United States · United States Congress · 2 December 1985
National Conference on Cities and Towns Act - Directs the President to conduct a National Conference on Cities and Towns not earlier than December 1, 1986, and not later than December 1, 1987. Sets forth the purposes of such Conference concerning: (1) relations between cities and towns and the Federal system; and (2) present and future problems facing cities and towns. Encourages each State Governor to conduct a State-level conference to prepare for the National Conference. Sets forth the method of selecting delegates to such Conference. Requires all departments, agencies, and instrumentalities to provide assistance as necessary to facilitate the planning of the Conference. Requires the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to provide assistance as necessary for the organization and conduct of State conferences. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into contracts to carry out the purposes of this Act. Requires the Directors of the Congressional Research Service and the Congressional Budget Office to provide background materials for the use of participants in the National Conference and State conferences. Prohibits the use of funds under this Act to reimburse the expenses of participants to the National Conference. Authorizes the President to appoint an executive director and other directors and personnel as necessary for the Conference. Authorizes the detailing of Federal and military personnel in planning and administering such Conference. Requires a final report of findings and recommendations to the President and the Congress within six months after the date the Conference is convened. Requires that such report be distributed to delegates, alternates, and State Governors and be available for sale to the public. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 1985
Designates May 25, 1986, as Hands Across America Day. Authorizes and requests the President to commend: (1) United Support of Artists for Africa for their Hands Across America project; and (2) the American people for their commitment to helping people help themselves.
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 1985
Small Contribution Tax Credit Reform Act of 1985 - Amends the the Internal Revenue Code to repeal the income tax credit for contributions to presidential, state, and local candidates, political action committees, and newsletter fund contributions. Allows an income tax credit for congressional candidate contributions. Limits the amount of such credit to $100 for a taxable year ($200 in the case of a joint return).
United States · United States Congress · 13 November 1985
Establishes a field sanitation occupational health and safety standard with respect to agricultural employees engaged in hand-labor operations in the field. Provides that such standard shall be deemed to be an occupational health and safety standard promulgated, enforceable, and subject to penalties for violations under specified provisions of the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA). Prohibits modification, revocation, or challenge of such standard under specified provisions of OSHA. Provides that this Act shall not preempt any State occupational health and safety standard, or any provision thereof, which is more effective in providing sanitized potable drinking water and toilet and handwashing facilities for agricultural employees than the standard established under this Act. Specifies that such more effective State standards need not encompass other standards. Provides that, should there be any statutory restrictions on OSHA's ability to regulate certain agricultural employers, the States are not preempted from developing and enforcing field sanitation standards to apply to such employers.
United States · United States Congress · 5 November 1985
Declares that: (1) the people around the world desire a world free from the threat of war; (2) it is the hope of all citizens that the President and General Secretary Gorbachev will reach an arms control agreement which significantly cuts nuclear stockpiles and halts the arms race between the United States and the Soviet Union; and (3) in order to express this hope, all citizens are invited to light candles from dusk to dawn on November 19 and 20, 1985, while the President and Gorbachev meet in summit.
United States · United States Congress · 31 October 1985
Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to strike bronze medals commemorating the 100th Congress. Specifies the size of the medals, leaving their quantity and design to the Secretary's determination. Authorizes appropriations which are to be reimbursed out of proceeds from sales of the medals.
United States · United States Congress · 31 October 1985
Civil Service Supplemental Retirement System Act of 1985 - Title I: Civil Service Supplemental Retirement System - Establishes a Civil Service Supplemental Retirement Plan for Federal employees, postal employees, and Members of Congress who began service after December 31, 1983. Sets forth provisions for the benefit plan including: (1) eligibility for an annuity after five years of creditable service; (2) entitlements to retirement based on age and years of service; (3) the formulas for computing an annuity; (4) survivor election reductions; and (5) funding. Sets forth provisions for mandatory retirement for air traffic controllers, law enforcement officers, and firefighters. Establishes a Thrift Savings Plan under which participants may contribute up to 10 percent of their annual basic pay. Requires employing agencies to contribute the lesser of: (1) 50 percent of amounts contributed by the employee; or (2) three percent of such employee's basic pay. Provides for the payment of benefits, lump sum or annuity, at the employee's separation from service. Establishes in the Treasury the Thrift Savings Fund for the deposit and accounting of amounts under the Plan. Prescribes how money in such Fund shall be invested. Describes survivor annuities under the supplemental retirement plan. Describes disability benefits for employees who have completed five years of creditable service. Sets forth general and administrative provisions. Directs the Office of Personnel Management to pay all benefits payable under the benefit plan and administer provisions not specifically assigned to another entity. Directs the Office to adjudicate all claims under provisions it administers. Provides for annual cost-of-living adjustments in basic pensions based upon an increase in the Consumer Price Index. Provides for withholding of State income taxes from retirement annuities. Declares that basic annuities, survivor annuities, and disability benefits are exempt from legal process (i.e. levy, attachment, garnishment) unless otherwise provided by Federal law. Establishes in the executive branch the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board to be responsible for policies and regulations for, and review of, the investment and management of the Thrift Savings Fund. Directs the Board to establish an Employee Thrift Advisory Council to advise the Board on matters relating to investment policies for the Fund. Directs the Board to appoint an Executive Director to carry out its policies, invest and manage the fund, and administer provisions of the Thrift Savings Plan. Title II: Amendments to Chapter 83 of Title 5, United States Code - Provides for civil service retirement for certain employees excluded from the supplemental retirement plan. Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions - Amends the Federal Employees' Retirement Contribution Temporary Adjustment Act of 1983 to extend its provisions until January 1, 1987. Allows employees covered under such Act to elect participation in the supplemental retirement plan. Title IV: Effective Dates - Declares this Act in effect on January 1, 1987, with specified exceptions.
