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United States · Official source
2,821 records where Rep. Clinger, William F., Jr. [R-PA-5] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1985
Requires the containers of imported preserved mushrooms to indicate in English the country in which the mushrooms were grown in order to comply with labeling laws relating to imports.
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1985
Social Security Reorganization Act of 1985 - Title I: Establishment of the Social Security Administration - Amends title VII (Administration) of the Social Security Act to establish as an independent executive agency a Social Security Administration, headed by a Social Security Board. Provides that it shall be the duty of the Administration to administer the programs established by titles II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) and XVI (Supplemental Security Income) of the Social Security Act. Establishes in the Administration a General Counsel and an Inspector General. Requires the Board to study and make recommendations as to the most effective methods of providing economic security through social insurance and as to legislation and matters of administrative policy. Establishes in the Administration: (1) a Commissioner of Social Security; (2) a Deputy Commissioner of Social Security; and (3) an Office of the Beneficiary Ombudsman, to be headed by a Beneficiary Ombudsman who shall represent the interests of beneficiaries under the Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance program and the Supplemental Security Income Program within the Administration. Requires the annual report of the Board to include a description of the activities of the Beneficiary Ombudsman. Requires the Board to make annual budgetary recommendations relating to the Administration. Requires that appropriations requests by the Administration for staffing and personnel be based upon a comprehensive workforce plan as established by the Board. Provides for the apportionment of administrative costs. Requires the annual report of the Board to include a section reflecting the use of budget authority provided to the Administration. Requires that authority for automated data processing procurement and facilities construction be provided in the form of contract authority covering the total cost of such acquisitions. Makes amounts needed for the liquidation of contract authority so provided available from the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund to the extent that such amounts are not needed to meet current obligations for benefit payments. Specifies the authorities which are to be delegated to the Board from the Administrator of the General Services Administration. Requires the Board to cause a seal of office to be made and judicial notice taken thereof. Provides for the transfer to the Administration of all functions carried out by the Secretary of Health and Human Services with respect to the programs and activities to be carried out by the Administration under this Act. Abolishes the position of Commissioner of Social Security in the Department of Health and Human Services. Title II: Miscellaneous and Conforming Amendments - Sets forth a contributor and beneficiary bill of rights under which: (1) all individuals are required to be treated fairly by the Board and the Secretary; (2) the Secretary and the Board are prohibited from discriminating on the basis of age, sex, race, creed, color, handicap, national origin, or economic condition; and (3) the Board and the Secretary should maintain prompt, professional, and effective service which is responsive to the community. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Board to report to Congress within 120 days after the beginning of each regular session on their administration under this Act. Requires the Secretary to study and make recommendations on the most effective methods of providing economic security and on the administrative policy for the programs which he or she administers. Title III: Effective Dates and Transitional Rules - Sets forth effective date and transitional rule provisions.
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1985
Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to prohibit the employment of any blind person, or person with impaired sight, at less than the applicable minimum wage under such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1985
Extends through FY 1989 the revenue sharing program for local governments.
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1985
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow individuals to compute the amount of the deduction for retirement savings on the basis of the compensation of the spouse. Phases this deduction in over a period of six years.
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1985
Designates the month of November 1985 as National Alzheimer's Disease Month.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1985
Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to make grants to States which enact and enforce laws requiring the use of safety belts by schoolchildren in all school buses. Limits the use of such grants to enforcement of such laws and to implement schoolchildren safety programs. Authorizes appropriations out of the Highway Trust Fund, other than the Mass Transit Account, for FY 1986 through 1988 for such grants. Defines school bus for purposes of this Act, limiting such term to vehicles manufactured after the 90th day following the date of enactment.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1985
Designates 1985 as the 350th Anniversary Year of Connecticut.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1985
Amends the Federal criminal code to establish criteria for the imposition of the death penalty for treason and espionage. Requires the Government, for an offense punishable by death, to serve notice upon the defendant a reasonable time before trial or acceptance of a plea that it intends to seek the death penalty, as well as notice of the aggravating factors upon which it will rely. Requires a separate sentencing hearing before a jury or the court upon motion by the defendant when the defendant is found guilty or pleads guilty to an offense punishable by death. Provides that no presentence report shall be prepared in such cases. Allows the defendant and the Government to present any information relevant to sentencing, without regard to the rules of evidence, but permits information to be excluded where its probative value is substantially outweighed by the danger of unfair prejudice, confusion of the issues, or misleading of the jury. Specifies mitigating factors which the defendant must establish by a preponderance of the information and aggravating factors which the Government must prove beyond a reasonable doubt. Sets forth special aggravating factors with respect to the crimes of treason and espionage. Includes among the mitigating factors that the defendant was less than 18 years old at the time of the crime. Conditions imposition of the death penalty on a unanimous finding by the jury that: (1) some aggravating factor exists in addition to a threshold factor; and (2) the aggravating factor sufficiently outweighs any mitigating factor found to exist. Directs the court to impose the death penalty upon a finding that such sentence is justified. Requires the court to instruct the jury not to consider the race, color, national origin, creed, or sex of the defendant in its consideration of the death sentence. Limits the circumstances under which the offense of delivering defense information to aid foreign governments is punishable by death. Establishes procedures for appeal from a death sentence. Requires the court of appeals, upon considering the record and the information and procedures of the sentencing hearing, and any special finding, to affirm the decision if: (1) the sentence was not imposed under influence of passion, prejudice, or arbitrariness; and (2) the information supports the finding of aggravating factors or the absence of mitigating factors. Requires the court to provide a written explanation of its determination.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1985
Congressional and Judicial Equal Employment Opportunity Act of 1985 - Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to require that personnel actions affecting employees or applicants in the legislative and judicial branches of the Government be free from any discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, handicap, or age. Allows Members of Congress to take into consideration an individual's domicile and political affiliation. Establishes within the judicial branch an Employment Review Board. Provides that members of the board be appointed from the retired judges of the Supreme Court and Courts of Appeals. Authorizes an aggrieved individual to file a written complaint with the Board. Establishes procedures for the Board to investigate, settle, hear, and determine the claims alleged. Provides that if a violation is found an order for relief may compel the defendant to: (1) employ or reinstate such individual on such terms and conditions as may be appropriate; (2) pay compensatory damages; (3) pay punitive damages; and (4) pay fees and allowances of witnesses and reasonable attorneys' fees. Authorizes the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit to review, enjoin, set aside, suspend, modify, or enforce orders of the Board. Requires members of the Board to submit written reports to the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct of the House of Representatives and the Senate Select Committee on Ethics describing complaints during the reporting period involved.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1985
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a refundable income tax credit for expenses incurred in the care of elderly family members. Sets such credit at 30 percent of the expenses incurred for taxpayers with incomes of $25,000 or less. Reduces the rate of such credit, but not below 20 percent, by one percent for each $2,000 of taxpayer income in excess of $25,000. Limits such credit to taxpayers with an adjusted gross income of less than $75,000. Imposes a maximum $10,000 limit on the amount of elderly care expenses that can be taken into account. Defines "qualified family member" as any individual who: (1) is related to the taxpayer by blood or marriage; (2) is at least 70 years of age, is diagnosed with senile dementia of the Alzheimer type, or is disabled; and (3) has a family income of $15,000 or less. Defines "qualified elderly care expenses" as payments for: (1) home health agency services; (2) homemaker services; (3) adult day care; (4) respite care; or (5) certain health care equipment and supplies.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1985
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that no changes be enacted in current law that would reduce or delay cost-of-living adjustments for beneficiaries under the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1985
Expresses the sense of the Congress that no law should be enacted which would: (1) increase the costs to be incurred by beneficiaries under titles XVIII (Medicare) or XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act; or (2) make more restrictive the eligibility requirements under such titles.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1985
Amends the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974 to require the Administrator of the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention in the Department of Justice (Administrator) to make grants to States for the purpose of establishing, operating, or expanding Missing Children Information Clearinghouses. Limits the grants to 50 percent of the costs of establishing and operating the Clearinghouse. Requires any State Clearinghouse to: (1) work in conjunction with the National Crime Information Center; (2) educate parents, children, and community agencies; (3) provide public information to assist in locating missing children; (4) publish a directory of organizations that provide assistance in locating missing children; (5) establish an in-State toll-free line for reporting missing children; (6) work with other public and private organizations; and (7) work with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Allows the Administrator to prescribe rules necessary to carry out this Act. Grants the Comptroller General of the United States access to any books, documents, or records of any State receiving assistance for the purpose of audit. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1985
Makes supplemental appropriations for African famine relief programs for FY 1985 to: (1) the Department of Agriculture for Public Law 480; (2) the Agency for International Development for specified agriculture, rural development, and nutrition programs, for international disaster assistance, and for operating expenses; and (3) the Department of State for migration and refugee assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1985
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the deduction for charitable contributions by taxpayers who do not itemize deductions.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1985
Designates the week beginning October 6, 1985, as National Children's Week.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1985
Designates October 26, 1985, as Mule Appreciation Day.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1985
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Federal Home Loan Bank Board should delay until June 30, 1985, the effective date of its proposed regulations regarding limitations on direct investment in real estate, service corporations, and equity securities by federally insured savings and loan associations. Directs the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Banking, Finance, and Urban Affairs of the House of Representatives to examine alternatives to the proposed regulations which will ensure safety and sound investment activities.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1985
Repeals the requirement added by the Tax Reform Act of 1984 relating to the maintenance of contemporaneous records with respect to: (1) business travel expenses, including automobile expenses; (2) business entertainment expenses; and (3) expenses for gifts.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1985
Amends the Steel Import Stabilization Act to direct the U.S. Trade Representative, in negotiating with Japan and South Korea on steel products import limits, to negotiate the apportionment of the aggregate limit among specified subcategories of steel products. Directs the U.S. Trade Representative to apportion the aggregate limit if such negotiations are not successfully concluded within 30 days of the enactment of this Act. Sets forth such subcategories.
