United States · United States Congress · 18 September 1985
Declares that the Congress will not appropriate additional funds for the U.S. contribution to the seventh replenishment of the resources of the International Development Association unless there is a full debate in the Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 1985
Eliminates the requirement that individuals who are owner-employees with pension or profit-sharing plans (Keogh plans) must file a specified informational return (form 5500-c) in order to comply with certain provisions of the Internal Revenue Code. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to prescribe a simplified information return.
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 1985
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide coverage for services performed by a physician assistant under the supervision of a physician.
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 1985
Amends the Impoundment Control Act of 1974 to provide that budget authority proposed to be rescinded or reserved in a special message transmitted to the Congress by the President shall be made available for obligation unless the Congress completes action within a specified period on a rescission bill disapproving the rescission of such authority.
United States · United States Congress · 4 September 1985
Enterprise Zone Development and Employment Act of 1985 - Title I: Designation of Enterprize Zones - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for the designation of enterprise zones by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development for purposes of extending the tax incentives and regulatory flexibility measures provided by this Act. Provides that State and local governments shall nominate areas for such designation. Limits the designation of enterprise zones to 100 nominated areas, by the later of a 24 month period or July 1, 1985 (one-fourth of which must be in rural areas). Limits the period during which such deisgnation shall remain in effect. Provides that the Secretary may designate such zones only if: (1) the area is within the jurisdiction of the local government; (2) the boundary of the area is continuous; (3) the area has a population of at least 4,000 if any portion thereof is located within a standard metropolitan statistical area (with a population of at least 50,000) or 1,500 otherwise, or is within an Indian reservation; and (4) the area meets specified unemployment and poverty requirements. Requires nominating local governments, as a condition of the Secretary's designation, to agree in writing to follow a course of action which may include reducing tax rates, improving local services, simplifying or streamlining regulation of business, receiving commitments of private entities to assist employees and residents of the area, permitting State and local income tax deductions for fees for services performed by a nongovernmental entity formerly performed by a governmental entity, giving special preference to contractors owned and operated by members of a minority, and giving of surplus land in the enterprise zone to neighborhood organizations agreeing to operate a business on the land. Describes areas to which preference shall be given in deciding to designate enterprise zones. Requires the Secretary to prepare and submit to the Congress every four years a report on the effects of such enterprise zones' designation. Requires that any property tax reduction effected by a local government under the terms of this Act be disregarded for purposes of determining the eligibility of a State or local government for Federal assistance or benefits. States that designation of an enterprise zone shall not give displaced persons from such an area any rights or benefits under the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970. Treats any area designated as an enterprise zone as a labor surplus area under Federal law. Title II: Federal Income Tax Incentives - Subtitle A: Credits for Employers and Employees - Allows employers located in enterprise zones a nonrefundable income tax credit for increased employment expenditures and employment of the disadvantaged. Allows a three-year carryback and a 15-year carryover of such credit. Sets the amount of such credit at ten percent of the increase in payroll (taking into account a maximum of $17,500 in wages per year per employee) plus 50 percent of the wages paid to certain disadvantaged workers for the first three years of the enterprise zone designation. Phases out such economically disadvantaged credit. Disallows a deduction for the portion of the wages or salaries taken into account for such credit. Requires that where there is an early termination of employment by an employer in the case of qualified economically disadvantaged individuals, the tax for that taxable year in which the termination occurred must be increased by the tax credits allowed for such employees. Allows employees located in enterprise zones a nonrefundable income tax credit equal to five percent of qualified wages earned per year (taking into account a maximum of $10,500 in wages per year). Phases out such credit. Subtitle B: Credits for Investment in Tangible Property in Enterprise Zones - Allows businesses an additional investment tax credit for investments made in certain enterprise zone construction property located in enterprise zones. Limits such credit to ten percent for new enterprise zone construction property, including rental property. Requires that the property subject to such credit be located in an enterprise zone, be predominantly used in the zone, be either