United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1985
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the United States should ratify the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. Declares that the House will act expeditiously on the necessary implementing legislation.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1985
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the United States should investigate the activities of Dr. Josef Mengele; (2) Federal agencies should cooperate in collecting information concerning him; (3) the United States should request that specified nations in which Dr. Mengele is reported to have resided commence internal investigations relating to his residence; (4) the Attorney General should report to the Congress on the progress of the Mengele investigation; and (5) the United States, in conjunction with the Federal Republic of Germany and Israel, should establish an international task force to support such investigation.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1985
Handgun Crime Control Act of 1985 - Title I: Amendments to Chapter 44 of Title 18, United States Code - Amends the Federal criminal code to direct the Attorney General to approve for manufacture, assembly, importation, sale, or transfer any approved handgun model which is used for lawful sporting purposes. Makes it unlawful for any licensed manufacturer, importer, dealer, or collector to manufacture, assemble, sell, deliver, or transfer any handgun (other than a curio or relic) which is not an approved model. Makes it unlawful for any non-licensee to sell or transfer any handgun (other than curio or relic) unless such person knows or has reasonable cause to believe such handgun is an approved model. Prohibits a pawnbroker from being licensed as a dealer in handguns or handgun ammunition. Directs the Attorney General to review State laws providing for permits to carry and purchase handguns and certify those meeting specified standards. Allows an individual possessing a permit under a certified State law to purchase a handgun if certain requirements are met. Makes it unlawful for a licensed dealer to transfer a handgun to a person not holding a permit under a certified State law unless certain procedures are followed. Requires in any such case that the transferee appear in person at the dealer's business premises. Requires the dealer, before delivery of the handgun, to forward a copy of a sworn statement by the transferee to the chief local law enforcement officer of the transferee's place of residence and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for an identity and record check. Prohibits delivery until 21 days after submission of the sworn statement. Makes it unlawful for any licensed importer, manufacturer, dealer, or collector to sell to the same person, or for any non-licensee to purchase, three or more handguns during a period of one year without the prior approval of the Attorney General. Makes it unlawful for any person to fail to report the loss, theft, or disappearance of a handgun in his possession to the authorities within 24 hours after discovering such loss. Requires all licensed importers, manufacturers, and dealers to maintain accurate records of all handgun transfers. Makes any person who negligently transfers a handgun in violation of this Act civilly liable for the death or injury of an individual as a result of the use of such handgun by the transferee during commission of an offense. Makes it unlawful for any person to transport any firearm or ammunition in interstate commerce if such transportation violates a State law in a place through which the firearm is shipped or an ordinance at the place of sale, delivery, or other disposition. Increases the license fee for handgun dealers from $10 to $500 and for manufacturers and importers from $50 to $5,000. Makes it unlawful for any illegal alien, dishonorably discharged member of the armed forces, or U.S. citizen who has renounced such citizenship to possess, transport, or receive any firearm or ammunition. Amends the Omnibus Crime Control Act to allow the court to abate the penalties for using or carrying a firearm during the commission of a felony if certain mitigating factors are present. Title II: Gun Control Functions Transferred to the Attorney General - Transfers to the Attorney General all functions of the Secretary of the Treasury under the Gun Control Act of 1968. Establishes the Firearms Safety and Abuse Control Administration within the Department of Justice. Requires the Attorney General to report annually to Congress on the activities of the Administration. Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions - Directs the Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations, in consultation with the U.S. Conference of Mayors and the National League of Cities, to report on the intergovernmental problems involved in controlling illicit handgun traffic and the effectiveness of the Gun Control Act of 1968.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1985
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that no deductions shall be allowed for advertising or other promotion expenses with respect to arms sales.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1985
Income and Jobs Action Act of 1985 - Declares that every adult American able and willing to earn a living has the right to a choice among opportunities for paid employment (part- or full-time) at decent wages or for self-employment. Directs all Federal agencies to plan and carry out their policies and programs so all adult Americans may exercise this right. Prohibits the Federal Reserve System or any other Federal agency from promoting recession, stagnation, or involuntary unemployment as a means of reducing wages and salaries or inflation. Declares that every adult American unable to work for pay has the right to an adequate standard of living that rises with increases in the wealth and productivity of the society. Provides that no adult American shall be judged unable to work merely because of the unavailability of suitable paid employment opportunities at a given time or place or because of the lack of previous employment. Requires, in the absence of such opportunities and until such opportunities can be provided, that an adult American able and willing to work for pay shall be provided with whatever income is required to maintain a moderate level of living, as defined by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Directs the President, in the first annual message at the beginning of the first session of the Congress after the enactment of this Act, to include specific proposals for a Conversion Planning Fund, to be administered by agencies determined by the President. Provides that such Fund shall promote short- and long-term plans for coping with declines in civilian or military activities by developing specific policies, programs, and projects (including feasibility studies, education, on-the-job training, and inducements for necessary and desirable labor mobility) for the expansion of economic activities in sectors where additional or improved goods or services are needed. Requires, in addition to such other funds as may be authorized, that such Fund include no less than one percent of the amount appropriated for military purposes during each subsequent year. Directs the President, within six months after the enactment of this Act and thereafter in each annual economic report and budget message, to transmit to Congress a staged program to create conditions under which the rights set forth in this Act may be enjoyed and to describe how the Conversion Planning Fund may be most productively used. Sets forth requirements for the design of such program, including provisions for locally based over-all planning. Directs the President, as part of such annual program, to transmit to Congress a short- and long-range schedule for implementing the purposes of the Act. Requires that such schedule include reductions in: (1) the military budget; (2) wasteful tax expenditures and loopholes; and (3) interest rates and Federal deficits. Requires that such schedule include: (1) recommendations for the appropriate use and direction of public and private pension funds; (2) the creation or promotion of private and public development banks, particularly in neighborhoods and other areas of high unemployment and poverty; (3) the promotion of educational activities within each State in accordance with locally-based overall planning, with special attention to educational processes that promote and use the creative abilities of businesses, labor unions, nonprofit voluntary and cooperative organizations, and the unemployed; and (4) timetables for developing the conditions for progress in attaining the policy goals of this Act. Requires that any outlays proposed under such plan and program be presented in terms not only of gross outlays, but also of net outlays, computed with a full estimation of specified factors.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1985