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 1985
State and Local Narcotics Control Assistance Act of 1985 - Authorizes the Attorney General to make grants to States to assist States and local governments to increase their drug enforcement activities. Requires such grants to be based on the relative needs of the States, taking into consideration the severity of drug trafficking and abuse and the availability of State and local resources to resolve such problems. Establishes a procedure for grant applications. Requires such an application to include a State-wide strategy for the enforcement of State drug laws. Imposes limitations on the use of such grants, including a maximum ten percent allocation for administrative purposes. Requires each State which receives a grant to submit a yearly report to the Attorney General, who shall in turn report to the Congress with respect to such grants. Allows the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to States for developing more effective drug abuse prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation programs. Establishes a procedure for grant applications. Authorizes appropriations for both grant programs for FY 1986 through 1990.
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 1985
Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders Treatment Act of 1985 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to designate 20 centers for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and related disorders. Requires such centers to: (1) provide a central facility for diagnosis, evaluation, and counseling; (2) develop standards of treatment and methods of delivering cost-effective services; (3) train professionals and nonprofessionals in diagnosing and treating such disorders; and (4) develop a comprehensive acute and long-term treatment program. Authorizes FY 1986 through 1990 appropriations. Directs the Secretary to make $1,000,000 available to each center for each of at least five years for teaching, training, research, and staffing. Permits eligible persons to elect to receive benefits as provided for by this Act rather than under titles XVIII (Medicare), XIX (Medicaid), or XX (Grants to States for Service) of the Social Security Act, or under the Older Americans Act of 1965.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
National Observance Advisory Act - Establishes the President's Advisory Commission on National Observances to establish criteria for recommending to the President that a proposed national observance be approved or disapproved.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Milk Protein Fair Trade Act of 1985 - Directs the President to limit imports of milk protein products to 50 percent of the average quantity of such products annually imported between January 1, 1979, and December 31, 1983. Terminates such limit on December 31, 1988. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish an import licensing system for foreign milk protein products which gives: (1) first preference to importers or users who establish that there are no substitutes for their products; (2) second preference to importers or users who establish that domestically produced skim milk or skim milk solids cannot be substituted for their products; and (3) third preference to all other importers or users.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Requires the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission to: (1) conduct research for identifying and measuring wage discrimination; (2) assist any public or private entity in eliminating discriminatory pay practices; and (3) implement policies and procedures to prohibit employment discrimination. Requires the Commission to determine the number and nature of all charges filed under the Civil Rights Act of 1954 and to report to the Congress with a summary prepared pursuant to this Act. Requires the Commission to conduct a study in consultation with organizations representing Federal employees and analyze: (1) the procedures established by the Director of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to establish classifications of positions in the competitive service; and (2) the actual practice of the Director and the heads of Federal agencies in complying with the principle of equal pay for work of equal value when establishing job classifications for employees. Requires the Commission to report to the President and the Congress on its findings and provide a copy to the Director of OPM. Directs the Director to submit his comments on the report to the President and the Congress. Directs the Secretary of Labor, acting through the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs, to report to the President and the Congress on actions taken to enforce the prohibitions contained in Executive Order Numbered 11246 against discrimination by Federal contractors. Requires the Attorney General, acting through the Office of Civil Rights, to report to the President and the Congress on actions taken to enforce the prohibitions against sex discrimination in compensation contained in title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Executive Order Numbered 11246, and other Federal laws. Requires Federal agencies responsible for submitting equal employment opportunity plans to include in such plans: (1) a review and identification of any discriminatory pay practices and any violation of the principle of equal pay for jobs of equal value; and (2) a plan for eliminating any such practices and remedying any such violation.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Amends title VII (Equal Employment Opportunity) of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to make it an unlawful employment practice to discriminate against any individual who is physically or mentally handicapped.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Biennial Budgeting Act of 1985 - Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to establish a two-year cycle for the presidential and congressional budget process. Requires each standing committee of the Congress to review the laws and programs under its jurisdiction every other year and to consider the desirability of new legislation in such areas. Eliminates provisions requiring a second concurrent resolution on the budget. Permits revisions only in new spending authority, revenues, and the public debt limit through the reconciliation process.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal rules relating to the determination of the issue price of certain debt instruments issued for property. Amends the Tax Reform Act of 1984 to repeal the revisions made to rules for the imputation of interest on certain deferred payments. Provides that the Internal Revenue Code shall be applied and administered as if such revisions had not been enacted.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Sex Discrimination in the United States Code Reform Act of 1985 - Title I: Armed Forces, Soldiers' Home, Coast Guard, Lighthouse Service, and Merchant Marine - Amends Federal laws dealing with the Army, the Navy, the Air Force, and the Coast Guard to eliminate gender-based distinctions. Title II: Elimination of Gender-Based Distinctions Under the Social Security Act and the Railroad Retirement Act - Eliminates gender-based distinctions in the social security and railroad retirement programs. Title III: Amendments to United States Code - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act, the Walsh-Healey Act, the Child Nutrition Act of 1966, the Federal criminal code and other Acts (dealing with Indian affairs, transportation, public lands, Saint Elizabeths Hospital, contract law, the U.S. Coast Guard, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, longshoremen and harbor workers, conservation programs, internee benefits, and the spouses of former presidents, among other subjects) to eliminate gender-based distinctions. Title IV: Effective Date - Sets forth the effective date for the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Authorizes the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to make grants to provide alternate water supplies to replace contaminated groundwater. Makes owners or operators of a public water system or units of local government eligible for such assistance. Limits the Federal share of costs to 50 percent and also limits the maximum amount of any one grant and total grants within a State. Directs the Administrator to report annually to the Congress on such grant program, including information on the sources and extent of groundwater contamination and the number of people affected. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 through 1988.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Amends the Board for International Broadcasting Act of 1973 to direct the Board for International Broadcasting to require Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Incorporated, to establish a Russian language program, to be known as Radio Maccabee, for the Jewish population of the Soviet Union. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 and 1987 for such program.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Amends the Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 1982 to make permanent the increase in the excise tax on cigarettes. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for cost-of-living adjustments in the rate of such tax. Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to appropriate to the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund the funds raised by such excise tax.