United States · United States Congress · 15 April 1985
Employment Opportunities for Disabled Americans Act - Title I: SSI Work Incentive Provisions - Makes permanent provisions which provide benefits under title XVI (Supplemental Security Income) of the Social Security Act for individuals who perform substantial gainful activity despite a severe medical impairment. Revises the eligibility requirements for such benefits. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish and implement procedures which provide that whenever an individual is formally notified of his or her SSI eligibility, such individual will also be notified of the availability of assistance under title XIX (Medicaid) of such Act. Directs the Secretary, when any individual receives SSI benefits on the basis of a disability, to notify such individual of his or her potential eligibility for the SSI benefits available for those performing substantial gainful activity despite a severe medical impairment. Directs the Comptroller General to conduct a study of the operation of the SSI section which provides benefits for individuals who perform substantial gainful activity despite a severe medical impairment, with the particular objective of evaluating the work incentive provisions of such section. Requires the Comptroller General to report to the Congress the findings of such study. Title II: Disabled Workers Demonstration Program - Amends the Rehabilitation Act to direct the Secretary of Education to establish grant programs to: (1) assist employers to plan, implement, operate, expand, and evaluate retention and reemployment demonstration programs for disabled workers; (2) assist employers to develop plans for the initiation or substantial expansion of a comprehensive retention and reemployment program for disabled workers; (3) assist employers to implement or substantially expand a comprehensive retention and reemployment program for disabled workers; and (4) assist employers in evaluating the effectiveness of any retention and reemployment program for disabled workers. Requires any employer requesting a grant to apply to the Secretary in such form, and at such times, as the Secretary may request. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 through 1992. Title III: Employment Opportunities Demonstration Program for SSI and Disability Insurance Recipients - Directs to Secretary to establish a grant program to assist the States in establishing and operating demonstration programs to promote, identify, secure, and evaluate employment opportunities for individuals receiving SSI on the basis of blindness or disability, and individuals receiving disability insurance benefits or child's insurance benefits under title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act. Requires any State requesting a grant to apply to the Secretary in such form, and at such times, as the Secretary may require. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 through 1992.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1985
Federal Drug Law Enforcement Agent Protection Act of 1985 - Amends the Controlled Substances Act to authorize awards of up to $100,000 to any individual who provides original information which leads to the arrest and conviction of a person who kidnaps or kills a Federal drug law enforcement agent. Provides that the money for such rewards be taken from the forfeiture proceeds within the Department of Justice.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1985
Makes it a Federal criminal offense for any person to possess a readily convertible firearm (a machine gun). Provides for a fine of not more than $250,000 or imprisonment for not more than ten years or both. Establishes an exception regarding the use of such firearm by the United States or by a State or local agency. Allows for a 90-day transition period before the prohibition takes effect. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to purchase during the applicable transition period any such firearm at a price not greater than fair market value. Requires the Secretary to notify persons possessing such firearms of the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1985
Amends the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 to provide that individuals under 62 years of age who lost their railroad employment status involuntarily and without fault, and who did not thereafter decline employment offers in the same class or craft, will be deemed to have attained one additional year of age for each year of service rendered beyond 30 years if such deeming would result in a certain annuity computation. Applies such benefits to the spouses and divorced wives of such annuitants.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1985
Amends part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide coverage for outpatient occupational therapy services.
