The world's political record
Person
![Official portrait of Rep. Levine, Mel [D-CA-27]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/l000264_200.jpg)
United States · Official source
2,574 records where Rep. Levine, Mel [D-CA-27] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 1985
Designates the week of December 15 through December 21, 1985, as National Drunk and Drugged Driving Awareness Week.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 1985
Expresses the Congress' concern about Doctor Yury Orlov and calls upon the Soviet Union to release him from exile and allow him and his wife to emigrate. Urges the President to instruct the Secretary of State to raise this issue with the Soviet Union and at specified forums.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1985
Confirms title in specified lands in California and Nevada which were transferred to such States by the Federal Government, conveyed by such States to third parties, and were determined in a border dispute resolution to be a part of a State other than the State which conveyed the title.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 1985
Designates the week of October 6 through October 13, 1985, as National Housing Week.
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 1985
Designates March 1986 as Music In Our Schools Month.
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 1985
Designates November 18, 1985, as Eugene Ormandy Appreciation Day.
United States · United States Congress · 18 July 1985
Authorizes the President, on behalf of the Congress, to present a gold medal to Aaron Copland in recognition of his contributions to American musical composition. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to provide for the sale of bronze duplicates of the medal. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 16 July 1985
Children's Justice Act - Amends the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make additional grants to States for developing, operating, or implementing programs for: (1) handling child abuse cases in a manner to reduce trauma to the child (especially in sexual abuse cases); (2) successful prosecution or legal action against child abusers; and (3) protection of children from abuse. Makes a State eligible for such assistance if it establishes a multidisciplinary task force and adopts reforms recommended by such task force. Requires the task force to be comprised of professionals experienced in the criminal justice system. Requires a State to adopt reforms recommended by the task force in each of the three stipulated categories or submit a detailed explanation of the reasons for not carrying out such recommendations. Requires the Secretary, through the National Center on Child Abuse and Neglect, to: (1) compile, publish, and disseminate evaluations of the approaches utilized with respect to the investigation and prosecution of child abuse cases; (2) develop and disseminate model training materials and procedures to help insure that law enforcement, legal, judicial, and child welfare personnel are adequately trained to deal with child abuse victims; and (3) provide for support of research projects to assist in identifying effective approaches to achieving successful investigation and prosecution of child sexual abuse cases. Directs the Secretary, within two years, to review and evaluate the effectiveness of the activities carried out with the funds made available under this Act and report the results to the Congress. Requires the evaluation to be made available to State officials within 180 days after enactment of this Act. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Attorney General, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, the Secretary of Education, and any other agency or department head designated by the President, to meet regularly to coordinate and prevent the overlap of programs that address child abuse. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to report to the Congress on the coordination of Federal programs. Requires the Attorney General to modify the classification system used by the National Crime Information Center in its Interstate Identification Index, and by the Identification Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in its Criminal File and its Uniform Crime Reporting System, with respect to offenses involving the sexual exploitation of children. Amends the Public Health Service Act with regard to the confidentiality of patient records to provide that nothing in such section shall supersede any State or local requirement for the reporting of incidents of suspected child abuse to authorities.
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 1985
Prohibits the importation of certain species of kangaroos and kangaroo products (currently allowed to be imported under an administrative exception to the Endangered Species Act of 1973 if in accordance with the management plans of Australian states).
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 1985
Controlled Substances Penalties Act of 1985 - Amends the Controlled Substances Act and the Controlled Substances Import and Export Act to increase the penalties for offenses involving: (1) a kilogram or more of cocaine; (2) two or more kilograms of any other narcotic drug in schedules I or II; (3) a kilogram or more of phencyclidine (PCP); or (4) 25 grams or more of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD). Provides for a fine of not more than $500,000 and/or imprisonment for not more than 30 years. Prohibits any person from being released on bail pending trial for or appeal with respect to an offense under such Act. Requires first offenders to serve at least one half of their sentences before they become eligible for parole. Makes second drug offenders subject to life imprisonment.
