United States · United States Congress · 7 January 1985
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases Act of 1985 - Amends title IV (National Research Institutes) of the Public Health Service Act to establish a National Institute (Institute) of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases in the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Redesignates the existing National Institute of Arthritis, Diabetes, and Digestive and Kidney Diseases as the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. States that the Institute shall conduct research and related activities concerning arthritis, musculoskeletal diseases and skin diseases. Requires the Director of the Institute, with the advice of the National Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Advisory Council, to establish a national plan to coordinate such activities. Establishes within the Institute: (1) the National Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases Data System; and (2) the National Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Authorizes appropriations through FY 1988. Establishes within the Institue: (1) an Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases Interagency Coordinating Committee; and (2) a Skin Diseases Interagency Coordinating Committee. Requires annual reports to the Secretary of Health and Human Services and to the Director of NIH. Establishes within the Institute a National Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases Advisory Council. Authorizes appropriations through FY 1988 for arthritis and musculoskeletal demonstration projects and multipurpose disease centers. Requires the Institute to submit a biennial report. Transfers arthritis-related functions (including data system, advisory functions, coordinating functions, demonstration project, and multipurpose center), funds, personnel, and assets to the Institute from the existing National Institute of Arthritis, Diabetes, and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Requires the secretary to report to the appropriate congressional committees and to the Comptroller General within 60 days regarding such transfers. Requires the Comptroller General to report to the appropriate congressional committees within 80 days regarding such transfers. Terminates the National Arthritis Advisory Board. Makes conforming amendments. Requires the Secretary, through NIH, to conduct a study of the existing combinations of disease research programs within the institutes and of the standards to be followed in establishing new or realigning existing institutes. Requires a report to the appropriate congressional committees within 18 months. Prohibits the establishment of any new institutes within six months of such report's submission. Directs the Secretary to conduct and complete within 60 days a review of the disease research programs of the National Institute of diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (as redesignated by this Act) to determine if any of these programs could be more effectively managed by other national research institutions.
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 1985
Amends the Tax Reform Act of 1984 to provide that an individual who, as of September 12, 1984, was performing services for one member of a corporate group and was eligible for nontaxable air travel benefits provided by a corporate affiliate shall continue to be eligible for such benefits if as of that date: (1) the primary business of the affiliated group was air transportation of passengers; and (2) at least 50 percent of the persons performing services for the corporation for which the individual is currently performing services were employees of or had previously performed services for the second such corporation.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Directs the President to appoint a named individual to the grade of captain in the Coast Guard Reserve and to transfer such individual to the Selected Reserve of the Coast Guard.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Requires the Secretary of the Interior to establish the Jimmy Carter National Historic Site in Georgia. Specifies those properties which the Secretary is authorized to acquire for the establishment of such site. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Civil Liberties Act of 1985 - Title I: Recognition of Injustice and an Apology on Behalf of the Nation - States that the Congress recognizes that a grave injustice was done to both citizens and resident aliens of Japanese ancestry by the evacuation, relocation, and internment of civilians during World War II. Title II: United States Citizens of Japanese Ancestry and Resident Japanese Aliens - Requests the President to offer pardons of those convicted of violating laws during the internment period whose violation was based on a refusal to accept racially discriminatory treatment. Provides that Federal departments and agencies that review applications for restitution of positions, status, or entitlement lost during the internment period shall review such applications giving full consideration to the findings of the Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians. Establishes within the Treasury a Civil Liberties Public Education Fund. Authorizes appropriations for the Fund. Requires the Attorney General to pay $20,000 from the Fund to each surviving internee. Establishes a Board of Directors which shall be responsible for making disbursement from the Fund. Provides that disbursement from the Fund shall be used to: (1) sponsor research and public educational activities dealing with the internment; (2) fund studies of similar civil liberties abuses; (3) prepare and distribute hearings and findings of the Commission; and (4) promote the general welfare of the ethnic Japanese community in the United States. Title III: Aleutian and Pribilof Islands Restitution - Aleutian and Pribilof Islands Restitution Act - Establishes within the Treasury the Aleutian and Pribilof Islands Restitution Fund. Directs the Administrator of the Fund (the Aleutian/Pribilof Islands Association) to make restitution for certain Aleut losses sustained in World War II. Requires the Administrator to establish a trust of $5,000,000 and to distribute the interest of such trust for: (1) the benefit of the elderly, disabled, or seriously ill; (2) students in need of scholarship assistance; (3) preservation of Aleut cultural heritage and historical records; (4) the improvement of community centers of affected Aleut villages; and (5) other purposes to improve Aleut life. Authorizes the Administrator to rebuild and restore churches and church property damaged or destroyed in Aleut villages during World War II. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to make payments of $12,000 from the fund to each eligible Aleut for any uncompensated personal property loss. Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to implement a program for the removal and disposal of live ammunition, obsolete buildings, abandoned machinery, and other hazardous debris remaining in populated areas of the lower Alaska Peninsula and the Aleutian Islands. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to convey to the Aleut Corporation all right, title, and interest of the United States in Attu Island, Alaska. Authorizes appropriations. Title IV: Miscellaneous Provisions - Provides that all documents, personal testimony, and other material collected by the Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians shall be deposited in the National Archives of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Construction Industry Labor Law Amendments of 1985 - Amends the National Labor Relations Act to provide that in the construction industry two or more business entities engaged in the same or similar work with common ownership or control shall be deemed a single employer. Applies the terms of a collective bargaining agreement regarding employees of such business entities to all other business entities comprising the same single employer within the geographical area covered by the agreement. States that collective bargaining agreements may only be repudiated after the National Labor Relations Board certifies election results in which a majority of the employees select a bargaining representative other than the representative with whom such agreement was made.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Limitation of Liability Act of 1985 - Entitles shipowners and salvors (persons who render services in direct connection with salvage operations) to limit liability for the following maritime claims: (1) claims for death or personal injury; (2) claims for loss or damage to property; and (3) claims for losses resulting from delay or infringement of rights. Sets forth exceptions from application of this Act. Describes conduct which bars limitation and the method for resolving counterclaims. Establishes the limits of liability. Authorizes persons seeking to limit liability to file or join a complaint for limitation of liability in the district court of the United States which has jurisdiction. Sets forth the method and procedures for such persons to establish a fund for the payment of claims against them. Repeals specified laws to conform to provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Postal Service Employees' Political Activities Act of 1985 - Declares it to be the policy of the Congress to encourage employees of the United States Postal Service to exercise their rights to participate or refrain from participating in political processes. Prohibits such employees from: (1) using their official authority to influence the result of any election or the political action of any person; (2) using any information obtained through employment and not publicly available for any political purposes; (3) giving or offering to give a political contribution to any individual either to vote or refrain from voting; (4) soliciting or receiving a political contribution to vote or refrain from voting; (5) knowingly giving a political contribution to a superior; (6) knowingly soliciting or receiving a political contribution from another subordinate employee; or (7) knowingly soliciting or receiving a political contribution in specified facilities or from any person who has or is seeking business relations with the employee's agency. Directs the Postal Service and the Postal Rate Commission to prescribe certain exemptions to such prohibitions. Prohibits employees from engaging in political activities while on duty, while wearing a uniform or official insignia identifying their position, or in designated areas. Requires a postal employee to notify his or her agency (U.S. Postal Service or the Postal Rate Commission, as applicable) upon becoming a candidate for elective office. Permits such employee to take annual leave or leave without pay to engage in activities related to his or her candidacy. Sets forth the penalties to be imposed against any employee who is found by the Merit Systems Protection Board to have violated this Act. Requires the Postal Service to study and report to the Congress on the effects of this Act on the political activities of employees, the merit system, and matters generally contributing to the improper use of official authorities or information by employees.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Centers for Disease Control, to make grants and enter into contracts for State and local public health emergency prevention and treatment programs. Establishes in the Treasury a Public Health Emergency Fund for such purposes. Authorizes $60,000,000 for FY 1985 and for subsequent years such sums as necessary to have $60,000,000 in the Fund at the beginning of each fiscal year. Requires a report to the appropriate congressional committees on any such expenditures made during a fiscal year.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Amends the Board for International Broadcasting Act of 1973 to direct the Board for International Broadcasting to require Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Incorporated, to establish a Russian language program, to be known as Radio Maccabee, for the Jewish population of the Soviet Union. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 and 1987 for such program.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