Family Farmer Bankruptcy Reform Act of 1985 - Defines a "family farmer" for purposes of Federal bankruptcy law as a person who received more than 50 percent of gross income from farming operations, including a person that is a corporation that issues stock: (1) which is not publicly traded; and (2) the majority of which is held by one family. Allows a family farmer that owes secured and unsecured debts totaling less than $1,000,000 to qualify as a debtor under bankruptcy provisions providing for the adjustment of debts of an individual with regular income. Authorizes a plan filed under such provisions to modify the rights of holders of claims secured only by a security interest in real property which is a family farmer's principal residence and which such family farmer uses for farming operations. Prohibits the court from granting a discharge of any debt for payment on a claim if the rights of the claim holder are so modified. Permits the court to approve a plan providing for payment over a period of up to ten years in the case of a debtor who is a family farmer. Provides for the confirmation of a family farmer's plan with respect to allowed secured claims on a basis similar to that provided under bankruptcy reorganization provisions. Allows a family farmer up to 270 days after such a plan is filed to commence making payments proposed by the plan.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1985
Amends the Federal Tort Claims Act to permit actions to be brought against the United States for money damages for injury, loss of property, or death due to exposure to radiation by a Government contractor carrying out an atomic weapons testing program. Provides for substitution of the United States as defendant if such action is brought against the contractor.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1985
Declares that the United States: (1) shall initiate a dialogue with the participants in the Contadora process to develop a common strategy for regional stability; (2) should assist efforts to implement specified objectives by offering such advisory services as may be requested and by exerting vigorous diplomatic efforts to persuade other governments involved in Central America to observe these conditions; and (3) should announce its willingness to pursue multilateral negotiations with the Central American countries. Requires the United States to communicate to Nicaragua its desire to resume negotiations to: (1) further the aims of the Contadora Act for Peace and Cooperation in Central America; and (2) promote the normalization of relations between the United States and Nicaragua. Declares that for the 90 days following enactment of this Act: (1) the United States shall suspend certain military assistance and arms sales to Central American countries except for medical facilities or supplies; (2) the United States shall suspend construction of military facilities in Central American countries; (3) the United States shall not participate in training exercises in or off shores of Central American countries; (4) the number of members of U.S. armed forces in any Central American country may not exceed the number in that country on the date of enactment of this Act unless needed to protect U.S. citizens; (5) the United States shall suspend all air reconnaissance flights for armed forces of any Central American country; and (6) there shall be no obligation or expenditure of Central Intelligence Agency funds, Defense Department funds, or any other U.S. funds to support military or paramilitary operations in Nicaragua by any nation, group, organization, movement, or individual. Requires the President to report to the Congress within 90 days of enactment of this Act on the results of U.S. policy in Central America.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1985
Prohibits any person employed by or acting on behalf of the U.S. Government from conspiring or engaging in an assassination. Prohibits any Federal agency from participating in or requesting any person to engage in an assassination.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1985
Prohibits any person from using any funds contributed by employees to a pension benefit plan to invest in South Africa. Sets forth penalties for violating this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1985
South Africa Political Sanctions Act of 1985 - Directs the President to sever diplomatic relations with South Africa: (1) two years after enactment of this Act, unless the President certifies to the Congress that South Africa has abolished its system of apartheid; or (2) 60 days after the President submits such a certification to the Congress unless, before the end of that 60-day period, a joint resolution is enacted approving the President's certification. Requires the President's certification to include statements that South Africa: (1) allows full and equal participation of nonwhites in the political system; (2) provides the same educational opportunities to nonwhites as are available to whites; (3) has eliminated discrimination in employment on the basis of race or ethnic origin; and (4) has terminated the policy of relocating South African blacks in the bantustans or homelands. Authorizes the President to resume diplomatic relations with South Africa only if: (1) the President makes a certification to the Congress; and (2) within 60 days after the President submits such certification a joint resolution is enacted approving the certification. Sets forth expedited procedures for considering such joint resolutions.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1985
Employee Educational Assistance Act of 1985 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend indefinitely the income tax exclusion for employee educational assistance programs. (Present law terminates such exclusion as of December 31, 1985.) Limits the maximum amount of such exclusion (beginning in 1986) to $5,000 of amounts paid or expenses incurred for educational assistance furnished to an employee during a calendar year. Exempts graduate students engaged in teaching or research activities from such maximum limit. Provides for annual cost-of-living adjustments in such maximum limit beginning in 1987.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1985
Amends the Tax Reform Act of 1984 to make permanent the rules relating to the allocation of research and experimental expenditures for purposes of determining income from sources within the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1985
States that the President should declare an economic emergency in rural America and should provide for loan moratoriums, loan restructuring, interest buy-downs, deferments, and additional operating and emergency loans.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1985
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Secretary of Health and Human Services is required by the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to terminate the provisional listing in effect under the Color Additive Amendments of 1960 for certain food color dyes (thus disapproving them for commercial uses).
