A joint resolution to designate April, 1985, as "Fair Housing Month".
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1985
Designates the month of April 1985 as Fair Housing Month.
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United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1985
Designates the month of April 1985 as Fair Housing Month.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1985
Designates the week of March 17 through March 22, 1985, as National Camp Fire Week.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1985
Conrail Sale Amendments of 1985 - Declares it is the purpose of the Congress to return the Consolidated Rail Corporation (Conrail) to the private sector by implementing the Plan of the Secretary of Transportation (the Secretary) to sell the Federal interest in Conrail common stock. Title I: Amendments to the Regional Rail Reorganization Act of 1973 and the Northeast Rail Service Act of 1981 - Amends the Regional Rail Reorganization Act of 1973 to terminate the authority of the United States Railway Association (the Association) to purchase Conrail securities when the sale of the Federal interest in Conrail common stock has been consummated. Makes the Regional Rail Reorganization Act of 1973 inapplicable to Conrail after the sale of the Federal interest in Conrail common stock has been consummated. Makes specified provisions of such Act still applicable to Conrail under certain conditions. Directs the Secretary to implement the plan to sell Conrail common stock to the Norfolk Southern Corporation. States that such implementation, and the coordinated operation of Conrail's properties with those of Norfolk Southern Corporation and its affiliates as a single rail system, are deemed approved by Interstate Commerce Commission. Directs the Secretary to implement the Secretary's Plan by performing specified Definitive Agreements which shall conform substantially with the Memorandum of Intent between the United States and Norfolk Southern Corporation signed February 8, 1985. Repeals provisions which allow the sale of Conrail common stock to other railroads or to certain railroad employees. Authorizes the Secretary to recapitalize Conrail in such a way that the Federal interest in any debt or preferred stock is cancelled and contributed to the Corporation's capital. Sets forth guidelines under which the Norfolk Southern Corporation may bring suit against the United States for breach of specified representations. Provides protective labor conditions under specified arbitration provisions to certain personnel whose employment is adversely affected by the sale of the Federal interest in Conrail common stock. Amends the Northeast Rail Service Act of 1981 to confer jurisdiction upon a special Federal district court (established by the judicial panel on multi-district litigation) to hear civil actions relating to: (1) the Conrail Sale Amendments of 1985; (2) enforcement of the Secretary's Plan or the Definitive Agreements (pertaining to the Conrail sale); and (3) the value of the interest in Conrail Equity Corporation preferred stock of the Conrail Employees Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) and related trusts. Provides that, with certain exceptions, no persons connected with the Conrail ESOP shall be subject to any fiduciary obligation or fiduciary civil liability for actions pertaining to the Secretary's Plan or disposition of Conrail Equity Corporation assets. Deems as qualified under the Internal Revenue Code any Conrail ESOP maintained or adopted in implementing the Secretary's Plan. Title II: Technical and Conforming Amendments - Makes technical and conforming amendments to various laws affected by this Act. Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions - States that Conrail's status as a common carrier is not affected by the sale of the Federal interest in Conrail common stock.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1985
Liberty Double-Eagle Bullion Coin Act - Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue gold double-eagle coins. Sets forth specifications for and the design of such coins. Makes such coins legal tender. Permits the sale of such coins at a price equal to the cost of minting and issuing such coins plus a surcharge equal to the amount by which the fair market value of gold bullion held by the United States and used in the minting of the coins exceeds the statutory maximum value of any gold certificates outstanding against the bullion. Requires the revenue from such surcharges to be used to reduce the national debt. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1985
Small Business Paperwork Reduction Act of 1985 - Amends the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 to direct the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to set a goal to reduce the burden on small businesses of Federal collections of information by at least five percent by October 1, 1986, and for each of the next two years by not less than an additional five percent.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1985
