United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1985
Korean War Veterans Memorial Act of 1985 - Authorizes the American Battle Monuments Commission to erect a memorial on Federal land in the District of Columbia or its environs to honor members of the U.S. armed forces who served in the Korean war. Subjects the selected site, design, and plans for the construction of such memorial to the approval of the National Commission of Fine Arts and the National Capital Planning Commission. Directs that, upon its completion, the memorial shall be turned over to the Department of the Interior which shall then be solely responsible for its maintenance. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1985
Prohibits the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution from using any Smithsonian Institution funds to make, directly or indirectly: (1) any extension of credit to the Government of South Africa; (2) any extension of credit to, or investment in, any corporation or other business enterprise that is owned (in whole or part) or controlled by the Government of South Africa; and (3) any extension of credit or investment in South Africa. Requires the Board, within one year after the effective date of this Act, to liquidate any such extensions of credit or investments which are in existence on such date. Makes such requirement inapplicable to any extension of credit or investment for which a contract or other legally binding agreement is entered into before the effective date of this Act. Terminates such prohibition and requirements imposed by this Act upon approval by law of any report submitted to the Congress by the Board which contains a determination that the abolition of apartheid has taken place in South Africa and the reasons for such determination.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1985
Fairness in Alcohol Advertising Act of 1985 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to prohibit any radio or television licensee from broadcasting any alcoholic beverage advertisement unless equivalent time is made available for the broadcasting by responsible spokespersons of programming regarding the adverse effects of alcoholic beverage consumption and misuse. Provides that such programming shall not be taken into account in determining the extent to which any broadcast station is operating in the public interest, convenience, and necessity. Requires a cable system operator to meet such an equal time requirement with respect to alcoholic beverage advertisements on programming subject to such operator's editorial control.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1985
Amends the Revised Organic Act of the Virgin Islands to grant the people of the U.S. Virgin Islands the power of initiative, referendum, and recall. Amends the Covenant to Establish a Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands in Political Union with the United States of America to authorize the Northern Mariana Islands to expend appropriations for its economic development loan fund for economic capital improvement projects. Amends Federal law to grant the Virgin Islands, Guam, and American Samoa general concurrent legislative jurisdiction with the United States over Federal lands located there. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 for grants to the College of the Virgin Islands for projects related to the Eastern Caribbean Center.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 1985
Authorizes the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity to establish a monument on Federal land in the District of Columbia to honor Martin Luther King, Jr. Subjects the Fraternity's design and plans for the monument to the approval of the Secretary of the Interior, the Commission of Fine Arts, and the National Capital Planning Commission. Directs the Secretary to: (1) select a site for the monument with the approval of the Commission of Fine Arts and the National Capital Planning Commission; (2) prohibit its construction unless sufficient funds are available for its completion; and (3) provide for the maintenance of the monument upon its completion. Provides that U.S. funds may not be used to establish the monument. Directs that the authority to establish the monument is contingent upon its construction beginning within five years.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1985
Expedited Funds Availability Act - Requires the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to begin to develop a system to provide that: (1) funds deposited by checks drawn on a local depository institution shall be available for withdrawal the next business day following the day of deposit; and (2) for all other checks, not more than three business days shall pass between the day of deposit and the day on which the funds become available. Requires such system to be implemented no later than five years after the date of enactment of this Act. Requires the Board, not later than six months after the date of enactment of this Act and annually thereafter until such goal is achieved, to report to the Congress concerning the actions it has taken. Sets forth time standards for expedited check clearing in any case in which funds are deposited by check in an account at a depository institution. Requires cash deposits to be available on the next business day. Makes exceptions to such standards with respect to: (1) checks drawn on a depository institution or an office of a depository institution located outside of the United States; (2) deposits of checks aggregating more than $5,000 in any account on any business day, excluding cashier's and certified checks beginning two years after enactment of this Act; (3) deposits made by new depositors within the first 30 days after opening an account, excluding cashier's and certified checks beginning two years after enactment of this Act; (4) any account that is overdrawn three times in six months; and (5) emergencies beyond the control of the depository institution. Permits a State to require, or a depository institution to provide for, shorter time periods for deposit availability. Requires interest to accrue on funds deposited in interest-bearing accounts beginning on the business day of deposit. Requires a depository institution to meet specified disclosure requirements concerning its general policy on the availability for withdrawal of funds deposited by check. Authorizes the Board to publish model disclosure forms and clauses for common transactions. Directs the Board to establish a Payments System Advisory Council to advise and consult with it in the exercise of its functions under this Act. Sets forth provisions governing: (1) the administrative enforcement of this Act; and (2) the civil liability of institutions that fail to comply with this title.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1985
