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Official portrait of Rep. Bustamante, Albert G. [D-TX-23]

Rep. Bustamante, Albert G. [D-TX-23]

United States · Official source

Records

2,662 records where Rep. Bustamante, Albert G. [D-TX-23] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years

Bill· HRH.R. 2069 (99th)open

A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 to make permanent the rules relating to imputed interest and assumption of loans, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1985

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish an applicable test rate of nine percent for determining whether there is imputed interest in the case of seller-financed property. Permits a lower test interest rate of 80 percent of the Federal Treasury rate where such rates are lower than the nine percent test rate. Provides for a blended test rate for instances where the loan amount exceeds $4,000,000. Provides that in determining whether wraparound financing meets such testing rate, the test shall be applied to the net rate of interest on the seller's equity in the financing after deducting the existing third party financing. Authorizes the imputation of interest in seller-financed property sales of $4,000,000 or less of ten percent or 90 percent of the Federal Treasury rates, whichever is less, where the test interest rates have not been met. Allows for a blended imputed interest rate where the debt amount exceeds $4,000,000. Requires that all loan amounts from a single transaction or series of related transactions be aggregated for purposes of determining the loan amount. Provides that the imputed interest rules will not apply to assumptions of loans unless the terms and conditions of such debt obligations are modified in connection with the assumption. Repeals the provisions of the Code limiting the amount of interest expense a purchaser of personal use property may deduct for tax purposes. Excepts debt instruments arising from the sale or exchange of a residence from the imputed interest provisions where the obligor of the instrument uses the property as his other residence. Provides that the imputed interest rules shall not apply in the case of sales or exchanges of property where the borrowed amount does not exceed $4,000,000. Requires the interest on the obligation issued in connection with such sales or exchanges to be taken into account by both the buyer and the seller on the cash receipts and disbursement method of accounting unless both buyer and seller agree to use the accrual receipts and disbursement method of accounting.

Bill· HRH.R. 2080 (99th)referred

Food Assistance and Africa Agriculture Act of 1985

United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1985

Food Assistance and Africa Agriculture Act of 1985 - Title I: Authorization of Appropriations - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize appropriations for: (1) the International Fund for Agricultural Development; and (2) the International Fund for Agricultural Development for its Special Program for Sub-Saharan Countries Affected by Drought and Desertification for each of FY 1986 through 1989. Title II: Appropriations for Fiscal Year 1986 - Makes appropriations for FY 1986 for: (1) expenses for agricultural commodities supplied in connection with dispositions abroad pursuant to the famine relief provisions of the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954; and (2) the U.S. contribution to the International Fund for Agricultural Development and for the Fund's Special Program for Sub-Saharan Countries Affected by Drought and Desertification.

Resolution· HRESH.Res. 132 (99th)open

A resolution condemning the Government of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics for five years of forced and oppressive military occupation of Afghanistan in the face of popular resistance to Soviet imperialism.

United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1985

States that the House of Representatives condemns the Soviet Union's military terrorism and attempted destruction of Afghanistan. Recommends that the President provide medical, military, and food assistance to the Afghan Freedom Fighters.

Bill· HRH.R. 2013 (99th)open

Federal Drug Law Enforcement Agent Protection Act of 1985

United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1985

Federal Drug Law Enforcement Agent Protection Act of 1985 - Amends the Controlled Substances Act to authorize awards of up to $100,000 to any individual who provides original information which leads to the arrest and conviction of a person who kidnaps or kills a Federal drug law enforcement agent. Provides that the money for such rewards be taken from the forfeiture proceeds within the Department of Justice.

