United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1985
Westway Landfill Funding Prohibition and Hudson River Habitat Protection Act of 1985 - Prohibits the Secretary of Transportation from expending funds for the Westway landfill in New York City, New York.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1985
World War I Veterans' Service Pension Act - Directs the Administrator of Veterans Affairs to pay a monthly pension of $150 to each veteran of World War I who meets specified service requirements. Requires such veteran, if receiving another pension administered by the Veterans Administration (VA), to elect which pension he will receive. Provides for the payment of a monthly pension of $100 to surviving spouses of World War I veterans who meet certain marriage requirements. Requires such surviving spouses to choose between pensions if they are currently receiving another pension through the VA.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1985
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose an additional excise tax on gasoline of ten cents per gallon. Provides that such tax shall be in addition to the nine cent per gallon excise tax currently imposed on gasoline. Provides that revenues raised by such additional taxes shall not be transferred to the Highway Trust Fund or the Airport and Airway Trust Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1985
Declares that all persons in the workplace, regardless of whether they are employed in manufacturing or any other industrial or commercial enterprise, have a fundamental right to know when they are handling or are exposed to a hazardous substance which may threaten their health and well-being. Declares that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration should immediately revise its Hazardous Communication Standard so as to: (1) provide for the dissemination of meaningful information to workers on the actual identity and composition of hazardous substances which workers handle or are exposed to; (2) extend "Right to Know" protection to all workers in all industries and services which are not covered by this standard; and (3) set minimum requirements which States may improve upon through appropriate legislation. Commends the action of those State and local governments which have passed community "Right to Know" laws to safeguard the health and well-being of all their citizens in the community at large.
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 1985
Amends the National Parks and Recreation Act of 1978 to increase from five to ten years the time period between the Secretary of the Interior's approval of a comprehensive plan for the Santa Monica Mountains Zone and the time the State of California may apply for grants for land acquisition and public facility development in such Zone.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1985
Resources Cost Cutting and Conservation Act of 1985 - Provides for the implementation of user fees for: (1) summer recreation homes on Forest Service land; (2) specified agricultural marketing services; and (3) electric power sold by a Federal Power Marketing Administration. Requires reports to the Congress on: (1) a proposed auction-bid system of user fees for domestic livestock grazing on public rangelands; and (2) current policy regarding the sale of firewood from national forests.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1985
Federal Health Care Cost Cutting Act of 1985 - Directs the Secretary of Defense and the Administrator of Veterans Affairs to report to the Congress concerning actions taken to implement the recommendations of the September 1, 1982, GAO report entitled "Millions Can Be Saved Through Better Energy Management in Federal Hospitals." Amends part B (Peer Review of the Utilization and Quality of Health Care Services) of title XI and titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require second opinions with respect to elective surgery procedures.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1985
Federal Motor Vehicle Expenditure Control Act of 1985 - Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to: (1) direct the head of each executive agency to designate one person from the agency to establish and operate a central monitoring system for the oversight of agency motor vehicle operations and related activities; (2) require the head of each executive agency to develop a system to collect and analyze all costs incurred by the agency with respect to motor vehicles used by the agency; and (3) promulgate standards governing the establishment and operation by executive agencies of such system. Directs the head of each executive agency to include with its requests for each fiscal year a statement containing specified information concerning motor vehicle acquisition, leasing, operating, maintenance, and disposal costs. Requires such statement to explain: (1) why the agency's motor vehicle requirements cannot be met through the Interagency Motor Pool System operated by the Administrator of General Services; or (2) how such requirements could be met through a qualified contractor in the private sector. Directs the President to report to the Congress with a summary and analysis of such statements. Requires the Director and Administrator of General Services to direct the heads of executive agencies to consolidate motor vehicle administration and maintenance facilities if consolidation would be cost effective. Directs the Administrator to take such actions as necessary to reduce motor vehicle storage and disposal costs. Provides that of the total amount of budget authority provided for FY 1986 that would otherwise be available for the operation, maintenance, leasing, and acquisition of nontactical, non-law enforcement motor vehicles, $100,000,000 of the amount intended for such purposes in the President's FY 1986 budget shall not be made available. Requires the Director to report to the appropriate House and Senate committees with respect to the implementation of such budget restriction. Requires reports to the Congress from the Director, the Administrator, and the U.S. Comptroller General with respect to the implementation of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1985