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 · 4 April 1985
Renewable Energy and Conservation Transition Act of 1985 - Title I: Extension of Business Energy Credits - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend the energy investment tax credit for solar energy property from 1985 to 1990. Sets the amount of such credit during such period at 15 percent for low temperature solar property and 25 percent for all other solar property. Extends the energy investment tax credit for wind property from 1985 to 1988. Sets the amount of such credit at: (1) ten percent during 1986 and 1987; and (2) five percent during 1988. Extends the energy investment tax credit for geothermal property and biomass property from 1985 to 1988. Extends the energy investment tax credit for ocean thermal property from 1985 to 1990. Revises the definition of "solar property" for purposes of such tax credit. Sets forth special rules for geothermal equipment to qualify for such credit. Title II: Affirmative Commitment Rule to Extend the Business Credit for Certain Long-Term Projects - Extends the time period during which an affirmative commitment must be made in order for long-term energy projects to be eligible for the energy investment tax credit. Allows such extension: (1) from 1990 to 1993 for solar energy property; (2) from 1988 to 1990 for geothermal energy property; and (3) from 1985 to 1990 for hydroelectric generating property. Title III: Extension of Residential Energy Credits - Extends the residential energy income tax credit for solar renewable energy property from 1985 to 1990. Phases out such credit over such period of time. Provides that solar hot water systems and active space heating systems must meet certain additional standards in order to qualify for such credit. Extends the residential energy income tax credit for wind renewable energy property from 1985 to 1988. Phases out such credit over such period of time. Extends the residential energy income tax credit for geothermal renewable energy property from 1985 to 1988. Phases out such credit over such period of time. Revises the definition of geothermal deposits for purposes of such credit. Revises the definition of energy conservation expenditures for purposes of the residential energy income tax credit to limit the amounts taken into account to $700. Limits the energy conservation income tax credit to taxpayers with an adjusted gross income of less than $30,000. Title IV: Effective Date - Sets forth the effective date of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 1985
Title I: Department of State - Department of State Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1986 and 1987 - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 and 1987 for the Department of State for: (1) administration of foreign affairs; (2) international organizations and conferences; (3) international commissions; (4) migration and refugee assistance; (5) U.S. bilateral science and technology agreements; (6) the Asia Foundation; and (7) Soviet-East European research and training. Directs the Secretary of State (the Secretary) to notify specified congressional committees whenever the Secretary submits to the Congress a request for appropriations pursuant to authorizations for certain nondiscretionary costs and for certain Foreign Service benefits. Authorizes the Secretary, to the extent funds are authorized and appropriated, to pay the U.S. share of the expenses of the United Nations peacekeeping forces in the Middle East. (Current law authorizes such funds as may be necessary to make such payments to the Department of State.) Earmarks specified amounts of the authorization for administration of foreign affairs for: (1) the National Commission on Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Cooperation; and (2) special religious sensitivity instruction for Foreign Service officers to be assigned abroad. Prohibits using migration and refugee assistance funds to provide reception and placement grants which are conditioned on a grantee accepting the responsibility for meeting the basic food, clothing, or shelter needs of refugees or for transporting to job interviews or training of refugees during the refugees' first 90 days in the United States. Limits the amount of migration and refugee assistance funds that may be used for enhanced reception and placement services. Amends the Migration and Refugee Assistance Act of 1962 to authorize the President to furnish aid under such Act notwithstanding any law which restricts aid to foreign countries. Increases the number of Assistant Secretaries of State. Provides that the Director General of the Foreign Service and the Inspector General of the Department of State and the Foreign Service shall be compensated at level IV of the Executive Pay Schedule. Amends the Department of State Appropriations Authorizations Act of 1973 to repeal the provision providing for reimbursement of the Department of State for personnel detailed to other agencies. Amends the Migration and Refugee Assistance Act of 1962 to authorize using migration and refugee assistance to pay for contracting for personal services abroad. Amends the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 to authorize the State Department to employ and compensate aliens for services abroad, except for purposes relating to compensation for work injuries and certain tort claims. Amends the Foreign Service Act of 1980 to change the limit on the total amount of performance pay awarded to members of the Senior Foreign Service. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to appoint an individual to a limited appointment in the Senior Foreign Service for a specific position abroad if: (1) no qualified career member of the Foreign Service is available; and (2) the individual appointed has unique qualifications for the specific position. Amends the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 to authorize special agents of the Department of State and the Foreign Service to: (1) conduct investigations concerning illegal passport or visa issuance or use; (2) issue search warrants, arrest warrants, subpoenas, and summonses to conduct such investigations; (3) protect both in the United States and abroad heads of foreign states, distinguished visitors to the United States, the Secretary of State, foreign missions, and other specified persons; (4) carry firearms if qualified and authorized to do so; and (5) make arrests without warrants for any offense against the United States committed in their presence or if they have reasonable grounds to believe the arrested person has committed specified offenses and is fleeing the area. Directs the Secretary to consult with the Attorney General before prescribing regulations with respect to the use of firearms by special agents. Provides that the Secret Service is not affected by the provisions dealing with special agents. Directs the Secretary to transmit all the regulations governing such special agents to the Congress 20 days before they go into effect. Authorizes the Secretary to provide extraordinary protective services for foreign missions to the extent necessary. Authorizes the Secretary to provide funds to a State or local authority for protective services only if the Secretary has determined that circumstances exist which require