United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1985
Title I: General Accounting Office Investigation and Report - Directs the General Accounting Office to investigate the situation of displaced nationals of El Salvador, including determinations of those Salvadorans in Central America, unlawfully in the United States, or returned from the United States to El Salvador. Requires a report to the Congress. Title II: Congressional Review - Provides that such report shall be referred to the appropriate committees for hearings and committee reports. Title III: Temporary Stay of Deportation - Provides for a temporary stay of detention and deportation for specified Salvadorans presently in the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1985
Veterans' Administration Adjudication Procedure and Judicial Review Act - Title I: Adjudication Procedures - Codifies, for Veterans Administration (VA) adjudication purposes, the burden of proof and reasonable doubt standards currently provided for by VA regulation. States that a claimant has the burden of submitting sufficient evidence to justify his or her claim, and that if an approximate balance of positive and negative evidence exists regarding the merits of a claim, the VA is to resolve such doubt in favor of the claimant. States that VA subpoenas may be served either by personal delivery or by registered or certified mail. Requires the chairman of the Board of Veterans' Appeals to submit an annual report to the appropriate congressional committees concerning the Board's current handling of cases and projections for the subsequent fiscal year. Requires the Board to: (1) provide notice to a claimant and an opportunity for a hearing before a decision may be based on "additional official information" received after a Board decision has previously been made; and (2) make its decision exclusively on evidence and material of record in the proceeding. Removes the requirement that new material sufficient to allow the Board to reopen a previously disallowed claim be in the form of official reports. Provides that the Board's discretionary authority to reopen a claim will not be diminished by a judicial decision following an appeal as provided for by this Act. Requires the Board to mail to the claimant notice of its decision and the reasons for such decision. Provides that, upon the request of a claimant, the Board shall provide an independent advisory medical opinion when there exists substantial medical disagreement with respect to a material issue in a veteran's appeal. Sets forth new procedural rules for adjudication hearings regarding: (1) oaths, affirmations, and witness examination; (2) admissibility of evidence; (3) procedural rights of claimants; (4) disqualification of a hearing officer; (5) the record of the proceedings and the claimant's right to examine and obtain a copy of such record; and (6) the exclusiveness of veterans' adjudication procedures and rights prescribed by the Administrator. Requires the Administrator to provide at each stage of the appeal proceedings written notice to a claimant of the claimant's procedural rights. Authorizes the Administrator to conduct a study of two alternative claims resolution methods: one a new intermediate-level adjudication process; the other an enhanced schedule of formal Appeals Board hearings. Directs the Administrator to report to the Congress on such studies. Title II: Veterans Administration Rule Making - Includes the VA's rulemaking procedures under the relevant provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act. Title III: Judicial Review - Provides for judicial review of VA decisions in the Federal court system. States with regard to jurisdiction: (1) the definition of final decision; (2) that judicial review of a final decision in a claim for benefits may be obtained in a civil action brought within 180 days of the Board's mailing of notice of its decision, and that such action shall be brought in Federal district court; (3) that the VA shall file the various materials constituting the record in a case together with its answer to the claimant's complaint; (4) that the court may render a decision on the pleadings; and (5) that the judicial review procedures established under this Act shall not apply to insurance and home loans. States, with regard to the reviewing court's scope of review, that such court: (1) shall decide questions of law and interpret constitutional, statutory, and regulatory provisions, but that questions of fact (unless unsupported by substantial evidence) will not be subject to a trial de novo; and (2) in reviewing a final decision of the VA which is adverse to a party solely because such party failed to comply with VA procedures, may only review questions concerning such procedures. Sets out provisions regarding remand, survival of actions, and appellate review. Title IV: Attorneys' Fees - Authorizes the Administrator to allow attorneys' fees above the present $10 maximum if the appealing party's claim is allowed by the VA after an initial denial. States that such fee shall be the lesser of: (1) the fee agreed upon by the party and attorney; (2) $500, unless the Administrator approves a greater amount; or (3) if the party and attorney have entered into a contingent-fee agreement, not more than 25 percent of the total of any past-due benefits awarded on the basis of such party's claim. Provides for the approval of attorneys' fees in successful veterans' claims brought before a court as provided for under this Act. States that such fees shall be determined by such court, and in contingent-fee agreements such fees shall not exceed 25 percent of the total of any past-due benefits awarded on the basis of such claim. Authorizes attorneys' fees of up to $750 in certain unsuccessful veterans' claims. Prohibits the VA from authorizing payment to a claimant's attorney based on past-due benefits unless such benefits are owed as of the date of the VA's or a court's award. States that such provisions regarding attorneys' fees shall only apply to claims for benefits under the laws administered by the VA and shall not apply in cases in which the VA is the plaintiff or in which other attorneys' fees statutes are otherwise controlling. Title V: Effective Dates - Sets forth the effective dates for this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1985
Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Committee Act of 1985 - Amends the Soil Conservation and Domestic Allotment Act to permit a county committee, by majority vote, to petition the Secretary of Agriculture to change the number of local areas in a county. Directs the Secretary to make such change, except that the number of such areas (from which agricultural stabilization and conservation committees are elected) shall not be fewer than existed as of of December 31, 1980. Requires with regard to such committees that: (1) all members, as of January 1, 1986, be elected to three-year terms; and (2) they meet at least four times a year. Sets forth committee duties and makes them effective as of January 1, 1986. Provides that if there is an increase in a county's local areas and local committees as a result of this Act, any member of a local committee elected before January 1, 1986, shall reserve the unexpired portion of his or her term of the committee for the area in which he or she resides. Expands the Secretary of Agriculture's authority to use local and county committees. Amends the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 to require the Secretary to pay: (1) travel expenses for members of State, county, and local committees; and (2) hourly compensation for work actually performed by county members (at GS-11 rate) and by local members (at GS-9 rate).
