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Official portrait of Sen. Quayle, Dan [R-IN]

Sen. Quayle, Dan [R-IN]

United States · Official source

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1,326 records where Sen. Quayle, Dan [R-IN] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years

Bill· SS. 502 (99th)referred

Credit Accounting Reform Act of 1985

United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1985

Credit Accounting Reform Act of 1985 - Amends the Federal Financing Bank Act of 1973 to require any Federal agency which makes a direct loan or guarantees any obligation after October 1, 1986, to transmit to the Federal Financing Bank the loan obligation or guarantee obligation and such information concerning the borrower as the Bank needs in order to sell the obligation or to reinsure the guarantee. Authorizes the Bank to disclose such information to the extent necessary to sell the obligation or to reinsure the guarantee. Directs the Bank, within 90 days after an agency has made a direct loan, to sell the resulting obligation to the highest bidder at a public auction. Permits the Bank to sell such an obligation through pooled participation arrangements only to the extent that such arrangements permit the proper allocation of subsidy costs to the appropriate budget account. Requires the bank to make a bid based on the Bank's estimate of the present value of the obligation being sold at each auction, and to purchase any obligation for which it submits the highest bid. Declares that such obligations shall be sold without recourse to the Government and with no Government guarantee. Directs the Bank, within 90 days after an agency guarantees any obligation, to purchase reinsurance for such guarantee from the lowest bidder at a public auction. Requires the Bank to make a bid at each such auction based on the Bank's estimate of the expected defaults on the obligation, and to reinsure a guarantee for which it submits the lowest bid. Entitles any reinsurer of such a guarantee to receive any premiums, fees, or other consideration that the borrower is required to pay for the guarantee. Requires the Bank, after October 1, 1986, to maintain assets with a market value equal to the value of its liabilities. Provides a permanent appropriation to the Bank of the amount by which its liabilities exceed its assets at the close of any fiscal year. Requires such amount to be included in the unified budget. Requires the Bank to transfer to the Treasury the amount by which its assets exceed its revenues at the close of any fiscal year. Requires such surplus amount to be treated as an on-budget miscellaneous receipt for Federal budgetary purposes. Directs the Bank to: (1) collect a fee for its costs of acting as agent for an agency in selling an obligation or reinsuring a guarantee; (2) formulate standard contracts to be used by agencies when making or guarantying loans; (3) manage its portfolio so as to minimize credit and interest rate risks: (4) invest funds and maintain reserves to cover its contingent liabilities; and (5) report to the Congress annually on all loans purchased and reinsurance contracts issued by the Bank. Requires that the amount of any subsidy for a direct loan (the excess of the amount loaned over the price at which the loan is sold) or a loan guarantee (the cost of reinsurance) made by an agency is to be treated as an outlay of such agency for Federal budgetary purposes. Permits an agency to make a direct loan or guarantee an obligation after October 1, 1986, only to the extent that an appropriation has been made to the agency for the subsidy. Declares that this Act does not change the responsibility for servicing direct loans or obligation guarantees made by an agency. Includes obligations sold by the Bank as securities that are exempt from the securities laws. Amends the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974 to revise the definition of "budget authority" to include the subsidy amount for any authority to guarantee the repayment of indebtedness. Amends the Government Corporation Control Act to: (1) include the Bank as a wholly owned Government corporation for purposes of such Act; and (2) require the Controller General to audit the Bank on a calendar year basis.

