United States · United States Congress · 14 August 1986
Product Liability Reform Act - Title I: States that this Act governs any civil action brought against a manufacturer or product seller for harm caused by a product. Supersedes any inconsistent State law regarding recovery in such actions. States that U.S. district courts shall not have jurisdiction over civil actions pursuant to this Act. Title II: Establishes procedures by which any party may serve upon any other party offers to settle claims. Precludes a claimant or defendant from bringing or maintaining a civil action once an offer of settlement has been accepted. Holds a defendant who rejects a settlement offer and fails to substantially prevail in the action liable for the claimant's attorney's fees and costs. Limits the recovery of a claimant who has rejected a defendant's settlement offer: (1) for economic loss, to the claimant's net economic loss; and (2) for noneconomic loss, other than punitive damages, to $250,000 (if the court finds that recovery for dignitary loss is appropriate; otherwise two times the economic loss or $50,000, whichever is less). Allows payment for economic loss to be made by periodic payment or according to a settlement agreement. Requires the court to approve a settlement agreement if the value of the economic loss is $10,000 or more. Permits any defendant who has entered into a settlement agreement to seek reimbursement, contribution, or subrogation on the basis of comparative responsibility. Title III: Allows any person seeking recovery for harm caused by a product to bring a civil action against the product's manufacturer or seller. Establishes uniform standards of product seller liability. Subjects a product seller to liability if the claimant establishes by a preponderance of the evidence that: (1) the product seller did not exercise reasonable care with respect to the product; or (2) the product failed to conform to an express warranty made by the product seller. Treats a product seller as a manufacturer where: (1) the manufacturer is not subject to service of process under the laws of any State in which the action might be brought; or (2) the court determines that the claimant would be unable to enforce a judgment against the manufacturer. Allows punitive damages to be awarded, if permitted by applicable law, where the claimant establishes by clear and convincing evidence that the harm suffered was the result of conduct manifesting the manufacturer's or seller's conscious, flagrant indifference to the safety of those who might be harmed by the product. Provides that punitive damages may not be awarded where: (1) a drug or medical device was approved or is generally recognized as safe by the Food and Drug Administration; or (2) an aircraft was certified by the Federal Aviation Administration under the Federal Aviation Act of 1958. Establishes uniform statutes of limitation and repose for product liability actions. Subjects an attorney to pecuniary sanctions for certain conduct. Imposes penalties for the destruction or concealment of material relevant to product liability actions. Requires any damage award to be reduced by the amount of workers' compensation benefits paid. States that the liability of each defendant for noneconomic damages shall be several and not joint. Establishes a forum non conveniens rule that creates a presumption that when a foreign plaintiff suffers a product-related injury overseas, that claim should be brought in another State or foreign country. Sets forth certain rules regarding the admissibility of evidence. Limits the use of evidence regarding subsequent remedial measures taken by product manufacturers. Bars recovery where the claimant in a product liability action is under the influence of alcohol or any drug and more than 50 percent responsible for the harm. Title IV: Requires the Secretary of Commerce to provide the Congress with an annual report analyzing the impact of this Act on product liability insurance.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1986
Rural Enterprise Zone Act of 1986 - Title I: Designation of Rural Enterprise Zones - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for the designation of enterprise zones by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. Specifies that States and local governments shall nominate areas for such designation. Limits to 45 the total number of areas which may be designated as enterprise zones. Limits the period during which such designations shall remain in effect to a maximum of 15 years. Specifies that the Secretary may designate such zones only if: (1) the area is within the jurisdiction of the nominating local government; (2) the boundary of the area is continuous; (3) the area has a population of at least 1,000 or is entirely 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, and providing job training to residents of the area. Terminates the authority of the Secretary to designate rural enterprise zones on January 1, 1987, or three years after the publication of regulations pertaining to such zones. Describes areas to which preference shall be given in deciding to designate enterprise zones. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress every three years on the effects of such enterprise zones' designation in accomplishing the purposes of this Act. 