extraordinary security measures which exceed those which local law enforcement agencies can reasonably be expected to take. Authorizes obligating funds for such purposes only after regulations have been issued after consultation with the appropriate congressional committees. Limits the amount of such funds that may be obligated for protective services within any single State. Requires that at least 15 percent of such funds shall be kept in reserve for protective services provided by the Secretary or for expenditures in local jurisdictions not otherwise covered by an agreement for protective services. Limits an agreement with a State or local authority for the provision of protective services to 90 days subject to renewal. Directs the Secretary to consider matters relating to the protection of U.S. interests in determining the treatment to be accorded a foreign mission in the United States. Authorizes the Secretary to require a foreign mission to forego the acceptance, use, or relation of a benefit. Authorizes the Secretary to require a foreign mission to divest itself of or forego the use of real property if the Secretary determines it is necessary to protect the interests of the United States. Authorizes the Secretary to use funds available to the Secretary to pay for U.S. participation in arbitrations: (1) for the peaceful resolution of disputes under treaties or other international agreements; and (2) arising under contracts authorized by law for the performance of services or acquisition of property abroad. Directs the Secretary to establish the Consular and Passport Services Fund which shall be funded by fees collected for passport and consular services and which shall be available for specified expenses related to providing passport and consular services. Directs the Secretary to report to specified congressional committees at least twice a year on the management plans for using the Fund. Limits transfers of amounts out of the Fund. Amends the Foreign Service Act of 1980 to authorize the Secretary to acquire such property and equipment as necessary to provide training for Foreign Service personnel and to acquire a consolidated training facility within reasonable proximity to the State Department. Earmarks specified amounts of funds authorized for administration of foreign affairs for such training facility. Amends the International Center Act to authorize the Secretary, in consultation with the Administrator of General Services, to construct facilities in the International Center, including facilities for security and maintenance. Authorizes the Secretary to make a grant from funds authorized for administration of foreign affairs to the American-Australian Bicentennial Foundation in support of its programs to prepare for U.S. participation in the Australian Bicentennial celebration. Expresses the sense of the Congress that it is imperative and in the national interest that each U.S. mission to a foreign country provide such support as may be necessary to U.S. citizens seeking to do business in that country. Directs the Secretary to report to the Congress within 90 days of enactment of this Act on proposals to improve the staffing and personnel management in the Bureau of International Narcotics Matters, specifically whether a narcotics specialist personnel category in the Foreign Service is an appropriate mechanism. Requires the Department of State, in order to ensure that foreign narcotics traffickers are denied visas, to cooperate with U.S. law enforcement agencies in establishing a comprehensive information system on all drug arrests of foreign nationals in the United States so such information can be sent to the appropriate U.S. embassies. Directs the Secretary and the Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration to agree on uniform guidelines which would permit the sharing of information on drug traffickers. Directs the Secretary to report to the Congress, within six months of enactment of this Act, on steps taken to implement such information network. Directs the Secretary to increase U.S. efforts to negotiate updated extradition treaties relating to narcotics offenses with each major drug-producing country. Directs the Secretary to issue a travel advisory warning U.S. citizens of the dangers of traveling in Mexico. Requires the travel advisory to remain in effect until those responsible for the murder of Drug Enforcement Agent Enrique Camarena Salazar have been brought to trial and a verdict has been obtained. Title II: United States Information Agency - United States Information Agency Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1986 and 1987 - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 and 1987 for the U.S. Information Agency (USIA). Earmarks specified portions of such authorization for essential modernization of the Voice of America. Requires an amount not less than the amount requested by the USIA in its presentation to the Congress for increases in TV WORLDNET to be used for increases in the world wide book program initiative and related support for the Educational and Cultural Exchange Bureau. Amends the National Endowment for Democracy Act to direct the National Endowment for Democracy to make its proposals, grant agreements, and other official documents available to the public upon request. Prohibits using Endowment funds to finance political campaigns. Prohibits using Endowment funds granted to political party institutes to finance activities of the Republican National Committee or the Democratic National Committee. Requires the Endowment to require its grantees to consult with the U.S. Chief of Mission to a foreign country before funds provided by the Endowment are made available by the grantee for a project in that country. Requires amounts made available by the Endowment in FY 1986 and 1987 to the institutes established by the Democrats and Republicans to be used, to the maximum extent feasible, for projects jointly implemented by those institutes. Earmarks specified amounts of the amounts made available to the Endowment for FY 1986 and 1987 to the Free Trade Union Institute and the Center for International Private Enterprise. Authorizes the USIA to audit the financial transactions of the Endowment under specified conditions. Title III: Board for International Broadcasting - Board for International Broadcasting Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1986 and 1987 - Amends the Board for International Broadcasting Act of 1973 to authorize appropriations for the Board for International Broadcasting for FY 1986 and 1987. Earmarks a specified amount of such authorization for radio modernization. Expresses the sense of the Congress that Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Incorporated (RFE/RL) should: (1) reestablish the procedure the primary emphasis of which is the daily oversight of RFE/RL program content and quality; (2) strengthen pre- and post-broadcast review and controls; and (3) improve its personnel management system. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Board for International Broadcasting should: (1) periodically review and update the program policy guidelines of RFE/RL; and (2) ensure that the distinctions between the Board and RFE/RL remain clear and that these two entities continue to operate within the framework established by law.
