United States · United States Congress · 31 October 1985
Anti-Terrorism Trade Preference Act of 1985 - Directs the Secretary of State to identify and publish the name of each country that repeatedly supports acts of international terrorism. Requires the Secretary to provide the Congress with a list of such countries annually. Imposes the following sanctions on countries identified as supporting international terrorism: (1) termination, withdrawal, or suspension of any treaty that relates to most-favored-nation treatment of such country; (2) denial of most-favored-nation treatment and imposition of column 2 tariff rates on imports from such countries; (3) non-application of the Generalized System of Preferences on imports from such countries; and (4) non-application of the provisions of the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act with respect to the products of such countries. Authorizes the President to waive such sanctions if it would be in the best interests of the United States. Directs the President to notify the Congress 30 days before any such waiver takes effect.
United States · United States Congress · 31 October 1985
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the Postmaster General should issue a stamp, before October 1, 1986, commemorating the 100th Congress; and (2) the U.S. Postal Service should conduct a public competition for the design of the stamp.
United States · United States Congress · 30 October 1985
Fair Furniture Trade Act of 1985 - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to authorize the President to enter into a trade agreement with Canada which provides for changes in the Canadian tariff treatment for U.S. furniture products. Requires such agreement to provide for the elimination of: (1) differing tariff levels on furniture trade between the United States and Canada; and (2) any Canadian nontariff barrier to U.S. furniture products. Sets forth factors the President shall consider in negotiating such agreement. Provides for staged increases in the tariff on imports of Canadian furniture until such a trade agreement is implemented. Directs the President to consult with specified congressional and other committees in negotiating such agreement. Directs the President to proclaim the necessary changes in the Tariff Schedules of the United States in order to implement such a trade agreement.
United States · United States Congress · 30 October 1985
Makes it a Federal offense, punishable by imprisonment for not more than ten years, for any person with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) or with a high risk of acquiring such deficiency syndrome to intentionally donate blood.
United States · United States Congress · 30 October 1985
Prohibits Federal financial assistance to any hospital which denies a physician, nurse, or other health care delivery personnel the opportunity to wear protective garments while dealing with patients with acquired immune deficiency syndrome(AIDS).
United States · United States Congress · 30 October 1985
Declares that no hospital or other health care facility may receive Federal funds if it knowingly permits a physician, dentist, nurse, or other health care delivery personnel who has acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) to practice in the hospital facility.
United States · United States Congress · 30 October 1985
Prohibits Federal financial assistance to any city, town, or political jurisdiction which permits the operation of a public bath which is hazardous to the public health or is used for sexual relations between males.
United States · United States Congress · 30 October 1985
Authorizes the Francis Scott Key Park Foundation to establish a memorial on Federal land in the District of Columbia or its environs to honor Francis Scott Key, the author of the words to our national anthem. Subjects the selected site, design, and plans for the memorial to the approval of the National Commission of Fine Arts and the National Capital Planning Commission. Provides that only non-Federal funds may be used to establish the memorial and that these must be sufficient before construction begins. Terminates the authority provided by this Act if construction does not begin within five years.
United States · United States Congress · 30 October 1985
Designates 1986 as Save for the U.S.A. Year. Requests the President to initiate a nationwide campaign, to be known as the Buy Back America campaign, to encourage the people of the United States to buy U.S. savings bonds and certificates and thereby reduce borrowings from foreign sources. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to enhance the marketability of such bonds and certificates.
United States · United States Congress · 24 October 1985
Joint Chiefs of Staff Reorganization Act of 1985 - Revises Federal provisions concerning the composition and function of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) to define the Chairman of JCS as the principal military advisor to the President, the National Security Council, and the Secretary of Defense. Authorizes a member of JCS other than the Chairman to offer, to the Secretary of Defense and then to the President, a separate opinion in disagreement with that of the Chairman concerning military advice given. Directs that the Chairman of JCS shall supervise the commanders of the combatant commands and act as their spokesman. Extends the term of the Chairman of JCS from two to four years. Establishes the position of Deputy Chairman of JCS. Prohibits the Deputy Chairman and the Chairman from being a member of the same military branch, unless the Secretary of Defense waives such prohibition for a limited period. Sets the term of the Deputy Chairman at four years. Requires the Deputy Chairman to perform such duties as delegated by the Chairman with the approval of the Secretary of Defense. Directs the Deputy Chairman to act as Chairman if the latter position is vacated for any reason. Directs the Deputy Chairman to act as director of the Joint Staff, which performs such duties as the Chairman prescribes. Eliminates any maximum number of officers on the Joint Staff. Provides that the four-year term of a member of the Joint Staff may be extended with the approval of the Secretary of Defense. Directs the Secretary to ensure that the Joint Staff is independently organized and operated in order to provide for the unified strategic direction of the combatant forces and their operation and integration into an efficient team of land, naval, and air forces. Requires the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to submit an evaluation to the President of any person for appointment to a grade above major general or rear admiral. Requires such evaluation to consider the performance of that officer as a member of the Joint Staff and in other assignments involving joint military experiences. Requires such evaluation to be submitted to the President at the same time as the submission of the recommendation for the appointment. Directs the Chairman or the Deputy Chairman of JCS to attend all meetings of the National Security Council and participate fully in its deliberations. Directs the Secretary of Defense, no later than six months after the enactment of this Act, to report to the Congress on plans for further changes in the administration of the military high commands of each of the armed forces. Outlines proposals to be developed in such report.
