United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1985
Removes restrictions on State transfers of certain apportioned highway funds. Requires States to utilize a specified percentage of such funds on the projects for which they were apportioned, except where the State certifies to the Secretary of Transportation that such percentage is in excess of existing highway needs. Amends the Surface Transportation Assistance Act of 1982 to conform to provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1985
Constitutional Amendment - Proclaims the English language to be the official language of the United States. Grants the Congress the power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1985
Amends the Federal criminal code to establish penalties for damaging or destroying any cemetery, religious building, or any religious article contained in such a building or interfering with any person freely exercising his or her religious beliefs.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1985
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that tax-exempt interest shall not be taken into account in determining the amount of social security benefits subject to tax.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Amends the Federal criminal code to define "armor-piercing ammunition." Excludes from the definition: (1) shot gun shot required by Federal or State regulations for hunting; (2) frangible projectiles for target shooting; and (3) projectiles that the Secretary of the Treasury determines are primarily intended for sporting purposes. Makes it unlawful for any person to manufacture or import armor-piercing ammunition. Allows for: (1) the manufacture or importation of armor piercing ammunition for the use of the United States or any State or local government; and (2) manufacture for the sole purpose of exportation. Establishes a licensing fee of $1,000 per year for manufacturers and importers of armor-piercing ammunition. Imposes an additional mandatory sentence of not less than five years for any person who uses or carries a firearm and is in possession of armor-piercing ammunition during the commission of a violent felony. Provides that such sentence shall not be suspended nor probation nor parole be granted.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Title I: Amendments to Title 18, United States Code (18 U.S.C. 921-928) - Amends the Gun Control Act of 1968 to redefine: (1) "manufacturer" to mean any person engaged in the "business of manufacturing" (instead of "manufacture" of) firearms or ammunition; and (2) "dealer" to exclude dealers in ammunition. Adds a new definition "engaged in the business" with respect to manufacturer, dealers, and importers. Defines as a manufacturer, dealer, or importer of firearms a person who manufactures or deals in a regular course of trade or business with the principal objective of livelihood and profit. Defines "with the principal objective of livelihood and profit" to mean that the intent underlying the sale or disposition of firearms is predominantly one of obtaining livelihood and pecuniary gain. Excludes as dealers persons making occasional sales or repairs of firearms. Eliminates certain activities involving ammunition from the coverage of the current prohibitions. Permits the interstate sale of handguns where the sale complies with the law of the licensee's State and the State of the purchaser's residence. Presumes the licensee to have actual knowledge of the published laws of the States. Revises the current prohibition against certain classes of persons transporting a firearm or ammunition in interstate commerce to extend such prohibition to possession or receipt in commerce or affecting commerce of any firearm or ammunition. Includes as additional categories illegal aliens, dishonorably discharged members of the armed forces, and U.S. citizens who renounce their citizenship. Excludes ammunition dealers from the current licensing requirements. Declares that a licensed dealer's personal collection of firearms shall not be subject to recordkeeping requirements in specific circumstances. Permits the Secretary of the Treasury to revoke a license only where the holder "willfully" violates a provision of the Act. Bars the Secretary from denying or revoking a license on the basis of violations which are alleged in criminal proceedings instituted against a licensee, where such individual is not convicted of such charges. Allows the Government to voluntarily dismiss criminal charges prior to trial and still proceed with revocation. Imposes as a condition for the inspection or examination of records, documents, firearms, or ammunition that the Secretary has reasonable cause to believe that a violation has occurred and that evidence may be found on the premises. Requires a warrant to be issued for such search. Provides exceptions to such warrant requirement. Requires licensed collectors to maintain records of the receipt, sale, or other disposition of firearms. Requires records maintained by a licensee who has discontinued business to be delivered to the Archivist of the United States and the Secretary of the Treasury and to be disposed of after 20 years. Sets forth information-gathering procedures for tracing firearms and prohibits criminal charges based solely on information provided under those procedures. Prohibits records from being kept at a centralized location or entered in a computer for storage or retrieval. Permits licensed importers, manufacturers, and dealers to conduct business at temporary locations other than the one specified on a license (for example, gun shows). Establishes either a "knowing" (scienter) or a "willful" requirement with respect to general violations of the Act. Imposes additional penalties for the use of a firearm during the commission of a Federal