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251 records in US in 1985
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 1985
Bumper Improvement Act of 1985 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to amend a certain bumper standard to ensure that it is identical to the bumper standard in effect on January 1, 1982. Declares that the Secretary is not prohibited from imposing a stricter standard than the standard to be restored.
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 1985
Federal Railroad Safety Authorization Act of 1985 - Amends the Federal Railroad Safety Act of 1970 to authorize appropriations for FY 1986 and 1987. Confers jurisdiction upon district courts to issue orders requiring immediate compliance with a subpoena or directive issued by the Secretary of Transportation against an entity which is located or doing business within such district court's jurisdiction.
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 1985
National Infrastructure Act - Establishes in the Treasury the National Infrastructure Fund. Authorizes appropriations for each of FY 1986 through 1995. Directs amounts in the Fund to be made available to the Secretary of the Treasury to make interest-free repayable grants to States. Establishes within the Fund a separate account to be known as the Sinking Fund Account for deposits by States of grant obligations. Requires the Secretary to invest amounts in the Account in interest-bearing obligations of the United States. Requires the Secretary to maintain separate records of funds in the Account with respect to each grant made under this Act. Requires the Secretary to report annually to the Congress from FY 1987 through 2016 on the financial condition of the Account. Entitles each State to repayable grants, according to a specified population ratio, for FY 1986 through 1995. Specifies terms for payments to States by the Secretary and repayments by States to the Secretary of such grants. Allows the Secretary to adjust the amount of any payment if deemed necessary. Allows States 20 years for repayment of grants, with adjustments made to the Account for each State at such time. Sets forth qualifications for States receiving such grants, including: (1) a contractual agreement by the State that it will establish an infrastructure revolving fund in its treasury to deposit and maintain records of grants received and make interest-free loans to various departments and agencies within the State; (2) terms and length of repayment; (3) specified uses to which grant funds may be applied; and (4) specified prohibited uses of grant funds. Requires a State to make available to the Secretary and the Comptroller General for inspection such records as either may require. Requires annual independent financial audits of grant-participating States to determine compliance with this Act. Allows States to waive such audit requirement in specified circumstances. Allows the Secretary to waive such audit requirement in certain cases. Requires any audits done to be made available to the public within 30 days after being received by the Secretary. Directs the Comptroller General to review the activities of the Secretary and the States to determine compliance under this Act. Requires a State making an interest-free loan under this Act to hold at least one public hearing on the proposed loan, with adequate notice to the public. Requires the Secretary, before June 2 of each year ending before January 1, 1997, to report to the Congress on: (1) the status and operation of the Fund during the prior fiscal year; (2) the amounts made available for each such purpose during the prior fiscal year; and (3) the administration of this Act. Requires, at the end of each fiscal year for which repayable grants are made under this Act, each State government receiving such a grant to submit a report to the Secretary on the amount, purposes, and uses of such grant. Requires the Secretary to determine population (used as a statistic in awarding grants) on the same basis that the Secretary of Commerce determines resident population for general statistical purposes. Requires the Secretary to use population estimates provided by the Secretary of Commerce to determine amounts of repayable grants for each fiscal year.
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 1985
Designates United States Route 22 By-Pass in Weirton, West Virginia, as a priority primary route. States that the Federal share of certain projects on such route shall be determined under specified law.
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 1985
Coast Guard User Fee Authorization Act of 1985 - Authorizes the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to establish a system of fees to be charged to users of Coast Guard services. Prohibits the operating expenses of certain specified Coast Guard programs, including waterways management, from being recovered through such user fees. Outlines factors to be considered by the Secretary in establishing such user fees. Outlines those users of Coast Guard services from whom the Secretary may collect such fees, including owners and operators of vessels or recreational boats, licensees of the Coast Guard, and manufacturers of boating equipment and materials. Requires annual verification by the Secretary that the amounts spent on Coast Guard search and rescue activities are not less than the amounts collected annually for such purposes. Authorizes the Secretary to grant exemptions from such user fees. Provides that the collection of such fees does not alter the duties and liability of the United States in the performance of functions for which such fees are collected. Specifies civil penalties for various users of Coast Guard services who fail to pay the user fee. Requires such penalties to be assessed by the Secretary via written notice. Authorizes the Secretary to refer a penalty matter to the Attorney General for collection in appropriate cases. Authorizes the Secretary to deny entry to a port or place of the United States to a vessel if any required fees have not been paid.