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1985
African Famine Relief and Recovery Act of 1985 - Title I: Authorizations of Appropriations - Authorizes supplemental appropriations for FY 1985 for famine relief in Africa for: (1) agricultural development programs; (2) international disaster assistance programs; (3) development program operating expenses; and (4) the Migration and Refugee Assistance account of the State Department. Title II: Appropriations - Makes supplemental appropriations for FY 1985 to: (1) the Department of Agriculture for Public Law 480; (2) the Agency for International Development for specified agriculture, rural development, and nutrition programs, for international disaster assistance, and for operating expenses; and (3) the Department of State for migration and refugee assistance. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture, in order to prevent waste of commodities acquired by the Commodity Credit Corporation through price support operations, to make at least 300,000 metric tons of agricultural commodities available for FY 1985, provided that at least one third of such commodities are wheat or wheat products. Declares that funds appropriated for Public Law 480, for agriculture, rural development, and nutrition programs (other than funds for rehabilitation and recovery projects), and for international disaster assistance shall be available only for those African countries which suffer from exceptional food supply problems in 1985 due to drought and other calamities. Permits the use of Public Law 480 funds to reimburse certain ongoing famine relief programs. Permits FY 1985 funds to be carried into FY 1986. Declares that funds for rehabilitation and recovery projects and for migration and refugee assistance shall be available only to those African countries which have suffered in the last two years from exceptional food supply problems due to drought and other calamities.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1985
Authorizes the Special Counsel of the Merit Systems Protection Board (which receives allegations of prohibited personnel practices, including cases involving employee disclosure of waste, fraud, and mismanagement) to obtain judicial review of a final Board decision pursuant to a written complaint recommending disciplinary action against an employee. Authorizes any employee aggrieved by the final decision to intervene in such proceedings. Requires that petitions filed pursuant to this Act be filed with the district court and preserves the right of a trial de novo and appellate review.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1985
Clean Campaign Act of 1985 - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to treat as a contribution to a candidate for the Senate any extension of credit for advertising which exceeds $1,000 and more than 30 days. Prohibits either Senate candidates or their authorized political committees from accepting contributions from non-party multicandidate political committees aggregating more than 30 percent of certain spending limits in any calendar year. Establishes separate formulae for contribution limits for candidates in general and special elections. Deems expenditures made on behalf of any candidate to be expenditures made by such candidate. Provides guidelines limiting expenditures by candidates. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase to $200 ($400 on a joint return) the tax credit for contributions made to candidates for the Senate to defray general election expenses. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to report to specified congressional committees and the Federal Election Commission on the use of political tax credits. Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to establish eligibility criteria entitling Senate candidates to receive campaign payments on a matching basis. Establishes formulae to determine such sums. Limits expenditures of personal funds to $50,000 per election. Waives spending limits for eligible candidates: (1) whose opponents have spent sums exceeding the limit imposed upon such candidates; or (2) whose opponents have refused to agree to spending and contribution limitations. Entitles such candidates to mail campaign matter at postal rates established for nonprofit organizations. Requires any candidate who exceeds spending limitations or whose contributions aggregate more than $75,000, and any person whose independent expenditures exceed $5,000, to report to the Federal Election Commission within specified time periods. Requires the Federal Election Commission to certify the eligibility of candidates. Requires Senate candidates who receive contributions that qualify for the tax credit to maintain and manage such contributions in a separate account. Requires such candidates that do not become eligible for the general election to transfer applicable funds to the Secretary of the Treasury or to a political party committee. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to deposit funds remaining after a qualified candidate has defrayed all campaign expenses in an account to retire the public debt. Directs the Commission to audit campaign accounts. Requires repayment of excess payments and unexpended payments. Penalizes the use of funds for other than campaign purposes. Authorizes the Commission to institute repayment actions in U.S. district courts. Requires the Commission to make certain reports to the Senate. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1985
Amends Federal law relating to maximum speed limits on any public highway to direct the Secretary of Transportation to disapprove State highway projects seeking Federal proportional contribution if: (1) such highways have a maximum speed limit in any urbanized area (currently, any State public highway) exceeding 55 miles an hour; and (2) the maximum speed limit on any other public highway in the requesting State exceeds 65 miles per hour. Directs the Secretary to reduce the Federal-aid highway funds apportioned to a State if data submitted by such State indicates that the percentage of motor vehicles exceeding 55 miles an hour in any urbanized area (currently, any area) is greater than 50 percent.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1985
