The world's political record
Person
![Official portrait of Del. Fauntroy, Walter E. [D-DC-At Large]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/f000046_200.jpg)
United States · Official source
4,673 records where Del. Fauntroy, Walter E. [D-DC-At Large] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1985
Recognizes the substantial contribution over the past 50 years of the Historic Sites Act to the identification and protection of the Nation's cultural heritage.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1985
Designates August 14, 1985, as Social Security Day and the week of August 11 through August 17, 1985, as Social Security Week. Authorizes and requests the President to commemorate August 14, 1985, as the 50th anniversary of the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1985
Establishes the House of Representatives Foreign Student Intern Program. Lists the requirements for eligibility under this program.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1985
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the United States, in its endeavor to help developing countries to preserve the health of environmental systems and to promote global peace and security, should maintain the level of its contribution to the United Nations Environment Program at no less than the amount of its 1973 contribution.
United States · United States Congress · 3 June 1985
Amends the District of Columbia Self-Government and Governmental Reorganization Act to provide for the issuance by the District of Columbia of bonds and notes to finance various capital projects. Creates a first priority lien in the security interest of a holder of such a note or bond. Authorizes the D.C. Council to take certain action to improve the marketability of such notes and bonds, including letters of credit, loan agreements, credit agreements, and bond insurance. Outlines administrative guidelines concerning the issuance of such bonds and notes. Provides that any Act authorizing the District of Columbia to issue such bonds and notes shall also authorize the levy of a special tax necessary to ensure full repayment on such bonds and notes. Provides that such bonds, notes, or other obligations issued by the District shall not be deemed to be directly or indirectly guaranteed by the United States for any purpose under the laws of the United States. Directs the United States to pledge that it will not enact any law or otherwise impair the power or duty of the District to fulfill its responsibility concerning the issuance of such bonds and notes, nor will it in any way impair the rights and remedies of any holders of such bonds and notes. Authorizes the District to issue bonds and notes in order to eliminate all or a portion of any accumulated general fund deficit reflected in its most recent financial statement and report for FY 1984. Eliminates the current requirement of information as to principal amount of indebtedness, interest rates, and maturity dates which must be contained in an authorization act for the issuance of bonds and notes. Eliminates the requirement that such bonds and notes must be sold at public sale with due notice. Provides for the determination of interest rates and maturity dates for bonds and notes as may be provided in their authorizing Acts. Eliminates the authorization to sell such notes at not less than par value plus accrued interest at a private sale without previous advertising. Authorizes the District to issue bonds secured by or paid from the revenue of an enterprise owned or operated by or on behalf of the District. Prohibits such bonds or notes from being considered industrial development bonds.
United States · United States Congress · 3 June 1985
Amends the District of Columbia Self-Government and Governmental Reorganization Act to allow the District of Columbia to expend funds proposed for a fiscal year before such funds are approved by an Act of the Congress and signed into law. Eliminates certain budget-submission requirements of the Mayor of the District of Columbia to the D.C. Council and the President. Authorizes annual appropriations beginning with FY 1986 as the annual Federal payment to the District of Columbia. Requires the District of Columbia to take budgetary action to offset any deficit occurring in its general fund.
United States · United States Congress · 3 June 1985
Amends the District of Columbia Self-Government and Governmental Reorganization Act to authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 through 1995 as the Federal contribution to reducing the deficit of the District of Columbia. Allows the District of Columbia Council to tax up to two percent of the personal income of a non-resident of the District.
United States · United States Congress · 3 June 1985
Amends the District of Columbia Stadium Act of 1957 to direct the Secretary of the Interior to convey without consideration to the Government of the District of Columbia all right, title and interest of the United States to the Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium. Requires the terms and conditions of such conveyance to insure that the property will be used only: (1) for stadium purposes; (2) for providing recreational facilities, open space, or public outdoor recreation opportunities; and (3) for such other public purposes for which the property was used prior to June 1, 1985. States that the instrument of conveyance to the District of Columbia shall revert back to the United States if such conditions have not been complied with and such noncompliance has not been corrected within 90 days after written notice has been received by the Mayor. Prohibits the bringing of an action for use violation before 90 days after notice to the Mayor of the alleged violation and the intent to bring such action. Includes certain parking sections as part of the schematic design of the Map to Designate Transfer of Stadium and Parking Lots to the District.
United States · United States Congress · 3 June 1985
Directs the Secretary of Labor to convey to the District of Columbia without monetary consideration all right, title, and interest of the United States in and to the District of Columbia Employment Security Building and the land on which it stands.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1985
Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) (Superfund) to require manufacturers and importers of hazardous substances to prepare and distribute a Hazardous Substance Inventory which shows the use of such substance, the maximum inventory, the annual and monthly emmissions of such substance, the quantity and method of waste disposal, and the date of preparation and name and emergency telephone number of the preparer of such Inventory. Requires the preparer to include a copy of any Material Safety Data Sheet required under the Occupational Safety and Health Act. Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to establish adequate and reliable administrative standards for the collection of information under this Act. Directs the Administrator to report to the appropriate congressional committees on appropriate reporting requirements for small quantity handlers of such substances. Requires that the Inventory be distributed to appropriate government officials. Requires the Administrator to establish a toll-free telephone number for inquiries concerning the Inventory and its information. Establishes criminal penalties for violations of this Act's requirements. Requires the National Toxicology Program to review biennially new and existing chemicals for inclusion by the Administrator on such Inventory.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1985
Haym Salomon Memorial Act of 1985 - Authorizes the American Jewish Patriots and Friends of Haym Salomon to place in the Capitol Building or on the Capitol Grounds a statue of Haym Salomon, a revolutionary war patriot of Polish and Jewish background. Authorizes such organization to also erect a monument to Haym Salomon on Federal land in the District of Columbia. Subjects the selected site, design, and plans for the memorial to the approval of the National Commission of Fine Arts and the National Capital Planning Commission.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1985
Recognizes Camp Fire, Incorporated for its 75 years of service to our Nation.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1985
Designates the week beginning May 18, 1986, as National Tourism Week.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1985
Authorizes the President, on behalf of the Congress, to present gold medals to Jan Scruggs, Robert Doubek, and Jack Wheeler, in recognition of their tireless efforts to give the Vietnam Veterans Memorial to the Nation. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to sell bronze duplicates of the medal. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1985
Young Astronaut Program Medal Act - Commemorates the Young Astronaut Program by directing the Secretary of the Treasury to strike and deliver to the Young Astronaut Council no more than 750,000 medals with emblems, devices, and inscriptions determined by the Secretary. Authorizes the Council to dispose of the medals at a premium and to have them delivered as required in quantities of no less than 2,000. Directs that no medals be struck after December 31, 1987. Directs the Secretary to set the price of the medals at no less than the manufacturing cost plus a surcharge of ten percent of such cost. Requires the furnishing of security sufficient to fully indemnify the United States for such costs. Directs that the medals be struck in gold, silver, and bronze and in such size or sizes as determined by the Secretary. Gives the U.S. Comptroller General the right to examine the records of the Council which are related to the medals.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1985
Prohibits any person from mining or using any natural resource situated in or originating from Namibia or otherwise removing any natural resource from Namibia without the permission of the United Nations Council for Namibia. Provides for enforcement of such prohibition. Directs the President to try to persuade other governments to adopt restrictions on activities affecting natural resources situated in or originating from Namibia until Namibia has achieved internationally recognized independence. Terminates this Act if: (1) the President certifies that Namibia has achieved internationally recognized independence and that legal authority for Namibia has been transferred from the United Nations Council for Namibia to the lawful government of Namibia; (2) the President submits that certification to the Congress; and (3) a law or joint resolution is enacted approving such certification. Declares that it is U.S. policy that any U.S. person that is sued for damages as provided in a specified United Nations decree relating to the protection of the natural resources of Namibia will receive no aid from the United States in defending against such suit and will receive no compensation from the United States for damages assessed or paid on account of such liability.