Department of Defense Cost Savings Act of 1985 - Prohibits the Secretary of Defense or the Secretary of any military department from operating or allowing a commissary to operate on any military installation unless: (1) such installation is located outside a metropolitan area; and (2) not more than one retail store offering the same food supplies as those of the commissary is located within ten miles of the installation. Directs the Secretary of Defense to establish and implement a competitive rate program applicable to the transportation of household goods to and from Alaska and Hawaii. Repeals Federal law which prohibits utilizing such a rate system. Requires, before the closure or realignment of any military bases occur, the Secretary of Defense or the Secretary of the military department concerned to file with the Armed Services Committees of the House and Senate a concise statement of findings together with a succinct justification for such base closure. Reduces from 60 days to 30 days the waiting period required after such reports are submitted before any specific closure action may be taken. Maintains the 60-day waiting period in areas with a higher-than-average unemployment rate or if such closure or realignment would increase unemployment in such area by one percent or more. Requires the Secretary of Defense, within 90 days after the enactment of this Act, to establish and implement an aircraft fuel conservation program. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress on the same date concerning such program.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1985
Tax Collection Cost Cutting Act of 1985 - Expresses the sense of the Congress that appropriations should be increased for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to provide an additional 2,500 examination personnel in each of FY 1986, 1987, and 1988. Expresses the sense of the Congress that for FY 1986 an additional $17,000,000 should be appropriated for use in the Information Returns Program for contacting persons who underreport income. Revises standards for inputting paper documents for computerized matching for purposes of the Information Returns Program. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to submit an annual report to each House of the Congress on the direct and indirect effects of the enforcement presence of the IRS. Specifies requirements for such report. Repeals the ten-day grace period for filing of returns and payment of excise taxes on tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes.
United States · United States Congress · 27 March 1985
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that travel by Members of Congress to the Soviet Union and travel by Soviet leaders to the United States serves the interests of the two nations and that such travel is encouraged.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1985
Designates the Study Center for Trauma and Emergency Medical Systems at the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems at the University of Maryland as the National Study Center for Trauma and Emergency Medical Systems.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1985
Passenger Car Crashworthiness Rating and Labeling Act - Amends the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966 to direct the Secretary of Transportation to promulgate a Federal motor vehicle safety standard establishing passenger car crashworthiness rating and labeling requirements. Sets forth provisions of such motor vehicle safety standard.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1985
Mail Order Drug Paraphernalia Control Act - Makes it a Federal criminal offense for any person to use the U.S. Postal Service or any private parcel service in interstate commerce as part of a scheme to sell drug paraphernalia. Imposes a penalty of imprisonment for not more than three years and a fine of not more than $100,000. Provides for the seizure and forfeiture of any paraphernalia involved in a violation of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1985
Labor-Management Notification and Consultation Act of 1985 - Prohibits any employer (i.e. any business with 50 or more employees) from ordering a plant closing or permanent layoff until 90 days after the employer serves written notice of a proposal to issue such an order to: (1) the representative of the affected employees or, if none, to each affected employee; and (2) the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service. Provides for reduction of such notification period if the Service determines that unavoidable business circumstances prevent the employer from withholding such closing or layoff until the end of such period. Provides for extension of such notification period thus prohibiting the ordering of such closing or layoff while the employer is subject to an order to continue to consult. Prohibits an employer from ordering a plant closing or permanent layoff unless the employer has: (1) met with representatives of the affected employees with respect to a proposal to order such closing or layoff; and (2) consulted in good faith with such representative for the purpose of agreeing to a mutually satisfactory alternative to or modification of such proposal. Makes such obligation to consult commence on the date of notice and continue until the end of the 90-day notification period. Provides that such consultation period shall be extended if the Service determines that the employer has failed to comply with such consultation requirements. Authorizes the Service to renew any such extension imposed. Requires the employer to disclose to the affected employees' representative information necessary for thorough evaluation of: (1) the proposal to order the closing or layoff; and (2) any alternatives or modifications suggested to such proposal. Authorizes the Service to issue protective orders to prevent disclosure of information which could compromise the employer's competitive position. Sets forth provisions for the administration and enforcement of requirements under this Act. Provides for: (1) assistance by the Service to employers, employee representatives, affected employees, State employment services, and other State and local officials; (2) investigations and injunctive actions by the Department of Labor; (3) civil actions against employers; and (4) civil actions against representatives of employees. Provides that the rights and remedies provided to employees by this Act are in addition to any other contractual, statutory, or other legal rights and remedies of the employees. Expresses the sense of the Congress that employers who, because affected employees do not have a representative, are not required to comply with the consultation and disclosure requirements under this Act should consult with and disclose information to such employees in order to reach a mutually satisfactory alternative or modification of the proposal to order the closing or layoff. Establishes a National Commission on Plant Closings and Worker Dislocation. Requires the Commission to report to the President and the Congress within 12 months of the appointment of members. Terminates the Commission 30 days after such report. Authorizes appropriations for the Commission.