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 1985
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Soviet Union should be condemned for the murder of Major Arthur D. Nicholson, Jr., and actions inconsistent with the 1947 Military Liaison Missions Agreement.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1985
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to eliminate the benefit disparity between those born before 1916 and those born after 1916 which was effected by the enactment of the Social Security Amendments of 1977. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to recompute the primary insurance amount so as to take into account the amendments made by this Act and to pay to any individual so entitled any additional lump sum amount to which such individual is entitled by reason of this Act. Prohibits the recomputation from reducing any individual's benefit.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1985
Trade Adjustment Assistance Amendments of 1985 - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to extend the trade adjustment assistance programs through FY 1989. Establishes within the Treasury the Trade Adjustment Assistance Trust Fund which shall be used to provide adjustment assistance for workers. Directs the President to undertake negotiations to change the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) so that a country may impose a small uniform duty on all imports in order to fund a program which assists the workers and firms of that country to adjust to import competition. Imposes an import surcharge on all imports at a uniform rate determined by the President to be in accordance with the GATT and to fund the trade adjustment assistance program for workers. Requires the fees collected from such surcharge to be deposited in the Trade Adjustment Assistance Trust Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1985
Military Chaplains Faith Balance Act of 1984 - Directs the Secretary of Defense to increase the representation of underrepresented religious faiths among armed forces chaplains.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1985
Humane Product Testing Act of 1985 - Requires Federal departments and agencies to promote nonanimal alternatives to the LD50 test used in the testing of products. Phases out the use of such test to the degree possible within one year of this Act's enactment. (LD50 is a procedure whereby toxicity is measured in terms of the median dose which will kill 50 percent of the test animals within a specified period.)
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1985
Resources Cost Cutting and Conservation Act of 1985 - Provides for the implementation of user fees for: (1) summer recreation homes on Forest Service land; (2) specified agricultural marketing services; and (3) electric power sold by a Federal Power Marketing Administration. Requires reports to the Congress on: (1) a proposed auction-bid system of user fees for domestic livestock grazing on public rangelands; and (2) current policy regarding the sale of firewood from national forests.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1985
Federal Health Care Cost Cutting Act of 1985 - Directs the Secretary of Defense and the Administrator of Veterans Affairs to report to the Congress concerning actions taken to implement the recommendations of the September 1, 1982, GAO report entitled "Millions Can Be Saved Through Better Energy Management in Federal Hospitals." Amends part B (Peer Review of the Utilization and Quality of Health Care Services) of title XI and titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require second opinions with respect to elective surgery procedures.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1985
Federal Motor Vehicle Expenditure Control Act of 1985 - Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to: (1) direct the head of each executive agency to designate one person from the agency to establish and operate a central monitoring system for the oversight of agency motor vehicle operations and related activities; (2) require the head of each executive agency to develop a system to collect and analyze all costs incurred by the agency with respect to motor vehicles used by the agency; and (3) promulgate standards governing the establishment and operation by executive agencies of such system. Directs the head of each executive agency to include with its requests for each fiscal year a statement containing specified information concerning motor vehicle acquisition, leasing, operating, maintenance, and disposal costs. Requires such statement to explain: (1) why the agency's motor vehicle requirements cannot be met through the Interagency Motor Pool System operated by the Administrator of General Services; or (2) how such requirements could be met through a qualified contractor in the private sector. Directs the President to report to the Congress with a summary and analysis of such statements. Requires the Director and Administrator of General Services to direct the heads of executive agencies to consolidate motor vehicle administration and maintenance facilities if consolidation would be cost effective. Directs the Administrator to take such actions as necessary to reduce motor vehicle storage and disposal costs. Provides that of the total amount of budget authority provided for FY 1986 that would otherwise be available for the operation, maintenance, leasing, and acquisition of nontactical, non-law enforcement motor vehicles, $100,000,000 of the amount intended for such purposes in the President's FY 1986 budget shall not be made available. Requires the Director to report to the appropriate House and Senate committees with respect to the implementation of such budget restriction. Requires reports to the Congress from the Director, the Administrator, and the U.S. Comptroller General with respect to the implementation of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1985
