United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Directs the Administrator of Veterans Affairs to construct a Veterans Administration hospital in Jacksonville, Florida. Requires the Administrator to secure the cooperation of the University of Florida College of Medicine in its training of medical students in Jacksonville. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Modifies the navigation project for Jacksonville Harbor, Florida, to authorize the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, to improve circulation in, and small boat navigability of, Mill Cove, Jacksonville Harbor, Florida.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Nonstructural Water Resources Development Act of 1985 - Amends the Water Resources Development Act of 1974 to require that equal consideration be given to structural, nonstructural, and primarily nonstructural water resource alternatives. Requires that non-Federal participation for recommended nonstructural or primarily nonstructural alternatives be equal to the non-Federal participation which would have been required for the most cost effective structural alternative. Prohibits the non-Federal share of the costs of flood damage prevention and water resource protection from exceeding 20 percent. Requires any Federal agency to recommend a nonstructural or a primarily nonstructural alternative if the agency concludes that the benefits of such alternative do not exceed its costs and the non-Federal participant agrees to increase its share by a specified amount. Directs the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, to: (1) evaluate ongoing studies of water resources problems; (2) select such studies with the highest potential for nonstructural solutions; and (3) ensure that nonstructural alternatives are emphasized in the planning of such studies. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Chief of Engineers, to expedite such planning and to submit to Congress an annual report on the progress made in identifying and implementing nonstructural and primarily nonstructural water resources projects. Applies the 20 percent limit on the non-Federal share of the costs of flood damage prevention and water resource protection projects to such projects authorized on and after October 1, 1981.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Defense Production Act Amendments of 1985 - Amends the Defense Production Act of 1950 to prohibit any Government acquisitions officer who is authorized to administer procurement contracts for an executive agency from accepting compensation from any contractor who received funds under contracts administered by such officer for two years following such officer's last day of Federal employment. Makes it a felony for a contractor to offer such compensation. Authorizes the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to issue regulations as necessary to implement this Act. Permits an officer who is offered compensation and the contractor offering such compensation to apply to OPM for an advisory opinion concerning the legality of such compensation under this Act. Directs OPM to: (1) publish notice of such application; (2) issue an interim opinion within ten days and a final opinion within 30 days; (3) provide an opportunity for interested parties to present information or comments concerning issuance of such opinion; and (4) publish and give the Congress specified information justifying the Office's opinion. Specifies conditions under which OPM may determine that such compensation does not violate the intent of this Act. States that reliance on such advisory opinion shall be a defense to a civil or criminal case brought under this Act. Requires all meetings of OPM to consider applications for an advisory opinion to be open to the public. Requires the Office to report annually to the Congress concerning its activities and its recommendations for promoting high ethical standards for Government employees. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Crimes in Labor Disputes Act of 1985 - Establishes criminal penalties for any act of violence, threat of violence, or conspiracy to accomplish such act in a labor dispute by any person or organization.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Amends the Contract Disputes Act of 1978 to disallow any claim by a contractor against the Government unless it is submitted to the contracting officer within three years after the act occurs which is the basis of the claim.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to require that for every two dollars a business deducts under the accelerated cost recovery system, one dollar in wages must be paid to new employees of the business. Provides an exception for small businesses whose depreciation deduction does not exceed $5,000. Prohibits a taxpayer from hiring new employees to replace former employees intentionally released by the taxpayer for the purpose of meeting this requirement. Provides that a business which does not meet this requirement shall be limited to the depreciation available under the former asset depreciation range system.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a deduction for a dependent who has attained the age of 65 to the same extent as a deduction is allowable for a dependent who is a child.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Reform of Federal Intervention in State Proceedings Act of 1985 - Amends the Federal judicial code to condition consideration of a habeas corpus claim by a prisoner on a showing of actual prejudice resulting from the Federal right violated and that: (1) State or Federal Government action precluded assertion of that right; (2) the Federal right did not previously exist; or (3) the factual basis of the claim could not have been discovered by reasonable diligence. Establishes a one-year statute of limitations for habeas corpus actions brought by State prisoners, and a two-year statute of limitations for similar motions made by Federal prisoners. Vests authority to issue certificates for probable cause for appeal of habeas corpus orders exclusively in the courts of appeals. Permits denial on the merits of habeas corpus writs notwithstanding the failure to exhaust State remedies. Prohibits the granting of a habeas corpus writ with respect to any claim which has been fully and fairly adjudicated in State proceedings.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Eliminates the jurisdiction of Federal courts established under article III of the Constitution to modify any State court order which is subject to review by the highest court of the State.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Amends the Comprehensive Older Americans Act Amendments of 1978 to make multipurpose senior centers available to handicapped or disabled individuals who have not attained 60 years of age (as well as to senior citizens).
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to direct the Civil Aeronautics Board to promulgate regulations which prohibit air carriers from dispensing alcoholic beverages and tobacco without charge to passengers.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Foreign Crimes Act of 1985 - Amends the Federal criminal code to make any U.S. citizen or national who, in certain circumstances, commits an act outside U.S. jurisdiction while serving with, employed by, or accompanying U.S. armed forces liable if such act would constitute a Federal crime if committed within the United States. Sets forth standards and procedures for the apprehension, restraint, removal, and delivery of such persons.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Requires written consent of the parties before Federal magistrates may conduct evidentiary hearings in habeas corpus proceedings attacking State custody of petitioners under State court judgments. Limits the circumstances under which Federal courts may consider petitions for habeas corpus in State court cases. Creates a three-year statute of limitations for filing habeas corpus petitions. Revises standards governing Federal court review of State court judgments.