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 1985
Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to direct the President, in providing assistance to developing countries, to: (1) place a high priority on conservation and sustainable management of tropical forests; and (2) take certain steps (including engaging in dialogues on conserving forest resources and information exchanges with recipient countries, supporting projects and activities which offer alternatives to colonizing forests, supporting related training and research programs, helping to end destructive agricultural practices, and denying any assistance for certain activities harmful to the forests). Directs the President, whenever feasible, to accomplish the objectives of this Act through projects managed by private and voluntary and other nongovernmental organizations. Requires the annual report to the Congress on foreign aid programs to include a report on the implementation of this Act. Requires that each country plan prepared by the Agency for International Development include an analysis of actions necessary to achieve conservation and sustainable management of tropical forests and the extent such actions meet the needs identified.
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 1985
Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize appropriations to help developing countries protect and maintain wildlife habitats and develop sound wildlife management and plant conservation programs. Requires each country development strategy statement or other country plan prepared by the Agency for International Development (AID) to include a detailed plan to assist that country in the conservation of biological diversity. States that, whenever feasible, such protection, maintenance, management, and conservation activities shall be accomplished through projects managed by private and voluntary organizations and other nongovernmental organizations. Directs AID to allocate at least a specified sum for projects managed by such organizations. Directs the Administrator of AID to take certain steps, including: (1) cooperating with appropriate organizations; (2) looking to the World Conservation Strategy as an overall guide; (3) engaging in dialogues and exchanges of information with recipient countries which stress the importance of conserving biological diversity; (4) supporting training and education which improve the capacity of recipient countries to prevent loss of biological diversity; and (5) the denial of any assistance for actions which invade or significantly degrade national parks or similar protected areas. Requires the annual report to the Congress on foreign aid programs to include a report on implementation of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 1985
Amends the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Statute (RICO) to allow a civil action to be brought by a plaintiff only when the private suit rests on an injury caused by conduct that led to the defendant's conviction of one of the predicate offenses listed in the statute or of a criminal violation of RICO itself. Requires the plaintiff to bring such action within one year of the defendant's conviction.
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 1985
Comprehensive Smokeless Tobacco Education Act - Requires specified warning labels on all smokeless tobacco products and advertisements. Declares that the failure to comply with provisions of this Act shall be in violation of the Federal Trade Commission Act. Grants district courts of the United States jurisdiction and injunctive powers to prevent and restrain violations of this Act. Directs the Federal Trade Commission to promulgate regulations to implement this Act. Directs the Federal Trade Commission to report to the Congress annually on the use and health effects of smokeless tobacco products.
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 1985
Urges the President to begin talks with the Soviet Union aimed at creating a jointly administered U.S.-Soviet student exchange program. Sets forth certain aspects of such exchange program.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1985
Institutional Aid Act of 1985 - Amends title III (Institutional Aid) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) to revise institutional aid programs, especially in relation to the development needs of historically black colleges and universities and other institutions with large concentrations of minority, low-income students. Includes as eligible institutions, for purposes of the title III part A (Strengthening Institutions) grants program, any institution of higher education which meets specified requirements and which has an enrollment of which at least: (1) 20 percent are Mexican American, Puerto Rican, Cuban, or other Hispanic students, or combination thereof; (2) 60 percent American Indian, Alaska Native, or Aleut, or combination thereof; or (3) five percent Native Hawaiian, American Samoan, Micronesian, Guamian (Chamorro), or Northern Marianan, or any combination thereof. Establishes under title III part B, "Strengthening Historically Black Colleges and Universities" (which replaces the current part B, Aid to Institutions with Special Needs). Defines a "part B institution" as any historically black college or university that was established prior to 1964 and whose principal mission was, and is, the education of black Americans. Sets forth authorized uses for grants allotted to institutions under the part B program. Directs the Secretary of Education (the Secretary) to make allotments to part B institutions according to formulas based on number of: (1) Pell grant recipients; (2) graduates; and (3) graduates in attendance at graduate or professional schools in degree programs in disciplines in which blacks are underrepresented. Sets forth a special rule