Department of Defense Cost Savings Act of 1985 - Prohibits the Secretary of Defense or the Secretary of any military department from operating or allowing a commissary to operate on any military installation unless: (1) such installation is located outside a metropolitan area; and (2) not more than one retail store offering the same food supplies as those of the commissary is located within ten miles of the installation. Directs the Secretary of Defense to establish and implement a competitive rate program applicable to the transportation of household goods to and from Alaska and Hawaii. Repeals Federal law which prohibits utilizing such a rate system. Requires, before the closure or realignment of any military bases occur, the Secretary of Defense or the Secretary of the military department concerned to file with the Armed Services Committees of the House and Senate a concise statement of findings together with a succinct justification for such base closure. Reduces from 60 days to 30 days the waiting period required after such reports are submitted before any specific closure action may be taken. Maintains the 60-day waiting period in areas with a higher-than-average unemployment rate or if such closure or realignment would increase unemployment in such area by one percent or more. Requires the Secretary of Defense, within 90 days after the enactment of this Act, to establish and implement an aircraft fuel conservation program. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress on the same date concerning such program.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1985
Professional Sports Community Protection Act of 1985 - States that it shall be lawful for a professional sports league or its member clubs to enforce rules or agreements that: (1) decide that a member club may not relocate; (2) divide revenues to promote economic opportunities for member clubs; and (3) establish procedures and standards for the election and termination of club ownership. States that the provisions of this Act shall not affect any antitrust suit brought by any league or the Federal Government. Prescribes a notice requirement for clubs seeking relocation. Lists factors for consideration in determining whether a league will permit a club to relocate, which include: (1) the adequacy of the existing stadium and facilities; (2) the operating revenues or losses for the preceding three years; and (3) the number of professional and college teams playing the same sport in that community. Provides that judicial review of the league's determination may be sought in a civil action brought in a district court of the United States by: (1) the club seeking relocation; (2) the stadium owner or operator; or (3) the local government. Prohibits the bringing of such action in a district court within the club's home or proposed territory. States that the provisions of this Act do not affect the applicability of any employment or collective bargaining matter. Preempts State and local laws inconsistent with this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1985
Prohibits interstate and foreign commerce in any article of fur derived from an animal trapped in a steel jaw leghold trap. Establishes criminal penalties for violations of this Act. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to reward nongovernment informers for information leading to a conviction under this Act. Makes the Secretary, with the assistance of appropriate Federal or State personnel, responsible for enforcing this Act. Empowers enforcement officials to detain, search, and seize suspected merchandise or documents and to make arrests with and without warrants. Subjects seized merchandise to forfeiture.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1985
Amends the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 to repeal the provisions which reduce certain portions of annuity benefits by the dollar amount of the cost-of-living increase in certain monthly insurance benefits under the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1985
Tax Collection Cost Cutting Act of 1985 - Expresses the sense of the Congress that appropriations should be increased for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to provide an additional 2,500 examination personnel in each of FY 1986, 1987, and 1988. Expresses the sense of the Congress that for FY 1986 an additional $17,000,000 should be appropriated for use in the Information Returns Program for contacting persons who underreport income. Revises standards for inputting paper documents for computerized matching for purposes of the Information Returns Program. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to submit an annual report to each House of the Congress on the direct and indirect effects of the enforcement presence of the IRS. Specifies requirements for such report. Repeals the ten-day grace period for filing of returns and payment of excise taxes on tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes.
United States · United States Congress · 27 March 1985
International Narcotics Control Act of 1985 - Directs the Secretary of State (the Secretary), acting through the Assistant Secretary of State for International Narcotics Matters, to study the feasibility of establishing a regional organization in Latin America which would combat narcotics production and trafficking through regional information-sharing and a regional enforcement unit. Requires the Secretary to report to specified congressional committees on the advisability of encouraging the establishment of such an organization. Directs the Secretary to issue a travel advisory warning U.S. citizens of the dangers of traveling in Mexico. Requires the travel advisory to remain in effect until those responsible for the murder of Drug Enforcement Administration agent Enrique Camarena Salazar have been brought to trial and a verdict has been obtained. Directs the President to report to the Congress, within 60 days of enactment of this Act, on why the U.S. armed forces should not exert greater effort in facilitating and supporting interception of narcotics traffickers and in gathering narcotics-related intelligence outside the United States. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to require each report on international narcotics control pursuant to this Act to describe the involvement during the preceding fiscal year of the governments of communist countries in illicit drug trafficking. Provides that the ban on involvement of U.S. personnel in arrest actions and interrogations in narcotics control efforts abroad shall not apply to the extent that the Secretary of State and the government of another country agree. Requires the Secretary to report any such agreement to the Congress before the agreement takes effect. Directs the Secretary to enter into negotiations with Brazil in order to establish a bilateral narcotics control agreement that shall have as a goal a ten percent reduction in illicit coca production in Brazil in 1986. Directs the President to consider, if such an agreement is not reached within three months of enactment of this Act, reassigning ten percent of the U.S. sugar quota for Brazil to designated Caribbean countries. Authorizes providing U.S. narcotics control assistance to Bolivia for FY 1986 and 1987 only if specified conditions relating to limitations on coca