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Official portrait of Sen. Durenberger, Dave [R-MN]

Sen. Durenberger, Dave [R-MN]

United States · Official source

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3,436 records where Sen. Durenberger, Dave [R-MN] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years

Resolution· SCONRESS.Con.Res. 6 (99th)referred

A concurrent resolution expressing the sense of the Congress that the policy of separate development and the forced relocation of South African Blacks to designated "homelands" is inconsistent with fundamental American values and internationally recognized principles of human rights and should be discontinued.

United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1985

Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the policy of separate development and the forced relocation of South Africans is inconsistent with American values and internationally recognized human rights principles; (2) U.S. nonrecognition of South African "homeland" independence should continue; (3) travel to the United States should be denied to "homeland" officials who seek to enter this country unless they hold a valid passport recognized by the United States; and (4) the United States should urge that the forced relocation of South Africans be discontinued and that the rights of all South Africans be protected. Requests the President to send a copy of this resolution to Republic of South Africa officials.

Law· SS. 124 (99th)enacted

Safe Drinking Water Act Amendments of 1986

United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985

Safe Drinking Water Act Amendments of 1985 - Amends the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) to make existing national interim primary drinking water regulations final. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), within varying time periods for specified contaminants, to simultaneously propose and then publish either maximum contaminant level goals and national primary drinking water regulations or else a determination that such regulations are not justified because the levels of such contaminant in the public water systems do not represent a threat. Directs the Administrator to publish maximum contaminant level goals and simultaneously promulgate national primary drinking water regulations for each other substance which may have an adverse effect on human health. Requires the Administrator to publish an annual list establishing priorities for the review of such substances, considering substances regulated as toxic water pollutants under the Clean Water Act and substances registered as pesticides under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act. Directs the Administrator, within three years of each contaminant's being listed on such priority list, to simultaneously propose and then publish either maximum contaminant level goals and national primary drinking water regulations or else a determination that such regulations are not justified. Requires that each maximum contaminant level goal allow an adequate margin of safety and that each national primary drinking water regulation specify a maximum level which is as close to the goal as is feasible. Authorizes the Administrator to promulgate a national primary drinking water regulation that requires the use of an acceptable treatment technique in lieu of establishing a maximum contaminant level if it is not economically or technologically feasible to establish such a level. Directs the Administrator to propose and promulgate primary drinking water regulations specifying when public water systems using surface water as a source of supply must use filtration. Directs the Administrator to provide procedures for States or the EPA to use when determining which of such systems within its jurisdiction must use filtration. Requires States to prescribe compliance schedules and necessary regulations. Directs the Administrator to promulgate disinfection regulations applicable to all public water systems, including variances and technical assistance. Directs the Administrator to provide the Science Advisory Board an opportunity to comment prior to proposal of a maximum contaminant level goal and national primary drinking water regulation. Authorizes the Administrator to issue compliance orders as well as bring civil suits to enforce these provisions. Directs the Administrator to amend regulations to provide for varying types and frequencies of public notice of violations by a public water system, depending upon their frequency and seriousness. Requires a State to prescribe within one year a schedule of compliance and implementation of control measures at the same time it grants an exemption. Permits the primary enforcing authority (State or Administrator in the case of four States and the District of Columbia) to extend the exemption for up to three years after the issue date if a system in good faith cannot meet the standard without capital improvements, financial assistance, or has agreed to become part of a regional public water system. Permits exemption renewals for systems with 500 or fewer service connections. Authorizes the Administrator to take into consideration the size of a public water system and the contaminants likely to be found in its drinking water in requiring a system to monitor for unregulated contaminants. Directs the Administrator to promulgate regulations requiring every public water system to conduct a monitoring program for unregulated contaminants at least once every five years, unless the number of persons served or the likely contaminants require greater frequency. Authorizes the primary State enforcement authority to delete contaminants for an individual system after Administrator approval of the assessment. Authorizes the Administrator to provide technical assistance to small public water systems to enable them to comply with national drinking water standards. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 through 1989. Establishes criminal and civil penalties for tampering with a public water system. Extends to natural gas storage operations specified limitations on regulation of underground injection of brine or other fluids which are brought to the surface in connection with oil or natural gas production. Prohibits the disposal of hazardous waste by underground injection above or into a formation which contains an underground source of drinking water unless such injection is part of a required corrective or response action. Requires States with primary enforcement responsibility to enforce such prohibition. Directs the Administrator to require groundwater monitoring at all locations to detect fluid migration into underground drinking water sources from a class I injection well unless no potential for migration exists. Requires the Administrator to report to the Congress by September 1987 on State surveys of disposal wells which discharge nonhazardous waste into or above underground sources of drinking water. Directs the Administrator to issue a compliance order or commence a civil action if a State does not enforce violations of the underground injection control program. Quintuples the maximum per day penalty for violations. Revises other provisions relating to the imposition of civil penalties. Establishes procedures for the development, implementation, and assessment of demonstration programs designed to protect critical aquifer protection areas located within areas designated as sole or principal aquifers under specified provisions of the Safe Drinking Water Act. Sets forth factors to be considered when identifying such critical areas, including the existence of recharge zones, the number of persons affected, alternate supplies, and the economic and ecological costs of inactivity. Authorizes the Administrator to enter into cooperative agreements with an applying State or local government to provide a 50 percent grant for the costs of developing and implementing a comprehensive management plan for the protection area. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 through 1989. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 through 1989 for the following programs under the Safe Drinking Water Act: (1) research, technical assistance, information, personnel training; (2) grants for State programs for supervision of public water systems; and (3) grants for State programs for underground water source protection. Provides that any need certifications or orders issued under provisions for assurances of availability of adequate supplies of water treatment chemicals shall remain in effect for up to one year.