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 1985
Title I: Revenue Provisions - Sale of Conrail Tax Provisions Act of 1985 - Provides that, for purposes of the Internal Revenue Code, no Conrail net operating loss, capital loss, or income tax credit attributable to any period before the closing of the sale of Conrail may be carried forward to any period after the closing. Excludes from gross income any amounts relating to the cancellation of debt or preferred stock of Conrail in connection with the sale of Conrail. Provides that the adjusted basis of Conrail assets after the closing of the sale shall be the adjusted basis shown in good faith on Conrail's tax return for the taxable year ending as of the closing. Allows the waiver of certain employee stock ownership plan requirements for purposes of Conrail's employee stock ownership plans. Provides that, for purposes of the consolidated return regulations, the following shall not be treated as built-in deductions: any amounts which are ordinary and necessary business expenses and which are paid to Conrail employees for services rendered after the closing to increase their post-closing wages to industry standards, or are paid for specified routing concessions. Title II: Transfer of Ownership Provisions - Sale of Conrail Act of 1985 - Subtitle A: General Provisions - Amends the Regional Rail Reorganization Act of 1973 and the Northeast Rail Service Act of 1981 to define the terms: (1) Definitive Agreements (any and all agreements between the United States and Norfolk Southern Corporation); and (2) Secretary's Plan (Memorandum of Intent between the United States and Norfolk Southern Corporation signed February 8, 1985). Declares it is the purpose of the Congress to return the Consolidated Rail Corporation (Conrail) to the private sector by implementing the Plan of the Secretary of Transportation (the Secretary) to sell the Federal interest in Conrail common stock. Subtitle B: Amendments to the Regional Rail Reorganization Act of 1973 and the Northeast Rail Service Act of 1981 - Amends the Regional Rail Reorganization Act of 1973 to terminate the authority of the United States Railway Association (the Association) to purchase Conrail securities when the sale of the Federal interest in Conrail common stock has been consummated. Makes the Regional Rail Reorganization Act of 1973 inapplicable to Conrail after the sale of the Federal interest in Conrail common stock has been consummated. Makes specified provisions of such Act still applicable to Conrail under certain conditions. Directs the Secretary to implement the plan to sell Conrail common stock to the Norfolk Southern Corporation. States that such implementation, and the coordinated operation of Conrail's properties with those of Norfolk Southern Corporation and its affiliates as a single rail system, is deemed approved by the Interstate Commerce Commission. Directs the Secretary to implement the Secretary's Plan by performing specified Definitive Agreements which shall conform substantially with the Memorandum of Intent between the United States and Norfolk Southern Corporation signed February 8, 1985. Repeals provisions which allow the sale of Conrail common stock to the railroads or to certain railroad employees. Authorizes the Secretary to recapitalize Conrail in such a way that the Federal interest in any debt or preferred stock is cancelled and contributed to the Corporation's capital. Provides protective labor conditions under specified arbitration provisions to certain personnel whose employment is adversely affected by the sale of the Federal interest in Conrail common stock. Amends the Northeast Rail Service Act of 1981 to confer jurisdiction upon a special Federal district court (established by the judicial panel on multi-district litigation) to hear civil actions relating to the: (1) Sale of Conrail Act of 1985; (2) enforcement of the Secretary's Plan or the Definitive Agreements (pertaining to the Conrail sale); and (3) the value of the interest in Conrail Equity Corporation preferred stock of the Conrail Employees Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) and related trusts. Provides that, with certain exceptions, no persons connected with the Conrail ESOP shall be subject to any fiduciary obligation or fiduciary civil liability for actions pertaining to the Secretary's Plan or disposition of Conrail Equity Corporation assets. States that the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 (including State laws and certain Federal approval requirements) shall not apply to implementation of the Secretary's Plan through: (1) the sale or contribution of securities by Norfolk Southern Corporation to fulfill arrangements with Conrail employees or (2) the distribution of shares from Conrail employee stock ownership plans. Subtitle C: Technical and Conforming Amendments - Makes technical and conforming amendments to various laws affected by this Act. Subtitle D: Miscellaneous Provisions - States that Conrail's status as a common carrier is not affected by the sale of the Federal interest in Conrail common stock.