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Trade Policy and Reorganization Act of 1985 - Establishes the Department of Trade, to be administered by a Secretary of Trade appointed by the President. Directs the Secretary, among other things, to: (1) coordinate U.S. policies for promoting beneficial international trade relationships; (2) negotiate U.S. international trade agreements; (3) protect American industry, agriculture, and labor from unfair or injurious foreign competition; (4) develop trade monitoring systems; (5) develop and implement U.S. policies concerning foreign investments; and (6) administer the U.S. Customs Service and maintain the U.S. tariff schedules. Transfers to the Secretary all functions of the U.S. Trade Representative and of the Secretary of Commerce which relate to international trade and investment and to specified agencies and offices of the Department of Commerce. Transfers to the Department of Trade the Export-Import Bank of the United States, the Overseas Private Investment Corporation, and the United States International Trade Commission. Amends the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 to establish a Trade Policy Committee, chaired by the President, to assist the President in carrying out the functions relating to trade agreements and import relief (replaces an interagency trade organization). Designates the Secretary of Trade as the Vice Chairman and specifies other committee members. Establishes a Trade Negotiating Subcommittee to advise the Secretary on management of international trade and investment. Designates the Secretary of Trade as the President's chief spokesman on trade and requires the Secretary to report directly to the President on all trade policy matters. Sets forth administrative provisions applicable to the Department of Trade. Directs the Secretary to submit a report annually to the President for submission to the Congress on the Department's activities. Provides for the transfer of personnel, assets, records, and funding to correspond with the transfers of functions, offices, and agencies made by this Act. Terminates: (1) the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative; (2) the International Trade Administration; (3) the Bureau of Industrial Economics; (4) the Bureau of Economic Analysis; (5) the U.S. Travel and Tourism Administration; and (6) the National Telecommunications and Information Administration. Makes technical and conforming amendments to specified Acts to reflect the executive reorganization made by this Act. Designates the Secretary as the chief representative of the United States for trade negotiation. Requires the Secretary to: (1) report directly to the President and the Congress and to be responsible to both for the administration of trade agreements under this Act and other specified Acts; (2) advise the President and Congress on matters related to trade agreement programs; and (3) be responsible for specified reports to Congress and for such other functions as the President may direct.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an income tax deduction for the home health care and adult day care expenses of a taxpayer who maintains a household which includes a dependent of the taxpayer who suffers from Alzheimer's disease or a related brain disorder. Permits this deduction whether or not the taxpayer itemizes deductions.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow the dependent care income tax credit for expenses incurred for the care of dependents incapable of self-care without regard to whether such expenses were incurred to enable the taxpayer to be gainfully employed.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Permits members of the clergy and members of the uniformed services to deduct expenses related to tax-exempt housing allowances and subsistence allowances without regard to the operation of Revenue Ruling 83-3.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Title I: National Development Investment - National Development Investment Act - Amends the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 to cite such Act as the National Development Investment Act and to revise the emphasis of such Act from primary Federal initiative to coordination of investments between the public and the private sectors. Sets forth the findings of the Congress. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce, upon the application of an eligible State, economic development district, distressed local government (with a population under 50,000 and located outside an economic development district), Indian tribe, or nonprofit economic development organization, to make a grant for a portion of the cost of projects submitted in a development investment strategy. Sets forth activities eligible for such development investment assistance, including: (1) construction and repair of public facilities; (2) revolving loan funds to promote small business; (3) feasibility studies to enhance the investment climate; and (4) development activities which prevent economic dislocation and promote employee ownership organizations. Sets forth specific eligibility criteria for applicants for such assistance. Requires an application for a grant under this Act to include: (1) a certification that the area concerned meets certain distress requirements; (2) a certification of any responsibilities which the Secretary has agreed to perform; and (3) a development investment strategy prepared in accordance with this Act. Requires the Secretary to consider specified purposes of this Act in approving applications. Lists as criteria any one of which an area must meet in order to be eligible for a grant under this Act: (1) a per capita income of 80 percent or less of the national average; (2) an unemployment rate one percent above the national average for the most recent 24-month period for which statistics are available; or (3) a sudden economic dislocation resulting in job losses. Sets forth the information to be contained in a grant applicant's development investment strategy. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to establish a revolving loan fund for making or guaranteeing loans to small businesses for initial or working capital, or for the purchase of facilities or equipment. Limits to $1,000,000 the amount of any such grant. Limits the amount of any grant under this Act to a maximum of 50 percent of the cost of completing the project as determined at the time of the grant application. Permits the Secretary to reduce or waive the non-Federal share of a project in the case of an Indian tribe. Limits expenditures in any one State to a maximum of 15 percent of the appropriations made pursuant to this Act, except for expenditures to Indian tribes. Prohibits the Secretary from obligating more than $2,000,000 in any fiscal year to any person, other than grants for employee ownership organizations. Requires the Secretary, each fiscal year, to obligate minimum amounts of funds for such grants. Authorizes the Secretary to make economic development planning grants to States, economic development districts, Indian tribes, distressed counties, and distressed units of local governments with populations over 50,000 (if located outside an economic development district). Earmarks such grants for coordination of investment for community facilities, economic development, manpower training, and transportation services. Authorizes the Secretary to evaluate Federal, State, and local development investment efforts. Authorizes the Secretary to conduct any demonstration program to test the feasibility of new ways to increase productivity, foster innovative technology, match labor force with labor markets, or encourage economic diversity and regional balance. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to colleges, universities, and other nonprofit educational and research organizations. Directs the Secretary to conduct a study to determine financing needs for the construction and repair of public facilities. Requires the Secretary to submit to each House of the Congress a detailed statement, including findings and recommendations, concerning such financing needs. Limits the amount of any such grant to not more than 75 percent of the cost of economic development planning or of investment strategy preparation. Authorizes appropriations through FY 1988. Declares that the Secretary of Commerce shall administer this Act with the assistance of a specified Assistant Secretary of Commerce. Authorizes the Secretary to consult with other persons and agencies. Prohibits the approval of any grant unless the Secretary is satisfied that the project concerned will be properly and efficiently administered, operated, and maintained. Sets forth the powers of the Secretary under this Act. Permits the Secretary to discharge responsibilities relative to a project by accepting a certification of the grant applicant's performance of such responsibilities. Requires the Secretary to make comprehensive annual reports to the Congress detailing operations under this Act. Requires all laborers and mechanics employed by contractors or subcontractors on projects assisted under this Act to be paid the prevailing rate of wage. Requires the Secretary to maintain records of approved applications available for public inspection. Requires each recipient of a grant to maintain certain specified records. Allows the Secretary and the Comptroller General access to all records of such recipients. Authorizes appropriations through FY 1988. Title II: Appalachian Regional Development - Appalachian Regional Development Act Amendments of 1985 - Amends the Appalachian Regional Development Act of 1965 to declare that investments under such Act shall also be made in severely distressed and underdeveloped counties lacking resources for basic services. Authorizes appropriations through FY 1990 for the administrative expenses of the Appalachian Regional Commission. Authorizes the Commission to lease office space through FY 1988. Authorizes appropriations through FY 1992 for the Appalachian development highway system. Increases from 70 to 80 percent the subsequent Federal share of an Appalachian development highway segment when a participating State proceeds to construct a segment of such a highway without the aid of Federal funds. Applies such increase to projects approved after March 31, 1979. Authorizes the Commission to make grants to States and public and nonprofit entities for projects which will: (1) assist in the creation or retention of permanent private sector jobs, the upgrading of the region's manpower, or the attraction of private investment; (2) provide special assistance to severely distressed and underdeveloped counties which lack financial resources for improving basic services; (3) assist in achieving the goal of making primary health care accessible in the region; or (4) otherwise serve the purposes of this Act. Prohibits the authorization of any financial assistance to enable plant subcontractors to undertake work previously performed in another area by other subcontractors or contractors. Prohibits grants with funds authorized after October 1, 1985, from exceeding 50 percent of the costs of any approved project. Permits such grants to increase the Federal contribution to any project to such percentage as the Commission determines within specified limitations. Authorizes appropriations through FY 1990. Extends the termination date of such Act from 1982 to October 1, 1990.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Directs the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to provide, by contract with a consultant, for a report on discriminatory wage-setting practices and discriminatory wage differentials within the Federal position classification system and the prevailing rate (job grading) system. Defines "discriminatory wage-setting practices" as a practice resulting from lower rates of pay for female employees doing work comparable to that of higher-paid males. Requires OPM, within one month of receiving such report, to transmit a copy to the President and specified congressional committees, with written comments. Requires the consultant to submit such report to OPM and the Pay Equity Study Council (established by this Act) within six months after entering into its contract. Requires OPM, within ten days after the effective date of this Act, to establish a Pay Equity Study Council to assist in the selection of a consultant and comment on the final report. Requires that Council membership consist predominantly of representatives of labor organizations representing Federal female employees. Terminates the Council after it submits comments on the final report.