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1985
High Risk Occupational Disease Notification and Prevention Act of 1985 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct research into improving the means of: (1) surveillance of employees exposed to occupational health hazards; and (2) medical monitoring and treatment of employees exposed to occupational hazards. Provides that such research shall be conducted primarily through the occupational and environmental health centers established under this Act. Lists areas such research is to include (among which are: studying the etiology and development of such diseases; developing means of medical surveillance of exposed employees; and developing educational programs). Directs the Secretary to undertake or sponsor additional epidemiological, clinical, and laboratory research to identify and define additional employee populations at risk of occupational disease. Provides that: (1) this expanded research shall be conducted or sponsored by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH); and (2) in conducting such research, NIOSH shall have access to prior and current employment, occupational, and health-related data and information maintained by Federal agencies. Authorizes the Secretary, in carrying out such research, to employ experts and consultants. Establishes a Risk Assessment Board, within NIOSH, to: (1) review current medical and other scientific studies and reports concerning the incidence of disease associated with employment; (2) report to the Secretary on the state of current research on such diseases; and (3) designate, from such review, employee populations at risk of disease associated with hazardous occupational exposures. Sets forth factors which the Board must consider in identifying such populations at risk. Directs the Board, within ten days of making a finding that a class or category of workers is a population at increased risk (30 percent greater incidence of disease than a comparable worker population not exposed to the hazardous occupational exposure) or a population at high risk (100 percent greater incidence than the comparable worker population not exposed), to recommend to the Secretary that individuals within such populations be notified and, in cases of high risk, be eligible for services and information under this Act. Gives priority for Board review to those employee populations exposed to hazardous occupational exposures for which there already exists a permanent standard under the Occupational Safety and Health Act. Requires the Board to transmit to the Secretary its findings and recommendations on these employee populations within one year after the effective date of this Act. Directs the Secretary, upon determination that a given class or category of employee is a population at risk of occupational disease, to notify each individual within such population at risk. Sets forth the required contents of such notification, including counseling information. Directs the Secretary to establish a telephone "hot line" for the personal physicians of employees who have received such notification, to provide additional medical and scientific information concerning the nature of the risk and its associated disease. Directs the Secretary to prepare and distribute other medical and health promotion material and information on any risk subject to such notification requirements and its associated disease as the Secretary deems appropriate. Provides that, in carrying out such notification responsibilities, the Secretary shall have access to information and data contained in any Federal agency records, solely for the purpose of obtaining names, addresses, and work histories of employees subject to such notification. Directs the Secretary to establish and certify occupational and environmental health centers. Provides that such centers shall be selected from: (1) educational resource centers of NIOSH and similar centers of the National Institute for Environmental Health Sciences; and (2) at a later date, existing health care facilities, in an appropriate number to obtain even regional distribution of such centers throughout the United States. Sets forth criteria for selection of such centers. Requires such centers to be capable of providing research resources, diagnosis, treatment, medical monitoring, and family services for employees notified under this Act who are at high risk of occupational disease. Directs the Secretary to: (1) develop criteria governing the most appropriate type of medical monitoring; and (2) develop a program for training of existing personnel and procuring specialized equipment required under criteria for certification of such centers. Prohibits discrimination by any employer, insurance carrier, or any other person against any employee on the basis that the employee has been notified by the Secretary of being at risk of any occupational disease. Requires that the employee retain the same rates of pay, benefits and seniority as in the former job if, based upon sound medical advice or monitoring initiated under this Act, it is determined that the employee should be transferred to a less hazardous or non-exposed job. Prohibits any health care financing system from discriminating against an employee who has been notified by the Secretary under this Act in the payment of the costs associated with a medical monitoring program, or any subsequent treatment, including treatment required by a medical monitoring examination or the onset of disease. Sets forth procedures for review of discrimination complaints. Provides for reinstatement and specified compensation for employees who are discriminated against in violation of this Act. Sets forth civil penalties for persons or institutions that violate such discrimination prohibitions. Provides for injunctive relief against violations of this Act or any rule or regulation promulgated under this Act. Requires each health care financing system (including public and private health insurance programs, and the Medicare and Medicaid programs, and disability benefits under the Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance program) to provide appropriate testing, evaluation, and medical monitoring services to employees as required under this Act. Requires that the cost of testing, evaluation, and medical monitoring required by an employee as a result of hazardous occupational exposure and notification under this Act be included as a covered item in any health care financing system available to such employees through their employment or as individual purchasers of health insurance. Provides that any treatment provided by a health care financing system to an employee for a subsequent disease that was subject to a notification under this Act may constitute an insurance subrogation claim against a workers' compensation program or insurance carrier. Provides that notification of risk to an employee under this Act and subsequent medical evaluation and monitoring shall not constitute a workers' compensation claim, nor shall such notice toll any statute of limitations with respect to such a claim, except as specifically provided by law under a workers' compensation statute. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 and subsequent fiscal years.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1985
