United States · United States Congress · 30 October 1985
Designates 1986 as Save for the U.S.A. Year. Requests the President to initiate a nationwide campaign, to be known as the Buy Back America campaign, to encourage the people of the United States to buy U.S. savings bonds and certificates and thereby reduce borrowings from foreign sources. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to enhance the marketability of such bonds and certificates.
United States · United States Congress · 24 October 1985
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the United States: (1) should not sell advanced weapons to Jordan; (2) should ensure that Israel retains its qualitative military edge in the Middle East; and (3) should focus its efforts on bringing Jordan into direct peace negotiations with Israel.
United States · United States Congress · 24 October 1985
Declares that the House, in an effort to bring about an end to the human rights abuses committed by the Soviet Union against the Afghanistan people, supports the President's intent to discuss such concerns with the Soviet Union and calls upon him to reiterate the U.S. desire to achieve a negotiated political settlement that is agreeable to all parties in Afghanistan (including the complete withdrawal of foreign troops, the restoration of an independent and sovereign Afghanistan, and the safe return of Afghan refugees).
United States · United States Congress · 16 October 1985
Declares that the Congress: (1) condemns the hijacking of the Achille Lauro and the murder of Leon Klinghoffer; (2) commends the President and others who assisted in the apprehension of the perpetrators of such hijacking and murder; and (3) calls on all governments having jurisdiction over such matter to ensure that the individuals responsible for such hijacking and murder are prosecuted and punished. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should convene an international meeting to determine the steps which must be taken to rid the world of hijacking and the taking of hostages.
United States · United States Congress · 11 October 1985
Commends the President for his decision to order the interception of the Egyptian airliner that was transporting the terrorists who hijacked the Achille Lauro and killed Leon Klinghoffer. Encourages the President to continue to pressure the Government of Italy to extradite those terrorists to the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 10 October 1985
States that a person shall be considered an American national if such person completes 15 years of lawful continuous residence in the United States or American Samoa, and one of his or her parents was a national of the United States and a resident of the United States or American Samoa at the time of that person's birth.
United States · United States Congress · 10 October 1985
Declares that the Congress calls upon the President to direct the Agency for International Development (AID) to work in a global effort to provide support toward achieving the goal of universal access to childhood immunization by the year 1990. Sets forth specified actions to be taken by AID, in conjunction with the World Health Organization and UNICEF, in reaching such goal. Urges the President to seek both private and public assistance in the United States to achieve universal access to childhood immunization.
United States · United States Congress · 10 October 1985
Declares that the Congress: (1) condemns the Government of the Soviet Union for the killing of Charles Thornton (an American journalist in Afghanistan) in violation of Protocol I (a treaty relating to the protection of victims of international armed conflict); and (2) calls upon such government to abide by the terms of such treaty, including provisions that protect journalists working in areas subject to armed conflict.
United States · United States Congress · 8 October 1985
Establishes the United States Commission on Improving the Effectiveness of the United Nations to examine and evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the United Nations and to submit to the President recommendations on ways to improve its effectiveness and the role of the United States in such organization. Sets forth specified items which the Commission should focus on in carrying out its duties. Requires the Commission to transmit to the President and to the Congress a report containing a detailed statement of its findings, conclusions, and recommendations. Authorizes appropriations and private contributions for the Commission. Terminates the Commission 60 days after the submission of its report.
United States · United States Congress · 8 October 1985
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should raise with the Soviet Union, at the November 1985 summit in Geneva, Switzerland, the matter of Poland's suppression of speech and political activity, and that by so doing the President raises and defends the principles of human rights as embodied in the Helsinki Accords.
United States · United States Congress · 7 October 1985
Declares that the Congress deplores the President's notification to the U.N. Secretary General that the United States is withdrawing from the compulsory jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice, and reaffirms its support for the international rule of law and the role of the Court.
United States · United States Congress · 3 October 1985
Comprehensive Smokeless Tobacco Health Risk Education Act - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop educational programs and materials and public service announcements on the dangers to human health from the use of smokeless tobacco and to make such programs, materials, and announcements available to States, local governments, and school systems. Permits the Secretary to make grants to States to assist in the development and distribution of educational programs, materials, and public service announcements on the dangers to human health from the use of smokeless tobacco and to establish 21 as the minimum age for purchasing smokeless tobacco. Requires specified warning labels on all smokeless tobacco products and advertisements. Directs the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to promulgate regulations to implement this Act. Imposes a ban on smokeless tobacco advertising on any medium of electronic communication subject to the jurisdiction of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), effective January 11, 1986. Grants district courts of the United States jurisdiction and injunctive powers to prevent and restrain violations of this Act. Directs the FTC to report to the Congress annually on the use and health effects of smokeless tobacco products. Directs the FCC to report to the Congress annually on the sales and advertising and marketing practices associated with smokeless tobacco products.