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Water Quality Renewal Act of 1985 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (the Clean Water Act) to authorize appropriations for FY 1983 through 1988 for: (1) specified research, investigation, and training programs in water pollution control; (2) State and interstate pollution control programs; (3) undergraduate programs in water quality control; (4) grants for developing waste treatment management plans for areas with substantial water quality control problems; (5) water pollution control programs in agricultural areas; (6) agreements among Government agencies providing for maximum use of existing programs for water quality control; (7) grants to States for lake pollution control; and (8) carrying out the Clean Water Act generally. Increases the authorization for grants for construction of waste treatment works for FY 1984 and 1985. Authorizes appropriations for such grants for FY 1986 through 1988. Extends the compliance date for specified priority toxic pollutants, all other toxic pollutants and the application of best available technology for all other pollutants to no later than three years and six months after effluent limitations are established. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to promulgate final regulations establishing effluent limitations for direct dischargers and limitations requiring pretreatment for all the priority toxic pollutants which are discharged from certain categories of point sources in accordance with a specified schedule. Requires the Administrator to publish in the Federal Register a list of all navigable waters in each State the water quality of which is being impaired by the discharge from specific sources of toxic pollutants. Directs the Administrator to establish an individual control strategy for each listed segment of navigable waters to reduce the discharge of such pollutants so as to achieve the fishable-swimmable goal of the Clean Water Act. Increases the Federal civil penalties for violations of water quality standard requirements. Requires the Administrator to monitor, study, and report to the Congress on the effects of the impoundment and discharge of waters by dams upon the quality of navigable waters. Directs the Governor of each State to submit to the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency for approval a report: (1) identifying navigable waters not meeting applicable water quality standards because of pollution from nonpoint sources (e.g., rainfall runoff as opposed to identifiable pipes); (2) identifying categories of significantly polluting nonpoint sources; (3) identifying State and local programs for controlling such pollution and improving the water quality of the navigable waters; and (4) describing administrative measures to be taken. Directs the Administrator to identify such waters and the nonpoint sources of such pollution if the Governor does not submit such report within a specified time. Requires each Governor to also submit to the Administrator for approval a four-year plan for controlling nonpoint pollution and a report identifying State or Federal agency programs which might conflict with such plan, together with recommendations for modification of existing programs. Requires each four-year plan to target offending land areas for the best land management practices, including the scheduling of targeted areas and categories of nonpoint pollution for implementation of such practices. Requires additional information by way of technical and financial means to be used to improve water quality. Directs the Administrator to consolidate and convey to the appropriate Federal agencies recommended modifications of existing programs necessary to implement States' four-year plans, which such agencies will comply with to the degree possible, consistent with existing law. Provides opportunities for revision of faulty plans. Authorizes the Administrator to provide technical assistance to a local agency to develop a four-year plan if a State fails to submit a satisfactory plan and the local agency is of sufficient geographical size. Treats such local agency as a State agency for implementation assistance purposes after such plan has been approved. Directs the Administrator to convene a management conference of the affected States when any State is unable to meet its applicable water quality standards because of pollution from nonpoint sources in another State. Requires the offending State to submit a plan for approval or revise an approved plan to reduce the pollution in the affected portion of navigable waters. Directs the Administrator to provide grants to States to assist in the implementation of approved four-year plans. Limits the Federal share to a maximum of 50 percent of costs, increased to 60 percent for watersheds with significant private participation in implementing nonpoint source pollution control measures. Sets forth other terms and conditions for such grants, including reporting and administrative requirements. Limits each grant per State to a maximum of 15 percent of total authorizations. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1987 through 1990. Authorizes the Administrator to give funding priority to States which have implemented effective regulatory mechanisms. Directs the Administrator to make grants to assist States with approved plans in carrying out groundwater water quality protection activities which will help advance such plans. Limits the amount of such assistance. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 through 1990. Directs the Administrator to report annually to the appropriate congressional committees on the progress made in reducing nonpoint source pollution in navigable waters. Directs the Administrator to make a final report by January 1, 1988, analyzing the effectiveness of the plans and State participation. Directs the Administrator to submit to specified congressional committees a lake restoration guidance manual establishing procedures to guide future State and local efforts to improve water quality in lakes. Adds to the authorized uses of grants for construction of treatment works projects to address water quality problems due to impacts of discharges from combined storm water and sanitary sewer overflows. Increases the amount of additional funds which the Administrator shall have available for addressing water quality problems of marine bays and estuaries subject to lower levels of water quality due to the impact of discharges from combined storm water and sanitary sewer overflows. Increases to 65 percent the Federal share of construction costs under the treatment works construction grants program. (Current law provides that the 75 percent Federal share shall be decreased to 55 percent for FY 1985 and subsequent fiscal years.) Deems the activated bio-filter feature of the project for treatment works of Little Falls, Minnesota, an innovative wastewater process and technique entitled to an 85 percent grant. Authorizes the Administrator to make a grant to fund all the costs of modifying or replacing biodisc equipment (rotating biological contractors) in any publicly owned treatment works if deficiencies are not attributable to negligence. Directs the Administrator to make preconstruction agreements with grant applicants for treatment work construction assistance to specify which costs are eligible for Federal payments. Requires grantee certification that the treatment process meets the applicable effluent limitations before the Administrator approves a project. Conditions local treatment works grants on the implementation of any required areawide waste treatment management and/or State plan and State compliance with water quality reporting requirements. Qualifies for treatment works grants purposes a system of user charges imposing lower charges for low-income residential users. Requires the Administrator to allot to States treatment works construction grants for FY 1986 through 1988. Extends through FY 1988 the authorization of appropriations for minimum allotments to States and specified U.S. territories and possessions. Increases the allotment for specified U.S. territories and possessions. Extends through FY 1988 the reservation of certain amounts from State allotments for State administrative expenses. Directs the Administrator to reserve specified amounts from the allotments of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut to make grants to the Interstate Sanitation Commission established by their interstate compact. Extends through FY 1988 specified provisions relating to minimum expenditures for increasing the Federal share of grants for construction of treatment works utilizing innovative processes and techniques. Requires a State to allocate at least 50 percent of its water quality management planning grant to regional and interstate public comprehensive organizations if it is useful to do so. Directs the Administrator to reserve specified appropriations for audits of such construction projects. Directs the Administrator to make grants for specified purposes from the appropriate State allotments for treatment works construction to: (1) the city of Avalon, California; (2) the owners of the Rocky River Wastewater Treatment Plant in Rocky River, Ohio; (3) Walker and Smithfield Townships, Pennsylvania; (4) the Elk Pinch Public Service District, Kanawha County, West Virginia; (5) the city of Taylor Mill, Kentucky; and (6) the city of Watsonville, California. Establishes a program of grants to States for establishment of State water pollution control revolving funds for providing assistance to municipalities and intermunicipal and interstate agencies for construction of publicly owned treatment works. Permits the modification of pH levels and the amount of iron and manganese in discharges from remined areas of coal remining operations if such operations provide potential for water quality improvement and use the best available technology. Directs the Administrator to consider the effects of specified factors on the ecosystem when developing water quality criteria, providing an ample margin of safety to protect human health and fish and wildlife resources. Directs the Administrator to publish a description of significant differences of opinion concerning a pollutant. Reduces the time in which the Administrator must promulgate guidelines establishing test procedures for the analysis of pollutants. Authorizes the Administrator to establish a single compliance date for pretreatment standards for a source subject to more than one if to do so would result in earlier total compliance and the use of compatible technologies. Extends the deadline for compliance with electroplating pretreatment standards. Directs the Administrator to maintain adequate personnel to implement pretreatment requirements. Authorizes a two-year extension for a treatment works to comply with a categorical pretreatment standard if it uses an innovative treatment system which has potential for industry-wide application and the treatment works can still comply with the terms of its permit. Revises criminal penalties. Adds civil penalties for specified violations. Revises the Clean Lakes Program to include saline as well as fresh water lakes. Directs the Administrator to make grants to State for priority projects for control of nonpoint sources of pollution contributing to the degradation of water quality in lakes. Adds provisions for grants to States to carry out approved methods and procedures to restore water quality which has deteriorated as a result of high acidity which may be due to acid deposition. Limits the amount of grants to 80 percent of costs. Requires such funds to be distributed on the basis of need. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 through 1989. Directs the Administrator to report annually to specified congressional committees on the status and trend of water quality in lakes in the United States. Directs the Administrator to study water quality problems in Lake Houston, Houston, Texas, and undertake control measures to improve water quality. Directs the Administrator to report to specified congressional committees on such study and measures. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Administrator to: (1) conduct a one-year comprehensive study of the Beaver Lake, Arkansas; (2) undertake a demonstration project for measures identified in such study for preserving and enhancing the reservoir's water quality; and (3) report, with recommendations, on such study and project to specified congressional committees. Makes specified funds available for such purposes. Directs the Administrator to undertake demonstration projects for specified cleanup operations for the following New Jersey bodies of water: (1) Greenwood Lake and Belcher Creek; (2) Deal Lake; and (3) Alcyon Lake. Directs the Administrator to report on such projects to specified congressional committees. Authorizes appropriations. Expands from five to ten years the permit term under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) unless a permit modifies specified requirements or the applicant has not consistently complied with any NPDES permit held by such applicant. Requires that such permits be modified promptly to insure compliance with any new or revised effluent limitation for toxic pollutants or any new or revised requirement pursuant to water quality standards established under specified provisions of the Clean Water Act which is more stringent than those in the existing permit. Prohibits the Administrator from requiring an NPDES permit for discharges of stormwater runoff from mining operations or oil or gas operations composed entirely of flows which are from conveyances or conveyance systems used for collecting and conveying precipitation runoff and which are not contaminated with process wastes, overburden, raw materials, toxic pollutants above natural background levels, spilled product, hazardous substances, or oil, or grease. Requires any person discharging such stormwater runoff to monitor the quality of water in such flows and report at least annually to the Administrator on the results of such monitoring. Prohibits the Administrator from requiring additional pretreatment by a discharger of conventional pollutants when its publicly-owned treatment works is not meeting NPDES permit requirements because of inadequate design or operation. Authorizes a partial NPDES permit program covering a portion of the discharges into the navigable waters in such State if it covers administration of a major category of such discharges or a major component of the State's NPDES permit program. Provides that a State may return, or the Administrator may withdraw approval of, delegated NPDES permit program responsibilities. Authorizes the Administrator to make a grant to the city of New York to install additional facilities and make modifications necessary for the Newtown Creek sewage treatment plant to provide secondary treatment. Limits the grant to 75 percent of costs. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Administrator to make grants to the city of San Diego, California, for construction of a project consisting of publicly owned treatment works to provide primary or advanced treatment of municipal sewage and industrial waste for the city of Tijuana, Mexico, and for San Diego. Directs the Administrator to make grants to the county of Cochise, Arizona, for construction of a project consisting of publicly owned treatment works in Naco, Arizona, to provide primary or more advanced treatment of untreated sewage emanating from the city of Naco, Sonora, Mexico and municipal sewage or industrial waste from Naco, Arizona. Authorizes appropriations. Imposes a cap on raw sewage discharges from the drainage areas of the North River plant, Manhattan, New York, and the Red Hook Plant, Brooklyn, New York, into navigable waters (the Hudson-Raritan Estuary) if New York City fails to meet the deadlines for achieving advanced preliminary treatment contained in the consent decree of December 30, 1982 (August 1, 1986, for the North River plant; August 1, 1987, for the Red Hook plant). Permits the Administrator to raise such cap for seasonal variation or so-called acts of God. States that violations of these requirements shall be considered violations of the the Clean Water Act as well as of the consent decree. Expresses the sense of Congress that the Administrator should not agree to any further modification of the advanced preliminary treatment schedule in the consent decree. Directs the Administrator to work with New York City, implement monitoring activities for both plants, and commence enforcement actions in the event of unexcused violations. Directs the Administrator to make grants to the Metropolitan District Commission, Massachusetts, for a project to undertake emergency improvements at the Deer Island Waste Water Treatment Plant in Boston, Massachusetts. Limits the Federal share to 75 percent of costs. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 through 1987. Directs the Administrator to pay, in the same proportion as the Federal share of other project costs, all expenses for the relocation of facilities for the distribution of natural gas with respect to the entire wastewater treatment works known as Oakwood Beach and Red Hook projects, New York. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Administrator to remove raw sewage discharged into Brady's Run and the Beaver River, Pennsylvania, resulting from the destruction of the Chippewa Township, Pennsylvania, sewage treatment facility. Directs the Administrator to study the feasibility and desirability of eliminating the regulation of de minimus discharges of pollutants into navigable waters. Directs the Administrator to report on such study to specified congressional committees within one year after enactment of this Act. Directs the Administrator to study the effectiveness of specified innovative and alternative wastewater treatment processes and techniques which have been used in treatment works constructed under the Clean Water Act. Directs the Administrator to report within two years on such study to specified congressional committees. Directs the Administrator to study the water quality improvements which have been achieved by application of best available technology economically achievable pursuant to specified provisions of such Act, to reporting to specified congressional committees within two year after the enactment of this Act. Directs the Administrator to study the testing procedures for analysis of pollutants established under specified provisions of such Act. Directs the Administrator to report, on such study to specified congressional committees within one year after the enactment of this Act. Directs the Administrator to conduct biennially a state-of-the art review of such test procedures to determine their adequacy and effectiveness. Directs the Administrator to submit to such congressional committees recommendations based on such review for modifying such test procedures to improve their effectiveness. Directs the Administrator to study the pretreatment of toxic pollutants and report to the appropriate congressional committees within two years after enactment of this Act. Directs the Administrator to study the problem of the corrosive effects of sulfides in collection and treatment systems, the extent to which the uniform imposition of categorical pretreatment standards will exacerbate this problem, and the range of available options to deal with the effects. Requires that such study be conducted in consultation with the Los Angeles City and County sanitation agencies which have observed examples of corrosion probably caused by sulfides. Directs the Administrator to report on such study to specified congressional committees within one year after enactment of this Act. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Administrator to make grants to provide alternate water supplies to replace contaminated groundwater. Makes owners or operators of a public water system or units of local government eligible for such assistance. Limits the Federal share of costs to 50 percent, also limiting the maximum amount of any one grant and total grants within a State. Directs the Administrator to report annually to Congress on such grants program, including information on the sources and extent of groundwater contamination and the number of people affected. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 through 1988. Authorizes the Administrator to make a grant of 75 percent of construction costs to the city of Des Moines, Iowa, for construction of the Central Sewage Treatment Plant. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Administrator to make a grant to the San Diego Water Reclamation Agency, California, to demonstrate innovations in wastewater reclamation. Authorizes appropriations. Revises the meaning of the phrase "discharge of any pollutant into marine water." Requires as new conditions for the modification of treatment requirements with respect to the discharge of pollutants from a publicly owned treatment works that an applicant for such modification demonstrate that: (1) in the case of a treatment works serving a population of 50,000 or more, there is in effect a specified pretreatment program for toxic pollutants introduced into such works for which there is no pretreatment requirement in effect; and (2) the effluent which is discharged from such works is receiving primary treatment and meets the criteria for water quality established by the Administrator. Directs the Administrator to convene a management conference if the attainment or maintenance of water quality in an estuary requires the control of sources of pollution in more than one State. Requires that an interstate agency be the lead agency if it has jurisdiction over all or a significant part of the estuary. Directs the Administrator to give priority consideration to: (1) Long Island Sound; (2) Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts; (3) Delaware Bay, Delaware and New Jersey; and (4) Albemarle Sound, North Carolina. Prohibits convening such a conference before a final adjudication has been made in any pending State boundary dispute involving the estuary. Requires a management conference to provide for the implementation of a master plan addressing the pollution problems of the estuary involved. Authorizes the Administrator to make grants to States participating in such a management conference equal to 50 percent of their implementing costs. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1984 through 1988. Authorizes appropriations to the Administrator for FY 1984 through 1988 for: (1) administrative expenses; (2) plan development grants; and (3) implementation monitoring. Directs the Administrator to continue the Chesapeake Bay program and to establish and maintain in the EPA an office of Chesapeake Bay Programs to: (1) collect and disseminate research and other information on the environmental quality of the Bay; (2) coordinate Federal and State research efforts; (3) conduct research on sediment deposition in the Bay; and (4) conduct research on how environmental changes impact on the living resources of the Bay, with particular emphasis on the impact of pollutant loadings. Directs the Administrator to make a grant to implement management mechanisms in the plan if the State has approved and committed to implement all or substantially all aspects of the plan. Requires a State or combination of States, in order to qualify for such grants, to submit a plan for proposed abatement actions and estimated costs for the approval of the Administrator. Limits such grants to 50 percent of the plan implementation costs. Limits administrative costs. Requires States to submit progress reports biennially to the Administrator for transmittal to the Congress. Directs the Administrator to make a grant to assess the principal factors having an adverse effect on the environmental quality of the Narragansett Bay in conjunction with developing and implementing a management program to improve such Bay's water quality. Limits such grants to 50 percent of the program implementation costs. Requires a State to submit a description of the proposed program for Administrator approval, demonstrating that it will: (1) establish a committee to provide advice on design and implementation of a management program and to coordinate communication on issues affecting such Bay's water quality; (2) review and coordinate Federal and State water pollution abatement programs; (3) establish methods for improving sampling data collection and a system for collecting, analyzing, storing, and disseminating such data; and (4) develop and implement water quality management practices and measures to reduce pollutant loadings in such Bay. Requires States to submit annual progress reports to the Administrator. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 through 1988 for such Chesapeake and Narragansett Bays programs. Sets forth provisions relating to the New York and New Jersey Harbor area. Directs the Administrator to: (1) collect and make available information on the environmental quality of the Harbor; (2) coordinate Federal and State improvement efforts; and (3) determine the impact of environmental changes on the living resources of the Harbor and on adjacent coastal areas, with particular emphasis on the impact of certain pollutant loadings. Directs the Administrator to make a grant to implement the management mechanisms contained in an interstate management plan for such Harbor. Allows an affected State or States to submit for Administrator approval such a plan, including the estimated cost of the proposed abatement actions. Limits the grant to 50 percent of implementation costs. Limits administrative costs. Requires such States to submit biennial progress reports on the implementation of such plans for transmittal to the Congress. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 through 1988. Authorizes the Administrator to undertake a study on consumptive uses of Great Lakes water, focussing on control measures which would reduce the quantity of water consumed without adversely affecting the projected growth of the region. Requires that such study include an analysis of both existing and new technology, including assessments of water quality assessment methodologies, the economic and environmental affects of manufacturing uses, and regulation of such uses. Authorizes appropriations. Grants an exception for certain publicly owned treatment works to a time limitation relating to an application for a permit modification for less than secondary treatment involving an ocean discharge. Designates the Great Lakes National Program Office of EPA as the Great Lakes International Coordination Office to coordinate international (Canada), Federal, State, and local actions aimed at improving Lake water quality. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 through 1990. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 to carry out water quality studies of the Great Lakes under the Act. Directs the Administrator to submit annually to Congress a comprehensive assessment of the planned efforts to be pursued in the succeeding fiscal year for implementing the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement of 1978 and another annual report assessing the progress of the previous year. Directs the Administrator to research the harmful effects on the health and welfare of persons caused by pollutants in water, especially the bioaccumulation of these pollutants in aquatic species and any reduction in the value of aquatic industries. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 through 1988. Directs the Administrator to carry out and report to the appropriate congressional committees on a demonstration program to restore the biological integrity of acidified lakes and watersheds through liming. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Administrator to make a grant to Seattle, Washington, to construct secondary treatment works. Limits such grant to 75 percent of costs. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Administrator to make grants to States for groundwater quality protection activities. Limits such grants to 50 percent of costs. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 through 1989. Directs the Administrator to prepare a study-report for specified congressional committees on the feasibility of achieving compliance with specified environmental standards using the best practicable technology for the Alaska Lumber and Pulp Company, Sitka, Alaska, and the Louisiana-Pacific Corporation, Ketchikan, Alaska. Establishes the National Ground Water Commission to examine all aspects of the nation's groundwater. Directs the Commission to report to the President and the Congress on the findings and conclusions of a preliminary study which includes an analysis of the extent of groundwater contamination caused by hazardous and other solid waste, the regions and major water supplies most significantly affected by such contamination, and Commission recommendations for preventive or remedial measures to protect human health and the environment from the effects of such contamination. Terminates the Commission on January 1, 1987. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 through 1987. Sets forth provisions concerning turnkey contracts on construction grants for treatment facilities costing less than $8,000,000. Redefines point source to include a leachate collection system. Directs the Administrator to conduct studies to identify existing and potential point and nonpoint sources of pollution, and measures and practices to control such sources of pollution, in the following groundwater systems and aquifers: (1) the groundwater system of the Upper Santa Cruz Basin and the Avra-Altar Basin of Pima, Pinal, and Santa Cruz Counties, Arizona; (2) the Spokane-Rathdrum Valley Aquifer, Washington and Idaho; (3) the Nassau and Suffolk Counties Aquifer, New York; (4) the Whidbey Island Aquifer, Washington; and (5) the Unconsolidated Quaternary Aquifer, Rockaway River area, New Jersey. Directs the Administrator to then prepare a proposed management plan for each such groundwater system and aquifer. Directs the Administrator to submit to Congress an interim and final report on such studies and proposed management plans. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Administrator to develop a comprehensive master plan for Puget Sound, Washington, recommend priority corrective actions and compliance schedules to address point and nonpoint sources of pollution, and monitor such Sound to determine the effectiveness of such plan. Authorizes the Administrator to make grants to the State of Washington if such State adopts a comprehensive master plan for such Sound. Sets the Federal share at 50 percent of costs. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 through 1987. Revises construction grant program provisions under the Clean Water Act to direct the Administrator to make a final decision within 60 days of the filing of an appeal relating to a dispute with respect to the awarding of a contract for construction of treatment works by a grantee. Directs the Administrator to identify those toxic pollutants which may be present in sewage sludge in concentrations which may adversely affect human health or the environment. Directs the Administrator to publish regulations specifying acceptable management practices for sewage sludge containing toxic pollutants and establishing numerical limitations for each such pollutant for each use of or disposal technique for sludge identified. Requires that such management practices and numerical limitations be adequate to protect the public health and environment from any reasonably anticipated adverse effects. Authorizes the Administrator to promulgate management practices or operation standards if it is not feasible to prescribe numerical limitations. Authorizes the Administrator to conduct or initiate scientific studies, demonstration projects, and public information and education projects designed to promote the safe and beneficial use of sewage sludge for restoring abandoned mine sites, conditioning soil for parks and recreation areas, agricultural and horticultural uses, and other beneficial purposes. Authorizes the Administrator to make grants for such studies and projects to State water pollution control agencies other public or nonprofit agencies, institutions, organizations, and individuals. Authorizes the Administrator to collect and disseminate information pertaining to the safe and beneficial use of sewage sludge. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