Cancer Patients Employment Rights Act - Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to make it an unlawful employment practice for an employer, employment agency or labor organization to: (1) require an employee or prospective employee with a cancer history to meet certain medical standards unrelated to job requirements; or (2) reveal any confidential medical information without consent. Makes it an unlawful employment practice for an employer to fail to make a good faith effort to explore where reasonable accommodations may be made for an employee with a cancer history. Provides that it shall not be an unlawful employment practice to fail or refuse to hire or to discharge an employee: (1) if the employer demonstrates no reasonable accommodation can be made; or (2) the employee is unable to perform the job safely. Includes cancer history within the protections of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1985
Hennepin Canal National Heritage Corridor Act - Establishes the Hennepin Canal National Heritage Corridor (the Canal) in the State of Illinois. Authorizes appropriations to the State of Illinois to develop the Canal for public recreational use.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1985
War Powers Act of 1984 - Amends the War Powers Resolution to rename the resolution the War Powers Act. Authorizes U.S. armed forces, in the absence of a congressional declaration of war, to be introduced into hostilities or into a situation where the imminent introduction of such forces into hostilities is clearly indicated by the circumstances, only: (1) to repel an attack upon the United States, to take retaliatory actions in the event of such an attack, and to forestall the direct and imminent threat of such an attack; (2) to repel an attack against U.S. armed forces located outside the United States and to forestall the direct and imminent threat of such an attack; (3) to protect U.S. citizens while evacuating them from a country where they are being subject to a direct and imminent threat to their lives either sponsored by the country's government or beyond the power of such government to control, provided the President shall make every effort to terminate the threat without using U.S. armed forces and provided that the President shall, where possible, obtain the consent of the government before using U.S. armed forces; or (4) pursuant to specific statutory authorization. Requires the President to report to the Speaker of the House and the President of the Senate whenever U.S. armed forces are introduced into hostilities or into one of the other situations listed above. Requires the President to report to the Congress at least once every six months for as long as U.S. armed forces are engaged in hostilities outside the United States. Limits the length of time that U.S. armed forces may be used in hostilities or in such situations to 30 days unless the Congress enacts a law providing otherwise. Permits the Congress by law or joint resolution to terminate U.S. involvement before the expiration of the 30 days. Provides for expedited consideration of proposals to continue or terminate the use of U.S. armed forces in such situations. States that statutory authorization either for introducing U.S. armed forces into or for sustaining their use in hostilities or situations where imminent introduction of such forces into hostilities is clearly indicated by the circumstances shall not be inferred from: (1) any provision of law unless such provision specifically authorizes such introduction or use of the armed forces and states that it is intended to constitute specific statutory authorization within the meaning of this Act; or (2) any treaty unless the treaty is implemented by a law specifically authorizing such introduction or use of such armed forces and stating that it is intended to constitute specific statutory authorization within the meaning of this Act. Permits U.S. armed forces to participate jointly with members of military forces of other countries in high-level military commands that were established before enactment of this Act and pursuant to a treaty which was ratified before such enactment.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1985
Prohibits any U.S. person from making or holding any investment in South Africa. Provides for regulations to carry out this prohibition. Sets forth penalties for violations of this Act. Makes this Act applicable to transactions made with intent to evade this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1985
Radiation Research Reorganization Act of 1985 - Transfers to the Secretary of Health and Human Services the authority of the Secretary of Energy to conduct epidemiological studies of radiation effects. Directs the Secretary to exercise such authority through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control. Establishes an advisory panel comprised of individuals representing: (1) public interest groups; (2) experts in epidemiological studies of radiation effects upon health; and (3) public health officials.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1985
Amends part A (Aid to Families with Dependent Children) of title IV of the Social Security Act to require, in order to establish and maintain improved AFDC quality control standards and procedures: (1) each State to collect and submit to the Secretary of Health and Human Services a statistically reliable sample of AFDC cases; (2) the Secretary to review the sample and notify the State of its error rate; and (3) the State to develop and submit to the Secretary a corrective plan for eliminating or reducing errors. Permits waivers if a State has had a consistently low error rate. Directs the Secretary to establish criteria for corrective action plans. Provides for financial sanctions for States with error rates exceeding certain levels. Permits waivers of the sanctions in certain instances. Defines "error rate" as the ratio of erroneous payments to total payments. Defines "erroneous payments" as: (1) payments to ineligible families; and (2) overpayments to eligible families. Directs the Secretary to study and to report to the Congress concerning: (1) the nature of AFDC client errors; (2) measures of a State's performance under the AFDC program which are broader than the current quality control system based on payment accuracy alone; (3) the desirability of including underpayments as "erroneous payments"; and (4) the cost effectiveness of error reduction. Provides, with respect to title XVI (Supplemental Security Income) of the Act, for the continuation of certain regulations relating to Federal liability for error rates in State supplementation programs.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1985
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to authorize the Secretary of the Treasury to prescribe regulations exempting retirees or individuals age 65 or over from interest penalties with respect to any underpayment of estimated tax. Requires that such underpayment be due to reasonable cause (defined to include mistake or ignorance of the law) and not to willful neglect.