National Child Protection Act - Amends title XX (Block Grants to States for Social Services) of the Social Security Act to add provisions for licensing and information with respect to providers of child day care services. Requires, as a condition for receiving any funds under title XX, that a State have a program in effect which meets specified requirements. Requires the State to require the licensing and monitoring of all providers of child day care services in accordance with standards established by the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Requires the State to provide information to the Secretary with respect to: (1) all individuals providing child day care services or employed by providers of child day care services; and (2) all individuals convicted of child abuse, child molesting, or similar crimes. Requires the State to have in effect a toll-free telephone hotline for the reporting of any allegations of child abuse, child molestation, or similar acts committed by any individual providing child day care services or by any employee of a provider of child day care services. Directs the Secretary to establish standards and guidelines for State licensing and monitoring of providers of child day care services. Requires that such standards and guidelines: (1) assure the children's safety, health, and developmental potential and promote their social, emotional, physical, and cognitive growth; and (2) assure that only adequately trained individuals provide such services. Directs the Secretary to determine a uniform definition of "child day care services" and of "provider of child day care services" to apply for purposes of this Act and to assure that the maximum feasible number of children shall be protected under this Act. Directs the Secretary to establish a national file of the names, addresses, and social security numbers of all individuals convicted of crimes involving child abuse, child molestation, or such similar acts which the Secretary determines ought to be included in such file to protect children receiving child day care services. Requires each State to report to the Secretary such information on any individual convicted in that State of such acts which the Secretary has determined ought to be included in the national file. Directs the Secretary to establish a uniform reporting system which shall apply to all States for such purpose. Requires each State to prohibit any individual or provider from being licensed to provide child day care services in such State if such individual, or any employee of such provider, has been convicted of a crime which has been reported by any State to the Secretary and is contained in the national file. Requires each State, prior to granting such a license, to request the Secretary to check the names of each individual seeking a license to provide child day care services, and each employee of a provider seeking such a license, against the list of names contained in the national file. Requires each State to establish a toll-free telephone hotline for the reporting of any allegations of child abuse, child molestation, or any similar act designated by the Secretary for inclusion in the national file, committed by an individual providing child day care services, or by an employee of a provider of such services. Requires the State to provide follow-up investigation of each such allegation in accordance with standards established by the Secretary under regulations. Establishes an Advisory Panel on Child Protection to advise the Secretary on the standards and guidelines issued under this Act and to recommend appropriate changes in such standards and guidelines. Sets forth provisions relating to Panel membership and assistance. Directs the Secretary to promulgate all regulations required under this Act within 90 days after the enactment of this Act. Makes the requirements of this Act applicable to States beginning 180 days after the enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Amends the Merchant Marine Act, 1936 to extend the authority of the Secretary of Transportation to provide war risk insurance and reinsurance until September 30, 1989. (Currently such authority expires on September 30, 1984.)
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an income tax deduction for the home health care and adult day care expenses of a taxpayer who maintains a household which includes a dependent of the taxpayer who suffers from Alzheimer's disease or a related brain disorder. Permits this deduction whether or not the taxpayer itemizes deductions.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow the dependent care income tax credit for expenses incurred for the care of dependents incapable of self-care without regard to whether such expenses were incurred to enable the taxpayer to be gainfully employed.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Housing Act of 1985 - Sets forth specified regulatory authority of the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development regarding the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Farmers Home Administration. Title I: Housing Assistance - Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to increase on October 1, 1985, the aggregate amount of budget authority available for lower-income housing rental rehabilitation and development grants. Extends budget authority utilization provisions through FY 1986. Authorizes additional development grant appropriations for FY 1986. Authorizes public housing agencies to determine (with the Secretary's approval) monthly rents (as an alternative to the existing schedule) based on specified factors. Excludes from the definition of "adjusted income" ten percent of a family's income if any member of such family pays either Federal self-employment or FICA taxes. Requires Federal housing assistance contracts with public housing agencies to be for 15-year periods. Repeals the provision prohibiting new rental unit construction unless such costs are less than comparative acquisition or rehabilitation costs. Directs the Secretary within six months to: (1) issue regulations that establish a comprehensive improvement assistance program allocation and distribution system; and (2) report to the Congress regarding such program. Requires such information to be included in the Housing and Urban Development Act annual report. Amends the Housing Act of 1959 to authorize budget authority through FY 1986 for housing for the elderly and the handicapped. Limits FY 1986 loan appropriations. Prohibits a housing sponsor from requiring mandatory meal participation as a condition for occupancy. Amends the Housing and Urban-Rural Recovery Act of 1983 to extend the interest ceiling on loans for housing for the elderly and disabled through October 1, 1986. Authorizes FY 1986 appropriations under the Congregate Housing Service Act of 1978. Amends the National Housing Act to: (1) limit aggregate amounts for contracts entered into with the budget authority provided on October 1, 1985; and (2) extend assistance payments and housing stimulus authorities through FY 1986. Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to direct the Secretary to use a performance funding system to allocate lower-income housing project payments. Sets forth system factors, including: (1) annual inflation adjustments; (2) operating cost sharing between the Department of Housing and Urban Development and public housing agencies; (3) public housing agency reimbursement for unexpected costs; and (4) treatment of excess revenues and vacant units. Authorizes FY 1986 appropriations. Requires assistance to be paid in monthly installments, beginning by the first month of the fiscal year. Repeals income eligibility provisions. Establishes the Task Force on Family Housing Needs in Assisted Housing to examine: (1) the problems of families with children living in federally-assisted highrise buildings, or on housing waiting lists; and (2) the need for additional housing construction. Requires a report to the Congress and the Secretary within one year. States that specified assisted housing shall be developed in accordance with energy conservation standards (to be developed by the Secretary) with regard to cost-effective construction and operating costs. Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to direct the Secretary to prepare and submit to the Congress a comparative study of the impact of assistance under the rent subsidy and payment standard (voucher) programs. Requires the Secretary to: (1) include in the Housing and Urban Development Act annual report descriptions of specified characteristics of families in assisted housing; (2) and submit to the Congress a public housing management and funding report. Title II: Rural Housing - Amends the Housing Act of 1949 to authorize FY 1986 programs for: (1) elderly housing loan insurance; (2) mutual and self-help housing; and (3) specified rural housing loan insurance and guarantee authority. Authorizes FY 1986 appropriations for: (1) rehabilitation grants and loans; (2) structural repairs under the Rural Housing Insurance Fund; (3) farm labor housing; (4) multi-family unit rental assistance; (5) mutual and self-help housing; (6) site loans; (7) housing preservation; (8) rural housing loan funds; (9) low-income housing assistance; and (10) low-income home ownership and rental or cooperative housing. Requires the Secretary to issue rural housing preservation program implementing regulations within 90 days. Title III: Program Amendments and Extensions - Part A: Federal Housing Administration Mortgage Insurance Programs - Amends the National Housing Act to authorize FY 1986 programs for: (1) title I insurance; (2) general insurance; (3) low and moderate income housing insurance; (4) co-insurance; (5) graduated payment and indexed mortgage insurance; (6) armed services housing insurance; (7) land development insurance; and (8) group practice facilities insurance. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish maximum interest rates for insured mortgages and obligations; and (2) prepare and submit to the Congress a study of voluntary standards for modular homes. Part B: Flood and Crime Insurance Programs - Amends the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 to extend flood insurance and emergency implementation of flood insurance program authority through FY 1986. Amends the National Housing Act to extend crime and riot insurance program authority through FY 1986. Extends contract authority through FY 1987. Part C: Secondary Mortgage Market Programs - Amends the Federal National Mortgage Association Charter Act to extend the Government National Mortgage Association mortgage-backed securities program through FY 1986. Prohibits the imposition of fees on Federal National Mortgage Association and Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation transactions. Limits fees on Government National Mortgage Association transactions. Part D: Regulatory and Other Programs - Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to authorize FY 1986 appropriations for urban homesteading. Amends the Housing Act of 1964 to extend rehabilitation loan authority through FY 1986. Amends the Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation Act to authorize FY 1986 appropriations. Amends the Solar Energy and Energy Conservation Bank Act to authorize FY 1986 appropriations. Amends the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968 to authorize FY 1986 counseling appropriations. Amends the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act of 1975 to repeal the October 1, 1985, termination of authority date. Amends the Energy Conservation in Existing Buildings Act of 1976 to authorize FY 1986 weatherization program appropriations. Amends the Housing and Urban Development of 1970 to authorize FY 1986 research appropriations. Authorizes FY 1986 appropriations for the neighborhood development demonstration program. Title IV: Shelter Assistance for the Homeless and Displaced - Part A: Emergency Shelter Program - Authorizes FY 1986 emergency shelter program appropriations. Part B: Second Stage Housing for the Homeless and Displaced - Directs the Secretary to: (1) carry out a demonstration program to determine the effectiveness of assisting nonprofit organizations in providing housing and supportive services for homeless persons; and (2) submit to the Congress an interim and a final report. Sets forth program requirements and FY 1986 budget authority. Title V: Nehemiah Housing Opportunity Grants - Authorizes the Secretary to provide grants to nonprofit organizations to carry out a Nehemiah housing opportunity program to provide loans to families purchasing approved constructed or rehabilitated homes. Requires an annual report to the Congress. Requires that each loan: (1) be secured by a second mortgage held by the Secretary; (2) not exceed $15,000; (3) be interest-free; and (4) be repayable to the Secretary upon the transfer of such property to an ineligible family under specified circumstances. Sets forth related program requirements, conditions of assistance, and selection criteria. Establishes in the Treasury the Nehemiah Housing Opportunity Fund. Authorizes FY 1986 appropriations.