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the United States should: (1) pursue with the Soviet Union the resolution of concerns with respect to compliance with existing strategic arms control agreements and seek corrective actions through confidential diplomatic channels such as the Standing Consultative Commission and the renewed nuclear arms negotiations; and (2) continue to refrain from undercutting existing strategic offensive arms agreements so long as the Soviet Union does the same or until a new agreement is concluded. Urges the Soviet Union to take positive steps to resolve U.S. concerns with regard to compliance with such agreements. Directs the President to report to the Congress regarding the Soviets' adherence to such no-undercut policy, the implications of the deployment of additional U.S. strategic offensive weapons on such policy and on U.S. security, and the future of U.S. interim restraint policy (including possible modifications). Urges the President to consider the impact of any change to this current policy with regard to existing strategic offensive arms agreements on the long-term security interests of the United States and its allies and to consult with the Congress before making such a change in policy.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1985
Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to declare ineffective any termination dates which appear in certificates authorizing airlines to engage in foreign air transportation. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to: (1) review an airline's certification to provide foreign air transportation; and (2) replace such airline's certification with that of another applicant which has demonstrated it will provide a substantially improved combination of service and rates. Prescribes conditions under which the Secretary may exercise this authority.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1985
Designates October 16, 1985, as World Food Day.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1985
United States Scholarship Program for Developing Countries Act - Directs the President, acting through the U.S. Information Agency (USIA), to provide an undergraduate scholarship program for citizens and nationals of developing countries to study at U.S. institutions of higher education. Requires that half of each payment to a student shall be in the form of a loan with repayment to be forgiven upon the student's prompt return to his or her country of origin for a period of no less than the number of years spent studying in the United States plus one. Sets forth guidelines for implementing the program. Directs the President, before allocating any funds, to consult with U.S. educational institutions, educational exchange organizations, U.S. missions, and the governments of participating countries on how to implement the guidelines. Authorizes the President to enter into agreements with foreign governments to further the scholarship program. Urges the Administrator of the agency primarily responsible for administering development assistance programs, in implementing such programs, to increase assistance for undergraduate scholarships for students of limited financial means from developing countries to study in the United States. Urges the Director of the USIA to expand opportunities for students from developing countries to receive financial aid for postgraduate study at U.S. institutions of higher education. Urges the President to take steps to expand the opportunities for Americans from all economic classes to study in developing countries. Authorizes the President to establish counseling and orientation services: (1) abroad to prepare foreign students for study in the United States; and (2) at U.S. schools to help them while they are in the United States. Directs the Board of Foreign Scholarships to advise and assist the President in the discharge of programs authorized by this Act. Requires the public and private sectors in the United States to be encouraged to contribute to the costs of the programs financed under this Act. Directs the President to engage the public and private sectors of developing countries in programs to maximize the use of program participants upon their return to their own countries. Authorizes the President to publicize the scholarship program abroad. Directs the President to encourage U.S. schools attended by students receiving scholarships under this Act to provide opportunities for U.S. students to develop their knowledge of the foreign students' cultures. Authorizes the President to provide English instruction abroad when necessary. Requires the President to report annually to the Congress on the activities taken pursuant to this Act. Requires the undergraduate scholarship program financed by the USIA for students from Central America for FY 1986 and 1987 to be conducted in accordance with this Act. Provides for funding to carry out other scholarship programs under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1985
Designates November 21, 1985, as William Beaumont Day.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1985
Bipartisan Commission on Congressional Campaign Financing Act - Establishes the Bipartisan Commission on Congressional Campaign Financing to consider and study laws, regulations, and public commentary relating to the financing of congressional elections. Requires such study to give particular attention to the extent to which current campaign financing practices undermine public confidence in the Government. Requires the Commission to consider the following changes in the present system of campaign financing: (1) increasing or decreasing allowable contributions; (2) increasing the income tax credit for campaign contributions; (3) initiating a plan of public financing; (4) making available free or subsidized broadcasting time; or (5) examining the role of independent expenditures. Directs the Commission to make reasonable efforts to achieve the broadest bipartisan consensus in arriving at its recommendations. Requires the Commission, not later than one year after enactment of this Act, to submit to the Congress its final report. Terminates the Commission 90 days after submission of such report. Requires the Director of the Congressional Research Service of the Library of Congress and the Chairman of the Federal Election Commission, not later than two months after enactment of this Act, to transmit briefing papers to the Bipartisan Commission which catalog and synthesize pertinent reports, analyses, and recommendations. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1985