constructed, reconstructed, renovated, etc. during the period of zone designation or acquired during such period, and not be acquired from relatives or related corporations. Requires the recapture of such credit upon the early disposition of the property. Provides for a phase-out of the enterprise zone tax credit as the enterprise zone ends. Provides for an adjustment to the basis of the enterprise zone construction property to reflect the enterprise zone tax credit. Subtitle C: Nonrecognition of Qualified Enterprise Zone Capital Gain Where Acquisition of Enterprise Zone Business Property - Provides for the nonrecognition of capital gain on the sale of property where within the one-year period beginning on the date of such sale qualified replacement property is acquired by the taxpayer, to the extent the gain from the sale does not exceed the cost of the replacement property. Defines "qualified replacement property" as any personal property used predominantly in an enterprise zone in the active conduct of a trade or business within the enterprise zone, any real property located in the enterprise zone used in the active conduct of a trade or business, or any corporation, partnership, or other entity if, for the three most recent taxable years of such entity ending before the date of the purchase of such interest, such entity was a qualified business. Sets forth special rules for the operation of this provision. Requires the basis of the replacement property to be reduced by an amount equal to the amount of gain not recognized on the sale of such other property. Extends the period for the statute of limitations relating to the assessment of tax with respect to the sale of property involving the nonrecognition provisions. Provides that the holding period for the qualified replacement property shall include the period for which the property sold or exchanged had been held as of the date of the sale or exchange. Subtitle D: Deduction for Purchase of Enterprise Stock - Allows a taxpayer to deduct the aggregate amount paid during the taxable year for the purchase of enterprise stock on the original issue of such stock by a qualified issuer. Limits the maximum amount of such deduction to $100,000 a year. Requires that the $100,000 limit must be allocated among the members of a controlled group. Requires the pro rata allocation of the $100,000 limit among the stock purchased where the aggregate amount of stock purchased exceeds the $100,000 limitation. Requires that the gain from the disposition of the stock shall be treated as ordinary income. Provides a formula for calculating such gain. Provides that interest is charged on the disposition of such stock if such disposition occurs before the end of the three-year period beginning on the date the stock was purchased. Provides that where an issuer ceases to be a qualified issuer of enterprise stock before the close of the fifth taxable year after the date the stock was issued, the taxpayer must include in income the amount of the deduction allowed with respect to such stock plus interest on the aggregate decrease in tax of the taxpayer resulting from the deduction allowed with respect to such stock. Sets forth special rules with respect to such stock. Requires the basis of such stock to be reduced by the amount of the deduction allowed with respect to such stock. Subtitle E: Rules Relating to Industrial Development Bonds - Provides that limitations on the cost recovery deductions for property financed with tax-exempt industrial development bonds shall not apply to enterprise zone property. Provides that the termination of the small issue exemption shall not apply to industrial development bonds the proceeds of which are used to finance facilities in such enterprise zones. Subtitle F: Ordinary Loss Deduction for Securities of Enterprise Zone Business Which Become Worthless - Permits an ordinary loss deduction for securities of enterprise zone businesses which become worthless during the taxable year. Subtitle G: Increase in Research Credit for Research Conducted in Enterprise Zones - Increases the tax credit for increasing research activities to 37 and one-half percent. (currently, 25 percent for research conducted in enterprise zones). Subtitle H: Sense of the Congress with Respect to Tax Simplification - Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Internal Revenue Service should simplify the administration and enforcement of any provision of the Internal Revenue Code affected by this Act. Subtitle I: Regulations - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to issue regulations to carry out the provisions of this Act not later than six months after the date of enactment. Title III: Regulatory Flexibility - Revises the definition of "small entity" for purposes of the analysis of regulatory functions to include qualified businesses (as defined in Title II of this Act) and governments and nonprofit enterprises operating within enterprise zones. Authorizes Federal agencies, upon request by a designating government, to waive or modify rules and regulations which pertain to the carrying out of projects or activities within an enterprise zone. Requires agencies to approve such request if the resulting benefits of job creation, community development, or economic revitalization outweigh the public interest in continuation of the rule unchanged. Disallows waiver or modification of a rule that would directly violate a statutory requirement (including the Davis-Bacon Act and Fair Labor Standards Act) or which would present a danger to the public health and safety. Provides that such waivers or modifications of a rule shall remain in effect as long as the zone designations. Amends the Department of Housing and Urban Development Act to direct the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to promote the coordination of all enterprise zone programs and consolidate all periodic reports required under such programs into one summary report. Title IV: Establishment of Foreign-Trade Zones in Enterprise Zones - Requires the Foreign-Trade Board to consider on a priority basis and expedite the processing of applications for the establishment of foreign-trade zones within enterprise zones. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to give priority to, and expedite applications for, the establishment of ports of entry necessary to establish such zones. States that, to the maximum extent practicable, foreign-trade zones should be established within enterprise zones.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1985
National Motor Carrier Productivity and Safety Improvement Act of 1985 - Restricts the Interstate Commerce Commission's (the Commission) jurisdiction over motor carriers of passengers (buses) and of household goods, including regulation of rates, tariffs, classification, and rules or practices. Retains the exemption of motor common carriers of household goods from certain antitrust laws. Sets forth guidelines under which the Commission shall issue certificates and permits to motor common carriers of household goods authorizing them to provide transportation. Grants the Secretary of Transportation (the Secretary) jurisdiction over: (1) motor carrier safety and productivity; and (2) interstate and intrastate transportation provided by National motor carriers of property and National private carriers of property (National carriers). Exempts from such jurisdiction motor carriers of household goods. Requires a National carrier to serve three or more contiguous States. Directs the Secretary to administer safety and insurance functions regarding certain U.S. domiciled carriers of property and foreign motor carriers of property. Prohibits any State or interstate agency from enacting provisions regarding intrastate or interstate rates, routes, or services of motor carriers of property, including National carriers, with the exception of household goods carriers or motor private carriers. Establishes in the Department of Transportation the Motor Carrier Administration to be administered by an Administrator who shall report directly to the Secretary. Requires the Secretary to: (1) promptly inspect the safety compliance record of persons applying for authority to provide transportation of passengers or household goods; (2) establish safety fitness requirements; (3) maintain safety compliance records to determine the continued safety fitness of interstate owners and operators of commercials motor vehicles, interstate motor carriers of property, and National carriers; and (4) enforce compliance and issue orders against imminent hazards to safety. Grants the Secretary safety jurisdiction over the commercial operations of National carriers. Transfers to the Secretary all Commission functions regarding motor carriers of property, with the exception of household goods carriers, private carriers of property, and National carriers. Prohibits a common carrier, in an agreement for damages limitation, from providing for specific amounts to be deducted from any claim presented by a shipper for loss or damage. Establishes in the Department of Transportation a working group composed of State officials representing agencies with expertise in vehicle registration, fuel tax, and certain other tax practices affecting the truck industry. Authorizes such group to develop standards for uniform State regulation of interstate motor carriers regarding vehicle registration, fuel tax, and certain other tax requirements. Authorizes the Secretary to promulgate regulations implementing such standards. Prohibits States from imposing administrative requirements in excess of such standards. Authorizes the U.S. Attorney General to institute civil actions to enforce State compliance. Requires the Secretary to: (1) submit a comprehensive report to the President and the Congress regarding owner-operator productivity and safety; (2) establish within the National Driver Register a separate recording system on drivers of commercial motor vehicles used to transport property; (3) assign to each such driver a unique identifier which shall be made available to State chief driver licensing officials; (4) implement a plan to consolidate and coordinate all activities within the Department of Transportation regarding the safety of motor carrier drivers, vehicles and operations; and (5) report the results of such coordination to the Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1985
Confirms title in specified lands in California and Nevada which were transferred to such States by the Federal Government, conveyed by such States to third parties, and were determined in a border dispute resolution to be a part of a State other than the State which conveyed the title.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 1985
Directs the Secretary of Defense to furnish to the House of Representatives all information (including Defense Intelligence Agency analyses) relating to live Americans in Southeast Asia.
United States · United States Congress · 11 July 1985
'Designer Drug' Enforcement Act of 1985 - Amends the Controlled Substances Act to establish criminal penalties for the manufacture or possession with intent to distribute or the distribution of unregulated drugs with a chemical structure or effect substantially similar to that of a controlled substance.
