The world's political record
Person
![Official portrait of Sen. Specter, Arlen [R-PA]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/s000709_200.jpg)
United States · Official source
5,049 records where Sen. Specter, Arlen [R-PA] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1985
Declares two named individuals to have been lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence under the Immigration and Nationality Act.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1985
Readiness Enhancement of Air Force Reserve Special Operations Act of 1985 - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 for the operation and maintenance of: (1) a Special Operations Wing of the Air Force Reserve; and (2) the Directorate of the Department of Defense Task Force on Drug Law Enforcement. Directs the Secretary of Defense, not later than September 30, 1985, to report to specified congressional committees concerning the expenditure of funds authorized by this Act. Outlines information to be included in such report.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1985
Federal Employee Anti-Sex-Discrimination in Compensation Act of 1985 - Establishes the Commission on Compensation Equity to provide, by contract with a consultant, for a report on whether executive agencies are in compliance with laws and regulations prohibiting sex-based wage discrimination. Requires submission of the results of such study to the appropriate congressional committees and the Director of the Office of Personnel Management within 18 months after the effective date of this Act. Requires the Director to submit to such committees and the Commission, 90 days after receipt of such report, a response specifying plans for carrying out the report's recommendations and reasons for not carrying out any recommendation. Allows the Commission to comment on the Director's response. Terminates the Commission 90 days after submission of its comment. Directs the Comptroller General to submit a list of at least five consultants to the Commission from which the Commission shall make its selection. Declares that nothing in this Act shall be construed to limit the rights or remedies provided under the Civil Rights Act of 1964, or the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, or any other provision of law relating to discrimination. Provides funding for the Commission from sums appropriated to the Office of Personnel Management for general operating expenses for FY 1986 and 1987.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1985
Designates June 14, 1985, as Baltic Freedom Day.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1985
Directs that proceedings in the Senate Chamber be broadcast by radio and television: (1) continuously when the Senate is in session (except when a closed door meeting is ordered); and (2) subject to certain provisions of the Standing Rules of the Senate pertaining to the Senate gallery. Requires that broadcasts be supervised and operated by the Senate and made available on a live basis and free of charge to specified entities. Requires the television broadcasts to follow the Presiding Officer and Senators who are recognized to speak. Directs the Architect of the Capitol to provide for the construction and acquisition of broadcasting facilities and equipment. Sets forth duties of the Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper of the Senate with respect to the operation and maintenance of such equipment and the disposition of audio and video tape recordings. Directs the Librarian of Congress and the Archivist of the United States to receive, store, and make such recordings available to the public at no cost for viewing or listening on the premises. Authorizes the charging of a fee equal to the cost involved through distribution of taped copies. Provides for a test period of Senate broadcasting equipment. Prohibits the use of tape duplications of broadcast coverage for political or commercial purposes. Requires that changes in regulations made by this resolution be made only by Senate resolution. Authorizes expenditures, limited to a specified amount, to carry out this resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1985
Federal Supplemental Compensation Amendments of 1985 - Amends the Federal Supplemental Compensation Act of 1982 to extend the Federal supplemental unemployment compensation program for 18 months, until September 30, 1986. Revises formulas for State triggers for determination of the number of weeks for which Federal supplemental compensation is payable. Provides that, in the case of any benefit period, the applicable trigger is on for any week if: (1) the triggering long-term rate of insured unemployment (LIUR) for such State falls within a specified applicable range (14 weeks benefits if a 5.5 percent or more LIUR; 12 weeks if 4.5 percent or more; ten weeks if 3.5 percent or more; eight weeks if less than 3.5 percent); (2) in the case of a State for which the Bureau of Labor Statistics compiles data on a month-to-month basis with respect to the seasonally adjusted total civilian rate of unemployment (TUR), the triggering TUR for such State falls within a specified applicable range (14 weeks benefits if a ten percent or more TUR; 12 weeks if nine percent or more; ten weeks if eight percent or more; eight weeks if less than eight percent); or (3) in the case of any other State, the triggering rate of insured unemployment (IUR) for such State falls within a specified applicable range (14 weeks benefits if a six percent or more IUR; 12 weeks if five percent or more; ten weeks if four percent or more; eight weeks if less than four percent). Sets forth formulas for the periods to be used in determining the triggering LIUR, TUR, and IUR. (Bases the triggering LIUR on specified periods beginning on or after January 1, 1983.) Requires modification of agreements with States to reflect the amendments made by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1985
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) veterans' disability compensation payments should remain exempt from Federal income taxation; and (2) the President should reject any proposals to tax such payments.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1985
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the administration should perform specified actions with regard to emergency agricultural credit.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1985
Grants a Federal charter to the Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation, Inc.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1985
National Violent Crime Program Authorization Act, Fiscal Year 1986 - Establishes the National Violent Crime Program for the detection, investigation, apprehension, prosecution, and incarceration of individuals involved in violent crime activity and drug trafficking. Authorizes appropriations for construction and remodeling of correctional facilities, the Office of Justice Assistance, and other prevention and law enforcement activities.
