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 · 19 March 1985
Intergenerational Education Volunteer Network Act of 1985 - Authorizes the Secretary of Education to make grants to local educational agencies (LEAs), or to public agencies and private nonprofit organizations applying jointly with one or more LEAs, to establish and operate intergenerational volunteer network programs, using senior citizen volunteers to help educationally disadvantaged children. Provides that such volunteers will tutor such children in their elementary and secondary schools and homes and will serve as liaisons between their schools and families. Provides that such funds may also be used to: (1) train volunteers, teachers, and other school personnel involved in such programs; (2) develop curricula materials; and (3) assist volunteers to pay for program-related expenses. Requires that each such grant shall be made to provide 90 percent of the cost of establishing and operating the program involved for a period of two to three years. Requires the remaining cost of such program to be provided from non-Federal sources. Provides that at least 90 percent of the amount appropriated to carry out this Act in any fiscal year may be used to make such grants. Limits to ten percent of such appropriations the amount which may be used by the Secretary for: (1) administrative costs; (2) the preparation of a biennial report to the Congress on such programs; (3) leadership training for project directors and other designated project personnel; and (4) ongoing technical assistance for such programs. Limits to ten percent that portion of such a grant which may be used by the grantee for administrative costs. Prohibits any part of such a grant from being used to: (1) pay the cost of any program established before the enactment of this Act; or (2) supplant any funds that would be available to the grantee in the absence of such grant. Requires that eligible applicants submit grant applications which describe the program and which provide assurances that: (1) local senior citizen groups and parent groups, and State agencies on education and on aging, are involved in program design; (2) local senior citizen groups and parent groups are involved in program operation; (3) good faith efforts will be made to locate for program participation senior citizen volunteers through programs under the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973; and (4) only elementary and secondary schools and families eligible for assistance under title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 may receive assistance under this Act. Directs the Secretary, before approving any such application, to transmit a copy of it to the Director of the ACTION Agency for review or recommendation. Prohibits the Secretary from approving such application until: (1) receipt of the Director's recommendation; or (2) 30 days after such application is so transmitted. Directs the Secretary, in approving such applications, to assure equitable distribution of such grants among the States. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 through 1990.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1985
Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit engaging in, or furnishing money, goods, or services with the intent of assisting any group to engage in, military or paramilitary operations in a foreign country if there is a statutory prohibition against U.S. covert assistance to military or paramilitary operations in that country.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1985
Amends the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966 to impose criminal penalties upon manufacturers who fail to notify owners or purchasers of motor vehicle safety defects or failures to comply with motor vehicle safety standards.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1985
Amends the Clean Air Act to prohibit after 90 days after this Act's enactment any gasoline retailer, refiner, distributor, or reseller from selling leaded gasoline at a price below that for unleaded gasoline. Prohibits after 1985 the selling of gasoline with more than 0.1 grams per gallon of lead or lead additives.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1985
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the excise tax on cigarettes from: (1) $8 to $16 for small cigarettes; and (2) $16.80 to $33.60 for large cigarettes. Imposes a floor stock excise tax on small and large cigarettes. Appropriates 75 percent of the revenues raised by such tax to the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund (Medicare).