United States · United States Congress · 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
Department of Defense Competitive Procurement Act of 1985 - Prohibits the amount of competitive defense procurements made during a fiscal year from being less than: (1) the applicable percentage for that year; and (2) the amount of all applicable procurements made by the Department of Defense during that year. Prohibits the obligation of funds for the purchase of goods or services in an other-than-competitive procedure if in any fiscal year the amount of competitive defense procurements is less than that required. Defines "competitive defense procurements," "applicable percentage," and "applicable procurements" for purposes of such requirement.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1985
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose an additional excise tax on gasoline, diesel fuel, and special motor fuels. Sets the rate of such tax, per gallon, at: (1) ten cents in 1986; (2) 20 cents in 1987; (3) 30 cents in 1988; (4) 40 cents in 1989; and (5) 50 cents in 1990 and thereafter. Provides that such tax shall be in addition to the nine cent per gallon excise tax currently imposed on gasoline, diesel fuel, and special motor fuels. Specifies that revenues raised by such additional taxes shall not be transferred to the Highway Trust Fund or the Airport and Airway Trust Fund. Provides that specified exemptions to such excise taxes shall not apply to the additional taxes imposed by this Act.
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
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 · 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 · 5 March 1985
Sulfite Safety Act of 1985 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to prohibit the use of sulfiting agents in raw fruits and vegetables. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to reevaluate and report to the Congress on the use of such agents in other foods, including wine, dried fruit, and seafood.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1985
Form 1099 Paperwork Relief Act of 1985 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow the inclusion of dividend payments with the required informational statement furnished to taxpayers receiving dividends. (Present law requires separate mailings of dividend payments and such informational statements.)
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1985
Requires presidential primaries to be held during the period beginning the second Tuesday in March and ending on the second Tuesday in June in the year of the presidential election. Directs the Attorney General of the United States to seek compliance with this Act by civil action for equitable relief in Federal district court.
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
Employee Educational Assistance Act of 1985 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend indefinitely the income tax exclusion for employee educational assistance programs. (Present law terminates such exclusion as of December 31, 1985.) Limits the maximum amount of such exclusion (beginning in 1986) to $5,000 of amounts paid or expenses incurred for educational assistance furnished to an employee during a calendar year. Exempts graduate students engaged in teaching or research activities from such maximum limit. Provides for annual cost-of-living adjustments in such maximum limit beginning in 1987.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1985
Expresses the sense of the Congress that, in order to honor the Camp David Accords, Egypt should: (1) return its Ambassador to Israel; (2) take steps to increase trade and tourism with Israel; and (3) take steps to curb anti-Semitic statements.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1985
High Risk Occupational Disease Notification and Prevention Act of 1985 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct research into improving the means of: (1) surveillance of employees exposed to occupational health hazards; and (2) medical monitoring and treatment of employees exposed to occupational hazards. Provides that such research shall be conducted primarily through the occupational and environmental health centers established under this Act. Lists areas such research is to include (among which are: studying the etiology and development of such diseases; developing means of medical surveillance of exposed employees; and developing educational programs). Directs the Secretary to undertake or sponsor additional epidemiological, clinical, and laboratory research to identify and define additional employee populations at risk of occupational disease. Provides that: (1) this expanded research shall be conducted or sponsored by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH); and (2) in conducting such research, NIOSH shall have access to prior and current employment, occupational, and health-related data and information maintained by Federal agencies. Authorizes the Secretary, in carrying out such research, to employ experts and consultants. Establishes a Risk Assessment Board, within NIOSH, to: (1) review current medical and other scientific studies and reports concerning the incidence of disease associated with employment; (2) report to the Secretary on the state of current research on such diseases; and (3) designate, from such review, employee populations at risk of disease associated with hazardous occupational exposures. Sets forth factors which the Board must consider in identifying such populations at risk. Directs the Board, within ten days of making a finding that a class or category of workers is a population at increased risk (30 percent greater incidence of disease than a comparable worker population not exposed to the hazardous occupational exposure) or a population at high risk (100 percent greater incidence than the comparable worker population not exposed), to recommend to the Secretary that individuals within such populations be