Indian Health Care Amendments of 1985 - Title I: Indian Health Manpower - Amends the Indian Health Care Improvement Act to authorize appropriations for specified Indian health programs for FY 1986 through 1989, including scholarship programs. Prohibits the Secretary of Health and Human Services (the Secretary) from denying scholarship assistance solely on the basis of an applicant's scholastic achievement if such applicant has been admitted to, or maintained good standing at, an accredited health professions institution. Directs the Secretary to grant Indian Health Scholarships to Indians enrolled full-time in certain schools for health professionals. States that the active duty service requirements of the Public Health Service can be met by specified services, including: (1) service under a contract pursuant to the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act; and (2) the private practice of a health professional if such practice is in a health professional shortage area and addresses the health care needs of a substantial number of Indians. Directs the Secretary to maintain a Community Health Representative Program to provide for the training and the use of Indians as health paraprofessionals to Indian communities. Title II: Health Services - Enumerates the health services for which the Secretary is authorized to expend Indian Health Care Improvement Fund appropriations. Prohibits the use of such funds to offset or limit appropriations made under other Acts. Conditions the allocation of such funds upon the health resource deficiency level of the affected Indian tribes. Permits the allocation of such funds on a service unit basis. Requires the Secretary to submit to the Congress a current health services priority system report, including the methodology for determining tribal health resources deficiencies, and the funds needed to raise all tribes to a zero level deficiency. Directs the Secretary to establish a review mechanism for tribal petitions regarding the health resource deficiency level of a tribe. Requires the Secretary to provide a current update of tribal specific health plans. Requires at least one percent of the Indian Health Care Improvement Fund appropriation to be expended for research. Makes programs administered by tribal organizations under the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act eligible for specified funds on an equal basis with programs administered directly by the Indian Health Service. Directs the President to include with the submission of the budget a separate statement which specifies the amounts obligated to implement enumerated health services. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 through 1989 for specified health services. Designates such appropriations the Indian Health Care Improvement Fund. Establishes an Indian Catastrophic Health Emergency Fund to meet extraordinary medical costs for victims of disasters or catastrophic illness. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary to waive the competitive procurement requirements for health services upon certification by the responsible Chief Medical Officer that such requirements would compromise the quality of health services. Requires the Secretary to provide health promotion and disease prevention services to Indians. Requires each Indian tribe to include within any tribal specific health plan that such tribe is required to submit to the Secretary a comprehensive plan developed by such tribe for health promotion and disease prevention among its members. Title III: Health Facilities - Requires the Secretary to submit to the Congress a health facilities priority system report regarding the construction or renovation needs of the ten top priority inpatient and ambulatory care facilities. Requires the Secretary to consult with any Indian tribe that might be affected by an expenditure for health facilities before the Secretary makes a commitment for such an expenditure. Conditions the closure of any health care facility upon the Secretary's submission to the Congress of an impact assessment one year prior to the contemplated closing. Enumerates the data to be included in such assessment. Directs the President to include with the budgets submitted for FY 1986 through 1989 planning information documents for the construction of ten Indian health facilities. Directs the Secretary to implement a ten-year plan to provide safe water and sanitary sewage and solid waste disposal facilities to Indian homes and communities. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress regarding the Indian Health Service's current Indian sanitation facility priority system and the funds needed to raise all communities or tribes to a zero level of deficiency. Authorizes specified appropriations to provide sanitation facilities. Authorizes the Secretary to provide financial and technical assistance for the operation and maintenance of sanitation facilities, utility organizations, and emergency repairs of sanitation facilities. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 through 1989. Authorizes tribes to expend certain non-Indian Health Service funds for the renovation of Indian health facilities, subject to specified conditions. Title IV: Access to Health Services - Extends the authorization for specified appropriations for grants and contracts with tribal organizations from FY 1986 through 1989. Amends the Social Security Act to make certain providers of the Indian Health Service eligible for Medicare and Medicaid payments. Directs the Secretary to ensure that each service unit of the Indian Health Service receives at least half of the amounts to which its facilities are entitled, if such amounts are necessary to bring the facilities into compliance with this Act. Directs the Secretary to establish a demonstration project in which certain Indian (and Alaska Native) health organizations which provide health care services shall bill for Medicare and Medicaid payments directly. Requires the Secretary to monitor such organizations and to require quarterly reports on their operations. Sets forth eligibility and participation guidelines for such health service facilities. Requires a final report to the Congress by September 30, 1989. Directs the Secretary to conduct a study in consultation with Indian tribes regarding barriers to Indian participation in Medicare or Medicaid programs. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress regarding such study. Title V: Urban Indian Health Services - Directs the Secretary to contract with urban Indian organizations to administer health services programs in urban areas. Sets forth specified requirements to be included in such contracts. Details eligibility criteria for the selection of such organizations. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into contracts with urban Indian organizations to determine the health status and unmet health care needs of urban Indians in affected urban areas. Delineates the requirements of such contracts. Requires the Secretary to: (1) develop evaluation procedures for the performance of such contracts; and (2) conduct annual onsite evaluations of each contracting urban Indian organization. Prescribes guidelines for the renewal of health care or referral services contracts. Prohibits renewal of contracts for determination of unmet health needs if their performance has been non-compliant or otherwise unsatisfactory and problems cannot be resolved. Requires certain reports to the Congress. Title VI: Organizational Improvements - Requires the Secretary to establish an automated management information system for the Indian Health Service. Establishes the Indian Health Service within the Public Health Service of the Department of Health and Human Services (thus terminating the Indian Health Service as part of the Health Resources and Services Administration). Places the Indian Health Service under the direction of a Director of the Indian Health Service who shall report only to the Secretary through the Assistant Secretary of Health and Human Services for Health. Directs the Secretary to implement through the Director all health programs and authorities which are provided specifically for Indians. Directs the Secretary to submit to the Congress a plan for the implementation of the amendments made by this section. Title VII: Miscellaneous - Authorizes the Secretary to enter into legal agreements with Indian tribes or tribal organizations in order to provide compensation for facility space costs associated with the administration and delivery of health services by the Indian Health Service or tribally operated programs. Directs the Secretary to coordinate efforts with the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Education to develop programs to combat alcohol and drug abuse among Indian juveniles, including preventive education programs in schools operated by or under the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Directs the Secretary to establish an Office of Alcohol and Drug Abuse within the Indian Health Service. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 through 1989. Directs the Secretary to arrange with the National Academy of Sciences, in consultation with the Office of Technology Assessment, to conduct a study of health hazards faced by Indians and Indian miners exposed to nuclear resource developments on or near Indian communities. Directs the Secretary and the Indian Health Service to develop a health care plan which addresses the results of such study. Directs the Secretary to submit to the Congress both the health hazard study and the ensuing health care plan, within certain times. Authorizes appropriations for such study. Extends from FY 1984 to 1989 the time during which Arizona is designated as a contract health service delivery area. Authorizes appropriations. Extends eligibility for health services of specified Indians in the State of California from FY 1984 through 1988. Establishes eligibility guidelines for certain California Indian and for certain persons who are otherwise ineligible for medical benefits provided by either the Indian Health Service or by tribes contracting with the Service. Designates the State of California as a contract health service delivery area. Lists programs eligible for Indian Health Service funds. Restricts circumstances under which the Secretary may remove a member of the National Health Service Corps who is performing obligated service in a health facility operated by or under the Indian Health Service. Sets a deadline by which the Secretary must develop and implement a plan to reduce Indian infant and maternal mortality rates to that of the general population. Requires the Secretary to: (1) complete within one year implementation of a program to prevent and control hepatitis-B in Alaska; (2) report to the Congress about the status of such program; and (3) request budget authority for a hepatitis-B control program in Alaska. Directs the Secretary to provide contract health services to the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians who reside in the Trenton Service Area of specified counties in the States of North Dakota and Montana. Directs the Secretary to conduct a population survey of Indians residing in such Service Area in order to determine the basis for distributing equity health care funds and providing contract health care. Provides for the designation of additional counties in the Trenton Service area based upon the population survey results. Directs the Secretary to conduct a study of the physical and mental health care needs of Native Hawaiians and other Native American Pacific Islanders, and to report the results of such study to the Congress by a certain time.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1985
World War I Veterans' Service Pension Act - Directs the Administrator of Veterans Affairs to pay (in addition to any pension already paid) a monthly pension of $150 to each veteran of World War I who meets specified service requirements and to certain surviving spouses.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1985