Bill· HRH.R. 2001 (99th)referred

Renewable Energy and Conservation Transition Act of 1985

United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1985

Renewable Energy and Conservation Transition Act of 1985 - Title I: Extension of Business Energy Credits - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend the energy investment tax credit for solar energy property from 1985 to 1990. Sets the amount of such credit during such period at 15 percent for low temperature solar property and 25 percent for all other solar property. Extends the energy investment tax credit for wind property from 1985 to 1988. Sets the amount of such credit at: (1) ten percent during 1986 and 1987; and (2) five percent during 1988. Extends the energy investment tax credit for geothermal property and biomass property from 1985 to 1988. Extends the energy investment tax credit for ocean thermal property from 1985 to 1990. Revises the definition of "solar property" for purposes of such tax credit. Sets forth special rules for geothermal equipment to qualify for such credit. Title II: Affirmative Commitment Rule to Extend the Business Credit for Certain Long-Term Projects - Extends the time period during which an affirmative commitment must be made in order for long-term energy projects to be eligible for the energy investment tax credit. Allows such extension: (1) from 1990 to 1993 for solar energy property; (2) from 1988 to 1990 for geothermal energy property; and (3) from 1985 to 1990 for hydroelectric generating property. Title III: Extension of Residential Energy Credits - Extends the residential energy income tax credit for solar renewable energy property from 1985 to 1990. Phases out such credit over such period of time. Provides that solar hot water systems and active space heating systems must meet certain additional standards in order to qualify for such credit. Extends the residential energy income tax credit for wind renewable energy property from 1985 to 1988. Phases out such credit over such period of time. Extends the residential energy income tax credit for geothermal renewable energy property from 1985 to 1988. Phases out such credit over such period of time. Revises the definition of geothermal deposits for purposes of such credit. Revises the definition of energy conservation expenditures for purposes of the residential energy income tax credit to limit the amounts taken into account to $700. Limits the energy conservation income tax credit to taxpayers with an adjusted gross income of less than $30,000. Title IV: Effective Date - Sets forth the effective date of this Act.

Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 114 (99th)referred

A concurrent resolution to express the sense of the Congress that the President should submit to the Congress recommendations concerning the report of the President's Private Sector Survey on Cost Control (known as the Grace Commission).

United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1985

Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should analyze the proposals of the President's Private Sector on Cost Control (Grace Commission) and submit to the Congress within 90 days a unified report and recommendations with respect to an identification of: (1) the 1,635 proposals of the Commission and the expected savings from each of them; (2) each recommendation that the President or executive branch already has implemented; (3) each remaining recommendation which can be implemented solely by the President or the executive branch and which the President supports; (4) each recommendation which can be implemented solely by the President or the executive branch and which the President opposes; (5) each recommendation requiring congressional action on which the Congress has taken action, and the expected savings from such action; (6) each recommendation which requires further congressional action and which the President supports; (7) each recommendation which requires further congressional action and which the President opposes; and (8) any other information regarding any recommendation which the President deems necessary or appropriate to transmit to the Congress.