United States · United States Congress · 31 October 1985
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the Postmaster General should issue a stamp, before October 1, 1986, commemorating the 100th Congress; and (2) the U.S. Postal Service should conduct a public competition for the design of the stamp.
United States · United States Congress · 24 October 1985
Department of Defense Appropriation Act, 1986 - Title I: Military Personnel - Appropriates funds for FY 1986 for military and reserve personnel in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force, and for National Guard personnel in the Army and Air Force. Title II: Operation and Maintenance - Appropriates funds for FY 1986 for the operation and maintenance of the Army, the Navy, the Marine Corps, the Air Force, and the defense agencies, including their respective reserve components, and the Army and Air National Guards. Appropriates funds for the National Board for the Promotion of Rifle Practice, claims against the Department of Defense, the Court of Military Appeals, the tenth International Pan American Games, and environmental restoration (including transfer of funds). Title III: Procurement - Appropriates and transfers funds for FY 1986 for the procurement by the Army of aircraft, missiles, weapons, tracked combat vehicles, ammunition, and other equipment and materials. Appropriates and transfers funds for procurement by the Navy of aircraft, weapons, conversion and shipbuilding of vessels, and other equipment and materials. Prohibits the use of funds for naval vessel construction in foreign shipyards. Appropriates and transfers funds for Marine Corps procurement. Appropriates and transfers funds for procurement by the Air Force of aircraft, missiles, and other equipment and materials. Appropriates funds for the National Guard, Reserve, and defense agencies' procurement (including transfer of funds). Makes all such appropriations available through FY 1988 unless otherwise specified. Title IV: Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation - Appropriates funds for FY 1986 for research, development, test, and evaluation by the Army, Navy, Air Force, and defense agencies (permits the merger of appropriations for advanced research). Appropriates funds for the expenses of the Director of Defense Test and Evaluation. Makes all such appropriations available through FY 1987. Title V: Special Foreign Currency Program - Appropriates funds for FY 1986 for excess payments in foreign currencies for expenses in carrying out the programs of the Department of Defense. Title VI: Revolving and Maintenance Funds - Appropriates funds for the armed forces and defense stock funds. Title VII: Related Agencies - Appropriates funds for the intelligence community staff and the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System Fund. Title VIII: General Provisions - Limits the expenditure of appropriations for consulting services to contracts where such expenditures are a matter of public record. Prohibits the use of appropriations for unauthorized publicity or propaganda. Authorizes the Secretaries of Defense and of the service departments to procure the services of experts and consultants if advantageous to the national defense. Exempts the Defense Department from the prohibition against employing non-citizens. Makes appropriations for the Department of Defense (DOD) for the current and future fiscal years available for the following: (1) expenses connected with administration of occupied areas; (2) payments of rewards for information leading to the recovery of missing naval property; (3) payments of deficiency judgments arising out of condemnation proceedings; (4) leasing of buildings and facilities; (5) contract payments for the maintenance of tools and facilities; (6) maintenance of defense access roads; (7) milk purchases for enlisted personnel of DOD; (8) payments under leases for real or personal property; (9) the purchase of right-hand-drive vehicles; (10) payment of cost overruns for ship construction and repair; (11) payments for industrial fund activities incident to ship overhaul, maintenance, and repair; and (12) payments for depot maintenance contracts. Makes such appropriations also available for: (1) military courts, boards, and commissions; (2) certain utilities; and (3) exchange fees and disbursing losses. Directs the Secretary of Defense and each agency of the Department to assist American small and minority-owned businesses in their participation in defense contracts. Provides that no part of any appropriation contained in this Act remain available for obligation beyond the current fiscal year, unless expressly so provided. Permits the President to exempt appropriations available for military functions from the requirement that appropriations be distributed so as to prevent deficiencies or the need for supplemental funding. Authorizes the Secretary to provide for the cost of any increases in military personnel required by the President for airborne alert. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress monthly on the exercise of such authority. Prohibits the use of appropriations for specified practices, including: (1) proficiency flying; and (2) excess household goods shippage and storage. Permits the transfer of vessels among the Departments of Transportation and Defense. Prohibits the obligation of more than 20 percent of funds appropriated by this Act during the last two months of the fiscal year except as specified. Permits the Department of Defense to accept the use of real property and services from foreign countries in accordance with mutual defense agreements or occupational arrangements or as reciprocal international courtesies. Directs the Secretary to report quarterly to the Congress on the properties and services received. Permits the use of appropriations for research and development and for the acquisition or furnishing of facilities for such activities. Prohibits the use of appropriations for the procurement of any food, clothing, specified cloth (including cotton, silk, and wool) or synthetic fabrics, or specialty metals not grown, produced, or processed within the United States, with specified exceptions. Permits the use of appropriations for uniforms or uniform allowances for civilian employees. Limits the funds available for legislative liaison activities of the Department. Earmarks appropriations for the procurement of commercial transportation service from carriers participating in the civil reserve air fleet program. Authorizes the Secretary, in the national interest and with the approval of the Office of Management and Budget, to transfer and merge specified working capital funds. Directs the Secretary to notify the Congress of all transfers. Limits the cash balances which may be maintained in such funds. Prohibits the use of appropriated funds for: (1) fuel conversion at defense facilities in Europe; (2) the preparation of a request to the Appropriations Committees for reprogramming of funds, except as specified; (3) certain claims for physician or provider reimbursement for medical services provided under the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS); (4) public affairs activities beyond a specified amount; (5) administering funds credited to DOD under provisions of the Arms Export Control Act; (6) Senior ROTC units which have had classes with insufficient enrollment; (7) programs of the Central Intelligence Agency beyond FY 1987, with specified exceptions; and (8) military personnel costs associated with morale, welfare, and recreation activities. Prohibits the use of appropriated funds for the payment of anticipatory possession compensation claims to the Federal Republic of Germany other than claims under the Global Agreement. Permits the Secretary to contract with collection agencies to recover indebtedness to the United States. Prohibits the use of appropriations for: (1) certain noncompetitive contracts for studies or consulting services unless certain unique elements are present; (2) nonreimbursed medical care in the United States to foreign military or diplomatic personnel or their dependents; (3) certain second career training programs; (4) the demilitarization of surplus nonautomatic firearms of less than a specified caliber; (5) certain multiyear contracts utilizing economic order quantity procurement or unfunded contingent liabilities in excess of a specified amount; and (6) excessive per diems in lieu of subsistence when an enlisted member is in a travel status. Prohibits the use of appropriations for: (1) waivers of certain cost recovery under the Arms Export Control Act unless the Appropriations Committees are given advanced notice; (2) transportation of equipment or material designated as Prepositioned Material Configured in Unit Sets (POMCUS) in Europe in excess of four division sets, except as specified to maintain certain inventories at a fixed percent of established requirements; (3) the transfer of manufacturing equipment and data for military equipment to a foreign country without the prior approval of the Secretary concerned; (4) the transfer of a technical data package or any assistance from any Government-owned and operated defense plant manufacturing large caliber cannons to any foreign government; and (5) unjustified intelligence activity unless the Appropriations Committees are notified. Requires the Advanced Technology Bomber program to be funded at a level at least equal to that provided by the conference committee. Prohibits the use of funds for: (1) the purchase of foreign coal or coke for U.S. defense facilities in Europe when U.S. coal is available; (2) the procurement of manual typewriters from Warsaw Pact countries; (3) more than 37 Executive Schedule positions in the Department; (4) converting certain military technician positions to nonmilitary positions in support of the reserves and the guards; and (5) imposing a civilian personnel ceiling on industrially funded activities of the Department. Eliminates during FY 1986 the requirement that the Congress must authorize by law the end-strengths for civilian personnel in DOD. Prohibits setting any end-strenth limitations for such personnel during FY 1986. Requires FY 1987 defense budget requests to reflect such changes. Permits the transfer and merger of funds for increased pay costs for research, development, test, and evaluation. Prohibits the use of funds for: (1) leasing Department aircraft or vehicles to non-Federal agencies when commercial alternatives are available; (2) congressional lobbying; (3) certain multiyear leasing or chartering of vessels with excessive termination liabilities; (4) selling or leasing any land which is part of Fort DeRussy, Honolulu, Hawaii; (5) the operation of more than 247 commissaries in the contiguous United States; (6) procuring certain foreign-manufactured aircraft ejection seats; (7) unemployment benefits over a specified amount; (8) the pay of certain nonmilitary Army Reserve technicians; (9) the transfer of the Department of Defense Dependents Schools to the Department of Education; (10) certain purchases of aircraft power supply cable assemblies beyond a specified percent; and (11) purchasing dogs or cats to study the medical treatment