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 1985
Merchant Marine Support and Equity Act of 1985 - Requires at least 50 percent of the tonnage of all agricultural commodities imported into the United States, for which an adequate production capacity exists within the United States, to be shipped in private U.S. vessels. Waives such requirement whenever the President or the Congress declares that an emergency exists that justifies such waiver. Limits such waiver to no longer than six months. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to annually determine and publish in the Federal Register a list of the commodities and products to be shipped under the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1985
Authorizes any State to utilize highway bridge replacement and rehabilitation funds to construct a bridge which replaces: (1) any low-water crossing; (2) any bridge destroyed prior to 1960; and (3) any ferry which was in existence on January 1, 1984. States that the Federal share payable on any bridge construction shall be 80 percent of the cost of such construction.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1985
Amends the law relating to the Federal share payable on projects on the Federal-aid highway system to provide that if a State requests a Federal share which is less than the maximum permitted then the Federal share shall be the share requested by the State.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1985
Amends the law regarding rail transportation contracts to require that a summary of contract provisions between rail carriers and purchasers of rail services, filed with the Interstate Commerce Commission, contain all the information prescribed by such Commission. (Currently, only nonconfidential information must be filed.) Requires the Commission to publish special tariff rules for such contracts in order to assure that all contract terms are available to the general public in tariff format within two days after the contract has been filed.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1985
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that it opposes the railroad retirement benefit cuts proposed by the administration.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1985
Amends the Natural Gas Pipeline Safety Act of 1968 and the Hazardous Liquid Pipeline Safety Act of 1979 to: (1) authorize appropriations for FY 1986 and 1987; and (2) require that annual reports submitted to the Secretary of Transportation by State agencies having safety jurisdiction over intrastate pipeline transportation include property damage incidents which exceed an amount established by regulation (currently the amount, $5,000, is established by such Act).
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1985
Deauthorizes the Cross-Florida Barge Canal project. Authorizes the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, to operate and maintain existing facilities and appurtenant lands of such project. Directs the Secretary to operate the Rodman Dam and assure the continuation of Lake Ocklawaha. Declares that the Secretary shall not operate the Eureka Lock and Dam in a manner which would create a reservoir on lands not flooded on January 1, 1984. Authorizes the acquisition of certain lands held by the State of Florida for the Canal project. Establishes the Lake Ocklawaha Federal Recreation District. Directs the Secretary to consult with the St. Johns River Water Management Board regarding the operation of the Rodman Dam. Directs the Secretary to request the transfer to the United States of easements held by Florida on project lands extending from the Eureka Lock and Dam to the St. Johns River. States that this Act shall not take effect until the State of Florida takes specified actions in conformity with the purposes of this Act. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 and following fiscal years.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1985
Permits States to exercise regulatory jurisdiction over intrastate railroad abandonments and discontinuances. Conditions such permission on the existence of specified circumstances.
United States · United States Congress · 27 March 1985
National Infrastructure Act - Establishes in the Treasury the National Infrastructure Fund. Authorizes appropriations for each of FY 1986 through 1995. Directs amounts in the Fund to be made available to the Secretary of the Treasury to make interest-free repayable grants to States. Establishes within the Fund a separate account to be known as the Sinking Fund Account for deposits by States of grant obligations. Requires the Secretary to invest amounts in the Account in interest-bearing obligations of the United States. Requires the Secretary to maintain separate records of funds in the Account with respect to each grant made under this Act. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress each year from FY 1987 through 2016 on the financial conditions of the Account. Entitles each State to repayable grants, according to a specified population ratio, for FY 1986 through 1995. Specifies terms for payments to States by the Secretary and repayments by States to the Secretary of such grants. Allows the Secretary to adjust the amount of any payment if deemed necessary. Allows States 20 years for repayment of grants, with adjustments made to the Account for each State at such time. Sets forth qualifications for States receiving such grants, including: (1) a contractual agreement by the State that it will establish an infrastructure revolving fund in its treasury to deposit and maintain records of grants received and make interest-free loans to various departments and agencies within the State; (2) terms and length of repayment; (3) specified uses to which grant funds may be applied; and (4) specified prohibited uses of grant funds. Requires a State to make available to the Secretary and the Comptroller General for inspection such records as either may require. Requires annual independent financial audits of grant-participating States to determine compliance with this Act. Allows States to waive such audit requirement in specified circumstances. Allows the Secretary to waive such audit requirement in certain cases. Requires any audits done to be made available to the public within 30 days after being received by the Secretary. Directs the Comptroller General to review the activities of the Secretary and the States to determine compliance under this Act. Requires a State making an interest-free loan under this Act to hold at least one public hearing on the proposed loan, with adequate notice to the public. Requires the Secretary, before June 2 of each year ending before January 1, 1997, to report to the Congress on: (1) the status and operation of the Fund during the prior fiscal year; (2) the amounts made available for each such purpose during the prior fiscal year; and (3) the administration of this Act. Requires, at the end of each fiscal year for which repayable grants are made under this Act, each State government receiving such a grant to submit a report to the Secretary on the amount, purposes, and uses of such grant. Requires the Secretary to determine population (used as a statistic in awarding grants) on the same basis that the Secretary of Commerce determines resident population for general statistical purposes. Requires the Secretary to use population estimates provided by the Secretary of Commerce to determine amounts of repayable grants for each fiscal year.
