United States · United States Congress · 12 September 1985
Child Abuse Victims Rights Act of 1985 - Amends the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Statute to extend its coverage to the sexual exploitation of children. Authorizes a civil suit for treble damages for any persons injured personally or in their business or property by violations of RICO relating to the sexual exploitation of children. Amends the Federal criminal code to provide a mandatory life sentence for any person who kidnaps an individual under the age of 18. Imposes the death penalty in any case where such victim dies as a result of the kidnapping. Increases the penalties for offenses involving the sexual exploitation of children. Provides for a mandatory minimum sentence for second offenders. Extends the statute of limitations for certain offenses involving the sexual exploitation of children. Requires the Attorney General, within one year, to submit a report to the Congress recommending possible changes in the Federal Rules of Evidence, the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, and other courtroom prosecutorial and investigative procedures which would facilitate the participation of child witnesses in cases involving child abuse and sexual exploitation. Specifies a list of considerations including: (1) the use of closed-circuit cameras, two-way mirrors, and other out-of-court statements; (2) the use of judicial discretion to circumscribe the use of harassment or confusing questions; (3) the use of videotape in investigations; (4) the possibility of streamlining investigative procedures; and (5) improved training of prosecutorial and investigative staff in the special problems of child witnesses. Requires the Attorney General to modify the classification system used by the National Crime Information Center in its Interstate Identification Index, and by the Identification Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with respect to offenses involving the sexual exploitation of children, to include the age of the victim and the relationship of the victim to the offender. Requires such classification to use a uniform definition of a child. Amends the Missing Children's Assistance Act to increase by one the membership of the Advisory Board on Missing Children.
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 1985
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should form a National Commission on the Farm Credit System to recommend agricultural credit reforms.
United States · United States Congress · 11 September 1985
Congressional Foreign Travel Accountability Act of 1985 - Prohibits the use of Federal funds for the expenses of foreign travel by Members of Congress or congressional officers or employees unless such expenses are paid out of a specific appropriation included in the Legislative Branch Appropriation Act or any supplement thereto. Requires such travel to be accomplished by the most economical means possible. Requires congressional committees to establish guidelines to avoid duplicative and unnecessary travel and to file quarterly reports on such travel for public inspection. Sets forth civil penalties for persons who use such reports for unlawful, commercial, or solicitation purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 1985
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide coverage for services performed by a physician assistant under the supervision of a physician.
United States · United States Congress · 4 September 1985
Enterprise Zone Development and Employment Act of 1985 - Title I: Designation of Enterprize Zones - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for the designation of enterprise zones by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development for purposes of extending the tax incentives and regulatory flexibility measures provided by this Act. Provides that State and local governments shall nominate areas for such designation. Limits the designation of enterprise zones to 100 nominated areas, by the later of a 24 month period or July 1, 1985 (one-fourth of which must be in rural areas). Limits the period during which such deisgnation shall remain in effect. Provides that the Secretary may designate such zones only if: (1) the area is within the jurisdiction of the local government; (2) the boundary of the area is continuous; (3) the area has a population of at least 4,000 if any portion thereof is located within a standard metropolitan statistical area (with a population of at least 50,000) or 1,500 otherwise, or is within an Indian reservation; and (4) the area meets specified unemployment and poverty requirements. Requires nominating local governments, as a condition of the Secretary's designation, to agree in writing to follow a course of action which may include reducing tax rates, improving local services, simplifying or streamlining regulation of business, receiving commitments of private entities to assist employees and residents of the area, permitting State and local income tax deductions for fees for services performed by a nongovernmental entity formerly performed by a governmental entity, giving special preference to contractors owned and operated by members of a minority, and giving of surplus land in the enterprise zone to neighborhood organizations agreeing to operate a business on the land. Describes areas to which preference shall be given in deciding to designate enterprise zones. Requires the Secretary to prepare and submit to the Congress every four years a report on the effects of such enterprise zones' designation. Requires that any property tax reduction effected by a local government under the terms of this Act be disregarded for purposes of determining the eligibility of a State or local government for Federal assistance or benefits. States that designation of an enterprise zone shall not give displaced persons from such an area any rights or benefits under the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970. Treats any area designated as an enterprise zone as a labor surplus area under Federal law. Title II: Federal Income Tax Incentives - Subtitle A: Credits for Employers and Employees - Allows employers located in enterprise zones a nonrefundable income tax credit for increased employment expenditures and employment of the disadvantaged. Allows a three-year carryback and a 15-year carryover of such credit. Sets the amount of such credit at ten percent of the increase in payroll (taking into account a maximum of $17,500 in wages per year per employee) plus 50 percent of the wages paid to certain disadvantaged workers for the first three years of the enterprise zone designation. Phases out such economically disadvantaged credit. Disallows a deduction for the portion of the wages or salaries taken into account for such credit. Requires that where there is an early termination of employment by an employer in the case of qualified economically disadvantaged individuals, the tax for that taxable year in which the termination occurred must be increased by the tax credits allowed for such employees. Allows employees located in enterprise zones a nonrefundable income tax credit equal to five percent of qualified wages earned per year (taking into account a maximum of $10,500 in wages per year). Phases out such credit. Subtitle B: Credits for Investment in Tangible Property in Enterprise Zones - Allows businesses an additional investment tax credit for investments made in certain enterprise zone construction property located in enterprise zones. Limits such credit to ten percent for new enterprise zone construction property, including rental property. Requires that the property subject to such credit be located in an enterprise zone, be predominantly used in the zone, be either constructed, reconstructed, renovated, etc. during the period of zone designation or acquired during such period, and not be acquired from relatives or related corporations. Requires the recapture of such credit upon the early disposition of the property. Provides for a phase-out of the enterprise zone tax credit as the enterprise zone ends. Provides for an adjustment to the basis of the enterprise zone construction property to reflect the enterprise zone tax credit. Subtitle C: Nonrecognition of Qualified Enterprise Zone Capital Gain Where Acquisition of Enterprise Zone Business Property - Provides for the nonrecognition of capital gain on the sale of property where within the one-year period beginning on the date of such sale qualified replacement property is acquired by the taxpayer, to the extent the gain from the sale does not exceed the cost of the replacement property. Defines "qualified replacement property" as any personal property used predominantly in an enterprise zone in the active conduct of a trade or business within the enterprise zone, any real property located in the enterprise zone used in the active conduct of a trade or business, or any corporation, partnership, or other entity if, for the three most recent taxable years of such entity ending before the date of the purchase of such interest, such entity was a qualified business. Sets forth special rules for the operation of this provision. Requires the basis of the replacement property to be reduced by an amount equal to the amount of gain not recognized on the sale of such other property. Extends the period for the statute of limitations relating to the assessment of tax with respect to the sale of property involving the nonrecognition provisions. Provides that the holding period for the qualified replacement property shall include the period for which the property sold or exchanged had been held as of the date of the sale or exchange. Subtitle D: Deduction for Purchase of Enterprise Stock - Allows a taxpayer to deduct the aggregate amount paid during the taxable year for the purchase of enterprise stock on the original issue of such stock by a qualified issuer. Limits the maximum amount of such deduction to $100,000 a year. Requires that the $100,000 limit must be allocated among the members of a controlled group. Requires the pro rata allocation of the $100,000 limit among the stock purchased where the aggregate amount of stock purchased exceeds the $100,000 limitation. Requires that the gain from the disposition of the stock shall be treated as ordinary income. Provides a formula for calculating such gain. Provides that interest is charged on the disposition of such stock if such disposition occurs before the