production and relating to yearly eradication targets are met by Bolivia. Authorizes making FY 1987 development assistance funds for the Agency for International Development (AID) project in the Upper Huallaga Valley of Peru only if the Administrator of AID, after consultation with the Congress, determines that a comprehensive review of that project has been completed which establishes the effectiveness of that project in reducing coca leaf production, distribution, and marketing. Requires that a specified portion of the Economic Support Fund allocation for Jamaica for FY 1986 shall be withheld until the President certifies to the Congress that Jamaica is committed to a plan for reducing the illicit cultivation and distribution of marijuana. Directs the President to reprogram funds intended for Bolivia, Peru, or Jamaica for other countries if conditions set forth in this Act are not met. Authorizes contributing narcotics control assistance funds to the United Nations Fund for Drug Abuse Control only if that organization includes in its crop substitution projects a plan for cooperation with the law enforcement forces of the host country. Prohibits using foreign assistance funds to reimburse persons whose illicit drug crops are eradicated. Authorizes providing a country with narcotics control assistance only if the country agrees to provide at least 25 percent of the costs of any narcotics control program. Permits using narcotics control assistance funds to purchase defensive arms for aircraft used in narcotic control efforts if: (1) the use of funds for that purpose is justified to the Congress in the annual report on international narcotic control assistance; or (2) specified congressional committees are notified of the use of such funds at least 15 days in advance. Directs the Secretary of State to report to the Congress, within 90 days of enactment of this Act, on proposals to improve the staffing of the Bureau of International Narcotics Matters. Provides for information sharing between the Department of State and the Federal law enforcement agencies to ensure that foreign narcotics traffickers are denied visas to enter the United States. Directs the Secretary to report to specified congressional committees on steps taken to share such information. Directs the Secretary to increase U.S. efforts to negotiate updated extradition treaties relating to narcotics offenses with each major drug-producing country. Amends the Controlled Substances Act to impose mandatory life sentences for persons who engage in continuing criminal enterprises relating to drug trafficking. Amends the Federal criminal code to increase the penalties for currency reporting violations.
United States · United States Congress · 27 March 1985
Permits a gas utility holding company registered under the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935 to: (1) acquire interests in cogeneration facilities; and (2) be exempt from utility rate regulation under the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1985
Condemns the use of plastic and rubber bullets in Northern Ireland. Calls upon the Government of the United Kingdom to ban the use of plastic and rubber bullets against civilians.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1985
Requires the President to include with the annual Federal budget submitted to the Congress another budget prepared by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System showing estimated receipts and expenditures for itself and all Federal Reserve banks for the next three fiscal years.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1985
Provides for a demonstration program in which a limited number of States would be permitted to provide unemployment compensation to individuals for the purpose of funding self-employment. Directs the Secretary of Labor to enter into a program agreement with at least five, but not more than ten, States. Sets forth factors that the Secretary must consider in selecting States for such program. Requires program agreements to provide that: (1) each eligible individual, for the three-year benefit period beginning on the date on which such agreement is entered into, shall be entitled to receive adjustment assistance in the form of self-employment allowances; and (2) an individual receiving such assistance shall not be eligible to receive, in addition to such assistance, extended or other additional compensation with respect to such benefit year if payment is made under this Act by the State in lieu of regular compensation. Makes an individual an eligible individual with respect to any benefit year, for purposes of this Act, if such individual: (1) is eligible to receive regular compensation under the State law during such benefit year; (2) submits an application to the State agency for adjustment assistance under this Act; and (3) meets applicable State requirements. Limits the number of individuals who may be considered as eligible individuals for purposes of this Act during such year. Provides that the aggregate amount of adjustment assistance provided under this Act in the form of a self-employment allowance to any individual with respect to any benefit year shall not exceed the maximum amount of regular compensation that a State makes available plus any extended or additional compensation payable to such individual with respect to such benefit year. Provides, for such purposes, that the maximum amount of extended or other additional compensation payable to any individual with respect to any benefit year shall be determined: (1) as of the day on which the individual submits an application for adjustment assistance under this Act, by assuming that the unemployment conditions in the state during the week in which such application is submitted will remain constant; and (2) without regard to any termination of a program under which payments of extended or other additional compensation are being made for the week in which such application is submitted. Permits eligible individuals to file applications for self-employment allowances with State agencies responsible for administering agreements under this Act. Allows a State to pay a self-employment allowance in one or more payments and to make the payment directly to, or on behalf of, an eligible individual. Prohibits a State from offering such allowances unless it is implementing a program approved by the Secretary and designed to select and assist individuals for self-employment, monitor such employment, and provide for complete evaluation of the use of such allowances. Provides that State and Federal requirements relating to availability for work, active search for work, or refusal