of wounds. Prohibits the use of funds for: (1) the full-scale engineering development of any major acquisition program until the Secretary certifies to the Appropriations Committees that two or more production sources are not necessary or provides a plan for the development of two or more sources; and (2) the payment of unused, accrued leave in excess of 60 days. Limits the amount of funds which may be used for the transportation of dependent children of members stationed overseas. Permits the use of limited funds for travel expenses of the family of a member who dies in the line of duty to attend such member's funeral. Prohibits the expenditure of funds for the floating storage of petroleum in non-U.S. vessels. Earmarks funds for the Civil Air Patrol. Permits the use of funds for removing feral burros and horses. Prohibits the use of appropriations for continuation pay for dental officers serving in an over-manned specialty. Permits a limited transfer of funds for health care delivery demonstration projects upon notification of the Congress by the Secretary of such transfer. Prohibits the use of funds for the consolidation or conversion of certain heating facilities to district heating systems in defense installations in Europe. Prohibits the use of funds to compensate certain foreign selling costs. Permits the obligation of funds for humanitarian and civic assistance costs incident to authorized operations of the armed forces. Authorizes the Secretaries of the Army and the Air Force to retain in active status certain officers who need such status in order to maintain employment as a National Guard or Reserve technician. Prohibits the use of appropriated funds to transport any chemical munitions into the Lexington-Blue Grass Army Depot for future demilitarization purposes. Prohibits the use of appropriations for: (1) procurement of weapons systems for side-by-side testing of such systems with NATO countries, without prior notification to the Appropriations Committees; and (2) abortions, except where the life of the mother would be endangered. Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the Secretary should award defense contracts in FY 1986 to the extent possible to contractors who agree to carry out such contracts in labor surplus areas; (2) competition should be increased in providing for our national defense; (3) the President should consult with other NATO-member nations concerning Strategic Defense Initiative research, and that the Secretary of Defense should report to various congressional committees on the status of such consultations; and (4) the President should insist that pertinent NATO-member nations meet or exceed their pledges for a three percent annual increase in defense spending and that Japan further increase its defense spending during fiscal years 1986 and 1987. Prohibits the use of funds for contracting out activities performed by the Defense Personnel Support Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, unless the Appropriations Committees receive the results of a cost analysis of such action. Prohibits the use of funds for: (1) the integration of a nuclear warhead into the Joint Tactical Missile System; or (2) contracts for the overhaul, repair, or maintenance of any naval vessel which includes interport differential charges. Authorizes the Department of the Air Force and the Defense Logistics Agency to test a flat rate per diem system for military and civilian travel allowances, under certain conditions. Directs DOD to conduct a pilot test project of providing home health care to certain military dependents. Limits the availability of appropriations for educational costs for off-duty training of military personnel to specified percentages of such costs. Prohibits the use of appropriated funds for: (1) contracted professional surveying and mapping services for the Defense Mapping Agency unless such contracts are procured in accordance with certain selection procedures; and (2) conversion to contractor performance of an activity or function of DOD that is currently performed by more than ten DOD civilian employees until a cost analysis is completed on such and certified to the Appropriations Committees. Makes appropriations available to exchange or furnish mapping, charting, or geodetic data, supplies or services to a foreign country pursuant to an agreement for the exchange of such services. Sets aside specified funds for establishing a pilot program for advanced semiconductor research. Prohibits the use of appropriated funds for NATO cooperative research and development projects until 30 calendar days have elapsed following written notification to the Senate and House Committees on Appropriations and on Armed Services. Prohibits the use of appropriated funds for: (1) procurement or assembly of binary chemical munitions; or (2) the establishment of production facilities for such purpose. Expresses the sense of the Congress that appropriations for binary chemical weapons shall be considered only if certain enumerated conditions are met. Prohibits the use of appropriated funds for: (1) the procurement of C-12 aircraft unless competitive procedures are used; (2) a test of the Space Defense System (antisatellite weapon) until the President certifies to the Congress that the Soviet Union has tested such a weapon; and (3) procurement of 120mm mortars or ammunition for such mortars if manufactured outside the United States. Limits the funds available to initiate a replacement program for Presidential Air Force One aircraft. Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to transfer certain funds from the Foreign Currency Fluctuation, Defense account to the operation and maintenance appropriations provided in this Act, under certain specified conditions. 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 contractor. Specifies penalties for violations of this 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 an officer or employee of DOD, having significant responsibilities for a procurement function with respect to a contract, who contacts or is contacted by such contractor regarding future compensation, to report such contact to his or her supervisor and the designated ethics official and to disqualify himself or herself from all significant procurement functions regarding such contract until a report on such contact is made. Requires the Secretary to notify affected employees who leave DOD of these provisions. Requires contractors subject to such a contract term to issue to the Secretary an annual report listing specified information concerning individuals who had significant responsibilities for a procurement function, left the Government within the previous two years, and were compensated by that contractor after leaving Government service. Requires such reports on April 1 of each year, beginning with 1987. Requires the Secretary to assess such reports and report any possible violations to the Attorney General. Requires a copy of each such report to be sent to the Secretary of Defense. Requires the Secretary to assess such reports and report any possible violations to the Attorney General. Provides penalties for those contractors failing to file 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 and the Director of the Office of Government Ethics. 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 such compensation. Directs the Secretary of Defense to require a covered contract to provide that if the contractor submits to DOD for payment costs specified by law as unallowable, then: (1) such cost will be disallowed; and (2) a specified penalty will be imposed upon such contractor. Provides civil and criminal penalties for contractors who knowingly submit for reimbursement costs unallowable by law. Lists the following costs as disallowed under such a contract: (1) entertainment and social activities; (2) costs incurred to influence action on legislation or appropriation matters pending before the Congress; (3) costs of the defense of any fraud proceeding; (4) fines and penalties imposed for noncompliance with Federal, State, or local laws and regulations; (5) costs of membership in any social or dining club or organization; (6) alcoholic beverages; (7) contributions or donations; (8) advertising; (9) models, gifts, souvenirs, or other memorabilia; (10) other items proscribed by the Secretary of Defense; and (11) aircraft travel to the extent such costs exceed the standard commercial fare. Allows such noncommercial air travel in specified limited circumstances. Requires the Secretary of Defense, within 150 days after the enactment of this Act, to issue regulations concerning the allowability of indirect contractor costs under DOD contracts. Requires such regulations to: (1) define in detail unallowable costs; and (2) provide that specific costs unallowable under one cost principle shall not be allowable under any other cost principle. Provides that such regulations shall require that a contractor provide current, accurate, and complete documentation to support the allowability of an indirect cost. Requires a defense contract auditor, whenever feasible and practicable, to be present at any meeting or negotiation regarding the allowability of an indirect cost. Requires a contractor to certify that all indirect costs included in a final settlement proposal are allowable. Allows the Secretary of Defense or the Secretary of the military department concerned to waive such certification in specified limited circumstances. Requires the Secretary to prepare a plan for competition for major defense acquisition programs before beginning the full-scale engineering development under any such program. Requires the Secretary to report such plan to the Senate and House Armed Services Committees, not later than at the same time the Secretary submits budget requests for full-scale engineering development programs. Outlines proposals to be included in such plan. Requires the Secretary to determine whether competitive alternative sources of competition exist for a program, and, if not, to revise the plan of competition. Requires at least two sources of supply before full-scale engineering development of a program takes place. Requires the Secretary to ensure that, of the total dollar amount of contracts awarded for a fiscal year for major acquisition programs, the amount awarded to the contractors whose proposals were most advantageous to the United States shall be greater than the amount awarded other contractors. Provides for waiver of such competition requirements in specified limited circumstances. Requires a defense agency that is responsible for the acquisition of property or services under a covered defense contract to record the contractor's proposed and negotiated cost and pricing data into appropriate categories such as labor costs, material costs, subcontract costs, overhead costs, general and administrative costs, fee or profit, and recurring or nonrecurring costs. Requires bills of labor to reflect a computation of work required in manufacturing parts and assemblies, and other specified information. Requires similar information to be detailed in a contractor's recorded bill of materials. Outlines contracts to which such provisions shall apply.