Bill· SS. 104 (99th)open

A bill to amend Chapter 44, Title 18, United States Code, to regulate the manufacture and importation of armor piercing bullets.

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.

Bill· SS. 120 (99th)open

A bill to amend the Tax Reform Act of 1984 to provide a transitional rule for the tax treatment of certain air travel benefits provided to employees of airlines.

United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985

Amends the Tax Reform Act of 1984 to provide that an individual who, as of September 12, 1984, was performing services for one member of a corporate group and was eligible for nontaxable air travel benefits provided by another corporate affiliate shall continue to be eligible for such benefits if as of that date: (1) at least 50 percent of the individuals performing services for the first such corporation were or had been employees of or had previously performed services for the second such corporation; and (2) the primary business of the affiliated group was air transportation of passengers.

Bill· SS. 141 (99th)referred

A bill to amend the Board for International Broadcasting Act of 1973 to provide for a special Radio Liberty program of Russian language broadcasting for the Jewish population of the Soviet Union.

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.

Law· SS. 49 (99th)enacted

Firearms Owners' Protection Act

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).

Bill· SS. 51 (99th)open

Superfund Improvement Act of 1985

United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985

Superfund Improvement Act of 1985 - Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) (Superfund) to specify how such program operates within Indian lands. Exempts remedial actions on Indian lands from the cost-sharing and future maintenance requirements imposed on States and requires the President to assure the availability of off-site disposal capability. Authorizes Indian tribes to recover damages for injury to or loss of natural resources resulting from releases of hazardous substances. Treats Indian tribes substantially like States for certain information, notification, and planning provisions. Includes household water supplies within the scope of alternative water supplies for replacement purposes. Permits a State to apply a credit for certain cleanup expenditures to a site other than the one at which the credit was earned, including credits earned at a National Priority List (NPL) site before the commitment of Federal funds. Requires the State to enter into a cooperative agreement or contract for this purpose. Limits the 50 percent (or greater) cost-sharing of cleanup obligations of a State or local government which owns a targeted facility to those situations where the State or local government both owns and operates such facility. Requires the President to consider long-term as well as short-term costs and to stress permanent solutions to waste contamination when selecting cost-effective remedial responses. Establishes a general cleanup standard for remedial actions which at least provides for the protection of human health and the environment. Requires site specific solutions where needed. States that on-site cleanup must comply with this standard but permits are not required under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976 (RCRA) (Solid Waste Disposal Act). Makes the cleanup of contaminated ground and surface water at NPL sites remedial action requiring State and Federal participation. Limits such designation and Federal involvement to five years or until the general protection standard is met. Requires as a condition of receiving Superfund money for remedial actions that a State provide assurances that there will be adequate capacity and access to hazardous waste management facilities in compliance with RCRA for a State's hazardous waste for the next 20 years. Permits the President to enter into cooperative agreements with States for hazardous waste cleanup on a multi-site basis with reimbursement of costs associated with securing site responses from responsible parties. Revises the health-related authorities of the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) to require ATSDR to: (1) provide State and local governments with consultations on toxic or hazardous substances health-related issues; (2) perform health assessments at all NPL sites and certain RCRA hazardous waste disposal facilities; (3) provide health assessments for certain individuals upon request; (4) establish a priority system for assessing CERCLA and RCRA sites based upon the degree of risk to human health; (5) receive and if necessary act upon State and local health assessments as well as its own; (6) report results and recommendations on assessments to the applicable State and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); (7) recover assessment costs from the site owner or operator; (8) conduct pilot epidemiological studies; (9) establish a registry of exposed persons if