlays for that year in which total outlays are no greater than total receipts. Permits the Congress in such statement to provide for a specific excess of outlays over receipts by a three-fifths vote directed solely to that subject. Requires the President and the Congress to ensure that actual outlays do not exceed the outlays set forth in such statement. Prohibits total receipts for any fiscal year set forth in such statement from increasing by a rate greater than the rate of increase in national income in the last calendar year ending before such fiscal year, unless the Congress passes a bill directed solely to approving specific additional receipts by a three-fifths vote and such bill has become has become law. Requires the President, prior to each fiscal year, to transmit to the Congress a proposed statement of receipts and outlays for that year consistent with the provisions of this article. Permits the Congress to waive the provisions of this Act with respect to any fiscal year in which a declaration of war is in effect. Declares that total receipts shall include all receipts of the United States, except those derived from borrowing and total outlays shall include all outlays of the United States except those for repayment of debt principal.
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
Approves the interstate highway cost estimate for FY 1985 and 1986 and the interstate substitute cost estimate for FY 1984, 1985, and 1986. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to adjust and reallocate the minimum allocation made on March 9, 1984, to reflect the apportionments made under this Act. Approves the interstate highway cost estimate for FY 1987 and 1988. Revises the procedure for releasing interstate construction funds and interstate substitute funds, including allowing the Secretary to release such funds without congressional approval. Makes FY 1984 funds apportioned for highway or public mass transit projects available for obligation through FY 1986.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the Federal Communications Commission should affirm that State and local regulations must not: (1) discriminate among amateur radio antennas and other types of home communications transmission or reception antennas; and (2) prohibit or frustrate the transmission or reception of amateur radio communications by federally licensed amateur radio stations, except as necessary to carry out a compelling governmental interest related to community health and safety.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the Federal Communications Commission should affirm that State and local regulations must not: (1) discriminate among home satellite reception antennas; (2) prohibit or frustrate the reception of satellite transmitted programming by the public, except as necessary to carry out a compelling government interest, or (3) restrict any means of delivering or receiving satellite programming in order to provide a competitive advantage to any other means of delivering or receiving such programming.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
States that the Senate condemns the Soviet Union's military terrorism and attempted destruction of Afghanistan. Recommends that the President provide medical, military, and food assistance to the Afghan Freedom Fighters.
United States · United States Congress · 11 October 1984
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that for purposes of the alternative minimum tax, any gain or loss from the transfer of property to a creditor in cancellation of a debt or from the sale or exchange of property under threat of foreclosure shall not be taken into account in computing net capital gain if prior to such sale or exchange the taxpayer is insolvent.
United States · United States Congress · 11 October 1984
Extends educational assistance to an eligible veteran for as long as such veteran continues satisfactorily to pursue a program or course in which such veteran was enrolled on October 1, 1984. (Currently, all such assistance ends on December 31, 1984).
United States · United States Congress · 10 October 1984
Expresses the Senate's support for the principles embodied in the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide and declares its intention to act expeditiously in the next Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 5 October 1984
Mille Lacs Band of Chippewa Indians Separation Act - Recognizes the Mille Lacs Band of Chippewa Indians as an Indian tribe separate and distinct from the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe. Declares the Milles Lac Band shall be known by the official name, Mille Lacs Federation of Chippewas. Declares the Federation to be a self-governing Indian tribe and authorizes it to adopt a constitution and bylaws. Makes the Federation eligible for all Federal services and benefits which are provided to Indians because of their status as Indians. Sets forth partition guidelines for trust lands held in trust for the benefit of the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe. Substitutes the Federation as a party in pending litigation brought by or on behalf of the Mille Lacs Band of Chippewa Indians. Sets forth guidelines for the award and allocation of judgment funds between the Federation and the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe. Amends the criminal code and the judicial code to remove certain Federal jurisdiction over lands under the tribal jurisdiction of the Federation.
United States · United States Congress · 5 October 1984
Provides that a defense contractor who contracts to supply a manufactured product and is later barred or suspended from performing the contract by reason of a conviction of any criminal offense committed in connection with a contract with the United States and involving an intent to defraud shall forfeit to the United States all proprietary rights in any technical data relating to the manufacture of such product.
United States · United States Congress · 3 October 1984
Interstate Compact - Grants congressional approval to the Midwest Interstate Compact on Low-Level Radioactive Waste Management, which provides for cooperation among the States of Iowa, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, and Wisconsin in the management of low-level radioactive waste. States that eligible parties to the compact are the States of Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Virginia, and Wisconsin. Permits any State not eligible for membership in the compact to petition for eligibility.