Bill· HRH.R. 1940 (99th)referred

Defense Environmental Restoration Act of 1985

United States · United States Congress · 3 April 1985

Defense Environmental Restoration Act of 1985 - Subjects facilities under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of Defense to the requirements of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) (Superfund). Exempts the Secretary from the financial responsibility requirements. Prohibits the delegation to the Secretary of any response authority under such Act, requiring such authority to remain with the President or the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as appropriate. Permits the designation of the Secretary and other Department of Defense (DOD) officials as natural resources trustees under such Act. Authorizes the Administrator to delegate other authorities to the Secretary or DOD officials if it would be cost-effective except the authority to approve remedial action at a site on the National Priorities List (NPL) in a nonemergency situation. Authorizes the President to issue response action orders as necessary to protect the national security. Directs the Secretary to establish within the Office of the Secretary an office to implement the Defense Environmental Restoration Program which includes investigating and cleaning up contamination from hazardous substances and correcting environmental damage. Directs the Secretary to carry out response actions with respect to releases of hazardous substances from sites and vessels under the Secretary's jurisdiction. Excludes response actions which do not result in a new facility from military construction requirements. Permits removal or remedial action by another responsible party. Directs the Secretary to pay all fees and charges imposed by State and local authorities for storage and/or disposal of hazardous substances on lands under the jurisdiction of the Secretary. Authorizes the Secretary to implement the administrative abatement authorities where there may be an imminent and substantial endangerment to public health or the environment from a DOD controlled facility. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 through 1990 to carry out the restoration program. Makes available to the Secretary amounts recovered from responsible parties for response actions of the Secretary. Authorizes the Secretary to settle claims under CERCLA up to a specified amount. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 through 1990 for emergency removal actions where the release or threatened release of any hazardous substance presents an imminent and substantial endangerment to the public health or environment. Limits the per-site expenditure unless the Secretary and the Administrator agree that continued response actions are required in an emergency-type situation. Requires each emergency removal action to be completed within six months if possible or within 18 months at the outside. Requires the Secretary to notify the Congress within 15 days of obligating emergency funds. Authorizes the Secretary to use facility maintenance funds for response actions, including emergency actions. Authorizes the Secretary to utilize the services of any other Government agency on a reimbursable basis to carry out this Act. Directs the Secretary to establish a research, development, and demonstration program regarding hazardous waste management, including cost-effective strategies and technological innovation. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 through 1990. Directs the Secretary to notify the Administrator of the Agency of Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) within one year of this Act's enactment of the 25 hazardous substances most frequently used at DOD facilities for which no standard or water quality criteria are in effect under the other Federal environmental and water quality statutes. Requires ATSDR to prepare profiles on such substances within one year of receiving the funds to do so. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary to keep the regional EPA offices and the appropriate State and local authorities informed about any hazardous substance releases or proposed response actions occurring at a DOD site within their area. Requires that such notice be made prior to taking a response action in nonemergency situations. Directs the Secretary to establish a Technical Review Committee of such authorities whenever possible to review and comment on DOD proposals. Requires the Secretary to provide an opportunity for public participation before adopting a plan for remedial action at any DOD site on the NPL. Directs the Secretary to report annually to the Congress on the implementation of this Act, including a statement for each site and its hazardous substances, the response actions taken or proposed, and the costs involved. Directs the Secretary to provide the Congress with information on military construction projects in the budget attributable to environmental restoration programs. Requires military construction authorizations to separately set forth the amount requested for environmental restoration for each military department and defense agency. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out otherwise unauthorized emergency construction for hazardous substance response actions up to a specified amount and after congressional notification.

Bill· HRH.R. 1967 (99th)referred

A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to establish a grant program to provide assistance to States in providing veterans with advice and assistance concerning veterans' benefits.

United States · United States Congress · 3 April 1985

Directs the Administrator of Veterans Affairs to establish a program to assist State governments in funding State established veterans' services programs which assist veterans with their benefits. Sets forth grant application procedures, including a description of the State plan for coordination of a State veterans' services assistance program with the programs of local veterans' service organizations. Requires a State plan to show that the delivery of services will be managed at the local level and that a State will increase the amount of matching funds it provides in each fiscal year through the third fiscal year of the grant. Directs the Administrator to prescribe regulations to evaluate grant applications. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 through 1988.