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Requires Federal agencies to use the most recent population data (rather than the most recent decennial census data) in determining the amount of benefits due State and local governments under Federal programs.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Directs the Consolidated Rail Corporation (Conrail) to pay certain employees who were deprived of employment between April 1 and September 30, 1976, a sum in compensation for disadvantages incurred with respect to any voluntary relief plan benefits or preretirement benefits provided under any life or medical insurance plan.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Amends the National Security Act of 1947 by adding a new Title V entitled Classification and Safeguarding of National Security Information. States that national security information may be designated and protected only in accordance with this title. Sets forth three classifications ("Top Secret," "Secret," and "Confidential") by which national security information may be designated. Promulgates standards defining each classification. Grants authority to originate the classification of material only to such officials as the President may designate or to any subordinate of such official who is designated as having frequent need of such authority. States that Congress shall periodically review the designations of such subordinates. Requires the President to prescribe regulations for the classification of material by agencies having no designated official. Identifies information which may be classified, including any information which if disclosed could cause identifiable damage to the national security. Prohibits the classification of information in order to conceal incompetence, inefficiency, wrongdoing, or administrative error, to avoid embarrassment to any individual or agency, to restrain competition or independent initiative, or to prevent for any reason the release of information the dissemination of which will not damage the national security. Sets forth regulations governing the identification of an item of classified material. Sets forth procedures to be followed by a holder of classified material who does not believe that such material has been properly classified. Requires the declassification of classified information as early as national security considerations allow. Directs the President to prescribe regulations to: (1) establish procedures for the periodic review of classified information to downgrade, declassify, or destroy such information; and (2) carry out this Act, including provisions assuring the security and accountability of such information. Declares that nothing in this Act shall affect any requirement made under the Atomic Energy Act of 1954. Sets forth: (1) criminal penalties for the knowing disclosure of classified information or material to any officer or agent of a foreign government or organization who is not authorized to receive such information or material; and (2) procedures for determining whether such material is lawfully classified. Establishes a penalty consisting of a fine of up to $1,000 or imprisonment of not more than one year, or both, for the classification of material to conceal incompetence, inefficiency, wrongdoing, or administrative error, to avoid embarrassment, to restrain competition or independent initiative, or to prevent or delay the release of information which should not have been classified.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Establishes a Commission on More Effective Government to study and recommend ways of promoting economy, efficiency, and improved service within the executive branch. Directs the Commission to recommend methods to improve the relationship between Federal, State, and local governments. Directs the Commission to submit a final report to the Congress ten days after the 99th Congress convenes. Terminates the Commission 90 days after such date. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that the unified credit against the estate tax shall not be reduced by gifts made after September 8, 1976, and before January 1, 1977, which are includible in the gross estate of the decedent.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide identical income tax rates for all taxpayers without regard to marital status. Bases such rate on the present rate imposed on married individuals filing joint returns. Repeals the tax tables for taxpayers who are: (1) heads of households; (2) unmarried individuals; and (3) married individuals filing separate returns. Limits the earned income that must be reported by a married person filing a separate return to the amount actually earned by that individual.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a personal tax exemption for a dependent who has attained the age of 65 or who is handicapped to the same extent as a tax exemption is allowed for a dependent who is a child.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Electric Consumers Protection Act of 1985 - Amends the Federal Power Act to require the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to issue a new license to an existing licensee for a hydroelectric project authorized under such Act if the United States does not, upon the expiration of the existing license, exercise its right to take over, maintain, and operate such licensee's project, unless the Commission determines that such licensee's project will not meet the licensing standards under such Act. Provides that if the Commission determines that such licensee's project does not meet such standards, the Commission is authorized to issue a new license to a new licensee which may cover the existing licensee's project provided that the new licensee pays just compensation determined by the Commission and enters into any contracts required under the Federal Power Act. (Under current law, the Commission is authorized to issue a new license to the original licensee or a new license to a new licensee if the United States does not exercise its rights with respect to an expired license.)
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Abandoned Shipwreck Act of 1985 - Provides that the United States asserts title to any abandoned shipwreck that is: (1) substantially buried in submerged lands of a State; (2) in coralline formations protected by a State on its submerged lands; or (3) on submerged lands of a State when such shipwreck is included or eligibile for inclusion in the National Register, and the public is given adequate notice of the location of the shipwreck. Declares that any title to abandoned shipwrecks asserted under such conditions is transferred to the State in or on whose submerged lands the shipwreck is located. States that any abandoned shipwreck in or on the public lands of the United States (except the Outer Continental Shelf) is the property of the United States. Directs the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation to publish, within six months after the enactment of this Act, advisory guidelines for the protection of shipwrecks and properties.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to promote the establishment of family support groups to assist individuals with Alzheimer's disease or a related disorder and their family members and to provide for a national coordinating network of such groups. Requires a report to the Congress within one year.