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a deduction for the amount of the premiums paid on a life insurance contract the beneficiary of which is a trust established for the benefit of a disabled individual. Requires the insurance contract to be on the life of the taxpayer, the taxpayer's spouse, or a former spouse. Limits the amount of the insurance contract to $100,000. Sets forth rules for the establishment and operation of the trust for the benefit of a disabled individual. Provides that amounts distributed from such trust shall not be included in the gross income of the beneficiary of a qualified disabled individual's trust. Provides that the proceeds of the insurance contract shall be excluded from the estate of the taxpayer, and includes in the gross estate of the income beneficiary of the trust the remaining portion of the corpus attributable to the insurance contract and any accumulated income attributable to such amount. Sets forth a formula for computing the estate tax on this amount.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1985
Gifted and Talented Children's Education Act - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to add this Act as part A (Gifted and Talented Children) of title IX (Additional Programs) of ESEA. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 through 1990 for programs for gifted and talented children. Directs the Secretary of Education to reserve a specified portion of such funds for discretionary programs. Requires that the remainder of such appropriations be available for State programs. Sets forth provisions for State programs. Directs the Secretary to make grants to State educational agencies (SEAs) for the Federal share of the costs of planning, developing, operating, and improving programs to meet the educational needs of gifted and talented children at the preschool, elementary, and secondary levels. Permits such programs to include: (1) inservice training of personnel to teach such children; (2) demonstration programs designed to develop special techniques for teaching such children, and assessments of such programs; and (3) State leadership programs to assist in extending programs for such children throughout the State. Directs the Secretary to allot such funds in accordance with specified provisions. Requires SEA applications for such grants to contain specified assurances, including the assurance that appropriate consideration will be given to the particular educational needs of disadvantaged gifted and talented children. Prohibits an SEA from reserving more than ten percent of grant funds for program administration, technical assistance, coordination, and statewide planning. Requires an SEA to distribute, on a competitive basis, at least 90 percent of grant funds to local educational agencies (LEAs) which apply, with due regard for the quality of the proposed activities. Requires an SEA to use at least 50 percent of grant funds for programs and projects which include a component for the identification and education of disadvantaged gifted and talented children from low-income families. Permits use of grant funds for instructional equipment only if such equipment will enhance the program or project. Prohibits SEA approval of an LEA application unless the needs of children in nonprofit private elementary and secondary schools have been taken into account. Requires the SEA to provide technical assistance for proposals and programs of LEAs which are unable to compete due to smaller size or lack of financial resources. Requires that an opportunity for a hearing be afforded before the Secretary may disapprove an application which does not meet specified requirements. Sets forth provisions for discretionary programs relating to education of gifted and talented children. Authorizes the Secretary, from amounts reserved for discretionary programs, to pay the Federal share of the costs of grants or contracts to SEAs, LEAs, institutions of higher education, and other public or private organizations for: (1) leadership training of personnel engaged in the education of gifted and talented children; (2) an information clearinghouse; and (3) research, evaluation, and related activities. Sets forth application requirements for discretionary program grants and contracts. Applies specified ESEA requirements relating to private school pupil and teacher participation in such discretionary programs, unless such requirements cannot be legally met in the State. Sets forth provisions for State allotments of appropriations for programs for gifted and talented children. Directs the Secretary to allot up to one percent of such appropriations, in accordance with their respective needs, among: (1) Guam, American Samoa, the Virgin Islands, the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, and the Northern Mariana Islands; (2) programs in schools operated for Indian children by the Department of the Interior; and (3) programs in overseas dependent schools of the Department of Defense. Directs the Secretary to allot the remainder among applicant States on the basis of numbers of children aged five through 17, with a $50,000 minimum allotment to each State. Sets forth provisions for reallotment of any State allotment exceeding the amount a State needs and will be able to use in a fiscal year. Directs the Secretary to designate an administrative unit within the Office of Education to administer and coordinate programs for gifted and talented children and youth. Provides that any Indian tribe or Hawaiian organization which operates schools for its children shall be deemed an LEA for purposes of this Act. Makes the Federal share for any fiscal year 90 percent, but 100 percent for programs and projects involving participation of private school students.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1985