Bill· SS. 491 (99th)referred

Student Loan Collection Improvement Amendments of 1985

United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1985

Student Loan Collection Improvement Amendments of 1985 - Title I: Guaranteed Student Loan Program - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) to revise title IV, part B provisions for the Federal Insured Student Loan (FISL) program and the Guaranteed Student Loan (GSL) program. Revises FISL provisions for conditions for Federal loan insurance to grant lenders the option of requiring endorsement of the loan by a co-signer. Deletes a 15-year limitation on the period of the loan. Revises provisions for disbursement of loans to require that the funds borrowed be disbursed by check: (1) sent to the eligible institution the student attends or plans to attend, and made payable to the order of the student and such institution as copayees, with the endorsement of both parties required; or (2) in cases where the institution is not located in a State or where the loan is an auxiliary loan to a parent, sent to the borrower and made payable to the order of the borrower, with the endorsement of the borrower required, and a notice of disbursement sent by the lender or the Secretary of Education to the eligible institution. Revises GSL provisions for agreements with State and nonprofit private institutions for subsidy payments on loans insured under the student loan insurance program of such State or institution to also: (1) delete a 15-year limitation on the period of the loan; and (2) make similar revisions of the loan disbursement procedure. Requires that such agreements provide for: (1) independent financial and compliance audits of the guarantee agency, with regard to its performance under such an agreement, at least once every two years; and (2) recovery by the Secretary from the guarantee agency of amounts, plus interest, determined by such audits to be owing. Provides that, notwithstanding any provision of State law that would set an earlier deadline for filing suit, any suit for the collection of the amount due from a FISL or GSL borrower may be filed during a six-year period: (1) after the date a guarantee agency reimburses the previous holder of the loan for its loss on account of the borrower's default; and (2) after the date on which the loan is assigned to the Secretary. Provides that, notwithstanding any provision of State law to the contrary, in collecting any obligation arising from a loan made under FISL or GSL provisions, a guarantee agency which has an agreement with the Secretary shall not be subject to a defense raised by any borrower based on: (1) a claim of infancy; or (2) the action or omission of an eligible institution or lender, if such agency did not have actual notice of such defense when such agency reimbursed the previous holder of the loan for its loss. Revises provisions for payment of excess recovery to the insured to include reasonable administrative and collection costs, to the extent set forth in regulations issued by the Secretary, in the costs of the Secretary's recovery on any FISL loan. Requires, under GSL provisions (as well as under current FISL provisions), each guarantee agency (as well as the Secretary) to enter into cooperative agreements with credit bureau organizations to exchange information concerning student borrowers. Deletes FISL program requirements: (1) for notice to the borrower before certain information is disclosed; (2) for establishment of a system for prompt notification of borrowers; and (3) relating to other conditions under Federal law, for Federal agency disclosure of individual records. Provides that a guarantee agency (or a credit bureau organization) which discloses or receives such information shall not be considered a Government contractor within the meaning of specified Federal law relating to Federal agency disclosure of individual records. Authorizes the Secretary and each guarantee agency to disclose specified information concerning student borrowers to the eligible institutions such borrowers attend or previously attended. Allows, notwithstanding specified provisions of the Fair Credit Reporting Act, a consumer reporting agency to make a report containing information received from the Secretary or a guarantee agency regarding the status of a borrower's account on a loan under the FISL or GSL program for a period of up to seven years after: (1) the date on which the Secretary or the agency paid a claim to the holder on the guarantee; or (2) October 1, 1984, with regard to an account on a loan which the Secretary or the agency has paid a claim but not reported the account to a consumer reporting agency on or before such date. Provides that, notwithstanding any provision of State law to the contrary, in collecting any obligation arising from a loan made under GSL provisions, the United States shall not be subjected to a defense raised by any borrower on either a claim of infancy or the action or omission of an eligible institution or lender, if the Secretary and the Secretary's agents did not have actual notice of such defense when the Secretary reimbursed the previous holder of the loan for its loss. Authorizes the Secretary to impose a civil penalty of up to $25,000 for each of specified violations or failures to carry out student aid provisions or regulations or misrepresentations of financial charges by a lender or guarantee agency. Authorizes the Secretary to compromise such penalties. Title II: National Direct Student Loan Program - Revises HEA provisions for the National Direct Student Loan (NDSL) program. Requires NDSL agreements to provide that where a note or written agreement evidencing a loan is in default despite due diligence on the part of the institution to collect such loan: (1) if the institution has failed to maintain an acceptable collection record generally with respect to NDSL loans, the Secretary may require such institution to assign its rights under such note or agreement to the United States, without recompense; or (2) if the institution has not failed to maintain an acceptable NDSL collection record, the Secretary may allow it to assign its rights under such note or agreement to the United States, without recompense. Sets forth provisions relating to the seven-year period of reporting on the status of NDSL borrowers' accounts by consumer reporting agencies. (Such provisions are similar to those for such reporting on GSL accounts under title I of this Act.) Requires each institution to include in its information to NDSL student borrowers a description of any penalty imposed as a consequence of default (such as liability for expenses reasonably incurred in attempts by the Secretary or institutions to collect on a loan). Revises required terms of NDSL loans to grant institutions the option of requiring NDSL loans to be endorsed by a cosigner. Makes mandatory, rather than discretionary, the assessment of a charge for failure of an NDSL borrower to pay all or part of an installment when due. Requires that such charge include the expenses reasonably incurred in attempting such collection with respect to such loan. Authorizes the Secretary, in attempting to collect any defaulted NDSL loan, to use any collection means available to the United States, including referral to the Attorney General for litigation. Directs the Secretary to continue to collect any loan assigned under provisions for assignment of rights to the United States until all appropriate collection efforts, as determined by the Secretary, have been expended. Provides for a six-year statute of limitations on specified collection suits for NDSL loans, similar to that provided by the GSL amendments under title I of this Act. Title III: General Provisions - Revises general provisions for student assistance programs under HEA. Revises provisions for student eligibility for any grant, loan, or work assistance under HEA to require that a student not owe a refund on grants previously received at any institution, or be in default on any loan from a student loan fund at any institution, or a loan made, insured, or guaranteed by the Secretary for attendance at any institution. Provides for a six-year statute of limitations on specified collection suits for refunds due from a student on a grant made or work assistance awarded under HEA. Requires borrowers who have defaulted on student loans under HEA to pay reasonable collection costs, in addition to other charges specified under HEA, notwithstanding State law. Authorizes the Secretary to prescribe regulations for recovery by the Secretary from the eligible institution of amounts, plus interest, determined by specified audits to be owing. Title IV: Application Provisions - Sets forth the effective dates and applicability of specified amendments made by this Act.

