Rep. Hall, Sam B., Jr. [D-TX-1]

An amendment providing for the exemption of small employers from employer sanctions. It exempts employers of three or less employees.

United States · United States Congress

An amendment to establish a telephone verification system.

United States · United States Congress

A joint resolution recognizing Camp Fire, Inc. for its 75 years of service.

United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1985

Recognizes Camp Fire, Incorporated for its 75 years of service to our Nation.

A bill to amend title VII of the Tariff Act of 1930 in order to apply countervailing duties with respect to resource input subsidies.

United States · United States Congress · 9 May 1985

Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to include in the definition of "subsidy" (for countervailing duty purposes) any resource input subsidy as provided for under the provisions of this Act. States that a "resource input subsidy" is found to exist if: (1) (a) a product is provided or sold by a government-regulated or controlled entity within a country for input use within such country at a domestic price that is lower than the fair market value of the input product and is not freely available to U.S. producers; and (b) a product would, if sold at the fair market value, constitute a significant portion of the total cost of the manufacture or production of the merchandise in or for which the input product is used; or (2) under specified circumstances, the right to remove or extract such product is provided or sold by a government or a government-regulated or controlled entity within a country. Sets forth the method of calculation for the amount of a resource input subsidy. Defines "fair market value" and "input use" for purposes of this Act. Requires injury determinations by the U.S. International Trade Commission to be made in all countervailing duty investigations relating to the existence of resource input subsidies.

A bill to amend the Act entitled "An Act granting a charter to the General Federation of Women's Clubs".

United States · United States Congress · 9 May 1985

Amends the Federal charter of the General Federation of Women's Clubs to limit the Federation's operation to charitable and educational purposes within the meaning of a tax-exempt organization under the Internal Revenue Code. Requires the Federation, upon dissolution, to liquidate and distribute its assets to tax-exempt charitable organizations with similar purposes.

Veterans' Housing and Memorial Affairs Amendments of 1985

United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1985

Veterans' Housing and Memorial Affairs Amendments of 1985 - Directs the Administrator of Veterans Affairs to report to the Congress a plan to expand the national cemetery system in at least ten areas with the greatest need. Directs the Administrator to consider acquiring existing State cemeteries to meet such need. Gives contingent dates for the submission of the first such report. Amends provisions concerning national cemeteries and memorials to require that each grave marker in a national cemetery be upright. Provides an exception for individuals requesting flat markers. Requires the Administrator, no later than January 1, 1986, to designate for each cemetery in the National Cemetery System a section for graves with upright markers and a section for graves with flat markers. Directs the Administrator to establish a national cemetery in Merced County, California, on land which is donated by the Romero Ranch Company. Authorizes the Administrator to assist certain disabled veterans in acquiring a residence already adapted with special features deemed necessary due to the veteran's disability. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the one-percent loan origination fee charged by the Veterans Administration (VA) to veterans obtaining a home loan guaranteed by the VA should not be increased. Directs the President to request additional appropriations if he finds that additional funding for the VA home loan guarantee program is required.

Veterans' Compensation Benefits Amendments of 1985

United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1985

Veterans' Compensation Benefits Amendments of 1985 - Directs the Administrator of Veterans Affairs to establish a regional office of the Veterans Administration (VA) in each State, while maintaining its central office in the District of Columbia. Adds the loss or loss of use of one hand or foot or one lung to those extremities given special consideration in the determination of veterans' disability compensation. Expresses the sense of the Congress that payments by the VA to veterans as compensation for service-connected disabilities should remain exempt from Federal taxation, and that the President should reject any proposals to tax such payments. Raises the coverage of life insurance benefits for veterans under the Servicemen's Group Life Insurance program. Allows veterans who are members of the Retired Reserve as of January 1, 1986, to receive such increased coverage. Makes conforming changes to the Veterans' Group Life Insurance program, similarly granting members of the Individual Ready Reserve and the Inactive National Guard eligibility under such program. Makes eligible for certain veterans' benefits members of the National Guard or Air National Guard who perform full-time duty for training purposes after September 30, 1985. Makes former members of the National Guard or Air National Guard eligible if such member continuously served in such status for 181 days or more. Extends through September 30, 1988, the authority of the VA to operate a regional office in the Republic of the Philippines. Entitles surviving spouses of the Commandant of the Coast Guard to the same dependency and indemnity compensation rate as that accorded to surviving spouses of the chief of the other military services. Makes technical amendments to the Veterans' Benefits Improvement Act of 1984 and other Federal law.