regarding allotments to Howard University or the University of the District of Columbia. Sets forth provisions for applications for part B grant allotments. Sets forth provisions for part B program grants to professional and graduate institutions. Directs the Secretary, subject to the availability of appropriations for such purpose, to award such grants to each of listed postgraduate institutions that the Secretary determines to be making a substantial contribution to the legal, medical, dental, veterinary, or other graduate education opportunities for black Americans. Prohibits any such grant in excess of $500,000 unless the postgraduate institution assures that 50 percent of the cost of the purposes for which the grant is made will be paid from non-Federal sources. Limits the duration of any such grant to five years. Provides that any one undergraduate or postgraduate institution may receive no more than two such five-year grants. Allows use of such grants for: (1) any of the authorized uses of part B allotment grants; (2) contribution development offices; and (3) institutional endowments. Sets forth application requirements. Provides that independent professional or graduate institutions eligible for such grants include: (1) Morehouse School of Medicine; (2) Meharry Medical School; (3) Charles R. Drew Postgraduate Medical School; (4) Atlanta University; and (5) Tuskegee Institute School of Veterinary Medicine. Sets forth reporting and audit requirements and penalties for misuse of funds. Revises title III part C (Challenge Grants for Institutions Eligible for Assistance Under Part A or Part B) to rename the "endowment grants" under such part "challenge grants." Makes technical and conforming amendments to eligibility requirements under such part. Reduces the maximum amount of any such part C challenge grant for FY 1985 through 1987. (Retains the current maximum for FY 1988 and succeeding fiscal years.) Establishes under title III a new part D, "Reservation for Hispanic, Native American, and Pacific Basin Institutions." (Redesignates the current part D as part E.) Directs the Secretary, from part A appropriations, to make available for use for the purpose of such part the greater of specified amounts or the following portions of such funds: (1) 20 percent for Hispanic institutions; (2) five percent for Native American, Native Alaskan, or Aleut institutions; and (3) five percent for institutions serving Native American Pacific Islanders, including Native Hawaiians residing in the Pacific Basin, including the State of Hawaii. Sets forth authorized uses of such part A funds which are reserved under the new part C. Revises the redesignated part E (General Provisions) under title III. Directs the Secretary to publish in the Federal Register all policies and procedures required to exercise the authority to approve applications for title III assistance. Prohibits any other criteria, policies, or procedure from being applicable for such purpose. Directs the Secretary to: (1) use the most recent and relevant data concerning the number and percentage of students receiving need-based assistance under title IV (Student Assistance) of HEA in making eligibility determinations under part A of title III; and (2) advance the base-year forward following each annual grant cycle. Requires the Secretary to waive specified part A institutional eligibility requirements (involving an institution's having a relatively high percentage of students receiving need-based assistance under title IV of HEA) in the case of an institution which is: (1) extensively subsidized by the State in which it is located and charges low or no tuition; (2) serving a substantial number of low- and middle-income students as a percentage of its total student population; (3) contributing substantially to increasing higher education opportunities for black Americans, Hispanic Americans, Native Americans, Native American Pacific Islanders, including Native Hawaiians, who are low-income individuals; or (4) substantially increasing higher educational opportunities for individuals in rural or other isolated areas unserved by postsecondary institutions. Includes Hispanic, Native American, or Pacific Basin institutions which have been determined eligible under part D, although not satisfying a specified eligibility criterion (involving an institution's having relatively low and general expenditures), among those institutions which must be included in an annual report of the Secretary to the Congress. Includes among those reasons for which the Secretary may grant a waiver of specified eligibility requirements (involving an institution's being accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency and its being authorized to offer bachelor's or junior or community college degrees) a determination that such waiver will substantially increase higher education opportunities appropriate to the needs of Hispanic Americans or Native American Pacific Islanders, including Native Hawaiians. Directs the Secretary to take care to assure that representatives of historically black colleges, Hispanic institutions, Native American institutions, and Native American Pacific Islanders, including Native Hawaiians, are included as readers on title III application review panels. Revises provisions for grants to encourage cooperative arrangements to include such arrangements between title III aid recipients and institutions not receiving such assistance. Includes benefit to the applicant institutions as a priority criterion in making such grants. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1987 through 1991 for the following title III programs: (1) part A, Strengthening Institutions; (2) part B, Strengthening Historically Black Colleges and Universities (with a separate authorization for part B provisions for Professional and Graduate Institutions); and (3) part C, Challenge Grants for Institutions Eligible for Assistance Under Part A or Part B. Directs the Secretary to make available part A funds for any fiscal year to eligible institutions as follows: (1) at least 30 percent to junior or community colleges; (2) at least 20 percent (or a specified minimum amount, if that is greater) for Hispanic institutions; (3) at least five percent (or a specified minimum amount if that is greater) for Native American, Alaskan, or Aleut institutions; (4) at least five percent (or a specified minimum amount if that is greater) for Pacific Basin institutions; and (5) the remainder to institutions that plan to award a bachelor's degree during that year.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1985