United States · United States Congress · 3 October 1985
Federal Government Easy Access Act - Requires Federal agency correspondence outside the executive branch to include the name, phone number, and mailing address of individuals to whom responses and inquiries may be made.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1985
Social Security Budget and Administrative Reorganization Act of 1985 - Title I: Establishment of the Social Security Administration - Amends title VII (Administration) of the Social Security Act to establish as an independent executive agency a Social Security Administration, headed by a Social Security Board. Provides that it shall be the duty of the Administration to administer the programs established by titles II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) and XVI (Supplemental Security Income) of the Social Security Act. Requires the Board to study and make recommendations as to the most effective methods of providing economic security through social insurance and as to legislation and matters of administrative policy. Establishes in the Administration: (1) a Commissioner of Social Security; (2) a Deputy Commissioner of Social Security; (3) a General Counsel; (4) an Inspector General; and (5) an Office of the Beneficiary Ombudsman, to be headed by a Beneficiary Ombudsman who shall represent the interests of beneficiaries under the Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance program and the Supplemental Security Income Program within the Administration. Requires the annual report of the Board to include a description of the activities of the Beneficiary Ombudsman. Requires the Board to make annual budgetary recommendations relating to the Administration. Requires that appropriations requests by the Administration for staffing and personnel be based upon a comprehensive workforce plan as established by the Board. Provides for the apportionment of administrative costs. Requires the annual report of the Board to include a section reflecting the use of budget authority provided to the Administration. Requires that authority for automated data processing procurement and facilities construction be provided in the form of contract authority covering the total cost of such acquisitions. Makes amounts needed for the liquidation of contract authority so provided available from the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund to the extent that such amounts are not needed to meet current obligations for benefit payments. Requires the Board and the Director of the Office of Personnel Management to implement demonstration projects relating to personnel matters. Directs the Board and the Administrator of General Services to implement such projects relating to delegations from the Administrator. Specifies the authorities which are to be delegated to the Board from the Administrator and the Director. Requires the Comptroller General to report to specified congressional committees concerning such projects, including an evaluation of the Board's readiness to assume full and permanent authority. Requires the Board to cause a seal of office to be made and judicial notice taken thereof. Provides for the transfer to the Administration of all functions carried out by the Secretary of Health and Human Services with respect to the programs and activities to be carried out by the Administration under this Act. Abolishes the position of Commissioner of Social Security in the Department of Health and Human Services. Sets forth effective date and transitional rule provisions. Title II: Conforming Amendments and Rules of Construction - Requires the Secretary and the Board to report to Congress within 120 days after the beginning of each regular session on their administration under this Act. Requires the Secretary to study and make recommendations on the most effective methods of providing economic security and on the administrative policy for the programs which he or she administers. Directs the Board to appoint, quadrennially, an Advisory Council on the Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance program and an Advisory Council on Health and Supplementary Medical Insurance to review the relation of the trust funds supporting the Old-Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance program and the Medicare program and the long-term commitments of those programs. Requires each council to submit a report to the Board for transmittal to the Congress and the Board of Trustees of each Trust Fund. Sets forth the effective dates of this title. Title III: Budgetary Treatment of Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance Program - Provides for off-budget treatment of the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund beginning with FY 1987.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1985
Child Health Incentives Reform Plan - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to deny employers an income tax deduction for group health plan expenses unless such plan includes coverage for pediatric preventive health care. Defines "pediatric preventive health care" for purposes of qualification for such income tax deduction.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1985
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should: (1) purchase petroleum from Mexico for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) by using the total amount in the SPR Petroleum Account that is available for petroleum products acquisition; and (2) submit a plan to the Congress for a $1,500,000,000 loan to Mexico to be repaid, with interest, with petroleum for the SPR. Urges such a plan to offset in the Federal budget the amount of the loan outlay by reducing certain Department of Defense expenditures.