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
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
Title I: National Development Investment - National Development Investment Act - Amends the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 to cite such Act as the National Development Investment Act and to revise the emphasis of such Act from primary Federal initiative to coordination of investments between the public and the private sectors. Sets forth the findings of the Congress. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce, upon the application of an eligible State, economic development district, distressed local government (with a population under 50,000 and located outside an economic development district), Indian tribe, or nonprofit economic development organization, to make a grant for a portion of the cost of projects submitted in a development investment strategy. Sets forth activities eligible for such development investment assistance, including: (1) construction and repair of public facilities; (2) revolving loan funds to promote small business; (3) feasibility studies to enhance the investment climate; and (4) development activities which prevent economic dislocation and promote employee ownership organizations. Sets forth specific eligibility criteria for applicants for such assistance. Requires an application for a grant under this Act to include: (1) a certification that the area concerned meets certain distress requirements; (2) a certification of any responsibilities which the Secretary has agreed to perform; and (3) a development investment strategy prepared in accordance with this Act. Requires the Secretary to consider specified purposes of this Act in approving applications. Lists as criteria any one of which an area must meet in order to be eligible for a grant under this Act: (1) a per capita income of 80 percent or less of the national average; (2) an unemployment rate one percent above the national average for the most recent 24-month period for which statistics are available; or (3) a sudden economic dislocation resulting in job losses. Sets forth the information to be contained in a grant applicant's development investment strategy. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to establish a revolving loan fund for making or guaranteeing loans to small businesses for initial or working capital, or for the purchase of facilities or equipment. Limits to $1,000,000 the amount of any such grant. Limits the amount of any grant under this Act to a maximum of 50 percent of the cost of completing the project as determined at the time of the grant application. Permits the Secretary to reduce or waive the non-Federal share of a project in the case of an Indian tribe. Limits expenditures in any one State to a maximum of 15 percent of the appropriations made pursuant to this Act, except for expenditures to Indian tribes. Prohibits the Secretary from obligating more than $2,000,000 in any fiscal year to any person, other than grants for employee ownership organizations. Requires the Secretary, each fiscal year, to obligate minimum amounts of funds for such grants. Authorizes the Secretary to make economic development planning grants to States, economic development districts, Indian tribes, distressed counties, and distressed units of local governments with populations over 50,000 (if located outside an economic development district). Earmarks such grants for coordination of investment for community facilities, economic development, manpower training, and transportation services. Authorizes the Secretary to evaluate Federal, State, and local development investment efforts. Authorizes the Secretary to conduct any demonstration program to test the feasibility of new ways to increase productivity, foster innovative technology, match labor force with labor markets, or encourage economic diversity and regional balance. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to colleges, universities, and other nonprofit educational and research organizations. Directs the Secretary to conduct a study to determine financing needs for the construction and repair of public facilities. Requires the Secretary to submit to each House of the Congress a detailed statement, including findings and recommendations, concerning such financing needs. Limits the amount of any such grant to not more than 75 percent of the cost of economic development planning or of investment strategy preparation. Authorizes appropriations through FY 1988. Declares that the Secretary of Commerce shall administer this Act with the assistance of a specified Assistant Secretary of Commerce. Authorizes the Secretary to consult with other persons and agencies. Prohibits the approval of any grant unless the Secretary is satisfied that the project concerned will be properly and efficiently administered, operated, and maintained. Sets forth the powers of the Secretary under this Act. Permits the Secretary to discharge responsibilities relative to a project by accepting a certification of the grant applicant's performance of such responsibilities. Requires the Secretary to make comprehensive annual reports to the Congress detailing operations under this Act. Requires all laborers and mechanics employed by contractors or subcontractors on projects assisted under this Act to be paid the prevailing rate of wage. Requires the Secretary to maintain records of approved applications available for public inspection. Requires each recipient of a grant to maintain certain specified records. Allows the Secretary and the Comptroller General access to all records of such recipients. Authorizes appropriations through FY 1988. Title II: Appalachian Regional Development - Appalachian Regional Development Act Amendments of 1985 - Amends the Appalachian Regional Development Act of 1965 to declare that investments under such Act shall also be made in severely distressed and underdeveloped counties lacking resources for basic services. Authorizes appropriations through FY 1990 for the administrative expenses of the Appalachian Regional Commission. Authorizes the Commission to lease office space through FY 1988. Authorizes appropriations through FY 1992 for the Appalachian development highway system. Increases from 70 to 80 percent the subsequent Federal share of an Appalachian development highway segment when a participating State proceeds to construct a segment of such a highway without the aid of Federal funds. Applies such increase to projects approved after March 31, 1979. Authorizes the Commission to make grants to States and public and nonprofit entities for projects which will: (1) assist in the creation or retention of permanent private sector jobs, the upgrading of the region's manpower, or the attraction of private investment; (2) provide special assistance to severely distressed and underdeveloped counties which lack financial resources for improving basic services; (3) assist in achieving the goal of making primary health care accessible in the region; or (4) otherwise serve the purposes of this Act. Prohibits the authorization of any financial assistance to enable plant subcontractors to undertake work previously performed in another area by other subcontractors or contractors. Prohibits grants with funds authorized after October 1, 1985, from exceeding 50 percent of the costs of any approved project. Permits such grants to increase the Federal contribution to any project to such percentage as the Commission determines within specified limitations. Authorizes appropriations through FY 1990. Extends the termination date of such Act from 1982 to October 1, 1990.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Law Enforcement Officers Protection Act of 1985 - Amends the Federal criminal code to define "armor piercing ammunition." Excludes from the definition: (1) shotgun shot composed in order to comply with Federal or State law; (2) frangible projectiles for target shooting; (3) ammunition containing frangible projectiles; and (4) any ammunition or projectiles which the Secretary of the Treasury determines are primarily intended for sporting purposes. Makes it unlawful for any person to manufacture or import armor piercing ammunition. Allows: (1) the manufacture or importation of armor piercing ammunition for the use of the United States or any State or local government; (2) manufacture for the sole purpose of exportation; or (3) manufacture or importation for the purposes of testing and experimentation authorized by the Secretary. Establishes a licensing fee of $1,000 per year for manufacturers and importers of armor piercing ammunition. Authorizes the Secretary to revoke a license from a dealer for violating this Act.