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 the 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. Provides that the designation of a rural enterprise zone shall not constitute a Federal action for purposes of applying the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act or other provisions of Federal law relating to the protection of the environment. Title II: Federal Income Tax Incentives - Subtitle A: Credits for Employers - Allows employers located in rural enterprise zones an income tax credit for increased employment expenditures. Sets the amount of such credit at ten percent of the increase in payroll. Limits the dollar amount of wages taken into account with respect to any employee to an amount equal to the lower living standard for a family of four as determined by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Disallows an income tax deduction for the portion of wages taken into account for such credit. Subtitle B: Deferrals of Gain or Loss With Respect to Investment in Tangible Property in Rural Enterprise Zones - Allows the nonrecognition of gain or loss on the sale or exchange of rural enterprise zone property if the proceeds realized from such sale or exchange are used by the taxpayer to acquire rural enterprise zone property within one year. Subtitle C: Rules Relating to Industrial Development Bonds - Exempts rural enterprise zone property from the limitation of the accelerated cost recovery deduction on property financed with tax-exempt bonds. 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. Modifies certain small issue volume limitations with respect to rural enterprise zone facilities. Requires that five percent of the industrial development bond volume cap for a State which has one or more rural enterprise zones shall be set aside for use only in such rural enterprise zones in such State. Subtitle D: 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 business, government, and nonprofit enterprises operating within enterpise 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 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 Rural Enterprise Zones - Requires the Foreign-Trade Board to consider on a priority basis and expedite the processing of applications for the establishment of foreign-trade zones within enterprise zones. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to give priority to, and expedite applications for, the establishment of ports of entry necessary to establish such zones. States that, to the maximum extent practicable, foreign-trade zones should be established within enterprise zones.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1986
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the Small Business Administration be maintained as an independent agency. Urges the President to nominate an Administrator of the Small Business Administration.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1986
All-terrain Vehicle User Safety Act - Requires that all-terrain vehicles manufactured, imported for sale or distribution, or sold in the United States bear specified warning labels relating to operation of such vehicles without helmets, by children, on hard surfaces, and with passengers. Directs the Consumer Product Safety Commission to promulgate regulations necessary to implement this Act. Preempts inconsistent State and local laws. Directs the Commission to report the findings and conclusions of the Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking regarding all-terrain vehicles to specified congressional committees.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1986
Declares that the United States: (1) reaffirms its support for the struggle of the Afghan people; and (2) welcomes the Islamic Unity of Afghan Mujahideen delegation led by its spokesman Burhanuddin Rabbani to the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 1986
Declares that the Senate welcomes Colonel Ricardo Montero Duque to the United States and commends him for the sacrifices he has made to further the cause of freedom in Cuba.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1986
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the 50-year-old tax exemption of the 84 nonprofit, community-based Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans be retained without modification.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1986
Prompt Payment Amendments of 1986 - Revises Federal law to deem the head of an agency to receive an invoice on the fifth day after the date on which a property is actually delivered, or final performance of a service is actually completed, unless the contract specifies otherwise. Makes Federal prompt payment provisions applicable to the United States Postal Service. Reduces the 15-day grace period for payment of interest penalties to eight days for solicitations issued before October 1, 1988. Requires an agency to pay a double interest penalty if it fails to meet such grace period and the business concern makes a written demand that the agency pay such penalty. Makes the interest penalty provisions applicable to construction contracts for progress payments and retained amounts. Specifies the calculation of time for interest penalties on discount payments. Revises agency reporting requirements on interest penalty payments to include a description of agency payment practices. Requires the modification of Government-wide procurement regulations to implement Federal prompt payment provisions.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1986