necessary; and (10) study and report to the Congress on the cost-effectiveness of medical surveillance programs. Directs the President to reduce exposures which an assessment or study finds present significant risks to human health and to mitigate such risks by providing alternative water supplies and individual relocations among other steps. Prohibits health-related activities from impeding cleanup activities. Directs the Administrator of ATSDR to prepare and update a list of hazardous substances which present the most significant potential threat to human health because of their pervasiveness or toxicity. Requires the Administrator to initiate research programs for substances about which not much is known and to coordinate them with toxicological testing techniques. Requires such research to be coordinated with other research efforts of EPA. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the costs of such research should be borne by the manufacturers of the substance in question or, where this is not practical, by the parties responsible for the release of such substance. Directs the Administrator to prepare and update toxicological profiles on each listed substance. Subjects all such research findings to peer review before dissemination. Authorizes the Administrator to establish and report to the Congress on a toxic substance diagnostic education program for health professionals. Earmarks funding from Superfund for the expenses of ATSDR. Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to require owners and operators of landfills and surface impoundments to submit to EPA or a State with an authorized program an assessment of the potential for public exposure to hazardous substances released from their units. Makes such information available to ATSDR, which may then conduct its own assessment of a particular site if necessary. Amends CERCLA to require an opportunity for public comment before a particular remedial action is chosen for any site or any settlement agreement is made. Directs the Administrator of EPA to place a high priority on purchasing the remaining properties in the Love Canal emergency declaration area, Niagara Falls, New York. Directs the President to revise the National Hazardous Substance Plan part of the National Contingency Plan to provide procedures and standards for remedial actions pursuant to this Act. Requires the President to amend the hazard ranking system to accurately reflect the relative degree of risk to human health and the environment posed by sites and facilities subject to review. Requires such system to be applied to sites and facilities newly listed on the NPL. Renders State or local governments not liable for damages from non-negligent actions taken in response to emergencies created by the release of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant from a site or facility owned by another person. Authorizes the Administrator to indemnify contractors engaged to respond to the release of hazardous substances. Permits direct claims against the financial guarantor of certain vessels carrying hazardous substances only if the owner or operator is in bankruptcy, insolvency, or out of the jurisdiction of the Federal courts. Entitles the guarantor to use all defenses that such guarantor would have available if an action has been brought by the owner or operator against such guarantor. Limits the liability of guarantors acting in good faith. Authorizes the President to specify conditions for establishing evidence of financial responsibility. Permits the use of Superfund to pay for alternative water supplies in cases involving federally owned facilities where groundwater contamination exists beyond the Federal boundary and such facility is not the only potentially responsible party. Extends the statute of limitations for filing claims against Superfund or responsible parties for damages to natural resources until the later of three years after discovery or the promulgation of damage assessment regulations. Permits the review of CERCLA regulations in any U.S. Court of Appeals. Provides a procedure to determine the forum when more than one appeal has been made. Declares that States are not preempted by Superfund from taxing the same hazardous substances as Superfund does. Requires the Administrator and States that have entered into cooperative agreements to concur in the selection of cleanup actions at Federal facilities. Deems consistent with CERCLA, and directs the Administrator to consider using, recommendation 84-4 of the Administrative Conference of the United States relating to facilitating negotiated private party cleanup of hazardous substances. Reauthorizes Superfund through FY 1990. Sets forth funding transfers and limitations.

Bill· SS. 58 (99th)open

High Technology Research and Scientific Education Act of 1985

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.

Bill· SS. 11 (99th)open

A bill to amend the Steel Import Stabilization Act.

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.