to accept suitable work shall not apply to an individual receiving a self-employment allowance under this Act as long as such individual is self-employed. Provides for payments to States of amounts equal to the Federal share of each payment (other than administrative expenses) made by the State agency on account of adjustment assistance provided to an individual under this Act. Requires that such Federal share be paid from amounts available for payment of the Federal share of extended or supplemental compensation and from any amounts appropriated to carry out this Act. Makes such Federal share equal to the percentage of the extended or other additional compensation taken into account for purposes of this Act for which the State would have been entitled to reimbursement if such additional compensation had been paid under the Federal-State Extended Unemployment Compensation Act of 1970, the Federal Supplemental Compensation Act of 1982, and any other Federal law providing additional compensation. Permits States to make payments (exclusive of administrative expenses) from State unemployment funds for adjustment assistance provided under this Act. Provides, for purposes of Social Security Act provisions relating to grants for administrative expenses, that the provisions of this Act shall be treated as unemployment compensation law. Directs the Secretary to submit to the Congress: (1) within two years after enactment of this Act, an interim report on the effectiveness of such demonstration program; and (2) within four years after such enactment, a final report on such program. Sets forth provisions relating to fraud and overpayments. Excludes activities taken by a State pursuant to an agreement under this Act from being taken into consideration in determining whether there has been a net decrease in the solvency of the State unemployment compensation program. Defines "extended or additional compensation," for purposes of this Act, as: (1) extended compensation; (2) Federal supplemental compensation payable under the Federal Supplemental Compensation Act of 1982; and (3) any other compensation payable to exhaustees by reason of conditions of high unemployment. Gives certain other terms under this Act the same meanings as under the Federal-State Extended Unemployment Compensation Act of 1970. Makes this Act effective on October 1 of the first fiscal year beginning after its enactment date.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1985
Requires diet drugs containing phenylpropanolamine to be dispensed only in accordance with the prescription drug requirements of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1985
Fair Allocation of Government Fault Act - Directs a State court or a U.S. district court in any civil action brought by a Government employee (including a member of the U.S. armed forces or the National Guard) alleging liability of a Government contractor for harm concerning which the employee is entitled to receive Federal benefits: (1) at the request of any party, to make findings of fact as to the proportion of fault of the United States in causing such harm; and (2) to reduce any judgment of liability rendered against the contractor by the proportion of fault of the United States. Reduces the amount the United States is entitled to be reimbursed through right of subrogation for Federal benefits provided as a result of harm for which a contractor is liable by the proportion of fault of the United States. Prohibits any reduction of a judgment against a contractor in a civil action unless the contractor notifies the U.S. Attorney General, within 90 days after such civil action is filed, that the contractor intends to seek an equitable reduction of liability. Allows the United States 90 days after receipt of such notice to intervene as a party in such action. Sets forth factors to be considered by the court in determining the proportion of fault of the United States. Requires the United States to hold harmless and indemnify a contractor against any liability (for damages arising from personal injury, illness, or death or from damage to, or loss of use of, property) resulting from goods or services supplied pursuant to a Government contract to the extent such liability exceeds the amount of commercial insurance or qualified self-insurance protection the contractor is required to carry under the contract. Prohibits such indemnification of a contractor: (1) if the goods or services supplied under the contract are also sold by the contractor to nongovernmental purchasers for identical application or for nongovernmental use; (2) for liability caused by the gross negligence, willful misconduct, or lack of good faith of any of the directors, officers, or managing officials of the contractor; and (3) for liability resulting from any claim or action against the contractor unless the contractor notifies the contracting agency of such claim or action within a reasonable time. Permits the United States to control or assist in the settlement or defense of any such claim or action which can reasonably be expected to give rise to a claim for indemnification. Requires a contractor seeking indemnification to present a claim to the contracting agency. Allows a contractor aggrieved by the agency's determination to appeal such determination under the Contract Disputes Act of 1978. Permits the United States to discharge its indemnification obligation by making direct payments from specified funds to the contractor involved or the third persons to whom the contractor may be liable. Provides that the provisions of the Act shall not apply with respect to any risks against which indemnification may be obtained under the Atomic Energy Act of 1954. Declares that nothing in this Act shall be construed to create any liability of the Government to any person other than to contractors for indemnification.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1985