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
Overseas Teachers Act of 1985 - Amends the Defense Department Overseas Teachers Pay and Personnel Practices Act to entitle an individual who is recruited outside the United States as a teacher in a Department of Defense overseas dependents school to the same benefits as an individual recruited in the United States. Denies such entitlement to any individual who is the spouse of a member of a uniformed service, unless: (1) the individual is legally separated from the member; (2) the member dies or has retired from Government service; (3) the individual no longer resides with the member because the member has been reassigned to another geographic area for more than 90 days; or (4) the member's benefits comparable to a teacher's quarters allowance and cost of living benefits have been terminated for any other reason. Provides that such a teaching position shall include a position for which teaching duties and responsibilities are performed: (1) in a substitute capacity; (2) as a summer teacher; (3) as an instructor for the Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps; (4) as a paraprofessional or teacher's aide; (5) for a definite term not to exceed one school year in the excepted service; or (6) for an indefinite term in the excepted service. Entitles an overseas teacher to 12 (currently ten) days of cumulative leave with pay if the school year exceeds eight months. Eliminates the limitation on the amount of leave a teacher may accumulate. Permits the use of leave for paternity purposes. Entitles a teacher to an additional three days of leave to use for any purpose during the school year. Entitles teachers who have taught for at least ten years to an additional five days of leave in each school year. Declares that any teacher may use available leave if appropriate advance notice is given. Entitles a teacher who is separated from such leave system to elect to: (1) receive a lump sum payment for such leave if the separation exceeds 31 days; or (2) receive credit for such leave as unused sick leave for purposes of determining the amount of a civil service retirement annuity. Entitles a Federal or District of Columbia employee who is transferred, promoted, or reappointed to a teaching position to: (1) receive a lump sum payment for the annual leave credited to such employee before he or she became a teacher; or (2) be recredited with such leave upon returning to a Federal or District of Columbia position without a break in service. Provides for liquidating leave in the case of a teacher who dies. Requires the Director of Dependents' Education, upon appropriate application, to grant any full-time teacher who has completed at least seven years of service a sabbatical with full pay for up to one year to enable the teacher to engage in study or uncompensated work experience which will contribute to the development of the teacher's skills, provided: (1) the teacher has not been granted a sabbatical during the preceding seven years; and (2) the teacher agrees to serve in a teaching position for three consecutive years. Requires the Secretary of Defense to prescribe a five-level pay system for overseas teachers. Requires determinations concerning appropriate pay levels to be based on the length of service of an individual as a teacher, counselor, psychologist, or social worker within the defense education system. Requires rates of basic pay within level I to be equal to the average of the range of rates of basic pay for comparable positions in school jurisdictions in the United States having an average daily attendance of 100,000 or more students. Declares the rate of pay for substitute teachers to be the lowest level of level I. Directs the Secretary to modify regulations concerning teacher compensation to require a teacher to be compensated for the appropriate fraction of his or her pay for each day of service during a school year exceeding the number of days comprising a school year in such a jurisdiction. Requires determinations concerning housing, transportation, services, or use of Government facilities for teachers at certain pay levels to correspond to such determinations for commissioned officers in the armed forces in equivalent grade levels, except that pay level I determinations shall correspond to grade level two determinations. Directs the Secretary to prescribe regulations to carry out specified overseas teacher requirements concerning: (1) the effect of administrative delays on starting dates; (2) a per diem allowance for travel to and from a duty station; (3) Government reimbursement for emergency transportation costs; (4) school assignments based on staffing requirements; (5) medical and dental benefits; (6) Government payments for the transportation of household goods; (7) service creditable for purposes of determining civil service annuities; (8) eligibility for military-controlled housing; (9) hours of duty; (10) leaves of absence; (11) qualifications and eligibility for vacancies within the system; (12) administrative leave during periods of inclement weather; and (13) class size limitations. Provides that any teacher who has served for at least three school years shall be eligible for appointment as a Federal employee in the competitive service on a non-competitive basis.