end of the three-year period beginning on the date the stock was purchased. Provides that where an issuer ceases to be a qualified issuer of enterprise stock before the close of the fifth taxable year after the date the stock was issued, the taxpayer must include in income the amount of the deduction allowed with respect to such stock plus interest on the aggregate decrease in tax of the taxpayer resulting from the deduction allowed with respect to such stock. Sets forth special rules with respect to such stock. Requires the basis of such stock to be reduced by the amount of the deduction allowed with respect to such stock. Subtitle E: Rules Relating to Industrial Development Bonds - Provides that limitations on the cost recovery deductions for property financed with tax-exempt industrial development bonds shall not apply to enterprise zone property. Provides that the termination of the small issue exemption shall not apply to industrial development bonds the proceeds of which are used to finance facilities in such enterprise zones. Subtitle F: Ordinary Loss Deduction for Securities of Enterprise Zone Business Which Become Worthless - Permits an ordinary loss deduction for securities of enterprise zone businesses which become worthless during the taxable year. Subtitle G: Increase in Research Credit for Research Conducted in Enterprise Zones - Increases the tax credit for increasing research activities to 37 and one-half percent. (currently, 25 percent for research conducted in enterprise zones). Subtitle H: Sense of the Congress with Respect to Tax Simplification - Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Internal Revenue Service should simplify the administration and enforcement of any provision of the Internal Revenue Code affected by this Act. Subtitle I: Regulations - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to issue regulations to carry out the provisions of this Act not later than six months after the date of enactment. Title III: Regulatory Flexibility - Revises the definition of "small entity" for purposes of the analysis of regulatory functions to include qualified businesses (as defined in Title II of this Act) and governments and nonprofit enterprises operating within enterprise zones. Authorizes Federal agencies, upon request by a designating government, to waive or modify rules and regulations which pertain to the carrying out of projects or activities within an enterprise zone. Requires agencies to approve such request if the resulting benefits of job creation, community development, or economic revitalization outweigh the public interest in continuation of the rule unchanged. Disallows waiver or modification of a rule that would directly violate a statutory requirement (including the Davis-Bacon Act and Fair Labor Standards Act) or which would present a danger to the public health and safety. Provides that such waivers or modifications of a rule shall remain in effect as long as the zone designations. Amends the Department of Housing and Urban Development Act to direct the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to promote the coordination of all enterprise zone programs and consolidate all periodic reports required under such programs into one summary report. Title IV: Establishment of Foreign-Trade Zones in Enterprise Zones - Requires the Foreign-Trade Board to consider on a priority basis and expedite the processing of applications for the establishment of foreign-trade zones within enterprise zones. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to give priority to, and expedite applications for, the establishment of ports of entry necessary to establish such zones. States that, to the maximum extent practicable, foreign-trade zones should be established within enterprise zones.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1985
Prohibits the Secretary of Health and Human Services from changing reimbursement levels or methodologies for home health services under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act prior to the later of: (1) October 1, 1986; or (2) any freeze period beginning after June 30, 1985, and before October 1, 1986.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1985
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that in any amendment of the Internal Revenue Code: (1) education should remain a national priority, receiving at least the current level of tax incentives; and (2) care should be taken to facilitate State and local efforts to raise educational revenues and to encourage individuals to save for educational expenses.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1985
Surface Transportation and Uniform Relocation Assistance Act of 1985 - Title I: Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1985 - Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1985 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to: (1) apportion for FY 1987 and 1988 the sums authorized to be appropriated for such years for expenditure on the National System of Interstate and Defense Highways; (2) transmit to the Congress within ten days after January 2, 1989, a revised cost estimate for completing the Interstate System; (3) use the Federal share of congressionally approved estimates in making apportionments for FY 1991; and (4) apportion for FY 1986 and 1987 certain sums for substitute highway and urban mass transit projects. Reduces the authorized appropriations per fiscal year for highway assistance programs for FY 1986 through 1990. States that 25 percent of substitute highway project funds for FY 1987 through 1990 shall be distributed at the Secretary's discretion. Directs the Secretary to use the Federal share of certain congressionally approved substitute highway cost estimates in making apportionments for FY 1987 through 1990. Sets distribution guidelines for the apportionment of substitute transit funds for FY 1987 through 1990. Amends the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956 to authorize appropriations for the Interstate System through FY 1991. Sets a ceiling, with specified exceptions, for the total of all obligations for Federal-Aid Highways and highway safety construction programs for FY 1986 through 1990. Sets guidelines for redistribution by the Secretary of unused obligational authority among the States. Authorizes appropriations out of the Highway Trust Fund for FY 1986 through 1990 for: (1) the Federal-aid primary system in rural areas; (2) the Federal-aid secondary system in rural areas; (3) the Federal-aid urban system; (4) Indian reservation roads; (5) forest highways; (6) public lands highways; and (7) parkways and park highways. Requires that a minimum of ten percent of the authorized appropriations be expended with small businesses owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. Revises the apportionment ratios for resurfacing, restoring, rehabilitating, and reconstructing the Interstate System. Extends the authorization formula for Federal-aid primary systems from FY 1986 to 1990. Prohibits Federal approval of State projects on any Federal-aid system unless: (1) the State agrees to provide displaced owners with relocation assistance equal to Federal relocation assistance; (2) the displacement is authorized by State law and is in accordance with the terms of the rental agreement; and (3) the displacement is directly necessitated by such project. Requires contracts relating to State highway department construction projects upon the Federal-aid system to include a standard clause concerning site conditions which differ from those specified in the contract. Permits the use of convict labor and convict-produced materials in highway construction on Federal-aid systems: (1) if such convicts are on supervised release; or (2) if the materials are produced by convicts in a qualified prison facility, but the amount of materials produced in any 12-month period does not exceed the amount previously produced in such facility during the 12-month period ending July 1, 1985. Provides that apportioned funds not obligated within the authorized fiscal year for the Interstate System within a State shall be made available by the Secretary according to certain priorities (including high cost projects for construction of high occupancy vehicle lanes and other lanes on any highway in Los Angeles County, California, designated as part of the Interstate System). Authorizes the Secretary to make discretionary funds available to California for construction of high occupancy vehicle lanes, even if such State does not meet certain eligibility criteria. Makes funds available to Puerto Rico for construction of access and development roads on a Federal-aid system. Makes the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands eligible for emergency relief funding. Exempts tank trucks and ocean transport containers from vehicle weight and length limitations until September 1, 1988. Allows Federal participation in a State toll road which is part of the Interstate System even though the State highway department and the toll road authority have incurred an indebtedness to finance certain ineligible construction expenses for a feature recommended by a final environmental impact statement. Authorizes appropriations out of the Highway Trust Fund for FY 1986 through 1990 for highway beautification. Extends from March 9, 1984, to July 1, 1985, the deadline by which States may use certain Federal-aid highway funds for additional route designations on the Interstate System. Exempts a certain route designation in Weirton, West Virginia, from such deadline. Increases the amounts available for FY 1986 through 1990 for the discretionary bridge program. Authorizes the Secretary to approve, upon application by Arkansas, Federal assistance for construction of a highway bridge to replace ferryboat service. Limits the Federal share of such construction cost to 80 percent. Limits the amount of certain Interstate highway funds which the States may expend for purposes of transportation planning. Authorizes appropriations out of the Highway Trust Fund for Federal-aid highway purposes for FY 1986 through 1990. Directs the Secretary to establish national bridge safety inspection standards for all highway bridges. Prescribes guidelines for such standards. Directs the Secretary to establish a training program for bridge inspectors. Directs the Secretary to: (1) implement a strategic highway research program; and (2) set aside specified funds for FY 1987 through 1991 to