Antiterrorism and Air Security Act of 1986 - Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to direct the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (the Administrator) to require the pre-employment investigation (including fingerprinting, if the Administrator determines it is necessary) of any employee with authorized access to: (1) air carriers or foreign air carrier aircraft; or (2) secured areas of U.S. airports serving such air carriers. Requires that any fingerprinting ordered by the Administrator in a criminal history records check shall be submitted to the Attorney General for identification and such a records check. Directs the Administrator to prescribe regulations to implement the pre-employment investigation requirement. Prohibits, with certain exceptions, air carriers or airport operators from employing persons: (1) without the pre-employment investigation; or (2) if such an investigation indicates the existence of a factor which the Administrator determines warrants exclusion from access to aircraft or secured areas. Establishes criminal penalties (including a fine and imprisonment) for the willful violation of the security program relating to secured airport areas or aircraft. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should: (1) undertake discussions regarding air transportation security measures with any nation serviced by U.S. air travel; and (2) discourage U.S. air carriers from servicing any nation not cooperating in increasing air transportation security.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 1986
Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) the United States should continue to pursue multilateral initiatives aimed at removing Cuban troops from Angola, closure of all South West Africa People's Organization bases in southern Angola, and impartiality by the United Nations in the treatment of all Namibian political parties; (2) the Department of State should establish contact with political party leaders of the Namibia Multi-Party Conference and Namibia Transitional Government of National Unity; and (3) the United States should implement its support for Namibia's Transitional Government of National Unity pending a negotiated plan for an internationally acceptable independence of Namibia.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1986
Repeals provisions of the Department of Defense Authorization Act, 1985 which: (1) provide a remedy against the United States for loss of property, personal injury, or death due to exposure to radiation based on acts or omissions by a contractor conducting atomic weapons tests under a contract with the United States; and (2) preclude any other civil action by individuals against a contractor for the purpose of determining civil liability from acts or omissions of such contractor. Makes the period during which such provision was in effect inapplicable for purposes of the tolling of any statute of limitations for claims.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1986
Amends Federal armed forces provisions to designate one of the Assistant Secretaries of Defense as the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low Intensity Conflict, whose principal duty shall be the overall supervision of special operations and low intensity conflict affairs (including terrorism, insurgency, and other unconventional warfare threats) of the Department of Defense. Directs the President to establish a unified command for special operations forces, unless such action is not in the national interest. Amends the National Security Act of 1947 to require the National Security Council to establish within the Council the Board for Low Intensity Conflict to coordinate the low intensity conflict policy for the United States. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should establish the position of Deputy Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs for Low Intensity Conflict, and that such Deputy Assistant should act as chairman of the Board for Low Intensity Conflict as established under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1986
Cost-of-Living-Adjustment-Reform Act of 1986 - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to replace the requirement that there be at least a three-percent rise in the Consumer Price Index before a cost-of-living adjustment of benefits is made with a requirement that such an adjustment be made whenever the cost of living increase is greater than zero.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1986
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Farm Credit System should take specified actions to assist borrowers, including: (1) participating to the maximum extent possible with the Farmers Home Administration and other Government guarantee programs to provide 1986 operating loans; (2) following policies of reasonable loan forbearance; (3) using loan restructuring; (4) emphasizing loan servicing approaches that help borrowers meet the conditions of their loan contracts; (5) resorting to foreclosure only when there is no alternative or when the associated costs would be less than loan restructuring; (6) providing defaulting borrowers with the opportunity to bid on foreclosed property; and (7) maintaining sound institutional credit policies.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1986
Aviation Safety Commission Act of 1986 - Establishes the Aviation Safety Commission to study how the Federal Aviation Administration may most effectively perform its responsibilities and increase aviation safety. Outlines the main considerations in such study. Requires the Commission to submit a report of such study to the President and the Congress by one year after the appointment of all Commission members. Terminates the Commission one year after such appointment. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1986
Nuclear Waste Policy Act Amendments of 1986 - Removes the statutory requirements and deadlines for second (and subsequent) nuclear waste repositories, thus eliminating Department of Energy authority to site such repositories. Removes the volume limitations placed upon first repositories. Instructs the Secretary of Energy to revise the repository mission plan to reflect the provisions of this Act and to submit such revisions within six months after enactment of this Act. Amends the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 to prohibit the Secretary from expending funds from the Nuclear Waste Fund for any activity relating to a second or subsequent repository.