United States · United States Congress · 24 October 1985
National Commission on Classified Information and Security Clearance Procedures - Establishes the National Commission on Classified Information and Security Clearance Procedures to investigate: (1) standards and procedures used by Federal authorities to issue security clearances and classify information; (2) procedures used to ensure that persons with a security clearance continue to meet required standards; (3) the extent to which current standards and procedures cause the classification of more information than required by national security; and (4) the dangers to national security by the growth in the number of persons holding security clearances. Directs the Commission to recommend to each branch of the Federal Government uniform standards and procedures for issuing security clearances, classifying documents, and ensuring that a security clearance continues to meet required standards. Makes provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act inapplicable to the Commission. Requires the Commission to make a final report to the President, the Congress, and the Supreme Court not later than one year after appropriations are first made for the Commission. Allows the restriction of public access to Commission documents. Terminates the Commission 30 days after submission of the final report.
United States · United States Congress · 24 October 1985
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the United States: (1) should not sell advanced weapons to Jordan; (2) should ensure that Israel retains its qualitative military edge in the Middle East; and (3) should focus its efforts on bringing Jordan into direct peace negotiations with Israel.
United States · United States Congress · 23 October 1985
Authorizes the President to provide military assistance to the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA). Authorizes appropriations for such purpose for FY 1986.
United States · United States Congress · 22 October 1985
Suspends most-favored-nation treatment for Romania for six months. Directs the President, before the end of such six months, to: (1) assess the status of civil liberties and human rights in Romania; and (2) recommend to the Congress whether to extend the suspension of nondiscriminatory treatment to Romania.
United States · United States Congress · 11 October 1985
1985 Act To Create the Death Penalty To Punish Terrorist Acts - Amends the Federal criminal code to provide for a penalty of death or life imprisonment for the crime of hostage taking if the death of an individual results from the commission or attempted commission of the offense of hostage taking. Makes it a criminal offense to commit or attempt to commit an act of terrorism within the United States or outside the jurisdiction of the United States against a United States person (as defined by this Act). Provides for a penalty of: (1) imprisonment for any term of years; or (2) death or life imprisonment if the death of an individual results from the commission or attempted commission of the offense. Defines an "act of terrorism" as an activity that: (1) involves a violent act or an act dangerous to human life that is a violation of the criminal laws of the United States or of any State; or (2) appears to be intended to either intimidate a civilian population, influence the policy of a government or to affect the conduct of a government by assassination or kidnapping. Defines a "United States person" as: (1) a national of the United States; (2) a resident alien admitted to the United States; (3) any person within the United States; (4) any employee or contractor of the United States regardless of nationality; (5) any proprietorship, partnership, company, or association composed principally of nationals of the United States; or (6) a corporation organized under the laws of the United States. Sets forth rules for the venue of a trial for the offenses of: (1) kidnapping; (2) receiving of ransom money; (3) hostage taking; and (4) commission of terrorist acts. Requires the Government, in cases where the death penalty is sought for the offenses of hostage taking and acts of terrorism, to file with the court and serve upon the defendant notice that the Government will seek the death penalty in the event of a conviction. Requires such notice to set forth the aggravating factors which the Government will seek to prove as the basis for the death penalty. Requires the court to conduct a separate sentencing hearing to determine the sentence to be imposed in such cases where the Government has filed notice of intent to seek the death penalty and where the defendant has been convicted or has entered a guilty plea. Sets forth standards and procedures for such hearings. Provides that no presentence report shall be prepared in such cases. Allows information to be presented as to any matter relevant to the sentence including matters relating to any aggravating or mitigating factors. Specifies certain aggravating and mitigating factors which may be considered. Requires the jury (or the court if there is no jury) to return special findings identifying any mitigating and aggravating factors. Requires the jury by unanimous vote (or the court if there is no jury) to return a finding as to whether a sentence of death is justified. Requires the court to sentence the defendant to death, upon a finding that a sentence of death is justified. Requires a court to instruct the jury that in its consideration as to whether the death penalty is justified it shall not consider the race, color, national origin, creed, or sex of the defendant. Requires each juror to certify that such factors were not involved in reaching his or her individual decision. Allows the court to impose a sentence of life imprisonment without possibility of parole in such cases in which the death penalty is not sought or imposed. Allows for an appeal of a death sentence. Sets forth the standard of review for such appeals.