Pacific Salmon Treaty Act of 1985 - Provides for the appointment of four U.S. Commissioners to the Pacific Salmon Commission established by the Pacific Salmon Treaty between the United States and Canada (the Treaty). Provides for the appointment of U.S. Panel members to the Southern, Northern, and Fraser River Panels established by the Treaty. Sets forth the voting requirements for U.S. Commissioners and members of the various Panels. Authorizes the Secretary of State (the Secretary) to: (1) receive and transmit communications of and to the Commission and Panels; (2) in consultation with the Secretary of the Interior, approve, disapprove, object to, or withdraw objections to fishery regimes and Fraser River Panel regulations proposed in accordance with the Treaty; and (3) act upon or refer to other appropriate authority any other communications of, and to the Commission and Panels. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) arrange for cooperation in carrying out the Treaty with U.S. agencies, the States, treaty Indian tribes, private institutions and organizations; and (2) executive memoranda to reflect such agreements. Authorizes U.S. agencies to cooperate in scientific and other programs to assist the Commission and Panels in carrying out their responsibilities under the Treaty. Provides for the preemption of State or treaty Indian tribe actions if such actions place the United States in jeopardy of not fulfilling its international obligations under the Treaty. Sets forth the procedures for promulgating regulations to carry out the U.S. international obligations under the Treaty. Makes it unlawful for any person or vessel subject to U.S. jurisdiction to: (1) violate this Act, or any regulation adopted under this Act, or any Fraser River Panel regulation approved by the United States under the Treaty; (2) refuse to permit an authorized search or inspection of a fishing vessel under such person's control; (3) interfere with an authorized officer in the conduct of such a search or inspection; (4) resist a lawful arrest for any act prohibited by this Act; (5) ship, transport, offer for sale, sell, purchase, import, export, or have custody of any fish taken and retained in violation of this Act; or (6) interfere with the apprehension or arrest of another person knowing such person has violated this Act. Sets forth penalties for such violations. Sets forth as the general standard for U.S. actions with respect to the Treaty that the U.S. actions shall: (1) consider the best scientific information available; (2) result in measures necessary and appropriate for the conservation and use of the Pacific salmon; and (3) be consistent with U.S. obligations under the Treaty, domestic Indian treaties and other applicable law. Requires the U.S. Commissioners and Panel members to appoint an advisory committee. Sets forth administrative provisions. Authorizes appropriations. Repeals the Sockeye Salmon or Pink Salmon Fishing Act of July 29, 1947, as amended. Directs the Secretary to dispose of any U.S. property held by the International Pacific Salmon Fisheries Commission.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1985
Designates the month of November 1985 as National Alzheimer's Disease Month.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1985
Designates the week of March 31 to April 6, 1985, as National Weather Satellite Week.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1985
Designates the week of May 12 through May 18, 1985, as National Science Week.
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 · 7 February 1985
Emergency African Famine Relief Act of 1985 - Makes supplemental appropriations for FY 1985 to: (1) the Department of Agriculture for Public Law 480 for agricultural commodities to the extent necessary to provide 50 percent of the unmet emergency food needs of sub-Saharan African countries before October 1, 1986, provided that the Congress is notified 15 days before the obligation of such sums; (2) the Agency for International Development for international disaster assistance programs for the needs of Sub-Saharan African countries before October 1, 1986, provided that such assistance shall be available for basic agricultural rehabilitation and provided that the Congress is notified 15 days before the obligation of such sums; and (3) the Department of State for migration and refugee assistance programs for the needs of sub-Saharan African countries before October 1, 1986, provided such sums may be used to replenish the U.S. Emergency Refugee and Migration Assistance Fund and provided that the Congress is notified 15 days before the obligation of such sums.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1985
Declares two named individuals to have been lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence under the Immigration and Nationality Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1985
