The Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985, also known as Gramm-Rudman-Hollings, subjects agriculture to the same budget reductions as other non-exempt programs ordered. However, due to the unique nature of the agriculture budget, special provisions were included on how to achieve those cuts in farm spending. This report discusses this new law with regard to agriculture programs. An updated version of this report will be issued when the U.S. Department of Agriculture announces how it will implement the across-the-board reductions.,Geoffrey S. Becker, Analyst, Environment and Natural Resources Policy Division,CRS 86-547 ENR,"February 5, 1986.",SuDoc# 14. 18/3

This paper describes satellite survivability measures in general. It then provides separate write-ups on each generic type of U.S. military satellite system, including national security. Each write-up states the current situation, with regard to satellites in orbit, and future plans, emphasizing survivability measures.,Arthur F. Manfredit, Jr., Specialist in Aerospace Policy, Science Policy Research Division.,CRS 86-581 SPR,"February 26, 1986.",SuDoc# 14. 18/3

Federal housing policy for rural areas is now at a crossroads. Since 1949 more than two million rural families have received benefits through housing programs of the Farmers Home Administration (FmHA) and about 700,000 through the deep-subsidy programs of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Early in 1985 the Reagan Administration proposed that additional aid under these programs be suspended for two years, after which all subsidized housing in rural areas would be provided by HUD. While Congress has not yet concurred in these proposed changes, deep cutbacks in proggram levels are expected in the process of reducing the Federal budget deficit. nnIn this transition period, legislators and community groups are going back to the drawing board and asking basic questions about rural housing needs and programs. The questions include the following: (1) What kinds of housing difficulties face low and moderate income families in rural areas? (2) Is there a chronic credit gap for housing in rural areas? (3) What is the connection between the problems of the farm economy and housing problems in rural areas? (4) Are the Federal and State programs now in place able to deal effectively with these problems? (5) Are additional or alternative measures--private as well as public--called for?,Morton J. Schussheim, Senior Specialist in Housing.,CRS 86-517 S,"January 17, 1986.",SuDoc# 14. 18/3

This report briefly describes the limits placed by the Tax Reform Act of 1986 on the deductibility of interest by individuals. It includes the categories of business interest, consumer interest, home mortgage interest, investment interest, interest on activities subject to the passive loss limits, and interest on rental real estate in which the taxpayer actively participates.,Abstract -- Business Interest -- Consumer Interest. Phase-Out Timetable ; Interest on Borrowing Associated with Life Insurance Policies -- Home Mortgage Interest. Ministers and Military Personnel -- Investment Interest -- Interest on Activities Subject to the Passive Loss Rules -- Interest on Rental Real Estate Activities in Which the Taxpayer Actively Participates -- Related CRS Reports.,Nonna A. Noto, Specialist in Public Finance, Economics Division.,CRS 86-556 E,"December 9, 1986.",SuDoc# 14. 18/3

Rita Ann Reimer, Legislative Attorney, American Law Division.,CRS 85-552A,"January 22, 1985.",SuDoc# 14. 18/3

Daniel Hill Zafren, Specialist in American Public Law, American Law Division,CRS 86-748 A,"June 30, 1986.",SuDoc# Lc 14. 18/3

This report presents the most recent available statistical data on the United States' trade with Nicaragua and Nicaragua's overall foreign trade. It contains a survey of trade sanctions imposed by the United States against Nicaragua, and a listing of articles of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade that are most relevant to the imposition of trade sanctions.,Vladimir N. Pregelj, Specialist in International Trade Finances, Economics Division,CRS 86-754 E,"July 8, 1986.",SuDoc# LC 14. 18/3

This report discusses compensation for high-level Federal officials including the Vice President, Cabinet and sub-cabinet officers, agency heads, Members of Congress, and the Federal judiciary. It sets forth arguments for and against the substantial increases recommended by the special 1986 Commission on Executive, Legislative, and Judicial Salaries as well as the President's pay recommendations submitted in his FY88 Budget Message (see Appendix for these) and presents factors that enter into determining an appropriate and adequate pay for these officers of the Government.,Abstract -- Summary -- Introduction -- What Should the Nation's Hightest Public Officials Be Paid?. Current Pay Status ; Why Some Favor An Increase ; Why Others Oppose a Pay Raise -- Factors Which Complicate Efforts to Set Pay Levels. Linkage of Salaries of Top Officials to Congressional Pay Levels ; Compression ; Political Considerations Affecting Federal Officials Pay-Setting ; Problems Inherent in Comparing Federal and Private Pay Standards -- Commission on Exectutive, Legislative, and Judicial Salaries -- What the Fiscal 1985 Commission Found. The Approach and Findings of the 1985 Commission ; Changes Proposed by the 1985 Commission -- Outlook for Federal Exectutive Pay in 1987 -- Appendix: Pay Recommendations of the 1986 Commission on Exectutive, Legislative, and Judicial Salaries.,James P. McGrath, Analyst in American National Government, Government Division.,CRS 86-1021 GOV,"December 30, 1986.","Updated January 9, 1987.",SuDoc# LC 14. 18/3