Truth in Savings Act - Requires each advertisement, announcement, or solicitation made by any depository institution regarding the rate of interest payable on any account to: (1) state the annual percentage yield and the method of compounding interest; (2) state the annual rate of simple interest and the period such interest is in effect; (3) state the frequency of interest payments; (4) give equal prominence to all annual percentage yields and annual rates of simple interest; and (5) include specified statements explaining how fees and penalties could affect the annual yield and how the yield on accounts which mature in less than one year is determined on the basis of compounding for an entire year. Requires the annual percentage yield to be stated before the annual rate of simple interest. Requires an institution to give a person a written summary of such information concerning an offered account upon request. Requires each depository institution to maintain a written schedule of all fees, charges, and terms and conditions applicable to each type of account and service routinely offered. Requires that such schedule be disclosed to potential customers and requesting individuals and mailed to account holders. Directs the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to prescribe: (1) uniform terminology to be used by depository institutions to describe interest rates and other terms affecting account earnings; and (2) uniform methods of calculating annual rates of simple interest and annual percentage yields. Provides for the enforcement of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1985
Veterans' Housing Benefits Amendments of 1985 - Authorizes the Administrator of Veterans Affairs to provide mortgage assistance to veterans with loans guaranteed by the Veterans Administration in order to avoid foreclosure of such loans. Provides that such assistance shall be in the form of a loan to the veteran not to exceed $8,400. Provides that such assistance may be provided only if: (1) the dwelling that secures the primary loan is the current residence of the veteran; (2) the veteran is at least six months delinquent in payments on the primary loan; (3) the veteran is unemployed or has had a substantial reduction in household income through no fault of the veteran; and (4) the Administrator determines that there is a reasonable prospect that the veteran will resume payment on the primary loan within six months after receiving such assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1985
Renewable Energy and Conservation Transition Act of 1985 - Title I: Extension of Business Energy Credits - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend the energy investment tax credit for solar energy property from 1985 to 1990. Sets the amount of such credit during such period at 15 percent for low temperature solar property and 25 percent for all other solar property. Extends the energy investment tax credit for wind property from 1985 to 1988. Sets the amount of such credit at: (1) ten percent during 1986 and 1987; and (2) five percent during 1988. Extends the energy investment tax credit for geothermal property and biomass property from 1985 to 1988. Extends the energy investment tax credit for ocean thermal property from 1985 to 1990. Revises the definition of "solar property" for purposes of such tax credit. Sets forth special rules for geothermal equipment to qualify for such credit. Title II: Affirmative Commitment Rule to Extend the Business Credit for Certain Long-Term Projects - Extends the time period during which an affirmative commitment must be made in order for long-term energy projects to be eligible for the energy investment tax credit. Allows such extension: (1) from 1990 to 1993 for solar energy property; (2) from 1988 to 1990 for geothermal energy property; and (3) from 1985 to 1990 for hydroelectric generating property. Title III: Extension of Residential Energy Credits - Extends the residential energy income tax credit for solar renewable energy property from 1985 to 1990. Phases out such credit over such period of time. Provides that solar hot water systems and active space heating systems must meet certain additional standards in order to qualify for such credit. Extends the residential energy income tax credit for wind renewable energy property from 1985 to 1988. Phases out such credit over such period of time. Extends the residential energy income tax credit for geothermal renewable energy property from 1985 to 1988. Phases out such credit over such period of time. Revises the definition of geothermal deposits for purposes of such credit. Revises the definition of energy conservation expenditures for purposes of the residential energy income tax credit to limit the amounts taken into account to $700. Limits the energy conservation income tax credit to taxpayers with an adjusted gross income of less than $30,000. Title IV: Effective Date - Sets forth the effective date of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 1985
Children's Justice Reform Act - Amends the Child Abuse Amendments of 1984 to authorize a Children's Justice Grant Program. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make additional grants to States under specified provisions of the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act for identification, treatment, and prevention of sexual abuse. Makes a State eligible for such assistance if the Secretary determines that the State, within one year after the enactment of this Act, has enacted specified legal and administrative changes with respect to the investigation and prosecution of child sexual abuse cases. Requires a State, to be eligible for such assistance, to have in effect a child sexual abuse program which includes at least one statute or administrative procedure to carry out the following categories of reforms: (1) handling such cases so as to reduce the trauma to the child victim; (2) improving the chances of successful prosecution or legal action against child molesters; and (3) improving procedures to protect children from sexual abuse. Directs the Secretary to issue necessary regulations for such assistance program. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 and 1987.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1985