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Maritime Redevelopment Bank Charter Act of 1985 - Amends the Merchant Marine Act, 1936 to establish the Maritime Redevelopment Bank of the United States as a privately capitalized mixed-ownership private corporation. Declares that the purpose of the Bank is to stimulate private investment in maritime enterprise through the performance of certain supplemental intermediate credit functions in secondary capital markets. Sets forth provisions concerning the general powers, Board of Directors, and officers of the Bank. Transfers certain Federal funds as the equity contribution of the United States to the Bank. Provides for the issuance of capital stock. Specifies the Bank's guarantee, loan, secondary market services, and insurance authority through which it may finance the construction, reconstruction, or modification of eligible projects. Includes as an eligible project: (1) any vessel eligible for documentation under U.S. laws; (2) any vessel or industrial product in a commercial shipyard of the United States; (3) any vessel under a licensing or coproduction agreement or joint venture between a domestic commercial shipyard and a foreign shipyard; or (4) any vessel under a consortium, joint venture, or cooperative agreement between a U.S. citizen and a person or governmental entity for operation in foreign trade. Subjects any such vessel to Government requisition in a national emergency. Authorizes the Bank to finance the construction, reconstruction, or modification of vessels in domestic commercial shipyards: (1) for conveyance to a Federal agency; (2) at the request of an agency for operation in foreign trade in order to encourage establishment of international cooperative agreements in commercial vessel construction and operation; (3) for operation in the coastwise or intercoastal trades on such conditions as will encourage accelerated replacement of obsolete tonnage and revitalize the liquid bulk crude and product carrier, dry cargo, and passenger vessel segments of those trades; or (4) for maintenance in the National Defense Reserve Fleet. Requires the Bank to be audited annually. Directs the Bank to submit the auditor's report and a copy of a review of the audit by the Comptroller General to the President and the Congress after each fiscal year. Establishes the National Shipbuilding Research and Development Corporation as a privately capitalized Government-sponsored private corporation. Declares the purpose of the Corporation to be to stimulate private capital investment in shipbuilding research and development in product and process technology. Sets forth provisions concerning the general powers, Board of Directors, officers, and capital stock of the Corporation. Directs the Corporation to: (1) conduct research and development in process and product technology; (2) conduct product-oriented marketing research in export development of high-value-added vessels and industrial products suitable for construction or fabrication in commercial shipyards and import substitution opportunities applying computer-integrated manufacturing technology; (3) implement worker retraining programs in commercial shipyards; (4) develop, test, and certify design and performance standards for vessels and components; (5) finance its activities through syndication, participation agreements, joint ventures, and limited partnerships; and (6) promote diffusion of developed technology through patents interchange, royalty, and license arrangements. Requires the Corporation to be audited annually. Directs the Corporation to submit the auditor's report to the President and the Congress after each fiscal year. Grants a mortgagee of a vessel financed by the Bank and documented under U.S. laws preferred status as long as the indenture trustee is a U.S. citizen.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Water Quality Renewal Act of 1985 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (the Clean Water Act) to authorize appropriations for FY 1983 through 1988 for: (1) specified research, investigation, and training programs in water pollution control; (2) State and interstate pollution control programs; (3) undergraduate programs in water quality control; (4) grants for developing waste treatment management plans for areas with substantial water quality control problems; (5) water pollution control programs in agricultural areas; (6) agreements among Government agencies providing for maximum use of existing programs for water quality control; (7) grants to States for lake pollution control; and (8) carrying out the Clean Water Act generally. Increases the authorization for grants for construction of waste treatment works for FY 1984 and 1985. Authorizes appropriations for such grants for FY 1986 through 1988. Extends the compliance date for specified priority toxic pollutants, all other toxic pollutants and the application of best available technology for all other pollutants to no later than three years and six months after effluent limitations are established. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to promulgate final regulations establishing effluent limitations for direct dischargers and limitations requiring pretreatment for all the priority toxic pollutants which are discharged from certain categories of point sources in accordance with a specified schedule. Requires the Administrator to publish in the Federal Register a list of all navigable waters in each State the water quality of which is being impaired by the discharge from specific sources of toxic pollutants. Directs the Administrator to establish an individual control strategy for each listed segment of navigable waters to reduce the discharge of such pollutants so as to achieve the fishable-swimmable goal of the Clean Water Act. Increases the Federal civil penalties for violations of water quality standard requirements. Requires the Administrator to monitor, study, and report to the Congress on the effects of the impoundment and discharge of waters by dams upon the quality of navigable waters. Directs the Governor of each State to submit to the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency for approval a report: (1) identifying navigable waters not meeting applicable water quality standards because of pollution from nonpoint sources (e.g., rainfall runoff as opposed to identifiable pipes); (2) identifying categories of significantly polluting nonpoint sources; (3) identifying State and local programs for controlling such pollution and improving the water quality of the navigable waters; and (4) describing administrative measures to be taken. Directs the Administrator to identify such waters and the nonpoint sources of such pollution if the Governor does not submit such report within a specified time. Requires each Governor to also submit to the Administrator for approval a four-year plan for controlling nonpoint pollution and a report identifying State or Federal agency programs which might conflict with such plan, together with recommendations for modification of existing programs. Requires each four-year plan to target offending land areas for the best land management practices, including the scheduling of targeted areas and categories of nonpoint pollution for implementation of such practices. Requires additional information by way of technical and financial means to be used to improve water quality. Directs the Administrator to consolidate and convey to the appropriate Federal agencies recommended modifications of existing programs necessary to implement States' four-year plans, which such agencies will comply with to the degree possible, consistent with existing law. Provides opportunities for revision of faulty plans. Authorizes the Administrator to provide technical assistance to a local agency to develop a four-year plan if a State fails to submit a satisfactory plan and the local agency is of sufficient geographical size. Treats such local agency as a State agency for implementation assistance purposes after such plan has been approved. Directs the Administrator to convene a management conference of the affected States when any State is unable to meet its applicable water quality standards because of pollution from nonpoint sources in another State. Requires the offending State to submit a plan for approval or revise an approved plan to reduce the pollution in the affected portion of navigable waters. Directs the Administrator to provide grants to States to assist in the implementation of approved four-year plans. Limits the Federal share to a maximum of 50 percent of costs, increased to 60 percent for watersheds with significant private participation in implementing nonpoint source pollution control measures. Sets forth other terms and conditions for such grants, including reporting and administrative requirements. Limits each grant per State to a maximum of 15 percent of total authorizations. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1987 through 1990. Authorizes the Administrator to give funding priority to States which have implemented effective regulatory mechanisms. Directs the Administrator to make grants to assist States with approved plans in carrying out groundwater water quality protection activities which will help advance such plans. Limits the amount of such assistance. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 through 1990. Directs the Administrator to report annually to the appropriate congressional committees on the progress made in reducing nonpoint source pollution in navigable waters. Directs the Administrator to make a final report by January 1, 1988, analyzing the effectiveness of the plans and State participation. Directs the Administrator to submit to specified congressional committees a lake restoration guidance manual establishing procedures to guide future State and local efforts to improve water quality in lakes. Adds to the authorized uses of grants for construction of treatment works projects to address water quality problems due to impacts of discharges from combined storm water and sanitary sewer overflows. Increases the amount of additional funds which the Administrator shall have available for addressing water quality problems of marine bays and estuaries subject to lower levels of water quality due to the impact of discharges from combined storm water and sanitary sewer overflows. Increases to 65 percent the Federal share of construction costs under the treatment works construction grants program. (Current law provides that the 75 percent Federal share shall be decreased to 55 percent for FY 1985 and subsequent fiscal years.) Deems the activated bio-filter feature of the project for treatment works of Little Falls, Minnesota, an innovative wastewater process and technique entitled to an 85 percent grant. Authorizes the Administrator to make a grant to fund all the costs of modifying or replacing biodisc equipment (rotating biological contractors) in any publicly owned treatment works if deficiencies are not attributable to negligence. Directs the Administrator to make preconstruction agreements with grant applicants for treatment work construction assistance to specify which costs are eligible for Federal payments. Requires grantee certification that the treatment process meets the applicable effluent limitations before the Administrator approves a project. Conditions local treatment works grants on the implementation of any required areawide waste treatment management and/or State plan and State compliance with water quality reporting requirements. Qualifies for treatment works grants purposes a system of user charges imposing lower charges for low-income residential users. Requires the Administrator to allot to States treatment works construction grants for FY 1986 through 1988. Extends through FY 1988 the authorization of appropriations for minimum allotments to States and specified U.S. territories and possessions. Increases the allotment for specified U.S. territories and possessions. Extends through FY 1988 the reservation of certain amounts from State allotments for State administrative expenses. Directs the Administrator to reserve specified amounts from the allotments of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut to make grants to the Interstate Sanitation Commission established by their interstate compact. Extends through FY 1988 specified provisions relating to minimum expenditures for increasing the Federal share of grants for construction of treatment works utilizing innovative processes and techniques. Requires a State to allocate at least 50 percent of its water quality management planning grant to regional and interstate public comprehensive organizations if it is useful to do so. Directs the Administrator to reserve specified appropriations for audits of such construction projects. Directs the Administrator to make grants for specified purposes from the appropriate State allotments for treatment works construction to: (1) the city of Avalon, California; (2) the owners of the Rocky River Wastewater Treatment Plant in Rocky River, Ohio; (3) Walker and Smithfield Townships, Pennsylvania; (4) the Elk Pinch Public Service District, Kanawha County, West Virginia; (5) the city of Taylor Mill, Kentucky; and (6) the city of Watsonville, California. Establishes a program of grants to States for establishment of State water pollution control revolving funds for providing assistance to municipalities and intermunicipal and interstate agencies for construction of publicly owned treatment works. Permits the modification of pH levels and the amount of iron and manganese in discharges from remined areas of coal remining operations if such operations provide potential for water quality improvement and use the best available technology. Directs the Administrator to consider the effects of specified factors on the ecosystem when developing water quality criteria, providing an ample margin of safety to protect human health and fish and wildlife resources. Directs the Administrator to publish a description of significant differences of opinion concerning a pollutant. Reduces the time in which the Administrator must promulgate guidelines establishing test procedures for the analysis of pollutants. Authorizes the Administrator to establish a single compliance date for pretreatment standards for a source subject to more than one if to do so would result in earlier total compliance and the use of compatible technologies. Extends the deadline for compliance with electroplating pretreatment standards. Directs the Administrator to maintain adequate personnel to implement pretreatment requirements. Authorizes a two-year extension for a treatment works to comply with a categorical pretreatment standard if it uses an innovative treatment system which has potential for industry-wide application and the treatment works can still comply with the terms of its permit. Revises criminal penalties. Adds civil penalties for specified violations. Revises the Clean Lakes Program to include saline as well as fresh water lakes. Directs the Administrator to make grants to State for priority projects for control of nonpoint sources of pollution contributing to the degradation of water quality in lakes. Adds provisions for grants to States to carry out approved methods and procedures to restore water quality which has deteriorated as a result of high acidity which may be due to acid deposition. Limits the amount of grants to 80 percent of costs. Requires such funds to be distributed on the basis of need. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 through 1989. Directs the Administrator to report annually to specified congressional committees on the status and trend of water quality in lakes in the United States. Directs the Administrator to study water quality problems in Lake Houston, Houston, Texas, and undertake control measures to improve water quality. Directs the Administrator to report to specified congressional committees on such study and measures. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Administrator to: (1) conduct a one-year comprehensive study of the Beaver Lake, Arkansas; (2) undertake a demonstration project for measures identified in such study for preserving and enhancing the reservoir's water quality; and (3) report, with recommendations, on such study and project to specified congressional committees. Makes specified funds available for such purposes. Directs the Administrator to undertake demonstration projects for specified cleanup operations for the following New Jersey bodies of water: (1) Greenwood Lake and Belcher Creek; (2) Deal Lake; and (3) Alcyon Lake. Directs the Administrator to report on such projects to specified congressional committees. Authorizes appropriations. Expands from five to ten years the permit term under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) unless a permit modifies specified requirements or the applicant has not consistently complied with any NPDES permit held by such applicant. Requires that such permits be modified promptly to insure compliance with any new or revised effluent limitation for toxic pollutants or any new or revised requirement pursuant to water quality standards established under specified provisions of the Clean Water Act which is more stringent than those in the existing permit. Prohibits the Administrator from requiring an NPDES permit for discharges of stormwater runoff from mining operations or oil or gas operations composed entirely of flows which are from conveyances or conveyance systems used for collecting and conveying precipitation runoff and which are not contaminated with process wastes, overburden, raw materials, toxic pollutants above natural background levels, spilled product, hazardous substances, or oil, or grease. Requires any person discharging such stormwater runoff to monitor the quality of water in such flows and report at least annually to the Administrator on the results of such monitoring. Prohibits the Administrator from requiring additional pretreatment by a discharger of conventional pollutants when its publicly-owned treatment works is not meeting NPDES permit requirements because of inadequate design or operation. Authorizes a partial NPDES permit program covering a portion of the discharges into the navigable waters in such State if it covers administration of a major category of such discharges or a major component of the State's NPDES permit program. Provides that a State may return, or the Administrator may withdraw approval of, delegated NPDES permit program responsibilities. Authorizes the Administrator to make a grant to the city of New York to install additional facilities and make modifications necessary for the Newtown Creek sewage treatment plant to provide secondary treatment. Limits the grant to 75 percent of costs. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Administrator to make grants to the city of San Diego, California, for construction of a project consisting of publicly owned treatment works to provide primary or advanced treatment of municipal sewage and industrial waste for the city of Tijuana, Mexico, and for San Diego. Directs the Administrator to make grants to the county of Cochise, Arizona, for construction of a project consisting of publicly owned treatment works in Naco, Arizona, to provide primary or more advanced treatment of untreated sewage emanating from the city of Naco, Sonora, Mexico and municipal sewage or industrial waste from Naco, Arizona. Authorizes appropriations. Imposes a cap on raw sewage discharges from the drainage areas of the North River plant, Manhattan, New York, and the Red Hook Plant, Brooklyn, New York, into navigable waters (the Hudson-Raritan Estuary) if New York City fails to meet the deadlines for achieving advanced preliminary treatment contained in the consent decree of December 30, 1982 (August 1, 1986, for the North River plant; August 1, 1987, for the Red Hook plant). Permits the Administrator to raise such cap for seasonal variation or so-called acts of God. States that violations of these requirements shall be considered violations of the the Clean Water Act as well as of the consent decree. Expresses the sense of Congress that the Administrator should not agree to any further modification of the advanced preliminary treatment schedule in the consent decree. Directs the Administrator to work with New York City, implement monitoring activities for both plants, and commence enforcement actions in the event of unexcused violations. Directs the Administrator to make grants to the Metropolitan District Commission, Massachusetts, for a project to undertake emergency improvements at the Deer Island Waste Water Treatment Plant in Boston, Massachusetts. Limits the Federal share to 75 percent of costs. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 through 1987. Directs the Administrator to pay, in the same proportion as the Federal share of other project costs, all expenses for the relocation of facilities for the distribution of natural gas with respect to the entire wastewater treatment works known as Oakwood Beach and Red Hook projects, New York. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Administrator to remove raw sewage discharged into Brady's Run and the Beaver River, Pennsylvania, resulting from the destruction of the Chippewa Township, Pennsylvania, sewage treatment facility. Directs the Administrator to study the feasibility and desirability of eliminating the regulation of de minimus discharges of pollutants into navigable waters. Directs the Administrator to report on such study to specified congressional committees within one year after enactment of this Act. Directs the Administrator to study the effectiveness of specified innovative and alternative wastewater treatment processes and techniques which have been used in treatment works constructed under the Clean Water Act. Directs the Administrator to report within two years on such study to specified congressional committees. Directs the Administrator to study the water quality improvements which have been achieved by application of best available technology economically achievable pursuant to specified provisions of such Act, to reporting to specified congressional committees within two year after the enactment of this Act. Directs the Administrator to study the testing procedures for analysis of pollutants established under specified provisions of such Act. Directs the Administrator to report, on such study to specified congressional committees within one year after the enactment of this Act. Directs the Administrator to conduct biennially a state-of-the art review of such test procedures to determine their adequacy and effectiveness. Directs the Administrator to submit to such congressional committees recommendations based on such review for modifying such test procedures to improve their effectiveness. Directs the Administrator to study the pretreatment of toxic pollutants and report to the appropriate congressional committees within two years after enactment of this Act. Directs the Administrator to study the problem of the corrosive effects of sulfides in collection and treatment systems, the extent to which the uniform imposition of categorical pretreatment standards will exacerbate this problem, and the range of available options to deal with the effects. Requires that such study be conducted in consultation with the Los Angeles City and County sanitation agencies which have observed examples of corrosion probably caused by sulfides. Directs the Administrator to report on such study to specified congressional committees within one year after enactment of this Act. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Administrator to make grants to provide alternate water supplies to replace contaminated groundwater. Makes owners or operators of a public water system or units of local government eligible for such assistance. Limits the Federal share of costs to 50 percent, also limiting the maximum amount of any one grant and total grants within a State. Directs the Administrator to report annually to Congress on such grants program, including information on the sources and extent of groundwater contamination and the number of people affected. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 through 1988. Authorizes the Administrator to make a grant of 75 percent of construction costs to the city of Des Moines, Iowa, for construction of the Central Sewage Treatment Plant. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Administrator to make a grant to the San Diego Water Reclamation Agency, California, to demonstrate innovations in wastewater reclamation. Authorizes appropriations. Revises the meaning of the phrase "discharge of any pollutant into marine water." Requires as new conditions for the modification of treatment requirements with respect to the discharge of pollutants from a publicly owned treatment works that an applicant for such modification demonstrate that: (1) in the case of a treatment works serving a population of 50,000 or more, there is in effect a specified pretreatment program for toxic pollutants introduced into such works for which there is no pretreatment requirement in effect; and (2) the effluent which is discharged from such works is receiving primary treatment and meets the criteria for water quality established by the Administrator. Directs the Administrator to convene a management conference if the attainment or maintenance of water quality in an estuary requires the control of sources of pollution in more than one State. Requires that an interstate agency be the lead agency if it has jurisdiction over all or a significant part of the estuary. Directs the Administrator to give priority consideration to: (1) Long Island Sound; (2) Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts; (3) Delaware Bay, Delaware and New Jersey; and (4) Albemarle Sound, North Carolina. Prohibits convening such a conference before a final adjudication has been made in any pending State boundary dispute involving the estuary. Requires a management conference to provide for the implementation of a master plan addressing the pollution problems of the estuary involved. Authorizes the Administrator to make grants to States participating in such a management conference equal to 50 percent of their implementing costs. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1984 through 1988. Authorizes appropriations to the Administrator for FY 1984 through 1988 for: (1) administrative expenses; (2) plan development grants; and (3) implementation monitoring. Directs the Administrator to continue the Chesapeake Bay program and to establish and maintain in the EPA an office of Chesapeake Bay Programs to: (1) collect and disseminate research and other information on the environmental quality of the Bay; (2) coordinate Federal and State research efforts; (3) conduct research on sediment deposition in the Bay; and (4) conduct research on how environmental changes impact on the living resources of the Bay, with particular emphasis on the impact of pollutant loadings. Directs the Administrator to make a grant to implement management mechanisms in the plan if the State has approved and committed to implement all or substantially all aspects of the plan. Requires a State or combination of States, in order to qualify for such grants, to submit a plan for proposed abatement actions and estimated costs for the approval of the Administrator. Limits such grants to 50 percent of the plan implementation costs. Limits administrative costs. Requires States to submit progress reports biennially to the Administrator for transmittal to the Congress. Directs the Administrator to make a grant to assess the principal factors having an adverse effect on the environmental quality of the Narragansett Bay in conjunction with developing and implementing a management program to improve such Bay's water quality. Limits such grants to 50 percent of the program implementation costs. Requires a State to submit a description of the proposed program for Administrator approval, demonstrating that it will: (1) establish a committee to provide advice on design and implementation of a management program and to coordinate communication on issues affecting such Bay's water quality; (2) review and coordinate Federal and State water pollution abatement programs; (3) establish methods for improving sampling data collection and a system for collecting, analyzing, storing, and disseminating such data; and (4) develop and implement water quality management practices and measures to reduce pollutant loadings in such Bay. Requires States to submit annual progress reports to the Administrator. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 through 1988 for such Chesapeake and Narragansett Bays programs. Sets forth provisions relating to the New York and New Jersey Harbor area. Directs the Administrator to: (1) collect and make available information on the environmental quality of the Harbor; (2) coordinate Federal and State improvement efforts; and (3) determine the impact of environmental changes on the living resources of the Harbor and on adjacent coastal areas, with particular emphasis on the impact of certain pollutant loadings. Directs the Administrator to make a grant to implement the management mechanisms contained in an interstate management plan for such Harbor. Allows an affected State or States to submit for Administrator approval such a plan, including the estimated cost of the proposed abatement actions. Limits the grant to 50 percent of implementation costs. Limits administrative costs. Requires such States to submit biennial progress reports on the implementation of such plans for transmittal to the Congress. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 through 1988. Authorizes the Administrator to undertake a study on consumptive uses of Great Lakes water, focussing on control measures which would reduce the quantity of water consumed without adversely affecting the projected growth of the region. Requires that such study include an analysis of both existing and new technology, including assessments of water quality assessment methodologies, the economic and environmental affects of manufacturing uses, and regulation of such uses. Authorizes appropriations. Grants an exception for certain publicly owned treatment works to a time limitation relating to an application for a permit modification for less than secondary treatment involving an ocean discharge. Designates the Great Lakes National Program Office of EPA as the Great Lakes International Coordination Office to coordinate international (Canada), Federal, State, and local actions aimed at improving Lake water quality. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 through 1990. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 to carry out water quality studies of the Great Lakes under the Act. Directs the Administrator to submit annually to Congress a comprehensive assessment of the planned efforts to be pursued in the succeeding fiscal year for implementing the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement of 1978 and another annual report assessing the progress of the previous year. Directs the Administrator to research the harmful effects on the health and welfare of persons caused by pollutants in water, especially the bioaccumulation of these pollutants in aquatic species and any reduction in the value of aquatic industries. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 through 1988. Directs the Administrator to carry out and report to the appropriate congressional committees on a demonstration program to restore the biological integrity of acidified lakes and watersheds through liming. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Administrator to make a grant to Seattle, Washington, to construct secondary treatment works. Limits such grant to 75 percent of costs. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Administrator to make grants to States for groundwater quality protection activities. Limits such grants to 50 percent of costs. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 through 1989. Directs the Administrator to prepare a study-report for specified congressional committees on the feasibility of achieving compliance with specified environmental standards using the best practicable technology for the Alaska Lumber and Pulp Company, Sitka, Alaska, and the Louisiana-Pacific Corporation, Ketchikan, Alaska. Establishes the National Ground Water Commission to examine all aspects of the nation's groundwater. Directs the Commission to report to the President and the Congress on the findings and conclusions of a preliminary study which includes an analysis of the extent of groundwater contamination caused by hazardous and other solid waste, the regions and major water supplies most significantly affected by such contamination, and Commission recommendations for preventive or remedial measures to protect human health and the environment from the effects of such contamination. Terminates the Commission on January 1, 1987. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 through 1987. Sets forth provisions concerning turnkey contracts on construction grants for treatment facilities costing less than $8,000,000. Redefines point source to include a leachate collection system. Directs the Administrator to conduct studies to identify existing and potential point and nonpoint sources of pollution, and measures and practices to control such sources of pollution, in the following groundwater systems and aquifers: (1) the groundwater system of the Upper Santa Cruz Basin and the Avra-Altar Basin of Pima, Pinal, and Santa Cruz Counties, Arizona; (2) the Spokane-Rathdrum Valley Aquifer, Washington and Idaho; (3) the Nassau and Suffolk Counties Aquifer, New York; (4) the Whidbey Island Aquifer, Washington; and (5) the Unconsolidated Quaternary Aquifer, Rockaway River area, New Jersey. Directs the Administrator to then prepare a proposed management plan for each such groundwater system and aquifer. Directs the Administrator to submit to Congress an interim and final report on such studies and proposed management plans. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Administrator to develop a comprehensive master plan for Puget Sound, Washington, recommend priority corrective actions and compliance schedules to address point and nonpoint sources of pollution, and monitor such Sound to determine the effectiveness of such plan. Authorizes the Administrator to make grants to the State of Washington if such State adopts a comprehensive master plan for such Sound. Sets the Federal share at 50 percent of costs. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 through 1987. Revises construction grant program provisions under the Clean Water Act to direct the Administrator to make a final decision within 60 days of the filing of an appeal relating to a dispute with respect to the awarding of a contract for construction of treatment works by a grantee. Directs the Administrator to identify those toxic pollutants which may be present in sewage sludge in concentrations which may adversely affect human health or the environment. Directs the Administrator to publish regulations specifying acceptable management practices for sewage sludge containing toxic pollutants and establishing numerical limitations for each such pollutant for each use of or disposal technique for sludge identified. Requires that such management practices and numerical limitations be adequate to protect the public health and environment from any reasonably anticipated adverse effects. Authorizes the Administrator to promulgate management practices or operation standards if it is not feasible to prescribe numerical limitations. Authorizes the Administrator to conduct or initiate scientific studies, demonstration projects, and public information and education projects designed to promote the safe and beneficial use of sewage sludge for restoring abandoned mine sites, conditioning soil for parks and recreation areas, agricultural and horticultural uses, and other beneficial purposes. Authorizes the Administrator to make grants for such studies and projects to State water pollution control agencies other public or nonprofit agencies, institutions, organizations, and individuals. Authorizes the Administrator to collect and disseminate information pertaining to the safe and beneficial use of sewage sludge. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
American Conservation Corps Act of 1985 - Establishes an American Conservation Corps within the Departments of the Interior and Agriculture. Directs the Secretaries of both departments to establish and administer a conservation and rehabilitation program on Federal public and Indian lands. Directs the Secretary of the Interior alone to establish and administer such a program on non-Federal public lands. Directs the Secretaries to assist program agencies (any Federal, State, or Indian agency responsible for the management of public lands) in establishing and operating residential and nonresidential American Conservation Corps Centers. Describes the types of projects which will receive program preference. Limits program projects to those on public lands or Indian lands, except where projects on nonpublic lands provide documented public benefits. Sets forth requirements for establishing conservation centers and eligibility criteria for enrollees in the program. Requires that preference be given to economically, socially, physically, and educationally disadvantaged youth and youth residing in areas having substantial unemployment. Requires program agencies to provide services, facilities, supplies, and equipment for conservation centers as the Secretary deems necessary. States under what conditions and for what purposes an enrollee/volunteer shall be deemed a Federal or State employee. Permits the Tennessee Valley Authority to utilize such volunteers. Sets forth compensation and reimbursement provisions for volunteers and their upkeep. Directs the Secretaries to assist program agencies in securing certification or credit for skills acquired by volunteers during their participation and to conduct cost-benefit analysis and evaluations of the program. Permits the Secretaries to conduct pilot programs for alternative approaches. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to report to the Congress within the year on a study of Civilian Conservation Corps sites suitable for a commemoration of such Corps. Sets forth study opportunities and limitations for program volunteers, including a requirement that program agencies provide job guidance and placement assistance. Directs the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture to report at least annually to the President and the Congress. Directs the Secretary of Labor to make available appropriate labor market information. Sets forth employee appeal rights for workers displaced by American Conservation Corps volunteers. Sets forth funding limitations. Requires participating program agencies to certify that their programs will not displace workers. Sets forth procedures whereby State shares go to local governments when no State program agency exists. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 and 1986.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Interstate Banking Act of 1985 - Amends the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, and the National Housing Act to authorize interstate bank branching among States in which State laws specifically authorize such branching. Requires the President to report to Congress concerning the effect of this Act on the financial, economic, and banking environment. Terminates the amendments enacted in this Act five years after the date of enactment.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose a minimum income tax of ten percent on individual economic income which exceeds the following exemption amount: (1) $40,000 for joint returns; (2) $30,000 for single returns; and (3) $20,000 for married individuals filing separate returns. Defines "economic income" as income received or accrued reduced by the sum of ordinary and necessary expenses paid or incurred in the production of such income plus a reasonable allowance for the diminution in the value of property used in the production of such income. Imposes a ten percent minimum tax on the net income of a corporation exceeding $10,000. Disallows any credits against such minimum tax.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Amends the Small Business Act to authorize the Small Business Administration to make loans to small businesses adversely affected by the citrus canker outbreak in Florida.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in consultation with specified agencies, to conduct at least ten demonstration projects to determine the feasibility of providing for alternative Medicare benefits for individuals entitled to Medicare benefits who are diagnosed as suffering from Alzheimer's disease or a related memory disorder. Directs the Secretary, in conducting such projects, to consider: (1) alternative benefits that encompass a range of outpatient services; and (2) providing alternative benefits in a manner that is analogous to the manner in which benefits for hospice care are made available under Medicare. Limits the cost of each such project. Provides for the paying for such projects.