United States · United States Congress · 27 March 1985
Prohibits a foreign icebreaker from engaging in icebreaking in U.S. waters, except: (1) to aid a vessel or installation in distress; and (2) where the Commissioner of Customs determines that a suitable domestic vessel is unavailable.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1985
Designates the main channel for the project for San Leandro Marina, California, as the Jack D. Maltester Channel.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1985
Offshore Installation Emergency Evacuation Act - Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to require the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to promulgate regulations: (1) within 90 days of enactment, requiring a manned standby vessel equipped with a radio to be in the immediate vicinity of all manned installations on the Outer Continental Shelf; and (2) within 180 days of enactment, identifying and requiring appropriate facilities, to supplement such manned standby vessel, in order to provide for the safest possible evacuation of such manned installations. Defines "manned installation" as any of various types of structures used in the drilling, exploration, or production of hydrocarbons.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1985
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the Federal Railroad Administration should immediately adopt enforcement rules prohibiting the use of alcohol and drugs by railroad employees who are on duty or scheduled to report for duty; and (2) the Department of Transportation and the Office of Management and Budget should approve such rules at the earliest practical date.
United States · United States Congress · 25 March 1985
Nuclear Waste Transportation Safety Act of 1985 - Prohibits the transportation of any high-level radioactive waste or spent nuclear fuel from the site at which it is located or generated to any site other than a repository or test and evaluation facility. Exempts from such restrictions high-level radioactive waste or spent nuclear fuel that is to be transported by or under contract with the Department of Energy if the Secretary of Energy certifies: (1) compelling reasons of public health, safety, or national security require immediate removal of the waste or spent fuel to another site; (2) receipt of written approval of the appropriate official of each State through which, and the governing body of each Indian tribe through whose reservation, the waste or spent fuel is to be transported; and (3) adequate financial protection or indemnification to cover any public liability arising out of such transportation. Exempts from such restrictions waste or spent fuel to be transported by any person or governmental entity not under contract with the Department of Energy if the Nuclear Regulatory Commission certifies that such conditions are met.
United States · United States Congress · 25 March 1985
United States Mail Cargo Preference Act of 1985 - Amends the Merchant Marine Act, 1936 to require the Postal Service to contract with U.S. registered vessels for international sea transportation of mail. Requires rate charges for such transportation to comply with the Shipping Act of 1984. Authorizes competitive bidding for such contracts and limits such contracts to a one year duration. Prohibits the Postal Service from contracting with vessels based on cargo container size, unless necessary.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1985
Modifies the navigation project for Honolulu Harbor, Hawaii, authorized by the River and Harbor Act of 1954, to direct the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, to maintain a 23-foot depth in the Kalihi Channel, Hawaii. Permits the State of Hawaii to construct a bridge over such channel.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1985
Amends the national minimum drinking age law to provide that the Secretary of Transportation shall not withhold any apportionment to Federal-aid highway systems from a State adjacent to a foreign country if a person who is 18, 19, or 20 years old may in such State lawfully purchase alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises of the selling establishment. Authorizes the Secretary to add eligibility criteria to basic and supplemental grants to States which implement alcohol traffic safety programs. Identifies such criteria as: (1) the establishment of mandatory education programs for new operators of motor vehicles and persons convicted of driving while intoxicated; and (2) comprehensive education programs for owners, employees, and patrons of establishments authorized to sell alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1985
Repeals the law directing the Secretary of Transportation to withhold certain Federal-aid highway sums from States permitting persons who are less than 21 years of age to purchase alcoholic beverages. Authorizes the Secretary to add eligibility criteria to basic and supplemental grants to States which implement alcohol traffic safety programs. Identifies such criteria as: (1) the establishment of mandatory education programs for new operators of motor vehicles and persons convicted of driving while intoxicated; (2) the establishment of comprehensive education programs for employees and patrons of establishments authorized to sell alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises; and (3) the setting of restrictions on purchase by persons 18, 19, or 20 years old of alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1985
Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to require fire equipment and smoke detectors on certain passenger-carrying aircraft in the lavatory and galley areas.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1985
Amends the national drinking age law to provide that no apportionment of Federal-aid highway system funds shall be withheld from a State in which 18-, 19-, or 20-year old persons may lawfully purchase alcoholic beverages from an establishment authorized to sell such beverages for consumption on its premises. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to apportion Federal-aid highway system funds which have been withheld from a State even if 18-, 19-, or 20-year old persons may lawfully purchase alcoholic beverages from such an establishment. Authorizes the Secretary to add eligibility criteria to basic and supplemental grants to States which implement alcohol traffic safety programs. Identifies such criteria as: (1) the establishment of mandatory education programs for new operators of motor vehicles and persons convicted of driving while intoxicated; and (2) the establishment of comprehensive education programs for employees and patrons of establishments authorized to sell alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1985