Bill· SS. 52 (99th)referred

Acid Rain Control Act of 1985

United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985

Acid Rain Control Act of 1985 - Amends the Clean Air Act to establish an interstate transport and acid precursor reduction program. Designates an acid deposition impact region comprising a long-range transport corridor of 31 States east of the Mississippi and the District of Columbia. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to report to the Congress within two years on a study of long-range transport of pollutants problems in the remaining States. Directs the Acid Precipitation Task Force to report to the appropriate congressional committees by the close of 1985 and 1987 on its research findings about acid precipitation, with recommendations for reducing its effects. Authorizes additional appropriations for FY 1985 through 1989 for the Task Force's comprehensive research plan for acid precipitation. Requires the Task Force to also conduct research on advanced flue-gas cleaning and precombustion fuel treatment technologies and inherently low-emission combustion processes. Directs the National Academy of Sciences to establish an Acid Precipitation Scientific Review Board to examine information concerning the causes and environmental effects of acid deposition, including the activities of the Task Force. Requires the Board to report to the appropriate congressional committees with recommendations for reducing acid deposition. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 through 1988. Directs the Administrator to report to the appropriate congressional committees on enforceable measures adopted by the States to reduce sulfur dioxide emissions. Directs the Office of Technology Assessment to report to the appropriate congressional committees on a cost-benefit analysis of such measures. Requires such committees to conduct hearings on acid deposition after receiving the aforementioned reports. Directs the Administrator to develop and report to the Congress on an inventory of sources of oxides of nitrogen in the acid deposition impact region. Directs the Administrator and the Secretary of the Treasury to report to the Congress on a joint study of a fee system on the generation of electricity in the acid deposition impact region to finance emissions reductions. Authorizes the Administrator to make grants to States or interstate agencies for developing methods to neutralize the effects of acid deposition in formerly fish-laden bodies of water. Sets forth sulfur dioxide emission reduction standards for the acid deposition impact region of ten million tons below 1980 levels by the beginning of 1994, permitting annual emissions of no more than 1.2 pounds of sulfur dioxide per million British thermal units of heat input. Includes emissions from major stationary sources with utility boilers, restricting increased emissions from sources or the start-up of new sources, except as specified. Restricts increases in emissions from major stationary sources of oxides of nitrogen, except as specified. Permits States to reallocate necessary reductions among themselves so long as the total reductions of the States involved meet the required standards. Requires each impact region State to adopt enforceable emission reduction measures for sulfur dioxide, including compliance schedules. Requires the Administrator's approval and the other Governors' perusal of such measures. Requires each major stationary source subject to an emission limitation to notify the Governor of the State, and in turn, the Administrator, within three years of its intended method of compliance. Requires sources choosing fuel substitution to be in compliance with their applicable emission limitations within five years. Requires those sources complying through the installation of a technological system of continuous emission reduction or the replacement of facilities to have entered into binding contracts for the same within five years. Subjects owners of sources in noncompliance with the applicable implementation plans to the established emission limitation schedule and a noncompliance penalty. Permits the use of the following measures to reduce emissions in addition to enforceable continuous emission reduction measures if such measures are enforceable by entities and persons other than the State in which the emissions occur: (1) least emissions dispatch to meet electric generating demand at existing generating capacity; (2) retirement of major stationary sources at an earlier than provided for date; (3) investments in energy conservation where emission reductions can be identified with such investments; (4) trading of emission reduction requirements and actual reductions through emission reduction banks or brokerage institutions; and (5) precombustion cleaning of fuels. Directs the Administrator to review emission limits for certain major sources to determine if such limits are inappropriately based upon modeling credit for stack height above good engineering practice. Requires the State and the owner of such source to adjust emission limitations accordingly. Makes it a violation of the Clean Air Act to emit an air pollutant which adversely affects the public health or welfare of another State.

Law· SJRESS.J.Res. 15 (99th)enacted

A joint resolution to designate May 7, 1985, as "Helsinki Human Rights Day".

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.

Bill· SJRESS.J.Res. 8 (99th)referred

A joint resolution to approve the Interstate and Interstate Substitute Cost Estimates, to amend title 23 of the United States Code, and for other purposes.

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.

Resolution· SCONRESS.Con.Res. 4 (99th)referred

A concurrent resolution calling on the President to appoint a special envoy for northern Ireland.

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.

Bill· SS. 3095 (98th)open

A bill relating to alternative minimum tax relief for certain insolvent tax payers.

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.

Bill· SS. 3088 (98th)referred

A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to assist eligible veterans to complete certain programs or courses after the delimiting date for educational assistance relating to such programs or courses.

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).

Bill· SS. 3076 (98th)open

A bill to amend section 408 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to authorize emergency action with respect to pesticide chemicals which present an imminent hazard to the public health, to revise the procedures under such section for changes in tolerances and exemptions for pesticide chemicals, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 5 October 1984

Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to collect specified health and safety data on pesticides used on food. Directs the Administrator to revoke a tolerance or exemption based on false, misleading, or inaccurate information. Directs EPA to take action whenever it receives information indicating that specified food residues may not be safe. Grants the manufacturer an opportunity for a hearing. Directs EPA to cancel a tolerance or exemption for a pesticide whose use has been canceled, suspended, or voluntarily withdrawn under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act. Revises the administrative procedures governing amendment and repeal of tolerances and exemptions for pesticide residues on food, including an expedited procedure when presented with an imminent hazard. Prohibits the importation into the United States of raw agricultural commodities containing detectable residues of prohibited pesticides. Requires random sampling of such imports to determine if pesticide residues meet the requirements of such Act. Directs the EPA to review the exemptions from pesticide residue limits within 12 months to determine whether or not they are safe.

Bill· SS. 3073 (98th)open

Medicare Clinical Training Amendments of 1984

United States · United States Congress · 5 October 1984

Medicare Clinical Training Amendments of 1984 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to States for the purpose of assisting hospitals in carrying out approved graduate medical education and other clinical training activities. Sets forth: (1) the method for determining the size of a State's grant; and (2) the requirements a State must meet in order to receive a grant. Requires the grants to be made from the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund. Limits the annual aggregate amount of such grants to a specified amount. Requires each State receiving a grant to establish an advisory board to develop recommendations for State policy in supporting graduate medical education and other clinical training activities, and to advise the State with respect to grant allocation requirements. Excludes from reasonable cost the direct costs of graduate medical education and other clinical training activities.