Professional Sports Community Protection Act of 1985 - States that it shall not be unlawful for a professional sports league or its clubs to enforce rules or agreements that: (1) decide that a member club may not relocate; (2) divide revenues to promote economic opportunities for member clubs; and (3) establish procedures and standards for the selection and termination of club ownership. Prescribes a notice requirement for clubs seeking relocation. Lists factors for consideration in determining whether a league will permit a club to relocate, which include: (1) the adequacy of the existing stadium and facilities; (2) the operating revenues or losses during the preceding three years; and (3) any offers to purchase the club at fair market value which would keep such club in its home territory. Provides that judicial review of the league's determination may be sought in a civil action brought in a district court of the United States by: (1) the club seeking relocation; (2) the stadium owner or operator; or (3) the local government. Prohibits the bringing of such action in a district court within the club's home or proposed territory. Requires leagues to file with the Secretary of Commerce their rules regarding: (1) team relocation; (2) division of revenues; and (3) selection and termination of club ownership. States that the provisions of this Act do not affect the applicability of the antitrust laws (as defined in the Clayton Act and the Federal Trade Commission Act). Preempts State and local laws inconsistent with this Act. Applies the provisions of this Act to any major league football, basketball, hockey, or soccer team.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1985
Designates the month of October 1985 as National Make-A-Wish Month.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1985
Constitutional Amendment - Defines "person" to include the unborn for the purpose of the right to life guarantee. Makes such amendment inapplicable to laws permitting medical procedures required to prevent the death of the mother.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1985
Directs the President to designate March 1985 as National Mental Retardation Awareness Month.
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
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
Sex Discrimination in the United States Code Reform Act of 1985 - Title I: Armed Forces, Soldiers' Home, Coast Guard, Lighthouse Service, and Merchant Marine - Amends Federal laws dealing with the Army, the Navy, the Air Force, and the Coast Guard to eliminate gender-based distinctions. Title II: Elimination of Gender-Based Distinctions Under the Social Security Act and the Railroad Retirement Act - Eliminates gender-based distinctions in the social security and railroad retirement programs. Title III: Amendments to United States Code - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act, the Walsh-Healey Act, the Child Nutrition Act of 1966, the Federal criminal code and other Acts (dealing with Indian affairs, transportation, public lands, Saint Elizabeths Hospital, contract law, the U.S. Coast Guard, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, longshoremen and harbor workers, conservation programs, internee benefits, and the spouses of former Presidents, among other subjects) to eliminate gender-based distinctions. Title IV: Effective Date - Sets forth the effective date for the provisions of this Act.
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
Federal Laboratory Technology Utilization Act of 1985 - Authorizes Federal agencies to permit their laboratories to enter into cooperative research and development arrangements with other Federal, State, and local agencies, universities, industrial organizations, or other persons including licensees of inventions owned by the Federal agency or general partners of research and development limited partnerships. Permits such laboratories to exchange funds, services, and property with collaborators, grant such collaborators patent licenses or assignments, waive Federal ownership of inventions made by a collaborator, and negotiate licensing agreements for federally owned inventions. Sets forth a formula for the distribution of royalties or other income received by such laboratories from the licensing of cooperatively produced inventions to Federal agency employee inventors, the laboratories themselves, and the Treasury. Requires affected Federal agencies to report annually to the appropriate congressional committees on the income from and distribution of royalties. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to provide procedures, training, and advice to Federal laboratories on recognizing the commercial potential of new technologies and inventions. Requires the Secretary to report biannually to the President and the Congress on Federal agency participation in this program. Makes it the policy of the Federal Government to encourage the commercialization of inventions by Federal or former Federal employees made by them during their Federal employment and exempts such efforts from otherwise applicable violations. Permits such an employee to retain title to an invention (subject to retention by the Government of a nonexclusive license) unless the agency intends to file a patent application itself in order to promote commercialization. Sets forth other permissible conditions on such an inventor's title.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