United States · United States Congress · 24 October 1985
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the United States: (1) should not sell advanced weapons to Jordan; (2) should ensure that Israel retains its qualitative military edge in the Middle East; and (3) should focus its efforts on bringing Jordan into direct peace negotiations with Israel.
United States · United States Congress · 22 October 1985
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to eliminate, for five years, in the case of individuals medically determined to have acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), the requirement that an individual be entitled to disability benefits for at least 24 consecutive months in order to qualify for hospital insurance benefits under part A (Hospital Insurance) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Act. Provides Medicare coverage of experimental AIDS treatment which is in accord with recognized clinical protocol.
United States · United States Congress · 22 October 1985
Awards a congressional gold medal posthumously to Leon Klinghoffer to show the Congress' admiration for the bravery he displayed while kidnapped by terrorists. Authorizes the President to present the gold medal to his widow, Marilyn Klinghoffer. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 16 October 1985
Declares that the Congress: (1) condemns the hijacking of the Achille Lauro and the murder of Leon Klinghoffer; (2) commends the President and others who assisted in the apprehension of the perpetrators of such hijacking and murder; and (3) calls on all governments having jurisdiction over such matter to ensure that the individuals responsible for such hijacking and murder are prosecuted and punished. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should convene an international meeting to determine the steps which must be taken to rid the world of hijacking and the taking of hostages.
United States · United States Congress · 2 October 1985
Corporation for Small Business Investment Charter Act - Amends the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to provide that references to small business investment companies operating under the Act shall be deemed to refer to small business investment companies operating under the provisions of this Act. Includes in the term "small business investment company" any organization which is qualified to conduct business with the Corporation for Small Business Investment. Requires small business investment companies to provide a source of equity capital for incorporated and unincorporated small businesses under such terms as the small business investment company may fix in accordance with the rules of the Corporation. (Currently, such capital is provided by small business investment companies in accordance with the regulations of the Small Business Administration.) Provides that small business investment companies may provide to small businesses: (1) equity investments and loans on a participation or guaranteed basis; and (2) consulting and advisory services on a fee basis. Establishes the Corporation for Small Business Investment. Authorizes the Corporation to: (1) make loans to small business investment companies; (2) purchase preferred securities, debentures, and guarantee debentures issued by such companies; and (3) act as issuer of such securities. Requires the Corporation to establish criteria for the qualification of: (1) small business investment companies to conduct business with such corporation; and (2) small business investment companies whose investments will be made solely in small businesses which will help facilitate the ownership in such businesses by persons who have been hampered by social or economic disadvantages. Permits the purchase of ownership interests in small business investment companies by national banks. Authorizes small business investment companies to: (1) purchase stock issued by the Corporation; (2) borrow money; and (3) issue its debenture bonds, promissory notes, or other obligations under conditions as prescribed by the Corporation. Authorizes and directs the Corporation and the Small Business Administration (SBA) to enter into an agreement in which the Corporation will acquire title to preferred securities and debentures issued by small business investment companies whose policy is to facilitate small business ownership by socially and economically disadvantaged persons, and held by the SBA, and Funds held by the SBA representing the reserve for losses against such preferred securities and debentures. Sets forth the conditions under which the Corporation shall hold such securities, debenture, and loss reserve Funds. Authorizes the Corporation to: (1) enter into agreements regarding the operation of small business investment companies; and (2) issue common and preferred stock. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to purchase obligations issued by the Corporation. Exempts from the securities laws of the United States all stock and obligations issued by the Corporation. Requires the Corporation to adopt rules on conflicts of interest which may be detrimental to: (1) small businesses; (2) small business investment companies; or (3) the Corporation. Requires the accounts of the Corporation to be audited annually. Requires a report of each such audit to be: (1) furnished to the Secretary; and (2) made by the Secretary to the President and the Small Business Committees of the Congress not later than six months following the close of each fiscal year. Requires the Corporation, after the end of each fiscal year, to transmit to the President, the Small Business Committees of the Congress, and the Administrator a report of its operations and activities during each year. Exempts from State usury laws all business loans made by a small business investment company pursuant to this Act. Transfers to the Corporation all title to small business investment company securities that are guaranteed by the SBA and held by the Federal Financing Bank.