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 · 22 May 1985
Authorizes and requests the President to designate July 16, 1985, as National Atomic Veterans Day.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1985
Designates June 12, 1985, as Anne Frank Day.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1985
Defense Procurement Conflict of Interest Act - Prohibits a former officer or employee of the Department of Defense (DOD) or former retired member of the uniformed services from accepting compensation from a Government contractor for two years following the individual's separation from Government service if, during the two years preceding separation from service, such individual had significant responsibilities for a procurement function with respect to that Government contractor. Specifies penalties for violations of this prohibition. Requires defense contractors to include in defense contracts a provision stating that the contractor agrees not to compensate an individual who falls under such category. Specifies penalties for a contractor's violation of this requirement. Requires contractors subject to such a contract term to issue an annual report listing specified information concerning individuals who had significant responsibilities for a procurement function, left Government within the previous two years, and were compensated by that contractor after leaving Government service. Requires a copy of each such report to be sent to the Inspector General of DOD. Requires the Inspector General to assess such reports and report any possible violations to the Attorney General. Provides penalties for those contractors failing to file such reports. Requires the Director of the Office of Government Ethics to have access to such reports and to submit an annual report to the Congress concerning such reports. Excludes from application of these sections those contracts for an amount less than $100,000. Requires the Secretary of Defense, not later than 180 days after enactment of this Act, to delineate the procurement functions covered by these sections and provide a list of such functions to the Congress. Allows an individual who is offered compensation which might be in violation of this Act to apply to the Director of the Office of Government Ethics for advice on the applicability of this Act to the acceptance of such compensation. Requires such application to be made jointly by the individual and the contractor proposing the compensation. Outlines information to be included in such application for advice. Requires the Director to publish notice of the application in the Federal Register.
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 · 16 May 1985
Even Start Act - Establishes a pilot program to combine adult basic education for parents and school readiness training for children into a single educational program. Requires that funds made available to a grant recipient under this Act be used to provide a program of adult literacy training which includes as a major component involving parents and children together to enhance the likelihood of educational achievement. Requires that each such program receiving a grant include the following elements: (1) identifying and recruiting eligible participants; (2) screening and preparing parents and children for participation (including testing, referral to necessary counseling, and related services); (3) designing programs and providing support services to suit the participants' work and other responsibilities (including child care, transportation, and scheduling and locating services to allow joint participation by parents and children); (4) establishing instruction programs that promote adult literacy, equip parents to support the education and growth of their children, and prepare children for success in regular school program; and (5) providing and monitoring integrated instructional services to participants through home-based programs. Makes eligible for participation in such programs families that: (1) include a parent eligible to participate in an adult basic education program under the Adult Education Act; and (2) reside, with a child aged four or five, in a school attendance area designated for receipt of funds under chapter 1 (Financial Assistance to Meet Special Educational Needs of Disadvantaged Children) of the Educational Consolidation and Improvement Act of 1981 (ECIA). Makes eligible to apply for such program grants any agency, organization, or institution that operates an adult basic education program under the Adult Education Act and that serves an area: (1) in which the unemployment rate exceeds the national average; and (2) at least 75 percent of which is comprised of school attendance areas designated for receipt of funds under chapter 1 of ECIA. Sets forth grant application requirements, including: (1) a demonstration that the applicant can coordinate programs under the Adult Education Act with program under chapter 1 of ECIA, with other related programs such as health care, nutrition, child abuse, and substance abuse control and with State and local educational agencies; (2) a statement of methods to be used to provide program services for those most in need of them and for special populations, such as the handicapped and those with limited English proficiency; and (3) a demonstration that the applicant has qualified personnel to provide staff training and preparation. Directs the Secretary of Education to select 15 to 20 applications for final review, with two-thirds of these from urban areas and one-third from rural areas. Provides that three of these applications shall be selected for receipt of funds by a review panel composed of the Secretary, and specified members of State and local directors of programs under chapter 1 of ECIA and the Adult Education Act, chief State school officers, and representatives from a local Parent-Teacher Association and from institutions of higher education with training, respectively, in early childhood education and in adult literacy training. Sets forth program agreement requirements, including: (1) participant enrollment for at least 12 months; and (2) grant recipient provision of at least 25 percent of program costs for the third year of operation, 50 percent for the fourth year, and continued program operation after the expiration of assistance under this Act, if the program has been demonstrated to be effective. Sets forth requirements for evaluation and dissemination of results of such pilot projects. Requires that the results of such evaluation be submitted by the end of FY 1992 to the national diffusion network for possible dissemination. Directs the Secretary, in order to carry out this Act, to reserve specified amounts from FY 1987 through 1991 funds which would otherwise be available for: (1) grants to States for adult basic education and adult education programs to be carried out by local educational agencies and private nonprofit agencies; and (2) evaluation and studies under chapter 1 of ECIA. Provides that such requirement shall not apply to funds appropriated before the enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1985
Government Securities Market Protection Act - Amends the Federal Reserve Act to direct the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, in order to protect the integrity of the Government securities market, to prescribe regulations which: (1) establish capital adequacy standards for certain Government securities dealers; (2) require each such dealer to maintain an internal system of controls to assure compliance with such standards; (3) require the maintenance of segregated accounts on the records of the dealer and any clearing agent involved in any Government securities transaction; (4) require the dealer to deliver the Government securities involved in a securities loan or a repurchase agreement to the customer or to an independent custodian or other third party custodian designated by the customer, with specified exceptions; and (5) require dealers to certify that they will comply with such requirements. Requires the Board to maintain and publish a list of all such dealers in compliance with such requirements. Prohibits any dealer not listed from acting as a dealer or conducting any Government securities transaction with any primary dealer or depository institution. Requires each dealer to comply with reporting and recordkeeping requirements prescribed by the Board. Directs the Board to notify each member of the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council whenever it determines that a dealer's activities may adversely affect any depository institution regulated by a Council member. Directs the Council to develop standardized practices for examining depository institutions which engage in Government securities transactions. Authorizes the Board to: (1) bring a court action to enjoin any act or practice in violation of this Act; and (2) suspend a dealer who has engaged or is about to engage in such an act or practice from the list of dealers in compliance with this Act after giving the dealer notice and the opportunity for a hearing. Establishes a civil penalty of up to $100,000 and a criminal penalty of up to $500,000 and five years' imprisonment for violations of this Act. Requires the Board to establish a Government Securities Advisory Council to advise the Board on methods to maintain and improve the integrity of the Government securities market and to protect against abusive practices in such market. Directs the Board to conduct a study to consider: (1) establishing limited business relations between Federal Reserve banks and nonprimary dealers that agree to provide regular reports to the Board; (2) giving primary dealers access to the clearing system; (3) permitting smaller Government securities dealers to borrow odd-lot securities on a fully collateralized basis; and (4) expanding the brokers' market for Government securities, including access to the broker screens. Requires the Board to report to specified congressional committees on the conclusions of such study, actions taken to implement this Act, and recommendations for legislative or administrative actions.