In-Flight Medical Emergencies Act - Directs the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration to issue final rules requiring passenger-carrying aircraft to carry medical supplies and equipment for the treatment of in-flight emergencies. Provides relief from State or Federal civil liability for any licensed medical personnel or air carrier employee who renders emergency medical aid on an airplane or in transit from such airplane until arrival at a medical facility. Extends such relief to an airplane's crew for providing on-board emergency medical supplies and equipment. Makes such relief from liability inapplicable if any actions are done recklessly or with gross negligence.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 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 · 21 March 1985
Passenger Car Crashworthiness Rating and Labeling Act - Amends the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966 to direct the Secretary of Transportation to promulgate a Federal motor vehicle safety standard establishing passenger car crashworthiness rating and labeling requirements. Sets forth provisions of such motor vehicle safety standard.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1985
Public Lands Airspace Protection Act - Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to prohibit the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration, except as provided in this Act, from establishing any zone in the airspace over non-military public land, for use by the Department of Defense for defense purposes, to prohibit or restrict the flight of civil aircraft. Requires the Administrator to submit to the Congress any proposal to establish such a zone. Deems the establishment of such a zone or area to be a major Federal action for purposes of the National Environmental Policy Act. Requires an environmental impact statement to accompany such a proposal. States that an airspace zone proposal shall only be effective upon enactment into law of a provision approving it. Makes this Act inapplicable in time of war or national emergency declared by the President or the Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1985
Amends the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966 to impose criminal penalties upon manufacturers who fail to notify owners or purchasers of motor vehicle safety defects or failures to comply with motor vehicle safety standards.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1985
Expresses the sense of the Congress that States which issue handicapped parking stickers for designated parking spaces should also allow motor vehicles with similar parking stickers issued by other States to park in spaces designated for the handicapped.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1985
Maritime Appropriation Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1986 - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 for the Department of Transportation for the following maritime items: (1) operating differential subsidy; (2) research and development activities; and (3) operations and training activities, including maritime education and training expenses and national security support capabilities. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 for the Federal Maritime Commission.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1985
Abandoned Shipwreck Act of 1985 - Provides that the United States asserts title to any abandoned shipwreck that is: (1) substantially buried in submerged lands of a State; (2) in coralline formations protected by a State on its submerged lands; or (3) on submerged lands of a State when such shipwreck is included or eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places, and the public is given adequate notice of the location of the shipwreck. Declares that any title to abandoned shipwrecks asserted under such conditions is transferred to the State in or on whose submerged lands the shipwreck is located. States that any abandoned shipwreck in or on the public lands of the United States (except the Outer Continental Shelf) is the property of the United States. Directs the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation to publish, within six months after the enactment of this Act, advisory guidelines for the protection of shipwrecks and properties.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1985
Designates the air traffic control tower at the Medford-Jackson County (Oregon) Airport as the George Milligan Control Tower.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1985
Conrail Sale Amendments of 1985 - Declares it is the purpose of the Congress to return the Consolidated Rail Corporation (Conrail) to the private sector by implementing the Plan of the Secretary of Transportation (the Secretary) to sell the Federal interest in Conrail common stock. Title I: Amendments to the Regional Rail Reorganization Act of 1973 and the Northeast Rail Service Act of 1981 - Amends the Regional Rail Reorganization Act of 1973 to terminate the authority of the United States Railway Association (the Association) to purchase Conrail securities when the sale of the Federal interest in Conrail common stock has been consummated. Makes the Regional Rail Reorganization Act of 1973 inapplicable to Conrail after the sale of the Federal interest in Conrail common stock has been consummated. Makes specified provisions of such Act still applicable to Conrail under certain conditions. Directs the Secretary to implement the plan to sell Conrail common stock to the Norfolk Southern Corporation. States that such implementation, and the coordinated operation of Conrail's properties with those of Norfolk Southern Corporation and its affiliates as a single rail system, are deemed approved by Interstate Commerce Commission. Directs the Secretary to implement the Secretary's Plan by performing specified Definitive Agreements which shall conform substantially with the Memorandum of Intent between the United States and Norfolk Southern Corporation signed February 8, 1985. Repeals provisions which allow the sale of Conrail common stock to other railroads or to certain