A concurrent resolution expressing the sense of the Congress that the President should establish a task force to address the long-range concerns of the United States agricultural industry.

United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1985

Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should establish a task force of expert farmers to address the long-range concerns of the U.S. agricultural industry.

A joint resolution to provide that a special gold medal honoring George Gershwin be presented to his sister, Frances Gershwin Godowsky, and a special gold medal honoring Ira Gershwin be presented to his widow, Lenore Gershwin, and to provide for the production of bronze duplicates of such medals for sale to the public.

United States · United States Congress · 23 April 1985

Authorizes the President, on behalf of the Congress, to present a gold medal honoring George Gershwin to his sister, Frances Gershwin Godowsky, and a gold medal honoring Ira Gershwin to his widow, Lenore Gershwin. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to provide for the sale of bronze duplicates of the medal. Authorizes appropriations.

A bill to authorize appropriations for the Administrative Conference of the United States and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 22 April 1985

Increases the authorized membership of the Administrative Conference of the U.S. from 91 members to 101 members. Authorizes appropriations as necessary for the Conference for FY 1987 through 1990.

A bill to amend title II of the Social Security Act to restore and protect the benefit levels of workers reaching age 65 in or after 1982 (and their widows and widowers) by eliminating the "notch" between those levels and the corresponding benefit levels of persons who reached age 65 before 1982.

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.

A bill to provide for an equitable waiver in the compromise and collection of Federal claims.

United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1985

Authorizes the Comptroller General and the head of any Federal agency to grant equitable waivers of claims of the United States against persons for erroneous payments of travel, transportation, or relocation expenses if: (1) such payments occurred on or after January 1, 1985; and (2) an application for waiver is received within three years after such an erroneous payment was made.

Fair Allocation of Government Fault 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.

A bill to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to facilitate undocumented aliens and to reimburse air carriers for detention expenses.

United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1985

Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to direct the Attorney General to reimburse air carriers for expenses incurred in detaining aliens pending their admission to, or deportation from, the United States. Includes within the grounds for a refund of the penalty expenses for transporting an illegal alien into the United States the fact that, despite documentary inadmissibility, such alien is admitted or paroled into the United States.

Textile and Apparel Trade Enforcement Act of 1985

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.

A bill to proclaim March 17, 1985, through March 23, 1985, as "Camp Fire Week".

United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1985

(Motion to refer to Committee on House Administration passed House, roll call #24 (168-167)) Proclaims March 17 through March 23, 1985, to be Camp Fire Week.

Veterans' Employment Amendments of 1985

United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1985

Veterans' Employment Amendments of 1985 - Amends the Emergency Veterans' Job Training Act of 1983 to extend through July 1, 1986, the provisions of such Act. Increases the eligibility for job training assistance to veterans of the Korean and Vietnam conflicts by lowering the required period of unemployment necessary for such eligibility. Increases to GS-11 the level to which veterans may be appointed for veterans readjustment appointments and career-conditional appointments (currently to GS-9). Eliminates the disability requirement as a condition to such appointments for Vietnam-era veterans.

A concurrent resolution expressing the sense of the Congress that payments by the Veterans' Administration to veterans as compensation for service-connected disabilities should remain exempt from Federal income taxation.

United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1985

Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) veterans' disability compensation payments should remain exempt from Federal income taxation; and (2) the President should reject any proposals to tax such payments.

A joint resolution to authorize the Armored Force Monument Committee, the United States Armor Association, the World Wars Tank Corps Association, the Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge, the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment Association, the Tank Destroyer Association and the 1st, 2d, 3d, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th, 16th Armored Division Associations and the Council of Armored Division Associations jointly to erect a memorial to the "AMERICAN ARMORED FORCE" on United States Government property in Arlington, Virginia, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1985

Authorizes the Armored Force Monument Committee, the United States Armor Association, the World Wars Tank Corps Association, the Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge, the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment Association, the Tank Destroyer Association, the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th, and 16th Armored Division Associations, and the Council of Armored Division Associations to erect a memorial in or near Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia, to honor and commemorate the American Armored Force. Directs the Secretary of the Interior, with the approval of the National Commission of Fine Arts and the National Capital Planning Commission, to select the site and approve the design and plans. Obligates the United States to expenses of maintenance only. Requires the commencement of the erection of the memorial within five years with a certification of sufficiency of funds necessary before commencement.