United States · United States Congress · 20 February 1985
Amends the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 to terminate the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund and to create in the Treasury two trust funds, the Abandoned Surface Mine Reclamation Fund and the Abandoned Underground Mine Reclamation Fund. Provides that moneys from the funds allocated to the States and Indian tribes shall be paid directly to the States and Indian tribes quarterly.
United States · United States Congress · 20 February 1985
Designates the month of June 1985 as Youth Suicide Prevention Month.
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.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1985
Prohibits the Secretary of Transportation from selling the Consolidated Rail Corporation (Conrail) to the Norfolk Southern Corporation. Declares null and void any proposed agreement between the Secretary and the Norfolk Southern Corporation for the sale of Conrail.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1985
Requires the Federal interest in the Consolidated Rail Corporation (Conrail) to be disposed of by the offering of public stock rather than by private sale.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1985
Declares the sense of the Senate that the Secretary of Transportation should seek legislation which: (1) requires the Secretary to make a contingent public offering of Conrail stock before taking action to sell Conrail to the private sector; and (2) authorizes the Secretary to designate an alternative purchaser of Conrail if the public offering of Conrail stock does not realize a certain amount.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1985
Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1985 - Amends the Education Amendments of 1972, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, and the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to provide a definition of the phrase "program or activity." Defines such term as all of the operations of: (1) a department or agency of a State or of a local government; (2) the entity of such State or local government that distributes Federal assistance and each such department or agency to which the assistance is extended; (3) a university or a system of higher education; (4) a local educational agency or other school system; (5) a corporation, partnership, or other private organization; or (6) any other entity consistent with the coverage provided above.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1985
Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to delete a provision which provides for a statute of limitations on certain actions arising out of gross negligence or negligence. (Current law provides that such actions must be instituted within five years of an alleged violation under the Act). Provides that with respect to the enforcement of the U.S. customs laws the disclosure of grand jury proceedings, otherwise prohibited under Federal law, may be made to the Government upon a showing by the Government that: (1) a prepayment penalty notice has been issued; and (2) the evidence sought may be relevant to the enforcement of penalties for fraud.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1985
Designates the week beginning November 10, 1985, as National Women Veterans Recognition Week.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1985
Amends the Small Business Act to authorize Small Business Administration (SBA) program levels for FY 1986 through 1988 for direct and immediate participation loans for small business plant acquisition, construction, conversion, or expansion. Makes funds available out of such authorization for direct and immediate participation loans to handicapped persons and organizations for the handicapped and Vietnam veterans. Authorizes funding for FY 1986 through 1988 for deferred participation loans and debenture guarantees for small business plant acquisition, construction, conversion, or expansion and small business development companies under the Small Business Investment Act of 1958. Makes funds available out of such authorization for deferred participation loans to: (1) handicapped persons and organizations for the handicapped; (2) small businesses either located in urban or rural areas with high unemployment and low incomes or owned by low-income individuals; (3) small businesses which design, manufacture, and distribute energy measures; and (4) guarantees of debentures with respect to State and local development companies. Authorizes funding for FY 1986 through 1988 for: (1) direct purchases and guarantees of debentures and purchases of preferred securities with respect to small business investment companies; (2) surety bond guarantees under the Small Business Investment Act of 1958; and (3) payment guarantees for the installation of pollution control facilities by small businesses. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 through 1988 for disaster loans to small businesses and permits the transfer of funds from the disaster loan revolving funds for the payment of SBA administrative expenses. Authorizes appropriations to the SBA for FY 1986 through 1988. Makes such funds available for: (1) direct and immediate participation loans for small business plant acquisition, construction, conversion, or expansion; (2) loans to handicapped persons and organizations for the handicapped; (3) Vietnam veterans' loans; (4) deferred participation loans and debenture guarantees for small business plant acquisition, construction, conversion, or expansion and small business development companies; (5) deferred participation loans to handicapped persons and organizations for the handicapped; (6) small businesses either located in urban or rural areas with high unemployment and low incomes or owned by low-income individuals; (7) small businesses which design, manufacture, and distribute energy measures; (8) guarantees of debentures with respect to State and local development companies; (9) direct purchases and guarantees of debentures and purchases of preferred securities with respect to small business investment companies; (10) surety bond guarantees under the Small Business Investment Act of 1958; and (11) SBA salaries and expenses. Repeals specified provisions relating to disaster loans to small businesses that are affected by Federal action.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1985
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that one-half of the cost of insurance paid by a self-employed taxpayer for medical care during the taxable year will be allowed as a business deduction.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1985
Unemployment Compensation for Dislocated Workers Act - Allows States to enter into agreements with the Secretary of Labor under which the State agency will make payments of Federal unemployment compensation for dislocated workers to individuals who are participating in a job training program for dislocated workers under title III of the Job Training Partnership Act. Requires such individuals to have exhausted all rights to unemployment compensation under State, Federal, or Canadian law. Limits such payments to a maximum period of ten weeks of unemployment which begin in the individual's period of eligibility. Prohibits such payments to any individual for any week of unemployment which begins more than two years after the end of the benefit year for which the individual exhausted rights to regular compensation. Requires that such Federal-State agreements provide that the State establish a Federal unemployment compensation for dislocated workers account for a benefit year for each individual who files an application for such compensation. Provides that the amount in such account shall be equal to ten times the individual's average weekly benefit amount. Provides that each State which has entered into such an agreement shall be paid an amount equal to 100 percent of the Federal unemployment compensation for dislocated workers paid to individuals by the State pursuant to such agreement. Provides that funds in the extended unemployment compensation account of the Unemployment Trust Fund shall be used for making such payments to States, through transfers of such funds to the State account in the Fund. Authorizes appropriations to the extended unemployment compensation account to carry out the purposes of this Act. Authorizes appropriations to the general fund of the Treasury to assist States in meeting the costs of administration of agreements under this Act. Sets forth provisions relating to fraud and overpayments under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1985
Health Care Cost Containment Act of 1985 - Grants an antitrust exemption to health care insurers for the purposes of: (1) acquiring data on health care costs and services; (2) collecting and distributing insurance claims for health care services; (3) entering into service and cost agreements with health care providers. Authorizes the Attorney General to investigate such joint activities to determine whether they conform to this Act.