United States · United States Congress · 22 April 1986
Nuclear Waste Policy Reform Amendments Act of 1986 - Amends the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 to prohibit the Secretary of Energy from implementing nuclear waste disposal activities with respect to more than one repository. Declares that any such activities commenced (or decisions made by the Secretary) before the date of enactment of this Act shall be rescinded or terminated. Prohibits the Nuclear Regulatory Commission from authorizing the construction of more than one repository under such Act. Provides that if the Secretary does not meet the January 31, 1998, deadline for high-level radioactive waste disposal then the Secretary must cease all repository activities until: (1) the Nuclear Waste Repository Review Commission (established by this Act) submits a certain report to the Congress; and (2) the Congress specifically authorizes the continuation of such repository activities (thus imposing a moratorium on repository development). Removes the deadlines by which the Secretary and the President must submit candidate site nominations for second repository site characterizations. Prohibits the Secretary from nominating or recommending any crystalline rock site for site characterization for a repository. Removes the volume limitation placed upon a first repository. Establishes the Nuclear Waste Repository Review Commission (if a repository moratorium takes effect) to: (1) review scientific data regarding repository suitability; and (2) compare the use of repositories for radioactive waste disposal with alternative technologies for the permanent isolation of such waste. Requires the Review Commission to report to the Congress by a certain date regarding its activities and recommendations. Authorizes appropriations. Terminates such Commission upon submission of its report. Sets deadlines for draft revisions of the Secretary's mission plan under such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 1986
Amends the Agricultural Adjustment Act to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to: (1) issue a proposed nationwide milk marketing order; and (2) conduct a producer referendum to determine whether such order is approved or disapproved.
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1986
Farm Credit Assistance Act of 1986 - Title I: Agricultural Loan Interest Subsidy Program - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a Federal-State-Lender cooperative agricultural loan interest subsidy program to run through September 30, 1987. Sets forth borrower eligibility criteria, including a prohibition on borrowers who produce commodities on highly erodible land or converted wetland. Provides that, with regard to such program, the interest rate shall be written down as follows: (1) two percentage points shall be paid by the Federal Government; (2) between one and two percentage points may be paid by a State; and (3) one percent of interest or at least 15 percent of the principal shall be canceled by the lender. Sets maximum aggregate loan principal at $400,000 for an individual and $600,000 for a family corporation or partnership. Authorizes FY 1986 through 1989 program appropriations. Limits maximum aggregate fiscal year payments to $600,000,000. Requires States to submit a program plan to the Secretary of Agriculture for approval. Sets forth plan requirements, including the designation of a State administering agency. Title II: Farm Credit System Institution Borrowers - Subtitle A: Farm Credit System Loan Restructuring Program - Requires a Farm Credit System (System) institution to restructure, rather than foreclose, a loan to an eligible borrower if foreclosure costs equal or exceed restructuring costs. Sets forth borrower eligibility criteria and related appeal procedures. Requires the Capital Corporation to reimburse an institution for the amount of principal due on loans reduced by the institution if necessary to avoid insolvency or liquidation. Requires the Chairman of the Farm Credit Administration Board to submit a program report to the Congress within 270 days. Subtitle B: Farm Credit System Reform - Amends the Farm Credit Act of 1971 to require System institutions to provide borrowers with access to appraisals. Encourages System institutions to permit foreclosed borrowers to retain possession of their principal residences and a reasonable amount of adjoining land. Prohibits a System institution from raising the interest rate on a loan that has been reclassified as a risk or problem loan. Directs the Farm Credit Administration to make periodic determinations of System financial assistance needs. Limits System institution operating expenses to one percent above the average cost of System-issued bonds. Directs the Farm Credit Administration to issue regulations regarding the disposition and leasing of acquired farmland. Directs System institutions to give sale or lease priority to family-sized farms and to original owners or operators. Requires a borrower to buy System stock in order to be eligible to obtain a loan or to purchase by installment System-held farmland. Title III: Farmers Home Administration Borrowers - Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to restructure, rather than foreclose, a loan made under the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act if foreclosure costs equal or exceed restructuring costs. Sets forth borrower eligibility criteria and related appeal procedures. Prohibits the Secretary from requiring additional loan collateral if the borrower is current in the payment of principal or interest. Directs the Secretary to submit a program report to the Congress within 270 days. Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to authorize loans to farmers and ranchers for alternate crop production (as defined by this Act). Title IV: Miscellaneous Provisions - Provides for the establishment of an Inter-Agency Agricultural Task Force to assist commercial agricultural banks and borrowers to resolve present economic problems and to facilitate commercial bank lending to agriculture in the future. Requires semiannual reports to the appropriate congressional committees. Authorizes appropriations. Requires that no less than $30,000,000 nor more than $35,000,000 of specified funds appropriated for the interest rate reduction program be used to fund the interest-rate buy-down program authorized under this Act for FY 1986.