Bill· HRH.R. 1868 (99th)open

Medicare and Medicaid Patient and Program Protection Act of 1986

United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1985

Medicare and Medicaid Patient and Program Protection Act of 1985 - Amends part A (General Provisions) of title XI of the Social Security Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to exclude from participation in programs under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act any individual or entity: (1) convicted of a criminal offense related to the delivery of an item or service under title XVIII or under titles XIX (Medicaid), V (Maternal and Child Health Block Grant), or XX (Block Grants to states for Social Services) of such Act; or (2) convicted of a criminal offense related to neglect or abuse of patients in connection with the delivery of a health care item or service. Authorizes the Secretary to exclude from Medicare participation any individual or entity: (1) convicted of fraud with respect to any Federal, State, or locally financed health care program; (2) convicted of interferring with the investigation of health care fraud; (3) convicted of manufacturing, distributing, or dispensing a controlled substance; (4) whose health care license has been suspended or revoked; (5) suspended or excluded from participation in a Federal health care program; (6) claiming excessive charges or providing unnecessary services; (7) committing certain acts prohibited under title XI; (8) owned or controlled by an individual convicted of health care related crimes, fined for health care abuses, or excluded from Medicare or a State health care program; and (9) failing to supply certain information. Authorizes the Secretary to exclude any hospital failing to comply with corrective action required under title XVIII. Sets forth provisions relating to notice requirements, judicial review, and period of exclusion. Directs the Secretary to promptly notify each appropriate State agency administering or supervising the administration of a State health care program of each exclusion and the period of exclusion. Permits an excluded individual or entity to apply, following a period exclusion, to the Secretary for reinstatement. Sets forth provisions providing for civil and criminal penalties for acts involving Medicare or State health care programs abuse, including penalties for physician misrepresentations. Requires a State, as a condition of Medicaid plan approval, to provide for the following: (1) a system of reporting any type of adverse action concluded against any health care practitioner or entity by the State or a local licensing authority; and (2) such access to documents as may be necessary by the Secretary. Requires the Secretary to provide suitable safeguards for the confidentiality of such information. Requires any health care provider providing health care services for which payment may be made under the Act to assure that services or items furnished: (1) will be provided economically and only when, and to the extent, medically necessary; (2) will be quality services which meet professionally recognized standards of health care; and (3) will be supported by evidence of medical necessity and quality in such form and fashion and at such time as may reasonably be required by a reviewing peer review organization in the exercise of its duties and responsibilities. Permits a State to exclude from Medicaid participation any individual or entity excluded under Medicare pursuant to the patient and program protection provisions. Requires a State in order to receive Federal payments with respect to a health maintenance organization (HMO) to exclude any HMO that: (1) could be excluded because of the conviction of the owners or managers of certain crimes; or (2) contracts with any individual or entity convicted of such crimes. Prohibits Federal payments with respect to any amount expended for items or services furnished with respect to any individual or entity excluded from Medicaid participation because of the patient and program protection provisions. Prohibits a State under title V from making payments to any individual or entity excluded from participation pursuant to the patient and program protection provisions. Prohibits Federal payments with respect to any amount expended for items or services furnished with respect to any individual or entity excluded from Medicare because of the patient and program protection provisions of part A of title XI. Prohibits using a grant under title XX for payment for any item or service furnished by a person excluded from title XX participation because of the patient and program protection provisions of title XI. Revises disclosure requirements under part A of title XI. Revises Medicare provisions concerning agreements with providers. Modifies the Medicaid moratorium provisions of the Deficit Reduction Act of 1984 to consider a State's Medicaid plan to include any plan change submitted to the Secretary either before or after the enactment of that Act and whether or not approved or disapproved by the Secretary. Sets forth effective date provisions.

Bill· HRH.R. 1917 (99th)open

A bill to amend title II of the Social Security Act to restore and protect the benefit levels of workers reaching age 65 in or after 1982 (and their widows and widowers) by eliminating the "notch" between those levels and the corresponding benefit levels of persons who reached age 65 before 1982.

United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1985

Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to eliminate the benefit disparity between those born before 1916 and those born after 1916 which was effected by the enactment of the Social Security Amendments of 1977. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to recompute the primary insurance amount so as to take into account the amendments made by this Act and to pay to any individual so entitled any additional lump sum amount to which such individual is entitled by reason of this Act. Prohibits the recomputation from reducing any individual's benefit.