High Technology Research and Scientific Education Act of 1985 - Title I: The Credit for Increasing Research Activities - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the tax credit for research and development (R&D) expenditures. Modifies the definition of qualified research for purposes of the R&D credit to narrow the category of eligible activities for which the credit is available. Provides that all in-house and contract research expenses paid or incurred by a regular corporation shall constitute qualified R&D expenses for credit purposes if the corporation undertakes the research with the intention to use the results thereof in the active conduct of a present or future trade or business. Provides that in the case of research being conducted in the partnership form, the trade or business test is applied at the partnership level, and the credit is apportioned among the partners in accordance with general partnership rules. Title II: Promotion of University Research and Scientific Education - Establishes a new income tax credit equal to 20 percent of that portion of a corporation's payments to universities (and other nonprofit, tax-exempt organizations for basic research) which exceeds a fixed, historical "minimum university basic research" floor. Defines the fixed "minimum university basic research" floor as one percent of the annual average of the corporate taxpayer's combined qualified in-house research expenses, contract research expenses, and university basic research payments for the base period composed of the period from 1981 through 1983. Modifies the charitable contribution deduction of corporations for scientific and technical property to: (1) expand the eligible uses to which the property may be put to include direct education as well as research and research training; (2) make computer software eligible for the deduction; and (3) make state-of-the-art equipment used in the taxpayer's trade or business eligible for the deduction. Sets forth a formula for determining the amount of the allowable deduction for scientific equipment. Provides for an income tax exclusion for the scholarships, fellowship grants, student loan forgiveness, or stipends of students who are enrolled in postgraduate study as degree candidates. Provides that such tax exclusion will not be forfeited merely because the student is required, as a condition of the scholarship or fellowship, to perform future service in teaching or research.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Prohibits the expenditure of funds for the production of lethal binary chemical munitions after the enactment of this Act. Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the President should intensify efforts to reach agreement with the Soviet Union and other countries for a mutual, verifiable ban on chemical weapons; and (2) the Department of Defense should improve the capability of the United States to detect chemical weapons and protect members of the armed forces from the effects of such weapons.
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
Constitutional Amendment - Declares that equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or any State on account of sex.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Constitutional Amendment - Declares that the Constitution does not secure a right to abortion.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Designates the week of March 24 through March 30, 1985, as National Skin Cancer Prevention and Detection Week.
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 · 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 · 5 October 1984
Congressional Reports Elimination Act of 1984 - Title I: Eliminations - Repeals specified provisions of Federal law requiring certain Federal agencies, States, or the President to submit reports to Congress. Title II: Modifications - Amends specified provisions of Federal law to: (1) discontinue requirements for reports to Congress; (2) combine such reports; (3) reduce the frequency or the contents of such reports; (4) change the dates for submission of such reports; and (5) make technical changes.
United States · United States Congress · 3 October 1984
Methanol Vehicle Incentives Act of 1984 - Amends the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act to set forth the manner of determining the fuel economy of methanol powered automobiles. Establishes the methanol powered vehicle technology research program. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to acquire and study the performance of methanol powered vehicles during FY 1985 through 1987. Authorizes other executive agencies, upon their request, to participate in such program. Requires such agencies to pay the Secretary for any vehicle received. Authorizes appropriations as necessary to carry out such program. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to any State or local government agency that applies for the acquisition of methanol powered vehicles to participate in such program. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 through 1987 for such grants. Requires the Secretary to report annually to Congress on the research program. Amends the Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1964 to direct the Secretary to carry out a methanol powered bus demonstration program for FY 1986 through 1988. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to eligible recipients for the purpose of studying and testing the performance of such buses. Authorizes apropriations to carry out the program. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress on such program by September 30 of each year from 1986 through 1989, with a final report by October 15, 1989.
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 · 28 September 1984
Designates the Regional Veterans Administration Medical Center in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, as the General Black Jack Pershing Regional Veterans Administration Medical Center.
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 · 11 September 1984
Designates the month of October 1984 as National Head Injury Awareness Month.