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat the use of a public safety vehicle by a public safety employee as a working condition fringe for purposes of the tax exclusion of certain employee fringe benefits. Defines "public safety employee" to include any person working in law enforcement, fire protection, or emergency medical services.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1985
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the Job Corps Program has been successful in assisting disadvantaged young persons in obtaining and holding employment. Reaffirms the Senate's commitment to the program. Declares that no significant reduction in the level of the program should be made.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1985
Expresses the sense of the Congress that it is necessary to change enacted laws in order to reduce budget authority by an amount sufficient to reduce outlays by specified amounts in FY 1985 and 1986.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1985
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal the requirement that contemporaneous records be kept to substantiate deductions for certain travel expenses, including automobile expenses, business entertainment expenses, and expenses for gifts.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1985
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish an applicable test rate of nine percent for determining whether there is imputed interest in the case of seller-financed property. Permits a lower test interest rate of 80 percent of the Treasury rate where such rates are lower than the nine percent test rate. Provides for a blended test rate for instances where the loan amount exceeds $2,000,000. Authorizes the imputation of interest in seller-financed property sales of $2,000,000 or less of ten percent or 100 percent of the Federal Treasury rate, whichever is less, where the test interest rates have not been met. Allows for a blended imputed interest rate where the debt amount exceeds $2,000,000. Requires that all loan amounts from a single transaction or series of related transactions be aggregated for purposes of determining the loan amount. Prohibits the application of the imputed interest rules enacted in the 1984 Tax Reform Act in cases of loan assumptions. Repeals the provisions of the Code limiting the amount of interest expense a purchaser of personal use property may deduct for tax purposes. Provides that the imputed interest rules do not apply in the case of sales or exchanges of property used in the active business of farming where the borrowed amount does not exceed $2,000,000. Requires the interest on the obligation issued in connection with such sale or exchange to be taken into account by both buyer and seller on the cash receipts and disbursement method of accounting.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1985
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that the substantiation requirements for the deductibility of business expenses for passenger automobiles or other means of transportation shall be met by providing adequate records or sufficient corroborating evidence rather than contemporaneous records.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1985
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the Secretary of the Treasury should delay implementation of the requirement added by the Tax Reform Act of 1984 that taxpayers keep logs and other contemporaneous records regarding business travel expenses, including automobile expenses, business entertainment expenses, gift expenses, and the use of certain property until the Congress has the opportunity to review such requirement.
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
Children's Justice Act - Amends the Child Abuse Amendments of 1984 to authorize a Children's Justice Grant Program. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make additional grants to States under specified provisions of the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act for identification, treatment, and prevention of sexual abuse. Makes a State eligible for such assistance if the Secretary determines that the State, within one year after the enactment of this Act, has enacted specified legal and administrative changes with respect to the investigation and prosecution of child sexual abuse cases. Requires a State, to be eligible for such assistance, to have in effect a child sexual abuse program which includes at least one statute or administrative procedure to carry out the following categories of reforms: (1) handling such cases so as to reduce the trauma to the child victim; (2) improving the chances of successful prosecution or legal action against child molesters; and (3) improving procedures to protect children from sexual abuse. Directs the Secretary to issue necessary regulations for such assistance program. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 and 1987.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders Treatment Act of 1985 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to designate 20 centers for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and related disorders. Requires such centers to: (1) provide a central facility for diagnosis, evaluation, and counseling; (2) develop standards of treatment and methods of delivering cost-effective services; (3) train professionals and nonprofessionals in diagnosing and treating such disorders; and (4) develop a comprehensive acute and long-term treatment program. Directs the Secretary to make $1,000,000 available to each center for each of at least five years for teaching, training, research, and staffing. Authorizes FY 1985 through 1989 appropriations. Permits eligible persons to elect to receive benefits as provided for by this Act rather than under titles XVIII (Medicare), XIX (Medicaid), or XX (Grants to States for Service) of the Social Security Act, or under the Older Americans Act of 1965.