United States · United States Congress · 10 October 1985
Declares that the Congress: (1) condemns the Government of the Soviet Union for the killing of Charles Thornton (an American journalist in Afghanistan) in violation of Protocol I (a treaty relating to the protection of victims of international armed conflict); and (2) calls upon such government to abide by the terms of such treaty, including provisions that protect journalists working in areas subject to armed conflict.
United States · United States Congress · 8 October 1985
Amends the copyright law to prohibit a copyright holder from conveying the right to publicly perform an audiovisual work on non-network commercial television without simultaneously conveying the right to perform in synchronization any copyrighted music which accompanies such work.
United States · United States Congress · 7 October 1985
Fair Export Financing Act of 1985 - Amends the Trade and Development Enhancement Act of 1983 to declare that one of the purposes of such Act is to establish a temporary tied aid credit program to combat the predatory concessional credit programs of foreign governments. Directs the President to negotiate limits on partially untied aid credit. Changes the U.S. negotiating objectives to include references to partially untied aid credits. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to establish within the Department of the Treasury a program of tied aid credits for U.S. exports. Requires the program to be carried out in cooperation with the Export-Import Bank or with private financial institutions or entities. (Currently the program is established within the Export-Import Bank and carried out in cooperation with the Agency for International Development (AID).) Sets forth financing methods that may be included in such program. Authorizes appropriations. Repeals the provision that established a tied aid credit program in AID. Requires the Secretary to seek the advice of the National Advisory Council on International Monetary and Financial Policies before approving financing under the tied aid credit program. Terminates the tied aid credit program on September 30, 1987. Limits judicial review of actions by the Chairman of the Export-Import Bank and by the Secretary. Changes the definition of "tied aid credit." Defines "partially untied aid credit." Deletes references to government-mixed credits and public-private cofinancing.
United States · United States Congress · 7 October 1985
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to authorize the President to enter into agreements establishing reciprocal arrangements between Medicare programs and the program of any foreign country providing similar services to individuals either directly or by insurance payments. Requires that any such agreement specify: (1) the nature and extent of payment to be made to, or on behalf of, the individuals entitled to benefits; (2) limitations on the nature and duration of health services and on entitlement of individuals to benefits on a reciprocal basis; and (3) the methods by which the cost of providing health services on a reciprocal basis shall be shared by the United States and the foreign country. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make rules and regulations and establish procedures necessary to implement and administer such agreements. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into interim arrangements with any hospital in a foreign country which is accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Hospitals or such other hospitals as the Secretary finds meet specified health and safety standards.