United States · United States Congress · 10 August 1984
Small Business Trade Remedies Act of 1984 - Declares that amendments to this Act refer to amendments to the Tariff Act of 1930 (the Act). Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to establish within the Department of Commerce a Small Business Trade Assistance Office to provide the public, upon request, information concerning: (1) remedies and benefits available under the trade laws; and (2) the petition and application procedures, and the appropriate filing dates, with respect to such remedies and benefits. Requires agencies administering a trade law to provide technical assistance to small businesses with regard to the filing of trade relief petitions. Includes specified provisions of the Trade Act of 1974, the Tariff Act of 1930, and the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 in the term "trade laws." Grants exclusive jurisdiction to the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit for review of determinations made by the Secretary of Commerce, the administering authority, or the International Trade Commission (ITC) with respect to: (1) countervailing and antidumping duty proceedings (currently, such an appeal may be taken in the U.S. Court of International Trade); and (2) the liquidation of imported merchandise entered, or withdrawn from warehouse, for consumption (currently, such an appeal may be taken in either the U.S. Court of International Trade or the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit). Repeals specified provisions of Federal law granting jurisdiction to the U.S. Court of International Trade with respect to the review of specified trade relief determinations made under the Act. Sets forth the order of precedence of civil action cases before the U.S. Court of International Trade. Sets forth the procedure for judicial review of administering authority and ITC determinations before the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. Adds to those determinations which are reviewable in the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit the determination as to whether a particular type of imported merchandise is within the class of such merchandise described in a finding of dumping, or in an antidumping or countervailing duty order, and a determination predicated upon the size of either the dumping margin or net subsidy determined to exist. Includes in the term "interested party" an association, a majority of whose members is composed of specified interested parties with respect to a like product. Requires both the administering authority and the ITC, upon the request of any party to a countervailing or antidumping duty investigation, to hold a hearing before making a final determination with respect to: (1) subsidies being provided with regard to merchandise subject to a quantitative restriction agreement; and (2) such merchandise being sold in the United States at less than fair value. Provides an exemption for required hearings by the ITC upon request and before making an injury determination in countervailing or antidumping duty investigations. Permits an officer or employee of the U.S. Customs Service who is involved in conducting an investigation regarding fraud under the Act to receive confidential information that has been submitted to the administering authority or the ITC with respect to such investigation. Requires the administering authority and the ITC with regard to information that has been requested to be kept confidential to provide that such confidential information be accompanied by specified summaries and statements. Requires the Secretary of Commerce to study the practices that are applied in making adjustments to purchase prices, exporter's sales prices, foreign market value, and constructed value in determining antidumping duties. Sets forth what shall be included in such study. Allows the administering authority, for purposes of determining U.S. or foreign prices, to use averaging or recognized sampling techniques. Gives the administering authority the sole authority to select such techniques. Permits the administering authority to make a preliminary determination on the basis of the record then available as to whether a subsidy is being provided with respect to merchandise which is the subject of a countervailing duty investigation provided a written waiver of verification of information is received by such authority. Permits the administering authority to terminate a countervailing or antidumping duty investigation initiated by it. Requires the administering authority, with respect to the suspension of a countervailing and antidumping duty investigation that is based upon an agreement to eliminate or to cease exports or agreements to eliminate the injurious effects of such subsidies, to permit all interested parties (as described under the Act) to submit comments and information for the record before the date on which notice of such suspension is published. Provides for an affirmative final determination in critical circumstances cases with respect to subsidies having been provided to merchandise that is the subject of a countervailing and antidumping duty investigation even though the administering authority's preliminary determination as to such subsidies was negative. Sets forth specified actions the administering authority must take if it makes an affirmative preliminary determination. Adds a specified condition for the allowance by the administering authority of the posting of a bond or other security in lieu of the required deposit of estimated antidumping duties pending the liquidation of entries of merchandise. Prohibits a customs officer, with respect to all entries, or withdrawals from warehouse, for consumption of merchandise subject to a countervailing duty order, from delivering merchandise of a class or kind to the person who imported it unless that importer complies with specified information requirements. Requires countervailing and antidumping duties imposed by this Act to be treated as any