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
Pay Equity Act of 1983 - Requires the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, after consultation with the Secretary of Labor, to publish in the Federal Register guidelines for identifying and eliminating discriminatory wage-setting practices and discriminatory wage differentials. Requires the guidelines to include recommendations for utilization of job-evaluation techniques to establish rates of compensation for employees. Requires the Commission to submit annually to the President and the Congress a detailed report of the activities of the Commission in carrying out the purposes of this Act. Authorizes the Commission to have a study conducted by a private consultant on the wage-setting practices and wage differentials within and between the Federal Government's position classification system and the job grading system. Directs the Commission to submit a report on the findings to the President, the Congress, and the Director of the Office of Personnel Management. Requires the Secretary of Labor to publish guidelines and submit an annual report to the President and the Congress for the purpose of requiring all contractors of the United States to identify and eliminate discriminatory wage-setting practices and wage differentials. Requires each Federal agency responsible for submitting an equal employment opportunity plan under the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to include a review and identification of any discriminatory wage-setting practices and wage differentials with respect to its labor force and a plan to eliminate such practices. Requires the Commission to submit to the President and the Congress a detailed report of its enforcement activities relating to the Equal Pay Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Declares that it shall not be in order for either House of the Congress to consider an appropriations bill that would cause the aggregate total budget authority for national defense and non-defense discretionary activities for FY 1986 to exceed specified FY 1985 levels. Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for no increase in hospital or physician reimbursements during FY 1986. Prohibits any cost of living increase in Federal benefits or payments during FY 1986.
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 - Declares that equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or any State on account of sex.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
States that the United States and the Soviet Union should: (1) pursue a complete halt to the nuclear arms race; (2) decide when and how to achieve a mutual verifiable freeze on the testing, production, and further deployment of nuclear warheads, missiles, and other delivery systems; (3) give special attention to destabilizing weapons; and (4) proceeding from this freeze, pursue major, mutual, and verifiable reductions in nuclear warheads, missiles, and other delivery systems.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the President should ensure that small businesses and the agricultural industry are represented on the Federal Reserve Board of Governors by a person of demonstrable experience in small business and agricultural matters.
United States · United States Congress · 11 October 1984
Indian Reservation Special Magistrate and Law Enforcement Act of 1984 - Amends the judicial code to provide for the Presidential appointment of special magistrates to serve on Indian reservations and specified Indian areas which are under Federal criminal jurisdiction. Sets forth the qualification and compensation of such magistrates. Specifies their jurisdiction and powers. Prescribes procedural guidelines for defendants appearing before such special magistrates. Authorizes certain law enforcement officers, including tribal police and Bureau of Indian Affairs police, to execute orders issued by the special magistrate in criminal cases within Indian country. Provides special magistrates with periodic training conducted by the Federal Judicial Center. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 3 October 1984
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to: (1) establish the Lewis and Clark National Historic Site in Montana; and (2) enter into cooperative and management agreements with the State of Montana for rescue, firefighting, and law enforcement services with respect to such site. Specifies those lands which the Secretary is authorized to acquire for the establishment of such site. Provides that such lands shall revert to the State of Montana if the Secretary uses such lands for any purpose other than as authorized under this Act. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 and 1987, including specified sums for the construction of a visitor center.
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 1984
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to reduce the rate of imputed interest for the sale or exchange of property. Allows a lower rate of imputed interest for the first $1,500,000 of the sales price of principal residences or farm lands. Reduces the rate of imputed interest for purposes of determining the issue price in the case of debt instruments issued for property. Provides that such rate of imputed interest shall not apply in determining the issue price of debt instruments issued for residences and the first $1,500,000 of the sales price for farm lands.
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 1984
Federal Reserve Bank Directors Act of 1984 - Amends the Federal Reserve Act to increase from nine to 11 the number of members of the board of directors of a Federal Reserve bank. Increases from three to five the number of class C members selected by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System for membership on the board of a Federal Reserve bank. Provides that not more than two directors of class C shall be officers or directors, employees, or stockholders of any depository institution which is not a member of the Federal Reserve System. Prohibits the chairman or deputy chairman of the board of a Federal Reserve bank from being an officer or director, employee, or stockholder of any depository institution. Provides that the class C director with the longest tenure on the board who is not an officer or director, employee, or stockholder of any depository institution shall preside at meetings in the absence of the chairman and deputy chairman. Requires the designation of the two new members appointed pursuant to this Act at the first meeting of the full board of directors of each Federal Reserve bank after the date of enactment of this Act. Sets the respective terms of office of such new members.
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 1984
Amends the Federal Power Act to prohibit the granting of a license for the development of dams or other works for the storage of water, or for the development of power, on the Columbia River or its tributaries until the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has developed and adopted, in consultation with the Pacific Northwest Electric Power and Conservation Planning Council, detailed procedures for: (1) prior consolidated reviews of individual proposals in a given river basin; (2) prior assessment of cumulative impacts of individual projects in a given river basin; and (3) a timetable for implementation of the Council's Columbia River Fish and Wildlife Program.