United States · United States Congress · 3 October 1985
Health Care Savings Account Act of 1985 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit individuals (employees or self-employed individuals) and employers to contribute to health care savings accounts. Limits the amount which may be contributed to a health care savings account each year to no greater than the combined amount of employee and employer hospital insurance (Medicare) payroll tax paid during that year. Provides that the employee or self-employed individual and the employer will each receive a 60 percent tax credit for their respective portion of their hospital insurance payroll tax paid. Provides that a health care savings account shall be exempt from income taxes, except for the tax on certain unrelated business income, and except where such account: (1) engages in prohibited transactions; or (2) is used to pledge as security for a loan. Excludes from gross income of the distributee amounts distributed from a health care savings account provided that these funds are used for eligible medical expenses while the individual is eligible for Medicare. Permits the tax-free rollover of contributions from one health care savings account to another for the benefit of the distributee. Imposes a penalty of ten percent of the amount of any early distributions from a health care savings account. Provides that no amount distributed out of a health care savings account may be taken as a medical expense deduction. Imposes a tax on any excess contributions to such accounts. Imposes a penalty tax on prohibited transactions involving a health care savings account. Imposes a five percent tax on distributions from a health care savings account in the taxable year which reduces the level of all such accounts with respect to the distributee below the total value of health care savings account tax credits for the distributee. Provides exceptions for certain distributions. Imposes a 100 percent tax on such distributions if the distributions are not corrected within the taxable period. Imposes a 50 percent excise tax on the difference between the value of a decedent's health care savings accounts at the time of death and the amount contributed into the spouse's health care savings account at the time of, and on account of, such death. Establishes certain penalties for failure to file required reports with respect to health care savings accounts. Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide that in the case of an individual who has established a health care savings account, the total amount of any Medicare benefits which will be paid with respect to the individual will be reduced by a health care savings account-related deductible for the year. Provides that this deductible amount will be equal to 60 percent of the amount of medical-related expenditures that could be reasonably underwritten (by an insurance company) for the average Medicare beneficiary assuming that the annual premium will equal the health care savings account annuity. Provides special rules for individuals who cannot obtain insurance to cover their added deductible at the standard premium rates. Provides that these high cost insurance beneficiaries' added deductible is reduced by a proportion reflecting 80 percent of the excess premium required above the standard rate, except that the deductible may not drop below 120 percent of the individual's health care savings account annuity amount. Provides that the health care savings account-related deductible and the annuity amount shall be recalculated upon the qualification of a younger spouse for Medicare. Establishes catastrophic health care expense protection for certain individuals qualifying for Medicare protection. Requires such individuals to have contributed at least one-third of the maximum amount possible over the course of their careers into a health care savings account and at least $100 (indexed for inflation) or 50 percent of the maximum contribution per year, whichever is greater, in ten individual years. Treats surviving spouses without a separate health care savings account as eligible for the catastrophic coverage if the deceased spouse was formerly eligible for catastrophic coverage and the surviving spouse rolls 100 percent of the health care savings account of the deceased spouse into a health care savings account.
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 1985
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the current Government of Guatemala is to be commended for its perseverance and determination to return to civilian rule.
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 1985
Bicentennial of the Constitution Coins and Medals Act - Title I: Bicentennial of the United States Constitution Commemorative Coins - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to issue a specified number of five dollar gold coins and one dollar silver coins emblematic of the Bicentennial of the U.S. Constitution. Sets forth certain features of such coins and provides for their sale and issuance. Terminates the minting of such coins after December 31, 1987. Requires the Secretary to deposit in the Treasury all surcharges received from sale of such coins, to be used to reduce the national debt. Title II: Bicentennial of the United States Constitution Commemorative Medals - Directs the Secretary to strike and deliver to the Commission on the Bicentennial of the United States Constitution a specified number of gold, silver, and bronze medals commemorating the Bicentennial. Authorizes the Commission to dispose of such medals at a premium. Terminates the striking of such medals after December 31, 1987.
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 1985
Covert Agent Disclosure Federal Pension Forfeiture Act - Requires the forfeiture of Federal employee retirement benefits upon conviction of the felony of the unauthorized disclosure of the identity of a covert agent.
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 1985
Establishes the Disability Advisory Council (the Council), whose members shall be appointed by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, to conduct studies and make recommendations regarding the medical and vocational aspects of disability under titles II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) and XVI (Supplemental Security Income) of the Social Security Act. Provides that in addition to the above duties of the Council, the Secretary shall appoint a special panel to conduct studies with respect to the so-called "notch problem" for determining primary insurance amounts under title II of the Act. Requires the special panel to report its findings and recommendations to the Council. Requires the Council to report to the Secretary, and such report to be sent to the Congress and to the Board of Trustees of the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund. Terminates the Council following submission of its report.
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 1985
Urges the President to bring about a new round of multilateral trade negotiations within the framework of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) to resolve the outstanding issues affecting international trade and to expand and revise the scope of the GATT.