Law· SS. 484 (99th)enacted

A bill to amend the Saccharin Study and Labeling Act.

United States · United States Congress · 20 February 1985

Amends the Saccharin Study and Labeling Act to extend to May 1, 1988, the period during which the Secretary of Health and Human Services may not take certain actions to restrict the continued use of saccharin or of any food, drug, or cosmetic containing saccharin.

Resolution· SCONRESS.Con.Res. 15 (99th)passed

A concurrent resolution relating to United States - Japan trade.

United States · United States Congress · 20 February 1985

Prohibits ending the voluntary restraint on imports of Japanese automobiles until U.S. exports to Japan are substantially increased and the U.S. trade deficit with Japan is substantially reduced.

Resolution· SRESS.Res. 66 (99th)referred

A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate with respect to certain matters involving the Government of New Zealand and the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1985

Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) it would be in the best interests of allied security and unity for each member country of the security treaty (ANZUS) between Australia, New Zealand, and the United States to reinstate the practice of permitting all naval ships of other member countries access to the ports of such member country; and (2) the President should continue discussions with New Zealand regarding the access of U.S. ships to its ports, explore with Australia the desirability of a bilateral security treaty, preclude New Zealand from participating in military activities with the United States until the present impasse is resolved, and exercise the right of the United States to withdraw from New Zealand the benefits of the injury test provided under the Tariff Act of 1930.

Bill· SS. 281 (99th)open

A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 to add a section dealing with public safety vehicles.

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.