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
Amends the International Travel Act of 1961 to authorize appropriations through FY 1986 for the U.S. Travel and Tourism Administration.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1985
Declares two named individuals to have been lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence under the Immigration and Nationality Act.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1985
Declares three named individuals to have been lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence under the Immigration and Nationality Act.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1985
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the deduction for charitable contributions by taxpayers who do not itemize deductions.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1985
Home Equity Conversions Act of 1985 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit the owner of a residence who has attained the age of 55 to enter into a sale-leaseback transaction with a prospective purchaser of the residence and retain occupancy rights to the residence under a lease requiring a fair rental. Requires the owner of the residence to have owned and used the residence as a principal residence for three of the five years immediately preceding the sale. Allows the purchaser of such residence an income tax deduction for depreciation of the residence. Permits an owner of a residence who sells such residence under a sale-leaseback arrangement to claim the one-time exclusion from income of gain from the sale of a principal residence by an individual aged 55 or older. Excludes from the gross income of such owner the value of any occupancy rights or fair market price discount attributable to retained occupancy rights received in a sale-leaseback transaction. Permits the use of the installment sales method of accounting in reporting gain from the sale of a residence under a sale-leaseback agreement. Provides a special rule for the treatment of an annuity purchased for the owner-occupant under a sale-leaseback transaction. Establishes a legal presumption that a sale-leaseback transaction for the sale of a residence under this Act is an activity engaged in for profit for purposes of the deductibility of certain related business expenses. Exempts the purchaser of a residence under a sale-leaseback agreement from rules disallowing income tax deductions for personal use of a residence. Permits the purchaser in a sale-leaseback transaction of a principal residence to use the accelerated cost recovery system of depreciation.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1985
Public Transit Improvement Act of 1985 - Amends the Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1964 to extend from FY 1984 to 1986 the provisions which allow recipients to transfer portions of capital assistance in exchange for operating assistance. Repeals provisions requiring certification of such transfer. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to use discretionary funds resulting from such transfer for the replacement, rehabilitation, and purchase of buses and related equipment and the construction of bus-related facilities. Provides that recipients which transfer funds are not eligible for discretionary grants except for emergency purposes. Increases authorized appropriations for FY 1985 and 1986 for the Mass Transit Account of the Highway Trust Fund and authorizes appropriations for FY 1987. Authorizes the Secretary to obligate funds for multi-year financing in advance of construction projects. Authorizes the Secretary to make emergency capital grants to States and local public bodies for the repair or replacement of public transportation equipment and facilities which have been damaged and seriously disrupted as a result of a natural disaster or catastrophic occurrence. Revises the definition of "associated capital maintenance items" (for which block grants are authorized) by lowering their threshold costs from one percent to one-half of one percent. Authorizes the use of such grants to finance the leasing of facilities and equipment for use in mass transportation service. Makes funds available from the Mass Transit Account of the Highway Trust Fund for FY 1985 through 1987 for transit crime prevention and security. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to public mass transit systems for such purpose. Requires recipients of such grants to report to the Secretary, not less than annually with respect to the amount of crime on such systems.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1985
Extends through FY 1991 the revenue sharing program for local governments.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1985
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an energy investment tax credit of ten percent for equipment used for conversions to coal fuel and five percent for coal mining equipment. Terminates both credits after 1993. Allows a 12-month amortization period for pollution control facilities used in connection with a plant that uses coal as a principal fuel. (Present law allows such amortization over a five year period.) Increases the income tax credit for increasing research activities from 25 percent to 50 percent for activities relating to coal mining or burning and to controlling pollutants caused by the burning of coal. Amends the Powerplant and Industrial Fuel Use Act of 1978 to require each executive agency to survey its electric powerplants and major fuel-burning installations in order to identify those which could result in substantial savings if converted to coal. Requires each executive agency to submit to the Office of Management and Budget an annual plan for the conversion of electric powerplants and major fuel-burning installations to coal. Repeals the 15 percent reduction in the depletion allowance for coal and iron ore.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1985