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1985
Tenant Credit Reporting Act - Amends the Fair Credit Reporting Act to include within the definition of "consumer report" any information received from a consumer reporting agency for the purpose of establishing a consumer's eligibility for rental of any property as a principal place of residence. Permits the use of information obtained from a consumer reporting agency in connection with the rental of any property by the consumer as a principal place of residence. Sets forth information which may not be included in any such consumer report, including the consumer's involvement with tenants organizations, any safety or sanitation complaints, any rent abatements, or unadjudicated landlord complaints. Requires a consumer reporting agency that records and retains any information regarding an adverse rental action to make a clear and accurate disclosure to the consumer involved. Sets forth information which a consumer reporting agency must disclose to a consumer when the agency furnishes a report to a person in connection with the consumer's rental of any property as a principal place of residence. Requires the user of a consumer report that results in an adverse rental action to inform the consumer of the name and address of the consumer reporting agency making the report.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1985
Designates the month of November 1985 as National Hospice Month.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1985
Permits the Archivist of the United States to make available for public use all records of the Select Committee on Assassinations of the 94th and 95th Congresses other than those voted to be kept secret or confidential. Requires the guidelines governing disclosure of such records to be those used by the General Services Administration for the records of the President's Commission on the Assassination of President Kennedy.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1985
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) State constitutions and county and city charters should reflect the right of pretrial detainees, convicted misdemeanants, and persons appealing convictions to register and to vote; (2) all registrars should provide adequate voter registration and voting accessibility (voting booths and absentee ballots) to such persons; (3) parole and probation boards consider the rehabilitative value of voting in probation and parole determinations; and (4) voter education for such persons be encouraged.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1985
Designates October 1985 as Learning Disabilities Awareness Month.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1985
Economic Equity Act of 1985 - Title I: Retirement - Pension Vesting, Integration, and Portability Act of 1985 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to revise provisions relating to maximum age conditions under pension plans to provide for continued coverage for certain workers over the normal retirement age. Provides that pension plans may only exclude from participation, on the basis of age, an employee who has attained the normal retirement age under the plan if: (1) the plan is a defined benefit plan or a target benefit plan (as under current law); and (2) the employee's accrued benefit under the plan is greater than the normal retirement benefit to which the employee would be entitled at the normal retirement age if the employee commenced participation at the earliest possible entry age under the plan and served continuously until attaining the normal retirement age under the plan. Revises provisions relating to minimum vesting standards to reduce, from ten years to five years, the number of years of service which a pension plan participant must complete in order to earn a nonforfeitable right to 100 percent of the participant's accrued benefit derived from employer contributions. Permits multiemployer pension plans to retain the ten-year minimum vesting standard if such plans meet certain conditions, including complete reciprocity for workers who move from one regional pension plan to another within the same industry. Repeals a certain "class year plan" rule. Permits participants with three (currently five) years of service to elect, within a specified period to have their nonforfeitable percentage computed under the plan without regard to any plan amendment changing the vesting schedule. Revises minimum participation standards, minimum vesting standards, and benefit accrual requirements to provide for pension plan coverage of part-time workers. Revises the definition of "year of service," for purposes of minimum participation and vesting standards, to treat 500 to 1,000 hours of service per year by a part-time employee as one-half of a year of service. Provides that the date on which such employee completes such one-half of one year of service shall be the latest date until which the plan participation of such employee may be delayed. Includes service of at least 500 (currently 1,000) hours in determinations of years of plan participation for purposes of benefit accrual requirements. Establishes minimum benefit rules for integrated pension plans. Requires such plans to offer a minimum benefit without taking into account contributions or benefits under specified provisions of the Social Security Act, the Internal Revenue Code, or any other Federal or State law. Sets forth formulas, based on specified percentages of employee compensation, for determining such minimum benefit in the case of: (1) an integrated defined benefit plan; and (2) an integrated defined contribution plan or an integrated simplified employee pension. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to prescribe necessary or appropriate regulations to carry out the purposes of such minimum benefit rules for integrated plans in any case in which the employer has two or more plans. Provides for distributions of accrued benefits of less than $7,000 to portable pension accounts (individual retirement accounts or individual retirement annuities). Requires a pension plan to distribute a participant's nonforfeitable benefit to a portable pension account if: (1) the plan is a defined benefit plan, or an individual account plan subject to specified funding standards; (2) the present value, as of the date of separation from service, of such benefit is less than $7,000; and (3) the participant elects in writing, after receiving a required notice, to have such benefit distributed to such portable pension account in a distribution which is excluded from gross income under specified Internal Revenue Code provisions. Directs the Secretary of Labor to prescribe by regulation the manner and form in which such election is to be made. Requires the plan administrator, upon being informed by a participant that the participant wishes to make an election pursuant to these provisions, to provide notice to the participant of: (1) the present value, as of the date of separation, of the participant's nonforfeitable benefit (with such present value to be deemed equal to the actuarial equivalent, as of such date, of the normal form of benefit under the plan); (2) the amount of the participant's benefit on the date of the participant's retirement payable under the pension plan at normal retirement age expressed in the form of a single life annuity under a defined benefit plan or in the normal form of payment under an individual account plan; and (3) the additional tax (under specified Internal Revenue Code provisions as revised by this Act) on distributions from, or disqualification, of the portable pension account before the date on which the participant attains age 59 1/2. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to revise provisions relating to pension plans. Makes such revisions similar to those made to ERISA by title I of this Act with respect to: (1) continued coverage for certain workers over the normal retirement age; (2) a minimum vesting standard of five years of service (reduced from ten years), with the exception of multiemployer plans meeting certain conditions (including reciprocity); (3) repeal of the class year plan rule; (4) protection from changes in the vesting schedule for participants with three years of service; (5) coverage for part-time workers under minimum participation standards, minimum vesting standards, and benefit accrual requirements; (6) establishment of minimum benefit rules for integrated plans; and (7) distributions of accrued benefits to portable pension accounts. Revises provisions relating to additional tax on certain amounts included in gross income before age 59 1/2. Requires, in cases of early distributions or disqualification involving portable pension accounts to which accrued benefits from a pension plan have been distributed as provided under this Act, that the additional tax (for the taxable year in which the early distribution is received or the disqualification occurs) shall be equal to the amount of the early distribution, or of the disqualification, which is includible in gross income for such taxable year. Directs the Secretary of Labor to: (1) conduct a study of the feasibility and ramifications of requiring private employee pension benefit plans to provide cost-of-living adjustments to benefits payable under such plans; (2) compile data and analyze the effect inflation is having and may be expected to have on retirement benefits provided under such plans; and (3) submit study results, with recommendations, within two years after enactment of this Act. Social Security Modernization Act - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to provide that the combined earnings of a married couple which are attributable to the period of their marriage shall be shared equally between them for purposes of determining the eligibility for and amount of OASDI benefits to which each spouse is or may become separately entitled. Credits the survivor of the marriage with 100 percent of the combined total wages for the period of the marriage. Provides that this Act shall not apply in specified cases where it would result in a reduction of OASDI benefits. Provides full benefits for disabled widows and widowers without regard to age. Enables an insured individual's spouse who has attained the age of 50 and is not entitled to any other monthly benefits to obtain a transition benefit for four months upon the death of the insured individual. Establishes the amount of such transition benefit at 71.5 percent of the primary insurance amount of the insured individual or, if it is higher, 71.5 percent of the primary insurance amount of the spouse. Repeals the separate definition of disability applicable to widows and widowers. Permits the months of a widow's or widower's entitlement to Supplemental Security Income benefits (title XVI of the Social Security Act) on the basis of a disability to be counted towards the 24 months needed to become entitled to hospital insurance benefits under Medicare (title XVIII of the Social Security Act) on that basis. Uniformed Services Former Spouses' Equity Act - Provides that a former spouse of a member of the uniformed services shall be entitled, unless expressly provided by a spousal agreement or court order, to an annuity: (1) equal to 50 percent of the retired or retainer pay of the member if married to the member throughout the creditable service of the member; or (2) equal to a pro rata share of 50 percent of such pay if not married to the member throughout the entire creditable service of the member. Requires that an election by a member not to participate, or to participate at a reduced level, in the Survivor Benefit Plan or to provide an annuity for a dependent child only must be made jointly with the member's spouse. Provides that such an election must be in writing. Allows a member who has a former spouse to jointly elect a spousal agreement with such former spouse or as provided under a court order to provide a survivor to the former spouse or to waive such an annuity. Treats a former spouse as a spouse for purposes of eligibility as a beneficiary, computation of annuities, and reductions in retired or retainer pay under the Survivor Benefit Plan if the member elects such treatment. (Present law treats a former spouse as a person with an "insurable interest" subject to certain restrictions and requiring larger reductions in retired or retainer pay.) Establishes a 24 month period during which members who were already divorced before the effective date of this Act may elect to have a former spouse covered under the Survivor Benefit Plan. Provides that a former spouse's share of retired or retainer pay shall be based on the gross amount of such pay. (Present law bases such share on the net amount of such pay after specified deductions.) Social Services and Child Care Assistance Act of 1985 - Title II: Dependent Care - Amends title XX (Block Grants to States for Social Services) of the Social Security Act to set allotment amounts for FY 1984, 1985, and 1986 and each succeeding fiscal year. Allocates, from the allotment set for FY 1986 and available for any fiscal year, specified amounts for: (1) funding for a National Resource Center on Family Day Care; (2) grants to States which fulfill certain conditions with respect to the licensing, regulation, and monitoring of child care services; and (3) the provision of services in accordance with title XX. Provides that, of the amounts allotted for the provision of services, specified amounts shall be used: (1) for the training and retraining of human services personnel; (2) for the training and retraining in the prevention of child abuse of licensed child care operators; and (3) for the provision of child day care services to children who are abused or neglected, who are members of families receiving aid under title IV (Aid to Families with Dependent Children) of such Act, or children who are members of specified low-income groups. Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to add a new title XII, School-Based Child Care Programs. (Redesignates the current title XII as title XIII.) Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 through 1990 for grants to institutions of higher education for: (1) construction, reconstruction, and renovation of facilities, located at such institutions, to be used to provide child care services (free for students from families with incomes less than 150 percent of the poverty level, and with a sliding-scale of fees based on income for other students participating); (2) child care services through vouchers for disadvantaged college students (with two-thirds of the participants to be low-income students who are first generation college students, and the remainder to be either low-income or first generation college students); and (3) child care personnel work-experience programs (which provide experience for students by arranging part-time employment for them in licensed child care programs). Requires the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to provide grants to public housing authorities to assist them in providing child care services for lower income families. Requires a program report to the Congress within three years. Authorizes FY 1986 through 1988 appropriations. Title III: Insurance - Nondiscrimination in Insurance Act - Prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin in the consideration of applications for, or the granting of, insurance policies and the terms of such policies. Permits insurers who regularly provide insurance solely to persons of a single religious affiliation to continue to do so. Prohibits any insurer from establishing auto insurance rates for women or any particular group of women which are higher or lower in relation to the rates offered men or any similarly situated group of men, except for non-gender related risk-based reasons. Grants to States having insurance discrimination laws the primary opportunity to enforce the prohibitions of this Act. Permits an aggrieved person to file a civil action in State or Federal court against an insurer if the State has terminated all proceedings under State law. Authorizes the Attorney General to bring a civil action in district court when there is reasonable cause to believe that a person or group is engaged in a pattern or practice of resistance to the rights granted by this Act and that such denial raises an issue of general public