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to eliminate the benefit disparity between those born before 1916 and those born after 1916 which was effected by the enactment of the Social Security Amendments of 1977. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to recompute the primary insurance amount so as to take into account the amendments made by this Act and to pay to any individual so entitled any additional lump sum amount to which such individual is entitled by reason of this Act. Prohibits the recomputation from reducing any individual's benefit.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1985
Military Chaplains Faith Balance Act of 1984 - Directs the Secretary of Defense to increase the representation of underrepresented religious faiths among armed forces chaplains.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1985
Humane Product Testing Act of 1985 - Requires Federal departments and agencies to promote nonanimal alternatives to the LD50 test used in the testing of products. Phases out the use of such test to the degree possible within one year of this Act's enactment. (LD50 is a procedure whereby toxicity is measured in terms of the median dose which will kill 50 percent of the test animals within a specified period.)
United States · United States Congress · 27 March 1985
National Childhood Vaccine-Injury Compensation Act of 1985 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish the National Childhood Vaccine-Injury Compensation Program (Program). Prohibits the filing of a civil action for damages for vaccine-related injuries unless the procedures of this Act have been followed. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to prescribe rules governing the content of claims for vaccine-related injuries and procedures for filing such claims. Sets forth deadlines by which: (1) the Secretary must send the claimant and respondent lists of persons eligible to serve on hearing panels; (2) the respondent may join additional respondents; and (3) the claimant and respondent are to select persons for the hearing panel. Provides for the selection and replacement of additional hearing panel members. Permits each respondent to file a consent waiving his or her rights to a judge or jury trial. Allows the hearing panel to hear a claim if each respondent has filed consent. Allows the claimant to file an action for damages in a State or Federal court where none of the respondents have filed such consents. Permits the hearing panel to hear the claim against participating respondents where some, but not all, of the respondents filed consents. Allows the claimant to file an action in a State or Federal court against the nonparticipating respondents. Declares that such court action shall be stayed on any party's motion until the proceedings against the participating respondents are completed. Empowers the hearing panel to determine whether any alleged injuries are vaccine-related and, if appropriate, to award compensation. Sets an aggregate limit of $1,000,000 per person for such awards, including $100,000 for damages arising from pain, suffering, and emotional distress. Allows the claimant to reject the decision of the hearing panel by filing an objection within 60 days. Permits the respondent to appeal the decision of the hearing panel to a Federal district court within 30 days thereafter if no such objection is filed by the claimant. Directs the district court to affirm the hearing panel decision, unless: (1) the decision was procured by corruption or fraud; (2) the hearing panel exceeded its authority; or (3) the hearing panel denied a fair hearing to any party. Permits a claimant who has filed a timely objection to the hearing panel decision to maintain an action for damages in an appropriate State or Federal court. Permits the decision of the hearing panel to be admitted into evidence, unless: (1) the decision was procured by corruption or fraud; (2) the hearing panel exceeded its authority; or (3) the hearing panel denied a fair hearing to any party. Allows a plaintiff to recover a judgment for monetary damages to the full extent provided by State or Federal law where: (1) the respondent did not file a consent pursuant to this Act; or (2) the parties waived compliance with the procedures prescribed by this Act. Limits recovery to the extent provided by this Act where the respondent has filed a consent. Permits a respondent who has paid an award, judgment, or settlement to file a civil action in a U.S. district court seeking to recover all or part of it. Permits third-party impleaders and cross-claims. Allows a party to file an action for contribution or indemnification if that party: (1) did not file a consent pursuant to this Act or waived compliance; and (2) discharged a vaccine-injury claim. Declares that claims filed more than two years after the first manifestation of a vaccine-related injury shall be barred. Defines "covered vaccine" to include vaccines against diptheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, measles, mumps, and rubella. Establishes an Advisory Commission on Childhood Vaccines to: (1) advise the Secretary on the implementation of the Program; (2) study and recommend ways to encourage the availability of safe and effective vaccines; (3) survey information gathering programs and advise the Secretary on how to obtain useful information; and (4) recommend research. Directs the Secretary to develop parent information materials within one year of enactment of this Act. Describes the information to be included in such materials. Directs the Secretary to: (1) encourage the development of vaccines that result in fewer major adverse reactions than those currently on the market; and (2) assure improvements in the vaccine industry to reduce the risks of major adverse reactions. Requires the Secretary to report to specified congressional committees biennially.