Federal Communications Commission Network Acquisition Approval Act of 1985 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require the Federal Communications Commission to take specified actions before granting any application proposing the acquisition of ownership or control of a television network whose board of directors has not approved the acquisition. Directs the Commission to require the applicant to file specified information, including: (1) the identities, managerial expertise, and financial resources of the persons involved in the acquisition; (2) the sources of funds and the details of financial arrangements involved in the acquisition, as well as any plan to liquidate assets; (3) any reduction in service to any community that would result from the acquisition; and (4) the reasons that the acquisition would benefit the public interest, convenience, and necessity. Directs the Commission to: (1) issue a public notice indicating that such information is available for public inspection; (2) allow a party 30 days after such notice is issued to file a petition to deny the application; and (3) conduct a full evidentiary hearing on such application.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1985
Home Audio Recording Act - Amends the copyright law to exempt from liability for infringement of copyright any individual who makes an audio recording of a musical work or sound recording solely for private household use. Requires the compulsory licensing of manufacturers and importers of audio recording devices and media. Sets forth procedures for: (1) determining royalty fees to be paid by such manufacturers and importers; and (2) distributing such fees to the owners of copyright of sound recordings included in radio or television transmissions or distributed in the form of phonorecords. Provides for the determination of royalty fees by: (1) voluntary negotiation between importers and manufacturers and representatives of copyright owners; or (2) compulsory arbitration when a voluntary agreement is not reached. Specifies criteria to be considered by an arbitration board in determining royalty fees. Authorizes the Register of Copyrights to confirm fees determined under arbitration or, under specified circumstances, to deny such fees and initiate new arbitration proceedings. Provides for the judicial review of the Register's decision.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1985
Designates the Week of October 6 through October 12, 1985, as Myasthenia Gravis Awareness Week.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1985
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to erect a monument, given as a gift from Morocco in recognition of mutual friendship, on Federal land within the District of Columbia. Directs the Secretary, with the approval of the Commission of Fine Arts and the National Capital Planning Commission, to select a design and site for the monument. Directs the Secretary to maintain the monument. Makes the authority to erect the monument contingent on construction beginning within five years. Directs that U.S. funds may not be used to build the monument.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1985
Consumer Products Energy Efficiency Amendments of 1985 - Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to provide that the labeling rules regarding consumer product energy efficiency standards shall require disclosure of such standards at the point of sale and in any advertising of the product. Directs the Secretary of Energy (the Secretary) to: (1) publish and make available comparative guides of the energy efficiency and annual operating cost of certain consumer products; (2) prescribe an energy efficiency standard for certain consumer products; (3) include in the Secretary's annual report on consumer product energy efficiency standards the percentage of covered products or components which are imported. Requires the Secretary, before determining whether a standard is economically justified, to weigh its effect on domestic production, reduction of unemployment, electric utilities, and the human environment. Authorizes the Secretary to prescribe an energy efficiency standard for certain consumer products if it is determined that improvement of 20 percent or more is feasible. Delineates the criteria to be considered by the Secretary in determining whether a performance-related feature justifies the establishment of either a higher or a lower energy efficiency standard. Directs the Secretary to: (1) issue energy efficiency improvement guidelines for each of the following five years if no standard for a covered consumer product is prescribed; (2) monitor the improvements in efficiency; and (3) prescribe an energy efficiency standard whenever a certain type of consumer product type fails for three consecutive years to achieve at least half of the improvement under such guideline.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1985
Designates November 1, 1985, as National Philanthropy Day.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1985
Designates July 13, 1985, as Live Aid Day.