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 1985
Supports U.S. policy which rejects capitulating to international terrorist demands. Expresses the House of Representatives' hope for the safe return of all U.S. hostages (in Lebanon), just compensation for their suffering, and just punishment and retribution for the crimes and atrocities committed by the terrorists.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1985
Depository Institutions Acquisition Act of 1985 - Amends the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 to permit a State to authorize an out-of-State bank holding company to acquire interest in, or voting shares or assets of, a bank in such State: (1) without restriction; or (2) on the basis of the location of the other State involved or reciprocal treatment by such other State. Provides that where a State has enacted a law allowing such an acquisition (with specified exceptions), and such acquisition has been implemented, such State shall, beginning the later of July 1, 1990, or two years after enactment of this Act, permit such acquisitions without regard to the location of the other States involved. Permits such State to require out-of-State bank holding companies that control banks within the State to comply with reporting, examination, and other requirements applicable to bank holding companies located within the State. Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act to prohibit a Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation-insured bank from establishing or maintaining branches outside the State in which the bank is chartered and maintains the largest number of its branches, unless such branch was established before the date of enactment of this Act. Prohibits the Federal Reserve Board from approving an interstate acquisition that would result in: (1) an undue concentration of resources in the provision of banking services nationally or in any State or region of the United States; (2) the merger of a bank holding company and a banking organization both among the 25 largest banking organizations in the United States in terms of total domestic deposits; (3) the applicant bank holding company controlling more than two-and-a-half percent of the total domestic deposits in depository institutions, unless the target bank is a de nova institution or a bank with less than $100,000,000 in total assets; or (4) a single banking organization or depository institution holding company controlling a percentage of the total assets or deposits in all State depository institutions which exceeds the limit established by State statute. Waives such prohibition if the Comptroller of the Currency or the appropriate State bank supervisory authority certifies to the Board that the proposed acquisition is necessary in order to prevent a bank failure or to permit a bank (or successor) to resume operations after failing. Permits the Board to impose additional financial and managerial requirements on interstate bank holding companies as necessary to assure the stability of the banking system. Prohibits the Board from approving an interstate acquisition if: (1) the financial performance and condition of the applicant bank holding company are unsatisfactory according to the inspection report; and (2) the acquisition would threaten the safety or soundness of the institutions involved. Directs the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council to recommend to all Federal banking agencies any changes needed in the method and frequency of examinations for depository institutions and holding companies involved in interstate acquisitions. Prohibits the Board from approving an interstate acquisition unless the Board determines that the acquisition is likely to result in: (1) reduced rates and fees for existing services; (2) new or improved community services; (3) increased operating efficiency; or (4) greater convenience. Amends the National Housing Act to permit a State to authorize an out-of-State savings and loan holding company to acquire control of an insured or uninsured institution in such State: (1) without restriction; or (2) on the basis of the location of the other State involved or reciprocal treatment by such other State. Provides that where a State has enacted a law allowing such an acquisition (with specified exceptions), and such acquisition has been implemented, such State shall, beginning the later of July 1, 1990, or two years after enactment of this Act, permit such acquisitions without regard to the location of the other States involved. Amends the Garn-St Germain Depository Institutions Act of 1982 to extend the Deposit Insurance Flexibility Act for three years. Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act to eliminate asset level requirements under interstate emergency bank acquisition provisions.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 1985
Older Workers' Pension Rights Protection Act of 1985 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 and the Internal Revenue Code to require pension plans to allow: (1) participation by employees nearing retirement age; and (2) benefit accrual by participants to continue past normal retirement age.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 1985
Urges the President to: (1) review General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) mechanisms to determine whether U.S. participation in GATT will afford the United States relief with respect to its complaints regarding international trade; and (2) recommend to the Congress reductions in U.S. funding of GATT if GATT will not afford such relief.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1985
Ten Percent Flat Tax Rate Act - Title I: Ten Percent Tax Rate for Individuals; Tax Simplification - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose a tax on every individual equal to ten percent of the taxable income for the taxable year. Repeals the alternative minimum tax. Repeals the following tax credits: (1) interest on certain mortgages; (2) foreign tax credit; (3) tax withheld on wages; (4) tax withheld at source on nonresident aliens and foreign corporations; and (5) certain uses of gasoline and special fuels. Provides that only the following provisions relating to inclusions in and exclusions from gross income will apply to individuals: (1) certain death benefits provisions; (2) interest on certain governmental obligations; (3) mortgage subsidy bond provisions; (4) compensation for injuries and sickness; (5) amounts received under accident and health plans; (6) contributions by employer to accident and health plans; (7) rental value of parsonages; (8) scholarships and fellowship grants; (9) amounts received under insurance contracts for living expenses; (10) cafeteria plans; (11) certain foster care payments; and (12) fringe benefits provisions. Expands the exclusion of scholarships from gross income. Excludes from gross income amounts received or accrued by an individual on account of temporary, permanent, or total disablement and inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment. Repeals the taxation of Social Security and tier one railroad retirement benefits. Increases the allowance for the personal exemption from $1,000 to $2,000. Provides for the indexing of the personal exemption. Permits individuals to expense depreciable property rather than taking a depreciation deduction for such property. Disallows the following deductions for individuals: (1) losses; (2) amortization of pollution control facilities; (3) circulation