other customs duties for purposes of any law relating to the drawback of customs duties. Provides that for purposes of determining U.S. price, the term "exporter" includes the person by whom or for whose account the merchandise is imported into the United States if: (1) such person owns or controls, directly or indirectly, through stock ownership or control, 20 percent or more of (currently, any interest in) the business of such exporter, manufacturer, or producer; and (2) such exporter, manufacturer, or producer owns or controls, directly or indirectly, through stock ownership or control, 20 percent (currently, any interest in) of any business conducted by such person. Provides that the term "related parties" includes any person directly or indirectly owning, controlling, or holding with power to vote, 20 percent or more (currently, five percent) of the outstanding voting stock or shares of any organization and such organization. Changes the term "usual wholesale quantities" to "usual commercial quantities." Includes a reseller's price for purposes of determining the purchase price of merchandise under the Act. Provides that the foreign market value of imported merchandise shall be the price at the time such merchandise is first sold within the United States by the person for whom (or for whose account) the merchandise is imported to any other person who is not specifically described under the Act with respect to such person. Provides that an intermediate country shall be treated, for purposes of the Act, as the country from which the merchandise was exported. Provides for subsidy practices discovered by the administering authority during a countervailing duty proceeding. Sets forth specified procedures the administering authority and the ITC must take with respect to information presented or discussed at an ex parte meeting. Changes specified terms used under the Act to deal with confidential information. Requires interest to be paid on overpayments and underpayments of amounts deposited on merchandise entered, or withdrawn from warehouse, for consumption on and after: (1) the date of publication of a countervailing or antidumping duty order; or (2) the date of a finding under the Antidumping Act, 1921. Provides the interest rate to be that rate as established by a specified section of the Internal Revenue Code. Sets forth the effective dates of the amendments made by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 9 August 1984
Permits the National Bureau of Standards to investigate any accident which occurs at a fixed site amusement park if: (1) such accident caused, or could have caused, death or serious personal injury; (2) such accident is related to a fixed site amusement park; (3) an appropriate State or local government requests in writing that the Secretary of Commerce conduct an investigation; and (4) the Secretary makes a determination to conduct such an investigation. Requires the Bureau to report its findings, conclusions, and recommendations with respect to the causes of any such accident and to send a copy of such report to the State or local government requesting such investigation.
United States · United States Congress · 9 August 1984
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the President should direct appropriate members of the Administration to: (1) pursue discussions with Canada directed toward resolving problems relating to U.S. imports of Canadian pork; and (2) use all available authorities to protect the economic viability of the U.S. pork industry and to promote free and fair trade.
United States · United States Congress · 8 August 1984
Enterprise Zone Act of 1984 - Title I: Designation of Enterprise Zones - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for the designation of enterprise zones by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development for purposes of extending the tax incentives and regulatory flexibility measures provided by this Act. Provides that State and local governments shall nominate areas for such designation. Limits the total number of designated areas to 75 (25 per year over a three-year period). Requires that at least one-third of such area be in rural areas. Limits the period during which such designations shall remain in effect. Provides that the Secretary may designate such zones only if: (1) the area is within the jurisdiction of the local government; (2) the boundary of the area is continuous; (3) the area has a population of at least 4,000 if any portion thereof is located within a standard metropolitan statistical area (within a population of at least 50,000) or 1,000 otherwise, or it is within an Indian reservation; and (4) the area meets specified unemployment and poverty requirements. Requires nominating local governments, as a condition of the Secretary's designation, to agree in writing to follow a course of action which may include reducing tax rates, improving local services, simplifying or streamlining regulation of business, or receiving commitments of private entities to assist employees and residents of the area. Terminates the authority of the Secretary to designate enterprise zones on December 31, 1988, or three years after the publication of regulations pertaining to such zones, whichever is later. Describes areas to which preference shall be given in deciding to designate enterprise zones. Requires the Secretary to prepare and submit to the Congress every four years a report on the effects of such enterprise zones' designation. Requires that any property tax reduction effected by a local government under the terms of this Act be disregarded for purposes of determining the eligibility of a State or local government for Federal assistance or benefits. States that designation of an enterprise zone shall not give displaced persons from such an area any rights or benefits under the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970. Exempts enterprise zones from certain requirements relating to Federal environmental policy. Title II: Federal Income Tax