Bill· HRH.R. 1894 (99th)open

Youth Suicide Prevention Act of 1985

United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1985

Youth Suicide Prevention Act of 1985 - Title I: Commission for the Study of Youth Suicide - Establishes the Commission for the Study of Youth Suicide. Directs the Commission to conduct a study that will: (1) examine the causes of suicide among children and youth; (2) identify the most promising strategies for intervening in and preventing suicide; and (3) analyze the options available for assisting States and communities in implementing youth suicide prevention programs. Directs the Commission to prepare both a short- and long-range national plan for the prevention of youth suicide. Directs the Commission, within 15 months after the date of its initial meeting, to transmit to the President and the Congress a report containing a detailed statement of the findings, conclusions, and recommendations of the study. Provides for the membership of the Commission, including the Secretaries of Health and Human Services and of Education, or their delegates, and citizen leaders including some chosen from lists submitted by the American Association of Suicidology, the American Medical Association, the American Psychological Association, and the American Psychiatric Association. Provides for a Commission Director and staff and for Commission powers. Terminates the Commission 90 days after its report is transmitted. Authorizes appropriations to carry out this title for FY 1986 and 1987. Title II: Grants for Programs to Prevent Suicide among Children and Youth - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (the Secretary), in cooperation with the Secretary of Education, to make grants for establishment and operation of youth suicide prevention projects to each applicant whose application is approved. Provides a list of the types of such projects which may be eligible for such grants (including youth school programs, community resources (such as 24-hour "teen hot-lines"), educational materials and public service announcements, and national and international conferences on youth suicide prevention. Requires that such grants be made under terms and conditions prescribed by the Secretary, in cooperation with the Secretary of Education. Limits the amount of such grant award to any one applicant to not more than: (1) a total of $500,000 for FY 1986 through 1988; and (2) 50 percent of the estimated cost of the project for any fiscal year. Makes States, local governments, and private nonprofit agencies eligible to apply for such grants. Directs the Secretary to approve an application if the applicant qualifies under specified provisions and meets such other requirements as the Secretary may prescribe by regulation. Requires that applications contain such information and assurances as the Secretary considers necessary. Sets forth qualification requirements for grant applicants. Requires an applicant that is a State or local government to have in effect and be implementing a primary suicide prevention program directed at children and youth. Requires an applicant that is a private nonprofit agency to demonstrate, in a manner prescribed by regulation by the Secretary, that the agency is cooperating with other private agencies and with Federal, State, and local governments to help prevent suicide among children and youth. Directs the Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Education, to submit to the President and the Congress an annual report evaluating the types and effectiveness of programs and activities assisted under this Act during the preceding fiscal year. Requires that the last such report transmitted contain recommendations on the desirability of continuing such grants. Sets forth auditing provisions. Terminates the grants program established by this title three years after the first grant is awarded. Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary for grants under this title in specified limited amounts for FY 1986 through 1988.

Bill· HRH.R. 1875 (99th)open

Military Chaplains Faith Balance Act of 1984

United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1985

Military Chaplains Faith Balance Act of 1984 - Directs the Secretary of Defense to increase the representation of underrepresented religious faiths among armed forces chaplains.

Bill· HRH.R. 1916 (99th)referred

A bill to provide for a study by the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop recommendations for correcting the disparities in the computation of social security benefits (commonly referred to as the "notch problem") which were caused by the enactment (in 1977) of the present formula for computing primary insurance amounts under title II of the Social Security Act.

United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1985

Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct a study of the benefit disparities caused by the 1977 changes in the social security benefit formula. Directs the Secretary to report the results of the study to the Congress and the Congressional Budget Office. Directs the Director of the Congressional Budget Office to report to the Congress that Office's conclusions and recommendations regarding the Secretary's report.

Bill· HRH.R. 1877 (99th)referred

Humane Product Testing Act of 1985

United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1985

Humane Product Testing Act of 1985 - Requires Federal departments and agencies to promote nonanimal alternatives to the LD50 test used in the testing of products. Phases out the use of such test to the degree possible within one year of this Act's enactment. (LD50 is a procedure whereby toxicity is measured in terms of the median dose which will kill 50 percent of the test animals within a specified period.)

Bill· HRH.R. 1918 (99th)referred

World War I Veterans' Service Pension Act

United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1985

World War I Veterans' Service Pension Act - Directs the Administrator of Veterans Affairs to pay a monthly pension of $150 to each veteran of World War I who meets specified service requirements. Requires such veteran, if receiving another pension administered by the Veterans Administration (VA), to elect which pension he will receive. Provides for the payment of a monthly pension of $100 to surviving spouses of World War I veterans who meet certain marriage requirements. Requires such surviving spouses to choose between pensions if they are currently receiving another pension through the VA.

Bill· HRH.R. 1817 (99th)open

Data Bank Centralization Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1985

Data Bank Centralization Act - Directs the Administrator of Veterans Affairs to establish and maintain a central data bank containing information on each living veteran. Allows such information to be made available only to: (1) criminal law enforcement personnel in barricade or hostage situations in which a veteran is involved; or (2) personnel of the Veterans Administration in carrying out authorized activities. Requires the Administrator to: (1) ensure ready access to such information to criminal law enforcement personnel for the specified situations; and (2) establish safeguards to ensure the confidentiality of such information and protect it from uses other than as specified. Makes unlawful the disclosure of such information for any purposes other than those specified. Provides criminal penalties for such unlawful disclosure.

Bill· HRH.R. 1816 (99th)open

Hotline for Help Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1985

Hotline for Help Act - Directs the Administrator of Veterans Affairs to provide veterans with toll free telephone access to the Veterans Administration for the purpose of obtaining: (1) information on services and benefits; and (2) crisis counseling. Requires the Administrator to provide appropriate professional personnel to carry out such crisis counseling.