notified and, in cases of high risk, be eligible for services and information under this Act. Gives priority for Board review to those employee populations exposed to hazardous occupational exposures for which there already exists a permanent standard under the Occupational Safety and Health Act. Requires the Board to transmit to the Secretary its findings and recommendations on these employee populations within one year after the effective date of this Act. Directs the Secretary, upon determination that a given class or category of employee is a population at risk of occupational disease, to notify each individual within such population at risk. Sets forth the required contents of such notification, including counseling information. Directs the Secretary to establish a telephone "hot line" for the personal physicians of employees who have received such notification, to provide additional medical and scientific information concerning the nature of the risk and its associated disease. Directs the Secretary to prepare and distribute other medical and health promotion material and information on any risk subject to such notification requirements and its associated disease as the Secretary deems appropriate. Provides that, in carrying out such notification responsibilities, the Secretary shall have access to information and data contained in any Federal agency records, solely for the purpose of obtaining names, addresses, and work histories of employees subject to such notification. Directs the Secretary to establish and certify occupational and environmental health centers. Provides that such centers shall be selected from: (1) educational resource centers of NIOSH and similar centers of the National Institute for Environmental Health Sciences; and (2) at a later date, existing health care facilities, in an appropriate number to obtain even regional distribution of such centers throughout the United States. Sets forth criteria for selection of such centers. Requires such centers to be capable of providing research resources, diagnosis, treatment, medical monitoring, and family services for employees notified under this Act who are at high risk of occupational disease. Directs the Secretary to: (1) develop criteria governing the most appropriate type of medical monitoring; and (2) develop a program for training of existing personnel and procuring specialized equipment required under criteria for certification of such centers. Prohibits discrimination by any employer, insurance carrier, or any other person against any employee on the basis that the employee has been notified by the Secretary of being at risk of any occupational disease. Requires that the employee retain the same rates of pay, benefits and seniority as in the former job if, based upon sound medical advice or monitoring initiated under this Act, it is determined that the employee should be transferred to a less hazardous or non-exposed job. Prohibits any health care financing system from discriminating against an employee who has been notified by the Secretary under this Act in the payment of the costs associated with a medical monitoring program, or any subsequent treatment, including treatment required by a medical monitoring examination or the onset of disease. Sets forth procedures for review of discrimination complaints. Provides for reinstatement and specified compensation for employees who are discriminated against in violation of this Act. Sets forth civil penalties for persons or institutions that violate such discrimination prohibitions. Provides for injunctive relief against violations of this Act or any rule or regulation promulgated under this Act. Requires each health care financing system (including public and private health insurance programs, and the Medicare and Medicaid programs, and disability benefits under the Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance program) to provide appropriate testing, evaluation, and medical monitoring services to employees as required under this Act. Requires that the cost of testing, evaluation, and medical monitoring required by an employee as a result of hazardous occupational exposure and notification under this Act be included as a covered item in any health care financing system available to such employees through their employment or as individual purchasers of health insurance. Provides that any treatment provided by a health care financing system to an employee for a subsequent disease that was subject to a notification under this Act may constitute an insurance subrogation claim against a workers' compensation program or insurance carrier. Provides that notification of risk to an employee under this Act and subsequent medical evaluation and monitoring shall not constitute a workers' compensation claim, nor shall such notice toll any statute of limitations with respect to such a claim, except as specifically provided by law under a workers' compensation statute. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 and subsequent fiscal years.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1985
Select Commission on National Service Opportunities Act of 1985 - Establishes the Select Commission on National Service Opportunities to examine: (1) the effectiveness of existing service opportunities in the public and private sectors; (2) alternative types of national service programs; (3) the impact of potential changes in incentives for service; (4) the feasibility of incorporating existing and alternative service programs into a comprehensive national service program; (5) the need for and the desirability, feasibility, and cost of establishing and carrying out a program of mandatory national service; and (6) alternative ways to furnish educational assistance to participants in national service programs, and the costs of such alternatives. Directs the Commission to transmit a final report, with any recommendations for legislative or administrative actions, to the President and to the Congress not later than 15 months after its first meeting. Directs each affected executive department and agency to submit recommendations to the President for implementing such report. Directs the President to report to the Congress on the implementation of the Commission's recommendations. Terminates the Commission 180 days after its final report is transmitted. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1985