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1985
Amends the Safe Drinking Water Act to prohibit any chemical substances from being added artificially to a public water supply for any purpose other than: (1) to render the water safe for human consumption; (2) to test the water for contamination; or (3) to improve the taste or the clarity of the water.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1985
Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Aged Act - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to permit a State plan for medical assistance to provide assistance for outpatient prescribed drugs and other items for individuals who are 65 or older and who are either resident U.S. citizens or resident aliens and who have incomes below a certain level and are not otherwise eligible for medical assistance under the State medical plan, if: (1) the State has in effect a law permitting a licensed pharmacist to substitute a less expensive bioequivalent drug for another drug unless a licensed physician states that such a substitution is medically inappropriate; (2) the State plan provides that the amount of payment will not exceed the cost of the least expensive bioequivalent drug; and (3) the State has in effect a program of utilization review for such drugs. Sets forth requirements governing amounts of payments and copayments. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide for informing individuals who are 65 or older and who are entitled to Medicare (title XVIII of such Act) benefits of the benefits available under this Act in States which have elected to have a program of pharmaceutical assistance for the aged pursuant to this Act. Requires the Secretary to promulgate final regulations by September 1, 1985, to provide for State implementation of this Act. Provides that this Act shall apply to medical assistance furnished with respect to outpatient prescribed drugs furnished on or after October 1, 1985. Directs the Secretary to maintain statistical records on State programs of pharmaceutical assistance to the aged to determine the effectiveness and impact of such programs. Directs the Secretary to report to Congress on the programs when the FY 1987 budget for the Department of Health and Human Services is transmitted to Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1985
Polygraph Protection Act of 1985 - Prohibits any employer from using any lie detector test or examination in the work place, for both pre-employment testing and testing in the course of employment. Requires the Secretary of Labor to prepare and have printed notices setting forth this prohibition. Requires employers to post these notices. Provides for remedies for violations of this Act as found in the Fair Labor Standards Act. Exempts Federal, State, and local employees from the Act's coverage.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1985
Handicapped Children's Protection Act of 1985 - Amends the Education of the Handicapped Act to authorize the award of a reasonable attorney's fee as part of the costs to the parents or guardian of a handicapped child or youth who is the prevailing party in a civil suit under such Act to protect the child's right to a free appropriate public education. Requires the party seeking such an award to submit an application, including an itemized statement of such fees and expenses from the attorneys or expert witnesses. Authorizes the court to: (1) increase the amount awarded to the prevailing party if the court finds that the local or State educational agency or the intermediate educational unit has engaged in conduct which unduly and unreasonably protracted the final resolution of the matter in controversy; or (2) reduce or deny an award if it finds that the prevailing party engaged in such conduct. Prohibits such awards from being paid with funds provided to the State under such Act. Provides that such amendments shall apply to actions and proceedings brought on or after July 4, 1984, and actions and proceedings brought prior to such date which were pending on such date. Provides that nothing in the Education of the Handicapped Act shall be construed to restrict or limit the rights, procedures, and remedies under the Constitution, title V of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, or other Federal statutes prohibiting discrimination. Provides that specified provisions under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 relating to nondiscrimination toward the handicapped under Federal grants and programs shall be carried out in accordance with regulations in effect on July 4, 1984. Amends the Education of the Handicapped Act to provide for: (1) public access to hearing decisions; and (2) an informal complaint resolution procedure. Provides that any decision regarding participation in an informal complaint resolution meeting with the State or local educational agency or intermediate educational unit shall not affect the availability or provision of any rights of the parents or guardian of the handicapped child under procedural safeguard provisions of such Act.
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
Directs the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, to review a certain study by the Army Corps of Engineers regarding the feasibility of constructing a canal connecting Lake Erie and the Ohio River, Ohio and Pennsylvania, and report any findings to the Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1985
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
Amends the Public Health Service Act to revise the meaning of least restrictive setting for the mentally ill for purposes of community mental health grants. Requires States to have plans in effect governing the release of individuals from inpatient mental health facilities in order to receive such grants.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1985
Homeless Emergency Relief Act of 1985 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, through the Office of Community Services, to provide grants to local governments or nonprofit organizations for the provision of emergency services (shelter, food, and outpatient care) to homeless persons and families. Limits: (1) Federal amounts to 75 percent of project costs; and (2) individual grants to $5,000,000. Establishes in such Office the Emergency Shelter Grants Review Board which shall review applications and recommend grant recipients to the Secretary. Authorizes FY 1986 appropriations.