Bill· HRH.R. 1802 (99th)open

A bill to amend title 5, United States Code, to establish certain requirements for the procurement by contract of certain services that are reserved for performance by preference eligibles in the competitive service.

United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1985

Prohibits a Federal agency from procuring by contract any services performed by Federal employees in the competitive service positions of guards, elevator operators, messengers, and custodians if such procurement would: (1) cause the involuntary separation of a preference eligible from any such position; or (2) preclude the performance of any such service by a qualified preference eligible. Provides that neither an involuntary reassignment within the same agency nor an involuntary transfer to another agency shall be considered to be an involuntary separation if such reassignment or transfer is to a vacant position which is the same type, at the same or higher pay, within the same commuting area, and for which the preference eligible is qualified. Allows the procurement of such services by contract: (1) when qualified preference eligibles are not available; and (2) for positions held by employees other than preference eligibles. Requires that any such procurement be conducted in accordance with applicable Federal procurement laws, including specified provisions requiring certain procurements of services from qualified nonprofit agencies for the blind and for other severely handicapped.

Law· HJRESH.J.Res. 220 (99th)enacted

A joint resolution to recognize the vital role played by members of the National Guard and Reserve in the national defense.

United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1985

Expresses the sense of the Congress that National Guard and reserve members should be recognized for the essential role they play in the national defense. Urges and requests employers and supervisors to abide by Federal law and grant a leave of absence for military training to members of the Guard and reserves and provide such employees equal consideration for job benefits and promotions.

Bill· HRH.R. 1780 (99th)open

National Childhood Vaccine-Injury Compensation Act of 1985

United States · United States Congress · 27 March 1985

National Childhood Vaccine-Injury Compensation Act of 1985 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish the National Childhood Vaccine-Injury Compensation Program (Program). Prohibits the filing of a civil action for damages for vaccine-related injuries unless the procedures of this Act have been followed. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to prescribe rules governing the content of claims for vaccine-related injuries and procedures for filing such claims. Sets forth deadlines by which: (1) the Secretary must send the claimant and respondent lists of persons eligible to serve on hearing panels; (2) the respondent may join additional respondents; and (3) the claimant and respondent are to select persons for the hearing panel. Provides for the selection and replacement of additional hearing panel members. Permits each respondent to file a consent waiving his or her rights to a judge or jury trial. Allows the hearing panel to hear a claim if each respondent has filed consent. Allows the claimant to file an action for damages in a State or Federal court where none of the respondents have filed such consents. Permits the hearing panel to hear the claim against participating respondents where some, but not all, of the respondents filed consents. Allows the claimant to file an action in a State or Federal court against the nonparticipating respondents. Declares that such court action shall be stayed on any party's motion until the proceedings against the participating respondents are completed. Empowers the hearing panel to determine whether any alleged injuries are vaccine-related and, if appropriate, to award compensation. Sets an aggregate limit of $1,000,000 per person for such awards, including $100,000 for damages arising from pain, suffering, and emotional distress. Allows the claimant to reject the decision of the hearing panel by filing an objection within 60 days. Permits the respondent to appeal the decision of the hearing panel to a Federal district court within 30 days thereafter if no such objection is filed by the claimant. Directs the district court to affirm the hearing panel decision, unless: (1) the decision was procured by corruption or fraud; (2) the hearing panel exceeded its authority; or (3) the hearing panel denied a fair hearing to any party. Permits a claimant who has filed a timely objection to the hearing panel decision to maintain an action for damages in an appropriate State or Federal court. Permits the decision of the hearing panel to be admitted into evidence, unless: (1) the decision was procured by corruption or fraud; (2) the hearing panel exceeded its authority; or (3) the hearing panel denied a fair hearing to any party. Allows a plaintiff to recover a judgment for monetary damages to the full extent provided by State or Federal law where: (1) the respondent did not file a consent pursuant to this Act; or (2) the parties waived compliance with the procedures prescribed by this Act. Limits recovery to the extent provided by this Act where the respondent has filed a consent. Permits a respondent who has paid an award, judgment, or settlement to file a civil action in a U.S. district court seeking to recover all or part of it. Permits third-party impleaders and cross-claims. Allows a party to file an action for contribution or indemnification if that party: (1) did not file a consent pursuant to this Act or waived compliance; and (2) discharged a vaccine-injury claim. Declares that claims filed more than two years after the first manifestation of a vaccine-related injury shall be barred. Defines "covered vaccine" to include vaccines against diptheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, measles, mumps, and rubella. Establishes an Advisory Commission on Childhood Vaccines to: (1) advise the Secretary on the implementation of the Program; (2) study and recommend ways to encourage the availability of safe and effective vaccines; (3) survey information gathering programs and advise the Secretary on how to obtain useful information; and (4) recommend research. Directs the Secretary to develop parent information materials within one year of enactment of this Act. Describes the information to be included in such materials. Directs the Secretary to: (1) encourage the development of vaccines that result in fewer major adverse reactions than those currently on the market; and (2) assure improvements in the vaccine industry to reduce the risks of major adverse reactions. Requires the Secretary to report to specified congressional committees biennially.