Between 1979 and 1983, the propotion of children aged 5-17 in the United States who were in poverty families rose from 15.3 percent to 21.3 percent, falling to 20.3 percent in 1984. This report examines the possible implications of this trend for the Federal program of compensatory education for educationally disadvantaged children under chapter 1, Education Consolidation and Improvement Act. Specific topics discussed include the correlation of poverty and educational disadvantage, the specific effects of poverty concentration and duration on educational achievement, and a comparison of trends in chapter 1 participation with those in the number of poverty children.,Abstract -- Introduction -- Relationships Between Child Poverty and Chapter 1, Education Consolidation and Improvement Act -- Correlation of Poverty with Educational Disadvantage. General Consolidations ; Summary of Research Findings ; Findings of Individual Major Reports ; Sustaining Effects Study, Final Report and Technical Report Number 20 (1983 and 1982, respectively) ; National Institute of Education Compensatory Education Study (1977) ; Synthesis of Correlation Studies by Karl White (1982) ; Analyses of the Relationship Between Poverty Concentration and Educational Disadvantage ; Relationship Between the Duration of Poverty and Educational Disadvantage -- Possible Implications of Recent Child Poverty Trends for Chapter 1 Programs,Wayne C. Riddle, Specialist in Education, Education and Public Welfare Division,CRS 86-773 EPW,"July 10, 1986.",SuDoc# LC 14. 18/3

Vincent E. Treacy, Legislative Attorney, American Law Division,CRS 86-843 A,"August 11, 1986.",SuDoc# LC 14. 18/3

Several U.S. companies plan to introduce a new product to the dairy industry called bovine growth hormone (bGH), or bovine somatotropin (BST). When injected into dairy cows in test herds, this product has stimulated large increases in milk output without corresponding increases in production costs. However, BST, which must gain Food and Drug Administration approval before it can be offered commercially, has raised a number of controversial questions among lawmakers, who are concerned about its impact on an already burdensome U.S. milk supply, on the structure and conduct of dairy farming, and on consumer safety, among other things.,Abstract -- Introduction. Overview ; What is Bovine Somatotropin -- Implications for Agriculture. The U.S. Dairy Surplus ; Future Milk Supply ; BST: How Much Milk and How Soon? ; Implications for Federal Price Support Policy ; Practical Application and Cost ; Will BST Hurt Small Farmers? ; The U.S. Dairy Industry at a Crossroads -- Regulation of Bovine Somatotropin. Introduction ; Regulatory Status of BST ; Environmental Issues ; FDA's Consideration of Environmental Issues ; Efficacy and Animal Health Issues -- Some Consideration for Technology Development -- Questions for Further Study,Geoffrey S. Becker, Specialist, Enevironment and Natural Resources Policy Division, and Sarah Taylor, Analyst, Science Policy Research Division,CRS 86-1020 ENR/SPR,"November 20, 1986.",SuDoc# 14. 18/3

Is the U.S. financial system in trouble? Do the recent failures of thrift institutions, banks and government-securities dealers--and the fears of further collapses--foreshadow serious trouble? Part I of the bibliography cites works on bank failures and Part II deals with thrift institutions, focusing on these questions and issues.,Felix Chin, Senior Bibliographer, Economics, Library Services Division.,CRS 85-757 L,"May 1985.",SuDoc# LC 14. 18/3

CRS 85-583 A,"February 4, 1985.",SuDoc# 14. 18/3

Charles V. Dale, Legislative Attorney, American Law Division.,CRS 86-617 A,"February 6, 1985.",SuDoc# 14. 18/3,The report has duplicates of pages 11 and 15.

This report examines the impact of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985, on the FY86 budget of selected research and development (R&D) programs. The analysis of the report focuses on the likely scope of reprogramming, and its potential impact on each program or agency in general. The qualitative program analysis also tried to determine what research areas were likely to suffer most under Gramm-Rudman-Hollings and if the different R&D agencies planned to cut the number of research grans or the size of each grant and how either action might affect their programs.,Abstract -- Introduction -- Department of Commerce. National Bureau of Standards ; National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration ; Office of Productivity, Technology and Innovation -- Department of Energy. Energy Supply Research and Development Activities ; Nuclear Fission ; Nuclear Waste Disposal Fund ; Basic Energy Sciences ; Energy Conservation Programs ; Electric Energy Systems and Energy Storage ; DOE Solar and Renewables ; Magnetic Fusion Energy ; Uranium Enrichment Activities ; General Science and Research Activities ; Fossil Energy Research and Development ; Expected Impact of Gramm-Rudman-Hollings -- Department of Interior. Bureau of Mines ; Minerals and Materials Research, Information, and Analysis -- Department of Transportation. Research Development ; FAA Research, Engineering and Development-Trust Fund -- Environmental Protection Agency. Research and Development Programs -- Federal Emergency Management Agency. United States Fire Administration ; National Fire Academy ; National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program -- National Aeronautics and Space Administration -- National Science Foundation.,CRS 86-538 SPR,"January 31, 1986.",SuDoc# 14. 18/3