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
Micronesian Fellowship Act - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide fellowships to U.S. physicians to enable them to: (1) provide health care or health care training in Micronesia; or (2) undertake medical research in Micronesia on the health effects of nuclear weapons testing. Sets a limit of no more than 100 fellowships in any fiscal year. Directs the Secretary to provide, upon request, assistance to private professional organizations providing physicians to serve health needs in Micronesia. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 through 1988.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1985
States that appropriations from the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education and Related Agencies Appropriation Act of 1985 shall be made available to enable the Alcohol, Drug Abuse, and Mental Health Administration to award 583 new and competing research grants.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1985
States that the President should adequately provide for the civil rights and civil liberties of Marshall Islands, Caroline Islands, and Mariana Islands inhabitants upon a deployment of U.S. armed forces from the Philippines to such islands.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 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 on the necessary implementing legislation.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1985
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Secretary of State should recommend to the Attorney General that extended voluntary departure status be granted to alien nationals of Guatemala until the situation there becomes safe for their return.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1985
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the United States should investigate the activities of Dr. Josef Mengele; (2) Federal agencies should cooperate in collecting information concerning him; (3) the United States should request that specified nations in which Dr. Mengele is reported to have resided commence internal investigations relating to his residence; (4) the Attorney General should report to the Congress on the progress of the Mengele investigation; and (5) the United States, in conjunction with the Federal Republic of Germany and Israel, should establish an international task force to support such investigation.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1985
Handgun Crime Control Act of 1985 - Title I: Amendments to Chapter 44 of Title 18, United States Code - Amends the Federal criminal code to direct the Attorney General to approve for manufacture, assembly, importation, sale, or transfer any approved handgun model which is used for lawful sporting purposes. Makes it unlawful for any licensed manufacturer, importer, dealer, or collector to manufacture, assemble, sell, deliver, or transfer any handgun (other than a curio or relic) which is not an approved model. Makes it unlawful for any non-licensee to sell or transfer any handgun (other than curio or relic) unless such person knows or has reasonable cause to believe such handgun is an approved model. Prohibits a pawnbroker from being licensed as a dealer in handguns or handgun ammunition. Directs the Attorney General to review State laws providing for permits to carry and purchase handguns and certify those meeting specified standards. Allows an individual possessing a permit under a certified State law to purchase a handgun if certain requirements are met. Makes it unlawful for a licensed dealer to transfer a handgun to a person not holding a permit under a certified State law unless certain procedures are followed. Requires in any such case that the transferee appear in person at the dealer's business premises. Requires the dealer, before delivery of the handgun, to forward a copy of a sworn statement by the transferee to the chief local law enforcement officer of the transferee's place of residence and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for an identity and record check. Prohibits delivery until 21 days after submission of the sworn statement. Makes it unlawful for any licensed importer, manufacturer, dealer, or collector to sell to the same person, or for any non-licensee to purchase, three or more handguns during a period of one year without the prior approval of the Attorney General. Makes it unlawful for any person to fail to report the loss, theft, or disappearance of a handgun in his possession to the authorities within 24 hours after discovering such loss. Requires all licensed importers, manufacturers, and dealers to maintain accurate records of all handgun transfers. Makes any person who negligently transfers a handgun in violation of this Act civilly liable for the death or injury of an individual as a result of the use of such handgun by the transferee during commission of an offense. Makes it unlawful for any person to transport any firearm or ammunition in interstate commerce if such transportation violates a State law in a place through which the firearm is shipped or an ordinance at the place of sale, delivery, or other disposition. Increases the license fee for handgun dealers from $10 to $500 and for manufacturers and importers from $50 to $5,000. Makes it unlawful for any illegal alien, dishonorably discharged member of the armed forces, or U.S. citizen who has renounced such citizenship to possess, transport, or receive any firearm or ammunition. Amends the Omnibus Crime Control Act to allow the court to abate the penalties for using or carrying a firearm during the commission of a felony if certain mitigating factors are present. Title II: Gun Control Functions Transferred to the Attorney General - Transfers to the Attorney General all functions of the Secretary of the Treasury under the Gun Control Act of 1968. Establishes the Firearms Safety and Abuse Control Administration within the Department of Justice. Requires the Attorney General to report annually to Congress on the activities of the Administration. Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions - Directs the Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations, in consultation with the U.S. Conference of Mayors and the National League of Cities, to report on the intergovernmental problems involved in controlling illicit handgun traffic and the effectiveness of the Gun Control Act of 1968.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1985