Bill· SS. 260 (99th)open

A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 to provide that the substantiation requirements of section 274(d) of such Code may be met, in the case of passenger automobiles and other transportation property, if the taxpayer provides substantial evidence other than contemporaneous records.

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.

Law· SS. 209 (99th)enacted

Federal Debt Recovery Act of 1985

United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1985

Federal Debt Recovery Act of 1985 - Authorizes the Attorney General to make contracts retaining private counsel to furnish legal services in the case of any claim of indebtedness owed the United States. Requires the Attorney General, in making such a contract in any judicial district, to make a best effort to retain more than one private counsel from among attorneys regularly engaged in private practice in such district. Prohibits the legal fee payable for such services from exceeding the fee typically charged in the area for the collection of claims of indebtedness. Permits the head of an executive or legislative agency to refer to a private counsel so retained any claims of indebtedness owed the United States arising out of such agency's activities. Declares that, for the purposes of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, a private counsel performing collection services under this Act shall be considered a debt collector. Requires the Attorney General to transmit to the Congress an annual report on the activities of the Department of Justice to recover such indebtedness. Requires the Comptroller General to carry out an annual audit of the actions taken by the Attorney General pursuant to this Act during the preceding 12 months. Requires the Comptroller General to determine the extent to which there is competition among private counsel to obtain contracts pursuant to this Act, the reasonableness of the fees provided in such contracts, and the results of the debt collection efforts. Requires a report to the Congress on the findings and conclusions resulting from such audit. Requires the Attorney General to transmit to the Congress a report on the actions taken under this Act within 60 days after the date of enactment.

Law· SS. 140 (99th)enacted

Children's Justice and Assistance Act of 1986

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.

Bill· SS. 104 (99th)open

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

United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985

Amends the Federal criminal code to define "armor-piercing ammunition." Excludes from the definition: (1) shot gun shot required by Federal or State regulations for hunting; (2) frangible projectiles for target shooting; and (3) projectiles that the Secretary of the Treasury determines are primarily intended for sporting purposes. Makes it unlawful for any person to manufacture or import armor-piercing ammunition. Allows for: (1) the manufacture or importation of armor piercing ammunition for the use of the United States or any State or local government; and (2) manufacture for the sole purpose of exportation. Establishes a licensing fee of $1,000 per year for manufacturers and importers of armor-piercing ammunition. Imposes an additional mandatory sentence of not less than five years for any person who uses or carries a firearm and is in possession of armor-piercing ammunition during the commission of a violent felony. Provides that such sentence shall not be suspended nor probation nor parole be granted.

Bill· SS. 171 (99th)reported

Agricultural Trade Enhancement Act of 1985

United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985

Agricultural Trade Enhancement Act of 1985 - Establishes an Agricultural Trade Committee composed of the Secretary of Agriculture, the U.S. Trade Representative, and other persons appointed by the President. Directs the Committee to: (1) identify all major unfair trade practices of foreign countries that adversely affect farm commodities and their products; (2) develop recommendations for eliminating or mitigating such adverse effects; and (3) report its findings and recommendations to the President within six months of enactment of this Act. Terminates the Committee after submission of its report. Directs the President, as soon as practicable after submission of such report, to: (1) use any remedies available under any international agreement to eliminate or mitigate the adverse effects of the unfair practices identified by the Committee; and (2) direct the appropriate agencies to take the necessary steps to eliminate or mitigate such adverse effects. Amends the Food for Peace Act of 1966 to authorize the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) to guarantee credits made to finance commercial export sales of agricultural commodities out of private stocks to certain developing countries. Authorizes the CCC to provide intermediate credit financing to promote the export sales of farm commodities. Deletes specified limits on the credit terms for such sales and on the resale or transshipment of such commodities. Directs the Secretary to carry out the CCC export credit sales program including the credit guarantee program using not less than $500,000,000 for each of FY 1985 through 1988. Limits the duration of any restriction imposed on exports of farm commodities or the products of such commodities to 60 days. Prohibits such limitation from applying during a war declared by the Congress.