railroad employees. Authorizes the Secretary to recapitalize Conrail in such a way that the Federal interest in any debt or preferred stock is cancelled and contributed to the Corporation's capital. Sets forth guidelines under which the Norfolk Southern Corporation may bring suit against the United States for breach of specified representations. Provides protective labor conditions under specified arbitration provisions to certain personnel whose employment is adversely affected by the sale of the Federal interest in Conrail common stock. Amends the Northeast Rail Service Act of 1981 to confer jurisdiction upon a special Federal district court (established by the judicial panel on multi-district litigation) to hear civil actions relating to: (1) the Conrail Sale Amendments of 1985; (2) enforcement of the Secretary's Plan or the Definitive Agreements (pertaining to the Conrail sale); and (3) the value of the interest in Conrail Equity Corporation preferred stock of the Conrail Employees Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) and related trusts. Provides that, with certain exceptions, no persons connected with the Conrail ESOP shall be subject to any fiduciary obligation or fiduciary civil liability for actions pertaining to the Secretary's Plan or disposition of Conrail Equity Corporation assets. Deems as qualified under the Internal Revenue Code any Conrail ESOP maintained or adopted in implementing the Secretary's Plan. Title II: Technical and Conforming Amendments - Makes technical and conforming amendments to various laws affected by this Act. Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions - States that Conrail's status as a common carrier is not affected by the sale of the Federal interest in Conrail common stock.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1985
Amends the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 to direct the Secretary of Commerce to make commitments to guarantee loans in the full amount provided by law subject only to: (1) the availability of qualified applicants; and (2) limitations in appropriation Acts.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1985
Directs the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, to review a certain study by the Army Corps of Engineers regarding the feasibility of constructing a canal connecting Lake Erie and the Ohio River, Ohio and Pennsylvania, and report any findings to the Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1985
Expresses the conclusion of the Congress that the sale of the Consolidated Rail Corporation (Conrail) by the Secretary of Transportation to the Norfolk Southern Corporation fails to meet the criteria of the Regional Rail Reorganization Act of 1973. States that bidding for the sale of Conrail should be reopened and a greater effort made to maximize the return to the United States for the substantial Federal investment made in Conrail. Amends the Regional Rail Reorganization Act of 1973 to delay until December 31, 1985, the earliest date for submission of a Conrail sale plan.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1985
Makes technical and conforming changes to certain Federal shipping laws. Exempts vessels engaged in coastwise commerce from the requirement that the master (or owner) of such vessels pay a seaman two days' wages for each day that payment of wages is delayed without sufficient cause. Subjects fishing industry vessels which service remote Alaskan communities to certain safety requirements imposed upon flammable or combustible liquid bulk cargo.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1985
Establishes the Bureau of Motor Carrier Safety within the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. States that such Bureau shall be headed by an Associate Administrator for Motor Carrier Safety. Delineates the functions of such Associate Administrator, including implementing the duties and powers of the Secretary of Transportation in such areas as: (1) hazardous materials transportation; (2) noise control; and (3) motor carrier and bus regulations.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1985
Sale of Conrail Act of 1985 - Declares it is the purpose of the Congress to return the Consolidated Rail Corporation (Conrail) to the private sector by implementing the Plan of the Secretary of Transportation (the Secretary) to sell the Federal interest in Conrail common stock. Title I: Amendments to the Regional Rail Reorganization Act of 1973 and the Northeast Rail Service Act of 1981 - Amends the Regional Rail Reorganization Act of 1973 to terminate the authority of the United States Railway Association (the Association) to purchase Conrail securities when the sale of the Federal interest in Conrail common stock has been consummated. Makes the Regional Rail Reorganization Act of 1973 inapplicable to Conrail after the sale of the Federal interest in Conrail common stock has been consummated. Makes specified provisions of such Act still applicable to Conrail under certain conditions. Directs the Secretary to implement the plan to sell Conrail common stock to the Norfolk Southern Corporation. States that such implementation, and the coordinated operation of Conrail's properties with those of Norfolk Southern Corporation and its affiliates as a single rail system, is deemed approved by Interstate Commerce Commission. Directs the Secretary to implement the Secretary's Plan by performing specified Definitive Agreements which shall conform substantially with the Memorandum of Intent between the United States and Norfolk Southern Corporation signed February 8, 1985. Repeals provisions which allow the sale of Conrail common stock to other railroads or to certain railroad employees. Authorizes the Secretary to recapitalize Conrail in such a way that the Federal interest in any debt or preferred stock is cancelled and contributed to the Corporation's capital. Sets forth guidelines under which the Norfolk Southern Corporation may bring suit against the United States for breach of specified representations. Provides protective labor conditions under specified arbitration provisions to certain personnel whose employment is adversely affected by the sale of the Federal interest in Conrail common stock. Amends the Northeast Rail Service Act of 1981 to confer jurisdiction upon a special Federal district court (established by the judicial panel on multi-district litigation) to hear civil actions relating to the: (1) Sale of Conrail Act of 