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that no deductions shall be allowed for advertising or other promotion expenses with respect to arms sales.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1985
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) Paraguay should carry out an investigation to locate and arrest Josef Mengele and extradite him to the Federal Republic of Germany; and (2) the United States should take actions to ensure that Josef Mengele is brought to justice.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1985
Indian Health Care Amendments of 1985 - Title I: Indian Health Manpower - Amends the Indian Health Care Improvement Act to authorize appropriations for specified Indian health programs for FY 1986 through 1989, including scholarship programs and continuing education allowances. Prohibits the Secretary of Health and Human Services (the Secretary) from denying scholarship assistance solely on the basis of an applicant's scholastic achievement if such applicant has been admitted to, or maintained good standing at, an accredited health professions institution. Directs the Secretary to grant Indian Health Scholarships to Indians enrolled full-time in certain schools for health professionals. States that the active duty service requirements of the Public Health Service can be met by specified services, including: (1) service under a contract pursuant to the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act; and (2) the private practice of a health professional if such practice is in a health professional shortage area and addresses the health care needs of a substantial number of Indians. Title II: Health Services - Enumerates the health services for which the Secretary is authorized to expend Indian Health Care Improvement Fund appropriations. Prohibits the use of such funds to offset or limit appropriations made under other Acts. Conditions the allocation of such funds upon the health resource deficiency level of the affected Indian tribes. Allocates such funds on a service unit basis. Requires the Secretary to submit to the Congress a current health services priority system report, including the methodology for determining tribal health resources deficiencies, and the funds needed to raise all service units to a zero level deficiency. Directs the Secretary to establish a review mechanism for tribal petitions regarding the health resource deficiency level of a tribe. Requires the Secretary to provide a current update of tribal specific health plans. Requires at least one percent of the Indian Health Care Improvement Fund appropriation to be expended for research. Makes programs administered by tribal organizations under the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act eligible for specified funds on an equal basis with programs administered directly by the Indian Health Service. Directs the President to include with the submission of the budget a separate statement which specifies the amounts obligated to implement enumerated health services. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 through 1989 for specified health services. Designates such appropriations the Indian Health Care Improvement Fund. Establishes an Indian Catastrophic Health Emergency Fund to meet extraordinary medical costs for victims of disasters or catastrophic illness. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary to waive the competitive procurement requirements for health services upon certification by the responsible Chief Medical Officer that such requirements would compromise the quality of health services. Title III: Health Facilities - Requires the Secretary to submit to the Congress a health facilities priority system report regarding the construction or renovation needs of the ten top priority inpatient and ambulatory care facilities. Requires the Secretary to consult with any Indian tribe that might be affected by an expenditure for health facilities before the Secretary makes a commitment for such an expenditure. Conditions the closure of any health care facility upon the Secretary's submission to the Congress of an impact assessment one year prior to the contemplated closing. Enumerates the data to be included in such assessment. Directs the Secretary to implement a ten-year plan to provide safe water and sanitary sewage and solid waste disposal facilities to Indian homes and communities. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress regarding the Indian Health Service's current Indian sanitation facility priority system and the funds needed to raise all communities or tribes to a zero level of deficiency. Authorizes specified appropriations to provide sanitation facilities. Authorizes the Secretary to provide financial and technical assistance for the operation and maintenance of sanitation facilities, utility organizations, and emergency repairs of sanitation facilities. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 through 1989. Authorizes tribes to expend certain non-Indian Health Service funds for the renovation of Indian health facilities, subject to specified conditions. Authorizes the Secretary to exchange certain real property with the Bethel Native Corporation (Alaska). Specifies conditions under which the Secretary is required to negotiate an agreement to sell to such corporation a specified Service hospital and appurtenant facilities. Conditions such sale upon a lease-purchase agreement whereby the Corporation shall purchase the hospital and its facilities and the Service shall lease and operate such hospital and its facilities. Title IV: Access to Health Services - Extends the authorization for specified appropriations for grants and contracts with tribal organizations from FY 1986 through 1989. Title V: Urban Indian Health Services - Directs the Secretary to contract with urban Indian organizations to administer health services programs in urban areas. Sets forth specified requirements to be included in such contracts. Details eligibility criteria for the selection of such organizations. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into contracts with urban Indian organizations to determine the health status and unmet health care needs of urban Indians in affected urban areas. Delineates the requirements of such contracts. Requires the Secretary to: (1) develop evaluation procedures for the performance of such contracts; and (2) conduct annual onsite evaluations of each contracting urban Indian organization. Prescribes guidelines for the renewal of health care or referral services contracts. Prohibits renewal of contracts for determination of unmet health needs if their performance has been non-compliant or otherwise unsatisfactory and problems cannot be resolved. Requires certain reports to the Congress. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 through 1989 for purposes of carrying out such contracts. Title VI: Organizational Improvements - Establishes in the Office of the Secretary of Health and Human Services the Office of Indian Health Service to administer all Indian health programs and authorities assigned to the Secretary or the Surgeon General, including such programs and authorities under this Act and other specified Acts. Places the Office of Indian Health Service under the direction of an Assistant Secretary for Indian Health who shall be responsible for the conduct and operation of Indian health matters. Transfers the Indian Health Service to the Office of Indian Health Service (thus terminating the Indian Health Service as part of the Health Resources and Services Administration). Provides that the assignment of commissioned corps personnel to service within the Office of Indian Health Service shall not be affected except as specifically provided in this Act. Requires the Secretary to establish an automated management information system for the Indian Health Service. Title VII: Miscellaneous - Authorizes the Secretary to enter into legal agreements with Indian tribes or tribal organizations in order to provide compensation for facility space costs associated with the administration and delivery of health services by the Indian Health Service or tribally operated programs. Directs the Secretary to coordinate efforts with the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Education to develop programs to combat alcohol and drug abuse among Indian juveniles, including preventive education programs in schools operated by or under the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Directs the Secretary to establish an Office of Alcohol and Drug Abuse within the Indian Health Service. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 through 1989. Directs the Secretary to arrange with the National Academy of Sciences, in consultation with the Office of Technology Assessment, to conduct a study of health hazards faced by Indians and Indian miners exposed to nuclear resource developments on or near Indian communities. Directs the Secretary and the Indian Health Service to develop a health care plan which addresses the results of such study. Directs the Secretary to submit to the Congress both the health hazard study and the ensuing health care plan, within certain times. Authorizes appropriations for such study. Extends from FY 1984 to 1989 the time during which Arizona is designated as a contract health service delivery area. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 through 1989. Extends eligibility for health services of specified Indians in the State of California from FY 1984 through 1988. Establishes eligibility guidelines for certain California Indian and for certain persons who are otherwise ineligible for medical benefits provided by either the Indian Health Service or by tribes contracting with the Service. Designates the State of California as a contract health service delivery area. Lists programs eligible for Indian Health Service funds. Restricts circumstances under which the Secretary may remove a member of the National Health Service Corps who is performing obligated service in a health facility operated by or under the Indian Health Service. Sets a deadline by which the Secretary must develop and implement a plan to reduce Indian infant and maternal mortality rates to that of the general population. Directs the Secretary to provide contract health services to the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians who reside in the Trenton Service Area of specified counties in the States of North Dakota and Montana.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1985
Income and Jobs Action Act of 1985 - Declares that every adult American able and willing to earn a living has the right to a choice among opportunities for paid employment (part- or full-time) at decent wages or for self-employment. Directs all Federal agencies to plan and carry out their policies and programs so all adult Americans may exercise this right. Prohibits the Federal Reserve System or any other Federal agency from promoting recession, stagnation, or involuntary unemployment as a means of reducing wages and salaries or inflation. Declares that every adult American unable to work for pay has the right to an adequate standard of living that rises with increases in the wealth and productivity of the society. Provides that no adult American shall be judged unable to work merely because of the unavailability of suitable paid employment opportunities at a given time or place or because of the lack of previous employment. Requires, in the absence of such opportunities and until such opportunities can be provided, that an adult American able and willing to work for pay shall be provided with whatever income is required to maintain a moderate level of living, as defined by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Directs the President, in the first annual message at the beginning of the first session of the Congress after the enactment of this Act, to include specific proposals for a Conversion Planning Fund, to be administered by agencies determined by the President. Provides that such Fund shall promote short- and long-term plans for coping with declines in civilian or military activities by developing specific policies, programs, and projects (including feasibility studies, education, on-the-job training, and inducements for necessary and desirable labor mobility) for the expansion of economic activities in sectors where additional or improved goods or services are needed. Requires, in addition to such other funds as may be authorized, that such Fund include no less than one percent of the amount appropriated for military purposes during each subsequent year. Directs the President, within six months after the enactment of this Act and thereafter in each annual economic report and budget message, to transmit to Congress a staged program to create conditions under which the