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 1985
Simultaneous Nuclear Test-Ban Act - Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President, before January 1, 1986, should declare that the United States will stop testing nuclear warheads and will invite the Soviet Union to meet with the United States to enter into negotiations for the conclusion of a Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty at the earliest possible date. Declares that the United States should continue the cessation of the testing of nuclear warheads so long as the Soviet Union refrains from the testing of nuclear warheads and substantive Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty negotiations are in progress. Expresses the sense of the Congress that during such cessation the President should seek resumption of the comprehensive test ban talks between the United States, Great Britain, and the Soviet Union. Prohibits the United States from obligating or spending any money for testing nuclear warheads during the six-month period beginning on January 1, 1986, if the President does not declare such a cessation of nuclear testing. Authorizes such spending if the President certifies to the Congress that the Soviet Union on or after January 1, 1986, tested a nuclear warhead. Requires the President to include in any such certification: (1) an unclassified report summarizing the basis for the certification; and (2) a classified report describing the Soviet activities that are the basis for the certification. Requires the President to report annually to the Congress on: (1) the progress in nuclear arms control negotiations with the Soviet Union; and (2) whether the President believes that continuation of the cessation of nuclear testing is in the U.S. national security interest.
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 1985
Suisun Marsh Preservation and Restoration Act of 1985 - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to execute and implement the cooperative agreement with the State of California and the Suisun Resources Conservation District entitled "Suisun Marsh Preservation Agreement" (dated August 29, 1985).
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 1985
Bicentennial of the Constitution Coins and Medals Act - Title I: Bicentennial of the United States Constitution Commemorative Coins - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to issue a specified number of five dollar gold coins and one dollar silver coins emblematic of the Bicentennial of the U.S. Constitution. Sets forth certain features of such coins and provides for their sale and issuance. Terminates the minting of such coins after December 31, 1987. Requires the Secretary to deposit in the Treasury all surcharges received from sale of such coins, to be used to reduce the national debt. Title II: Bicentennial of the United States Constitution Commemorative Medals - Directs the Secretary to strike and deliver to the Commission on the Bicentennial of the United States Constitution a specified number of gold, silver, and bronze medals commemorating the Bicentennial. Authorizes the Commission to dispose of such medals at a premium. Terminates the striking of such medals after December 31, 1987.
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 1985
Commends U.S. financial institutions for recognizing the economic instability inherent in the system of apartheid. Urges such institutions to continue calling in loans to South African borrowers as they come due.
United States · United States Congress · 20 September 1985
Narcotics Control Trade Act - Directs the President to designate a country an uncooperative drug source nation if during any fiscal year beginning after September 30, 1985, such country: (1) was a source of any illicit narcotic and psychotropic drugs or other controlled substances that is significantly affecting the United States; and (2) did not cooperate with the United States in preventing such drugs and substances from affecting the United States by taking specified actions. Directs the President to report to the Congress the name of each such country. Denies the products of each such country most-favored-nation treatment until the President notifies the Congress that such country has made significant progress and will continue to make progress in remedying those policies on which an uncooperative drug source nation designation was based.
United States · United States Congress · 20 September 1985
Extends the sympathy of the United States to Mexico on the earthquake tragedy. Declares that: (1) the President should provide appropriate relief and rehabilitation assistance to prevent further suffering and safeguard the public health; and (2) the United States is prepared to cooperate with Mexico in long term efforts to recover from the effects of the earthquake.
United States · United States Congress · 20 September 1985
Requests the President to resubmit the proposed Agreement for Cooperation with China to the Congress, together with a formal exemption from the safeguard and non-alteration requirements of transferred nuclear materials under the Atomic Energy Act of 1954.
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 1985
California Outer Continental Shelf Protection and Development Act - Permits oil and gas leasing under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act for specified submerged lands of the California Outer Continental Shelf. Requires such activities to be carried out in a manner which minimizes their environmental, economic, and social impacts. Authorizes the conduct of one Continental Off-Structure Stratigraphic Test in specified areas. Permits exploration or development activities on specified lands only under emergency conditions of a severe energy supply interruption. Terminates such activities unless the President renews his findings of emergency conditions. Terminates this Act after 1999.