United States · United States Congress · 2 October 1985
Amends the Small Business Act to provide that a small business shall not be eligible for assistance under the Small Business Administration's (SBA) small business and capital ownership development program or the award of Government procurement contracts under the small business set-aside program unless the Associate Administrator for Minority Small Business and Capital Ownership Development determines that such small business has met not less than 15 percent nor more than 80 percent of specified criteria relating to the competitiveness of such small business. Sets forth: (1) specified criteria and responsibilities for computing the competitiveness of a small business; and (2) circumstances under which such assistance to small businesses or the award of Government procurement contracts shall be denied. Provides that a small business shall be deemed by the SBA to be in the: (1) developmental stage of program participation (with respect to the small business and capital ownership development program) if such small business has met at least 15 percent but less than 70 percent of its criteria of competitiveness; and (2) transitional stage of program participation if such small business has met at least 70 percent of its criteria of competitiveness but has not yet graduated from such program. Defines "graduated". Defines "development investments." Establishes within the Treasury a revolving fund that shall be available to the SBA, without fiscal year limitation, to finance the purchase of development investments from small businesses. Authorizes the Administrator of the SBA to approve joint venture agreements between a small business and another business if such ventures will enhance such small business competitiveness and strengthen the free enterprise system. Sets forth specified conditions with respect to such competition. Provides that a small business that has graduated from the small business and capital ownership development program shall be eligible to receive from the SBA mainstreaming and other specified types of assistance. Prohibits any such assistance to a small business that has achieved or exceeded all of its criteria of competitiveness. Limits to 14 years the period of time that a small business shall be able to receive such assistance. Sets forth specified requirements and procedures with respect to the awarding of Government procurement contracts to small businesses. Requires the SBA within: (1) 60 days after enactment of this Act to conduct meetings with small businesses who participate in the small business and capital ownership development program to ascertain the extent of regulations that are necessary to implement this Act; (2) 120 days after enactment of this Act to publish proposed regulations in the Federal Register; and (3) 210 days after enactment of this Act to publish the final regulations in the Federal Register. Prohibits any SBA employee from performing any of the principal functions of a Business Development Specialist, a loan officer, or a management assistance officer as they relate to this Act unless such employee receives specialized training. Requires the first session of such specialized training to begin within 180 days after enactment of this Act. Repeals a specified section of the Small Business Act relating to the SBA's small business and capital ownership development program.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1985
Amends the copyright law to make permanent the prohibition against importing certain English language books not manufactured in the United States and Canada, denying copyright protection to books imported in violation of this restriction (the manufacturing clause).
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1985
Social Security Budget and Administrative Reorganization Act of 1985 - Title I: Establishment of the Social Security Administration - Amends title VII (Administration) of the Social Security Act to establish as an independent executive agency a Social Security Administration, headed by a Social Security Board. Provides that it shall be the duty of the Administration to administer the programs established by titles II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) and XVI (Supplemental Security Income) of the Social Security Act. Requires the Board to study and make recommendations as to the most effective methods of providing economic security through social insurance and as to legislation and matters of administrative policy. Establishes in the Administration: (1) a Commissioner of Social Security; (2) a Deputy Commissioner of Social Security; (3) a General Counsel; (4) an Inspector General; and (5) an Office of the Beneficiary Ombudsman, to be headed by a Beneficiary Ombudsman who shall represent the interests of beneficiaries under the Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance program and the Supplemental Security Income Program within the Administration. Requires the annual report of the Board to include a description of the activities of the Beneficiary Ombudsman. Requires the Board to make annual budgetary recommendations relating to the Administration. Requires that appropriations requests by the Administration for staffing and personnel be based upon a comprehensive workforce plan as established by the Board. Provides for the apportionment of administrative costs. Requires the annual report of the Board to include a section reflecting the use of budget authority provided to the Administration. Requires that authority for automated data processing procurement and facilities construction be provided in the form of contract authority covering the total cost of such acquisitions. Makes amounts needed for the liquidation of contract authority so provided available from the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund to the extent that such amounts are not needed to meet current obligations for benefit payments. Requires the Board and the Director of the Office of Personnel Management to implement demonstration projects relating to personnel matters. Directs the Board and the Administrator of General Services to implement such projects relating to delegations from the Administrator. Specifies the authorities which are to be delegated to the Board from the Administrator and the Director. Requires the Comptroller General to report to specified congressional committees concerning such projects, including an evaluation of the Board's readiness to assume full and permanent authority. Requires the Board to cause a seal of office to be made and judicial notice taken thereof. Provides for the transfer to the Administration of all functions carried out by the Secretary of Health and Human Services with respect to the programs and activities to be carried out by the Administration under this Act. Abolishes the position of Commissioner of Social Security in the Department of Health and Human Services. Sets forth effective date and transitional rule provisions. Title II: Conforming Amendments and Rules of Construction - Requires the Secretary and the Board to report to Congress within 120 days after the beginning of each regular session on their administration under this Act. Requires the Secretary to study and make recommendations on the most effective methods of providing economic security and on the administrative policy for the programs which he or she administers. Directs the Board to appoint, quadrennially, an Advisory Council on the Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance program and an Advisory Council on Health and Supplementary Medical Insurance to review the relation of the trust funds supporting the Old-Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance program and the Medicare program and the long-term commitments of those programs. Requires each council to submit a report to the Board for transmittal to the Congress and the Board of Trustees of each Trust Fund. Sets forth the effective dates of this title. Title III: Budgetary Treatment of Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance Program - Provides for off-budget treatment of the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund beginning with FY 1987.