Farm Credit Private Control Restoration Act of 1985

United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1985

Farm Credit Private Control Restoration Act of 1985 - Amends the Farm Credit Act of 1971 to provide that each Federal land bank, Federal intermediate credit bank, and district bank for cooperatives shall have a separate board of directors. Sets forth the composition of such boards. Provides that the eligibility requirements, terms, and compensation of directors and the election of officers by the directors shall be the same as provided for farm credit district boards. Authorizes the Farm Credit Administration to modify the charters or organization certificates of such banks only as necessary for compliance with such Act. Restricts the Administration's authority over the salaries of bank employees and chief executive officers. Prohibits Administration regulations from preventing such banks from exercising any powers granted under Federal statute. Increases: (1) by four the number of members of the board of directors of each farm credit district; and (2) by one the number of such directors appointed by the Governor of the Administration and the number of directors elected by the Federal land bank associations, the production credit associations, and the borrowers from, or subscribers to, the guaranty fund of the bank for cooperatives for the district. Limits the powers of such district boards to: (1) coordinating joint undertakings and joint properties of the district banks; (2) advising the boards of district banks on coordination of policies; and (3) formulating broad policies concerning the funding operations of the district banks and furnishing long-range policy guidelines for funding the Farm Credit System. Sets forth transitional provisions.

A joint resolution designating the week of May 12-18, 1985, as "National Science Week".

United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1985

Designates the week of May 12 through May 18, 1985, as National Science Week.

A joint resolution designating March 22, 1985, as "National Energy Education Day".

United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1985

Designates March 22, 1985, as National Energy Education Day.

A joint resolution commemorating the 75th Anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America.

United States · United States Congress · 20 February 1985

Designates 1985 as the 75th Anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America.

A joint resolution to designate the week beginning May 12, 1985, as "National Digestive Diseases Awareness Week".

United States · United States Congress · 20 February 1985

Designates the week beginning May 12, 1985, as National Digestive Diseases Awareness Week.

A bill to amend title 18 of the United States Code to establish procedures for imposition of the death penalty for Presidential assassination, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1985

Amends the Federal criminal code to establish procedures for the imposition of the death penalty for presidential assassination. Requires a separate sentencing hearing before a jury, or the court upon motion by the defendant, when the defendant is found guilty or pleads guilty to an offense punishable by death. Provides that no presentence report shall be prepared in such cases. Allows the defendant and the Government to present any information relevant to sentencing, without regard to the rules of evidence, but permits information to be excluded where its probative value is substantially outweighed by the danger of unfair prejudice, confusion of the issues, or misleading of the jury. Specifies mitigating factors which the defendant must establish by a preponderance of the information and aggravating factors which the Government must prove beyond a reasonable doubt. Conditions imposition of the death penalty on a unanimous finding by the jury (or finding by the court) that: (1) some aggravating factor exists; and (2) the aggravating factor sufficiently outweighs any mitigating factor found to exist. Directs the court to impose the death penalty upon a finding that such sentence is justified. Establishes procedures for appeal from the death sentence.

A joint resolution to designate the week of May 12, 1985, through May 18, 1985, as "Senior Center Week".

United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1985

Authorizes and requests the President to designate the week of May 12 through May 18, 1985, as Senior Center Week.

Fair Trade in Ferroalloys Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1985

Fair Trade in Ferroalloys Act - Amends the Tariff Schedules of the United States to replace the current tariff on certain ferroalloys with a tariff equal to the fair price differential. Defines fair price differential. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to publish annually the fair price for such ferroalloys.

A joint resolution designating the month of October 1985 as "National High-Tech Month".

United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1985

Designates the month of October 1985 as National High-Tech Month.

A joint resolution to authorize and request the President to issue a proclamation designating April 21, through April 28, 1985, as "Jewish Heritage Week".

United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1985

Authorizes and requests the President to designate April 21 through April 28, 1985, as Jewish Heritage Week.