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 1985
Methanol Energy Policy Act of 1985 - Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to direct the Secretary of Energy (the Secretary) to: (1) ensure that of the total number of passenger automobiles and light duty trucks acquired for Federal use during FY 1987 through 1990, at least 5,000 shall be methanol-powered vehicles; and (2) conduct studies related to methanol-powered vehicles in cooperation with the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (the Administrator). Sets guidelines for such studies. Requires that methanol be offered for sale to the public at locations where Federal vehicles are supplied with methanol. Terminates such requirement as of September 30, 1990. Requires the Secretary to provide methanol-powered vehicles to any requesting Federal agency. Requires such agencies to cooperate with the Secretary in studies about such vehicles. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress regarding the Federal use of methanol-powered vehicles. Exempts such vehicles from: (1) inclusion in any Fleet Average Fuel Economy calculation under specified law; and (2) any limitation on the maximum cost of individual vehicles obtained by the United States. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1987 through FY 1990. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish a demonstration program for the operation of methanol-fueled diesel trucks on a long-haul, high density interstate truck route; and (2) report to the Congress regarding such program. Authorizes appropriations for such program for FY 1987 through FY 1990. Requires the Administrator to: (1) purchase a minimum of five methanol-powered buses during FY 1987 for use in urban settings to determine emissions and fuel economy tests; and (2) report to the Congress regarding such tests. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1987 through FY 1990. Requires any State which receives Federal mass transportation assistance after January 1, 1991, for the acquisition of motor vehicles transporting 30 or more persons in a nonattainment area to acquire methanol-powered buses with such assistance. Directs the Secretary to provide such States with supplemental grants to cover the amount by which methanol-powered buses exceed the costs of comparable diesel-powered buses. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1991 through FY 1993. Establishes the Interagency Commission on Methanol to develop and coordinate implementation of a national methanol energy policy. Requires the Commission to: (1) perform various studies with respect to the production, use, and promotion of methanol as a fuel; (2) develop a plan for the commercialization of methanol; (3) develop a public-awareness program on methanol as a transportation fuel; (4) coordinate Federal efforts with respect to methanol research and commercialization; and (5) ensure communication between Federal agencies involved in methanol demonstration projects and establish an information clearinghouse for parties working with or interested in methanol and related projects. Requires the Chairman of the Commission to establish a private sector advisory panel to inform the Commission about methanol-related matters. Sets forth reporting requirements which apply to the Commission. Terminates the Commission upon the submission of its last report. Directs the Secretary to report to the Congress regarding a study of the comparative costs of methanol based on natural gas, coal, and other resources. Sets guidelines for such study. Directs the Administrator to prepare a comprehensive air quality and health study regarding specified aspects of methanol as a transportation fuel compared to existing gasoline and diesel fuels. Authorizes appropriations for both studies. Amends the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act to set fuel economy determinations for methanol-powered automobiles. Requires all passenger automobiles and light-duty trucks acquired by the United States after October 1, 1986, to be suitable for operation on all fuels for which Environmental Protection Agency waivers are in effect.
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 1985
Education Technology Act - Title I: Evaluations, Dissemination, and Instructional Models - Directs the National Institute of Education (NIE) and the National Science Foundation (NSF) to jointly: (1) evaluate available computer hardware and software in terms of its usefulness in the classroom; and (2) disseminate the results of such evaluation to State and local educational agencies (SEAs and LEAs). Requires, where appropriate, such evaluation to include assessment of the usefulness of computer hardware and software to serve the special needs of certain special populations described under title II of this Act and of the extent to which the software promotes computer use by students of both sexes. Directs NIE and NSF to carry out such evaluation and dissemination functions under grants to or contracts with non-Federal agencies and private nonprofit institutions or organizations. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 through 1995 to NSF and NIE for such purpose. Directs NSF to conduct, assist, and foster research and experimentation on, and dissemination of, models of instruction in the operation and use of computers, educational computer software, and curriculum materials. Requires that this be done through grants to or contracts with professional educational, scientific, or engineering organizations, science museums, regional science education centers, public television, SEAs and LEAs, and institutions of higher education, including community colleges. Directs the NSF, in selecting such entities for such grants or contracts, to give priority to those proposals involving specified types of programs (including, among others, programs involving computer libraries, networks, personal microcomputers, or video disc systems). Permits funds available under such grants or contracts to be used to acquire computer hardware and software and manuals for its use. Requires the NSF Director to: (1) report to the Congress annually on the results of such research and experimentation; and (2) in conjunction with NIE, take steps necessary to disseminate information concerning such results to SEAs and LEAs. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 through 1995 for such purposes. Subjects the authority to enter into contracts for such purposes to the availability of appropriations therefor. Title II: Teacher Training Institutes - Directs the NSF, with the cooperation of Federal and other appropriate agencies, to arrange for the development and operation of short-term or regular session institutes for advanced study to improve the qualifications of individuals who teach the operation and use of new and evolving technologies (or individuals who are preparing to do such teaching, or who supervise or train such teachers). Requires that this be done through grants to or contracts with the types of entities described under the provisions for research and experimentation in computer instructional models under title I of this Act. Sets forth provisions relating to special populations (as referred to under title I of this Act). Directs NSF, in making such teacher training grants or contracts, to give special consideration to institutes training teachers (or their supervisors or trainers) who are serving or preparing to serve in elementary and secondary schools enrolling substantial numbers of culturally, economically, socially, and educationally handicapped youth or in programs for children of limited English language proficiency. Requires training program applications to indicate that a portion of the funds will be used to instruct enrollees in methods to ensure equal access to and the use of the computer by students from underserved groups, including female students. Makes individuals who attend such teacher training institutes eligible to receive stipends. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 through 1995 to carry out this title. Title III: Acquisition of Computer Hardware - Directs the Secretary of Education to allocate assistance from funds under this title to LEAs for the acquisition of computer hardware for use in school classrooms. Directs the Secretary to allocate to SEAs, from five percent of the funds under this title, assistance for monitoring and enforcement. Bases the allocation to LEAs on the number of children aged five to 17 in their school districts, but reduces such allocations to the extent that such assistance has been or would be in excess of the amount necessary to acquire one unit of computer hardware for each 30 children in average daily attendance at an LEA's schools. Sets forth required contents of LEA applications for such assistance. Sets forth requirements relating to SEA approval of such applications. Sets forth State responsibilities, including State applications relating to such assistance, SEA hearings before final disapproval of any LEA application, general administrative responsibilities, and SEA reports to the Secretary. Sets forth requirements relating to the participation of children from private schools. Requires LEAs to provide for such participation, but allows the Secretary to waive such requirement and arrange for provision of such assistance directly, under specified conditions. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 through 1988 to carry out this title.
United States · United States Congress · 11 September 1985
Trade Reorganization Act of 1985 - Title I: General Provisions - Sets forth the congressional findings and purposes of this Act. Title II: Department of Commerce and Trade - Establishes the Department of Commerce and Trade to be administered by the Secretary of Commerce and Trade (the Secretary). Sets forth the functions of the Secretary including: (1) exercising responsibility for international trade matters, except for responsibilities delegated to the Secretary of Agriculture; (2) analyzing economic and sectoral trends; (3) developing and implementing commercial policies to expand U.S. business and employment opportunities; (4) promoting new opportunities for U.S. products and services to compete in the world marketplace; (5) assisting small businesses in developing export markets; and (6) administering U.S. laws relating to trade. Requires the Secretary to be Deputy Chair of the National Advisory Council on International Monetary and Financial Policies. Directs the Secretary to consult with the Secretary of Agriculture on all matters which potentially involve international trade in agricultural products. Authorizes the Secretary to assign the head of a Federal agency the responsibility for an international trade negotiation if the subject of the negotiation is related to the functions of the agency. Provides for three Deputy Secretaries of Commerce and Trade and two Under Secretaries of Commerce and Trade. Limits the number of Assistant Secretaries of Commerce and Trade to eight. Provides for a General Counsel, Inspector General, Chief Negotiator for Textile Matters, Director General of the United States and Foreign Commercial Service, and Agricultural Adviser. Sets forth their functions. Transfers to the Secretary: (1) all functions of the U.S. Trade Representative and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative; and (2) specified functions of the Department of Commerce. Sets forth administrative provisions governing the Department of Commerce and Trade. Provides for delegation of the Secretary's authority and succession of officers of the Department of Commerce and Trade. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) reorganize the Department, under certain conditions; (2) prescribe regulations; (3) establish a working capital fund; (4) transfer funds, subject to certain limitations, within the Department; (5) make contracts and payments; (6) accept gifts and bequests, under certain circumstances; and (7) issue publications. Provides for: (1) the Secretary's use of public and private resources; (2) departmental field offices; and (3) travel expenses. Authorizes other entities to use the resources of the Department under certain conditions. Directs the Secretary to report annually to the President on the activities of the Department. Establishes in the Executive Office of the President an Office of the Assistant to the President for International Trade who shall provide the President with policy options on international trade matters and, in cooperation with the Trade Policy Committee, coordinate those policies and activities affecting international trade that are carried out by Federal agencies. Amends the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 to establish in the Executive Office of the President a Trade Policy Committee to assist the President in carrying out certain trade functions. Directs the Trade Policy Committee to pay particular attention to expanding the responsibilities of the Department of Agriculture in matters affecting international trade. Sets forth the membership of the Trade Policy Committee. Amends the Export-Import Bank Act of 1945 to change the membership of the Board of Directors of the Export-Import Bank to include a Deputy Secretary of the Department of Commerce and Trade. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to give the Secretary authority to give policy guidance to the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC). Directs OPIC to carry out a specified trade development program. Makes an Under Secretary of Commerce and Trade the Vice Chairman of OPIC's Board of Directors, ex officio. Amends the Bretton Woods Agreement Act to direct the U.S. executive director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to consult with the Secretary on matters under consideration by the IMF which relate to trade. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture, with respect to agricultural trade matters, to: (1) report directly to the President and the Congress; (2) keep the advisers to U.S. delegations to trade conferences informed on U.S. negotiating objectives, the status of negotiations, and the nature of any recommended changes in domestic law or regulations; and (3) consult with State and local governments and other interested parties concerning international agricultural trade matters. Makes certain technical and conforming amendments, repeals certain authority and makes certain terminations. Title III: Transitional, Savings and Conforming Provisions - Makes certain transitional, savings, and conforming amendments. Title IV: Miscellaneous - Sets forth definitions and effective dates. Provides for interim appointments and compliance with the budget. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 1985
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that the tax treatment of loans with below market interest rates (i.e. the imputed interest rules) shall not apply to any obligation issued by the State of Israel.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1985
Racketeer Weapons and Violent Crime Control Act of 1985 - Amends the Gun Control Act to define "handgun" as a firearm which has a short stock and is designed to be held and fired by the use of a single hand. Imposes a waiting period of up to 15 days for a record check before a handgun purchaser is able to obtain possession of a handgun. Requires the licensed importer, manufacturer, or dealer to mail the appropriate form to the chief law enforcement officer of the place of residence of the purchaser notifying the chief of the proposed sale. Requires such chief to perform a record check. Directs the licensee to notify the Federal Bureau of Investigation to allow it to examine Federal criminal records. Establishes a procedure to notify authorities if a handgun has been purchased by someone subsequently found to be unqualified if the licensee receives this disqualifying information after the transfer has occurred. Prohibits the transfer and possession of machine guns. Enables a person to dispose of an unwanted legally registered machine gun by selling it to the Secretary of the Treasury. Makes such prohibition inapplicable to certain lawfully registered machine guns. Prohibits the transfer and possession of silencers. Authorized the Secretary to to buy any registered silencers. Permits gun sales at certain gun shows. Revises the criteria reviewed by the Secretary in approving applications for licenses. Grants the Secretary authority to suspend rather than to revoke a license. Eliminates the record-keeping requirements for licensed collectors with respect to transfer of curios to other licensed collectors. Exempts from record-keeping requirements the sale of ammunition in quantities of less than 1,000 rounds. Allows individuals who have violated the Gun Control Act or the National Firearms Act to apply for relief from the legal disabilities imposed by such statutes. Allows persons formerly found incompetent to lawfully receive and possess firearms when it is found that such possession would not pose a danger to the individual or the safety of the community. Increases the annual license fee for licensed firearm dealers, pawnbrokers, importers, and manufacturers. Establishes the Firearms Compliance Fund with the money received from the licensing fees. Allows the fund to be used for grants to States and local agencies to provide assistance in enforcing gun control or the firearm safety program. Makes a technical correction with regard to the receipt of firearms by a drug addict.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1985
Overseas Private Investment Corporation Amendments Act of 1985 - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to change the per capita income requirements for countries receiving Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) projects and investments from 1979 dollars to 1983 dollars. Requires OPIC, in determining whether to provide insurance, financing, or reinsurance for a project, to ensure that the project is consistent with the provisions of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 relating to the environment and natural resources of, and biological diversity in, developing countries. Requires OPIC to refuse to insure, reinsure, guarantee, or finance any investment in connection with a project that will pose an unreasonable or major environmental, health, or safety hazard or will result in significant degradation of protected areas. Authorizes OPIC to insure, reinsure, guarantee, or finance a project only if the country in which the project is undertaken is taking steps to extend internationally recognized