crime of violence and for carrying a firearm in furtherance of a Federal crime of violence. Increases the penalties for the criminal misuse of firearms by making such penalties mandatory and at higher fine levels or longer prison terms than current law requires. Extends to first offenders the requirement, currently applicable only to second offenders, that the court not suspend any sentence or grant probation. Prohibits the granting of parole to first and subsequent offenders. Declares that no person shall be subject to the additional, mandatory penalties if use of the firearm or destructive device was a nonfelonious attempt to protect persons or property. Amends the forfeiture provision to subject to seizure any firearm or ammunition "involved in or used" in a knowing violation of the Gun Control Act (instead of "involved in or used or intended to be used"). Directs the court to award attorney fees to the prevailing party (other than the United States) in a proceeding for the return of seized firearms or ammunition. Requires the court to award such fees in any other action upon a finding that the action was without foundation or was initiated in bad faith. Limits seizure to firearms individually identified as involved in the violation. Revises the current procedure allowing persons who have been convicted of a crime to apply to the Secretary for relief from the firearms prohibitions. Permits any person prohibited from possessing, shipping, transporting, or receiving firearms or ammunition to apply for relief. Requires, instead of permits, the Secretary to grant release, unless the applicant will be likely to act in a manner dangerous to public safety. Permits any person who is denied relief to seek de novo judicial review in Federal court. Imposes on the applicant the burden of proof. Makes the authority of the Secretary to permit importation of certain types of firearms and ammunition nondiscretionary. Increases the number of types of sporting firearms which may be imported. Amends the rulemaking authority of the Secretary to provide that no regulation may require the transfer of records required under this Act to a facility owned, managed, or controlled by the United States or any State or the establishment of any system of registration of firearms, firearms owners, or firearms transactions. Requires a 90-day public comment period for proposed regulations (no period is currently specified). Prohibits the Secretary from prescribing regulations which require purchasers of black powder to complete affidavits or forms attesting to their exemption from certain provisions of the Federal criminal code. Declares any law or regulation promulgated by any State prohibiting the transfer of an unloaded and not readily accessible firearm or ammunition null and void. Title II: Amendments to Title VII of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 - Repeals title VII of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act (relating to the receipt, possession, or transportation of firearms by felons, dishonorably discharged veterans, mental incompetents, illegal aliens, and persons renouncing their United States citizenship).
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Provides that each item of any general or special appropriation bill and any bill or joint resolution making supplemental, deficiency, or continuing appropriations that is agreed to in the same form by both Houses of the Congress shall be enrolled as a separate bill or joint resolution for presentation to the President (line-item veto).
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Unborn Children's Civil Rights Act of 1985 - Prohibits Federal involvement in the performance of abortions, except Federal funds may be used for medical procedures required to prevent the death of the mother or the unborn child. Includes the following activities within the scope of this provision: (1) use of appropriated funds to counsel or encourage an abortion; (2) use of appropriated funds to reimburse or refer for abortions; (3) use of funds for research with respect to abortion; or (4) contracting for insurance which pays or reimburses for abortion. Prohibits any institution receiving Federal funds from discriminating against any employee, applicant, or student because of such person's opposition to abortion. Prohibits the granting of attorney fees in a civil action involving a law, ordinance, or regulation prohibiting abortion. Provides for Supreme Court review with regard to a law, ordinance, or regulation prohibiting abortion which a lower Federal court declares unconstitutional.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Amends the Steel Import Stabilization Act to direct the U.S. Trade Representative, in negotiating with Japan and South Korea on steel products import limits, to negotiate the apportionment of the aggregate limit among specified subcategories of steel products. Directs the U.S. Trade Representative to apportion the aggregate limit if such negotiations are not successfully concluded within 30 days of the enactment of this Act. Sets forth such subcategories.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
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
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 · 10 September 1984
Designates the week beginning February 17, 1985, as a time to recognize the contributions of volunteers who give their time to become Big Brothers and Big Sisters to youths in need of adult companionship.
United States · United States Congress · 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.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 1984
Proclaims October 23, 1984, as "A Time of Remembrance" for Americans to take time to reflect on the sacrifices that have been made in the pursuit of peace and freedom.