importance. Authorizes the Court to: (1) order the defendant to amend any relevant contract to comply with the provisions of this Act; (2) require the defendant to pay punitive damages in addition to actual damages; and (3) award the aggrieved person reasonable attorneys' fees. Continued Access to Group Health Insurance Act of 1985 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to require continuation coverage under group health plans for certain spouses, former spouses, and dependent children of employees insured under such plans. Makes such continuation coverage a requirement for the allowance of a tax deduction for employer contributions to group health plans. Provides that the spouse and dependent children of an insured employee may be entitled to five years of continuation coverage under a group health plan if the insured employee: (1) dies; (2) becomes separated or divorced from his or her spouse; or (3) becomes entitled to Medicare. Makes such coverage available only if it is elected within a specified period by or on behalf of the spouse or child to be covered. Sets forth notification requirements. Sets forth a special rule relating to collective bargaining agreements. Title IV: Employment - Requires the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission to: (1) conduct research for identifying and measuring wage discrimination; (2) assist any public or private entity in eliminating discriminatory pay practices; and (3) implement policies and procedures to prohibit employment discrimination. Requires the Commission to determine the number and nature of all charges filed under the Civil Rights Act of 1954 and to report to the Congress with a summary prepared pursuant to this Act. Requires the Commission to conduct a study in consultation with organizations representing Federal employees and analyze: (1) the procedures established by the Director of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to establish classifications of positions in the competitive service; and (2) the actual practices of the Director and the heads of Federal agencies in complying with the principle of equal pay for work of equal value when establishing job classifications for employees. Requires the Commission to report to the President and the Congress on its findings and provide a copy to the Director of OPM. Directs the Director to submit his comments on the report to the President and the Congress. Directs the Secretary of Labor, acting through the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs, to report to the President and the Congress on actions taken to enforce the prohibitions contained in Executive Order Numbered 11246 against discrimination by Federal contractors. Requires the Attorney General, acting through the Office of Civil Rights, to report to the President and the Congress on actions taken to enforce the prohibitions against sex discrimination in compensation contained in title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Executive Order Numbered 11246, and other Federal laws. Requires Federal agencies responsible for submitting equal employment opportunity plans to include in such plans: (1) a review and identification of any discriminatory pay practices and any violation of the principle of equal pay for jobs of equal value; and (2) a plan for eliminating any such practices and remedying any such violation. Directs the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to provide, by contract with a consultant, for a report on discriminatory wage-setting practices and discriminatory wage differentials within the Federal position classification system and the prevailing rate (job grading) system. Defines "discriminatory wage-setting practices" as a practice resulting from lower rates of pay for female employees doing work comparable to that of higher-paid males. Requires OPM, within one month of receiving such report, to transmit a copy to the President and specified congressional committees, with written comments. Requires the consultant to submit such report to OPM and the Pay Equity Study Council (established by this Act) within six months after entering into its contract. Requires OPM, within ten days after the effective date of this Act, to establish a Pay Equity Study Council to assist in the selection of a consultant and comment on the final report. Requires that Council membership consist predominantly of representatives of labor organizations representing Federal female employees. Terminates the Council after it submits comments on the final report. Establishes a Commission on Employment Discrimination in the Legislative Branch. Directs the Commission to: (1) employ a nongovernmental consultant to study the compensation paid to Library of Congress personnel and analyze personnel policies of the Library; (2) evaluate the compensation system of the Library for compliance with title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and make any recommendations needed to achieve compliance; (3) develop a plan for the application of title VII through the legislative branch; and (4) make recommendations to the Congress for improvement of personnel policies and practices in the legislative branch. Directs the Commission to submit a final report to the Congress 18 months after enactment of this Act. Terminates the Commission 30 days after submission of the final report. Amends part A (General Provisions) of title XI of the Social Security Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to invite each State having an approved plan under part A (Aid to Families with Dependent Children) of title IV of the Social Security Act to submit an application to establish and conduct a demonstration project for the purpose of testing whether the provision of mandatory education or vocational training (or both) for the caretaker parents of dependent children under six years of age in families receiving AFDC would enable such families to leave the AFDC rolls quickly and assist such parents in securing long-term gainful employment at earnings levels sufficient to maintain their families without public assistance. Requires any State desiring to establish and conduct such a demonstration project to submit an application to the Secretary within six months after the enactment of this Act. Directs the Secretary to approve ten of the proposed projects. Requires six of the approved projects to be located in urban areas and four to be located in predominantly rural areas. Prohibits the approval of a project unless: (1) it is of sufficient size and scope to demonstrate program and cost effectiveness and to permit the drawing of valid inferences for evaluation and policy recommendations; (2) it will be conducted for a period of not less than three nor more than five years; (3) it covers all caretaker parents in families which are eligible for aid under the applicable State plan and which include one or more children under six years of age; (4) it provides for participation by caretaker parents on a voluntary basis; and (5) it complies fully with all other requirements and will contribute to the purposes of this Act. Defines "caretaker parent". Directs a State, in conducting an approved demonstration project, to: (1) offer each caretaker parent in a jurisdiction involved an opportunity to participate in the project; (2) establish an individualized program for the education or vocational training of each participating caretaker parent; (3) permit such parent to receive education or training under the program so established (from the time the youngest child in the care of such parent is six months old, or earlier with a physician's written permission) until either the parent is employed and self-sufficient, the parent is no longer a caretaker parent, or the family has become ineligible for aid; and (4) require the project to maintain support services, including child care, transportation, and health care services for each participant. Directs the Secretary to pay each State with an approved demonstration project 90 percent of the costs incurred by the State in establishing and carrying out such project. Requires the remainder of the costs incurred to be paid from non-Federal sources. Requires the education or training for caretaker parents in such program to meet the following requirements: (1) for caretaker parents without a high school diploma the education must lead to such diploma; (2) after receipt of such diploma (or in the case of an individual already having a high school diploma or better), the caretaker parent must participate in an approved post-secondary education program, an approved vocational education program, or a program of employment and training under auspices of the Job Training Partnership Act; (3) the award of an academic scholarship to a caretaker parent shall not result in any loss of eligibility or benefits under AFDC or any other public