worker rights to workers in that country. Provides for annual hearings on such questions. Authorizes OPIC to insure against loss due to business interruption caused by: (1) inability to convert into U.S. dollars other currencies; (2) an act of expropriation or confiscation by a foreign government; and (3) war, revolution, insurrection, or civil strife. Requires OPIC before issuing insurance for the first time for loss due to business interruption to submit to the Congress an explanation of the underwriting basis upon which the insurance is to be offered. Increases the percentage of the maximum contingent liability of OPIC's investment guaranties that may be issued to a single investor. Authorizes OPIC to enter into pooling or other risk-sharing arrangements with multilateral insurance or financing agencies or groups of such agencies. Directs OPIC to establish, within one year of enactment of this Act, a pilot program of facultative insurance providing reinsurance for insurers who issue insurance for new investments by eligible investors in excess of limits which OPIC would otherwise normally apply for its exposure to such investments. Limits OPIC's exposure under such program. Directs OPIC to establish a group to advise OPIC on the development and implementation of the program of facultative reinsurance. Requires OPIC to report to the Congress within 18 months of enactment of this Act on the implementation of the facultative reinsurance program. Extends OPIC's authority to issue investment insurance through September 30, 1989. Authorizes OPIC to determine the basis for computing loss due to business interruption. Directs OPIC, before finally providing insurance, guarantees, or financing for any environmentally sensitive investment, to notify the country where the investment project is located of: (1) certain guidelines relating to the public health or safety or the environment which are applicable to the project; and (2) any U.S. health, safety, or environmental restrictions that would apply to the project if the project were undertaken in the United States. Provides for an independent audit of OPIC at least once every three years. Makes certain requirements relating to environmental impact statements and assessments applicable to any investment which OPIC insures, reinsurers, guarantees, or finances. Exempts OPIC from all taxation. Directs OPIC to publish and make available to applicants for OPIC assistance OPIC's policy guidelines. Deletes the provision requiring OPIC to return to the Treasury funds appropriated to OPIC before January 1, 1975. Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit the use of the words "Overseas Private Investment," "Overseas Private Investment Corporation," or "OPIC" as part of a private business.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1985
Higher Education Disclosure Act - Requires any institution of higher education which is a direct or indirect recipient of Federal financial assistance to disclose grants from or contracts with a foreign source when such grants and contracts total over $100,000 during any 12-month period. Sets forth procedures and requirements relating to the contents of such disclosure reports to the Secretary of Education. Makes such reports accessible to the public. Allows civil actions to be brought to request restraining orders or injunctions commanding compliance with the requirements of this Act. Requires institutions which knowingly or willfully fail to comply with such requirements to pay the full costs to the United States of obtaining compliance, including all associated costs of investigation and enforcement. Authorizes the Secretary of Education to promulgate regulations to carry out the ministerial duties imposed by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1985
Law Enforcement Officers Protection Act of 1985 - Amends the Federal criminal code to define "armor-piercing ammunition." Excludes from the definition: (1) shotgun shot composed in order to comply with Federal or State law; (2) frangible projectiles for target shooting; (3) ammunition containing frangible projectiles; and (4) any ammunition or projectiles which the Secretary of the Treasury determines are primarily intended for sporting purposes. Makes it unlawful for any person to manufacture or import armor-piercing ammunition. Allows: (1) the manufacture or importation of armor-piercing ammunition for the use of the United States or any State or local government; (2) manufacture for the sole purpose of exportation; or (3) manufacture or importation for the purposes of testing and experimentation authorized by the Secretary. Establishes a licensing fee of $1,000 per year for manufacturers and importers of armor piercing ammunition. Authorizes the Secretary to revoke a license from a dealer for violating this Act. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to promulgate regulations allowing for special marking on armor-piercing communication and packaging. Establishes an additional mandatory sentence for any person who during and in relation to the commission of a violent crime carries a firearm and is in possession of armor-piercing ammunition capable of being fired by such firearm.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1985
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the President should inform Japan that the cost of the U.S. defense commitment to Japan and the unfair trade practices of Japan threaten the U.S. economy. Provides that in order for Japan to retain access to U.S. markets it should assume a fair share of the cost of its defense and allow free and fair access to its markets.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1985