implement such program. Changes Buy American provisions to increase from 50 percent to 85 percent the domestic content requirements for certain manufacturers of buses and other rolling stock. Makes eligible for Federal-aid highway funds the construction costs of a certain alternative interstate route in Massachusetts which provides access to an international airport. Authorizes Arkansas to use apportioned funds for the planning, design, and construction of a specified highway. Limits the amount of apportioned funds available for FY 1987 through 1989 for rehabilitation of elevated toll roads in Chicago, Illinois. Prohibits the obligation of Federal funds for: (1) route construction on the National System of Interstate and Defense Highways located mainly in a landfill placed in a river after May 1, 1985; and (2) substitute highway or transit projects which include landfill construction (exempts landfills necessary to preserve existing waterfront character and facilities). Sets guidelines for the obligation of Federal funds for alternative interstate projects. Makes certain interstate lane construction projects eligible for certain Federal-aid highway funds. Authorizes the Secretary to approve (upon the joint request of the Governor of California and the local governments concerned) a substitute transit construction project for a fixed guideway system in lieu of eligible interstate lane construction if the substitute project is in or adjacent to the proposed right-of-way for such lanes. Directs the Secretary to approve certain transfer concept plan modifications requested by the Governors of Maryland and Connecticut which include substitute highway and mass transit projects. Prescribes criteria for such approval. Exempts a certain privately-owned facility located on specified Interstate routes in Michigan from Federal prohibitions against commercial establishments on commercial rights-of-way of the Interstate System. Declares that the fair market value of any lands donated to California for the right-of-way for relocation and construction of a certain highway in Orange County shall be credited to the non-Federal share of such project costs. Authorizes the Secretary to approve construction of a certain Interstate route section in Hawaii. Releases the State of Maryland from certain road conveyance requirements under the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1970. Authorizes appropriations for railroad-highway crossing demonstration projects for FY 1986 through 1990. Authorizes appropriations out of the Highway Trust Fund for FY 1986 for rights-of-way acquisition and railroad construction costs in the vicinity of Carbondale, Illinois. Requires the Secretary to: (1) make a grant to each State within which the Consolidated Rail Corporation operates a rail vehicle safety demonstration program over railroad-highway crossings; and (2) report to the Congress regarding such program's effectiveness in improving railroad-highway crossing safety. Authorizes appropriations for such programs for FY 1986 through 1990. Directs the Secretary to complete a gap on the Federal-aid primary system in an urban area in Passaic County, New Jersey, utilizing procedures to accelerate design and construction. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress, not later than 180 days after the completion of such project, on its results, including specified analyses. Directs the Secretary to carry out the following demonstration projects: (1) in Brick Township, New Jersey, to demonstrate methods of improving traffic operations and reducing accidents at a high-volume rotary intersection; (2) in the vicinity of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, to demonstrate methods by which a highway construction project on the Federal-aid primary system will enhance highway safety and economic development in an area of high unemployment; (3) in the vicinity of Fort Smith, Arkansas, to demonstrate the economic growth and development benefits of widening a segment of the Federal-aid urban system connecting a community college and a large commercial center, and of improving traffic signalization on such segment; (4) in the vicinity of Moorhead, Minnesota, to demonstrate the economic and safety benefits of constructing a grade separation between a railroad line and a highway on the Federal-aid urban system; (5) in the vicinities of Fosston and Bagley, Minnesota, to demonstrate the economic and safety benefits of reconstructing two segments of a major highway on the Federal-aid primary system; (6) in Kentucky, to demonstrate methods of improving traffic flow and safety on a State highway which connects an Interstate route in the vicinity of the City of Dry Ridge with a highway on the Federal-aid primary system in the vicinity of the City of Owentown; (7) in San Bernardino County, California, in the vicinity of the Ontario International Airport, to demonstrate methods of improving highway access to an airport which is projected to incur a substantial increase in air service; (8) in Pennsylvania, to demonstrate the state of the art delineation technology by closing a gap in a multi-lane limited access road connecting the City of Altoona to the Borough of Tyrone in Blair County; (9) in Lafayette, Louisiana, to demonstrate the benefits on traffic flow and transportation of labor and materials by construction of a highway to provide limited continuous access between an Interstate route and a highway on the Federal-aid primary system; (10) in Shreveport, Louisiana, to demonstrate methods of reducing traffic congestion in the central business district, improving access to such district, providing highway continuity, and satisfying national defense requirements by connecting two Interstate routes; (11) in Miami, Florida, to demonstrate the most cost-effective method of improving interstate motor vehicle access for passengers and cargo moving to and from the port of Miami; (12) in Arkansas and Missouri, to demonstrate methods of improving highway safety and of accelerating highway construction on specified segments on the Federal-aid primary system; (13) in the vicinity of Sanford, Florida, to demonstrate methods of reducing costs and expediting construction of an interchange by contracting with a private consultant to design and construct such project; (14) in the vicinity of San Jose and Santa Clara, California, to demonstrate a unified method of reducing traffic congestion where a Federal-aid urban highway intersects with two other of such highways on a railroad crossing; (15) in the vicinity of the C&O Canal in the District of Columbia, to improve motor vehicle access at a major traffic generator without decreasing the efficiency of a Federal-aid primary highway; (16) in the vicinity of Pardee, West Virginia, to demonstrate the improvement in motor vehicle transportation of energy resources resulting from the completion of a consolidated network of modern highway; (17) in Modesto, California, to demonstrate methods by which construction of a grade separation for a railroad crossing of a primary highway enhances urban redevelopment and the effectiveness of a planned transportation center; (18) in Kalamazoo, Michigan, to demonstrate the benefits of cooperation between the private sector and the government in relieving traffic congestion caused by a railroad crossing a Federal-aid highway through construction of a highway overpass; (19) in East Milton, Massachusetts, to demonstrate the advantages of joint development and use of air rights in the construction of a deck over a depressed portion of an Interstate route; (20) in Alabama, to demonstrate methods of accelerating the widening of a high volume segment of a primary highway necessary for rapid evacuation of individuals during emergency weather conditions; (21) in the vicinity of Wilder, Kentucky, to demonstrate the economic benefits to a port facility, industrial complex, and foreign trade zone by reconstruction of a segment of an urban highway which connects an Interstate route with a port facility; (22) in Illinois, to demonstrate the safety benefits of providing additional and improved vehicular passing opportunities on, adding truck climbing lanes to, and straightening a segment of a primary highway which carries a high volume of traffic in Jo Daviess and Stephenson Counties; (23) in Allentown, Pennsylvania, to demonstrate methods of accelerating construction to eliminate a major rail-highway crossing at grade, reducing traffic delays for rail and vehicular traffic, and minimizing the impact on the surrounding urban environment; (24) in Riverside, California, to demonstrate methods of improving safety on a specified highway; (25) in Buffalo, New York, to demonstrate methods of facilitating redevelopment of a waterfront area by construction of a connector off a primary highway; (26) in Cleveland, Ohio, to demonstrate the relationship between infrastructure improvement and economic vitality; (27) in Lauderdale and Colbert Counties, Alabama, to demonstrate methods of improving highway transportation and enhancing economic development through construction of a bridge to cross the Tennessee River; (28) in the vicinity of Huron, Ohio, to demonstrate methods of enhancing highway safety and economic development in an area of high unemployment through construction of a bypass segment to provide access to an amusement park; (29) in Chicago, Illinois, to demonstrate the cost savings to be obtained by converting a fixed-span bridge to a movable bridge; (30) in Harney County, Oregon, to demonstrate methods of protecting roadways against damage and destruction due to wave erosion; (31) in Wayne County, Michigan, to demonstrate the benefits of enhancing safety and improving economic vitality of a depressed area; (32) in Cook County, Illinois, to demonstrate the benefits from specified highway reconstruction; (33) in Erie County, New York, to demonstrate methods of enhancing safety and reducing traffic congestion by relocating an interstate route terminus; (34) in the vicinity of Mount Vernon, Kentucky, to demonstrate methods of improving highway safety and traffic flow and access to a national river and recreation area; (35) in Pine City, Minnesota, to demonstrate methods of improving highway safety and traffic flow by constructing an interchange between certain highways; (36) in Paso Robles, California, to demonstrate methods of improving highway safety and traffic flow and enhancing economic development through the construction of a two-lane