assistance program, so long as the scholarship payments are made directly to the appropriate educational institution; (4) the education and training must include instruction in family management and life skills, employment and job search training, career counseling, and community-supported recreational activities; (5) appropriate English language and adjustment training must be provided for caretaker parents from immigrant groups who have language or cultural adjustment difficulties; (6) special training must be provided for physically handicapped participants; (7) education and training for each participant in the project must be provided for at least 20 hours per week and must be coordinated with available child care services; and (8) any caretaker parent who has completed all of the education and training required by this Act shall remain a participant in the project for 20 hours a week of job search and placement assistance (with coordinated child care) until either the parent is employed and self-sufficient or the family has become ineligible for AFDC. Provides that in the case of a caretaker parent who ceases to be a participant in the project because he or she has completed all of the education and training required by this Act and has become employed: (1) the parent will be provided with child care services, as necessary, without charge for a six-month period, and thereafter for a certain period subject to the payment of a gradually increasing portion of the cost of such services; and (2) the parent shall be considered for a 15-month period to be still a project participant for purposes of receiving Medicaid (title XIX of the Social Security Act) and shall thereafter be similarly considered to still be a participant for such purposes but subject to stated conditions. Requires all of the child care and transportation which is necessary for a caretaker parent to participate in a demonstration project to be included, without charge to the caretaker parent, as a part of the project. Requires each approved project to be designed so as to provide an effective demonstration of: (1) the planning and design of quality and cost-effective approaches to child and infant care; (2) the cost-effective utilization of existing publicly-funded educational, vocational, and other training programs; (3) coordination with other community service providers, including job developers; and (4) cost-effective and creative approaches to the utilization of transportation facilities. Prohibits participation in an approved project by a caretaker parent from resulting in any loss of eligibility or benefits under AFDC or any other public assistance program. Permits a State to make participation mandatory if: (1) it is necessary to operate a project in a cost-effective manner; (2) participants would not be disadvantaged financially or otherwise; and (3) children in need of assistance would not be disadvantaged. Provides that if any caretaker parent who is required to participate in a project refuses to undergo any education or training required by this Act or otherwise fails to participate in an approved demonstration project, without a reasonable basis for such refusal or failure as determined on medical, psychological, psychiatric, or other grounds by an appropriate licensed practitioner in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary (subject to a State being granted a waiver): (1) such parent's needs shall not be taken into account in determining need under AFDC with respect to the parent's family; and (2) any AFDC payments shall be made in the form of protective payments. Requires each approved demonstration project to have a voluntary advisory group to assist in developing the program and in monitoring the project. Sets forth reporting requirements (including reports to the Congress). Requires each State in which a demonstration project is located to submit to the Secretary such information as the Secretary may require concerning a project. Women's Business Ownership Act of 1985 - Establishes the National Commission on Women's Business Ownership to review: (1) the status of women-owned small businesses nationwide; (2) the role of the Federal Government in aid to and the promotion of women-owned small businesses; (3) data collection procedures and the availability of data relating to women-owned businesses, women-owned small businesses, and small businesses owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged women; (4) other Federal initiatives relating to women-owned small businesses, including those relating to Federal procurements; and (5) special impediments suffered by small businesses owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged women. Directs the Commission to recommend: (1) new private sector initiatives which would provide management and technical assistance to women-owned small businesses; (2) ways to promote greater access to financing and procurement opportunities for such businesses; and (3) other measures relating to small businesses owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged women. Terminates the Commission on the date that it transmits its final report to the President and to each House of the Congress. Authorizes appropriations. Title V: Tax Reform - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that the zero amount for heads of households shall be the same as the zero bracket amount for joint returns and surviving spouses. Increases the amount of the earned income tax credit from 11 percent to 16 percent of the first $5,000 of earned income. Provides for a phaseout of such credit for taxpayers with adjusted gross incomes between $11,000 and $16,000. Provides that governmental payments shall be disregarded for purposes of determining support and maintenance of a household. Provides that any refund of Federal income taxes or advance payment made to an individual by reason of the earned income credit shall not be taken into account as income for purposes of determining eligibility for benefits or assistance under any Federal program or any State or local program financed in whole or part with Federal funds. Provides for cost-of-living adjustments for the amount of the earned income credit and the phase-out thresholds of such credit beginning in 1987. Allows a refundable income tax credit for: (1) employment related dependent care expenses; plus (2) expenses for the respite care of a dependent. Sets the amount of such credit at 50 percent of the sum of such expenses. Reduces such percentage (but not below 20 percent) by one percent for each full $2,000 amount by which the taxpayer's adjusted gross income exceeds $11,000. Provides for cost-of-living adjustments to such adjusted gross income amount. Limits the amount of employment-related expenses and respite care expenses which may be taken into account for purposes of such credit. Allows such credit for expenses incurred for the care of: (1) a dependent of the taxpayer who is under the age of 15; (2) a dependent of the taxpayer who is physically or mentally incapable of caring for himself; or (3) a spouse who is incapable of caring for himself. Repeals present provisions relating to the income tax credit for dependent care expenses necessary for gainful employment. Increases the amount individuals may contribute on behalf of their spouses for purposes of the deduction for retirement savings. Provides that no deduction from gross income shall be allowed to a taxpayer for entertainment expenses for food, beverages, lodging, or entertainment incurred in connection with a facility which discriminates on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Exempts facilities operated by a religious organization where access is limited to members of a particular religion. Treats dues and fees paid to discriminatory facilities as nondeductible expenses. Requires the submission of a statement to the Secretary of the Treasury that a facility not open to the public does not discriminate in order for amounts paid to such facility to qualify for the entertainment expense deduction. Requires the posting of a public notice in the facility stating the nondiscriminatory policy. Permits the Secretary to revoke the acceptance of the statement of nondiscrimination. Requires the taxpayer to report on his or her income tax return any amounts paid or incurred for food, beverages, lodging, or entertainment in any facility which is not open to the public or does not serve the public in order to deduct such amounts from gross income.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 1985
Authorizes the Secretary of the Air Force to enter into agreements with the State of Illinois or appropriate units of local government to permit the joint use of Scott Air Force Base for military and civilian aviation purposes. Renames Scott Air Force Base as the Mel Price Air Force Base and Airport Illinois.