Bill· SS. 3075 (98th)referred

Toxic Substances Control Act Amendments of 1984

United States · United States Congress · 5 October 1984

Toxic Substances Control Act Amendments of 1984 - Amends the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) to revise the statements of findings and policy. Refers to the need for more information about toxicity and human and environmental exposure in order to identify and control unreasonable risks presented by chemical substances. Declares that chemical manufacturers and processors have a duty to be informed about toxic effects of such substances and mixtures and to take appropriate actions to prevent exposures that might be harmful to human health or the environment. Revises definitions to include the designee of the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under references to "the Administrator." Includes any microorganism or other biological substance under the definition of "chemical substance" for purposes of regulation. Provides that an exclusion for pesticides from TSCA jurisdiction shall not be taken to so exclude exposures to chemical substances which occur during the manufacture of a pesticide. Includes under the term "standards for the development of test data" a prescription of environmental or human monitoring or other exposure studies for test data for a chemical substance or mixture to be developed and analyzed. Revises provisions for testing of chemical substances and mixtures to provide that standards also may be prescribed for environmental or human monitoring or other exposure studies. Requires the EPA to periodically establish test methodology guidelines which may be used for development of data prescribed in rules under testing requirements and in testing agreements under provisions (as added by this Act) for testing of large volume chemicals. Directs the Administrator to review, not less than once each five years, the adequacy of the test methodology guidelines and make appropriate revisions. Deletes a requirement for an annual review of the adequacy of the standards for development of test data. Deletes the maximum limit on the total number of chemical substances and mixtures which may be on a priority list for consideration of testing requirements. Requires that interagency testing committee meetings relating to the priority list be open to the public and that announcements of such meetings be published at least two weeks in advance. Allows closed meetings to be conducted for administrative and personnel matters. Requires the committee, in making a priority list recommendation, to identify the chemical properties or effects for which testing is recommended. Sets forth a presumption that testing for the effects recommended is needed with respect to chemical substances and mixtures added to the priority list by the committee. Requires manufacturers of the listed substances to either individually or collectively submit study plans for the conduct of such testing no later than 180 days from the date of submission of the committee's report to the Administrator. Requires that manufacturers and processors of the listed substances be afforded an opportunity to provide evidence which demonstrates to the Administrator's satisfaction that such testing is not appropriate, in whole or in part. Sets forth relevant factors to be considered by the Administrator. Directs the Administrator to establish certain procedures for such decisions concerning the continued need for such testing. Specifies that the Administrator is not precluded by priority list provisions from making the required findings leading to an EPA rule requiring testing of a substance based upon an independent analysis of the issues involved. Makes specified provisions for exemptions applicable to testing conducted pursuant to priority list provisions. Adds to the membership of the interagency testing committee one member from the Fish and Wildlife Service and the Consumer Products Safety Commission. Establishes requirements for the testing of large volume chemicals. Makes subject to a test rule each chemical substance which is manufactured, processed, sold in, or imported into, the United States in aggregate quantities of 100,000,000 or more pounds per year. Requires each manufacturer of such substance to test it in accordance with specified requirements. Allows designation of other manufacturers or qualified third parties to conduct such tests and submit test data. Sets forth provisions relating to: (1) the effects for which such testing is required; (2) test procedures and guidelines; (3) alternative or innovative test methods and procedures; (4) a listing procedure; (5) generally applicable reporting rules and health and safety study submission rules; (6) test scheduling; (7) exemption and modifications; (8) certification of test results; and (9) inspection and audit. Adds to prohibited acts: (1) failing or refusing to comply with any requirement for the testing of large volume chemicals; or (2) providing a false or misleading certification under such requirements. Provides that each day after such a false or misleading certification is made shall constitute a separate violation until the day such certification is withdrawn and a complete and accurate substitute certification is filed in its place. Disqualifies any corporation which knows or should have known that its certification is false or misleading from making further certifications under requirements for the testing of large volume chemicals for a five-year period (or a longer period determined by the Administrator after notice and opportunity for a hearing on the record). Provides that the term "person," when used in provisions for prohibited acts and penalties to ensure compliance with such certification requirements, shall include corporate officers and officers of other entities, in their personal as well as official capacities. Sets forth provisions for negotiated testing agreements. Authorizes the Administrator to negotiate agreements by which chemical manufacturers or processors will test the substance or mixture, upon EPA determination that adequate test data can be developed more promptly under such an agreement than under a test rule. Requires such agreements to include specified elements described under testing requirement rules. Requires publication of the text of a proposed agreement, and at least a 60-day