bridge spanning the Salinas River, a highway, and a railroad line; (37) in Columbus, Ohio, to demonstrate methods of relieving traffic congestion through reconstruction of highway portions in an interstate route connecting Columbia with its airport; (38) in Suffolk County, New York, to demonstrate construction techniques to accelerate upgrading an existing highway to freeway standards with minimum traffic disruption; (39) in the vicinity of Southington, Connecticut, to demonstrate the latest construction techniques in reconstructing a segment of urban highway, and in the vicinity of Kent Center, to demonstrate methods of solving safety and flooding problems on a primary highway; (40) in Dover, New Jersey, to demonstrate traffic congestion reduction methods on an existing bridge and facilitating the redevelopment of the central business district; (41) in Los Angeles County, California, to demonstrate methods of improving vehicular circulation related to intermodal transportation or port-related traffic and alleviating congestion caused by increased port activities; (42) in the vicinity of the Greater Pittsburgh International Airport to demonstrate methods of improving economic development and airport terminal placement; (43) in Steuben County, New York, to demonstrate how the economy of an industrialized high unemployment area can be improved by completing key elements of a controlled highway which serves such area; (44) in Santa Rosa and Petaluma, California, to demonstrate how traffic congestion can be relieved by reconstructing a certain arterial which connects the two cities; (45) in the vicinity of Tampa, Florida, to demonstrate motor vehicle congestion relief measures and improve motor vehicle access between rapidly growing urban areas; (46) in Savannah, Georgia, to demonstrate how replacing an obsolete bridge with a modern highway-level structure will improve vehicular and waterborne traffic flow; (47) in New Sewickly, Pennsylvania, to demonstrate methods of accommodating increasing truck traffic and improving highway safety; (48) in the vicinity of Croyle Township, Pennsylvania, to demonstrate methods of improving public access to a flood memorial; (49) in Orange, Texas, to demonstrate how rail line consolidation will reduce motor vehicle traffic congestion and increase jobs in a high unemployment area; (50) in Baton Rouge and East Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to demonstrate traffic congestion alleviation methods; (51) in Minden, Louisiana, to demonstrate enhanced economic development by providing Minden with alternative highway access to the Interstate System; (52) in the area of Brunswick-Topsham, Maine, to demonstrate increased access to defense related facilities by the construction of a limited access highway connecting a major interstate highway corridor with a naval air station and a shipyard engaged in defense production activities; (53) in Isle of Palms, South Carolina, to demonstrate increased accessibility to a sea island by construction of a high-level fixed span bridge over a high-volume intracoastal waterway segment; (54) in Clarksville, Tennessee, to demonstrate highway safety improvement methods by providing direct access from the Fort Campbell Military Reservation; (55) between Clarinda and Shenandoah, Iowa, to demonstrate how highway rehabilitation in an economically depressed rural area will increase economic activity; (56) in the vicinity of Oceanside and Escondido, California, to demonstrate methods of reducing traffic congestion by expanding an interstate route connection; (57) in St. Charles County, Missouri, to demonstrate methods of alleviating commuter traffic congestion by construction of a bypass highway; (58) in Hammond, Indiana, to relocate railroad lines in order to eliminate railroad-highway grade crossings; (59) in Shawnee, Oklahoma, to demonstrate small community air service improvement by extending a runway over a depressed road; (60) between Concord and West Pittsburg, California, to demonstrate improved highway safety through highway modification; (61) in Georgia, to demonstrate improved highway safety by reconstructing as a six-lane controlled access freeway a certain highway segment between a specified State route and Interstate routes; (62) in Pike County, Kentucky, to demonstrate highway safety improvement in a mountainous area; (63) in Madison County, Illinois, to demonstrate the economic benefits of reconstructing a road segment serving a high-growth industrial area; and (64) in Erwin, Tennessee, to extend a certain highway on the Appalachian development system for transportation improvement purposes. Directs the Secretary to submit status reports to the Congress regarding the highway demonstration projects. Authorizes appropriations for such demonstration projects for FY 1986 through 1990. Authorizes the Secretary to implement highway projects on the Federal-aid system in Wheeling, West Virginia, at full Federal expense, upon the request of local officials. Authorizes appropriations for such projects from sums appropriated to implement a certain railroad-highway demonstration project. Amends the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1978 to direct the Secretary to implement specified state-of-the-art bridge construction technology projects in Ohio. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress regarding such projects. Authorizes the Secretary to prepare an environmental impact statement regarding additional highway capacity in Staten Island, New York. Authorizes appropriations. Designates a certain portion of an Oklahoma State Route which lies on the Federal-aid primary system as United States Highway 377. Designates a certain bridge crossing the Mississippi River near Le Claire, Iowa, as the Fred Schwengel Bridge. Directs the Secretary to conduct feasibility studies and report to the Congress regarding: (1) highway expenditures, revenues and relative needs; (2) highway apportionment and allocation formulas; (3) enforcement of vehicle weight limitation on bridges; (4) highway bridges which cross rail lines; (5) improvement of the Theodore Roosevelt Bridge connecting the District of Columbia and Virginia; (6) flood prevention methods on an Interstate route between Galveston and Houston, Texas; (7) constructing a highway between Aurora-Hoyt Lakes and Silver Bay, Minnesota; (8) the cost-effectiveness of upgrading a certain highway between Pennsylvania and New York State; (9) State bridge management programs; (10) establishing minimum Federal guidelines for maintenance of the Federal-aid primary, secondary and urban systems; (11) a proposed highway from Shreveport, Louisiana, to Texarkana, Fort Smith, and Fayetteville, Arkansas, and Carthage and Kansas City, Missouri; (12) a highway connecting Santa Fe, New Mexico, and the Los Alamos National Laboratory. Authorizes appropriations. Requires the Secretary to make a grant to the California Department of Transportation to determine the feasibility of using a highway electrification system as an energy source for highway vehicles. Authorizes appropriations. Title II: Highway Safety Act of 1985 - Highway Safety Act of 1985 - Authorizes appropriations out of the Highway Trust Fund (other than the Mass Transit Account) for FY 1986-1990 for the following programs: (1) bridge replacement and rehabilitation; (2) hazard elimination; (3) highway safety research and development under the auspices of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Federal Highway Administration. Authorizes appropriations for highway safety programs for: (1) FY 1988 through 1990 implemented by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA); and (2) FY 1987-1990 implemented by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). Amends the Surface Transportation Assistance Act of 1982 to authorize appropriations for FY 1987 for highway safety programs implemented by the NHTSA. Sets forth minimum amount of authorized funds which must be obligated for enforcement of the national speed limit and for safety belt programs. Sets an obligation ceiling for highway safety programs for FY 1986 through 1990. Amends the Surface Transportation Assistance Act of 1982 to authorize appropriations for FY 1984 through 1990 to make grants to the States for enforcement of commercial motor vehicle safety standards. Sets forth a weighted compliance formula to be used by the Secretary in determining a State's apportionment of Federal-aid highway funds based upon State enforcement of the national speed limit. Amends the penalty for a State's non-compliance with the national minimum drinking age laws to require the Secretary to withhold certain apportioned amounts from such State on the first of each fiscal year after the second fiscal year beginning after September 30, 1985, in which purchase or public possession of alcoholic beverages by a person under 21 years of age is lawful. Sets forth guidelines under which withheld funds shall be available subject to State compliance. Revises the State eligibility criteria under which the States may receive alcohol traffic safety program grants. Declares that State reports regarding certain hazard elimination programs and rail-highway crossings are inadmissible evidence in any action for damages arising out of matters referred to in such reports. Revises the definition of "highway safety improvement project" to include a project which installs emergency motorist-aid call boxes. Amends the Highway Safety Act of 1973 to authorize appropriations for FY 1985 through 1990. Amends the National Driver Register Act of 1982 to extend the deadline by which the Secretary is required to: (1) promulgate final rules regarding establishment of the National Driver Register; and (2) begin a pilot test program for an electronic information retrieval system regarding individual motor vehicle driving records; and (3) report to the Congress regarding the Register. Amends the Highway Safety Act of 1978 to prohibit the obligation of certain authorized funds for any education or information program conducted in connection with the implementation of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 208. Directs the Secretary to conduct a comprehensive investigation of railroad-highway crossing needs (in consultation with specified groups) and to report to the Congress regarding such investigation. Directs the Secretary to: (1) arrange with the National Academy of Sciences to conduct a study of problems facing older drivers; and (2) request