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
Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Commemorative Coin Act - Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to issue a specified number of: (1) five dollar gold coins, emblematic of the centennial of the Statue of Liberty; (2) one dollar silver coins, emblematic of the use of Ellis Island; and (3) half dollar coins, emblematic of the contributions of immigrants to America. Sets forth certain features of such coins; and provides for their sale and issuance. Provides for the distribution and use of such sale funds to the Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation. Terminates the minting of such coins on December 31, 1986.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Port Development and Navigation Improvement Act of 1985 - Authorizes a non-Federal interest to submit a plan and design for a navigation project for a port to the Secretary of the Army (who shall act through the Chief of Engineers). Requires the Secretary, not later than 180 days after receipt of such plan, to transmit to the Congress the results of the review. Provides for: (1) the reimbursement of the non-Federal interest for the cost of developing such plan; or (2) crediting such costs to the non-Federal share of a deep-draft port project which is to be built by the Secretary. Authorizes a non-Federal interest to construct any navigation project for a port authorized by this Act or any other Federal law, and to acquire lands as necessary, if: (1) the Secretary approves the project plans; and (2) the non-Federal interest agrees to pay the non-Federal share of the cost of operation and maintenance. Directs the Secretary to regularly monitor and audit the project while under construction, and to reimburse the non-Federal interest for the Federal share of the costs if such project is carried out substantially in accordance with approved plans. Directs the Secretary, on written request from an appropriate non-Federal interest, to initiate procedures to establish a schedule for consolidating Federal, State, and local agency environmental assessments and the issuance of construction permits. Includes within such schedule a memorandum of agreement between affected Federal, State, and local agencies which establishes a schedule of compliance for approval of the project and associated permits. Prohibits such schedule from exceeding two and one-half years from the date of agreement. Requires the Secretary, six months before the final date of the schedule, to submit to the appropriate congressional agencies a progress report on the work completed under the agreement. Requires the Secretary to notify the non-Federal interest of the final decision on project approval and related permits not later than the final day of the schedule. Declares that the preceding provisions do not apply to portions of the Saint Lawrence Seaway administered by the Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation. Sets forth the Federal share of specified costs of navigation projects for a port. Requires that the non-Federal share of costs be paid to the Secretary and that construction costs be paid annually. Authorizes appropriations necessary for reimbursements and the Federal share of costs beginning with FY 1986. Authorizes the Secretary, on appropriate application, to guarantee the obligation issued by the non-Federal interest under specified circumstances. Sets forth the terms and conditions for such loan guarantees. Establishes the Federal Port Navigation Project Financing Fund, consisting of amounts assessed as guarantee fees. Makes amounts in the Fund available for the payment of loan defaults. Sets forth the authorities of the Secretary in the event of a loan default. Allows any navigation project for a port to be constructed in usable increments. Grants the consent of the Congress to the levy by a non-Federal interest of tonnage duties on vessels entering a deep-draft port to: (1) reimburse the United States for the non-Federal share of, and to finance, construction and operations and maintenance costs; and (2) provide emergency response services. Sets forth restrictions on such levying. Requires the non-Federal interest to maintain appropriate records to enable the Comptroller General to carry out required periodic audits with respect to the levy of tonnage duties. Requires the results of such audits to be reported to the Congress. Grants original and exclusive jurisdiction over matters resulting from the levy of tonnage duties under this Act to the U.S. district court for the district in which the affected non-Federal interest is located. Sets forth procedures for enforcement of the collection of tonnage duties, including withholding clearances and imposing maritime liens. Requires each non-Federal interest to provide the United States the information necessary for military readiness planning and port and national security. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to a non-Federal interest operating a port project for the provision of emergency response services. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 and following fiscal years.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Federal Employees' Political Activities Act of 1985 - Revises provisions which prohibit Federal and District of Columbia employees from engaging in political activities. Continues proscriptions against employees using their official authority or influence to interfere with the result of any election or to coerce the political action of any person. Prohibits employees from using any information obtained through their employment and not publicly available for any political purpose. Modifies provisions relating to the solicitation and offering of political contributions by Federal employees. Prohibits employees from: (1) giving or offering to give a political contribution to any individual either to vote or refrain from voting; (2) soliciting or receiving a contribution to vote or refrain from voting; (3) giving a contribution to a superior; (4) soliciting or receiving a contribution from a subordinate employee; (5) soliciting or receiving a contribution in specified facilities; or (6) soliciting or receiving a contribution from or giving a political contribution to an employee, Member of Congress, officer of a uniformed service, or agent of such individual, or any person who has or is seeking business interests affected by such employee's agency. Directs the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to prescribe certain exemptions to such prohibitions. Prohibits employees, with specified exceptions, from engaging in political activities while on duty, while wearing a uniform or official insignia identifying their position, or in designated areas. Allows employees holding certain restricted positions to take part in political management or a political campaign only under specified conditions. Requires an employee to notify his or her agency upon becoming a candidate for political office. Permits an employee to take annual leave or leave without pay to engage in activities related to such candidacy. Sets forth the penalties to be imposed against any employee who is found by the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) to have violated provisions of this Act. Permits State and local employees to run for political office if they are in federally funded positions. Directs the OPM to report to the Congress on the effect of the provisions of this Act on political participation by Federal employees, the merit system, and the improper use of official influence or information.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Authorizes reimbursement to the government of Rockland County, New York, for all reasonable expenses incurred in connection with the transfer and trial of the criminal actions entitled "People of the State of New York v. Katherine Boudin, David Gilber, Judith Clark, Samuel Brown, and Donald Weems" and "People of the State of New York v. Katherine Boudin and Samuel Brown." Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Lifeline Telephone Service Act of 1985 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to establish a fund from which payments shall be made to exchange common carriers which provide lifeline telephone service. Directs the Federal Communications Commission to determine uniform surcharges on charges for interstate telephone toll service to provide sufficient funds for such payments beginning January 1, 1986. Provides that the amount of such payments to a carrier shall equal 50 percent of the amount of revenue lost by the carrier as a result of providing such service. Directs each State communications commission to establish rules for the provision of lifeline service by carriers. Allows such a commission to restrict eligibility for such service based on low-income criteria accounting for the needs of the elderly, the unemployed, the disabled, and single heads of households.