Bill· HRH.R. 1776 (99th)open

National Infrastructure Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 March 1985

National Infrastructure Act - Establishes in the Treasury the National Infrastructure Fund. Authorizes appropriations for each of FY 1986 through 1995. Directs amounts in the Fund to be made available to the Secretary of the Treasury to make interest-free repayable grants to States. Establishes within the Fund a separate account to be known as the Sinking Fund Account for deposits by States of grant obligations. Requires the Secretary to invest amounts in the Account in interest-bearing obligations of the United States. Requires the Secretary to maintain separate records of funds in the Account with respect to each grant made under this Act. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress each year from FY 1987 through 2016 on the financial conditions of the Account. Entitles each State to repayable grants, according to a specified population ratio, for FY 1986 through 1995. Specifies terms for payments to States by the Secretary and repayments by States to the Secretary of such grants. Allows the Secretary to adjust the amount of any payment if deemed necessary. Allows States 20 years for repayment of grants, with adjustments made to the Account for each State at such time. Sets forth qualifications for States receiving such grants, including: (1) a contractual agreement by the State that it will establish an infrastructure revolving fund in its treasury to deposit and maintain records of grants received and make interest-free loans to various departments and agencies within the State; (2) terms and length of repayment; (3) specified uses to which grant funds may be applied; and (4) specified prohibited uses of grant funds. Requires a State to make available to the Secretary and the Comptroller General for inspection such records as either may require. Requires annual independent financial audits of grant-participating States to determine compliance with this Act. Allows States to waive such audit requirement in specified circumstances. Allows the Secretary to waive such audit requirement in certain cases. Requires any audits done to be made available to the public within 30 days after being received by the Secretary. Directs the Comptroller General to review the activities of the Secretary and the States to determine compliance under this Act. Requires a State making an interest-free loan under this Act to hold at least one public hearing on the proposed loan, with adequate notice to the public. Requires the Secretary, before June 2 of each year ending before January 1, 1997, to report to the Congress on: (1) the status and operation of the Fund during the prior fiscal year; (2) the amounts made available for each such purpose during the prior fiscal year; and (3) the administration of this Act. Requires, at the end of each fiscal year for which repayable grants are made under this Act, each State government receiving such a grant to submit a report to the Secretary on the amount, purposes, and uses of such grant. Requires the Secretary to determine population (used as a statistic in awarding grants) on the same basis that the Secretary of Commerce determines resident population for general statistical purposes. Requires the Secretary to use population estimates provided by the Secretary of Commerce to determine amounts of repayable grants for each fiscal year.

Bill· HRH.R. 1706 (99th)referred

A bill to encourage State and local governments to increase investments in distressed areas by permitting such governments to negotiate reductions in their regulatory burdens with the Office of Management and Budget.