United States · United States Congress · 10 August 1984
Congratulates the U.S. athletes who participated in the games of the XXIII Olympiad in Los Angeles. Urges the speedy enactment of S. 2568 (discrimination by Federal assistance recipients).
United States · United States Congress · 9 August 1984
Authorizes the Special Counsel of the Merit Systems Protection Board to appear as a counsel on behalf of any party in a civil action brought in connection with any function of the Special Counsel and to initiate and prosecute on behalf of any party in any such case an appeal of the decision of any administrative tribunal, U.S. district court, or the U.S. Claims Court. Authorizes any person aggrieved by a prohibited personnel practice to intervene in any administrative or judicial action brought by the Special Counsel under this Act. Entitles any such party appealing an administrative decision to have the facts subject to trial de novo by the reviewing court.
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 · 9 August 1984
Alzheimer's Disease Research Coordination Act of 1984 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the National Institute on Aging to coordinate Alzheimer's disease research and related research in various scientific disciplines conducted or supported by the National Institutes of Health and the Department of Health and Human Services. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) insure that a portion of the budget of the Alzheimer's disease research centers is used for related multidisciplinary research; and (2) report annually to Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 9 August 1984
Expresses the sense of the Senate that no recess appointments should be made when the Senate stands adjourned or recessed within a session for a period of less than 30 days.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1984
Declares, for purposes of military survivor annuity benefits, that the named widow of a lieutenant colonel shall be paid increased survivor benefits based upon increased monthly payments to the plan made by the deceased for 21 months before his death.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1984
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to reduce the rate of imputed interest for: (1) the first $250,000 of the sale price of residential property sold by an individual; (2) the first $1,500,000 of the sale price of farm property sold by an individual, partnership, estate or small business corporation; and (3) the first $500,000 of the sale price of real property associated with the sale of a trade or business.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 1984
Indian Coal Mining Regulatory Act of 1984 - Makes Indian lands within the exterior boundaries of any Federal Indian reservation subject to this Act. Creates within the Treasury the Tribal Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund (The Tribal Fund), comprised of funds generated by surface coal mining activities within exterior boundaries of Indian reservations under the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to expend specified funds in any State or to any Indian tribe for surface mining reclamation purposes. Directs the Secretary to invest on a quarterly basis all receipts accruing to the Tribal Fund in public debt securities. Requires a specified percentage of the Tribal Funds annual deposits to be allocated by the Secretary to: (1) tribes with ownership interests in the coal; and (2) Indian lands adversely affected by past mining practices. Requires specified funds to be allocated to Indian tribes from whose lands such funds were derived. Enumerates the purposes for which appropriations from the Tribal Fund may be expended by Indian tribes. Authorizes Indian tribes to submit tribal regulatory programs concerning surface coal mining operations within exterior reservation boundaries. Authorizes such tribes to adopt a partial, phased regulatory program to be implemented over a period of time. Directs the Secretary to: (1) approve or disapprove a tribal regulatory program within a certain time period; and (2) implement a Federal Indian lands program for certain aspects of Federal surface coal mining and reclamation law which have not been assumed by an Indian tribe under an approved tribal regulatory program. Authorizes any Indian tribe to contract: (1) with the Secretary for tribal participation in a Federal program; or (2) with the States for tribal participation in State regulatory programs where a mining operation extends beyond the exterior boundary of an Indian reservation. Declares the Federal Government to be the exclusive authority for the regulation of surface coal mining and reclamation operations on an Indian reservation if no tribal regulatory program exists. Makes certain Federal law regarding surface owner protection applicable to all coal owned or held in trust for Indians by the United States if the coal is to be mined by methods other than underground mining techniques. Confers original jurisdiction upon tribal courts and authorities to impose civil penalties for violations regarding surface coal mining reclamation operations on Indian lands. Makes final tribal court judgments appealable to a Federal district court. Precludes any criminal jurisdiction by tribal courts over non-Indians. Authorizes civil actions by private citizens to compel compliance with this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to Indian tribes for tribal regulatory programs. Sets conflict-of-interests guidelines regarding appointments to a tribal regulatory authority. Prohibits any consideration of a mining permit application until the appropriate tribe has evaluated an archaeological, historical and cultural resources investigation of the proposed mining area. Requires the Secretary to submit an annual report to the President and the Congress regarding implementation of this Act. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1984
Meat and Poultry Inspection Improvement Act - Amends the Federal Meat Inspection Act and the Poultry Products Inspection Act to permit the Secretary of Agriculture to refuse or withdraw inspection services if it is determined, after opportunity for a hearing, that an individual is unfit to engage in a business requiring food inspection because of: (1) a conviction for food-handling or transporting violations, or any felony; or (2) interference with a Federal inspector. Permits summary withdrawal or denial of Federal inspection services, pending an expedited hearing or judicial review, to protect the public health or the safety of Federal inspectors. Permits similar inspection withdrawal for recurring sanitation violations, but only after notice and opportunity for compliance.