Tobacco Deregulation Act of 1985 - Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to repeal tobacco price support provisions. Amends the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 to repeal tobacco acreage allotment and marketing quota provisions. Amends the Food and Agriculture Act of 1965 to repeal tobacco allotment transfer provisions. Amends the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954 (P.L. 480) to exclude tobacco from specified concessional export provisions. Amends the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act to prohibit the Commodity Credit Corporation from assisting tobacco production. Amends the Agricultural Adjustment Act, as reenacted with amendments by the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937, to prohibit the issuance of tobacco marketing orders. Repeals the Tobacco Control Act. Withdraws congressional consent from any interstate compact regulating tobacco production and commerce.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1985
Commission on Congressional Financing Act - Establishes the Bipartisan Commission on Congressional Campaign Financing to consider and study laws, regulations, and public commentary relating to the financing of congressional elections. Requires such study to give particular attention to the extent to which current campaign financing practices undermine public confidence in the Government. Requires the Commission to consider the following changes in the present system of campaign financing: (1) increasing or decreasing allowable contributions; (2) initiating a plan of public financing; (3) making available free or subsidized broadcasting time; or (4) examining the role of independent expenditures. Directs the Commission to make reasonable efforts to achieve the broadest bipartisan consensus in arriving at its recommendations. Requires the Commission, not later than one year after enactment of this Act, to submit to the Congress its final report. Terminates the Commission 90 days after submission of such report. Requires the Director of the Congressional Research Service of the Library of Congress and the Chairman of the Federal Election Commission, not later than two months after enactment of this Act, to transmit briefing papers to the Bipartisan Commission which catalog and synthesize pertinent reports, analyses, and recommendations. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1985
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend the residential energy income tax credit for solar energy property for five years (from 1985 to 1990). Phases out the percentage of expenditures which may be taken into account for such credit between the years 1986 and 1990. Limits to $6,000 the maximum amount of expenditures for solar hot water systems which may be taken into account for purposes of such credit. Specifies additional standards which solar hot water systems and active space heating systems must meet in order to qualify for such credit. Increases and extends for five years (from 1985 to 1990) the energy investment tax credit for specified types of solar energy property.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 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.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1985
Benzidine Protection and Control Act of 1985 - Prohibits imports of benzidine or benzidine products on or after one year after enactment of this Act. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to enforce this prohibition. Directs the Secretary of Commerce, in consultation with the U.S. Trade Representative, to: (1) determine the scope and nature of benzidine and benzidine products in commerce in the United States; (2) determine the amount and sources of imports of benzidine and benzidine products; and (3) prescribe regulations which list the prohibited benzidine products and which set out the enforcement procedures. Directs the U.S. Trade Representative to: (1) begin consultations with those countries which produce or use benzidine and its salts; and (2) seek to negotiate through the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade a world-wide prohibition on the export of benzidine and its salts. Requires the Director of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health of the Public Health Service to: (1) identify those imported chemicals and products that are toxic; and (2) submit a list of such items to the Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1985
Authorizes the President, on behalf of the Congress, to present a gold medal to the family of Harry Chapin in recognition of Harry Chapin's efforts to address issues of world hunger. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to provide for the sale of bronze duplicates of the medal.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1985