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1986
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the administration should continue to oppose actions by the European Community to impose quotas on oilseeds in Portugal, to impose a grain purchase requirement quota on Portugal, and to place variable levies on corn and grain sorghum entering Spain before negotiating compensation; and (2) unless the European Community rescinds such trade restrictions or the United States receives compensation for resulting trade losses, the administration should impose trade restrictions on a sufficient value of exports of the European Community to the United States to reestablish the balance of concessions under the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade and other trade agreements.
United States · United States Congress · 11 April 1986
Authorizes use of the U.S. Capitol rotunda on May 6, 1986, during a specified time for a ceremony as part of the commemoration of the days of remembrance of victims of the Holocaust.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1986
Makes individuals who are not U.S. citizens or nationals and specified foreign-controlled interests ineligible for agricultural price supports, loans, crop insurance, and disaster payments. Exempts a foreign interest operating a single small- or medium-sized family farm from such prohibition.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1986
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to deny the tax exclusion for interest on industrial development bonds used to finance the acquisition of farm property by foreign persons. Defines a "foreign person" as: (1) any individual who is not a citizen or national of the United States; (2) any foreign corporation, foreign partnership, foreign trust, or foreign estate; (3) any domestic corporation more than ten percent of the value of the stock of which is held by one or more foreign persons; (4) any domestic partnership more than ten percent of the capital or profits interest in which is held by one or more foreign persons; or (5) any domestic trust more than ten percent of the beneficial interests in which is held by one or more foreign persons.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1986
Prohibits the issuance of a letter of offer with respect to specified proposed sales of Sidewinder, Stinger, and Harpoon missiles and services to Saudi Arabia, as described in the April 8, 1986, certifications from the President to the Congress under the Arms Export Control Act.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1986
Recognizes the Ireland Fund for its laudable charitable achievements, and its founder, Dr. Anthony J.F. O'Reilly, for the humane work he has inspired on behalf of the people of Ireland.
United States · United States Congress · 27 March 1986
Expresses the sense of the Senate that provisions of title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act requiring at least a three-percent rise in the Consumer Price Index before a cost-of-living adjustment of benefits is made be suspended in 1987.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1986
Expresses the sense of the Senate, and instructs its committees and conferees, that the Senate: (1) will not approve any provisions relating to tax-exempt bonds in H.R. 3838 or similar legislation that will adversely affect the ability of States and their political subdivisions to finance infrastructure needs; (2) will retain incentives in the capital formation provisions of any tax reform legislation to encourage private investment in public infrastructure; and (3) will not approve any tax reform provisions that would adversely affect the tax-exempt status of bonds or other obligations of the States or their political subdivisions which comply with current law and which are issued prior to either January 1, 1987, or any later date provided in enacted law.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1986
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that the discharge of certain farm indebtedness shall not be included in gross income. Requires that such indebtedness be incurred to finance the production of agricultural products or livestock or be secured by farmland or farm machinery.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1986
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Congress will consider, at the earliest opportunity, an amendment to the Internal Revenue Code excluding the discharge of qualified agricultural indebtedness from cancellation of indebtedness income in order to remove the disincentives to renegotiation of certain agricultural debts.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1986
Africa Famine, Recovery and Development Fund Act of 1986 - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize the President to provide aid for: (1) relief, rehabilitation, and recovery activities in Africa; and (2) long-term development in Africa. Sets forth the objectives of such long-term development assistance. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1988 through 1991 to carry out this Act. Makes certain other development and economic assistance funds available for assistance to Africa. Designates such authorizations and funds as the Africa Famine, Recovery and Development Fund. Authorizes the Agency for International Development (AID) to take whatever administrative steps are appropriate to provide goods and services for such assistance on an expedited basis and to finance goods and services normally found in the recipient country. Authorizes the President to make available to international organizations some of the assistance funds authorized by this Act. Encourages AID and the African Development Bank and the African Development Fund to cooperate on activities in support of the objectives of this Act. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should: (1) encourage the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and the United Nations to take a leading role in coordinating development efforts in Africa; and (2) assist the efforts of such agencies. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Secretary of State should coordinate a special effort to reduce trade barriers and encourage economic interchange with the developing countries of Africa. Includes in the President's annual report to the Congress on foreign aid programs a report on the progress made in carrying out this Act. Amends the Peace Corps Act to include in the President's annual report to the Congress on Peace Corps programs a report on the activities undertaken to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1986