the Academy to report to the Secretary and the Congress regarding such study. Title III: Federal Mass Transportation Act of 1985 - Federal Mass Transportation Act of 1985 - Amends the Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1964 to replace the letters of intent procedure with provisions which authorize the Secretary to enter into multi-year contracts for the construction of mass transportation facilities. Requires the Secretary, starting January 1986, to annually submit to the appropriate congressional committees: (1) a proposal on the total amount of funding needed to finance grants and loans for bus and bus-related activities, rail modernization, and the construction and extension of fixed guideway systems; and (2) a proposal on the allocation of such funds to finance grants and loans for rail modernization and fixed guideway construction and extension projects. Makes such proposals effective upon approval by law. Sets forth the circumstances under which the Secretary is authorized to approve advance construction for certain mass transportation projects. Prohibits the issuance of funds for new fixed guideway systems or extensions unless such projects are determined to be: (1) based on the results of alternatives analysis and preliminary engineering; (2) cost-effective; and (3) supported by local financial commitment. States that any public body which receives Federal financial assistance for mass transportation may not displace a structure from the mass transportation system property for which such public body receives rent from a private owner unless: (1) such displacement is necessary; (2) the owner receives relocation assistance in a certain amount; or (3) such displacement is authorized by State statute and is in accordance with the terms of the rental agreement. Sets a limit upon the amount of funds which the Secretary may use to enter into a construction management oversight contract. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1982 through 1990 for public transportation projects substituted for withdrawn Interstate segments. Authorizes certain funds apportioned for expenditure in an urbanized area with a population of less than 200,000 to be expended in an urbanized area with a population of more than 200,000. Permits certain grant recipients to continue the preferential fare collection system for elderly and handicapped persons in lieu of the collection of half-fares for such persons. Permits block grants to be made to implement an urban mass transportation program of projects in whole or in part. Excludes certain advertising and concession revenues from consideration as a revenue source for purposes of the Federal block grant program for urban mass transportation. Requires Federal block grant recipients to submit an annual report to the Secretary regarding revenues derived from the sale of advertising and concessions relating to the operation of a public mass transportation system. Revises the limitations placed upon the use of certain apportioned funds by small urbanized areas for operating assistance. Extends from 1984 to 1990 the authority for (block grant) recipients to transfer capital assistance for operating assistance. Limits the use of discretionary amounts resulting from such transfer to the replacement, rehabilitation, and purchase of buses and related equipment and the construction of bus-related facilities. Prohibits certain grant recipients after FY 1985 from making such transfers except for emergency repairs or pursuant to predated authority. Sets a deadline by which funds appropriated for the block grant program must be apportioned. Directs the Secretary to make grants to nonprofit institutions of higher learning to establish and operate one regional transportation center in each of the ten Federal regions. Sets forth criteria to be met by grant recipients. Establishes in the Department of Transportation a national advisory council to: (1) coordinate the research and training to be carried out by grant recipients; (2) disseminate the results of such research; (3) act as a clearinghouse between such centers and the transportation industry; and (4) review and evaluate programs carried out by such centers. Authorizes appropriations for such centers for FY 1986 through 1990. Makes eligible for construction assistance: (1) any bus remanufacturing project which extends the economic life of a bus eight years or more; and (2) any project for the overhaul of rolling stock, whether or not such overhaul increases the useful life of the rolling stock. Lowers the expense threshold for associated capital maintenance items which are eligible for certain mass transportation block grants. Makes the Federal grant for any mass transportation construction project 80 percent of the net project cost. Directs the Secretary to issue regulations requiring a prebid and postdelivery audit regarding any grant under this Act for the purchase of buses. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 through 1990 for block grants and for a formula grant program for areas other than urbanized areas. Authorizes appropriations out of the Mass Transit Account of the Highway Trust Fund for FY 1986 through 1990 for specified activities, and authorizes appropriations for certain projects for FY 1985 through 1990. Requires the Secretary to: (1) enter into a multi-year contract with the Southern California Rapid Transit District to complete a specified segment of a certain Los Angeles Metro Rail Project; and (2) make a grant to an eligible local public body to conduct an electric trolley bus line feasibility study using a certain bus technology being developed in California. Directs the Secretary to develop a comprehensive mass transportation plan for the Virgin Islands and report to the Congress on it within one year of enactment of this Act. Prescribes guidelines under which the Interstate Commerce Commission shall issue bus carrier certificates to recipients of governmental assistance. Subjects the issuance of intrastate passenger transportation certificates to the condition that any intrastate transportation service be provided only as part of a regularly scheduled interstate transportation service on the route. Title IV: Uniform Relocation Act Amendments of 1985 - Amends the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970 to revise various definitions for purposes of such Act. Permits a Federal agency to discharge its responsibilities by accepting the certification by a State agency that it will implement State law to carry out the Federal relocation assistance program, provided that the lead agency determines that such State law will accomplish the purpose and effect of the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970. Requires the head of such agency, prior to accepting certification, to provide interested parties with an opportunity for public review and comment, and to consult with interested local governments. Directs the head of the lead agency to monitor and report biennially to the Congress on State agency implementation of such certification. Permits an agency to withdraw acceptance of a certification after providing the State government with notice. Permits a Federal agency to withhold approval of any grant, contract, or cooperative agreement with any displacing agency found to have failed to comply with certification or State law. Requires the payment to displaced persons of actual expenses, not exceeding $10,000, necessary to reestablish a displaced small business, nonprofit organization, or displaced farm at its new site. Removes the limitation on the moving expense allowance and the fixed amount of the dislocation allowance that a person displaced from a dwelling may elect to receive in lieu of itemized expenses. Declares that such allowances shall be determined according to a schedule established by the head of a lead agency. Increases the maximum and decreases the minimum limitations on the payment a person displaced from a business or farm operation may elect to receive in lieu of itemized deductions. Declares that such amount shall be determined according to criteria established by the lead agency. (Currently, such amount is based on the annual earnings of the farm or business.) Increases the maximum amount of assistance that a displacing agency may provide to a displaced homeowner for replacement housing. Requires such assistance to include an amount necessary to: (1) meet the reasonable cost of a comparable replacement dwelling as defined in this Act; and (2) compensate the displaced person for any increased financing costs. Authorizes a displacing agency to extend the one-year period, following payment for an acquired home, during which the displaced person must purchase and occupy a replacement dwelling in order to qualify for housing replacement payments, but limits such payments to the costs of relocating such person within that one-year period. Increases the ceiling (currently $4,000) on the amount of rental housing replacement assistance provided to displaced tenants to $6,000. Permits eligible displaced tenants to apply such rental assistance toward the downpayment on a decent, safe, and sanitary replacement dwelling. Declares that displaced homeowners who meet the residency requirement for rental housing replacement assistance but not for homeowner's housing replacement assistance may qualify for rental assistance, at the discretion of the lead agency. Requires that all relocation assistance advisory programs: (1) provide information on suitable locations for displaced farming (and business) operations; and (2) assure that no person is required to move before being given a reasonable choice of comparable replacement dwellings. Provides for the designation of a single, cognizant Federal agency to establish procedures to be used by a non-Federal displacing agency to implement related activities funded by two or more Federal agencies. Authorizes advisory services to certain renters in properties acquired by a displacing agency. Directs the lead agency to require that provisions authorizing a displacing agency to use project funds to provide dwellings for displaced persons, if the project would be delayed because suitable replacement housing is not otherwise available, be used to exceed housing replacement assistance ceilings only on a case-by-case basis and for good cause. Provides that any payment a displaced person receives under State law shall replace a housing replacement or real property acquisition payment for substantially the same purpose under the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act. Requires the head of the lead agency to: (1) promulgate rules to carry out such Act; (2) coordinate relocation assistance activities with Federal and federally-financed low-income housing programs; (3) monitor the implementation of such Act; and (4) perform such other duties as necessary. Declares low-income housing assistance as income for purposes of determining eligibility for assistance under the Social Security Act or any other Federal law. Requires a State agency to pay the United States all net amounts (currently all amounts) received from the sale of surplus Federal property transferred to the agency for the purpose of providing replacement housing. Repeals the authority of any displacing agency to make loans to various organizations for planning and obtaining federally-insured mortgage financing for housing for displaced persons. Authorizes the lead agency to prescribe a procedure under which Federal agencies may acquire real property without having it appraised. Permits a displaced person to donate the real property being acquired or any of the compensation paid for such property to the acquiring agency. Sets forth effective dates of specified provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1985