Law· SS. 49 (99th)enacted

Firearms Owners' Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985

Title I: Amendments to Title 18, United States Code (18 U.S.C. 921-928) - Amends the Gun Control Act of 1968 to redefine: (1) "manufacturer" to mean any person engaged in the "business of manufacturing" (instead of "manufacture" of) firearms or ammunition; and (2) "dealer" to exclude dealers in ammunition. Adds a new definition "engaged in the business" with respect to manufacturer, dealers, and importers. Defines as a manufacturer, dealer, or importer of firearms a person who manufactures or deals in a regular course of trade or business with the principal objective of livelihood and profit. Defines "with the principal objective of livelihood and profit" to mean that the intent underlying the sale or disposition of firearms is predominantly one of obtaining livelihood and pecuniary gain. Excludes as dealers persons making occasional sales or repairs of firearms. Eliminates certain activities involving ammunition from the coverage of the current prohibitions. Permits the interstate sale of handguns where the sale complies with the law of the licensee's State and the State of the purchaser's residence. Presumes the licensee to have actual knowledge of the published laws of the States. Revises the current prohibition against certain classes of persons transporting a firearm or ammunition in interstate commerce to extend such prohibition to possession or receipt in commerce or affecting commerce of any firearm or ammunition. Includes as additional categories illegal aliens, dishonorably discharged members of the armed forces, and U.S. citizens who renounce their citizenship. Excludes ammunition dealers from the current licensing requirements. Declares that a licensed dealer's personal collection of firearms shall not be subject to recordkeeping requirements in specific circumstances. Permits the Secretary of the Treasury to revoke a license only where the holder "willfully" violates a provision of the Act. Bars the Secretary from denying or revoking a license on the basis of violations which are alleged in criminal proceedings instituted against a licensee, where such individual is not convicted of such charges. Allows the Government to voluntarily dismiss criminal charges prior to trial and still proceed with revocation. Imposes as a condition for the inspection or examination of records, documents, firearms, or ammunition that the Secretary has reasonable cause to believe that a violation has occurred and that evidence may be found on the premises. Requires a warrant to be issued for such search. Provides exceptions to such warrant requirement. Requires licensed collectors to maintain records of the receipt, sale, or other disposition of firearms. Requires records maintained by a licensee who has discontinued business to be delivered to the Archivist of the United States and the Secretary of the Treasury and to be disposed of after 20 years. Sets forth information-gathering procedures for tracing firearms and prohibits criminal charges based solely on information provided under those procedures. Prohibits records from being kept at a centralized location or entered in a computer for storage or retrieval. Permits licensed importers, manufacturers, and dealers to conduct business at temporary locations other than the one specified on a license (for example, gun shows). Establishes either a "knowing" (scienter) or a "willful" requirement with respect to general violations of the Act. Imposes additional penalties for the use of a firearm during the commission of a Federal crime of violence and for carrying a firearm in furtherance of a Federal crime of violence. Increases the penalties for the criminal misuse of firearms by making such penalties mandatory and at higher fine levels or longer prison terms than current law requires. Extends to first offenders the requirement, currently applicable only to second offenders, that the court not suspend any sentence or grant probation. Prohibits the granting of parole to first and subsequent offenders. Declares that no person shall be subject to the additional, mandatory penalties if use of the firearm or destructive device was a nonfelonious attempt to protect persons or property. Amends the forfeiture provision to subject to seizure any firearm or ammunition "involved in or used" in a knowing violation of the Gun Control Act (instead of "involved in or used or intended to be used"). Directs the court to award attorney fees to the prevailing party (other than the United States) in a proceeding for the return of seized firearms or ammunition. Requires the court to award such fees in any other action upon a finding that the action was without foundation or was initiated in bad faith. Limits seizure to firearms individually identified as involved in the violation. Revises the current procedure allowing persons who have been convicted of a crime to apply to the Secretary for relief from the firearms prohibitions. Permits any person prohibited from possessing, shipping, transporting, or receiving firearms or ammunition to apply for relief. Requires, instead of permits, the Secretary to grant release, unless the applicant will be likely to act in a manner dangerous to public safety. Permits any person who is denied relief to seek de novo judicial review in Federal court. Imposes on the applicant the burden of proof. Makes the authority of the Secretary to permit importation of certain types of firearms and ammunition nondiscretionary. Increases the number of types of sporting firearms which may be imported. Amends the rulemaking authority of the Secretary to provide that no regulation may require the transfer of records required under this Act to a facility owned, managed, or controlled by the United States or any State or the establishment of any system of registration of firearms, firearms owners, or firearms transactions. Requires a 90-day public comment period for proposed regulations (no period is currently specified). Prohibits the Secretary from prescribing regulations which require purchasers of black powder to complete affidavits or forms attesting to their exemption from certain provisions of the Federal criminal code. Declares any law or regulation promulgated by any State prohibiting the transfer of an unloaded and not readily accessible firearm or ammunition null and void. Title II: Amendments to Title VII of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 - Repeals title VII of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act (relating to the receipt, possession, or transportation of firearms by felons, dishonorably discharged veterans, mental incompetents, illegal aliens, and persons renouncing their United States citizenship).