period for public comment. Prohibits any such agreement from being based in whole or part on any information or data which has not been placed in a record which is public subject to specified confidentiality provisions. Requires that a reasonable basis for the agreement be provided by that portion of the record which is not confidential. Authorizes modifications of agreements upon petition of any person or the Administrator's own motion. Provides that such provisions for negotiated agreements do not affect the Administrator's authority to subsequently promulgate an EPA test rule requirement for any chemical substance or mixture which is subject to such an agreement. Directs the Administrator to promptly promulgate an EPA test rule to require that testing be performed if a person or group fails to conduct the testing agreed upon. Provides that specified findings requirements shall not apply to such promulgation. Adds provisions for EPA authority for expedited information gathering to support the current expedited review process when the Administrator: (1) has made the requisite finding that there may be a reasonable basis to conclude that a chemical substance or mixture presents or will present a significant risk of serious or widespread harm to human beings from cancer, gene mutations, or birth defects; and (2) finds that the EPA's ability to initiate appropriate action under specified provisions to prevent or reduce to a sufficient extent such risk or to make a finding that such risk is not unreasonable is limited due to the lack of relevant data. Authorizes the Administrator, under such circumstances, to perform or contract for additional testing and exposure studies which are reasonable and necessary to initiate appropriate action, provided that such activities are initiated within the 180-day expedited review period and the Administrator's action are published within such period. Authorizes the Administrator to seek reimbursement for the costs of such testing and exposure studies from the manufacturers and processors of the substances. Revises requirements for manufacturing and processing notices for new chemicals and those for which there is a significant new use (the pre-manufacturing notice program or PMN). Replaces references to "a significant new use" of a chemical substance with references to manufacture or processing of a chemical substance in a manner or for "a use which may lead to significant new exposure to human beings or significant new release to the environment." Authorizes the Administrator to allow a new chemical (or one involving significant new exposure or release) to be manufactured or processed when the PMN program notice review is completed and there has been a determination that specified actions concerning such notice will not be taken by the EPA. Revises PMN program requirements for submission of test data. Makes it the manufacturer's or processor's duty to submit data which makes a specified demonstration to the satisfaction of the Administrator. (Current law requires the submission of data which the manufacturer or processor believes makes such a showing.) Revises the required content of PMN program notices to include: (1) specific information and data concerning the substance's physical and chemical properties, associated physical hazards and toxicological properties, and the manner, duration, magnitude, and extent of human exposure or environmental release; and (2) a reasoned evaluation, based on such data and information, of the potential acute and chronic human health effects and adverse environmental effects of the substance under its anticipated conditions of manufacture, processing, distribution in commerce, use and disposal. Requires that such data include certain test data recommended by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, with exceptions under specified conditions. Revises PMN program provisions for EPA orders prohibiting or limiting manufacture of a chemical substance for which a PMN program notice has been received pending development of information. Directs the Administrator to notify the manufacturer or processor who submitted the notice of the determinations which underlie such a proposed order. Allows specific objections to the proposed order to be filed, within 30 days after such manufacturer or processor receives such notification, by such manufacturer or processor or by any person who is likely to obtain the chemical substance directly or indirectly from them. Sets forth procedures for consideration of and determinations concerning such objections. Provides that such orders shall apply to the manufacturer or processor who submitted the notice. Authorizes the Administrator to make such order apply to any other person, whether or not the person was a party to the issuance of the order, who: (1) manufactures the substance for the manufacturer or processor; or (2) processes, distributes in commerce, uses, or disposes of the chemical substance after obtaining it, directly or indirectly, as a chemical substance or as part of a mixture, from such manufacturer or processor. Provides that such order shall not apply to any person who has received a direct notice of the order either from the Administrator or under the following provision. Provides that an order may require any person subject to the order who distributes in commerce the chemical substance, either as a chemical substance or as part of a mixture, to provide a copy of the order to persons to whom the substance is distributed. Provides that any person subject to such an order who complies with its provisions shall be considered in compliance with TSCA with respect to those activities subject to the order. Makes the exclusive remedy for judicial review of the Administrator's decision to issue such an order after consideration of an objection the commencement by the person who filed the objection of a civil action in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia or the U.S. district court for the district of such person's residence or principal place of business. Requires such action to be filed within 60 days after the order becomes effective. Specifies that PMN program requirements apply to the release in the environment of any genetically engineered microorganism in any quantity for scientific experimentation, analysis, research, or development, whether or not these activities are