A joint resolution directing the President to secure a full accounting of Americans missing in Southeast Asia.

United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1985

Directs the President to: (1) secure from the Indochina nations a full accounting of Americans captured or missing as a result of the Vietnam conflict; and (2) work for the release of captive Americans and the return of the remains of those American servicemen and civilians who died in Southeast Asia. Requires the President to submit two reports to Congress on American POW/MIAs in Southeast Asia.

A joint resolution to designate the week beginning May 5, 1985, as "National Correctional Officers Week".

United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1985

Designates the week beginning May 5, 1985, as National Correctional Officers Week.

Veterans' Administration Adjudication Procedure and Judicial Review Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1985

Veterans' Administration Adjudication Procedure and Judicial Review Act - Title I: Adjudication Procedures - Codifies for Veterans Administration (VA) adjudication purposes the burden of proof and reasonable doubt standards currently provided for by VA regulation. States that a claimant has the burden of submitting sufficient evidence to justify his or her claim, and that if an approximate balance of positive and negative evidence exists regarding the merits of a claim, the VA is to resolve such doubt in favor of the claimant. States that VA subpoenas may be served either by personal delivery or by registered or certified mail. Requires the chairman of the Board of Veterans' Appeals to submit an annual report to the appropriate congressional committees concerning the Board's current handling of cases and projections for the subsequent fiscal year. Requires the Board to: (1) provide notice to a claimant and an opportunity for a hearing before a decision may be based on "additional official information" received after a Board decision has previously been made; and (2) make its decision exclusively on evidence and material of record in the proceeding. Removes the requirement that new material sufficient to allow the Board to reopen a previously disallowed claim be in the form of official reports. Provides that the Board's discretionary authority to reopen a claim will not be diminished by a judicial decision following an appeal as provided for by this Act. Requires the Board to mail to the claimant notice of its decision and the reasons for such decision. Provides that, upon the request of a claimant, the Board shall provide an independent advisory medical opinion when there exists substantial medical disagreement with respect to a material issue in a veteran's appeal. Sets forth new procedural rules for adjudication hearings regarding: (1) oaths, affirmations, and witness examination; (2) admissibility of evidence; (3) procedural rights of claimants; (4) disqualification of a hearing officer; (5) the record of the proceedings and the claimant's right to examine and obtain a copy of such record; and (6) the exclusiveness of veterans' adjudication procedures and rights prescribed by the Administrator. Requires the Administrator to provide at each stage of the appeal proceedings written notice to a claimant of the claimant's procedural rights. Directs the Administrator to conduct a study of two alternative claims resolution methods: one a new intermediate-level adjudication process; the other an enhanced schedule of formal Appeals Board hearings. Directs the Administrator to report to the Congress on such studies. Title II: Veterans Administration Rule Making - Includes the VA's rulemaking procedures under the relevant provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act. Title III: Judicial Review - Provides for judicial review of VA decisions in the Federal court system. States with regard to jurisdiction: (1) the definition of final decision; (2) that judicial review of a final decision in a claim for benefits may be obtained in a civil action brought within 180 days of the Board's mailing of notice of its decision, and that such action shall be brought in Federal district court; (3) that the VA shall file the various materials constituting the record in a case together with its answer to the claimant's complaint; (4) that the court may render a decision on the pleadings; and (5) that the judicial review procedures established under this Act shall not apply to insurance and home loans. States, with regard to the reviewing court's scope of review, that such court: (1) shall decide questions of law and interpret constitutional, statutory, and regulatory provisions, but that questions of fact (unless unsupported by substantial evidence) will not be subject to a trial de novo; and (2) in reviewing a final decision of the VA which is adverse to a party solely because such party failed to comply with VA procedures, may only review questions concerning such procedures. Sets out provisions regarding remand, survival of actions, and appellate review. Title IV: Attorneys' Fees - Authorizes the Administrator to allow attorneys' fees above the present $10 maximum if the appealing party's claim is allowed by the VA after an initial denial. States that such fee shall be the lesser of: (1) the fee agreed upon by the party and attorney; (2) $500, unless the Administrator approves a greater amount; or (3) if the party and attorney have entered into a contingent-fee agreement, not more than 25 percent of the total of any past-due benefits awarded on the basis of such party's claim. Provides for the approval of attorneys' fees in successful veterans' claims brought before a court as provided for under this Act. States that such fees shall be determined by such court, and in contingent-fee agreements such fees shall not exceed 25 percent of the total of any past-due benefits awarded on the basis of such claim. Authorizes attorneys' fees of up to $750 in certain unsuccessful veterans' claims. Prohibits the VA from authorizing payment to a claimant's attorney based on past-due benefits unless such benefits are owed as of the date of the VA's or a court's award. States that such provisions regarding attorneys' fees shall only apply to claims for benefits under the laws administered by the VA and shall not apply in cases in which the VA is the plaintiff or in which other attorneys' fees statutes are otherwise controlling. Title V: Effective Dates - Sets forth the effective dates for this Act.