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 1984
Montana Wilderness Act of 1984 - Designates the following lands in Montana as components of the National Wilderness Preservation System: (1) the Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness Additions in the Beaverhead, Bitterroot, and Deerlodge National Forests;(2) the Italian Peak Wilderness in the Beaverhead National Forest; (3) the East Pioneer Wilderness in the Beaverhead National Forest; (4) the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness Additions in the Bitterroot and Lolo National Forests; (5) the Lost Water Canyon Wilderness in the Custer National Forest; (6) the Electric Peak Wilderness in the Deerlodge and Helena National Forests; (7) the Flint Range Wilderness in the Deerlodge National Forest; (8) the Mount Hefty Wilderness in the Flathead National Forest; (9) the Tuchuck Wilderness in the Flathead National Forest; (10) the Bob Marshall Wilderness in the Flathead, Lolo, and Lewis and Clark National Forests; (11) the Mission Mountains Wilderness Additions in the Flathead National Forest; (12) the North Absaroka Wilderness Additions in the Gallatin National Forest; (13) the Lionhead Wilderness in the Gallatin National Forest; (14) the Gates of the Mountain Wilderness Additions in the Helena National Forest; (15) the Trout Creek Wilderness in the Kootenai National Forest; (16) the Scotchman Peaks Wilderness in the Kootenai National Forest; (17) the Cabinet Mountains Wilderness Additions in the Kootenai National Forest; (18) the Ten Lakes Wilderness in the Kootenai National Forest; (19) the Scapegoat Wilderness Additions in the Lolo and Lewis and Clark National Forests; (20) the Hoodoo Wilderness in the Lolo National Forest; and (21) the Quigg Wilderness in the Lolo National Forest. Revises the boundary of the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness in Montana to exclude specified acreage north of Goose Lake. Provides that the RARE II (second roadless area review and evaluation) final environmental statement (dated January 1979) with respect to national forest system lands in Montana shall not be subject to judicial review. Releases national forest system lands in Montana which were reviewed in the RARE II program from further review by the Department of Agriculture, pending the revision of initial national forest management plans. Releases lands in Montana reviewed in the RARE II program and not designated as wilderness from management as wilderness areas. Prohibits the Department of Agriculture from conducting any further statewide roadless area review and evaluation of national forest system lands in Montana without express congressional authorization. States that the provisions above shall also apply to: (1) national forest system roadless lands in Montana which were evaluated in unit plans and the Beaverhead Forest plan in effect prior to the completion of RARE II; and (2) national forest system lands in Montana which are less than 5,000 acres in size. Requires that the Porcupine-Buffalo Horn Wildlife Area in the Gallatin National Forest be managed to protect its wildlife values, with an emphasis on maintaining the habitat requirements of the elk and grizzly bear. Provides that management direction that recognizes such values be included in the forest plans developed for the Gallatin National Forest in accordance with the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to administer the Hyalite Peaks Scenic Area within the Gallatin National Forest to preserve the area's scenic values. Provides that management direction that recognizes such values shall be included in the forest plans for the Gallatin National Forest. Designates lands in the Flathead National Forest known as the Jewel Basin as the Jewel Basin Hiking Area. Requires that upon enactment of this Act such area be withdrawn from mineral entry under the Federal mining and leasing laws and be administered so as to maintain its scenic character. Provides that management direction that recognizes the values of such area for hiking and wildlife shall be included in the forest plans for the Flathead National Forest. Sets forth management directions for the following national forest system lands: (1) the West Pioneer Recreation Area in the Beaverhead National Forest; (2) the Ten Lakes Recreation Area in the Kootenai National Forest; (3) the Middle Fork Judith Recreation Area in the Lewis and Clark National Forest; (4) the Big Snowies Recreation Area in the Lewis and Clark National Forest; (5) the West Bighole Area in the Beaverhead National Forest; (6) the Silver King Special Management Area in the Helena National Forest; (7) the Renshaw Special Management Area in the Lewis and Clark National Forest; and (8) the Elkhorn Management Area in the Helena and Deerlodge National Forests. Sets forth requirements for a land exchange between the Secretary of Agriculture and the Burlington Northern Railroad Company. Releases from management as wilderness the Bitter Creek Wilderness Study Area.
![Official portrait of Sen. Melcher, John [D-MT]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/m000635_200.jpg)