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 · 9 May 1985
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the United States should ratify the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. Declares that the House will act expeditiously to implement this legislation.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 1985
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the executive branch should release appropriations for the Special Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).
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
Major Export Market Trade Equity Act of 1985 - Extends to an otherwise ineligible nonmarket economy country nondiscriminatory treatment (most-favored-nation treatment) during any market year after 1985 if the President determines that: (1) the country either has the potential to become a major export market for U.S. products which nondiscriminatory treatment will enhance, or is already such a market; (2) during the corresponding calendar year that country will not receive nondiscriminatory treatment for its products under any other U.S. law; and (3) during the preceding calendar year that country had a negative trade balance with the United States. Requires the President to determine those nonmarket economy countries eligible for such treatment before the start of each market year after 1985 and to publish a list of such countries in the Federal Register.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1985
Designates the week beginning October 27, 1985, as National Alopecia Areata Awareness Week.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1985
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the administration should comply with the automatic appropriation and earmarking provisions of the Wallop/Breaux Sport Fish Restoration Trust Fund. States that funds owed to the States from such Fund should not be withheld or delayed.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1985
Council on Industrial Competitiveness Act - Establishes in the executive branch an independent agency to be known as the Council on Industrial Competitiveness. Requires the Council to: (1) gather and analyze information regarding the competitiveness of U.S. industries; (2) create an institutional forum where national leaders will identify economic problems inhibiting the competitiveness of industries, develop long-term strategies to address those problems, and create broad consensus in support of those strategies; and (3) make recommendations on issues crucial to the development of coordinated industrial strategies. Directs the Council to examine and make available to the public all international agreements on foreign trade that have been agreed to by the United States. Directs the Council to monitor, and maintain public records regarding, the effect of imports on domestic industries. Requires the Council, not later than one year after the date of enactment of this title, to transmit a report to the Congress and the President containing recommendations for changes in any Federal policy necessary to implement effective industrial strategies. Requires the Council to make annual reports concerning the major industrial development priorities of the United States. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1985
Field Office Closing Justification Act - Requires executive agencies (except the General Accounting Office and the Department of Defense) to report to the Congress prior to any personnel action respecting an employee assigned to any field office which is incidental to a reorganization of such field office. Describes such personnel action as removal, reduction in grade or pay, involuntary reassignment, or furlough.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1985
Petroleum Marketing Practices Act Amendments of 1985 - Amends the Petroleum Marketing Practices Act to: (1) redefine the term "failure"; and (2) define the terms "constructive termination" and "similar motor fuel marketing operations." Defines "constructive termination" to mean: (1) the failure by the franchisor to supply the franchisee with motor fuel in an amount equal to the minimum specified in the franchise agreement; (2) the failure by the franchisor to make motor fuel available to the franchisee in such minimum amount at a price which enables the franchisee to compete with similar motor fuel marketing operations of the franchisor; or (3) any adjustment in the quantity of fuel a franchisee is required or entitled to receive unless the franchisor can show that either the adjustment is applied equally to all franchisees and marketing operations of the franchisor within the relevant geographic area, or, if it is a downward adjustment, the franchisor can show that it is reasonable. Authorizes a franchisee who seeks court relief to make a prima facie case of inability to reasonably compete by showing that the price charged to the customer is less than the franchisee's cost of serving such customer. Prohibits a motor fuel franchisor from constructively terminating a franchise. Requires a franchisor, in certain circumstances prior to terminating a franchise, to make a bona fide reasonable offer to transfer the franchise to the franchisee. Permits nonrenewal of a franchise relationship if the franchisor and franchisee cannot agree to changes or additions to the provisions of the franchise which are fair and reasonable. Prohibits nonrenewal because of the failure of the franchisor and franchisee to agree to changes or additions to the provisions of the franchise which relate to materially altering, adding to, or replacing the marketing premises. Permits nonrenewal, in a situation where renewal is presently permitted, when it would be uneconomical to the franchisor despite any reasonable changes acceptable to the franchisee, only if the franchisor demonstrates that the nonrenewal is not being made with the intent of avoiding competition with the franchisee. Requires a franchisor to notify a franchisee, 90 days prior to the franchisor's final opportunity to exercise an option to buy or to continue leasing the land where the franchise is located, of the name, address, and phone number of the owner or holder of the underlying lease. Provides that if a franchisee enters into an agreement with the owner or lessor to maintain possession of the premises, then the franchise agreement may continue, at the option of the franchisee. Requires any franchisor who competes with its own franchisees to supply motor fuel to its franchisees at a price and on terms which reasonably enable the franchisee to compete with the franchisor. States that the burden of proof is on the franchisor to show lack of competition. Revises the definition of "trial franchise." Permits a franchisee to maintain a civil action against a franchisor if the franchisor constructively terminates the franchise. States that the death, retirement, or disability of a franchisee shall not be grounds for termination or nonrenewal of the franchise if, prior to the franchisee's death, retirement, or disability, the franchisee provides the franchisor with a succession plan. Permits termination or nonrenewal if: (1) the franchisor notifies the franchisee in writing, within 30 days of receipt of the plan, of the franchisor's rejection of the plan; (2) the rejection notice includes reasons for the rejection; and (3) the rejection is reasonable. Provides a franchisee with the right to sell or otherwise transfer the franchise subject to the approval of the franchisor. Prohibits the franchisor from withholding such approval upon the grounds that the territory within which the franchise is operated has been designated as direct marketing territory for the franchisor.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1985
Designates May 25, 1985, as National Holstein Day.