Amends the Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp Act to direct the Secretary of the Interior to conduct an annual contest to select the design for the duck hunting stamp to be issued each year. Requires proceeds received from contest entry fees to be deposited in the Migratory Bird Conservation Fund established under such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1985
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the President should inform Japan that the cost of the U.S. defense commitment to Japan and the unfair trade practices of Japan threaten the U.S. economy. Provides that in order for Japan to retain access to U.S. markets it should assume a fair share of the cost of its defense and allow free and fair access to its markets.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1985
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to direct the Director of the Office of Technology Assessment to annually review changes affecting the cost of surgical procedures for the implantation of artificial devices and organs for which Medicare makes payments: (1) in medical technology, skill, and procedures; and (2) in the costs of artificial devices and organs. Directs the Director to recommend to the Secretary of Health and Human Services changes in the amounts that should be recognized as reasonable for purposes of Medicare payments.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1985
Elderly Crime Prevention and Victim Assistance Act of 1985 - Establishes in the Office of Justice Programs of the Department of Justice the National Resource Office Relating to Crimes Against Older Individuals. Provides for the appointment of an administrator from the employees of the Department of Justice to head such office. Requires the administrator to coordinate activities of the Department of Justice relating to training of law enforcement officers, financial assistance for older victims, compilation of statistical information, and research with regard to crimes committed against the elderly. Requires the administrator to: (1) establish a liaison with all Federal departments and agencies involved with programs for older persons who are or may become victims of crimes; (2) disseminate information regarding such programs and assistance; and (3) provide technical assistance to reduce or prevent the committing of crime against older individuals.
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 1985
Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide, with respect to Medicare (title XVIII of the Social Security Act) payment for lens implantation procedures, that the amount recognized as reasonable may not exceed a percentage (specified by the Secretary and which must be less than 100 percent) of the applicable adjusted DRG prospective payment rate with respect to discharges classified under the diagnosis-related group for lens implantation. Requires a report to the Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 18 July 1985
Foreign Language Assistance for National Security Act of 1985 - Directs the Secretary of Education to make grants to State educational agencies to fund model programs, designed and operated by local educational agencies, for the improvement and expansion of foreign language study for children aged five through 17 who reside within their school districts. Sets forth formulas for determining the amount of such grants based on State population. Sets forth provisions relating to the availability of such funds. Sets forth grant application requirements for State educational agencies, including provisions for periodic student proficiency evaluation. Provides for program participation by private school children. Requires ratable reduction of such grants when appropriations are insufficient. Directs the Secretary to make grants to State agencies to fund model foreign language programs designed and operated at community and junior colleges. Bases the amount of such grants on State population. Sets forth grant application requirements, including periodic student proficiency evaluation. Requires ratable reduction of such grants when appropriations are insufficient. Directs the Secretary to make grants to institutions of higher education to cover part of the costs of undergraduate foreign language instruction. Sets forth formulas to determine whether an institution is eligible for such grants, based on the percentage of its student body enrolled in qualified postsecondary language courses. Provides that to be eligible for such grants an institution must require that: (1) each entering student have successfully completed at least two years of secondary school foreign language instruction; or (2) each graduating student have earned two years postsecondary credit in a foreign language (or have demonstrated equivalent competence in a foreign language). Authorizes the Secretary to establish standards, including reporting requirements, for programs assisted by such grants. Sets forth formulas for determining the amounts of such grants, based on numbers of undergraduate students enrolled in such courses. Requires ratable reduction of such grants when appropriations are insufficient. Directs the Secretary to make grants to institutions of higher education, or consortia of such institutions, in each Federal region for summer intensive language training institutes for exceptional secondary school students. Bases the amount of each grant on the number of students (up to a limited number) enrolled in such institute. Sets forth application requirements for such grants. Directs the Secretary to encourage, to the extent possible, diversity in the languages taught in summer institutes. Bases awarding of such grants on the excellence of the proposed program, taking specified elements into consideration. Permits such grant funds to be used to cover costs associated with enrollment in an institute. Requires ratable reduction of such grants when appropriations are insufficient. Directs the Secretary to make grants to institutions of higher education, or consortia of such institutions, in each Federal region for summer language training institutes for the professional development of the proficiency of elementary and secondary school language teachers. Bases the amount of each grant on the number of students (up to a limited number) enrolled in such institute. Sets forth application requirements for such grants. Bases awarding of such grants on the excellence of the proposed program, taking specified elements into consideration. Permits such grant funds to be used to cover costs associated with enrollment in an institute. Requires ratable reduction of such grants when appropriations are insufficient. Directs the Secretary to make matching grants to institutions of higher education, or consortia of such institutions, to assist advanced foreign language students to develop their language skills and knowledge of foreign cultures and societies through study abroad. Allows such study abroad to be combined with an internship in an international business enterprise. Requires such program to provide the opportunity for language-proficient students with majors in various other fields to combine language study with studies in those fields. Sets forth a range of world regions and languages which such programs may include. Limits the amount of each grant to one-half the cost of providing such assistance. Sets forth application requirements for such grants. Permits grant funds to be used to cover costs associated with enrollment in an institute. Requires ratable reduction of such grants when appropriations are insufficient. Prohibits any grant or contract under this Act except to such extent, or in such amounts, as may be provided in appropriation Acts. Defines "foreign language" as any language other than English, except that with respect to programs and activities conducted under this Act in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico such term includes English. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 through 1989 to carry out grant programs under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 18 July 1985
Amends the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 to authorize regulating the activities of U.N. employees (including employees of the U.N. Secretariat) outside the United Nations Headquarters District in a manner determined to be in the best interests of the United States and pursuant to the United Nations Headquarters Agreement Act. Exempts U.S. nationals from such regulations. Requires the Secretary of State to report periodically to the Congress on plans to implement this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 1985
Amends the Internal Revenue Code and the Trade Act of 1974 to provide for the denial of the investment tax credit with respect to any article manufactured or produced in a foreign country which has engaged in any act, policy, or practice that: (1) is inconsistent with the provisions of, or otherwise denies benefits to, the United States under, any trade agreement; or (2) is unjustifiable, unreasonable, or discriminatory and burdens or restricts U.S. commerce.