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Skilled Enlisted Reserve Training Act - Directs the Secretary of each military department to establish a skilled enlisted reserve training program to obtain adequate numbers of enlisted members with critical technical skills. Permits each Secretary to enter into agreements with a qualified person under which the Secretary agrees to provide educational assistance in a technical field in exchange for that person's agreement to perform either active or reserve military service for a period of time based on the number of months in which such educational assistance is provided. Provides for payment by the Secretary of a stipulated amount (with a maximum limit) per month for each month of the program. Authorizes the continuance of such payments until the member is awarded an associate degree from an accredited institution (but not to exceed a period of more than 24 months). Sets forth eligibility requirements. Requires accepted members to complete basic training before beginning technical training. Sets forth the penalties for noncompliance with training requirements, including possible reimbursement of educational assistance. Prohibits the Secretary concerned from entering into an agreement with a member unless the courses and the educational institution have been approved by the Administrator of Veterans Affairs. Requires such education assistance to be provided through the Veterans Administration, under agreements between the Secretaries of Defense and Transportation and the Administrator of Veterans Affairs. Directs the President to make an annual report to the Congress concerning such program. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Requires the President to transmit to Congress for FY 1986 and each fiscal year thereafter a balanced budget. Permits the transmittal of alternate budget proposals which, if implemented, would result in a deficit or surplus if the President determines that a balanced budget is inappropriate for any fiscal year. Requires that any such alternate budget proposals for a fiscal year include a comprehensive plan to balance the Federal budget. Requires the Committee on the Budget of each House to report by April 15 of every year a balanced budget for the upcoming fiscal year. Requires the Committee on the Budget of either House also to report a comprehensive plan to balance the Federal budget, if it determines that a balanced budget is inappropriate for any fiscal year.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Authorizes making farm commodities available for African famine relief during 1985 under the famine relief provisions of the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954 (Public Law 480) without regard to the dollar limitation contained in such Act. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 to provide other humanitarian assistance in Africa under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that one-half of the cost of insurance paid by a self-employed taxpayer for medical care during the taxable year will be allowed as a business deduction.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Constitutional Amendment - Allows the President an item veto of appropriations bills. Requires the President, in signing such a bill, to designate the provisions disapproved and return the bill to the House in which it originated. Subjects such bills to the same proceedings as other bills disapproved by the President.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Constitutional Amendment - Allows the President an item veto of appropriations bills. Requires the President, in signing such a bill, to designate the provisions disapproved and return the bill to the House in which it originated. Subjects such bills to the same proceeding as other bills disapproved by the President.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Constitutional Amendment - Prohibits total Federal expenditures from exceeding net revenue. Authorizes suspension of such prohibition in time of war or national economic emergency upon the concurrence of two-thirds of the Members of each House of the Congress Requires the Congress, with respect to the suspension of such prohibition in the case of a national economic emergency, to take into consideration the extent and rate of industrial activity, unemployment, inflation, and other appropriate factors.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Constitutional Amendment - Requires the Congress, prior to each fiscal year, to adopt a statement of receipts and outlays for that year in which total outlays are not greater than total receipts. Permits the Congress in such statement to provide for a specific excess of outlays over receipts by a three-fifths vote directed solely to that subject. Requires the President and the Congress to ensure that actual outlays do not exceed the outlays set forth in such statement. Prohibits total receipts for any fiscal year set forth in such statement from increasing by a rate greater than the rate of increase in national income in the last calendar year ending before such fiscal year, unless the Congress passes by a three-fifths vote a bill directed solely to approving specific additional receipts and such bill has become law. Requires the President, prior to each fiscal year, to transmit to the Congress a proposed statement of receipts and outlays for that year consistent with the provisions of this article. Permits the Congress to waive the provisions of this Act with respect to any fiscal year in which a declaration of war is in effect. Declares that total receipts shall include all receipts of the United States, except those derived from borrowing and total outlays shall include all outlays of the United States except those for repayment of debt principal.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Constitutional Amendment - Provides for the appointment of electors to represent the insular areas constituting the Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Guam, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Constitutional Amendment - Provides that the people of the several States and the District of Columbia shall elect the President and Vice President. Requires each voter to cast a single vote for two persons who shall have consented to the joining of their names as candidates for the offices of President and Vice President. Requires that if a presidential candidacy receives a plurality of at least 40 percent of the votes cast, such candidates shall become the President and the Vice President-elect. Requires the election to be held on a day which is uniform throughout the United States. Directs the Congress to assemble in special joint session if no presidential candidacy receives 40 percent of the vote. Requires the special session to choose immediately, from the two pairs of persons joined as candidates who received the highest number of votes cast in the election, one such pair by ballot. States that the law of each State shall govern within such State as to any matter with respect to which the Congress is granted legislative power under this Amendment as long as not inconsistent with any Act of Congress. Gives the Congress the power to provide for the manner in which the candidates appear on the ballot, the places and manner in which the election is held, and the manner in which its outcome is determined. Requires that voters possess the same qualifications as apply in such State in election of Senators, except that the Congress may prescribe uniform qualifications regarding age and residence. Allows the Congress to provide for the case of death or withdrawal of a candidate on or before the date of the election. Gives the Congress power to establish nominating procedures for presidential and vice presidential candidates.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Constitutional Amendment - Allows the President an item veto of appropriations bills. Requires the President, in signing such a bill, to designate the provisions disapproved and return the bill to the House in which it originated. Subjects such bills to the same proceeding as other bills disapproved by the President.
![Official portrait of Rep. Bennett, Charles E. [D-FL-3]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/b000371_200.jpg)