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 1984
Honey Research, Promotion, and Consumer Information Act - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to issue and amend honey orders. Provides for the establishment of: (1) a Honey Board; and (2) a National Honey Nominations Committee to nominate Board members and alternates. States that such Board shall administer orders, develop plans for research, promotion, and consumer information and finance such activities through producer, importer, and handler assessments. Exempts specified small producers and importers from such assessments.
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 1984
Amends the Federal criminal code to define "armor piercing ammunition." Excludes from the definition: (1) shot gun shot required by Federal or State regulations for hunting; (2) frangible projectiles for target shooting; and (3) projectiles that the Secretary of Treasury determines are primarily intended for sporting purposes. Makes it unlawful for any person to manufacture or import armor piercing ammunition. Allows for: (1) the manufacture or importation of armor piercing ammunition for the use of the United States or any State or local government; and (2) manufacture for the sole purpose of exportation. Establishes a licensing fee of $1,000 per year for manufacturers and importers of armor piercing ammunition. Imposes an additional mandatory sentence of not less than five years for any person who uses or carries a firearm and is in possession of armor piercing ammunition during the commission of a violent felony. Provides that such sentence shall not be suspended nor probation nor parole granted.
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 1984
Expresses the sense of Congress that the portion of the street in the District of Columbia on which is located the Embassy of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, and the portion of any street in any other city in the United States on which is located a consular office or mission of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, should be named Andrei Sakharov Avenue.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1984
Electric Consumers Protection Act of 1984 - Amends the Federal Power Act to require the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to issue a new license to an existing licensee for a hydroelectric project authorized under such Act if the United States does not, upon the expiration of the existing license, exercise its right to take over, maintain, and operate such licensee's project, unless the Commission determines that such licensee's project will not meet the licensing standards under such Act. Provides that if the Commission determines that such licensee's project does not meet such standards, the Commission is authorized to issue a new license to a new licensee which may cover the existing licensee's project provided that the new licensee pays just compensation determined by the Commission and enters into any contracts required under the Federal Power Act. (Under current law, the Commission is authorized to issue a new license to the original licensee or to a new licensee if the United States does not exercise its rights with respect to an expired license.)
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1984
Coal Export Enhancement Act of 1984 - Directs the U.S. Trade Representative to establish, within 90 days of enactment of this Act, a Federal Coal Export Commission which shall meet at least four times a year for consultation on activities leading to increased cooperation among entities involved in U.S. coal exports, with the goal of expanding the U.S. share of the international coal market. Requires the Commission to examine the potential of small- and medium- sized coal companies to enter the export coal trade through export trading companies. Requires the Commission to submit its report to the President and the Congress within two years of its first meeting. Terminates the Commission upon submission of its report.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 1984
Youth Employment Opportunity Wage Act of 1984 - Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to authorize employers to pay employees under 20 years of age 75 percent of the minimum wage rate between May and September of each year. Exempts such employees from special certificate requirements. Restricts such authorization to: (1) hours worked by eligible employees in compliance with applicable child labor laws; and (2) youth employed after May 1 of each year. Prohibits the removal of employees ineligible for the subminimum wage rate in order to replace them with employees who are eligible. Makes technical and conforming amendments to the Job Training Partnership Act. Terminates the minimum wage rate exception after September 30, 1987. Directs the Secretary of Labor to monitor the implementation of this Act and to report to the Congress concerning the employment effects of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1984
Federal Reserve Reform Act of 1984 - Amends the Federal Reserve Act to place the Secretary of the Treasury and the Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers on the Federal Open Market Committee. Changes the term of office of the Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System from four years to the period ending on January 31 of the first calendar year beginning after the calendar year during which the term of the President who appointed the chairman is scheduled to expire. Provides that in the event of the absence or unavailability of the chairman, the vice chairman (or in the vice chairman's absence another member of the Board) may be designated acting chairman. Provides that the vice chairman shall perform the duties of the chairman until a successor is appointed in the event of the chairman's death or resignation. Provides that in the case of the death or resignation of the chairman and the vice chairman or a vacancy in both offices, the member of the Board with the most years of service shall perform the duties of the chairman until a successor is appointed. Changes from 14 years to seven years the term of office of members of the Federal Reserve Board. Requires each change, of any nature whatsoever, in the intermediate targets for monetary policy that is adopted by the Federal Open Market Committee to be disclosed to the public on the date of adoption. Defines "intermediate targets" as any policy objectives regarding monetary aggregates, credit aggregates, prices, interest rates, or bank reserves.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1984