P.L. 94-142, the Education for All Handicapped Children Act, is generally regarded as a landmark in the establishment of educational equality for school-age handicapped children in the United States. This paper, written upon the 10th anniversary of the enactment of P.L. 94-142, examines the law's background, development, and implementation, and discusses issues before Congress on its future.,Abstract -- The Development of P.L. 94-142. Assistance to States for the Education of the Handicapped Before P.L. 94-142 ; Influences on the Enactment of P.L. 94-142 ; The Mathias Amendment -- Legislative History of P.L. 94-142. Senate Action ; House Action ; Conference Action ; President Signs P.L. 94-142 -- Amendments to P.L. 94-142. The Asbestos School Hazard Detection and Control Act P.L. 96-270 ; Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981, P.L. 97-35 ; The Education of the Handicapped Act Amendments of 1983, P.L. 98-99 -- The Education of the Handicapped Under P.L. 94-142. Compartive Data on Implementation From Department of Education Annual Reports ; National Evaluation and Other Analyses of P.L. 94-142 -- Issues Before Congress on the Future of P.L. 94-142. Funding Levels ; Attorneys' Fees Legislation ; Other P.L. 94-142 Issues -- Appendix.,Charlotte Jones Fraas, Specialist in Education, Education and Public Welfare Division.,CRS 86-552 EPW,"October 25, 1985." n"Updated February 10, 1986.",SuDoc# 14. 18/3

This report presents estimates of real earnings (i.e., earnings adjusted for inflation) from 1947 to 1985. While average real earnings increased by 60.6 percent between 1947 and 1972, average real earnings decreased by 13.5 percent between 1972 and 1985. This report also presents estimates of real spendable earnings (i.e., earnings adjusted for inflation, Federal tax payments, and social security contributions) and the changes in these earnings.,Abstract -- Introduction and Major Findings -- Real Earnings -- Real Spendable Earnings -- A Long Run View -- Appendix: Estimates.,Richard S. Belous, Analyst in Labor Economics, Economics Division.,CRS 86-615 E,"April 15, 1986.",SuDoc# 14. 18/3

This report compares CPI increase with the rate of pay increase for Members of Congress, General Schedule Federal employees, the military, blue collar workers, white collar workers, and civil service and military pension recipients for the period of 1969-1987.,CRS 86-1004 GOV,"Revised by Paul Dwyer.","March 23, 1984.",Revised "November 20, 1986.",SuDoc# LC 14. 18/3

The House-passed tax reform bill (H.R. 3838) would have a major impact on the operations of the Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association-College Retirement Equity Fund (TIAA-CREF). This paper discusses the issues raised by provisions in H.R. 3838 that would: (1) repeal the organization's tax-exempt status, (2) impose nondiscrimination standards on the retirement plans covering employees of colleges and universities, (3) limit contributions that employees may elect to make before taxes to their retirement plan, (4) coordinate salary deferrals made to the TIAA-CREF plan with the limits on Individual Retirement Arrangements (IRAs), and (5) under certain circumstances, impose a 15 percent excise tax on early withdrawals.,Ray Schmitt and Richard A. Hobbie, Specialists in Social Legislation, Education and Public Welfare Division.,CRS 86-530 EPW,"January 28, 1986.",SuDoc# 14. 18/3

The Clean Air Act prevents visibility impairment - changes in visual range, contrast, and coloration caused by human activities - in three distinct programs: (1) national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS), (2) prevention of significant deterioration (PSD) in areas cleaner than the national standards, and (3) visibility protection in pristine areas such as National Parks. The 1970 amendments to the Act authorized the first program; the 1977 amendments made the second an express statutory requirement and authorized the third program. nnSince the Clean Air Act drew attention to visual air quality, researchers have defined the various aspects of visibility, determined visibility trends in different regions of the country, described its value, identified regions where visibility has special significance and thus where it must receive immediate regulatory attention. nnRegulators, moreover, have initiated the first phase of what will be a comprehensive visibility protection program for pristine parts of the country, mandatory Class I areas. This program extends some of the features found in the NAAQS and PSD programs and may have implications for visibility protection nationwide.,Joan Rae Hartmann, Analyst in Environmental Policy, Environment and Natural Resources Policy Division and Alison Holt, Intern, Environment and Natural Resources Policy Division.,CRS 85-736 ENR,May 8, 1985.",SuDoc# 14. 18/3