United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1986
Revises Federal law relating to the organization of the Office of the Chief Medical Director of the Department of Medicine and Surgery of the Veterans Administration (the Department) to provide that such Office shall consist of the following: (1) not to exceed two Associate Deputy Chief Medical Directors; (2) not to exceed seven Assistant Chief Medical Directors; (3) such Medical Directors as may be appointed by the Administrator of Veterans Affairs; (4) such directors of hospitals and other medical facilities as may be appointed by the Administrator; and (5) such other persons as may be appointed by the Chief Medical Director. Authorizes the Chief Medical Director to establish, modify, or abolish such positions and offices as are deemed necessary to carry out the needs of the Department. Outlines provisions concerning length of appointment to such offices and positions, and possible extensions or terminations of such appointment terms by the Administrator. Reduces the minimum and maximum annual salary rate for the position of Medical Director of the Department.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1986
Amends Federal veterans' benefits provisions to provide that persons appointed by the Administrator of Veterans Affairs to medical residencies and internships shall be excluded from coverage as employees (for purposes of collective bargaining) under the Federal Labor-Management Relations Statute.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1986
Merger Modernization Act of 1986 - Amends the Clayton Act to revise the standard of anticompetitive effects required to prohibit a merger. Prohibits a merger if there is a significant probability that the merger will substantially increase the ability to exercise market power. Defines "the ability to exercise market power" as the ability of one or more firms profitably to maintain prices above competitive levels for a significant period of time. Directs the courts, in determining whether a merger will substantially increase the ability of a firm to exercise market power, to consider all economic factors relevant to the affected markets, including: (1) the difficulty of entry by foreign or domestic firms into the market; (2) efficiencies derived from the merger; and (3) any other evidence indicating whether the merger will increase the ability to exercise market power.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1986
Antitrust Remedies Improvements Act of 1986 - (No title I). Title II: Treble Damage Reform - Amends the Clayton Act to reduce the amount recoverable in a private antitrust action from treble to actual damages sustained, except when the damages are sustained by reason of the plaintiff being overcharged or underpaid by the liable party. Requires payment to the prevailing plaintiff in an actual damage case, or a treble damage case under specified circumstances, of interest on actual damages for the period beginning on the date of injury and ending on the date of judgment (prejudgment interest). Entitles the United States to recover treble damages when it is injured by being overcharged or underpaid by an antitrust violation. Provides for the payment of prejudgment interest on the actual damages recovered by the United States in an antitrust action. Provides for the payment of prejudgment interest on the total damage recovered in antitrust actions commenced by State attorneys general. Title III: Defendants' Attorneys' Fees - Amends the Clayton Act to direct the court to award the cost of suit, including a reasonable attorney's fee, to a substantially prevailing defendant in a private antitrust action or a private action for injunctive relief against an antitrust violation if the court finds that the plaintiff's conduct was frivolous, unreasonable, without foundation, or in bad faith. Title IV: Claim Reduction - Amends the Clayton Act to direct the court in an antitrust action to reduce the claim of any claimant who releases any person from liability by the greatest of: (1) a stipulated amount; (2) the consideration paid for release; or (3) the actual damages fairly allocable to the released person and interest thereon. Requires damages to be allocated on the basis of: (1) each competitor's proportionate share of the total competitors' overcharges or underpayments where the claim is based upon damages substained by reason of overcharges or underpayments resulting from a contract, combination, or conspiracy among competitors; or (2) each party's relative responsibility for the origination or perpetration of the antitrust violation, whichever method the court determines to be more equitable. Title V: Effective Date - Applies this Act to actions commenced after its enactment.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1986
Interlocking Directorate Act of 1986 - Amends the Clayton Act to prohibit any person from serving as a director in two or more corporations if each (currently, any) of such corporations has capital, surplus, and undivided profits aggregating more than $10,000,000 (currently, $1,000,000). Establishes exceptions to such interlocking directorate prohibition where the sales of each corporation of each product or service sold in competition with the other corporations: (1) are less than five percent of such corporation's total sales, unless such corporation's sales of all such products or services exceed 25 percent of its total sales; (2) added to such corporation's sales of all other such products or services are less than $1,000,000; or (3) are less than three percent of the total sales in each line of commerce in each section of the country in which such corporations compete. Increases the $10,000,000 and $1,000,000 threshold amounts by the percentage increase in the gross national product for the preceding fiscal year.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1986