rights set forth in this Act may be enjoyed and to describe how the Conversion Planning Fund may be most productively used. Sets forth requirements for the design of such program, including provisions for locally based over-all planning. Directs the President, as part of such annual program, to transmit to Congress a short- and long-range schedule for implementing the purposes of the Act. Requires that such schedule include reductions in: (1) the military budget; (2) wasteful tax expenditures and loopholes; and (3) interest rates and Federal deficits. Requires that such schedule include: (1) recommendations for the appropriate use and direction of public and private pension funds; (2) the creation or promotion of private and public development banks, particularly in neighborhoods and other areas of high unemployment and poverty; (3) the promotion of educational activities within each State in accordance with locally-based overall planning, with special attention to educational processes that promote and use the creative abilities of businesses, labor unions, nonprofit voluntary and cooperative organizations, and the unemployed; and (4) timetables for developing the conditions for progress in attaining the policy goals of this Act. Requires that any outlays proposed under such plan and program be presented in terms not only of gross outlays, but also of net outlays, computed with a full estimation of specified factors.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1985
Family Farmer Bankruptcy Reform Act of 1985 - Defines a "family farmer" for purposes of Federal bankruptcy law as a person who received more than 50 percent of gross income from farming operations, including a person that is a corporation that issues stock: (1) which is not publicly traded; and (2) the majority of which is held by one family. Allows a family farmer that owes secured and unsecured debts totaling less than $1,000,000 to qualify as a debtor under bankruptcy provisions providing for the adjustment of debts of an individual with regular income. Authorizes a plan filed under such provisions to modify the rights of holders of claims secured only by a security interest in real property which is a family farmer's principal residence and which such family farmer uses for farming operations. Prohibits the court from granting a discharge of any debt for payment on a claim if the rights of the claim holder are so modified. Permits the court to approve a plan providing for payment over a period of up to ten years in the case of a debtor who is a family farmer. Provides for the confirmation of a family farmer's plan with respect to allowed secured claims on a basis similar to that provided under bankruptcy reorganization provisions. Allows a family farmer up to 270 days after such a plan is filed to commence making payments proposed by the plan.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1985
Amends a specified Federal law to increase the authorization of appropriations for FY 1986 and each subsequent fiscal year in order to provide: (1) financial assistance in support of cooperative agreements made with the Bethune Museum and Archives for the Mary McLeod Bethune Council House national historic site; and (2) grants to such Archives. Replaces the term "National Council of Negro Women" with "the Bethune Museum and Archives" in certain sections of such law.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1985
Money Laundering Act of 1985 - Title I: Money Laundering Offense - Amends the Federal criminal code to establish money laundering as a Federal criminal offense. Sets forth fines and penalties to be imposed against anyone who conducts transactions involving monetary instruments through a financial institution engaged in or affecting interstate commerce: (1) with the intention of carrying out specified types of unlawful activity; or (2) with knowledge that such monetary instruments represent income derived from such unlawful activity. Requires investigation of such an offense by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Internal Revenue Service, as appropriate. Establishes extraterritorial jurisdiction over such prohibited conduct. Title II: Currency and Foreign Transactions Reporting Act Amendments - Amends the Currency and Foreign Transactions Reporting Act to authorize the Secretary of the Treasury, in order to investigate the compliance of financial institutions with Federal recordkeeping and reporting requirements with respect to monetary instruments transactions, to: (1) examine the books, papers, and records of such institutions; and (2) summon and take testimony from an institution officer or employee or other person possessing relevant reports or records. Prohibits the Secretary from delegating such authority. Title III: Wiretap Amendments - Amends the Federal criminal code to authorize wiretaps to investigate offenses involving prohibited monetary instrument transactions or failure to comply with recordkeeping and reporting requirements with respect to such transactions. Title IV: Right to Financial Privacy Act Amendments - Amends the Right to Financial Privacy Act to allow a financial institution or an officer, employee, or agent thereof to disclose to a Government authority any information in a customer's records which it believes may be relevant to a possible violation of any statute or regulation. Provides that an institution, employee, officer, or agent that discloses information based on such a good-faith belief shall not be liable to the customer for such disclosure or for any failure to notify the customer of such disclosure.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1985
Amends the Federal Tort Claims Act to permit actions to be brought against the United States for money damages for injury, loss of property, or death due to exposure to radiation by a Government contractor carrying out an atomic weapons testing program. Provides for substitution of the United States as defendant if such action is brought against the contractor.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1985