American Conservation Corps Act of 1985 - Establishes an American Conservation Corps within the Departments of the Interior and Agriculture. Directs the Secretaries of both departments to establish and administer a conservation and rehabilitation program on Federal public and Indian lands. Directs the Secretary of the Interior alone to establish and administer such a program on non-Federal public lands. Directs the Secretaries to assist program agencies (any Federal, State, or Indian agency responsible for the management of public lands) in establishing and operating residential and nonresidential American Conservation Corps Centers. Describes the types of projects which will receive program preference. Limits program projects to those on public lands or Indian lands, except where projects on nonpublic lands provide documented public benefits. Sets forth requirements for establishing conservation centers and eligibility criteria for enrollees in the program. Requires that preference be given to economically, socially, physically, and educationally disadvantaged youth and youth residing in areas having substantial unemployment. Requires program agencies to provide services, facilities, supplies, and equipment for conservation centers as the Secretary deems necessary. States under what conditions and for what purposes an enrollee/volunteer shall be deemed a Federal or State employee. Permits the Tennessee Valley Authority to utilize such volunteers. Sets forth compensation and reimbursement provisions for volunteers and their upkeep. Directs the Secretaries to assist program agencies in securing certification or credit for skills acquired by volunteers during their participation and to conduct cost-benefit analysis and evaluations of the program. Permits the Secretaries to conduct pilot programs for alternative approaches. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to report to the Congress within the year on a study of Civilian Conservation Corps sites suitable for a commemoration of such Corps. Sets forth study opportunities and limitations for program volunteers, including a requirement that program agencies provide job guidance and placement assistance. Directs the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture to report at least annually to the President and the Congress. Directs the Secretary of Labor to make available appropriate labor market information. Sets forth employee appeal rights for workers displaced by American Conservation Corps volunteers. Sets forth funding limitations. Requires participating program agencies to certify that their programs will not displace workers. Sets forth procedures whereby State shares go to local governments when no State program agency exists. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 and 1986.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
National Individual Training Account Act of 1985 - Title I: Individual Training Accounts - Establishes the national individual training account program to be administered by the Secretary of Labor and the Secretary of the Treasury in cooperation with the States. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to enter into agreements whereby States or State unemployment compensation agencies shall: (1) issue and redeem vouchers to pay training and relocation expenses; (2) accept contributions from employees and employers for deposit into individual training accounts and distribute any amount in any such account at such times as any distribution from such account is authorized; (3) provide individual counseling or job and training referral services to any participant in the program; and (4) cooperate with officers of the Federal Government or of any other State in carrying out this Act. Directs the Secretary of Labor, upon the request of a State, to provide information and to detail, on a reimbursable basis, personnel to assist such State in establishing a State individual training account program. Sets forth the duties of the Secretary of Labor and the Secretary of the Treasury in administering the program established by this Act. Sets forth provisions for distributions from individual training accounts. Sets forth provisions for eligible training programs and for certification of such programs by the Secretary of Labor. Sets forth provisions for qualified relocation expenses and for approval of such expenses by the Secretary of Labor. Provides that individual training and related accounts are to be established as separate book accounts in the Unemployment Trust Fund. Title II: Amendments to the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 Relating to Individual Training Accounts - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to revise provisions for approval of State unemployment compensation laws to require that a State have a State individual training account program which has been approved by the Secretary of Labor. Applies such requirement to certifications of such State laws for 1986 and subsequent years. Revises Federal unemployment tax provisions to add requirements relating to State individual training account programs. Revises provisions relating to itemized Federal income tax deductions for individuals and corporations to allow such deductions for employee or employer contributions to individual training accounts made after December 31, 1984. Prohibits any reduction (through an additional credit allowance) in Federal unemployment tax in the case of any large employer which refuses to participate in the national individual training account program. Defines "large employer" as one which during the calendar year employed an average of not less than 25 employees. Makes such denial of reduction applicable to calendar years beginning after December 31, 1986. Appropriates to the Secretary of Labor, for the expense of administering the Federal-State employment service, for each fiscal year ending after January 1, 1986, an amount determined by the Secretary of the Treasury to be equivalent to an unspecified portion of the amounts received in the general fund in the Treasury which are attributable to the operation of such denial of reduction in the unemployment tax rate of such large employers who refuse to participate in the national individual training account program.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Federal Employees Health Benefits Reform Act of 1985 - Increases the amount of the Government's contribution for an employee enrolled in an employee health benefits plan from 60 to 75 percent of the average subscription charge for such plan. Increases the maximum Government contribution for an enrollee from 75 to 100 percent of such subscription charge. Requires payment of a Government differential equal to five percent of the average subscription charge, in addition to the Government's contribution, for any enrollee who is over 65 years of age and not entitled to Medicare benefits. Excludes such differential in determining the amount to be paid by the enrollee. Permits the following persons to elect to continue coverage under a Federal employees' health benefits plan for a specified period: (1) an employee who is involuntarily separated from the civil service due to a reduction in force; (2) an individual who elects to receive the lump-sum credit for civil service retirement benefits; and (3) an individual 22 years of age or older whose enrollment was based on such individual's being an unmarried child who was incapable of self-support because of a mental or physical disability which existed and did not terminate before the individual attained the age of 22. Requires such persons who elect to continue coverage to pay into the Employees Health Benefits Fund an amount equal to the sum of employee and agency contributions paid for the same level of benefits. Allows such a person to: (1) change to a lower level of benefits; (2) change coverage within 60 days after a change in family status; and (3) transfer enrollment to another plan under conditions prescribed by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). Provides a temporary extension of coverage to allow persons who elected not to continue coverage or whose continued coverage is terminated to convert to a nongroup contract providing health benefits. Allows annuitants whose annuity is less than the amount required to be withheld for enrollment in a health benefits plan to pay the amount of any deficiency required for enrollment. Requires contracts for employee organization plans to require carriers to: (1) reinsure with other participating companies; (2) enter into an agreement approved by OPM with an underwriting subcontractor licensed to issue group health insurance in all States and the District of Columbia; and (3) meet minimum financial standards prescribed by OPM. Requires the service benefit plan and the indemnity benefit plan to provide, in addition to all currently authorized benefits: (1) nervous and mental disorder benefits; (2) alcoholism and substance abuse treatment and rehabilitation benefits; and (3) comprehensive dental benefits. Prohibits the OPM from entering into a contract for any service benefit, indemnity benefit, or employee organization plan which does not provide for 50 outpatient visits and 60 inpatient days of nervous and mental disorder benefits and two 28-day alcoholism treatment and rehabilitation benefits. Requires any limits on nervous and mental disorder benefits to be exceeded on a case by case basis only to the extent that a peer review mechanism determines such treatment to be necessary. Requires 80 percent of such excessive benefit claims to be paid from the balance of one percent of all contributions to the Employees Health Benefits Fund remaining after the expenses of administering provisions governing Federal employees health benefit plans are paid. Prohibits the OPM from entering into a contract with a carrier for any health benefits plan which does not provide 95 percent of the benefits that such plan or the most similar plan provided during the preceding year, unless the carrier and the OPM mutually agree to waive such requirement. Directs the OPM to: (1) provide a three week period during which enrollees in health benefits plans may change or cancel their enrollments before any contract term in which the rates or benefits of a plan will change, a new plan will be offered, or an existing plan will be terminated; and (2) make available to such enrollees information on such plans at least four weeks before such open enrollment period. Prohibits the OPM from entering into a contract for a health benefits plan which excludes anyone because of nonactive employee status. Eliminates the requirement that the group of physicians under a group-practice prepayment plan include physicians representing at least three major medical specialties.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Lifeline Telephone Service Act of 1985 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to establish a fund from which payments shall be made to exchange common carriers which provide lifeline telephone service. Directs the Federal Communications Commission to determine uniform surcharges on charges for interstate telephone toll service to provide sufficient funds for such payments beginning January 1, 1986. Provides that the amount of such payments to a carrier shall equal 50 percent of the amount of revenue lost by the carrier as a result of providing such service. Directs each State communications commission to establish rules for the provision of lifeline service by carriers. Allows such a commission to restrict eligibility for such service based on low-income criteria accounting for the needs of the elderly, the unemployed, the disabled, and single heads of households.