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.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1985
National Training Incentives Act of 1985 - Declares that it is the policy and responsibility of the Federal Government to encourage cooperation between employers and employees to promote training programs which will assist employees, should they be displaced from the work force, in training for a trade or occupation for which present and future employment opportunities exist. Enumerates congressional findings with respect to the inadequacies of existing employment and training programs, the importance of such programs to the national security and economy, the current funding of such programs, the impact of foreign trade competition on the U.S. economy and job market, and the inadequacies of the unemployment compensation system. Title I: Amendments to Internal Revenue Code of 1954 Relating to Employee Training - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish an employee training credit for employers. Adds such employee training credit to those credits which are included in the current year business credit for purposes of determining the general business income tax credit for a taxable year. (The Internal Revenue Code provisions for such general business income tax credit permit three-year carrybacks and 15-year carryforwards of unused credits, with specified limitations.) Makes such employee training credit for any taxable year equal to 25 percent of the excess, if any, of: (1) the qualified training expenses of the taxpayer for such taxable year, over (2) the base period training expenses of such taxpayer. Defines "qualified training expenses" as the aggregate amount of expenses paid or incurred by the taxpayer during the taxable year in connection with the training of employees under approved training programs. Defines "base period training expenses" as the average of the qualified training expenses for each year in the base period. Defines "base period" as the five taxable years of the taxpayer immediately preceding the taxable year for which the determination is being made ("the determination year"). Sets forth transitional rules for the first four determination years beginning after December 31, 1984. Sets minimum base period training expenses by providing that, in the case of any determination year of the taxpayer for which the qualified training expenses exceed 200 percent of the base period training expenses, "50 percent of such qualified training expenses" shall be substituted for "the base period training expenses" in the formula to determine the amount of the credit. Defines "approved training program," for purposes of such employee training credit, to include: (1) any apprenticeship program registered or approved by Federal or State agencies; (2) any employer-designed or employer-sponsored training program which meets certain requirements prescribed by the Secretary of Labor (Secretary); (3) any cooperative education; (4) any training program designated by the Secretary which is carried out under the supervision of an institution of higher education; or (5) any other training program approved by the Secretary. Sets forth the special tax rules for the aggregation of qualified training expenses, allocations of such credits, and adjusted to such employee training credit amount for acquisitions and dispositions of a trade or business. Specifies that the employee training credit shall be in addition to any other deduction or credit allowed for the same expenses under the Federal tax law. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt from any penalty tax early withdrawal from an individual retirement account or annuity (IRA) of a displaced worker if such withdrawals are made to pay training expenses, do not exceed the allowable amount, and are made in accordance with the requirements of this Act. Incorporates provisions of title II of this Act relating to the definition of displaced workers, training expenses, and allowable IRA distributions within the Internal Revenue Code provisions relating to individual retirement accounts and annuities. Title II: Withdrawals from Individual Retirement Accounts and Annuities for Job Training for Displaced Workers - Entitles a displaced worker to apply to the Secretary of Labor (Secretary) for certification of such individual's status as a displaced worker. Defines a "displaced worker" as any individual, as of the time of application for a certificate, who has at least 20 quarters of coverage under title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act, who has received employment counseling within the past year from an agency approved by the Secretary, and who is in one of the following categories: (1) receiving regular State unemployment compensation; (2) exhausted the right to receive such compensation; (3) unemployed, or received notification of termination of employment within six months, due to permanent closure of a plant or facility; or (4) unemployed for six months or more and with limited opportunity for employment in a similar trade or occupation within a reasonable commuting distance. Permits displaced workers to withdraw amounts from their individual retirement account or annuity (IRA) to pay the expense (tuition, fees, books, supplies, or required equipment) of an eligible training program. Limits the amounts of such IRA withdrawal to $4,000 per year (with cost-of-living adjustments), minus aggregate amounts distributed for training expense payments in the four immediately preceding taxable years. Requires withdrawals from an IRA for training expenses to be made only through the use of a voucher issued by the account trustee or insurance company custodian upon presentation to such trustee or custodian by the displaced worker of a displaced worker certificate and an invoice or statement evidencing that such worker has enrolled in an eligible training program. Sets forth requirements for the presentation and redemption of vouchers for payment of job training expenses. Prohibits depositary institutions from assessing any penalty against a displaced worker for early withdrawals from an IRA to pay such training expenses. Permits adjustments in the rate of return on certain investments when IRA funds are withdrawn to pay such training expenses. Provides that the participation of displaced workers in an eligible training program shall not disqualify such workers for unemployment compensation to which they are otherwise entitled. Defines "eligible training program" as a training program offered by an institution of higher education, a postsecondary vocational institution, a proprietary institution of higher education, or any other institution approved by the Secretary which prepares students for gainful employment in a trade or occupation in which present and future employment opportunities exist. Requires the Secretary to promulgate regulations for: (1) the application of an educational institution for qualification of its training program; and (2) criteria for determining whether such a job training program qualified as an eligible training program under the terms of this Act. Directs the Secretary, for purposes of determining whether certain job training programs qualify as eligible training programs, to consider any determination relating to such programs made by: (1) the Administrator of Veterans Affairs or a State approving agency for veterans' educational programs; (2) a private industry council established under the Job Training Partnership Act or other official or group empowered to make determinations under such Act; (3) the Secretary of Education; (4) any State education agency; or (5) a nationally recognized accrediting agency which the Secretary determines to be reliable in evaluating the quality of job training programs. Sets forth nondiscrimination requirements for institutions offering such job training programs. Requires the Secretary to minimize the amount of paperwork and time necessary to certify any individual as a displaced worker or any training program as an eligible training program. Title III: State Employment Service Responsibilities - Directs the Secretary of Labor to allocate funds to States to reimburse administrative costs of public employment offices which provide certification for displaced workers, labor market and training information, and job search services. Authorizes appropriations for such purpose for FY 1986 and thereafter. Directs the Secretary to submit a report to the Congress on a nationwide computerized job bank and matching program authorized under the Job Training and Partnership Act. Title IV: Miscellaneous Provisions - Amends the Job Training Partnership Act to direct the private industry councils established under such Act to make information on job training programs available throughout their service delivery areas. Exempts such councils from limitations on expenditures imposed by such Act in providing such information. Excludes from the computation of the amount of the expected family contribution to a student for Pell Grant purposes any unemployment compensation received by such student or any IRA distribution used to pay training expenses of such student, provided such student is certified as a displaced worker under the terms of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1985
Administrative Law Judge Corps Act - Amends Federal law to establish, in Washington, D.C., an Administrative Law Judge Corps (the Corps) comprised of all current administrative law judges. States that the chief administrative law judge shall be the chief administrative officer of the Corps as well as its presiding judge. Specifies the qualifications for chief judge. States that such judge shall be appointed by the President, with the advice and consent of the Senate. Directs the chief judge to submit a written report to the President and the Congress. Establishes divisions (to number between four and ten) within the Corps, with each division headed by a division chief judge appointed by the President, with the consent of the Senate. Identifies initial divisions and their respective areas of jurisdiction. Specifies qualifications required for division chief judges. States that the Corps' policymaking body shall be the Council of the Corps (the Council), comprised of the chief judge and the division chief judges. Authorizes the Council to approve or disapprove: (1) the assignment of judges to divisions; (2) creation, abolition, or reorganization of divisions; and (3) re-assignments of division chief judges. Authorizes the Council to determine matters of general Corps policy, including: (1) the issuance of regulations for Corps proceedings; (2) creation or abolition of divisions or regional offices; (3) contractual transactions; and (4) delegation of functions to division chief judges. Establishes a Judicial Nomination Commission (the Commission) to submit a list of qualified nominees for positions of chief judge and division chief judges. Specifies officials who shall appoint a member to the Commission. Sets the terms of initial Corps appointments and the procedure for filling vacancies. Prescribes a procedure for recommending appointments to the President. Directs the Corps to appoint new judges from a register maintained by the Office of Personnel Management. Confers jurisdiction upon members of the Corps to adjudicate cases under specified sections of the Administrative Procedure Act. Requires cases arising under such sections to be referred to the Corps. Directs the Council to issue regulations for assigning such cases. Provides guidelines for the removal and discipline of administrative law judges. Establishes a Complaints Resolution Board within the Corps to recommend action upon complaints against the official conduct of judges. Details the membership of such Board and the procedures to be followed. Declares Board proceedings and the contents of complaints to be privileged and confidential. Exempts documents and reports considered by the Board from the disclosure and publication requirements of the Freedom of Information Act. Exempts the Board from compliance with the public meeting requirements of specified Federal law. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1985
Construction Work in Progress Policy Act of 1985 - Amends the Federal Power Act to provide that nothing in such Act shall be construed to affect the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's authority to approve the inclusion of the costs of construction work in progress (defined as construction of a facility used to generate electric energy) in the rate base of a public utility with respect to: (1) any pollution control facility; and (2) the conversion of oil or natural gas-fired facilities to the use of other fuels. Permits a public utility whose internal generation of funds during a test period established by the Commission is 30 percent or less of planned construction expenditures during such period to apply for the inclusion of the cost of construction work in progress in the public utility's rate base. Sets forth the items required in such an application. Requires the Commission to hold an evidentiary hearing upon receipt of an application from a public utility. Requires the Commission to approve the inclusion of the costs of construction work in progress in the utility's rate base if: (1) the facility being constructed is reasonably necessary to meet energy demands; and (2) the utility's financial condition would prevent the financing of such facility except at a cost significantly higher than the average cost of financing within the electric utility industry. Sets forth limitations on the amount of the costs of construction work in progress which may be included in a public utility's rate base. Requires public utilities to discontinue the capitalization of allowance for funds used during construction for those construction work in progress costs which are included in the rate base. Requires that revenues derived from construction work in progress be deferred from inclusion in utility rates for a certain period of time when the facility becomes used for public service.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1985
Declares that the House of Representatives: (1) finds that the Job Corps program has been a cost-effective and successful effort to assist disadvantaged young men and women in obtaining and holding employment; (2) reaffirms its commitment to the Job Corps program; and (3) will not make or accept any reduction in the level of funding for the Job Corps program.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1985
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the United States should: (1) call for negotiations under the auspices of the Organization of American States that are consistent with the Contadora process for the peaceful settlement of conflicts among the five Central American countries; (2) seek the establishment of a multilateral agency to provide economic and humanitarian support for the reform of the Central American economy; (3) initiate the establishment of a multinational development fund; and (4) recognize the need for international cooperation, disband unilateral military and nonmilitary efforts in Central America, and seek to stabilize and to develop the region following the principles of existing agreements such as the Rio Treaty with the assistance of specified groups.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1985
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the policy of separate development and the forced relocation of South Africans is inconsistent with American values and internationally recognized human rights principles; (2) U.S. nonrecognition of South African "homeland" independence should continue; (3) travel to the United States should be denied to "homeland" officials who seek to enter this country unless they hold a valid passport recognized by the United States; and (4) the United States should urge that the forced relocation of South Africans be discontinued and that the rights of all South Africans be protected. Requests the President to send a copy of this resolution to Republic of South Africa officials.