Incentives - Subtitle A: Credits for Employers and Employees - Allows employers located in enterprise zones a nonrefundable income tax credit for increased employment expenditures and employment of the disadvantaged. Sets the amount of such credit at ten percent of the increase in payroll (taking into account a maximum of $15,000 in wages per year per employee) plus 50 percent of the wages paid to certain disadvantaged workers for the first three years of the enterprise zone designation. Phases out such credit in the last three years of the enterprise zone designation. Disallows a deduction for the portion of wages taken into account for such credit. Allows employees located in enterprise zones a nonrefundable income tax credit equal to five percent of qualified wages earned per year (taking into account a maximum of $9,000 in wages per year). Phases out such credit in the last three years of the enterprise zone designation. Requires every employer to furnish to each qualified enterprise zone employee a written statement showing the amount of qualified wages paid. Subtitle B: Credits for Investment in Tangible Property in Enterprise Zones - Allows businesses an additional investment tax credit for investment in certain tangible property located in enterprise zones. Limits such credit to five percent for zone personal property and ten percent for new zone construction property, including rental property. Requires that the property subject to such credit be predominantly used in the zone, be purchased after zone designation, and not be acquired from relatives or related corporations. Requires the recapture of such credit upon early disposition of the property. Phases out such credit in the last three years of the enterprise zone designation. Subtitle C: Reduction in Capital Gains Tax - Eliminates the capital gains tax on property of corporations acquired after the enterprise zone designation and used in a zone business. Qualifies certain low-income rental housing located in an enterprise zone for such treatment. Permits property to remain qualified for purposes of the revised capital gains treatment after a designation of an enterprise zone has terminated. Exempts gain from the sale or exchange of property used in a business in an enterprise zone from the computation of the minimum tax. Allows noncorporate taxpayers to deduct from gross income 100 percent of any net capital gain from qualified enterprise zone property. Subtitle D: Rules Relating to Industrial Development Bonds - Provides that limitations on the cost recovery deductions for property financed with tax-exempt industrial development bonds shall not apply to enterprise zone property. Provides that the termination of the small issue exemption shall not apply to industrial development bonds the proceeds of which are used to finance facilities in such enterprise zones. Subtitle E: Sense of the Congress with Respect to Tax Simplification - Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Internal Revenue Service should simplify the administration and enforcement of any provision of the Internal Revenue Code affected by this Act. Title III: Regulatory Flexibility - Revises the definition of "small entity" for purposes of the analysis of regulatory functions to include qualified businesses (as defined in Title II of this Act), governments, and nonprofit enterprises operating within enterprise zones. Authorizes Federal agencies, upon request by a designating government, to waive or modify rules and regulations which pertain to the carrying out of projects or activities within an enterprise zone. Requires agencies to approve such request if the resulting benefits of job creation, community development, or economic revitalization outweigh the public interest in continuation of the rule unchanged. Disallows waiver or modification of a rule that would directly violate a statutory requirement (including the Davis-Bacon Act and Fair Labor Standards Act) or which would present a danger to the public health and safety. Provides that such waivers or modifications of a rule shall remain in effect as long as the zone designations. Amends the Department of Housing and Urban Development Act to direct the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to promote the coordination of all enterprise zone programs and consolidate all periodic reports required under such programs into one summary report. Title IV: Establishment of Foreign-Trade Zones in Enterprise Zones - Requires the Foreign-Trade Board to consider on a priority basis and expedite the processing of applications for the establishment of foreign-trade zones within enterprise zones. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to give priority to, and expedite applications for, the establishment of ports of entry necessary to establish such zones. States that to the maximum extent practicable, foreign-trade zones should be established within enterprise zones.
United States · United States Congress · 6 August 1984
Designates the week of September 23, 1984, as National Historically Black Colleges Week.
United States · United States Congress · 6 August 1984
Waives certain requirements of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 with respect to the consideration of S. 2433 (Federal information policies).
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1984
Directs the President to designate March 1985 as National Mental Retardation Awareness Month.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1984
Amends the Tariff Schedules of the United States to provide duties on whey protein concentrate and milk protein concentrate. Grants duty-free treatment of lactalbumin. Defines "milk protein concentrate" to mean any milk protein concentrate that is 40 percent or more protein by weight. Imposes a limit upon the amount of whey protein concentrate, lactalbumin, and milk protein concentrate that may be entered into the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1984
Designates the week beginning on May 19, 1985, as National Tourism Week.