Taxpayer Relief Act of 1985

United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1985

Repeals the requirement added by the Tax Reform Act of 1984 relating to the maintenance of contemporaneous records with respect to: (1) business travel expenses, including automobile expenses; (2) business entertainment expenses; and (3) expenses for gifts.

A joint resolution to designate October 26, 1985, as Mule Appreciation Day.

United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1985

Designates October 26, 1985, as Mule Appreciation Day.

A concurrent resolution expressing the sense of Congress that the Federal Home Loan Bank Board should delay until June 30, 1985, the effective date of its proposed regulations regarding limitations on direct investment in real estate, service corporations, and equity securities by federally insured savings and loan associations.

United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1985

Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Federal Home Loan Bank Board should delay until June 30, 1985, the effective date of its proposed regulations regarding limitations on direct investment in real estate, service corporations, and equity securities by federally insured savings and loan associations. Directs the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Banking, Finance, and Urban Affairs of the House of Representatives to examine alternatives to the proposed regulations which will ensure safety and sound investment activities.

State and Local Narcotics Control Assistance Act of 1985

United States · United States Congress · 7 January 1985

State and Local Narcotics Control Assistance Act of 1985 - Authorizes the Attorney General to make grants to States to assist States and local governments to increase their drug enforcement activities. Requires such grants to be based on the relative needs of the States, taking into consideration the severity of drug trafficking and abuse and the availability of State and local resources to resolve such problems. Establishes a procedure for grant applications. Requires such an application to include a State-wide strategy for the enforcement of State drug laws. Imposes limitations on the use of such grants, including a maximum ten percent allocation for administrative purposes. Requires each State which receives a grant to submit a yearly report to the Attorney General, who shall in turn report to the Congress with respect to such grants. Allows the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to States for developing more effective drug abuse prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation programs. Establishes a procedure for grant applications. Authorizes appropriations for both grant programs for FY 1986 through 1990.

Veterans' Administration Health-Care Amendments of 1985

United States · United States Congress · 7 January 1985

Older Veterans' Health Care Amendments of 1985 - Amends Federal law concerning veterans' medical care to define "respite care" for purposes of included coverage. Eliminates the requirement of the presence of a service-connected disability for purposes of eligibility for domiciliary care. Increases eligibility for outpatient and ambulatory services to include those veterans who have received nursing home care or domiciliary care. Makes similar changes to increase eligibility for transfers for nursing home care. Authorizes the Administrator of Veterans Affairs to provide direct admission to a veteran for treatment at an institution not under the jurisdiction of the Administrator if: (1) the veteran has been discharged from a Veterans Administration (VA) hospital; and (2) the veteran is currently receiving home health services under a VA hospital-based home care program. Increase the number of VA centers of geriatric research, education, and clinical centers from 15 to 25.

A bill to amend title 28, United States Code, to provide for the selection of the court of appeals to decide multiple appeals filed with respect to the same agency order.

United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985

Amends the judicial code to require an administrative body to notify the judicial panel on multidistrict litigation if administrative review petitions regarding the same order are filed in multiple appellate courts within ten days after its issuance. Directs such panel to: (1) designate by random selection one appellate court from among those in which review petitions have been instituted; and (2) consolidate all review petitions in such designated court. Requires the appropriate administrative body to file the record in the designated court. Directs an administrative body to file the record in only one court of appeals if the review petition was received for only one court within ten days after the contested order's issuance. Directs an administrative body to file the record in the court in which review petitions were first instituted if petitions regarding the same order were instituted in multiple appellate courts after the initial ten days of the issuance of an order. Requires the courts to transfer all review proceedings regarding the same order to the court designated by the judicial panel.