Foreign Trade Antitrust Improvements Act of 1986 - Amends the Sherman Act to require the court in an antitrust action involving commerce with foreign nations, except for good cause shown, to hear and determine a motion to dismiss the action for lack of subject matter jurisdiction before conducting or permitting the parties to conduct further proceedings. Amends the Clayton Act to require a court to dismiss any antitrust action involving foreign commerce whenever it determines that the exercise of jurisdiction would be unreasonable in light of the following exclusive factors: (1) the relative significance of conduct within the United States compared to conduct abroad; (2) the nationality of the parties and the principal place of business of the corporations; (3) the presence of a purpose to affect United States consumers or competitors; (4) the relative significance and foreseeability of the effects of the conduct on the United States compared to the effects abroad; (5) the existence of reasonable expectations that would be furthered or defeated by the action; and (6) the degree of conflict with foreign law. Directs the court to hear and determine any motion to dismiss on such basis before conducting further proceedings. Declares that the doctrine of forum non conveniens (providing that a court dismiss a case that should be tried in another more convenient and appropriate forum) shall be applicable in any antitrust action involving foreign commerce.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1986
Promoting Competition in Distressed Industries Act - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to authorize the President, within 15 days of receiving a finding that imports are adversely affecting a U.S. industry, to request advice from appropriate Federal officials on the probable effectiveness of antitrust relief as a means to enhance the competitiveness of firms in such industry. Requires the President to determine what type of import relief action to take within 30 days of receiving such report. Includes the probable effectiveness of antitrust relief among the factors the President shall consider when determining what type of import relief to provide. Authorizes the President to issue an order providing for antitrust relief as an alternative to, and in lieu of, any other forms of import relief provided that an industry which receives antitrust relief shall receive no other import relief for the next ten years. Authorizes members of the industry covered by such an antitrust relief order to apply for a certificate of exemption for a proposed merger or acquisition. Sets forth the requirements for receiving such exemption.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1986
National Fisheries Marketing and Promotion Act of 1986 - Establishes the National Fisheries Marketing Council (the Council), made up of regional representatives, to: (1) prepare and submit to the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) an annual fisheries marketing and promotion plan and an annual budget; and (2) keep certain records and file certain reports. Outlines specified goals of each marketing and promotion plan. Prohibits any reference by the Council to any private brand or trade name. Directs the Administrator of NOAA to: (1) review and approve the annual marketing and promotion plan and budget within 60 days after submission by the Council; (2) administer the Fisheries Marketing Fund established under this Act; (3) promulgate regulations and provide administrative assistance as necessary; and (4) make all appointments to the Council within 90 days after the enactment of this Act. Establishes in the Treasury a Fisheries Marketing Fund for making payments to carry out the annual marketing and promotion plan and budget of the Council under this Act. Authorizes voluntary payments and provides for Federal deposits into such Fund. Directs the Administrator of NOAA, no later than March 1, 1989, to report to the Congress on the effectiveness of the implementation of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1986
Provides that any requirement to substantiate a deduction under the Internal Revenue Code with respect to the business use of a vehicle must be based on regulations in effect before the Tax Reform Act of 1984.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1986
Disapproves the proposed rescission of budget authority for payments to local governments from the Local Government Fiscal Assistance Trust Fund (R86-68) as set forth in the special message of the President transmitted to the Congress on February 5, 1986.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1986
Provides that Federal tax reform legislation based on the President's tax reform proposal submitted to the Congress on May 29, 1985, shall not take effect before January 1, 1987.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1986
Declares that the Senate supports U.S. recognition of the newly elected Aquino Government and praises the progress toward restoration of democracy in the Philippines.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1986
Reaffirms the intent of the United States to maintain close ties with the Republic of the Philippines and to maintain U.S. military facilities located there as long as practicable. Directs the Secretary of Defense, for contingency planning purposes, to conduct a study of the feasibility of relocating such military facilities presently in the Philippines at another secure and stable site in the Pacific region. Directs the Secretary to submit the results of such study, together with comments and recommendations, to the Congress no later than June 30, 1986.