United States · United States Congress · 11 September 1985
Trade Reorganization Act of 1985 - Title I: General Provisions - Sets forth the congressional findings and purposes of this Act. Title II: Department of Commerce and Trade - Establishes the Department of Commerce and Trade to be administered by the Secretary of Commerce and Trade (the Secretary). Sets forth the functions of the Secretary including: (1) exercising responsibility for international trade matters, except for responsibilities delegated to the Secretary of Agriculture; (2) analyzing economic and sectoral trends; (3) developing and implementing commercial policies to expand U.S. business and employment opportunities; (4) promoting new opportunities for U.S. products and services to compete in the world marketplace; (5) assisting small businesses in developing export markets; and (6) administering U.S. laws relating to trade. Requires the Secretary to be Deputy Chair of the National Advisory Council on International Monetary and Financial Policies. Directs the Secretary to consult with the Secretary of Agriculture on all matters which potentially involve international trade in agricultural products. Authorizes the Secretary to assign the head of a Federal agency the responsibility for an international trade negotiation if the subject of the negotiation is related to the functions of the agency. Provides for three Deputy Secretaries of Commerce and Trade and two Under Secretaries of Commerce and Trade. Limits the number of Assistant Secretaries of Commerce and Trade to eight. Provides for a General Counsel, Inspector General, Chief Negotiator for Textile Matters, Director General of the United States and Foreign Commercial Service, and Agricultural Adviser. Sets forth their functions. Transfers to the Secretary: (1) all functions of the U.S. Trade Representative and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative; and (2) specified functions of the Department of Commerce. Sets forth administrative provisions governing the Department of Commerce and Trade. Provides for delegation of the Secretary's authority and succession of officers of the Department of Commerce and Trade. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) reorganize the Department, under certain conditions; (2) prescribe regulations; (3) establish a working capital fund; (4) transfer funds, subject to certain limitations, within the Department; (5) make contracts and payments; (6) accept gifts and bequests, under certain circumstances; and (7) issue publications. Provides for: (1) the Secretary's use of public and private resources; (2) departmental field offices; and (3) travel expenses. Authorizes other entities to use the resources of the Department under certain conditions. Directs the Secretary to report annually to the President on the activities of the Department. Establishes in the Executive Office of the President an Office of the Assistant to the President for International Trade who shall provide the President with policy options on international trade matters and, in cooperation with the Trade Policy Committee, coordinate those policies and activities affecting international trade that are carried out by Federal agencies. Amends the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 to establish in the Executive Office of the President a Trade Policy Committee to assist the President in carrying out certain trade functions. Directs the Trade Policy Committee to pay particular attention to expanding the responsibilities of the Department of Agriculture in matters affecting international trade. Sets forth the membership of the Trade Policy Committee. Amends the Export-Import Bank Act of 1945 to change the membership of the Board of Directors of the Export-Import Bank to include a Deputy Secretary of the Department of Commerce and Trade. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to give the Secretary authority to give policy guidance to the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC). Directs OPIC to carry out a specified trade development program. Makes an Under Secretary of Commerce and Trade the Vice Chairman of OPIC's Board of Directors, ex officio. Amends the Bretton Woods Agreement Act to direct the U.S. executive director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to consult with the Secretary on matters under consideration by the IMF which relate to trade. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture, with respect to agricultural trade matters, to: (1) report directly to the President and the Congress; (2) keep the advisers to U.S. delegations to trade conferences informed on U.S. negotiating objectives, the status of negotiations, and the nature of any recommended changes in domestic law or regulations; and (3) consult with State and local governments and other interested parties concerning international agricultural trade matters. Makes certain technical and conforming amendments, repeals certain authority and makes certain terminations. Title III: Transitional, Savings and Conforming Provisions - Makes certain transitional, savings, and conforming amendments. Title IV: Miscellaneous - Sets forth definitions and effective dates. Provides for interim appointments and compliance with the budget. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 4 September 1985
Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to exclude the employees of States and local governments from the provisions of that Act relating to maximum hours. Revises the definition of "employee" under that Act to exclude any volunteer for a State, local, or interstate public agency, even if such volunteer is paid expenses or a nominal fee to perform the voluntary services.
United States · United States Congress · 4 September 1985
Designates Patrick Henry's last home and burial place (known as Red Hill), in Virginia, as a National Memorial to be known as the Red Hill Patrick Henry National Memorial. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior, with the property owner's concurrence, to place an inscribed plaque or marker at Patrick Henry's gravesite on or by June 6, 1986. Provides that the ownership of Red Hill is to remain non-Federal and that no costs associated with the memorial are to be borne by the Federal Government.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1985
Amends the Federal criminal code to impose a life sentence without eligibility for parole upon any person who engages in the sexual exploitation of a child for profit or through the use of force (or threat of force) that would likely result in serious bodily injury or death to the minor.
![Official portrait of Rep. Daniel, W. C. (Dan) [D-VA-5]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/d000038_200.jpg)