Atomic Veterans Relief Act of 1985 - Provides disability benefits to veterans who participated in atomic tests or the occupation of Hiroshima or Nagasaki after World War II and who, within 40 years, suffer from diseases that may be attributable to ionizing radiation, including: (1) leukemia; (2) polycythemia vera; (3) carcinoma of the thyroid; (4) chromosomal damage; (5) posterior subcapsular cataracts; and (6) other radiogenic cancers. Directs the Administrator of Veterans Affairs to promulgate regulations to resolve benefit claims and provide standards for benefit determinations and the inclusion of additional diseases as the basis for benefits. Provides for survivors' benefits. Directs the Administrator to report to the Veterans' Affairs Committees of the Congress whenever legislative action related to the subject matter of the regulations is needed. Requires proposed and final regulations to be published in the Federal Register by the Administrator within specified periods. Establishes a presumption that a disability is service-connected for a veteran exposed to ionizing radiation while on active duty, notwithstanding the absence of Government records documenting any such exposure. Provides medical care for the treatment of genetic or congenital disorders in the natural children of affected veterans. Entitles such children to educational assistance. Requires the Administrator to carry out an outreach, screening, and counseling program to serve those veterans, dependents, and survivors entitled to benefits under this Act. Directs the Administrator to establish a research and training program for the diagnosis and treatment of disabilities caused by exposure to ionizing radiation, including a centralized registry of claims. Directs the Administrator to make a comprehensive report on these programs in the annual report to the Congress under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1985
Dislocated Workers Act of 1985 - Title I: Employment Impact of Federal Programs - Directs the Secretary of Labor to establish and maintain the capacity to estimate the employment and unemployment impact of Federal programs, and the termination of Federal programs, including programs of financial assistance. Requires that the impact reports be established and maintained on an individual program-by-program basis, with separate estimates in a State and sub-State level. Requires that such estimates include both the direct and indirect employment effects of Federal expenditures. Title II: Dislocated Workers - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) to direct the Secretary of Education to disregard, in any case in which a student is a certified dislocated worker under title III of the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA), all equity in a single principal place of residence and the amount of unemployment benefits, for purposes of computation of assets and income for the proposed family contribution schedule for determination of Pell grants. Authorizes appropriations to cover such additional entitlements, but prohibits payment of such entitlements unless funds are provided for in an appropriation Act. Amends HEA to provide that, in the case of any such dislocated worker identified under JTPA, determinations of need for purposes of the Guaranteed Student Loan program shall be based on current income. Authorizes the Private Industry Council in every service delivery area (SDA) established under JTPA to provide information on training opportunities in the SDA, as well as the opportunities provided by this Act, to all individuals seeking training and retraining. Provides that acceptance of such training or retraining, and enrollment in a secondary institution with assistance made available pursuant to this title, shall be deemed to be acceptance of training with the approval of the State within the meaning of any other provision of Federal law relating to unemployment insurance. Excludes funds used for such purposes from specified cost limitations under JTPA. Title III: Procurement Targeting in Labor Surplus Areas - Directs the head of each Federal agency which procures supplies and equipment at a rate in excess of $1,000,000,000 in FY 1982 to set targets, in each fiscal year, for such procurement within labor surplus areas, as defined by the Secretary of Labor. Directs the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to report to specified congressional committees on: (1) the amount and percentage of contracts awarded by each Federal agency in labor surplus areas; (2) the impact of such contracts on the area unemployment rate; and (3) whether such contracts could be increased without adverse impact on Federal procurement.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1985
Allows a named individual, notwithstanding specified time limitations, to present to the appropriate Federal agency a claim against the United States for money damages for certain congenital malformations alleged to have been caused by thalidomide dispensed by a U.S. Army Dispensary in Germany in 1960. Confers jurisdiction upon the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio to hear, determine, and render judgment on the above claim.
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 · 19 March 1985
Amends the Federal criminal code to increase the penalties for mail fraud. Raises the maximum fine from $1,000 to $10,000 and raises the maximum term of imprisonment from five years to 15 years. Provides for the criminal forfeiture of all property constituting or derived from the profits or proceeds of the offense or property used to commit the offense. Authorizes the civil forfeiture of property constituting the profits or proceeds of such violation.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1985
Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit engaging in, or furnishing money, goods, or services with the intent of assisting any group to engage in, military or paramilitary operations in a foreign country if there is a statutory prohibition against U.S. covert assistance to military or paramilitary operations in that country.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1985
Prohibits any loan from being made by the United States, or under any program which receives Federal financial assistance, to a student in a medical school outside the United States or Canada unless the school meets accreditation standards established under this Act. Prohibits any loan guarantee from being made by the United States for a student in such a medical school unless the school meets such standards. Directs the Secretary of Education and the Administrator of Veterans Affairs to jointly make arrangements under which such medical school can be accredited under the same system as those located in the United States or Canada. Requires such schools to submit applications and pay accrediting costs. Prohibits such a school from applying for accreditation if more than 25 percent of its students in any academic year are not residents of the country in which it is located. Authorizes the Secretary and the Administrator, upon application, to waive such limitation if they determine that the purpose for which the limitation is imposed will not be served by applying it to the applicant school.
![Official portrait of Rep. Feighan, Edward F. [D-OH-19]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/f000059_200.jpg)