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 1985
Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to provide that whenever a person is transported aboard an international air carrier at Federal expense, the appropriate Federal agency shall assure that any beer or wine served on such aircraft is principally a product of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 20 June 1985
University Research Facilities Revitalization Act of 1985 - Requires each of the major Federal research and development agencies to establish and carry out a new university research laboratory modernization program, under which an amount equal to a specified portion of the funds available to the agency involved for research and development awards to institutions of higher education will be reserved for the replacement or modernization of such institutions' obsolete laboratories and other research facilities. Requires that funds under such program be awarded in response to specific proposals submitted by universities and colleges, in accordance with regulations prescribed by the head of the agency involved. Requires that such regulations provide that funds to carry out the program be awarded on a competitive basis and in an amount not exceeding 50 percent of the cost of the replacement or modernization involved. Sets forth required criteria for the award of such funds. Defines the "major Federal research and development agencies" as: (1) the National Science Foundation; (2) the Department of Health and Human Services; (3) the Department of Defense; (4) the Department of Energy; (5) the National Aeronautics and Space Administration; and (6) the Department of Agriculture. Title I: Identification and Assessment of University and College Research Facility Needs; Funding for the University Research Laboratory Modernization Program in the National Science Foundation - Authorizes the National Science Foundation (NSF) to design, establish, and maintain a data collection and analysis capability to identify and assess the research facilities needs of universities and colleges. Directs NSF, in conjunction with other appropriate Federal agencies, to: (1) conduct biennial surveys for such identification and assessment purposes; and (2) report the results to the Congress, with the first such report to be due on September 1, 1986. Directs the NSF, when conducting such surveys and reporting to the Congress, to also collect and assess data on the implementation of the university research laboratory modernization programs being carried out under this Act. Sets forth provisions for the funding for the university research laboratory modernization program in NSF. (Note: The following provisions are similar to those for such program funding in the other "major Federal research and development agencies" which are set forth in titles II, III, IV, V, and VI of this Act.) Authorizes appropriations for FY 1987 to NSF to implement and carry out the new university research laboratory modernization program. Requires that a specified minimum amount (equal to a portion, as determined by certain formulas, of the total amount which is appropriated to NSF for FY 1988 through 1996 and which is available for obligation by NSF for research and development awards to universities and colleges) be reserved for purposes of this Act and used only to carry out NSF's university research modernization program. Permits such funds to be used for such program either as a part of awards made to universities and colleges involved for activities carried out under the authority of other laws or through separate awards made for purposes of this Act. Requires that such funds be used only on the basis of proposals submitted by such universities and colleges. Requires that a specified minimum portion of such funds be available only for awards to universities and colleges that received less than $10,000,000 in total Federal obligations for research and development in each of the two preceding years. Title II: Funding for the University Research Laboratory Modernization Program in the Department of Health and Human Services - Sets forth provisions for the funding for the university research laboratory modernization program in the Department of Health and Human Services. (Note: These provisions are similar to the program funding provisions under title I.) Title III: Funding for the University Research Laboratory Modernization Program in the Department of Defense - Sets forth provisions for the funding for the university research laboratory modernization program in the Department of Defense. (Note: These provisions are similar to the program funding provisions under title I.) Title IV: Funding for the University Research Laboratory Modernization Program in the Department of Energy - Sets forth provisions for the funding for the university research laboratory modernization program in the Department of Energy. (Note: These provisions are similar to the program funding provisions under title I.) Title V: Funding for the University Research Laboratory Modernization Program in the National Aeronautics and Space Administration - Sets forth provisions for the funding for the university research laboratory modernization program in the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. (Note: these provisions are similar to the program funding provisions under title I.) Title VI; Funding for the University Research Laboratory Modernization Program in the Department of Agriculture - Sets forth provisions for the funding for the university research laboratory modernization program in the Department of Agriculture. (Note: these provisions are similar to the program funding provision under title I.)
United States · United States Congress · 20 June 1985
International Airport Security Cooperation Act - Directs the Secretary of State (the Secretary) to determine: (1) which countries are high terrorist threats; (2) which international airports in such countries are serviced by United States air carriers or frequently used by United States citizens; and (3) which of these airports do not comply with minimum international airport security standards. Requires the Secretary, within six months after the date of enactment of this Act, to publish in the Federal Register a list of the airports identified as especially vulnerable to terrorist threats, and to update such list at least every six months. Requires the Secretary to publish in the Federal Register and to publicize widely a travel advisory regarding such airports. States that with respect to international airports which fail to meet minimum security standards, the President shall prohibit: (1) U.S. air carriers from landing at such an airport; (2) all air carriers of the country in which the airport is located from landing at U.S. airports; and (3) the air carriers of all other countries from making direct flights between that airport and the United States. Authorizes the President to waive such sanctions if a national security or humanitarian emergency requires such waiver. Directs the President to suspend assistance under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 or the Arms Export Control Act to any countries which are the sites of international airports which are officially listed as especially vulnerable to terrorist threats and have not met minimum international airport security standards. Permits the President to lift the travel advisory and sanctions only if the minimum international airport security standards have been met. Precludes the lifting of any sanction until 15 days after the Congress has been notified. Requires the Secretary to call for an immediate meeting of the International Civil Aviation Organization to: (1) discuss international airport compliance with existing international security standards; (2) upgrade security standards for international airports; and (3) call on the member countries of the International Civil Aviation Organization to enforce such Organization's existing standards and impose a moratorium on the use of any international airport which does not comply with such standards. Directs the Secretary immediately to seek to renegotiate existing treaties regarding enforcement procedures with respect to aircraft hijacking and to establish an international sky marshal program.