New Clean Air Act - Amends the Clean Air Act to limit after 1991 the number of hours a fossil-fuel-burning electric generating facility which is a major stationary source of sulfur dioxide emissions may operate according to its emissions rate. Requires such major sources to attain by 1995 the best degree of emission reduction technically available. Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to periodically publish demonstrated levels of emission reduction and to promulgate emission standards for oil shale production and processing facilities, synthetic fuels production facilities, and other categories of major energy-production sources. Sets emission standards for light-duty vehicles and engines for model years after 1989 and for heavy-duty vehicles and engines for model years after 1990. Prohibits the sale of diesel fuel with a sulfur content above a certain level determined by the Administrator. Requires State vehicle inspection programs to require emissions testing or direct inspection of components of vehicle emissions control systems. Provides for the assessment of daily civil penalties for violations of the fuel and fuel additive regulatory requirements. Directs the Administrator to implement a monitoring system for assessing the effects of acid deposition by 1988. Makes it a violation of the Clean Air Act if a State's air pollutant emissions contribute to the violation of another State's water quality standard under the Clean Water Act. Amends the Clean Water Act to state that such emissions endanger health or welfare abroad if they contribute to the violation of such country's water quality standards. Directs the President to negotiate with Canada and Mexico by 1987 to cooperate in reducing air pollution. Directs the President to negotiate treaties or other international agreements to apply uniform standards of performance for the control of air pollutant emissions. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to report to the Congress by 1989 on a system of tariffs on emissions sufficient to encourage reductions.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1986
Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to prohibit any reprisal by an air carrier against any officer, employee, or contractor of such carrier for the lawful disclosure to a governmental entity (whistle blowing) regarding violations of such Act. Authorizes any person aggrieved by such a reprisal to bring a civil action.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1986
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the United States, in cooperation with other members of the international donor community, should call upon the Ethiopian Government to recognize that resources donated for famine relief should be used for that purpose and not diverted to resettlement efforts; (2) such forced resettlements by the Ethiopian Government should be halted and monitored by the United Nations (U.N.); (3) the Ethiopian Government should commit sufficient resources to move food and relief goods to meet the needs of its people; and (4) the U.N. should insist on free access to resettlement sites for international observers and the news media and report on conditions in the resettlement camps.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1986
Food Security Improvements Act of 1986 - Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to permit specified nonprogram crops to be planted on underplanted acreage (under an acreage limitation program) for the 1986 through 1990 crops of wheat, feed grains, rice, and upland cotton only if such production: (1) is not likely to increase price support program costs and will not adversely affect farm income; and (2) is necessary to provide adequate supply of the commodity, or to encourage domestic industrial use of a commodity not yet in use. Permits, at State option, hay and grazing on such acreage unless the Secretary determines they would have an adverse economic effect. Amends farm program yield provisions to provide that: (1) for the 1986 crop year, additional price support payments in the form of commodities shall be made available if farm payment yields are reduced by more than three percent of 1985 levels; (2) for the 1987 crop year, similar payments shall be made available if farm payment yields are reduced by more than five percent of 1985 levels; and (3) in establishing farm payment yields for 1988 and subsequent crop years, 1986 payment yields may not be reduced more than ten percent below 1985 levels. Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to change the title of the Special Assistant for Agricultural Trade and Food Aid to the Special Assistant for Agricultural Trade and Food Assistance. Requires the President to make such appointment by May 1, 1986. Sets minimum salary levels. Authorizes the Secretary to use unspecified (currently specified) amounts of Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) funds for commodities for FY 1986 through 1988 targeted export assistance. Reduces the minimum value of agricultural commodities to be used for FY 1986 through 1988 foreign market development. Sets forth the conditions for permitted hay and grazing on diverted wheat and feed grain acreage. Includes within the factors making up a program crop's acreage base a specified percentage of nonprogram crop acreage (50 percent for 1986 and 1987; 35 percent for 1988; 20 percent for 1989; and zero percent for 1990). Directs the Secretary to hold hearings and implement a marketwide milk service payment program within a specified time. Directs the Secretary to increase milk assessments, rather than reduce milk payments, in order to meet deficit reduction requirements of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act) during the period March 1, 1986, through September 30, 1986. Stipulates that such increases may not exceed 12 cents per hundredweight. Amends the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act to authorize the CCC to export up to $30,000,000 worth of surplus commodities in order to fund research and development of nonpetroleum-fueled external combustion engines. Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to require the Secretary to implement the restructured food stamp quality control system six months after such studies have been reported. (Current law requires implementation two years after enactment of such Act.)