Declares that the United States: (1) shall initiate a dialogue with the participants in the Contadora process to develop a common strategy for regional stability; (2) should assist efforts to implement specified objectives by offering such advisory services as may be requested and by exerting vigorous diplomatic efforts to persuade other governments involved in Central America to observe these conditions; and (3) should announce its willingness to pursue multilateral negotiations with the Central American countries. Requires the United States to communicate to Nicaragua its desire to resume negotiations to: (1) further the aims of the Contadora Act for Peace and Cooperation in Central America; and (2) promote the normalization of relations between the United States and Nicaragua. Declares that for the 90 days following enactment of this Act: (1) the United States shall suspend certain military assistance and arms sales to Central American countries except for medical facilities or supplies; (2) the United States shall suspend construction of military facilities in Central American countries; (3) the United States shall not participate in training exercises in or off shores of Central American countries; (4) the number of members of U.S. armed forces in any Central American country may not exceed the number in that country on the date of enactment of this Act unless needed to protect U.S. citizens; (5) the United States shall suspend all air reconnaissance flights for armed forces of any Central American country; and (6) there shall be no obligation or expenditure of Central Intelligence Agency funds, Defense Department funds, or any other U.S. funds to support military or paramilitary operations in Nicaragua by any nation, group, organization, movement, or individual. Requires the President to report to the Congress within 90 days of enactment of this Act on the results of U.S. policy in Central America.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1985
Agricultural Productivity Act of 1985 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to: (1) make an inventory of existing research and extension materials and recommend further areas of research regarding crop rotation, intercropping, biological pest control, and other related farming and soil conservation systems; and (2) make such information available to the public. Directs the Secretary to conduct research on 24 pilot farms (having specified mixes of livestock and crops) to examine the effects of the transition from practices relying on chemical fertilizers and pesticides and traditional soil tillage to systems relying on organic and biological pest control, crop rotation, and conservation tillage. Requires such farms to be chosen within 120 days. Directs the Secretary to make a parallel study of 12 farms which have been using such farm systems for at least five years. Sets the term of such projects at five years each. Sets forth on-farm study data, including soil profile changes, crop yields, energy and water use, and farm income. Directs the Secretary to make payments to the owner of a pilot farm if the Secretary determines such payments are justified. Stipulates that these payments may be made only during a project's last four years. Directs the Secretary to coordinate such pilot farms project with specified Federal and State agricultural services, colleges, and farmers. Directs the Secretary to report to the appropriate congressional committees: (1) within 15 months regarding the information inventory; and (2) by April 1 of each year regarding the pilot farms, with a final project summary and recommendations by April 1 of the year following completion. Provides for a five-year program of intercropping assistance under the Soil Conservation and Domestic Allotment Act. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1985
Prohibits any person employed by or acting on behalf of the U.S. Government from conspiring or engaging in an assassination. Prohibits any Federal agency from participating in or requesting any person to engage in an assassination.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1985
Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to provide that ERISA does not preempt State laws: (1) which protect the freedom of choice of an individual under an employee benefit plan to select any licensed health practitioner to perform health services covered by such plan; or (2) which require surety bonds, cash or security deposits, or other financial guarantees or assurances to protect employee benefit plans from insolvency.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1985
Prohibits any person from using any funds contributed by employees to a pension benefit plan to invest in South Africa. Sets forth penalties for violating this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1985
South Africa Political Sanctions Act of 1985 - Directs the President to sever diplomatic relations with South Africa: (1) two years after enactment of this Act, unless the President certifies to the Congress that South Africa has abolished its system of apartheid; or (2) 60 days after the President submits such a certification to the Congress unless, before the end of that 60-day period, a joint resolution is enacted approving the President's certification. Requires the President's certification to include statements that South Africa: (1) allows full and equal participation of nonwhites in the political system; (2) provides the same educational opportunities to nonwhites as are available to whites; (3) has eliminated discrimination in employment on the basis of race or ethnic origin; and (4) has terminated the policy of relocating South African blacks in the bantustans or homelands. Authorizes the President to resume diplomatic relations with South Africa only if: (1) the President makes a certification to the Congress; and (2) within 60 days after the President submits such certification a joint resolution is enacted approving the certification. Sets forth expedited procedures for considering such joint resolutions.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1985
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to provide that a divorced spouse or a surviving divorced spouse can qualify for benefits based on an insured's wage record if the marriage lasted for at least a year. (Current law requires the marriage to have lasted ten years.) Provides that such benefits shall be reduced to an amount equal to ten percent of such benefit, as otherwise determined, multiplied by the number of ten years of the marriage.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1985
Amends the veterans' educational assistance program to extend the delimiting period for use of educational benefits by Vietnam veterans from ten to 20 years, through December 31, 1995, at the latest.