expenditures; (4) research and experimental expenditures; (5) soil and water conservation expenditures; (6) depreciation or amortization of improvements made by lessee on lessor's property; (7) election to expense certain depreciable property; (8) expenditures by farmers for clearing land; (9) expenditures to remove architectural and transportation barriers to the handicapped and elderly; (10) amortization of reforestation expenditures; and (11) start-up expenditures. Repeals the individual deductions for medical and dental expenses and the deduction for two-earner married couples. Provides that individuals are only permitted to use cost depletion. Prohibits the use of the foreign tax credit by individuals. Repeals the deduction for capital gains for individuals and repeals the estate and gift taxes. Title II: Tax Amnesty - Provides for a one-time amnesty from criminal and civil tax penalties for taxpayers who: (1) file a written statement with specified information concerning any underpayment of tax; (2) pay the amount of such underpayment when filing the statement; and (3) within 30 days of notification of the amount of such interest or delinquency. Permits installment payments of tax due in certain cases. Disallows an amnesty period for taxpayers against whom a tax deficiency has already been assessed, who have committed fraud in seeking amnesty, or against whom a criminal investigation is pending. Establishes a special fund in the Treasury for taxes recovered under such amnesty program. Requires that revenues from such fund be used to offset possible revenue losses, if any, resulting from title I of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1985
Deplores and condemns the murder of Major Arthur D. Nicholson, Jr., and calls on the Soviet Union to apologize for his murder and to indemnify his family. Calls on the President to rename Checkpoint Charlie in honor of Major Nicholson.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1985
Supports the initiative of the Director of the U.S. Information Agency to: (1) arrange for a high level Soviet official to appear on American television provided the Soviet Union allows a high level American official to appear on Soviet television; and (2) plan for United States and Soviet participation in a worldwide discussion using an international satellite television network and allowing journalists to ask uncensored questions of such officials.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1985
Product Liability Act of 1985 - Sets forth uniform national standards for products liability cases. Preempts inconsistent Federal and State laws. Permits action under this Act to be brought in State court or Federal court if the United States is a party or diversity jurisdiction exists. Prohibits recovery for other than commercial loss or damage to the product itself, except as otherwise provided in this Act. Sets forth basic standards of responsibility for manufacturers and product sellers other than manufacturers including wholesalers, distributors, retailers, lessors, packagers, and repairers. Establishes rules relating to proof in products liability cases with respect to Federal Government standards and contract specifications. Prohibits admission of postmanufacturing improvements except for the purpose of impeaching a witness for the product seller who denies the feasibility of such improvements. Allows a manufacturer to introduce certain precautionary measures. Provides that all product liability actions shall be governed by the principles of comparative responsibility. Specifies the manner in which damages are to be apportioned. Provides that comparative damages apply only to compensatory damages. Requires the reduction of any damage award by the amount of workers' compensation benefits which are paid. Makes a product seller who acted with flagrant indifference to consumer safety, where the act was an extreme departure from accepted practice, liable for punitive damages. Establishes a two-year statute of limitations and a ten-year statute of repose.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 1985
Expresses the sense of the Congress that U.S. national security policy should reflect a national strategy of peace through strength. Sets forth the principles and goals of such policy.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1985
Amends the Tariff Schedules of the United States to add Afghanistan to the list of communist countries the imports from which are subject to the column two rate of duty. Prohibits granting nondiscriminatory (most-favored-nation) treatment to the products of Afghanistan. Prohibits entering into a commercial agreement with Afghanistan pursuant to the Trade Act of 1974. Prohibits Afghanistan from participating in any program under which the United States extends credit, credit guarantees, or investment guarantees.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1985
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide Medicare coverage for anesthesia services and related care provided by a registered nurse anesthetist.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1985
Expedited Funds Availability Act - Requires the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to begin to develop a system to provide that: (1) funds deposited by checks drawn on a local depository institution shall be available for withdrawal the next business day following the day of deposit; and (2) for all other checks, not more than three business days shall pass between the day of deposit and the day on which the funds become available. Requires such system to be implemented no later than five years after the date of enactment of this Act. Requires the Board, not later than six months after the date of enactment of this Act and annually thereafter until such goal is achieved, to report to the Congress concerning the actions it has taken. Sets forth time standards for expedited check clearing in any case in which funds are deposited by check in an account at a depository institution. Requires cash deposits to be available on the next business day. Makes exceptions to such standards with respect to: (1) checks drawn on a depository institution or an office of a depository institution located outside of the United States; (2) deposits of checks aggregating more than $5,000 in any account on any business day, excluding cashier's and certified checks beginning two years after enactment of this Act; (3) deposits made by new depositors within the first 30 days after opening an account, excluding cashier's and certified checks beginning two years after enactment of this Act; (4) any account that is overdrawn three times in six months; and (5) emergencies beyond the control of the depository institution. Permits a State to require, or a depository institution to provide for, shorter time periods for deposit availability. Requires interest to accrue on funds deposited in interest-bearing accounts beginning on the business day of deposit. Requires a depository institution to meet specified disclosure requirements concerning its general policy on the availability for withdrawal of funds deposited by check. Authorizes the Board to publish model disclosure forms and clauses for common transactions. Directs the Board to establish a Payments System Advisory Council to advise and consult with it in the exercise of its functions under this Act. Sets forth provisions governing: (1) the administrative enforcement of this Act; and (2) the civil liability of institutions that fail to comply with this title.