noncommercial or commercial. Directs the Administrator, within one year after enactment, to promulgate a list of categories of chemical substances pursuant to PMN program provisions which authorize the EPA listing of chemical substances whose manufacture, processing, distribution in commerce, use, or disposal, or any combination of such activities, presents or may present an unreasonable risk of injury to health or the environment. Requires that such list contain at a minimum certain categories of chemical substances. Sets forth a table describing such categories. Authorizes the Administrator to delete from or refine, by rule, the list of categories set forth in such table, on the basis that the chemical substances thus removed from the list do not meet the requirement of actually or potentially presenting an unreasonable risk through such activities. Revises provisions for EPA regulation of hazardous chemical substances and mixtures. Deletes a provision that requires the Administrator to use the least burdensome of specified requirements. Expands the scope of such regulation by adding EPA authority to: (1) prohibit the use or disposal of a hazardous chemical substance or mixture; (2) limit the amount of such a substance or mixture which may be used or disposed of; (3) limit the manufacturing, processing, distribution in commerce, use, or disposal of such a substance or mixture, where such activities give rise to release to the environment or human exposure in excess of levels specified by the Administrator in a rule imposing the requirement; (4) require that such substance or mixture or its containers be marked with or accompanied by warning and instructions with respect to its manufacture or processing (in addition to other specified activities); or (5) prohibit or otherwise regulate any manner or method of manufacture, processing, distribution in commerce, use, or disposal of such substance or mixture. Deletes certain limitations on the Administrator's authority to promulgate rules for such EPA regulation of hazardous chemical substances or mixtures under TSCA. Directs the Administrator, in promulgating such a rule, to make a reasonable attempt to impose the least burdensome requirements consistent with the primary goal of abating unreasonable risk to human health or the environment in a timely manner. Provides that the Administrator's judgment in this regard is discretionary and shall not be overruled in response to a challenge to such requirement except to the extent that it is arbitrary and capricious. Makes requirements for reporting and retention of information applicable to distributors, users, or disposers of chemical substances (while continuing the current distinction between large and small quantity activities). Authorizes the Administrator, as an alternative to a specified rule for reporting and retention of information, to require, by written request, any manufacturer, processor, commercial distributor, user, or disposer of a chemical substance to submit information to carry out TSCA. Requires the person involved to provide, within a reasonable time, the requested information insofar as it is known or reasonably ascertainable at the time of the request. Adds information requirements relating to: (1) amounts of chemical substances or mixtures used or disposed of; (2) impurities resulting from the manufacture, processing, use, or disposal of chemical substances or mixtures; (3) the extent of human exposure; (4) the delivery movement, or holding of chemicals, including the quantity, the date of shipment, and receipt, and the consignor and consignee; and (5) such data as may be reasonably necessary to evaluate the economic consequences of activities undertaken. Revises reporting and retention of information requirements relating to small quantity activities to add coverage of chemical substances or mixtures: (1) which are subject to a negotiated testing agreement; or (2) where the Administrator has reason to believe that the activities of the small manufacturer, processor, distributor, user or disposer may present an unreasonable risk of injury to human health and the environment and where additional information is needed to ascertain the nature and extent of such risk. Directs the Administrator to publish a current inventory of chemical substances at least every five years. Repeals specified provisions for the relationship of TSCA to other Federal laws (including certain provisions involving to filing of reports and waiting periods). Retains provisions for coordination with other Federal laws and provisions specifying TSCA's relationship to the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. Repeals the general prohibition against TSCA's applicability to chemical substances or mixtures intented solely for export. Includes under export notice requirements chemical substances or mixtures which are subject to a negotiated testing agreement. Revises provisions for disclosure of data. Grants State authorities the same access to such information as that currently afforded to Federal authorities. Requires that designations of confidentiality for information be: (1) accompanied by statements of justification by the entity submitting the data; and (2) signed by an officer of such entity, with an affirmation that such officer believes such designation is valid. Provides that such confidentiality designations shall remain in effect until the chemical is manufactured. Allows redesignation, at the time manufacturing commences, of data which is believed to be still entitled to confidential treatment. Provides that, except for such provisions relating to the time of manufacture, such confidentiality designations shall remain in effect for three years from the date of such designation, subject to specified provisions. Allows renewals for additional three-year periods. Subjects any person who solicits disclosure or obtains confidential material knowing that its release was unlawful to the same criminal penalties as a person who wrongfully discloses such data. Directs the Administrator, within one year of enactment of this Act, to submit to the Congress: (1) a report on how TSCA information-gathering authorities have been and could be used to support other chemical regulatory programs; and (2) a report on the relationship between the authorities and requirements under TSCA and the activities of small businesses.