1985; (2) enforcement of the Secretary's Plan or the Definitive Agreements (pertaining to the Conrail sale); and (3) the value of the interest in Conrail Equity Corporation preferred stock of the Conrail Employees Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) and related trusts. Provides that, with certain exceptions, no persons connected with the Conrail ESOP shall be subject to any fiduciary obligation or fiduciary civil liability for actions pertaining to the Secretary's Plan or disposition of Conrail Equity Corporation assets. Deems as qualified under the Internal Revenue Code any Conrail ESOP maintained or adopted in implementing the Secretary's Plan. States that the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 (including State laws and certain Federal approval requirements) shall not apply to implementation of the Secretary's Plan through: (1) the sale or contribution of securities by Norfolk Southern Corporation to fulfill arrangements with Conrail employees; or (2) the distribution of shares from Conrail employee stock ownership plans. Title II: Technical and Conforming Amendments - Makes technical and conforming amendments to various laws affected by this Act. Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions - States that Conrail's status as a common carrier is not affected by the sale of the Federal interest in Conrail common stock.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1985
Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to declare ineffective any termination dates which appear in certificates authorizing airlines to engage in foreign air transportation. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to: (1) review an airline's certification to provide foreign air transportation; and (2) replace such airline's certification with that of another applicant which has demonstrated it will provide a substantially improved combination of service and rates. Prescribes conditions under which the Secretary may exercise this authority.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1985
Automobile Fuel Economy Standards Act of 1984 - Amends the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act to state that the average fuel economy standard for passenger automobiles manufactured after model year 1984 shall be a minimum of 27.5 miles per gallon. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to amend such average fuel economy standard for model year 1986 and beyond to a level determined by the Secretary to be the maximum feasible average fuel economy level for the particular model year. Prohibits the Secretary from amending such standard to a level below 27.5 miles per gallon for any model year.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1985
Amends the United States Code to insert: (1) "Part C - Load Lines of Vessels;" and (2) "Part J - Measurement of Vessels." Combines the requirements of specified statutes regarding load line criteria and applies such criteria to American vessels on international voyages and domestic ocean voyages. (Applies to American-flag vessels the load line criteria of the 1966 Load Line Convention to which the United States is a signatory. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation (Secretary of the Navy in time of war) to: (1) consider local conditions when making load line determinations; and (2) exempt vessels which operate under equivalent safety conditions. Implements the International Convention on Tonnage Measurement of Ships, 1969 to apply to American vessels the international standards of vessel measurement. (Such Convention was ratified by the United States in 1982.) Requires applicable vessels to be measured by the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating in accordance with the International Convention on Tonnage Measurement of Ships, 1969 (Convention) and this Act. Directs the Secretary to issue such vessels an International Tonnage Certificate (1969) upon completion of the measurement. Requires the Secretary to accept the tonnage and certificate of vessels of any country that complies with or approximates the provisions of the Convention. Authorizes the Secretary to inspect any vessel to verify compliance with such provisions. Sets forth civil penalties for violations of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1985
Amends the River and Harbor Act of 1954 to authorize the extension of the Sabine River Channel of the Sabine-Neches Waterway navigation project, Texas.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1985
Amends the Surface Transportation Assistance Act of 1982 and the Department of Transportation and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1985 to eliminate obligation limitations on highway expenditures. Declares that no provision of law shall limit the authority of the Secretary of Transportation to obligate amounts authorized to be appropriated out of the Highway Trust Fund for Federal-aid highways and highway safety construction programs, unless a statute is enacted expressly for such purpose. Removes restrictions on State transfers of apportioned funds. Provides for reducing apportionments to any State which demonstrates that a specified percentage exceeds its needs. Permits the Secretary to participate in the construction of State toll highways before they are open to traffic.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1985
Fair Practices and Procedures in Automotive Products Act of 1985 - Requires the Secretary of Transportation (the Secretary) to conduct a study for the purpose of formulating a strategy to increase the domestic production of automotive products for sale and distribution in interstate commerce. Prohibits such strategy from including either deregulation or macroeconomic measures designed to stimulate general economic growth. Establishes within the Department of Transportation the United States Automobile Industry Advisory Council to assist in formulating the strategy. Sets forth for all motor vehicle manufacturers which produce over 100,000 motor vehicles for ultimate retail sale in the United States minimum domestic content ratios (the ratio of added domestic value to production costs). Requires all vehicle manufacturers producing more than 100,000 motor vehicles per model year for sale in the United States to provide information to the Secretary for the purpose of administering this Act. Establishes penalties for a vehicle manufacturer who fails to meet the minimum domestic content