Prison Employment Security Act of 1985

United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985

Prison Employment Security Act of 1985 - Directs the General Accounting Office (GAO) to report to the Congress on the reclassification of prevailing rate positions within the Bureau of Prisons and the effect of down-grade reclassifications on the Bureau's mission, employee morale, employee turnover, and public and employee safety. Requires that any prevailing rate positions in the Bureau which have been reclassified to a lower grade on or after January 1, 1984, be reclassified to the position classification in effect on December 31, 1983. Entitles any position incumbent to the pay and benefits of the position as it was classified on December 31, 1983, retroactively to January 1, 1984. Permits the proper reclassification of prevailing rate positions within the Bureau in the future, provided that the position of any incumbent shall not be downgraded as a result of any such reclassification within 120 days after GAO submits its report.

A bill to provide for the recovery by the United States of the costs of hospital and medical care and treatment furnished by the United States in certain circumstances, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985

Grants the United States an independent right to recover the costs of providing medical care and treatment to an individual from a third party who is subject to tort liability with respect to the individual's disease or injury or from the third party's insurer. Provides that in States that have abolished or limited tort liability as a cause of action and have established a system of compensating an individual for medical expenses through an insurance policy, contract, or medical services agreement, the United States shall be deemed to be a third-party beneficiary of such policy, contract, or agreement and shall be reimbursed for the expenses of the medical care provided as if such expenses were incurred by the individual. Declares that this Act shall apply to all cases in which the United States is authorized or required to furnish medical care and treatment, whether such treatment is furnished before or after enactment.

A bill to provide for equitable waiver in the compromise and collection of federal claims.

United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985

Authorizes the Comptroller General and the head of any Federal agency to grant equitable waivers of claims of the United States against persons for erroneous payments of travel, transportation, or relocation expenses if: (1) such payments occurred on or after July 1, 1983; and (2) an application for waiver is received within three years after such an erroneous payment was made.

A bill to amend title 28 of the United States Code to provide for an exclusive remedy against the United States in suits based upon acts or omissions of United States employees, to provide a remedy against the United States with respect to constitutional torts, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985

Title I: Federal Tort Claims Amendments - Amends the Federal Tort Claims Act to make remedies provided by the Act exclusive of any other action arising out of the same tortious conduct. Substitutes the United States as the party defendant after: (1) the Attorney General has certified that a defendant Federal employee acted within the scope of employment; and (2) an action has been instituted in Federal district court. Declares such certification binding and conclusive. Provides guidelines for limitations of actions. Specifies the Federal agencies to which the Act applies. Title II: Constitutional Torts - Grants district courts exclusive jurisdiction over civil actions for money damages based on constitutional torts. Establishes judicial procedures for the resolution of claims based on constitutional torts. Specifies the Federal agencies amenable to suit for such torts. Authorizes Federal agency administrators to settle claims for money damages based on constitutional torts after obtaining written approval of the Attorney General. Declares such settlements final and conclusive. Establishes guidelines for administrative adjustment of claims. Provides formulae for recovery of damages and sets a maximum damages award for tortious conduct involving the malicious intent to violate constitutional rights. Specifies defenses to claims based on a constitutional tort. Requires disposition by the appropriate Federal agency before actions may be initiated against the United States for money damages. Allows either party to request a jury trial in actions for money damages. Permits the Attorney General to settle or arbitrate claims after an action has been instituted. Awards attorney's fees to successful claimants. Directs the Attorney General to defend any civil action against any Federal employee for money damages based on constitutional torts. Makes any such action the claimant's exclusive remedy for such a constitutional tort. Directs the Attorney General to remove such civil actions from State court into district court under specified conditions. Authorizes disciplinary actions against defendant employees under specified circumstances. Exempts specified Federal agencies from tort claims under the Act. Establishes a limitations period. Title III: Amendments to Other Laws; Applicability of Act - Makes conforming amendments relative to medical malpractice provisions concerning Federal health professionals. Makes additional technical amendments.