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1986
Social Security Trust Funds Safeguard Act of 1986 - Amends titles II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) and XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to require that all amounts appropriated to, or deposited in, a trust fund established under one of those programs be immediately and exclusively available for the purposes for which trust fund amounts are specifically made available under such program. Requires the President, in addition to appointing one member of the the public to the Board of Trustees of the social security trust funds (currently two members of the public are chosen), to appoint a Managing Trustee to the Board, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, for a term of four years. Provides that the Managing Trustee may be removed only for cause, but is prohibited from engaging in any other business, vocation, or employment. Requires the Department of Health and Human Services to provide the Managing Trustee with appropriate assistance. Directs the Managing Trustee to invest that portion of the social security trust funds which is not required to meet current withdrawals in accordance with an annual investment plan submitted by the Board. Requires the Board to conduct a continuing study and actuarial analysis of the status of investments made by the Managing Trustee and, by August 1 of each year, formulate and submit to the President and each House of the Congress an investment plan to govern the investments of the social security trust funds during the fiscal year. Requires the annual investment plan to set forth standards governing the investment and disinvestment of the trust funds which ensure, so far as is possible, that the OASDI and Medicare programs fulfill their intended purposes in a fiscally and actuarially sound nonpartisan manner, free from the influence of irrelevant budgetary or fiscal considerations. Directs that such plan be accompanied by any recommendations of the Board regarding investment of the social security trust funds. Directs that the investment plan and recommendations be incorporated in a special message to each House. Sets a minimum and maximum on amounts of the social security trust funds to be invested in obligations which are not obligations of the United States but which are guaranteed as to both principal and interest by the United States. Sets forth effective date and transitional provisions.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1986
Risk Retention Amendments of 1986 - Amends the Product Liability Risk Retention Act of 1981 to rename it the Liability Risk Retention Act of 1986. Revises the definition of "liability insurance," currently limited to product liability and completed operations liability, to cover any legal liability of an organization for damages because of injuries to other persons, damage to their property, or other loss or damage arising out of its business, trade, products, services (including professional services), premises or operations, but excluding personal risk insurance, workers' compensation, and employers' liability insurance. Defines as "organizations" eligible to purchase liability insurance any association, business, corporation, professional corporation or partnership, chruch, hospital, school, university or other institution or a State or local government. Excludes from the coverage of this Act product liability risk retention groups formed under the laws of Bermuda or the Cayman Islands before January 1, 1985. (Current law excludes groups formed under the laws of Bermuda or the Cayman Islands on or after January 1, 1985.) Repeals the requirement that a risk retention group be composed of members each of whose principal activity consists of the manufacture, design, importation, distribution, packaging, labeling, lease or sale of a product or products. Subjects such groups to State no-fault automobile insurance requirements. Limits the authority to provide insurance under such Act to liability insurance.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1986
National Park System Resources Preservation and Revitalization Act of 1986 - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to establish a comprehensive program to preserve and revitalize resources in the National Park System. Requires the Secretary to prepare and regularly update resource management plans for each unit of the System. Requires such plans to address both natural and cultural resources. Directs the Secretary to develop criteria for establishing priorities for addressing resource problems and prepare a priority list which determines how funds are allocated. Requires the Secretary to establish priorities for monitoring and research and establish model uniform methods of conducting baseline inventories and data collection, based upon a ten-unit pilot program. Requires the National Park Service to report to the Congress within three years on the effectiveness of such pilot program. Directs the Secretary to establish a national natural and cultural resources training center within the Service and to offer a comprehensive training course for resource management specialists and other training opportunities. Directs the Secretary to report biennially to the Congress on the condition and needs of the System, including a per unit analysis of resource issues. Allocates funds for matching grants for resource protection projects. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1987 through 1996. Amends the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 to charge new and increase certain existing fees for admission into units of the System. Exempts urban, outdoor recreation areas. Allocates all admission fees for ten years to resource protection within the System.
![Official portrait of Sen. Kasten, Robert W., Jr. [R-WI]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/k000019_200.jpg)