United States · United States Congress · 20 February 1985
Indian Juvenile Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Act - Title I: Inter-Departmental Agreement - Directs the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Health and Human Services to agree to coordinate specified efforts of the Bureau of Indian Affairs (Bureau) and the Indian Health Service relating to alcohol and drug abuse programs for Indian youth. Provides for the biannual review of such agreement by the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Requires certain officials of the Bureau and the Indian Health Service to agree, upon a tribe's request, to coordinate resources and services related to alcohol and drug abuse with any Indian tribe. Requires the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Bureau, and the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Indian Health Service, to bear equal responsibility for the implementation of this Act in cooperation with Indian tribes. Title II: Education - Amends the Indian Elementary and Secondary School Assistance Act, the Indian Education Act, and the Adult Education Act, respectively, to provide for: (1) grants for the training of alcohol and drug abuse counselors in Indian elementary and secondary schools; (2) a specified percentage of fellowships to be awarded to persons specializing in guidance counseling for alcohol and drug abuse; and (3) grants to support adult education projects which provide alcohol and drug abuse counseling services. Requires Bureau schools and schools operated under the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act to provide instruction on alcohol and drug abuse to students in kindergarten and grades one through 12. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to: (1) establish summer recreation and counseling programs, coordinated with other similar Indian summer programs, for Indian youth on reservations; (2) require Bureau schools and schools operated under the Indian Self-determination and Education Assistance Act to remain open during the summer months of each year to provide adequate facilities (including use of public and private facilities) for such programs; and (3) provide, as needed, salaried coordinators for such programs. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to publish, on a quarterly basis, an alcohol and drug abuse newsletter and to circulate it to specified Government agencies that provide such alcohol and drug abuse-related services to Indian people. Title III: Family and Social Services - Requires any training program for community health representatives funded under the Bureau to include not less than two weeks of training on the problems of alcohol and drug abuse, including instruction in crisis intervention, family relations, and the causes and effects of fetal alcohol syndrome. Requires the Director of the Indian Health Service to provide training in alcohol and drug abuse to specified schools, Indian Health Service personnel, and others. Provides for the certification, by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, of any person who completes such training for purposes of obtaining academic credit or certification at any post-secondary school. Title IV: Law Enforcement - Requires the Director of the Bureau to provide education on alcohol and drug abuse among Indian youth to Bureau law enforcement personnel. Provides for the detention, in lieu of incarceration, of Indian juveniles in temporary emergency shelters (Indian households) if their offenses are related to the use or possession of drugs or alcohol. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to promulgate, in consultation with the U.S. Attorney General, guidelines under which a law enforcement officer may place an Indian youth arrested for drug or alcohol abuse in a facility other than an emergency shelter. Provides that in instances where a State exercises criminal jurisdiction over any part of Indian country that such State is urged to require its law enforcement officers to place any Indian juvenile arrested for alcohol or drug abuse-related offenses in a temporary emergency shelter (Indian household) or community-based alcohol or drug abuse treatment facility in lieu of incarceration. Provides for the compensation and licensing of Indian households that are used as emergency shelters. Title V: Juvenile Alcohol and Drug Abuse Treatment and Rehabilitation - Requires the Director of the Indian Health Service to conduct a study to determine: (1) the size of the Indian population in need of residential alcohol and drug abuse treatment; (2) where facilities to provide such treatment are or should be located; and (3) the cost of providing such treatment. Requires the Director of the Indian Health Service to provide alcohol and drug abuse treatment services, including detoxification and counseling services, and follow-up care in Indian Health Service facilities and in facilities operated under the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act to Indian juveniles and adults. Requires the Director to report to the Congress on the progress of such treatment to Indian juveniles and adults. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in consultation with the Indian Health Service and the Bureau of Indian Affairs, to identify and utilize federally owned structures for use as residential alcohol and drug abuse treatment centers for Indian juveniles. Title VI: Definitions, Effective Date, and Authorization of Appropriations - Sets forth definitions and the effective date. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 20 February 1985
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the seasonally adjusted total unemployment rate (TUR) should be used to determine the availability of extended benefits and Federal supplemental compensation of the unemployed; (2) if the seasonally adjusted TUR is not currently available for a State, an alternative method of calculating such TUR should be developed and implemented with respect to determining the availability of such benefits; and (3) the Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, and other agencies involved with the gathering of unemployment data should take all steps necessary to improve U.S. capability to measure accurately the level of total unemployment and should recommend ways to improve current unemployment compensation benefit formulas so that such benefits are made available in areas of greatest need.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1985