United States · United States Congress · 20 June 1985
Directs the Secretary of Labor, during any period when the number of cases pending and awaiting review by administrative law judges under the Black Lung Benefits Act exceeds 2,000, to assign to such pending cases administrative law judges who receive compensation at the GS-16 rate without regard to the grade or classification held by such judges. Provides that such assignments shall not adversely affect any subsequent review of the grade or classification of such judges.
United States · United States Congress · 20 June 1985
Designates the week beginning October 6, 1985, as National Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Awareness Week.
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 1985
Designates the week beginning on December 1, 1985, as National Home Health Care Week.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1985
Child Abuse Reporting and Clearinghouse Improvements Act of 1985 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to clarify the intent of certain confidentiality provisions to provide that such provisions do not supersede any State or local reporting requirements of suspected child abuse. Modifies the classification system used by the Identification Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation to include a category for statistics for offenses involving child abuse (including sexual abuse). Requires the Attorney General to report to the Congress within 90 days on whether such modification has been made, or, if not, when it will be made. Amends the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act to require the National Center on Child Abuse and Neglect in coordination with the Department of Justice to compile, analyze, publish, and disseminate to each State information on effective programs in the prosecution of child sexual abuse cases. Directs the Center to develop model training materials for law enforcement, legal, judicial, and child welfare personnel to deal with child sexual abuse victims and to support research projects to identify improvements in the investigation and prosecution of child sexual abuse cases.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1985
Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize the President to furnish assistance to support small-scale agricultural projects in Africa, technical assistance for such projects, and research on such projects. Directs the President to place special emphasis on grants to international and African non-governmental organizations and to U.S. private and voluntary organizations for such projects. Requires the Director of the Administrator of the Agency for International Development (AID) and the Director of the Peace Corps to: (1) assess the opportunities for their agencies to support such projects in Africa; and (2) place a high priority on providing such support. Sets forth requirements for the use of funds made available for such projects. Requires the annual report to the Congress on foreign aid programs to include a report on the implementation of this Act. Directs the Administrator of AID to study and report to the Congress within five years of enactment of this Act on the projects funded pursuant to this Act and their effectiveness in preventing famine. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1985
Designates July 20, 1985, as Space Exploration Day.
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 1985
Fair Insurance Coverage Act - Prohibits any insurer from discriminating in an insurance contract against any person because of blindness. Includes within the prohibition refusing to make or negotiate a contract for insurance or giving different treatment with respect to terms, conditions, rates, or benefits because of blindness. Establishes a preference for State actions prior to judicial enforcement under this Act. Authorizes any aggrieved person, in the absence of State actions or jurisdiction, to bring an action under this Act for individual relief. Authorizes the Attorney General of the United States to bring an action for injunctive relief whenever there is reasonable cause to believe a person is engaged in a pattern or practice of discrimination or when an individual is aggrieved and an issue of general public importance is raised. Grants the Federal district courts jurisdiction of such actions regardless of the amount in controversy. Allows a court to order monetary, equitable, or other appropriate relief, including punitive damages.
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 1985
Atomic Energy Accountability Act - Requires the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to hold any meeting in accordance with specified regulations. Requires the Commission to maintain a complete transcript (or other recording) to fully record the proceedings of any closed meeting.