Bill· SS. 86 (99th)referred

Sex Discrimination in the United States Code Reform Act of 1985

United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985

Sex Discrimination in the United States Code Reform Act of 1985 - Title I: Armed Forces, Soldiers' Home, Coast Guard, Lighthouse Service, and Merchant Marine - Amends Federal laws dealing with the Army, the Navy, the Air Force, and the Coast Guard to eliminate gender-based distinctions. Title II: Elimination of Gender-Based Distinctions Under the Social Security Act and the Railroad Retirement Act - Eliminates gender-based distinctions in the social security and railroad retirement programs. Title III: Amendments to United States Code - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act, the Walsh-Healey Act, the Child Nutrition Act of 1966, the Federal criminal code and other Acts (dealing with Indian affairs, transportation, public lands, Saint Elizabeths Hospital, contract law, the U.S. Coast Guard, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, longshoremen and harbor workers, conservation programs, internee benefits, and the spouses of former Presidents, among other subjects) to eliminate gender-based distinctions. Title IV: Effective Date - Sets forth the effective date for the provisions of this Act.

Bill· SS. 43 (99th)open

A bill to provide that each item of any general or special appropriation bill and any bill or joint resolution making supplemental, deficiency, or continuing appropriations that is agreed to by both Houses of the Congress in the same form shall be enrolled as a separate bill or joint resolution for presentation to the President.

United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985

Provides that each item of any general or special appropriation bill and any bill or joint resolution making supplemental, deficiency, or continuing appropriations that is agreed to in the same form by both Houses of the Congress shall be enrolled as a separate bill or joint resolution for presentation to the President (line-item veto).