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 1985
Interstate Banking Act of 1985 - Amends the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 to allow a State to permit the acquisition of a State bank by an out-of-State bank holding company on the basis of the location of such company. Authorizes, two years after enactment of this Act, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to approve an application permitting a bank holding company of one State to merge with or acquire a bank holding company of a contiguous State or a State within the same Federal Reserve district. Repeals restrictions on interstate banking acquisitions by bank holding companies four years after enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 1985
Establishes in the legislative branch of the Government the Perot Commission on Americans Missing in Southeast Asia to conduct an investigation and report to the Congress its findings with respect to the existence and the release of prisoners of war in Southeast Asia. Sets forth specified administrative procedures and powers of the Commission. Requires the Commission to terminate 30 days after the filing of its report to the Congress or on January 3, 1987, whichever occurs first.
United States · United States Congress · 22 April 1985
Prohibits imports of beef, bananas, or sugar from Nicaragua until the President finds that the policies of the Nicaraguan Government regarding opposition to the resistance forces and a democratic government are consistent with its obligations under the terms of the Nicaraguan revolution and the promises made to the Organization of American States.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1985
States that the Congress condemns: (1) Nicaraguan actions that hinder freedom of religion; and (2) the association of the Nicaraguan Government with international terrorist organizations, including the Palestine Liberation Organization. Calls upon the President, in communications with Nicaragua, to raise the issues of religious persecution of and compensation for members of the Jewish, Miskito, and other communities who have been forced to leave because of interference with freedom of religion.
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1985
States that the House of Representatives condemns the Soviet Union's military terrorism and attempted destruction of Afghanistan. Recommends that the President provide medical, military, and food assistance to the Afghan Freedom Fighters.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1985
Limits progress payments under defense contracts to 80 percent of the total costs of performing the contract (85 percent with a small business). Authorizes the Secretary of Defense and the heads of Federal agencies to provide progress payments at a different rate under certain circumstances.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1985
Volunteering in Government Act of 1985 - Permits any executive agency to recruit, train, and accept the service of a volunteer, and to enter into an agreement with any nonprofit organization for volunteer service, to carry out any appropriate agency activity. Declares that such volunteers shall be considered to be Federal employees only under provisions concerning tort claims and workers' compensation. Directs agencies to provide such volunteers and nonprofit organizations funds to pay necessary expenses for performing any such activity. Prohibits the dismissal of any agency employee or the impairment of any service contract as a result of an agency's utilizing volunteer services. Authorizes agencies to give preference to grant applicants who use volunteer services most extensively. Authorizes each agency to use one percent of the funds appropriated to it for general administrative and operating expenses each fiscal year to carry out this Act. Requires the Director of the Office of Personnel Management to report to the Congress biennially on the volunteer services and savings resulting from implementation of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 1985
Hazardous Waste Safety and Technology Incentive Act of 1985 - Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (Superfund) to require each State to develop and adopt a plan to assure the availability of adequate capacity to treat or dispose of all hazardous waste reasonably anticipated to be generated in such State during the next 20 years. Requires such plans to include timetables and schedules for the construction and operation of treatment and disposal facilities. Requires emissions standards for such facilities to conform with applicable State and Federal laws and to be sufficient to protect human health and the environment. Prohibits the construction or operation of new landfills. Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) approval of such plans within two years. Provides for resubmittal of rejected plans. Prohibits the expenditure of Superfund monies for remedial action after four years if a State is not in compliance with an Administrator-approved plan. Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to prohibit the issuance of a hazardous waste facility permit unless the owner or operator of the facility enters into a siting agreement with the Administrator specifying the terms and conditions applicable to such facility, including construction, maintenance, monitoring procedures, and a relationship with and financial obligation to the local government. Amends Superfund to direct the Administrator to establish a national research and development program to develop advanced technologies to reduce the risks associated with hazardous waste disposal. Sets forth the components of such program. Limits the amount of available appropriations which may be used. Directs the Administrator to establish a Coordinated Permit Review Office within each regional office of EPA to accelerate the concurrent review of all hazardous waste treatment or disposal facility projects requiring agency permits as they relate