Comprehensive Nuclear Weapons Freeze and Arms Reduction Act of 1985 - Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should immediately invite the Soviet Union to enter into negotiations with the United States which seek an agreement on a comprehensive freeze (a bilateral and adequately verifiable halt by the United States and the Soviet Union in all testing, production, and deployment of nuclear weapons systems). Declares the President should inform the Soviet Union of the U.S. intention to engage in a bilateral halt in the testing, production, and deployment of nuclear weapons systems. Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) both during and after negotiations for a comprehensive freeze the President should pursue reductions in nuclear arsenals; and (2) a comprehensive freeze is entirely consistent with, and an essential part of mutual stabilizing reductions in nuclear forces. Requires both the Senate and the House Intelligence Committees to begin oversight hearings on verification procedures for the comprehensive freeze. Sets forth which committees and subcommittees may have members participate in such hearings. Requires the Intelligence Committees to report to their respective Houses within six months of enactment of this Act on the adequacy of U.S. monitoring systems and existing procedures for verifying Soviet compliance with the comprehensive freeze. Requires the reports to include: (1) an assessment of the nature and extent of Soviet activities and installations involved in the testing, production, and deployment of nuclear weapons systems; (2) an assessment of current U.S. capabilities to monitor threatening changes in the status of Soviet nuclear forces under the comprehensive freeze; and (3) an assessment of additional monitoring systems and cooperative procedures that may be needed to increase monitoring confidence of compliance. Requires the Director of the U.S. Arms Control and Disarmament Agency to begin preparing an operational plan for implementation of the comprehensive freeze. Requires the Director to report to the Congress on the plan within nine months of enactment of this Act. Requires the report to specify: (1) procedures for the cessation of activities and closure or conversion of facilities affected by the comprehensive freeze; (2) a program for the retraining and re-employment of Government and defense industry personnel directly affected by the termination of nuclear weapons-related activities; and (3) a program of economic adjustment assistance for adversely affected communities. Directs the President to submit semi-annual reports to the Congress on: (1) the status of U.S. and Soviet negotiation efforts; (2) Soviet military activities relating to the testing, production, and deployment of nuclear weapons systems; and (3) any uncertainties concerning verification of the comprehensive freeze, the status of efforts to reduce those uncertainties, and the national security implications of those uncertainties. Imposes the following restrictions on nuclear testing, deployment, and production only if the Soviet Union, within a specified time, informs the President that the Soviet Union will observe a bilateral halt in the testing, production, and deployment of nuclear weapons systems. Prohibits obligating or spending appropriations for testing, producing, or deploying nuclear weapons systems, unless the Congress expressly provides otherwise. Allows the testing and deployment of specified nuclear missiles for a limited time. Sets forth the effective dates of such restrictions. Authorizes the President to request the Congress to remove the funding restrictions on the testing, production, and deployment of nuclear weapons systems only if the President certifies to the Congress that: (1) the Soviet Union has failed to demonstrate a restraint with respect to nuclear weapons systems which corresponds to the restraint being shown by the United States; or (2) continuation of the funding restrictions would cause significant and irreparable damage to U.S. national security. Provides for expedited congressional consideration of such a request by the President.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1985
Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to direct the Federal Communications Commission to: (1) establish regulations necessary to ensure access (currently, reasonable access) to telephone service by persons with impaired hearing; and (2) require that all telephones (currently, essential telephones) provide internal means for effective use with hearing aids specially designed for telephone use. Repeals a provision directing the Commission to consider the costs and benefits to all telephone users when making rules concerning telephone service for the disabled.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1985
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the United States should reaffirm its commitment to the principles expressed in section seven of the Helsinki Accords; and (2) the President should urge Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev to reaffirm the Soviet Union's commitment to such principles.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 1985
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that the amount of a qualified artistic charitable contribution shall be the fair market value of the property contributed (determined at the time of such contribution). Defines "qualified artistic charitable contribution" as the contribution of any literary, music, artistic, or scholarly composition, any letter or memorandum, or similar property, but only if: (1) such property was created by the personal efforts of the taxpayer making such contribution no less than one year prior to such contribution; (2) there is a written appraisal of the fair market value of the property included with the tax return; and (3) the use of such property by the donee is related to the purpose or function constituting the basis for the donee's tax exemption. Limits the amount of the qualified artistic charitable contributions for any taxable year to the artistic adjusted gross income for the taxpayer for such taxable year. Defines "artistic adjusted gross income." Prohibits public officials from taking a deduction for donation of their papers if the papers were produced while the officials were officers or employees of the United States or any State, or if the papers were created out of the performance of any duties as officers or employees of the government. Provides that alternative tax itemized deductions shall be determined without regard to the deduction for qualified artistic charitable contributions.
![Official portrait of Rep. Levine, Mel [D-CA-27]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/l000264_200.jpg)