Bill· SS. 3059 (98th)referred

A bill to amend the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974 to impose limits on aggregate Federal outlays, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 4 October 1984

Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to prohibit, for any fiscal year beginning after September 30, 1985, the amount of total budget outlays set forth in any concurrent resolution on the budget from exceeding specified percentages of the adjusted gross national product. Requires the President to notify Congress with specific recommendations if Federal outlays will exceed the limitations imposed by this Act. Requires congressional budget committees, upon such notification, to report a revised concurrent resolution on the budget in accordance with such limitations.

Resolution· SRESS.Res. 472 (98th)passed

A resolution expressing the appreciation of the Senate to members of the entertainment industry, especially the Entertainment Industries Council, for their concern over the drug problem in America, and urging the industry to undertake a comprehensive program to communicate to the citizens of the United States the dangers of drug abuse.

United States · United States Congress · 4 October 1984

Expresses the Senate's appreciation to members of the entertainment industry, especially the Entertainment Industries Council, for their work in discouraging and communicating the danger of drug use.

Bill· SS. 3051 (98th)referred

A bill granting the consent of Congress to the Midwest Interstate Compact on Low-level Radioactive Waste Management.

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.

Resolution· SRESS.Res. 466 (98th)open

A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that the Customs Service should suspend for a period of at least six months the interim regulations issued on August 3, 1984, which change the standards and procedures for U.S. imports of textiles and apparel.

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.

Resolution· SRESS.Res. 467 (98th)referred

A resolution expressing the appreciation of the Senate to members of the entertainment industry, especially the Entertainment Industries Council, for their concern over the drug problem in America, and urging the industry to undertake a comprehensive program to communicate to the citizens of the United States the dangers of drug abuse.

United States · United States Congress · 3 October 1984

Expresses the Senate's appreciation to members of the entertainment industry, especially the Entertainment Industries Council, for their work in discouraging and communicating the danger of drug use.

Bill· SS. 3039 (98th)referred

Balanced Budget Procedures Act of 1984

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.

Bill· SS. 3032 (98th)open

A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 to provide for more equitable test and imputed interest rates, and for other purposes.

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.

Bill· SJRESS.J.Res. 351 (98th)referred

A joint resolution designating the week beginning February 17, 1985, as a time to recognize volunteers who give their time to become Big Brothers and Big Sisters to youth in need of adult companionship.

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.

Resolution· SRESS.Res. 439 (98th)open

A resolution to express the sense of the Senate that the Continental Scientific Drilling Program is an important national scientific endeavor, benefitting the commerce of the Nation, which should be vigorously pursued by government and the private sector.

United States · United States Congress · 10 September 1984

Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) the Continental Scientific Drilling Program should be implemented through a joint effort by the U.S. Department of Energy, the National Science Foundation, the U.S. Geological Survey, and with private sector participation; and (2) the U.S. Government should cooperate, to the extent practicable, with the international community in developing such program.

Bill· SS. 2957 (98th)referred

Arms Race Control Act of 1984

United States · United States Congress · 10 August 1984

Arms Race Control Act of 1984 - Directs the President to propose to the Soviet Union that the two sides agree to halt for a limited time: (1) the flight, testing, and deployment of strategic ballistic missiles under development; (2) the testing of antisatellite weapons against objects in space; and (3) the detonation of any nuclear explosive device. Prohibits the obligation or spending of any funds, beginning six months after enactment of this Act, for any such testing, deployment, or detonation unless the President provides a determination and certification to the Congress, together with an unclassified report and a detailed classified report setting forth the basis for the decision stating that: (1) the President has tried in good faith and has failed to achieve a mutual and verifiable agreement with the Soviet Union to impose the constraints on such testing, deployment, and detonation; (2) the President has reliable evidence that the Soviet Union is proceeding with such testing, deployment, or detonation; and (3) failure of the United States to do the same would undermine the national security. Provides for the allocation of personnel as may be appropriate to ensure continued progress toward the goal of a comprehensive halt in the nuclear arms race. Directs the Secretary of State, in coordination with the Director of the United States Arms Control and Disarmament Agency, to transmit to the Congress an annual report regarding the status of and prospects for bilateral and multilateral negotiations to accomplish the goal of a comprehensive halt in the nuclear arms race.

Bill· SS. 2954 (98th)referred

Food Stamp Redemption Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 August 1984

Food Stamp Redemption Act - Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to prohibit financial institutions from charging retail food stores service charges for the redemption of food stamp coupons.

Bill· SS. 2930 (98th)open

A bill to repeal the changes made by the Tax Reform Act of 1984 with respect to the tax treatment of debt instruments issued for property.

United States · United States Congress · 9 August 1984

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal rules relating to the determination of the issue price of certain debt instruments issued for property. Amends the Tax Reform Act of 1984 to repeal the revisions made to rules for the imputation of interest on certain deferred payments. Provides that the Internal Revenue Code shall be applied and administered as if such revisions had not been enacted.

Resolution· SRESS.Res. 431 (98th)open

A resolution relating to Canadian pork imports.

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.

Bill· SS. 2914 (98th)open

Enterprise Zone Act of 1984

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.