United States · United States Congress · 16 July 1985
Children's Justice Act - Amends the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make additional grants to States for developing, operating, or implementing programs for: (1) handling child abuse cases in a manner to reduce trauma to the child (especially in sexual abuse cases); (2) successful prosecution or legal action against child abusers; and (3) protection of children from abuse. Makes a State eligible for such assistance if it establishes a multidisciplinary task force and adopts reforms recommended by such task force. Requires the task force to be comprised of professionals experienced in the criminal justice system. Requires a State to adopt reforms recommended by the task force in each of the three stipulated categories or submit a detailed explanation of the reasons for not carrying out such recommendations. Requires the Secretary, through the National Center on Child Abuse and Neglect, to: (1) compile, publish, and disseminate evaluations of the approaches utilized with respect to the investigation and prosecution of child abuse cases; (2) develop and disseminate model training materials and procedures to help insure that law enforcement, legal, judicial, and child welfare personnel are adequately trained to deal with child abuse victims; and (3) provide for support of research projects to assist in identifying effective approaches to achieving successful investigation and prosecution of child sexual abuse cases. Directs the Secretary, within two years, to review and evaluate the effectiveness of the activities carried out with the funds made available under this Act and report the results to the Congress. Requires the evaluation to be made available to State officials within 180 days after enactment of this Act. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Attorney General, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, the Secretary of Education, and any other agency or department head designated by the President, to meet regularly to coordinate and prevent the overlap of programs that address child abuse. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to report to the Congress on the coordination of Federal programs. Requires the Attorney General to modify the classification system used by the National Crime Information Center in its Interstate Identification Index, and by the Identification Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in its Criminal File and its Uniform Crime Reporting System, with respect to offenses involving the sexual exploitation of children. Amends the Public Health Service Act with regard to the confidentiality of patient records to provide that nothing in such section shall supersede any State or local requirement for the reporting of incidents of suspected child abuse to authorities.
United States · United States Congress · 16 July 1985
Federal Equitable Pay Practices Act of 1985 - Establishes the Commission on Equitable Pay Practices to determine whether the Government's position-classification system and prevailing rate system are designed and administered in accordance with the general policy that sex, race, and ethnicity should not be among factors considered in determining pay rates. Requires the Commission to conduct, by contract with a consultant selected under this Act, a study under which job-content analysis and economic analysis shall be applied to a representative sample of occupations in which: (1) either sex is numerically predominant; (2) any race is disproportionately represented; or (3) any ethnic group is disproportionately represented. Directs the Commission to report to the Congress and the President on the results of such study not later than 18 months after the Commission's date of establishment. Make sums appropriated to the Office of Personnel Management for general operating expenses available to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 16 July 1985
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to permit a hospital to furnish extended care services if the hospital: (1) is located in a rural area and has at least 50 beds and not more than 150 beds; and (2) the hospital certifies that the average daily census in any year of individuals receiving such extended care services does not exceed 40 individuals. Prohibits Medicare payments for extended care services furnished to an extended care patient in a hospital after the end of the five day period beginning on which such patient could be in a skilled nursing facility.
United States · United States Congress · 11 July 1985
Military Real Property Disposal Act of 1985 - Alters the criteria for triggering the notice requirements before a proposed closure or realignment of any military installation may take place. Repeals the current criterion regarding any closure and any realignment involving a reduction of more than 1,000 or more than 50 percent of the civilian personnel authorized at the installation in question. Establishes as a new criterion any closure or realignment which increases the rate of unemployment in the economic region in question by one percent or more. Requires the Secretary of Defense or the military department concerned to include a socio-economic impact statement in any justification to the Armed Services Committees concerning a closing or realignment. Reduces the waiting period following the justification from 60 to 30 days. Removes the requirement that at least 300 civilian personnel be employed at a military installation before it is considered a military installation for purposes of such closures or realignments.
United States · United States Congress · 11 July 1985
Amends the Susquehanna River Basin Compact between New York State and Pennsylvania to permit the Susquehanna River Basin Commission to set interest rates for the Commission's bonds rather than requiring such bonds to bear an interest rate of no more than six percent.
United States · United States Congress · 11 July 1985
Amends the Packers and Stockyards Act, 1921 to include poultry and the live poultry trade within the purview of such Act. Gives poultry growers and cash sellers who have not received full payment from specified large poultry dealers or packers a beneficial interest in all poultry products and proceeds from their poultry until full payment has been made by such growers or sellers. States that payment shall not be considered to have been made if the seller or grower receives a payment instrument which is dishonored. Requires the seller or grower in such instance to preserve his interest as provided for by this Act. Requires full payment by the next business day in a cash sale and within seven days following the week of slaughter in a poultry growing arrangement. Permits the parties to modify such payment schedules. Makes a delay in fund collection in order to extend the payment period an unfair practice under such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 9 July 1985
Provides that certain individuals temporarily employed by reason of a major disaster shall not lose their eligibility under the phase out of Federal supplemental compensation.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1985
Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to prohibit the purchase, lease, or acquisition of control in any manner of a substantial portion of an air carrier by the following persons: (1) any air carrier which is a debtor; (2) any person who is a debtor and controls an air carrier; (3) any person controlling an air carrier which is a debtor; or (4) any person who is a debtor and is substantially engaged in the business of aeronautics.
United States · United States Congress · 20 June 1985
University Research Facilities Revitalization Act of 1985 - Requires each of the major Federal research and development agencies to establish and carry out a new university research laboratory modernization program, under which an amount equal to a specified portion of the funds available to the agency involved for research and development awards to institutions of higher education will be reserved for the replacement or modernization of such institutions' obsolete laboratories and other research facilities. Requires that funds under such program be awarded in response to specific proposals submitted by universities and colleges, in accordance with regulations prescribed by the head of the agency involved. Requires that such regulations provide that funds to carry out the program be awarded on a competitive basis and in an amount not exceeding 50 percent of the cost of the replacement or modernization involved. Sets forth required criteria for the award of such funds. Defines the "major Federal research and development agencies" as: (1) the National Science Foundation; (2) the Department of Health and Human Services; (3) the Department of Defense; (4) the Department of Energy; (5) the National Aeronautics and Space Administration; and (6) the Department of Agriculture. Title I: Identification and Assessment of University and College Research Facility Needs; Funding for the University Research Laboratory Modernization Program in the National Science Foundation - Authorizes the National Science Foundation (NSF) to design, establish, and maintain a data collection and analysis capability to identify and assess the research facilities needs of universities and colleges. Directs NSF, in conjunction with other appropriate Federal agencies, to: (1) conduct biennial surveys for such identification and assessment purposes; and (2) report the results to the Congress, with the first such report to be due on September 1, 1986. Directs the NSF, when conducting such surveys and reporting to the Congress, to also collect and assess data on the implementation of the university research laboratory modernization programs being carried out under this Act. Sets forth provisions for the funding for the university research laboratory modernization program in NSF. (Note: The following provisions are similar to those for such program funding in the other "major Federal research and development agencies" which are set forth in titles II, III, IV, V, and VI of this Act.) Authorizes appropriations for FY 1987 to NSF to implement and carry out the new university research laboratory modernization program. Requires that a specified minimum amount (equal to a portion, as determined by certain formulas, of the total amount which is appropriated to NSF for FY 1988 through 1996 and which is available for obligation by NSF for research and development awards to universities and colleges) be reserved for purposes of this Act and used only to carry out NSF's university research modernization program. Permits such funds to be used for such program either as a part of awards made to universities and colleges involved for activities carried out under the authority of other laws or through separate awards made for purposes of this Act. Requires that such funds be used only on the basis of proposals submitted by such universities and colleges. Requires that a specified minimum portion of such funds be available only for awards to universities and colleges that received less than $10,000,000 in total Federal obligations for research and development in each of the two preceding years. Title II: Funding for the University Research Laboratory Modernization Program in the Department of Health and Human Services - Sets forth provisions for the funding for the university research laboratory modernization program in the Department of Health and Human Services. (Note: These provisions are similar to the program funding provisions under title I.) Title III: Funding for the University Research Laboratory Modernization Program in the Department of Defense - Sets forth provisions for the funding for the university research laboratory modernization program in the Department of Defense. (Note: These provisions are similar to the program funding provisions under title I.) Title IV: Funding for the University Research Laboratory Modernization Program in the Department of Energy - Sets forth provisions for the funding for the university research laboratory modernization program in the Department of Energy. (Note: These provisions are similar to the program funding provisions under title I.) Title V: Funding for the University Research Laboratory Modernization Program in the National Aeronautics and Space Administration - Sets forth provisions for the funding for the university research laboratory modernization program in the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. (Note: these provisions are similar to the program funding provisions under title I.) Title VI; Funding for the University Research Laboratory Modernization Program in the Department of Agriculture - Sets forth provisions for the funding for the university research laboratory modernization program in the Department of Agriculture. (Note: these provisions are similar to the program funding provision under title I.)