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Directs the Comptroller General to audit, each fiscal year, the Federal Reserve Board, the Federal Advisory Council, the Federal Open Market Committee, and all Federal Reserve banks and their branches. Requires the Comptroller General, within six months after the end of each fiscal year, to report to the Congress on the results of such audit.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Sunset Act of 1985 - Title I: Reauthorization of Government Programs - Sets forth a ten-year schedule for reauthorization of all Federal programs according to budget function and subfunction as set forth in the Budget of the United States Government for FY 1985. Sets forth the procedure in the House of Representatives and the Senate for the consideration of any bill, resolution, or amendment which authorizes new budget authority. States that it is not in order for either House to consider any legislation which authorizes the enactment of new budget authority for a program for a period of more than ten years, for an indefinite period, or for any fiscal year beginning after the next reauthorization date applicable to such program. Provides that before the Congress can appropriate funds for any program, after its first reauthorization date, there must be a specific authorization in law to support the appropriation. Requires the committees of the Senate and House of Representatives to schedule and conduct a sunset review of programs to be reauthorized. Requires that the report accompanying such reauthorizations contain specified information and be completed during the Congress in which the program is scheduled for reauthorization. Exempts from the requirements of this Act specified programs such as interest on Federal debts, health care services, general retirement and disability payments, litigation activities which have as their objectives the protection and implementation of civil rights guaranteed by the Constitution, and specified retirement pay and benefits. Allows the reauthorization schedule set forth in this Act to be changed by concurrent resolution of the two Houses of Congress and sets forth the procedure for such change. Requires all legislation and other matters related to changes in the dates for programs under this Act to be referred to the committee with legislative jurisdiction over any program affected by the proposal and, sequentially, to the Committee on Rules in the House of Representatives and to the Committee on Rules and Administration in the Senate. Requires such committees to report any concurrent resolution or bill referred to it by a committee of legislative jurisdiction within 30 days, with a statement on each of its recommendations. Makes provisions for any proposed change which has been reported by a committee before July 1, 1980. Title II: Program Inventory - Directs the Comptroller General and the Director of the Congressional Budget Office, in cooperation with the Director of the Congressional Research Service, to prepare an inventory of Federal programs. Declares that the purpose of such program inventory is to advise and assist Congress in carrying out reauthorization and reexamination requirements and to link such reauthorization and review process with the budget process. Requires the Comptroller General to submit such program inventory to each House of Congress no later than January 1, 1986. Sets forth the contents of the inventory program, including the type of authorization provided for such programs' new budget authority and the manner in which related program areas may be grouped for evaluation and review. Directs the congressional committees, the Congressional Budget Office, and the Congressional Research Service to review the program inventory and to suggest revisions. Requires that the program inventory be revised at the end of each session of Congress, and that such revisions be reported to each House. Requires that periodic reports tabulate the progress of congressional action on bills and resolutions authorizing budget authority for programs in the inventory. Requires the Comptroller General and the Director of the Congressional Budget Office to submit periodic reports to the Congress on the adequacy of the functional and subfunctional categories for grouping programs of like missions or objectives. Title III: Program Reexamination - Requires each committee of the Senate and the House of Representatives to reexamine selected programs or groups of programs over which it has jurisdiction. Sets forth procedures for such review, and criteria for selection of program areas for evaluation. Directs each committee to consult with the appropriate committees of either the House of Representatives or the Senate in order to achieve coordination of program reevaluation. Directs each Committee to inform itself of the related activities of or assistance available from the General Accounting Office, the Congressional Budget Office, the Congressional Research Service, the Office of Technology Assessment, and other appropriate instrumentalities in the executive and judicial branches. Requires each committee to deliver a report on the reexamination to the Secretary of the Senate or the Clerk of the House at the date specified in the funding resolution first reported by such committee in 1987 and thereafter for the first session of each Congress. Allows two or more committees which have legislative jurisdiction over the same programs or portions of the same programs to examine such programs jointly and submit a joint report. Stipulates that such report: (1) contain the findings, recommendations, and justifications of the program; and (2) include specified information including, but not limited to, an assessment of the cost-effectiveness of the program and an identification of any trends, developments, and emerging conditions which are likely to affect the nature and extent of the problems or needs which the program is intended to address. Requires each executive department or agency which is responsible for a program selected for reexamination to submit a report to the Office of Management and Budget and to the appropriate committees of the Congress on its findings, recommendations, and justifications of specified aspects of the program. Title IV: Tax Expenditures - Requires the Director of the Congressional Budget Office, after consultation with the Joint Committee on Taxation of the Congress, to prepare an inventory of tax expenditure provisions and to submit a report on such inventory to the Committee on Ways and Means of the House and the Senate Finance Committee. Defines the term "tax expenditure provision" as any provision of Federal law which allows a special exclusion, exemption, or deduction in determining liability for any tax or which provides a special credit against any tax, a preferential rate of tax, or a deferral of tax liability. Specifies the contents of the report, which include an estimate of the revenue loss from each tax provision. Requires the Director to: (1) submit a revised inventory to each House by December 1, 1986; (2) revise the inventory after the close of each session of Congress and report such revisions to Congress; and (3) periodically report on congressional action on bills and resolutions which create or affect tax provisions. Directs the House Committee on Ways and Means and the Senate Committee on Finance to prepare a reauthorization schedule for all tax provisions similar to the schedule set out for Federal programs in title I of this Act. Requires Congress to take final action on the reauthorization schedule for tax provisions before the end of the 98th Congress. Provides that each tax expenditure provision shall expire unless it is reauthorized by a law enacted during the Congress in which it is scheduled for review. Sets forth procedures and restrictions for the consideration of bills reauthorizing tax provisions, which are similar to the restrictions and procedures governing bills authorizing new budget authority for Federal programs as described in title I. Requires that the report accompanying a reauthorization bill include specified information. Permits Congress to prescribe technical rules necessary to mitigate adverse effects which might result for taxpayers who rely on a certain tax provision. Title V: Miscellaneous - Permits the committees of Congress to obtain from agencies estimates or requests for appropriations, or requests for increases in an item of any such estimate or request, and recommendations as to how the revenue needs of the Government should be met. Sets forth administrative procedures and requirements. Directs the President, with the cooperation of the head of each appropriate agency, to submit to the Congress a Regulatory Duplication and Conflicts Report for all programs scheduled for reauthorization in the next Congress. Requires that each such report identify duplicative or conflicting rules and regulations promulgated by executive departments, independent agencies, and State and local governments and contain recommendations which address such conflicts or duplications. Directs the chairmen of the House and Senate committees having jurisdiction over a program scheduled for reauthorization during a Congress to introduce a bill constituting a reauthorization within 15 days of the beginning of the second session of that Congress. Declares that it shall be in order to discharge a committee from consideration of such a bill if the committee fails to report the bill by a specified date. Makes it the duty of the Committees on Governmental Affairs and on Rules and Administration of the Senate and the Committees on Government Operations and Rules of the House to review the operation of the procedures established by this Act and to submit a report every five years beginning December 31, 1992. Authorizes appropriations through FY 1996.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase to $2,500 the maximum deduction for contributions to retirement savings plans. Allows certain individuals to compute the amount of the income tax deduction for retirement savings on the basis of the earned income of their spouses without regard to any community property laws.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that one-half of the cost of insurance paid by a self-employed taxpayer for medical care during the taxable year will be allowed as a business deduction.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Designates the week beginning September 1, 1985, as National School-Age Child Care Awareness Week.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Designates the week beginning March 3, 1985, as Women's History Week.