to the nation's air, water, and land. Directs such Office to: (1) assist in identifying the appropriate permits needed for a site; (2) convene meetings to determine the scope of and issues raised by a proposed project; and (3) assist the applicable government agencies in working with the applicant. Authorizes the Administrator to guarantee loans for projects for the acquisition, construction, or installation of hazardous waste recycling or treatment equipment. Limits such loans to fixed percentages of total indebtedness or capital costs and restricts them to the private sector. Requires eligible projects to control emissions sufficiently to protect human health and the environment and meet applicable Federal and State air and water quality standards and conditions on land disposal. Makes landfill solutions ineligible for such guarantees. Grants priority to technologies which satisfy specified requirements of the Solid Waste Disposal Act. Requires recipients of such guarantees to report annually to the Administrator. Amends the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act to direct the Secretary of Transportation to make grants to at least five States for demonstration programs for ensuring and improving enforcement of the requirements of such Act. Requires such States to: (1) complete the program within the year; (2) have adequately trained personnel; (3) establish a Federally-compatible system for collecting data relating to the transportation of hazardous materials and enforcement actions; and (4) establish meaningful penalties for violations. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress and each participating State within two years. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, acting through the Office of State and Local Assistance for Hazardous Materials Emergencies, to: (1) provide technical and financial assistance to States and local governments and for regional planning for emergency preparedness relating to accidents involving the transportation of hazardous materials; (2) be an information clearinghouse on accident response methodology; and (3) coordinate Federal emergency response programs. Requires the Director to establish the Office of State and Local Assistance for Hazardous Waste Emergencies to carry out such requirements. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 1985
Narcotics Importation, Manufacture, and Control Act - Amends the Controlled Substances Import and Export Act to increase the criminal penalties for: (1) importing or exporting controlled substances; (2) bringing or possessing on board a vessel, aircraft, or vehicle a controlled substance; and (3) manufacturing or distributing a controlled substance. Prohibits granting a suspended or probationary sentence for persons convicted of such offenses. Denies such persons eligibility for parole. Permits imposing criminal penalties for attempts or conspiracies to commit such offenses. Requires such penalties to be imposed in the same manner and to the same extent as is prescribed for actually committing the offenses involved. Prohibits granting a suspended or probationary sentence for persons convicted of such attempts or conspiracies and denies such persons eligibility for parole if such sentences and parole are precluded for actually committing the offenses involved. Requires that any person who manufactures a controlled substance shall be imprisoned for the entire maximum term of imprisonment for such violation. Prohibits granting a suspended or probationary sentence and denies such persons eligibility for parole.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1985
Federal Drug Law Enforcement Agent Protection Act of 1985 - Amends the Controlled Substances Act to authorize awards of up to $100,000 to any individual who provides original information which leads to the arrest and conviction of a person who kidnaps or kills a Federal drug law enforcement agent. Provides that the money for such rewards be taken from the forfeiture proceeds within the Department of Justice.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1985
Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct a study of the benefit disparities caused by the 1977 changes in the social security benefit formula. Directs the Secretary to report the results of the study to the Congress and the Congressional Budget Office. Directs the Director of the Congressional Budget Office to report to the Congress that Office's conclusions and recommendations regarding the Secretary's report.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1985
Youth Employment Opportunity Wage Act of 1985 - Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to authorize employers to pay employees under 20 years of age 75 percent of the minimum wage rate between May and September of each year. Exempts such employees from special certificate requirements. Restricts such authorization to: (1) hours worked by eligible employees in compliance with applicable child labor laws; and (2) youth employed after May 1 of each year. Prohibits the removal of employees ineligible for the subminimum wage rate in order to replace them with employees who are eligible. Makes technical and conforming amendments to the Job Training Partnership Act. Directs the Secretary of Labor to monitor the implementation of this Act and to report to the Congress concerning the employment effects of this Act. Terminates such minimum wage rate exception after September 30, 1987, and repeals, as of that date, the amendments made by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1985
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit States and local governments to provide statements of tax refunds, credits, and offsets to individuals at any time during the calendar year for which such governments make a return, but not later than January 31 of the year following the year of the return. (Current law requires such statements to be furnished in January of the year following the year of the return.)