Bill· SS. 100 (99th)failed

Product Liability Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985

Product Liability Act - Preempts State product liability laws. States that this Act governs any civil action for harm caused by a product which would have been based on: (1) strict or absolute liability in tort; (2) negligence or gross negligence; (3) breach of express or implied warranty; (4) failure to discharge a duty to warn or instruct; or (5) any other theory that is the basis for an award for damages for loss or damage caused by a product. Makes a manufacturer liable if the claimant establishes by a preponderance of the evidence that a product was unreasonably dangerous: (1) in construction or design; (2) because the manufacturer failed to provide adequate warnings of danger; or (3) because the product did not conform to an express warranty. Specifies the findings which must be made for such proof of unreasonable danger to be determined. Subjects a product seller to liability if the claimant proves by a preponderance of the evidence that the claimant's harm was proximately caused by such seller's failure to use reasonable prudence with respect to the product. Enumerates circumstances under which such a seller is also subject to the liability of a manufacturer. Provides that all claims under this Act shall be governed by the principles of comparative responsibility. Sets forth rules with respect to conduct affecting comparative responsibility, including misuse, alteration, or modification of a product. Specifies the manner in which damages are to be apportioned. Requires that damages in any product liability claim be reduced by an amount paid as workers' compensation benefits. Prescribes a statute of limitations for recovery. Directs the Judicial Conference of the United States to establish a Product Liability Review Panel to conduct an ongoing review of the adequacy of legal remedies available to persons injured by products and to report its findings and recommendations to Congress. Requires the panel to conduct a study to determine the feasibility or availability, or both, of providing compensation without regard to fault to claimants for any loss or damage caused by a product. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985. Declares that it is the intent of the Congress that, in other than exceptional cases, the Supreme Court shall not review issues relating solely to the sufficiency of the evidence in cases arising under this Act which have been finally decided by the highest court of any State.

Bill· SS. 11 (99th)open

A bill to amend the Steel Import Stabilization Act.

United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985

Amends the Steel Import Stabilization Act to direct the U.S. Trade Representative, in negotiating with Japan and South Korea on steel products import limits, to negotiate the apportionment of the aggregate limit among specified subcategories of steel products. Directs the U.S. Trade Representative to apportion the aggregate limit if such negotiations are not successfully concluded within 30 days of the enactment of this Act. Sets forth such subcategories.

Bill· SJRESS.J.Res. 13 (99th)open

A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution relating to a Federal balanced budget and tax limitation.

United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985

Constitutional Amendment - Requires the Congress, prior to each fiscal year, to adopt a statement of receipts and outlays for that year in which total outlays are no greater than total receipts. Permits the Congress in such statement to provide for a specific excess of outlays over receipts by a three-fifths vote directed solely to that subject. Requires the President and the Congress to ensure that actual outlays do not exceed the outlays set forth in such statement. Prohibits total receipts for any fiscal year set forth in such statement from increasing by a rate greater than the rate of increase in national income in the last calendar year ending before such fiscal year, unless the Congress passes a bill directed solely to approving specific additional receipts by a three-fifths vote and such bill has become has become law. Requires the President, prior to each fiscal year, to transmit to the Congress a proposed statement of receipts and outlays for that year consistent with the provisions of this article. Permits the Congress to waive the provisions of this Act with respect to any fiscal year in which a declaration of war is in effect. Declares that total receipts shall include all receipts of the United States, except those derived from borrowing and total outlays shall include all outlays of the United States except those for repayment of debt principal.

Law· SJRESS.J.Res. 15 (99th)enacted

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

United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985

Designates May 7, 1985, as Helsinki Human Rights Day. Requests the President to: (1) reassert American commitment to the Helsinki Accords; (2) raise the issue of noncompliance with such Accords with the U.S.S.R. and the Warsaw Pact nations; and (3) convey to U.S. allies the necessity of unity on these points.

Resolution· SRESS.Res. 34 (99th)referred

A resolution condemning the government of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics for five years of forced and oppressive military occupation of Afghanistan in the face of popular resistance to Soviet imperialism.

United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985

States that the Senate condemns the Soviet Union's military terrorism and attempted destruction of Afghanistan. Recommends that the President provide medical, military, and food assistance to the Afghan Freedom Fighters.