United States · United States Congress · 20 June 1985
National Public Works Corporation Act - Amends title II of the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 to name such title "Public Works Corporation." Establishes the National Public Works Corporation. Provides for the Board of Directors, the officers and employees, and the powers of such Corporation. Requires the principal office to be in the District of Columbia. Provides for the borrowing authority, capitalization, and reserve fund of the Corporation. Authorizes appropriations for the capitalization of the Corporation for fiscal years following 1985. Authorizes States electing to participate in the Corporation to make certain contributions. Sets the maximum amount of contributions any one State may make to the Corporation. Authorizes the Corporation to make loans to participating States and local governments for projects for the construction, rehabilitation, and repair of public facilities in accordance with this Act. Prohibits loan plans from being used to pay the non-Federal share of the cost of Federal projects. States the maximum amount of outstanding loans authorized for such projects. Prohibits the Corporation from making a loan for a public facility project unless it determines that such facility, upon completion, will generate sufficient fees to repay the principal and interest on such loans and create a sufficient reserve for the operation and maintenance of the project, including replacement costs over the useful life of the project. Requires applicants for such loans to demonstrate to the Corporation that they have legal authority to assess and collect such fees and that such fees will provide sufficient revenues to meet the conditions for making such loans. States additional conditions and requirements for such loans. Requires the Governor of a State to submit applications for public facility project loans for the State or State agency or instrumentality. Requires the responsible official of local government to submit applications for public facility project loans for such unit or agencies thereof. Prohibits the Corporation from approving local government project loans unless the Governor of the appropriate State certifies approval of the application. Prohibits any Governor from submitting or approving loan applications for more than the maximum amount allowable to any one State. Requires Governors to ensure a proper distribution of available loan funds in a State between urban and rural areas according to a certain allocation formula. Requires the Corporation to require all contracts made with such loan proceeds to be awarded on the basis of competitive bidding. Requires the Corporation to conduct necessary audits to enforce this Act. States procedures to be followed if the Corporation determines that insufficient fees are being collected. Authorizes appropriations to the Corporation for fiscal years after 1983, in order to reduce interest rates paid by borrowers under this Act. Declares that the Corporation, its assets, and certain property shall be exempt from State, local, or Federal taxes, except for certain real property and tangible personal property. States that any obligations issued by the Corporation shall be taxed as to principal and interest to the same extent as the obligations of private corporations. Requires the General Accounting Office to audit the financial transactions of the Corporation. Sets forth procedures to be followed in the event of a default on any loan made under this Act. Requires the Corporation to submit an annual report to the Congress and the President after each fiscal year on the status of the Corporation and its reserve fund. Requires such report to include a description of the projects for which loans were made during the preceding fiscal year.
United States · United States Congress · 20 June 1985
Directs the Secretary of Labor, during any period when the number of cases pending and awaiting review by administrative law judges under the Black Lung Benefits Act exceeds 2,000, to assign to such pending cases administrative law judges who receive compensation at the GS-16 rate without regard to the grade or classification held by such judges. Provides that such assignments shall not adversely affect any subsequent review of the grade or classification of such judges.
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 1985
Mid-Career Math and Science Teacher Training Act - Amends title V (Teacher Corps and Teacher Training Programs) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to add a new part G, a Midcareer Teacher Training program of grants to institutions of higher education with schools of departments of education. Provides such grants to establish teacher training programs for individuals moving into an education career from another occupation in which they developed expertise in mathematics or science, or both. Directs the Secretary of Education to make such grants on a competitive basis. Provides that recipient institutions shall be awarded: (1) an initial planning grant for use during the first two fiscal years after selection; and (2) if successful, a renewal grant for up to two additional years. Requires applicants to demonstrate certain design and administrative aspects of their program. Requires that such applications be reviewed by a panel of experts in teacher training designated by the Secretary. Directs the Secretary, to the extent of available funds, to select at least one applicant from each of the ten regions served by the Department of Education. Limits the amount to an institution to: (1) $100,000 for the initial planning grant; and (2) $50,000 per year for the renewal grant. Requires each institution receiving such a grant to submit reports and other information on the program to the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to disseminate such information to other institutions of higher education to promote greater use of midcareer teacher training programs without direct Federal assistance. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1987 through 1990.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1985
Child Abuse Reporting and Clearinghouse Improvements Act of 1985 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to clarify the intent of certain confidentiality provisions to provide that such provisions do not supersede any State or local reporting requirements of suspected child abuse. Modifies the classification system used by the Identification Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation to include a category for statistics for offenses involving child abuse (including sexual abuse). Requires the Attorney General to report to the Congress within 90 days on whether such modification has been made, or, if not, when it will be made. Amends the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act to require the National Center on Child Abuse and Neglect in coordination with the Department of Justice to compile, analyze, publish, and disseminate to each State information on effective programs in the prosecution of child sexual abuse cases. Directs the Center to develop model training materials for law enforcement, legal, judicial, and child welfare personnel to deal with child sexual abuse victims and to support research projects to identify improvements in the investigation and prosecution of child sexual abuse cases.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1985
Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to direct the Secretary of Transportation to immediately suspend (without notice or hearing) the right of any air carrier or foreign air carrier to engage in foreign air commerce to and from a nation in which a commercial passenger aircraft has been unlawfully seized by persons who boarded it in one of the nation's airports. Requires the Secretary (in consultation with the Secretary of State) to suspend the right of any foreign carrier to engage in foreign air transportation if it provides transportation to a foreign airport at which tightened security measures have not been implemented within 48 hours of an unlawful air carrier seizure. Provides that, if a nation does not implement certain minimum security measures within 30 days after the Secretary's notification that such steps are necessary, the Secretary is authorized to: (1) revoke or impose conditions upon the operating authority of that nation's airlines; and (2) suspend the right of air carriers or aircraft operators to engage in foreign air transportation to or from such nation. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress regarding the sanctions imposed upon a non-compliant nation. States that the Secretary's authority to impose conditions upon an airline's operating authority or upon an air carrier's transportation rights shall be deemed to be a condition to any certificate to engage in foreign air commerce. Imposes civil penalties upon air carriers or aircraft operators who engage in foreign air transportation in violation of this Act.
![Official portrait of Rep. Clinger, William F., Jr. [R-PA-5]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/c000523_200.jpg)