Congressional Budget Act Amendments of 1985 - Title I: Congressional Budget Process - Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to revise the timetable with respect to the congressional budget process. Eliminates the second concurrent resolution on the budget. Requires the Congress to complete action on an annual concurrent resolution on the budget on or before April 15 of each year. Requires such budget resolution to set forth appropriate budgetary levels for the fiscal year beginning on October 1 of such year and planning levels for each of the two ensuing fiscal years. Provides that such resolution may also set forth: (1) reconciliation directives; and (2) the calendar year in which the Congress believes the unemployment goals of the Employment Act of 1946 should be achieved. Requires that any budget resolution reported by the Committee on the Budget of the House which changes any rule of the House of Representatives be referred to the Committee on Rules. Authorizes the Committee on Rules to report the resolution with an amendment to strike or change the provision affecting the rule. Requires the standing committees of the House and Senate to report their views and estimates to the respective Budget Committee by February 25 of each year. Requires the reports of the Budget Committees accompanying a budget resolution to contain certain information, including: (1) a comparison of Federal priorities by budget functional category; and (2) an explanation of the differences between the resolution and the views and estimates reported by the standing committees. Requires the joint explanatory statement accompanying a conference report on a budget resolution to set forth the common economic assumptions upon which such statement is based. Requires the Committee on the Budget of each House to consult with the standing committees of its House during the preparation, consideration, and enforcement of the budget resolution with respect to all matters which relate to the jurisdiction or functions of such committees. Requires the report accompanying a budget resolution and the joint explanatory statement accompanying a conference report on a budget resolution for a fiscal year to include an allocation for discretionary action for such fiscal year (or one or two ensuing fiscal years) of new budget authority, new spending authority, revenues, tax expenditures, new direct loan obligations, and new primary loan guarantee commitments to each House and Senate committee with jurisdiction over affected programs. Requires each committee to subdivide its allocation among its subcommittees. Prohibits either House from considering any legislation providing budget authority, spending authority, or credit authority within the jurisdiction of a committee until such committee reports the subdivisions of its allocated discretionary action. Requires reports and conference reports on budget resolutions to include a division of total new budget authority, total outlays, total entitlement authority, total new direct loan obligations, and total new primary loan guarantee commitments among House and Senate committees with jurisdiction over such authorities. Requires each committee to subdivide its share of the estimated division of budget outlays among its subcommittees and programs. Requires the budget resolution to be adopted before legislation providing new budget authority, new spending authority, new credit authority, or changes in revenues or the public debt limit is considered by the Congress. Allows floor consideration of a budget resolution to begin in the House of Representatives five days after the Budget Committee's report on such resolution has been made available to Members. Sets forth the procedure by which the House of Representatives may reject any amendment contained in a conference report on a budget resolution that has the effect of changing any House rule and that was not included in the resolution as passed by the House. Requires the House Committee on Appropriations to report all regular appropriations bills for the upcoming fiscal year by June 10. Requires each House and Senate committee to prepare budget scorekeeping statements to accompany any legislation, amendment thereto, or conference report amendment reported by the committee providing new budget authority, new spending authority, new credit authority, or changes in the levels of revenues or tax expenditures for a fiscal year. Requires the Congressional Budget Office's (CBO) budget status report to be issued to congressional committees on a monthly basis and to include information on legislation providing new spending authority or new credit authority or changing tax expenditures for a fiscal year. Requires the Budget Committees to provide Members with summary budget scorekeeping reports on at least a monthly basis. Requires CBO's five-year projection report to include information on entitlement authority and credit authority for each fiscal year. Prohibits the House of Representatives from considering any resolution providing for an adjournment period of more than three days in July until it has approved all regular appropriations bills for the upcoming fiscal year. Requires the Senate to approve all regular appropriation bills for the upcoming fiscal year by August 15. Revises the reconciliation process to require that any reconciliation directives by which budget authority, spending authority, credit authority, revenues, or tax expenditures need to be changed to effectuate the provisions of a budget resolution be included in such budget resolution. Prohibits the House of Representatives from considering any resolution providing for an adjournment period of more than three days in July until it has completed action on reconciliation legislation for the upcoming fiscal year. Requires the Senate to complete action on reconciliation legislation for the upcoming fiscal year by August 15. Establishes a new point or order against the consideration of legislation which would cause a committee to breach its allocation for discretionary action. Title II: Amendments to Title IV of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 - Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to revise controls on provisions of legislation providing new spending authority and to set forth controls on provisions providing new credit authority. Amends the definition of "spending authority" to include monetary credits and residual spending authority. Repeals the deadline by which authorizing legislation must be reported. Requires CBO's cost analyses of reported bills to include descriptions of any methods for establishing Federal financial commitments contained in such bills. Requires the General Accounting