Resolution· SRESS.Res. 31 (99th)referred

A resolution to improve the operation of the committee system of the Senate, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985

Amends rule XXV of the Standing Rules of the Senate to lower the authorized membership on specified standing and joint committees. Limits each Senator to service on nine committees and subcommittees, except members of the Appropriations Committee who are limited to service on 11 committees and subcommittees. Restricts a Senator to service on two subcommittees of each committee of which the Senator is a member. Prohibits committees from establishing more than five subcommittees. Prohibits the Committee on Appropriations from establishing more than 13 subcommittees. Revises the formula for determining how many, and which, subcommittee a Senator may chair. Repeals certain provisions which granted exceptions to committee service rules. Amends rule XXVI to require the chairman, when times of committee mark-up meetings are scheduled, to announce which members have other previously scheduled mark-up meetings at such times. Declares that when reporting measures from any committee, with a majority of its members present, such committee shall be deemed to consist of the number of its members exclusive of the majority and minority leaders. Amends rule XVII to provide that legislation reported by any standing committee having subject matter within the jurisdiction of another standing committee shall, at the request of such other committee, be referred to it prior to Senate consideration. Establishes for the first session of the 99th Congress the Select Committee on the Two Year Budget to review and recommend legislative proposals to improve the operation of the congressional budget process, including proposals for the two-year budget. Requires a report from such committee within 180 days after adoption of this provision. Amends Senate Resolution 400, 94th Congress, to prohibit service on the Select Committee on Intelligence for more than ten years (currently, eight years).

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

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

United States · United States Congress · 4 October 1984

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

Bill· SS. 3050 (98th)open

SELF-Tax Plan Act of 1984

United States · United States Congress · 3 October 1984

SELF-Tax Plan Act of 1984 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide lower income tax rates for individuals, estates, and trusts and to reduce the number of tax brackets to four (three for estates and trusts). Repeals all the nonrefundable personal tax credits available to individuals. Repeals the earned income credit. Limits to corporations the availability of the tax credit for clinical testing expenses for drugs, the tax credit for producing fuel from nonconventional sources, the tax credit for increasing research activities, and the general business tax credit. Repeals all exclusions from gross income except certain listed exclusions. Repeals provisions relating to dividend reinvestment in public utilities. Limits the amount of scholarship and fellowship awards which may be excluded from gross income to the amount of tuition and related expenses. Provides that payments for teaching, research, or other services may not be excluded as scholarship or fellowship amounts where the teaching, research, or other services are not required of all candidates for a particular degree as a condition for receiving such degree. Repeals the qualified tuition reduction exclusion. Makes certain exclusions available only to corporations. Repeals all itemized deductions for individuals and corporations except certain listed deductions. Repeals the additional personal exemption for age and blindness. Repeals the deduction for all consumer interest other than residential property interest. Includes in the gross income of an individual any unemployment compensation or any government or welfare assistance benefits. Provides that certain employee benefits shall be taken into account in computing FICA taxes, railroad retirement taxes, unemployment taxes, and withholding taxes. Repeals the tax exemption for deposits into, and withdrawals from, the capital construction fund under the Merchant Marine Act, 1936. Repeals the capital gains deduction for individuals. Limits the individual deduction of capital losses to a maximum of $3,000. Eliminates the distinction between short-term and long-term gains and losses based on holding period. Sets forth capital gains and losses provisions which are applicable only to corporations. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to conduct a study on how the incorporation into the tax system of certain tax principles relating to the taxation of income from a trade or business, the taxation of corporations, the elimination of preferential tax treatment for specific industries, and the taxation of individuals would affect the national economy, Federal revenues, and the competitive balance between corporations and unincorporated trade and businesses.

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

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

United States · United States Congress · 3 October 1984

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

Resolution· SRESS.Res. 457 (98th)referred

A resolution condemning the government of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics for five years of forced and oppressive military occupation of Afghanistan in the face of popular resistance to Soviet imperialism.

United States · United States Congress · 28 September 1984

States that the Senate condemns the Soviet Union's military terrorism and attempted destruction of Afghanistan. Recommends that the President provide medical, military, and food assistance to the Afghan Freedom Fighters.

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

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

United States · United States Congress · 10 September 1984

Designates the week beginning February 17, 1985, as a time to recognize the contributions of volunteers who give their time to become Big Brothers and Big Sisters to youths in need of adult companionship.