United States · United States Congress · 25 March 1985

Authorizes any State or local governments to negotiate reductions in their regulatory burdens by demonstrating to the Director of the Office of Management and Budget that it will invest: (1) in all distressed areas within its jurisdiction (ten percent more than the previous year); or (2) in any one distressed area within its jurisdiction (50 percent more than the previous fiscal year without reducing its investment in any other distressed area). Counts the expenditure of funds from sources other than government funds as an increased expenditure if the government can demonstrate that such expenditures would not have been made but for action taken by the government. Allows the Director to negotiate with respect to any Federal regulation that the State or local government can demonstrate is unduly burdensome, duplicative, or unnecessary to the attainment of its statutory objectives. Prohibits a State or local government from negotiating with respect to a Federal regulation unless it also can demonstrate that it has a record of compliance with the objectives of such regulation. Prohibits the Director from allowing any regulatory relief which would: (1) directly violate certain statutory requirements (including those under the Fair Labor Standards Act); or (2) create a significant risk to the public health (including environmental and occupational health and safety). Requires all negotiations under this Act to be open to the public. Directs the Director to publish in the Federal Register any agreements providing for regulatory relief under this Act. Directs Federal agencies to waive or modify any regulation subject to an agreement negotiated under this Act. Makes any such agreement, waiver, or modification a final agency action for judicial review purposes. Entitles any person aggrieved by an agreement, waiver, or modification to bring an action for judicial review.

Bill· HRH.R. 1668 (99th)reported

A bill to amend title 39, United States Code, to provide that change-of-address order forms submitted to the Postal Service may be furnished to the appropriate State authority for purposes relating to voter registration.

United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1985

Directs the Postal Service to establish a program under which change-of-address forms may be transmitted to appropriate State election authorities for voter registration purposes. Directs the Postal Service to prescribe regulations under which a State may participate in such program. Authorizes appropriations.

Bill· HRH.R. 1659 (99th)referred

A bill to amend section 1105 of title 31, United States Code, relating to the President's budget to require it to separately set forth the annual budget of the Federal Reserve System.

United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1985

Requires the President to include with the annual Federal budget submitted to the Congress another budget prepared by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System showing estimated receipts and expenditures for itself and all Federal Reserve banks for the next three fiscal years.

Bill· HRH.R. 1684 (99th)referred

Amerasian Children Relief Act of 1985

United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1985

Amerasian Children Relief Act of 1985 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to provide for the admission of certain children fathered by U.S. citizens in Korea, Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, or Kampuchea who have: (1) been released by their mothers for adoption and emigration; and (2) been adopted or will be adopted by U.S. citizens (including certain single parents).

Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 95 (99th)passed

A concurrent resolution commemorating the 20th Anniversary of Head Start.

United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1985

Commemorates May 18, 1985, as the 20th anniversary of the Head Start Program. Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the Head Start Program has been cost-effective and successful; and (2) congressional commitment to such program is reaffirmed.

Bill· HRH.R. 1613 (99th)open

Atomic Veterans Relief Act of 1985

United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1985

Atomic Veterans Relief Act of 1985 - Provides disability benefits to veterans who participated in atomic tests or the occupation of Hiroshima or Nagasaki after World War II and who, within 40 years, suffer from diseases that may be attributable to ionizing radiation, including: (1) leukemia; (2) polycythemia vera; (3) carcinoma of the thyroid; (4) chromosomal damage; (5) posterior subcapsular cataracts; and (6) other radiogenic cancers. Directs the Administrator of Veterans Affairs to promulgate regulations to resolve benefit claims and provide standards for benefit determinations and the inclusion of additional diseases as the basis for benefits. Provides for survivors' benefits. Directs the Administrator to report to the Veterans' Affairs Committees of the Congress whenever legislative action related to the subject matter of the regulations is needed. Requires proposed and final regulations to be published in the Federal Register by the Administrator within specified periods. Establishes a presumption that a disability is service-connected for a veteran exposed to ionizing radiation while on active duty, notwithstanding the absence of Government records documenting any such exposure. Provides medical care for the treatment of genetic or congenital disorders in the natural children of affected veterans. Entitles such children to educational assistance. Requires the Administrator to carry out an outreach, screening, and counseling program to serve those veterans, dependents, and survivors entitled to benefits under this Act. Directs the Administrator to establish a research and training program for the diagnosis and treatment of disabilities caused by exposure to ionizing radiation, including a centralized registry of claims. Directs the Administrator to make a comprehensive report on these programs in the annual report to the Congress under this Act.