ratio beginning with the first model year following January 1, 1985. Directs the Secretary and the Federal Trade Commission to conduct a continuing study of the effectiveness of this Act. Directs the Secretary and the Federal Trade Commission to investigate and prepare a written report regarding policies and practices that manufacturers use to persuade U.S. motor vehicle dealers to favor foreign made parts rather than domestically produced parts. Requires the Secretary to make a continuing study of the impact of this Act on employment at retail motor vehicle dealerships in the United States, especially franchises that deal partly or exclusively in imports. Provides for the termination of the minimum content domestic ratio requirement if the Secretary finds that after the sixth model year after this Act is enacted the economic injury to the domestic automotive products industry has been prevented or remedied. Directs the Secretary to appoint a task force to study the impact of fluctuating currency exchange rates upon vehicle manufacturers and upon domestic production of automotive products for sale in the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1985
Regional Economic Development Act of 1985 - Title I: Development Assistance - Amends the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 to cite such Act as the Regional Economic Development Act of 1985 and to revise the emphasis of such Act from primary Federal initiative to coordination of investments between the public and the private sectors. Sets forth the findings of Congress. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce, upon the application of an eligible State, economic development district, unit of local government, Indian tribe, or nonprofit economic development organization, to make a grant for a portion of the cost of projects submitted in a development investment strategy. Sets forth eligible activities for such development investment assistance, including repairs, rehabilitation, and small business establishment. Sets forth specific eligibility criteria for applicants for such assistance. Requires an application for a grant under this Act to include: (1) a certification that the area concerned meets certain distress requirements; (2) a certification of any responsibilities which the Secretary has agreed to perform; and (3) a development investment strategy prepared in accordance with this Act. Requires the Secretary to consider specified purposes of this Act in approving applications. Lists as criteria any one of which an area must meet in order to be eligible for a grant under this Act: (1) a per capita income of 80 percent or less of the national average; (2) an unemployment rate above the national average for the most recent 24 month period; and (3) a sudden economic dislocation resulting in job loss. Sets forth the information to be contained in a grant applicant's development investment strategy. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to establish a revolving loan fund for making or guaranteeing loans to small businesses for initial or working capital, or the purchase of facilities or equipment. Limits to $1,000,000 the amount of any such grant. Limits the amount of any grant under this Act to a maximum 50 percent of the cost of completing the project as determined at the time of the grant application. Permits the Secretary to reduce or waive the non-Federal share of a project in the case of an Indian tribe. Limits expenditures in any one State to a maximum 15 percent of the appropriations made pursuant to this Act. Requires the Secretary, each fiscal year, to obligate minimum amounts of funds for such grants. Authorizes appropriations through FY 1988. Title II: Investment Strategy, Planning, Evaluation, and Demonstration - Authorizes the Secretary to make economic development planning grants (including grants for preparing development investment strategies) to: States, economic development districts, Indian tribes, distress counties, and certain units of local government. Requires States receiving assistance under this section to submit an annual report to the Secretary on the planning process involved. Requires such planning by an economic development district or an eligible local government unit to be consistent with the appropriate State economic development plan. Earmarks such grants for coordination of investment for community facilities, economic development, manpower training, and transportation services. Authorizes the Secretary to evaluate Federal, State, and local development investment efforts. Authorizes the Secretary to conduct any demonstration program to test the feasibility of new ways to increase productivity, foster innovative technology, match the labor force with projected labor markets, or encourage economic diversity and regional balance. Limits the amount of any such grant to not more than 75 percent of the cost of economic development planning or of investment strategy preparation. Authorizes appropriations through FY 1988. Title III: Administration - Declares that the Secretary of Commerce shall administer this Act with the assistance of a specified Assistant Secretary of Commerce. Authorizes the Secretary to consult with other persons and agencies. Prohibits the approval of any grant unless the Secretary is satisfied that the project concerned will be properly and efficiently administered, operated, and maintained. Sets forth the powers of the Secretary under this Act. Permits the Secretary to discharge any of his responsibilities relative to a project by accepting a certification of the grant applicant's performance of such responsibilities. Requires the Secretary to make a comprehensive annual report to Congress detailing operations under this Act. Requires all laborers and mechanics employed by contractors or subcontractors on projects assisted under this Act to be paid the prevailing rate of wage in the locality. Sets forth recordkeeping requirements for the Secretary and for grant recipients. Authorizes appropriations through FY 1988.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1985
Amends the law regarding highway bridge replacement and rehabilitation to authorize the Secretary of Transportation to approve Federal participation in the construction of bridges intended to replace ferryboat service whenever a State applies for Federal assistance. Provides that the Federal share payable for such highway bridge construction shall be 80 percent of the cost.