Interstate Cost Estimate Act of 1985 - Revises Federal procedures regarding the establishment of interstate cost estimates to direct the Secretary of Transportation to apportion interstate construction funds and interstate substitute highway and public mass transit funds at the beginning of each fiscal year if the Congress has not approved such cost estimates to make such apportionment by that time. Directs the Secretary to apportion: (1) the interstate cost estimate sums remaining to be apportioned for FY 1985 and 1986; and (2) the interstate substitute cost estimate sums remaining to be apportioned for FY 1984 and 1985.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1985
Anti-Nuclear Terrorism Act of 1985 - Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to require every individual allowed unescorted access to a nuclear power facility to be fingerprinted. Provides that all fingerprints shall be submitted to the Attorney General for identification and appropriate processing. Authorizes the Nuclear Regulatory Commission by rule to waive such requirement under certain conditions. Allows the Commission to prescribe regulations regarding the use of information received by the Attorney General.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1985
Civil Rights Amendments Act of 1985 - Amends title IX (Prohibition of Sex Discrimination) of the Educational Amendments of 1972, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, and title VI (Nondiscrimination in Federally Assisted Programs) of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to specify that educational institutions receiving Federal financial assistance are included within prohibitions against discrimination. Provides that, for purposes of such Acts, notwithstanding the Supreme Court decisions in Grove City College and others against Bell, Secretary of Education, and in North Haven Board of Education against Bell, the phrase "program or activity" shall, as applied to educational institutions which are extended Federal financial assistance, mean the educational institution.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1985
Authorizes the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, to implement a flood damage prevention project at Milton, Pennsylvania, on the west branch of the Susquehanna River. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1985
Authorizes the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, to implement a beach erosion control project at Presque Isle Peninsula, Pennsylvania. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1985
Authorizes the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, to implement a flood damage prevention project on the Susquehanna River at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1985
Authorizes the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, to implement a project for flood damage prevention on the west branch of the Susquehanna River, at Lock Haven, Pennsylvania. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1985
Authorizes the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, to implement the project for flood damage prevention at Wyoming Valley, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1985
Amends the Federal criminal code to establish criteria for the imposition of the death penalty for Federal crimes. Requires the Government, for any offense punishable by death, to serve notice upon the defendant a reasonable time before trial or acceptance of a plea, that it intends to seek the death penalty and the aggravating factors upon which it will rely. Requires a separate sentencing hearing before a jury, or the court upon motion by the defendant, when the defendant is found guilty or pleads guilty to an offense punishable by death. Allows the defendant and the Government to present any information relevant to sentencing, without regard to the rules of evidence, but permits information to be excluded where its probative value is substantially outweighed by the danger of unfair prejudice, confusion of the issues, or misleading of the jury. Specifies mitigating factors which the defendant must establish by a preponderance of the information and aggravating factors which the Government must prove beyond a reasonable doubt. Includes as threshold, aggravating factors for homicide that the defendant: (1) intentionally killed the victim; (2) intentionally inflicted serious bodily injury which resulted in death of the victim; (3) intentionally participated in an act which he reasonably should have known would create grave risk of death to a person and the victim did die as a direct result of the act; or (4) attempted to kill the President of the United States. Sets forth special aggravating factors with respect to the crimes of treason, espionage, homicide, and attempted murder of the President. Includes among the mitigating factors that the defendant was less than 18 years old at the time of the crime. Directs the court, or the jury by unanimous vote, to impose the death penalty upon a finding that such sentence is justified based on consideration of both the aggravating and mitigating factors. Requires the court to instruct the jury not to consider the race, color, national origin, creed, or sex of the defendant in its consideration of the sentence. Limits the circumstances under which the offense of delivering defense information to aid foreign governments is punishable by death. Allows the death penalty to be imposed for: (1) the murder of foreign officials, Federal judges, Federal law enforcement officers, or Federal penal or correction employees; and (2) an offense of kidnapping resulting in the death of any person. Eliminates the death penalty for the crime of rape. Authorizes the death penalty for the crime of attempting to kill the President of the United States if the attempt results in bodily injury to the President or otherwise comes dangerously close to causing his death. Establishes procedures for appeal from a death sentence. Requires the Court of Appeals, upon considering the record and the information and procedures of the sentencing hearing, to affirm the decision if: (1) the sentence was not imposed under influence of passion, prejudice, or arbitrariness; and (2) the information supports the finding of aggravating factors or the absence of mitigating factors. Requires the court to provide a written explanation of its determination. Provides for the death penalty for murders committed by prisoners in Federal correctional institutions.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1985