United States · United States Congress · 3 October 1984
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the Customs Service should suspend the operation of interim regulations, for at least six months, to permit the completion of a comprehensive analysis, with the participation by retailers and other specified groups, of the effects of such regulations on U.S. imports of textiles and apparel.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1984
Balanced Budget Procedures Act of 1984 - States that if the total outlays set forth for FY 1989 would exceed the total revenues set forth for such fiscal year under conditions of high employment in any budget submitted by the President for FY 1985 through 1988, then the President shall submit along with such budget an alternative budget in which total outlays for FY 1989 would not exceed total revenues for such fiscal year under conditions of high employment. Requires the President, when such an alternative budget is submitted, to submit recommendations and proposals for changes in Federal laws which would be required in order to achieve such a balance. Requires the Budget Committees of each House, not later than April 15 before each fiscal year from FY 1985 through 1989, to report: (1) a first concurrent resolution on the budget for such fiscal year in which total outlays and total revenues for FY 1989 would be in balance under conditions of high employment; or (2) an alternative concurrent resolution in equal detail. Requires that any presidential budget for a fiscal year that assumes conditions of high employment and recommends that total outlays exceed total revenues be accompanied by an alternative budget in which total outlays do not exceed total revenues. Requires that any presidential budget which assumes that conditions of high employment will not exist during a given fiscal year, and recommends that total outlays exceed total revenues by a certain amount for such fiscal year, be accompanied by an alternative budget in which total outlays would not exceed total revenues under conditions of high employment. Requires the President, not later than March 15 of any year in which an alternative budget is submitted, to submit recommendations and proposals for changes in Federal laws which will, if enacted, reduce the amount by which total outlays exceed total revenues for such fiscal year. Establishes a National Bipartisan Commission on the Balanced Budget to review the budget and alternative budget and make recommendations for levels of spending and changes in the laws of the United States which may be necessary to achieve a balanced budget by FY 1989. Requires the Commission to report to the President and Congress not later than March 15, 1985, its findings, conclusions, and recommendations for such levels of spending, legislation, and administrative actions as it considers appropriate. Terminates the Commission 30 days after it submits its report. Exempts the budget from the requirements of this Act for any fiscal year for which a declaration of war by the Congress is in effect.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 1984
States that the Senate condemns the Soviet Union's military terrorism and attempted destruction of Afghanistan. Recommends that the President provide medical, military, and food assistance to the Afghan Freedom Fighters.
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 1984
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to reduce the rate of imputed interest for the sale or exchange of property. Allows a lower rate of imputed interest for the first $1,500,000 of the sales price of principal residences or farm lands. Reduces the rate of imputed interest for purposes of determining the issue price in the case of debt instruments issued for property. Provides that such rate of imputed interest shall not apply in determining the issue price of debt instruments issued for residences and the first $1,500,000 of the sales price for farm lands.
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 1984
Domestic Food Assistance Act of 1984 - Title I: Food Stamp Program - Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to raise food stamp allotments from 99 to 100 percent of the thrifty food plan. Increases the earned income deduction from 18 to 20 percent. Makes households each of whose members receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) categorically eligible for program participation. States that denial of eligibility or termination of benefits from such programs cannot be a basis for denial of food stamp eligibility or termination of benefits. Increases the resources limitation from $1500 to $2250, and from $3000 to $3500 for the elderly and disabled. Increases the threshold for accounting a vehicle's value against resources from $4500 to $5500. Permits States to stagger coupon issuance. Requires (currently permits) the Secretary to provide for alternative means of coupon issuance if doing so would improve program integrity. Prohibits financial institutions from charging retail food stores coupon redemption fees. Directs States to periodically assess the need to keep food stamp offices open during weekend or evening hours. Makes homeless persons eligible for food stamps. Prohibits appropriations under such Act from being transferred to the Office of the Inspector General of the Department of Agriculture. Requires States imposing a sales tax on food stamp purchases to transfer such revenues to the Secretary of the Treasury within 15 months of the end of each fiscal year. Authorizes States to establish community work experience programs. Title II: Nutrition Surveillance - Amends the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 to include periodic health and nutrition samplings of vulnerable low income groups in the Department of Agriculture's continuing food consumption survey. Title III: Food Distribution and Emergency Shelters - Authorizes the transfer of specified agricultural commodities to public or nonprofit organizations for low-income assistance. Authorizes military commissaries to donate surplus food to local food banks. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to States to assist the homeless. Authorizes FY 1984 through 1986 appropriations. Title IV: Effective Dates - Makes the provisions of this Act effective within 45 days after enactment.
United States · United States Congress · 21 September 1984
Space Development Act of 1984 - Provides that activities performed in space for U.S. persons on any spacecraft predominantly used or operated in space and controlled from locations within the United States, articles produced in space primarily for sale or use within the United States upon such spacecraft, and assets used or operated in space upon such spacecraft (including such spacecraft) shall be treated as activities performed, or articles produced, within the United States for purposes of the Internal Revenue Code and the Tariff Schedules of the United States. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an investment tax credit for any tangible personal property which is predominantly used or operated in space and which is either a spacecraft or is used or operated upon such spacecraft. Includes as recovery property eligible as a tax deduction with respect to the recovery cost system any tangible property used in space subject to the allowance for depreciation. Includes in the gross income of a taxpayer certain income derived from commercial activity in space.
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 1984
Authorizes the use of a specified amount of Economic Support Fund money for agricultural activities in Poland which are managed by the Polish Catholic Church or other nongovernmental organizations.
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 1984
Designates the week beginning February 17, 1985, as a time to recognize the contributions of volunteers who give their time to become Big Brothers and Big Sisters to youths in need of adult companionship.
United States · United States Congress · 10 August 1984
Amends the national cemeteries and memorials provisions of Federal law to require that each grave marker in a national cemetery be upright unless the deceased or the deceased's survivor requests a flat marker. Directs the Administrator of Veterans Affairs to designate within each national cemetery a section with flat markers and a section with upright markers.