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
African Famine Relief and Recovery Act of 1985 - Title I: Authorizations of Appropriations - Authorizes supplemental appropriations for FY 1985 for famine relief in Africa for: (1) agricultural development programs; (2) international disaster assistance programs; (3) development program operating expenses; and (4) the Migration and Refugee Assistance account of the State Department. Title II: Appropriations - Makes supplemental appropriations for FY 1985 to: (1) the Department of Agriculture for Public Law 480; (2) the Agency for International Development for specified agriculture, rural development, and nutrition programs, for international disaster assistance, and for operating expenses; and (3) the Department of State for migration and refugee assistance. Declares that funds appropriated for Public Law 480, for agriculture, rural development, and nutrition programs (other than funds for rehabilitation and recovery projects), and for international disaster assistance shall be available only for those African countries which suffer from exceptional food supply problems in 1985 due to drought and other calamities. Permits the use of Public Law 480 funds to reimburse certain ongoing famine relief programs. Declares that funds for rehabilitation and recovery projects and for migration and refugee assistance shall be available only to those African countries which have suffered in the last two years from exceptional food supply problems due to drought and other calamities.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Public Housing Rental Stabilization Act - Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to authorize any public housing agency to require tenants of one of its projects to pay monthly rent based on the unsubsidized rents for comparable dwelling units in the area, the average monthly amount of debt service and operating expenses attributable to similar units of its other projects, or other relevant factors. Limits such rent to the amount payable under current provisions of such Act and the maximum amount that is approved by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to enable an insured individual's spouse who has attained the age of 50 and is not entitled to any other monthly benefits to obtain a transition benefit for four months upon the death of the insured individual. Establishes the amount of such transition benefit at 71.5 percent of the primary insurance amount of the insured individual or, if it is higher, 71.5 percent of the primary insurance amount of the spouse.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Social Security Modernization Act - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to provide that the combined earnings of a married couple which are attributable to the period of their marriage shall be shared equally between them for purposes of determining the eligibility for and amount of OASDI benefits to which each spouse is or may become separately entitled. Credits the survivor of the marriage with 100 percent of the combined total wages for the period of the marriage. Provides that this Act shall not apply in specified cases where it would result in a reduction of OASDI benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to restore the minimum monthly social security benefit with respect to benefits for months after December 1981.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to provide that an individual's "years of coverage" for purposes of computing such individual's primary insurance amount under title II shall include those years (up to a specified maximum) during which such individual had a child age six or under in his or her care for more than six months.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to provide full benefits for disabled widows and widowers without regard to age.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to eliminate the requirement that the amount of monthly benefits payable to a spouse, surviving spouse, or parent be reduced by the amount such spouse, surviving spouse, or parent receives in monthly payments from a Federal or State pension plan.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to provide that a beneficiary shall be entitled to a prorated benefit for the month in which he or she dies.
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
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase to $2,500 the maximum deduction for contributions to retirement savings plans. Allows certain individuals to compute the amount of the income tax deduction for retirement savings on the basis of the earned income of their spouses without regard to any community property laws.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
States that the President should, at the earliest possible date: (1) request Senate advice and consent to ratification of the Threshold Test Ban and Peaceful Nuclear Explosions Treaties; and (2) propose to the Soviet Union the resumption of negotiations toward conclusion of a verifiable comprehensive test ban treaty.
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
Establishes the Joint Committee on Intelligence. Declares that such committee has exclusive legislative jurisdiction with respect to any intelligence activity of the Federal Government and authorizations for appropriations for specified agencies and intelligence-related activities. Directs the joint committee to classify its information and records and to establish guidelines for their maintenance, use, and availability. Sets forth procedures for the disclosure of such information. Directs the joint committee to establish and carry out rules and procedures necessary to prevent the unauthorized disclosure of information. Makes conforming amendments to the Rules of the House of Representatives, including abolishing the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, and the National Security Act of 1947.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Establishes in the House of Representatives the Select Committee on Narcotics Abuse and Control to conduct continuing oversight and review of the problems of narcotics, drug, and polydrug abuse and control.
![Official portrait of Rep. Biaggi, Mario [D-NY-19]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/b000432_200.jpg)