Federal Constitution Convention Amendment Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985

Federal Constitution Convention Amendment Act - Sets forth procedures for holding constitutional conventions for proposing amendments to the Constitution. Requires that both Houses of the Congress agree to a concurrent resolution calling for a convention whenever they determine that at least two-thirds of the States have submitted valid applications for the calling of a constitutional convention upon the same subject. Entitles each State to the same number of delegates at such convention as it has Senators and Representatives in the Congress, with one delegate elected from each congressional district and two at large. Authorizes the convention to propose constitutional amendments by a two-thirds vote of the total number of delegates. Provides that an amendment shall become valid when ratified by three-fourths of the States. Permits a State to rescind its ratification.

A bill to amend the Social Security Act to modify the terminology relating to handicapped children.

United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985

Amends titles II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance), IV (Grants to States for Aid and Services to Needy Families With Children and for Child-Welfare Services), V (Maternal and Child Health Services Block Grant), and XVI (Supplemental Security Income) of the Social Security Act to strike out the words "crippled" and "crippling" wherever they appear and insert instead the words "handicapped" and "disability," respectively.

A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 to provide that one-half of the amounts paid by a self-employed taxpayer for his or her health insurance premiums will be allowed as a business deduction.

United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that one-half of the cost of insurance paid by a self-employed taxpayer for medical care during the taxable year will be allowed as a business deduction.

A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States allowing an item veto in appropriation bills.

United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985

Constitutional Amendment - Allows the President an item veto of appropriations bills. Requires the President, in signing such a bill, to designate the provisions disapproved and return the bill to the House in which it originated. Subjects such bills to the same proceedings as other bills disapproved by the President.

A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution relating to Federal budget procedures.

United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985

Constitutional Amendment - Requires the Congress, prior to each fiscal year, to adopt a statement of receipts and outlays for that year in which total outlays are not greater than total receipts. Permits the Congress in such statement to provide for a specific excess of outlays over receipts by a three-fifths vote directed solely to that subject. Requires the President and the Congress to ensure that actual outlays do not exceed the outlays set forth in such statement. Prohibits total receipts for any fiscal year set forth in such statement from increasing by a rate greater than the rate of increase in national income in the last calendar year ending before such fiscal year, unless the Congress passes by a three-fifths vote a bill directed solely to approving specific additional receipts and such bill has become law. Requires the President, prior to each fiscal year, to transmit to the Congress a proposed statement of receipts and outlays for that year consistent with the provisions of this article. Permits the Congress to waive the provisions of this Act with respect to any fiscal year in which a declaration of war is in effect. Declares that total receipts shall include all receipts of the United States, except those derived from borrowing and total outlays shall include all outlays of the United States except those for repayment of debt principal.

A resolution to establish the Select Committee on Narcotics Abuse and Control.

United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985

Establishes in the House of Representatives the Select Committee on Narcotics Abuse and Control to conduct continuing oversight and review of the problems of narcotics, drug, and polydrug abuse and control.

Prison Employment Security Act of 1984

United States · United States Congress · 4 October 1984

Prison Employment Security Act of 1984 - Directs the General Accounting Office (GAO) to review and report to Congress on the reclassification of prevailing rate positions within the Bureau of Prisons and the effect of down-grade reclassifications on the Bureau's mission, employee morale, employee turnover, and public and employee safety. Requires that any prevailing rate positions in the Bureau which have been reclassified to a lower grade on or after January 1, 1984, be reclassified to the position classification in effect on December 31, 1983. Entitles any position incumbent to the pay and benefits of the position as it was classified on December 31, 1983, retroactively to January 1, 1984. Permits the proper reclassification of prevailing rate positions within the Bureau in the future, provided that the position of any incumbent shall not be downgraded as a result of any such reclassification within 120 days after GAO submits its report.

A concurrent resolution expressing the sense of the Congress that the Federal Home Loan Bank Board should delay until June 30, 1985, the effective date of its proposed regulations regarding limitations on direct investment in real estate, service corporations, and equity securities by federally insured savings and loan associations.

United States · United States Congress · 25 September 1984

Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Federal Home Loan Bank Board should delay until June 30, 1985, the effective date of its proposed regulations regarding limitations on direct investment in real estate, service corporations, and equity securities by federally insured savings and loan associations. Directs the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Banking, Finance, and Urban Affairs of the House of Representatives to examine alternatives to the proposed regulations which will ensure safety and sound investment activities.