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 1985
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives condemning the human rights abuses in El Salvador, including the indiscriminate attacks against Salvadoran civilians by the El Salvadoran armed forces.
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 1985
Expresses the concern of the House of Representatives over the pending Supplementary Extradition Treaty between the United States and the United Kingdom because of the treaty's: (1) effort to destroy the traditional "political offense" exception to extradition; and (2) retroactivity. Declares that the House of Representatives believes that changes in extradition law should be accomplished through legislation, not treaty, and that the House opposes renegotiation of existing extradition treaties on a country-by-country basis. Expresses the concern of the House that the system of justice in Northern Ireland would not give due process to persons extradited back under terms of the Supplementary Treaty. Urges the Senate Foreign Relations Committee to end its consideration of such treaty.
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 1985
Bicentennial of the Constitution Coins and Medals Act - Title I: Bicentennial of the United States Constitution Commemorative Coins - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to issue a specified number of five dollar gold coins and one dollar silver coins emblematic of the Bicentennial of the U.S. Constitution. Sets forth certain features of such coins and provides for their sale and issuance. Terminates the minting of such coins after December 31, 1987. Requires the Secretary to deposit in the Treasury all surcharges received from sale of such coins, to be used to reduce the national debt. Title II: Bicentennial of the United States Constitution Commemorative Medals - Directs the Secretary to strike and deliver to the Commission on the Bicentennial of the United States Constitution a specified number of gold, silver, and bronze medals commemorating the Bicentennial. Authorizes the Commission to dispose of such medals at a premium. Terminates the striking of such medals after December 31, 1987.
United States · United States Congress · 20 September 1985
Narcotics Control Trade Act - Directs the President to designate a country an uncooperative drug source nation if during any fiscal year beginning after September 30, 1985, such country: (1) was a source of any illicit narcotic and psychotropic drugs or other controlled substances that is significantly affecting the United States; and (2) did not cooperate with the United States in preventing such drugs and substances from affecting the United States by taking specified actions. Directs the President to report to the Congress the name of each such country. Denies the products of each such country most-favored-nation treatment until the President notifies the Congress that such country has made significant progress and will continue to make progress in remedying those policies on which an uncooperative drug source nation designation was based.
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 1985
Establishes a field sanitation occupational health and safety standard with respect to agricultural employees engaged in hand-labor operations in the field. Provides that such standard shall be deemed to be an occupational health and safety standard promulgated, enforceable, and subject to penalties for violations under specified provisions of the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OSHA). Prohibits modification, revocation, or challenge of such standard under specified provisions of OSHA. Provides that this Act shall not preempt any State occupational health and safety standard, or any provision thereof, which is more effective in providing sanitized potable drinking water and toilet and handwashing facilities for agricultural employees than the standard established under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1985
Law Enforcement Officers Protection Act of 1985 - Amends the Federal criminal code to define "armor-piercing ammunition." Excludes from the definition: (1) shotgun shot composed in order to comply with Federal or State law; (2) frangible projectiles for target shooting; (3) ammunition containing frangible projectiles; and (4) any ammunition or projectiles which the Secretary of the Treasury determines are primarily intended for sporting purposes. Makes it unlawful for any person to manufacture or import armor-piercing ammunition. Allows: (1) the manufacture or importation of armor-piercing ammunition for the use of the United States or any State or local government; (2) manufacture for the sole purpose of exportation; or (3) manufacture or importation for the purposes of testing and experimentation authorized by the Secretary. Establishes a licensing fee of $1,000 per year for manufacturers and importers of armor piercing ammunition. Authorizes the Secretary to revoke a license from a dealer for violating this Act. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to promulgate regulations allowing for special marking on armor-piercing communication and packaging. Establishes an additional mandatory sentence for any person who during and in relation to the commission of a violent crime carries a firearm and is in possession of armor-piercing ammunition capable of being fired by such firearm.
![Official portrait of Rep. Addabbo, Joseph P. [D-NY-6]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/a000052_200.jpg)