South African Human Rights and Conditionality Act of 1985 - Chapter I: Imposition of Economic Sanctions - Prohibits U.S. persons from making any loans to South Africa or to any organization organized or controlled by South Africa. Excludes from such prohibition loans for educational, housing, or health facilities that are available to all persons on a nondiscriminatory basis and are located in areas accessible to all persons. Prohibits imports of gold or silver coins minted or sold by South Africa. Amends the Tariff Schedules of the United States to prohibit imports from South Africa of certain uranium compounds, coal, and uranium ore or metal. Prohibits any U.S. person from making any investment in South Africa. Authorizes the President to require U.S. persons who have branches or offices in South Africa or who control businesses in South Africa to submit periodic reports on such businesses. Prohibits cooperation of any kind provided for in the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 with respect to South Africa. Prohibits the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) from authorizing exports of any nuclear material, production or utilization facility, technology, or of any item which has significance for nuclear explosive purposes. Prohibits using the authority of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to distribute any special nuclear material, source material, or byproduct material of South Africa. Prohibits U.S. agencies from entering into any subsequent arrangement under the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 which would permit the transfer to or use by South Africa of any nuclear materials, equipment, or technology. Prohibits the Secretary of Energy from providing any authorization for any activity which would involve engaging in South Africa in specified nuclear production activities. Prohibits the Secretary of Commerce from issuing any export license for the export to South Africa of any goods or technology: (1) which are intended for a nuclear related end use or end user; (2) which have been identified as items which could, if used for purposes other than those for which the export is intended, be of significance for nuclear explosive purposes; or (3) which are otherwise subject to specified procedures established pursuant to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Act of 1978. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to use the authorities contained in the Export Administration Act of 1979 to prohibit the export to South Africa of any goods and technology contained on lists prepared by the NRC, the Secretary of Commerce, the Secretary of Energy, and the Secretary of State pursuant to this Act. Prohibits any officer or employee of any U.S. agency from making available to South Africa any information which could increase South Africa's nuclear capability. Terminates any license or authority described in this Act which was issued before enactment of this Act. Prohibits exporting to South Africa or to any organization controlled by South Africa any goods or technology subject to export controls under the Export Administration Act of 1979, except for certain previously published technical data and for certain medicines, medical supplies, and equipment. Directs the President to carry out a research program to try to develop synthetic substitutes for those strategic and critical materials for which South Africa is a major source of supply to the United States. Authorizes appropriations. Chapter 2: Additional Sanctions - Directs the President to impose additional sanctions against South Africa if within 18 months after enactment of this Act the President has not submitted to the Congress a certification that South Africa has made substantial progress towards: (1) implementing measures to assure that all South Africans may participate in the political, economic, and social life of that country; (2) freeing all political prisoners; and (3) implementing fair labor practices in both the public and private sectors. Requires the additional sanctions to take effect 60 days after the President submits such certification to the Congress unless within that 60-day period a joint resolution is enacted approving the President's certification. Declares as additional sanctions: (1) the prohibition of an honorary consular officer from South Africa; (2) the denial of foreign tax credits and deductions; and (3) the prohibition of landing rights for South African air carriers except in emergencies. Requires, within four years of enactment of this Act, the divestiture of South African investments by U.S. persons and the expulsion of the South African diplomatic mission to the United States, unless before the end of three years after enactment of this Act the President submits to the Congress the certification relating to progress in the rights of South Africans and, within 60 days of its submission to the Congress, a joint resolution is enacted approving the President's certification. Provides for expedited congressional consideration of such a joint resolution. Directs the President to take appropriate steps to seek the cooperation of South Africa in attaining the objectives of: (1) protecting the rights of all South Africans; (2) freeing all political prisoners; and (3) implementing fair labor practices. Terminates any sanctions imposed pursuant to this Act after the enactment of a joint resolution approving the President's certification. Directs the President to prohibit imports of articles of a foreign person into the United States if, after a U.S. person divests itself of his South African investments, such foreign person invests in the same or a comparable South African market and the President determines that such foreign person's investments were made as a result of the U.S. person's divestiture. Chapter 3: General Provisions - Authorizes the President to issue regulations to carry out this Act. Provides for enforcement of this Act. Sets forth penalties for violations of this Act. Makes this Act applicable to attempts to evade this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1985
Directs the Secretary of Education to establish a grant program to assist local educational agencies to establish and operate teenage suicide prevention programs. Sets forth grant application and program requirements. Limits the amount of any such grant to no more than $100,000 in any fiscal year. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 through 1988.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1985
Amends the Tariff Schedules of the United States to prohibit the importation into the United States of certain articles of uranium and coal from the Republic of South Africa or Namibia.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1985
Liberty Double-Eagle Bullion Coin Act - Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue gold double-eagle coins. Sets forth specifications for and the design of such coins. Makes such coins legal tender. Permits the sale of such coins at a price equal to the cost of minting and issuing such coins plus a surcharge equal to the amount by which the fair market value of gold bullion held by the United States and used in the minting of the coins exceeds the statutory maximum value of any gold certificates outstanding against the bullion. Requires the revenue from such surcharges to be used to reduce the national debt. Authorizes appropriations.
![Official portrait of Rep. Hayes, Charles A. [D-IL-1]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/h000388_200.jpg)