Unfair Foreign Competition Act of 1985 - Amends the Clayton Act to include a specified antidumping provision among U.S. antitrust laws. Amends the antidumping provision to allow any person who is injured in her or his property or business by the sale or importation of an article made in a foreign country to bring a civil action against the manufacturer, exporter, or importer of such article if: (1) the article is imported or sold in the United States at less than its foreign market or constructed value; and (2) such sale or importation causes or threatens material injury to U.S. industry or labor or prevents the establishment or modernization of U.S. industry. (Currently, the cause of such an action is predicated on the intent of the importer to injure or prevent the establishment of U.S. industry or to monopolize trade.) Restricts the district court jurisdiction of such an action to the District of Columbia. Entitles a prevailing plaintiff in such an action to recover: (1) compensatory damages (currently, treble damages) or appropriate equitable relief; and (2) legal expenses. Declares that the standard of proof in such an action is a preponderance of the evidence. Places the burden of proof for rebutting a prima facie case on the defendant. Includes within the meaning of prima facie case a finding by the International Trade Commission (ITC) that dumping exists. Authorizes the district court to: (1) issue subpoenas outside its judicial district if necessary; (2) enjoin importation of articles allegedly dumped pending the defendant's compliance with any court order; (3) review, in camera, confidential or privileged material; (4) accept material under seal; and (5) disclose such material. Requires expedited treatment of such actions. Sets a four-year statute of limitations for actions under this Act. Requires the foreign market value or constructed value of an article to include the amount of any subsidy provided to the manufacturer, producer, or exporter of the article. Expresses the sense of the Congress that this Act is consistent with the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade.
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
Designates the month of October 1985 as National Make-A-Wish Month.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1985
Amends the Federal criminal code to establish penalties for damaging or destroying any cemetery, religious building, or any religious article contained in such a building or interfering with any person freely exercising his or her religious beliefs.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1985
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that tax-exempt interest shall not be taken into account in determining the amount of social security benefits subject to tax.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1985
Authorizes and requests the President to designate April 21 through April 28, 1985, as Jewish Heritage Week.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Amends the Federal criminal code to define "armor-piercing ammunition." Excludes from the definition: (1) shot gun shot required by Federal or State regulations for hunting; (2) frangible projectiles for target shooting; and (3) projectiles that the Secretary of the Treasury determines are primarily intended for sporting purposes. Makes it unlawful for any person to manufacture or import armor-piercing ammunition. Allows for: (1) the manufacture or importation of armor piercing ammunition for the use of the United States or any State or local government; and (2) manufacture for the sole purpose of exportation. Establishes a licensing fee of $1,000 per year for manufacturers and importers of armor-piercing ammunition. Imposes an additional mandatory sentence of not less than five years for any person who uses or carries a firearm and is in possession of armor-piercing ammunition during the commission of a violent felony. Provides that such sentence shall not be suspended nor probation nor parole be granted.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Professional Football Stabilization Act of 1985 - Prohibits any professional football team which has played its home games in a metropolitan area for six years or more from relocating, unless: (1) a party to the stadium lease agreement fails to comply with such agreement and such noncompliance cannot be remedied within a reasonable time; (2) such stadium is inadequate for operating the team and the stadium authority shows no intention of correcting the inadequacies; or (3) the team has lost money for at least three consecutive years or for a shorter period to the extent that the continued financial viability of the team is threatened. Exempts from the applicability of certain antitrust laws any joint agreement by persons engaged in professional football which restricts the movement of any team in accordance with this Act. Authorizes any municipal government to bring a civil action for damages and equitable relief against a professional football team which relocates from that area in violation of this Act.