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1985
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code relating to installment sales and the regulations relating to such sales should not be modified or amended in any way that will alter the manner in which mortgage-backed builder bond transactions are currently taxed.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1985
Textile and Apparel Trade Enforcement Act of 1985 - Limits the total quantity of 1985 imports of textiles and textile products from a major exporting country to the lesser of an amount equal to 101 percent: (1) of the total quantity of textile products imported from such country if the total had increased by six percent annually (one percent annually for wool products) during 1981 through 1984; or (2) if the United States has an agreement with such country providing for an annual growth rate of less than six percent, of the total quantity of such products from such country imported during 1984. Limits the total quantity of 1985 imports of textiles and textile products from an exporting country to an amount equal to the total quantity of such products imported from such country during 1984 plus: (1) 15 percent of such quantity in the case of a category that is not an import sensitive category; or (2) one percent in the case of an import sensitive category. Provides for changing the classification of a country, except for a Caribbean country, from an exporting country to a major exporting country if the total textile imports from such country equals or exceeds one and one-quarter percent of all textiles imported into the United States. Sets forth a formula for adjusting the growth of textile imports annually. Sets forth certain minimum quantities of textile imports that all countries shall be allowed to export to the United States. Requires the Secretary of Commerce to enforce this Act. Directs the Secretary, within six months of enactment of this Act, to establish an import licensing system under which an importer of textiles will be required to present an import permit as a condition of entry of such textiles. Directs the President to report to the Congress annually on the administration of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1985
Small Business Administration Sunset Act of 1985 - Title I: Findings - Sets forth the findings of this Act. Title II: Transfers to the Department of Commerce - Transfers to the Secretary of Commerce all functions, powers, and duties of the Small Business Administration (SBA) under specified provisions of the Small Business Act and the White House Conference on Small Business Authorization Act. Transfers from the SBA to the Department of Commerce the Office of Advocacy. Title III: Transfers to the Department of the Treasury - Transfers to the Secretary of the Treasury all rights, outstanding obligations, and assets of the SBA with respect to guaranteed loans and debentures and other specified guarantees made by the SBA to small businesses under the Small Business Act and the Small Business Investment Company Act of 1958. Authorizes and directs the Secretary of the Treasury to purchase from the Federal Financing Bank all notes, bonds, debentures, or other obligations held by such bank that are guaranteed by the SBA. Transfers to the Secretary of the Treasury the regulatory authorities of the SBA with respect to small business investment companies and minority enterprise small business investment companies under the Small Business Investment Company Act of 1958. Terminates such authorities upon the disposition of specified loans, debentures, or equity securities by the Secretary of the Treasury or by March 31, 1987, whichever occurs first. Title IV: Termination of Functions Under the Small Business Act and the Small Business Investment Company Act of 1958 - Terminates on October 1, 1985, various provisions of the Small Business Act and the Small Business Investment Company Act of 1958. Title V: Miscellaneous Amendments and Repeals of Other Laws - Makes various conforming amendments and repeals specified provisions of Federal law relating to the SBA and the provisions of this Act. Title VI: General Administrative Provisions - Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce and the Secretary of the Treasury to exercise and, where, appropriate to delegate any authority that is transferred from the SBA to them by this Act. Establishes in the Department of Commerce the Administration for Enterprise Development and Opportunity, which shall be headed by an Under Secretary of Commerce for Enterprise Development and Opportunity. Authorizes appropriations. Title VII: Transitional, Savings, and Conforming Provisions - Provides for the transfer of personnel to the appropriate agency with respect to any functions or authority transferred from the SBA by this Act. Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, in consultation with the Administrator of the SBA, the Secretary of Commerce, and the Secretary of the Treasury, to make such determinations as may be necessary with regard to the functions transferred by this Act. Provides that all orders, determinations, regulations, and licenses that have been issued or granted by the President or an Administration official in the performance of functions that were transferred under this Act and that are in effect on October 1, 1985, shall continue in effect until modified or revoked in accordance with law. Authorizes the SBA from October 1, 1985, to December 31, 1985, to operate for the purpose of winding up its affairs and advising the Departments of Commerce and the Treasury. Prohibits the SBA from conducting any program activities during such period. Terminates the SBA on December 31, 1985.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1985
States that the Congress: (1) reaffirms the Organization of American States declaration that the solution to Nicaragua's political problems is within the exclusive jurisdiction of the Nicaraguan people; (2) urges the President to grant political recognition to the democratic Nicaraguan Resistance; and (3) urges the President and the Organization of American States to support the Resistance.
![Official portrait of Rep. Dreier, David [R-CA-26]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/d000492_200.jpg)