Office to: (1) study provisions of law providing spending authority and permanent appropriations; and (2) report to the Congress recommendations for the appropriate form of financing for activities or programs financed by such provisions. Requires the budgetary activities of the following entities to be included in the budget transmitted by the President to the Congress and in the concurrent resolution on the budget: (1) the Federal Financing Bank; (2) the Rural Electrification Administration and Rural Telephone Bank; (3) the Strategic Petroleum Reserve Account; (4) the United States Synthetic Fuels Corporation; (5) the United States Railway Association; (6) the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund; (7) the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund; and (8) the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund. Directs the Speaker of the House of Representatives to appoint a Member User Group to review and advise the Speaker on the effect of budgetary scorekeeping rules and practices. Title III: Additional Provisions to Improve Budget Procedures - Defines the terms "allocation for discretionary action" and "entitlement authority" for purposes of the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974. Requires CBO to: (1) provide necessary budgetary information to all congressional committees; (2) submit its annual fiscal policy reports to the Budget Committees by February 15; (3) report to the Congress in January of each year a listing of all programs and activities lacking authorizations of appropriations in the current and upcoming fiscal years; (4) conduct continuing studies to enhance comparisons of budget outlays, credit authority, and tax expenditures; and (5) submit to the Congress an annual inventory of all provisions of law providing tax expenditures. Sets forth requirements for baseline projections by CBO. Requires the President to submit the current services budget to the Congress by the first Monday after January 3 of each year. Requires that congressional committees receive prompt notification of all changes in budget functional categories. Amends the rules of the House of Representatives to: (1) make it the function of the Rules Committee to conduct a continuing study of, and report to the House on, the congressional budget process; (2) require the election of House committees within seven calendar days after a new Congress convenes; and (3) permit consideration of rescissions of appropriations and transfers of unexpended balances within the agency for which they were originally appropriated when such rescissions or transfers are included in a general appropriation bill. Title IV: Amendments to Subtitle II of Title 31, United States Code - Requires submission of the President's budget to Congress by the first Monday after January 3 of each year. Requires the Office of Management and Budget to submit the text of legislation necessary to implement budget proposals affecting revenues and spending authority within two weeks thereafter. Repeals a requirement that the President submit supplemental budget estimates and changes by April 11 of each year. Title V: Technical and Conforming Amendments - Makes technical and conforming amendments to the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974 and the rules of the House of Representatives. Title VI: Effective Date - Sets forth the effective dates for provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1985
Part B Premium Redistribution Act - Amends part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide that the monthly premium for part B enrollees shall be equal to 40 percent of the monthly actuarial rate for enrollees age 65 and over. Requires each such enrollee to also pay a tax imposed under the Internal Revenue Code equal to the lesser of $550 annually (to be adjusted annually) or an amount equal to one percent of the individual's adjusted gross income in excess of the zero bracket amount and his or her personal exemptions. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to annually determine the monthly premium. Authorizes to be appropriated annually to the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund an amount equal to the amount by which the total amount paid out of the Trust Fund exceeds the total premiums paid to the Trust Fund or transferred to the Trust Fund by the tax imposed under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1985
Requires Government procurement contracts to include provisions under which the contractor is prohibited from employing former Government officers or employees or former or retired members of the uniformed services who, during the five years preceding separation from Government service, had significant responsibilities for any procurement function with respect to such contracts. Declares such prohibition period to be that which ends five years after the end of the contract or the five-year period beginning on the date of the individual's separation from Government service. Sets forth the method of determining the liquidated damages to be paid by any contractor who violates such prohibition. Requires each contractor to send an annual report listing each former Government employee hired by that contractor within the previous five years to the agency by which each employee was last employed. Directs the Inspector General of each such agency to review the report to identify any violation of this Act. Requires the Director of the Office of Government Ethics to: (1) conduct an annual random survey of the reports to check for violations of this Act; and (2) report to the Congress annually on the operation of this Act. Makes this Act inapplicable to contracts for amounts less than $25,000.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1985
Amends the Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 1982 to extend permanently the increase in the excise tax on cigarettes. (Present law terminates such increase as of October 1, 1985.)