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
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that travel by Members of Congress to the Soviet Union and travel by Soviet leaders to the United States serves the interests of the two nations and that such travel is encouraged.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1985
Directs the Postal Service to establish a program under which change-of-address forms may be transmitted to appropriate State election authorities for voter registration purposes. Directs the Postal Service to prescribe regulations under which a State may participate in such program. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1985
Commemorates May 18, 1985, as the 20th anniversary of the Head Start Program. Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the Head Start Program has been cost-effective and successful; and (2) congressional commitment to such program is reaffirmed.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1985
Labor-Management Notification and Consultation Act of 1985 - Prohibits any employer (i.e. any business with 50 or more employees) from ordering a plant closing or permanent layoff until 90 days after the employer serves written notice of a proposal to issue such an order to: (1) the representative of the affected employees or, if none, to each affected employee; and (2) the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service. Provides for reduction of such notification period if the Service determines that unavoidable business circumstances prevent the employer from withholding such closing or layoff until the end of such period. Provides for extension of such notification period thus prohibiting the ordering of such closing or layoff while the employer is subject to an order to continue to consult. Prohibits an employer from ordering a plant closing or permanent layoff unless the employer has: (1) met with representatives of the affected employees with respect to a proposal to order such closing or layoff; and (2) consulted in good faith with such representative for the purpose of agreeing to a mutually satisfactory alternative to or modification of such proposal. Makes such obligation to consult commence on the date of notice and continue until the end of the 90-day notification period. Provides that such consultation period shall be extended if the Service determines that the employer has failed to comply with such consultation requirements. Authorizes the Service to renew any such extension imposed. Requires the employer to disclose to the affected employees' representative information necessary for thorough evaluation of: (1) the proposal to order the closing or layoff; and (2) any alternatives or modifications suggested to such proposal. Authorizes the Service to issue protective orders to prevent disclosure of information which could compromise the employer's competitive position. Sets forth provisions for the administration and enforcement of requirements under this Act. Provides for: (1) assistance by the Service to employers, employee representatives, affected employees, State employment services, and other State and local officials; (2) investigations and injunctive actions by the Department of Labor; (3) civil actions against employers; and (4) civil actions against representatives of employees. Provides that the rights and remedies provided to employees by this Act are in addition to any other contractual, statutory, or other legal rights and remedies of the employees. Expresses the sense of the Congress that employers who, because affected employees do not have a representative, are not required to comply with the consultation and disclosure requirements under this Act should consult with and disclose information to such employees in order to reach a mutually satisfactory alternative or modification of the proposal to order the closing or layoff. Establishes a National Commission on Plant Closings and Worker Dislocation. Requires the Commission to report to the President and the Congress within 12 months of the appointment of members. Terminates the Commission 30 days after such report. Authorizes appropriations for the Commission.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1985
Ethnic and Minority Affairs Broadcasting Clearinghouse Act of 1985 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to establish the Ethnic and Minority Affairs Clearinghouse within the Federal Communications Commission. Directs the Clearinghouse to: (1) establish a clearinghouse for complaints about the portrayal of ethnic and minority groups in radio and television broadcast programming; (2) collect and disseminate information about such portrayal; (3) conduct an annual conference to draw public attention to such portrayal; (4) submit to the Congress an annual report on its activities, including a compilation of all complaints received; and (5) provide information to the Commission.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1985
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a defined contribution retirement plan of a rural electric cooperative to include a qualified cash or deferred arrangement.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1985
Amends the Equal Credit Opportunity Act to prohibit the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System from exempting from such Act any class of credit transactions that are primarily for personal, family, or household purposes. Permits the Board to exempt (for five years) a type or class of business or commercial transactions only after determining that application of such Act to such transactions would not contribute substantially to effecting the purposes of such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1985