Small Business Competition Enhancement Act of 1984 - Amends the Small Business Act to set forth specified evaluation considerations which must be weighed by Federal agencies with respect to solicitations for competitive and noncompetitive awards of development or production contracts for a major system. Provides a waiver for certain evaluation considerations if the contracting officer determines in writing that such requirement would not be applicable to the production contract or would not be in the best interests of the Government. Requires an agency before it can establish any prequalification requirement with respect to the awarding of a contract to: (1) prepare a written justification stating the reasons for the restriction and why free and open competition is not feasible; (2) specify in writing and make available upon request all standards which a contractor, or its product, must meet in order to become qualified; (3) provide an opportunity for a contractor to demonstrate its ability to meet such standards; and (4) inform such contractor as to whether qualification has been attained. Sets forth procedures an agency must follow in the event that the number of available qualified sources or products is less than five. Sets forth additional information which is to be included in all notices of proposed competitive and noncompetitive civilian and defense procurement actions of $10,000 and above. Requires an agency to: (1) publicly post solicitations which would have been synopsized in the Commerce Business Daily if it had equalled or exceeded the applicable dollar threshold for such publication; and (2) make available to small businesses the solicitation package for solicitations posted in abstract form and permit the copying of such solicitation. Declares it to be the policy of the United States that small businesses and small businesses owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals shall have to the maximum extent possible the opportunity to participate in the performance of contracts and subcontracts which are in excess of $10,000 and are not for personal services for subsystems, assemblies, components, and related services for major systems. Requires an agency with responsibility for a major system to include provisions relating to specified technical data in all production contracts in order to foster competitive procurement of spare parts requirements to maintain such systems. Provides a waiver for such provisions if the contracting officer determines in writing that any such provision would not be applicable to the production contract or would not be in the best interests of the Government. Requires an agency: (1) within one year after the enactment of this Act, to develop a plan for the management of such technical data received under contracts for the development, production, modification, or maintenance of major systems within its jurisdiction; and (2) within five years after the enactment of this Act, to complete implementation of such management plan and include the technical data for each major system within its jurisdiction. Specifies other matters the management plan shall address. Requires the Comptroller General, not later than 18 months after the enactment of this Act, to transmit to the Congress a report evaluating the plans of specified Federal agencies for the management of technical data for major systems within their jurisdiction. Requires a contracting officer, under specified circumstances, to initiate a review of the validity of restrictions on the Government's rights in technical data furnished under contract. Sets forth procedures for the certification of such restrictions. Requires the Small Business Administration to assign to each major procurement center a breakout procurement center representative who shall: (1) participate in evaluating the maintenance of a major system during its service life and determine whether requirements are to be procured through other than free and open competition; (2) review procurement method codes that restrict competition among small businesses and to request reevaluation of such restrictions by agency personnel; (3) review restrictions on competition that arise out of restrictions on the Government's rights in technical data and, when appropriate, recommend that the contracting officer initiate a review of the validity of such restriction; (4) obtain technical data for the preparation of a competitive solicitation package; and (5) have access to the unclassified procurement records and other data of the procurement center. Directs each agency to assign technical advisors to assist each breakout procurement center representative.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1984
White House Conference on Small Business Authorization Act - Calls upon the President to conduct a National White House Conference on Small Business, not earlier than January 1, 1985, and not later than September 1, 1986, to: (1) increase public awareness of the contributions of small business; (2) identify small business problems; (3) examine the status of minority and women small business owners; (4) assist small business in carrying out its role as the nation's job creator; (5) develop specific recommendations for executive and legislative action; and (6) review the status of recommendations adopted at the Conference. Authorizes and directs Federal departments, agencies, and instrumentalities to provide support and assistance to the planning of such conference. Requires a final report of the Conference, within six months from the date such conference is convened, to be submitted to the President and the Congress. Requires the Small Business Administration to report annually to the Congress for the next three years following the submission of the final report of the Conference. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1984
Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to authorize appropriations for: (1) FY 1985 through 1987 to be used by the Secretary of Commerce to assist in the planning and construction of public telecommunications facilities; and (2) FY 1987 through 1989 for the Public Broadcasting Fund used by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
![Official portrait of Sen. Hecht, Chic [R-NV]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/h000439_200.jpg)