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 · 6 May 1985
Immigration Exclusion and Deportation Amendments of 1985 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to make only the following classes of aliens ineligible to receive visas and be permitted admission into the United States: (1) any alien with a communicable disease of public health significance; (2) any alien with a record of behavior or mental impairment that poses a threat to property or safety; (3) any alien convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude, with specified exceptions; (4) any alien convicted of two or more offenses for which the aggregate sentences actually imposed were five years or more; (5) any alien convicted of specified drug violations; (6) any alien who has engaged in terrorist activity against the United States or against a citizen of the United States; (7) any alien who participated in Nazi persecutions; (8) any alien deemed by the Attorney General as a probable security risk for certain specified reasons, including terrorist activity; (9) any alien who is likely to become a public economic burden; (10) any alien seeking to enter the United States for the purpose of performing skilled or unskilled labor, with certain qualified exceptions; (11) any alien who is a graduate of a medical school not accredited by a body approved for such purpose by the Secretary of Education, with certain exceptions; (12) any excluded or deported alien who seeks readmission within one year of the event, unless such readmission is consented to by the Attorney General; (13) any alien seeking to enter the United States by fraud or the willful misrepresentation of a material fact; (14) any stowaway alien; (15) any alien who aids any other alien in illegal entry; (16) any immigrant not in possession of a valid immigrant visa and passport at the time of admission; (17) any nonimmigrant not in possession of a valid passport authorizing the alien to return to the country from which he or she came; and (18) any alien ineligible for U.S. citizenship, including a person who left or remained outside the United States to avoid U.S. military service in time of war or national emergency. Repeals provisions dealing with bond and conditions for admission for permanent residence for retarded, tubercular, and mentally ill aliens. Makes deportable by the Attorney General only those aliens within one of the following classes: (1) any alien who at the time of entry was within one or more of the classes of aliens excludable by then existing law; (2) any alien entering the United States without inspection or at a time and place other than as designated by the Attorney General; (3) any alien admitted as a nonimmigrant who has failed to maintain such status; (4) any alien arriving from a foreign contiguous territory or adjacent islands who has not resided in such territory or islands for at least two years prior to such arrival; (5) any alien convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude committed within five years from the date of entry and who is either sentenced or confined for a term of one year or longer; (6) any alien who at any time after entry is convicted of two or more crimes involving moral turpitude; (7) any alien who at any time after entry is convicted of a violation of certain drug laws; (8) any alien who at any time after entry is convicted under weapons-possession laws; (9) any alien who at any time is convicted on any of various specified loyalty laws (e.g. sabotage, treason and sedition, selective service, etc.); (10) any alien who fails to comply with alien registration laws or foreign agent registration laws; (11) any alien convicted of fraud or misuse of visas or other entry documents; (12) any alien engaging in activity which endangers the public safety or national security, including terrorist activity; (13) any alien who within five years after entry has become a public economic burden; (14) any alien who has engaged in terrorist activity against the United States or against a citizen of the United States; or (15) any alien who participated in Nazi persecutions.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1985
Uniformed Services Former Spouses' Equity Act - Provides that a former spouse of a member of the uniformed services shall be entitled, unless expressly provided by a spousal agreement or court order, to an annuity: (1) equal to 50 percent of the retired or retainer pay of the member if married to the member throughout the creditable service of the member; or (2) equal to a pro rata share of 50 percent of such pay if not married to the member throughout the entire creditable service of the member. Requires that an election by a member not to participate, or to participate at a reduced level, in the Survivor Benefit Plan or to provide an annuity for a dependent child only must be made jointly with the member's spouse. Provides that such an election must be in writing. Allows a member who has a former spouse to jointly elect by a spousal agreement with such former spouse or as provided under a court order to provide a survivor to the former spouse or to waive such an annuity. Treats a former spouse as a spouse for purposes of eligibility as a beneficiary, computation of annuities, and reductions in retired or retainer pay under the Survivor Benefit Plan if the member elects such treatment. (Present law treats a former spouse as a person with an "insurable interest" subject to certain restrictions and requiring larger reductions in retired or retainer pay.) Establishes a 24-month period during which members who were already divorced before the effective date of this Act may elect to have a former spouse covered under the Survivor Benefit Plan. Provides that a former spouse's share of retired or retainer pay shall be based on the gross amount of such pay. (Present law bases such share on the net amount of such pay after specified deductions.)
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1985
Medicare Vision Reform Act of 1985 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide coverage for all services provided by a doctor of optometry. (Current law permits coverage for optometric services only if related to the condition of aphakia). Requires payment for optometric services to be made on the basis of an assignment.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1985
Prohibits States from using any device to abridge or deny the right of an individual to be placed on, or to have such individual's political affiliation placed on, a ballot or similar voting materials in a Federal election. Allows States to impose specified prerequisites regarding petitions for placement on ballots. Allows States to waive such requirements for candidates or political affiliates which receive certain amounts of votes in the most recent election for President or the Senate.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1985
Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to eliminate the "sexual deviation" exclusion provision.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1985
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the President should remove Marianne Mele Hall from the Copyright Royalty Tribunal.
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 · 30 April 1985
Universal Health Insurance Act of 1985 - Adds a new title XXI to the Social Security Act entitled "Basic Health Insurance." Provides, under title XXI, for: (1) the establishment of one or more service areas within each State to deliver health care services; (2) the establishment of benefit standards; and (3) the selection of carriers through competitive bidding. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services in establishing the benefit standards to include the types of coverage normally provided by health insurance plans, including maternity and postnatal care and catastrophic protection. Provides that every U.S. national and lawfully admitted alien shall be eligible to enroll with a participating carrier. Provides that the annual premium for such insurance shall be equal to six percent of the sum of: (1) the amount of an individual's verified income; and (2) the amount of the individual's net assets. Provides that coverage under a title XXI plan shall: (1) be secondary in payment to any other insurance or benefit plan; and (2) not require any evidence of medical insurability from any individual. Provides a premium discount to enrollees who make little or no use of such insurance. Authorizes appropriations to carry out new title XXI in an amount equal to: (1) 100 percent of the cigarette excise tax; and (2) such additional amounts as may be required. Requires such funds to be used for making payments to to health insurance carriers for health insurance coverage contracted for by the Secretary under title XXI. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose an additional tax on cigarettes.