Veterans' Compensation Rate Amendments of 1985 - Increases the rate of veterans' disability compensation additional compensation for dependents, and the clothing allowance for certain disabled veterans. Increases the rates of dependency and indemnity compensation for surviving spouses and for children, as well as the rates of supplemental dependency and indemnity compensation for children.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1985
Amends the Federal Employees Flexible and Compressed Work Schedules Act of 1982 to make permanent the authority of Federal agencies to use flexible and compressed work schedules.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1985
Anti-Apartheid Act of 1985 - Prohibits any U.S. person from making any loan to South Africa or to any organization owned or controlled by South Africa. Excludes from such prohibition a loan for any educational, housing, or health facility which: (1) is available to everyone on a nondiscriminatory basis; and (2) is located in an area accessible to all population groups. Declares that such prohibition shall not apply to loans for which an agreement is entered into before enactment of this Act. Directs the President to issue regulations prohibiting U.S. persons from making any investment (including bank loans) in South Africa. Excludes from such prohibition: (1) an investment which consists of earnings derived from a business enterprise in South Africa established before enactment of this Act and which is made in that business enterprise; or (2) the purchase of certain securities in such business enterprises. Prohibits any person, including U.S. banks, from importing into the United States any gold coin minted in or offered for sale by South Africa. Authorizes the President to waive the prohibitions against investments in South African businesses and against importing South African gold coins if: (1) the Government of South Africa meets at least one of seven conditions; (2) the President submits to the Congress a determination that such conditions are met; and (3) a joint resolution is enacted approving such determination. Authorizes the President to extend the waivers. Provides for expedited consideration of such joint resolution. Amends the Export Administration Act of 1979 to prohibit exporting computers, computer software, or goods or technology intended to service computers to or for use by South Africa or any organization owned or controlled by South Africa. Excludes from such prohibition donations of computers to primary and secondary schools. Declares that certain termination provisions of the Export Administration Act of 1979 shall not apply to such prohibition. Provides for enforcement of this Act. Sets forth penalties for violations of this Act. Directs the President to attempt to persuade through negotiations other countries to adopt restrictions on new investment in South Africa, on bank loans and computer sales to South Africa, and on the importation of krugerrands. Directs the President to submit annual reports to the Congress on the status of negotiations. Terminates the provisions of this Act and all the regulations issued to carry out this Act upon enactment of a joint resolution approving a determination submitted by the President to the Congress that apartheid in South Africa has been abolished.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1985
Requires each State to provide for voter registration by mail for Federal elections. Requires such registration to be carried out by a post card application form approved by the Attorney General. Prohibits any State from denying any person the right to vote on the grounds such person is not registered to vote if such person has complied with the requirements of post card registration. Requires the Postmaster General, the Commissioner of Social Security, and the Administrator of Veterans Affairs, in cooperation with the Attorney General and the Chief election officer of each State, to facilitate distribution of post card registration forms in Federal facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1985
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend to January 1, 1992, the termination date for the deduction for expenses incurred in connection with the elimination of architectural and transportation barriers to the handicapped and the elderly.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1985
Handicapped Independence Assistance Act of 1985 - Amends titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to treat sensory and communication aids, including training in the use of such aids, as medical and other health services. Requires such items and services to be designed to substantially reduce handicaps to employment and education caused by blindness, deafness, a severe hearing or visual impairment, or the inability to communicate vocally. Limits expenses that may be incurred under this Act for such items and services.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1985
Amends part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to permit each individual enrolled under part B to elect to be provided the benefits described in this Act. Provides that each such individual shall be deemed to have elected coverage for such benefits, unless the individual files notice to the contrary. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish the premiums for such coverage. Sets forth the following benefits to be provided by such coverage: (1) the limitation on the length of inpatient hospital services under part A (Hospital Insurance) of title XVIII would be dropped; (2) coinsurance payments, under part A, for the first 100 days of skilled nursing coverage would be dropped; (3) coinsurance payments for part B services would be dropped; and (4) coverage for an annual preventive health care visit.
![Official portrait of Del. de Lugo, Ron [D-VI-At Large]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/d000209_200.jpg)