United States · United States Congress · 18 February 1986
Disapproves the proposed deferral of budget authority (D-86-48) for community development block grants set forth in the special message of the President to the Congress on February 5, 1986, under the Impoundment Control Act of 1974.
United States · United States Congress · 18 February 1986
Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) America's interests are best served in the Philippines by a government which has a popular mandate; and (2) the February 7, 1986, elections in the Philippines were marked by widespread fraud. Requests the President to convey such concern to President Marcos and Corazon Aquino.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1986
Amends the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act to authorize an Alaska Native Regional Corporation to issue 100 shares of Native common stock to each Native enrollee. Sets forth certain requirements relating to the issuance, class, preference, dividend, and voting rights of such stock. Allows such Corporation, if authorized by an amendment to its articles of incorporation, to issue up to 100 additional shares of Native common stock to certain Natives. Grants specified rights to and places certain alienation restrictions on holders of Native common stock. Sets forth procedures for the termination of such alienation restrictions by the shareholders of a Regional Corporation (including the Bristol Bay Native Corporation and any Village Corporation in the Bristol Bay region). Allows an Alaska Native Regional Corporation, under certain circumstances or, if authorized, to purchase any or all shares of its Native common stock then issued and outstanding. Sets forth procedures for a Regional Corporation to: (1) amend its articles of incorporation; (2) transfer its assets; and (3) approve certain resolutions. Allows a Native Corporation (any Regional Corporation, Village Corporation, Urban Corporation, or Native group) to convey its assets, including title to the surface and/or subsurface estate of land (or any interest therein) to a qualified transferee entity. Requires the conveyance of any assets to be approved by a prior vote of the shareholders. Sets forth specified requirements and restrictions with respect to the conveyance of assets by a Regional Corporation. Sets forth procedures for the Bristol Bay Native Corporation or any Village corporation located in the Bristol Bay region to vote on whether to continue restrictions on the alienation of Native common stock. Sets forth procedures for such entities to: (1) amend its articles of incorporation; (2) transfer their assets; and (3) approve certain resolutions. Prohibits any provision of this Act from diminishing or in any way affecting any governmental authority of a federally recognized tribe, traditional or statutory Native council, or any privilege of Alaska Natives as Native Americans with respect to the Federal Government. Requires provisions regarding stock issuance, stockholders rights, and annual audits that relate to Regional Corporations to apply to Village Corporations, Urban Corporations, and Native groups. Provides that audits need not be transmitted to specified congressional committees. Requires restrictions on alienation of Native common stock of such corporations, inchoate rights, and dividends paid to continue after December 18, 1991. Provides for the removal of such restrictions on alienation of Native common stock. Authorizes the conveyance of subsurface lands by a Regional Corporation to a village entity. Exempts lands conveyed to a Native individual, Native group, village, or Regional Corporation from Federal, State, and local taxes and other specified claims. Provides that stock issued by a Regional Corporation or Village Corporation shall be exempt from state taxes provided the limitation upon alienation of such stock has been removed. Exempts, upon the happening of a specified event, any corporation organized under this Act from U.S. securities laws. Grants exclusive jurisdiction over any action challenging the constitutionality of specified provisions of this Act to the U.S. District Court for the District of Alaska. Provides that dissenting stockholders' rights in a merger or consolidation of Native corporations may not be exercised while the Native common stock of all corporations remains subject to restraints on alienation.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1986
Amends the National Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958 to authorize the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to accept gifts or donations to build a manned space shuttle which may be named Challenger II.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1986
Small Business Trade Remedy Act of 1986 - Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to require the Trade Remedy Assistance Office to establish a program which pays the reasonable expenses incurred by eligible small businesses in connection with any proceeding that seeks relief under the countervailing and antidumping duty provisions of the Act. Prohibits the payment of such expenses with respect to any proceeding which the Office determines to be frivolous. Requires the Office to submit an annual report to the Congress. Establishes in the Treasury the Small Business Trade Remedy Trust Fund. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to transfer to the Trust Fund such amounts out of the general fund of the Treasury that are attributable to all countervailing and antidumping duties imposed under the Act. Requires the Secretary, as trustee, to report annually to the Congress on the financial condition of the Fund. Authorizes the appropriation of amounts out of the Trust Fund which are necessary to carry out such program. Requires the International Trade Commission to issue regulations to implement this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1986
Expresses disapproval of the refusal of the Soviet Union to recognize the sovereignty of the Baltic Republics. Designates the 14th day of June 1986 as Baltic Freedom Day. Authorizes and requests the President to submit the issue of Baltic self-determination to the United Nations.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1986
Establishes a veterans' home loan guaranty limitation amount of $17,600,000,000 reduced by 4.3 percent for purposes of implementing any sequestration order issued by the President for FY 1986 calling for a reduction of such loan commitments.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1986
Challenger Dependents Education Benefits Act - Provides educational assistance to dependents of members of space flight crews of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) who die in the performance of their duties, in the same manner and under the same conditions as such assistance is provided to dependents of veterans of the armed forces. Directs the Administrator of Veterans Affairs to administer such benefits. Requires the Administrator of NASA to determine whether a person is eligible for such assistance. Requires such educational assistance benefits to be paid for by Veterans Administration funds, but requires the Administrator of NASA to reimburse the Veterans Administration for the cost of all such benefits. Makes this Act effective with respect to deaths or disabilities of persons occurring on or after January 28, 1986.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1986
Expresses the sense of the Senate that it recommends to the International Astronomical Union that seven of the moons of Uranus be named after the space shuttle Challenger's crew.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1986
Authorizes the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs, from March 1, 1986, through February 28, 1987, to: (1) make expenditures from the contingent fund; (2) employ personnel; and (3) utilize, on a reimbursable basis, the services of department or agency personnel.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1986
Expresses the sense of the Congress, and instructs its committees and conferees, that the Congress will not approve any provisions in H.R. 3838 or in similar legislation that would adversely affect the tax-exempt status of the bonds or other obligations of the States or their political subdivisions and instrumentalities which comply with current law and which are issued prior to: (1) January 1, 1987; or (2) any later date provided in enacted law.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1986
Expresses disapproval of the refusal of the Soviet Union to recognize the sovereignty of the Baltic Republics. Designates the 14th day of June 1986 as Baltic Freedom Day. Authorizes and requests the President to submit the issue of Baltic self-determination to the United Nations.
United States · United States Congress · 18 December 1985
Amends the Tariff Schedules of the United States to provide a duty on surimi. Provides that such surimi described in any other item of the Schedules shall be subject to the greater rate of duty set forth in such items.
United States · United States Congress · 18 December 1985
Amends the copyright law to prohibit a copyright holder from conveying the right to publicly perform an audiovisual work on non-network commercial television without simultaneously conveying the right to perform in synchronization any copyrighted music which accompanies such work.
United States · United States Congress · 13 December 1985
International Terrorism Deterrence Act of 1985 - Directs the Secretary of State to: (1) identify and publish the name of each foreign state that provides support for acts of international terrorism; and (2) publish any determination that such a foreign state has ceased providing support for acts of international terrorism. Requires the Secretary to report annually to the Congress the names of each foreign state identified as supporting international terrorism. Sets forth sanctions that the President shall impose on such countries. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should negotiate with U.S. allies an agreement to impose against a country identified as supporting international terrorism sanctions that are similar to the sanctions imposed by the United States. Authorizes the President to waive such sanctions if the President determines that such a waiver is in the national economic interest of the United States. Establishes within the Treasury an Anti-Terrorism Trust Fund. Provides for funding the Trust Fund. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to report annually to congressional committees on the Trust Fund. Authorizes the President to consider any act of terrorism against a U.S. citizen, U.S. property, or U.S. interests to be an unusual and extraordinary threat against the U.S. national security, foreign policy, or economy within the meaning of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.
United States · United States Congress · 12 December 1985
Directs the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to cause not more than five vessels currently under foreign flag and ownership to be documented permanently as vessels of the United States authorized to engage in the coastwise trade, as long as each such vessel complies with specified conditions. Outlines application procedures for vessels applying for such documentation.
![Official portrait of Sen. Murkowski, Frank H. [R-AK]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/m001085_200.jpg)