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 1985
Designates the month of November 1985 as National Diabetes Month.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1985
Designates October 15, 1985, as National Poetry Day.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1985
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives 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 · 6 June 1985
Older Workers' Pension Rights Protection Act of 1985 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 and the Internal Revenue Code to require pension plans to allow: (1) participation by employees nearing retirement age; and (2) benefit accrual by participants to continue past normal retirement age.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 1985
Reproductive Health Equity Act - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act, the Indian Health Care Improvement Act, the Peace Corps Act, the District of Columbia Self-Government and Governmental Reorganization Act, and other Federal laws covering armed forces personnel and dependents and Federal employees' health benefits to provide that services related to abortion be made available in the same manner as are other pregnancy-related services under federally funded programs.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 1985
Designates the week beginning on October 20, 1985, as Benign Essential Blepharospasm Awareness Week.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 1985
Education Improvement for Pacific Islands and Territories Act - Requests the President to invite Pacific Island participants (i.e. Fiji, Papua New Guinea, American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas, the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, and Palau) to participate with the United States in the establishment of the Institute for Pacific Islands Education. Authorizes the President to use funds appropriated pursuant to this Act to assist the establishment and initial development of the Institute. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Institute should: (1) be an educational center located at the University of Guam and financed in part by that University; and (2) have specified functions relating to faculty development, administration, and improvement of the universities, colleges, and secondary schools of the Pacific Island participants. Directs the President to encourage increased enrollment at U.S. institutions of higher education in courses of study in faculty development or university, college, and secondary school administration by individuals from Pacific Island participants who indicate a commitment to return to their respective Pacific Island participants and improve the universities, colleges, and secondary schools there. Directs the President to identify appropriate individuals for such enrollment and provide information to them with respect to that course of study. Authorizes the President to pay transportation and living expenses for up to 50 such individuals at any one time who are enrolled in such course of study. Declares that the President should encourage such individuals who enroll in such course of study to spend a period of residence at the Institute. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 through 1989.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 1985
Designates the period of October 1, 1985, through September 30, 1986, as the time to reflect on the achievements of the Peace Corps during its 25 years and on ways such programs might be used in the future. Authorizes and requests the President to proclaim this period as a time to honor Peace Corps volunteers and reaffirm the Nation's commitment to such programs.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 1985
Fair Employment Relations Resolution - Title I: Amendments to House Rules - Amends rules XI and XLIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives to prohibit discrimination against the handicapped in the hiring or discharge of House employees. Title II: Fair Employment Relations Board - Establishes the House Fair Employment Relations Board to: (1) make policies and guidelines for the implementation and enforcement of such rules; (2) supervise the operation of the House Fair Employment Relations Office; and (3) hear and determine complaints alleging violations of such rules. Title III: House Fair Employment Relations Office - Establishes the House Fair Employment Relations Office, headed by a Director (appointed by the Board), to: (1) develop procedures to implement the policies and guidelines of the Board; and (2) report to the House on information maintained on each category of individuals afforded equal employment opportunity by such rules. Directs the Office to utilize such information to identify discriminatory wage-setting practices. Requires the Office, upon request, to recommend to House committees improvements in their employment practices. Directs the Office to report to the House, by January 3, 1985, on the continuation or improvement of the procedures for settling complaints. Title IV: Complaints of Violations of Equal Employment Opportunity - Sets forth procedures for individuals who allege discrimination in violation of rules XLIII or XI, including counseling and conciliation, formal complaints and hearings, and appeals to the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct. Title V: General Provisions - Requires the cooperation of committees and offices with the Board, the Office, and the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1985
Improved Standards for Laboratory Animals Act - Amends the Animal Welfare Act to revise the humane standards for animals transported in commerce. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to promulgate standards to govern the humane handling, care, treatment, and transportation of animals by dealers, research facilities, and exhibitors. Requires each research facility to establish an institutional animal study committee with sufficient expertise to assess the appropriateness of animal care and treatment in experimental research. Requires the committee at each facility to: (1) inspect at least semiannually all animal study areas and animal areas and animal facilities at the research facility; (2) file an inspection certification report of each inspection at the research facility; (3) notify the administrative representative of the research facility of any deficiencies; and (4) notify the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service and the funding Federal agency if such deficiencies remain uncorrected. Requires each research facility to provide for annual training in the humane treatment of animals for scientists, animal technicians, and other personnel involved with animal care and treatment in such facility. Directs the Secretary to establish an information service at the National Agricultural library to provide information on improved methods of animal experimentation, including: (1) employee training; (2) preventing unnecessary duplication of animal experimentation; (3) reducing or replacing animal use; and (4) minimizing pain and distress. Requires funding Federal agencies to revoke Federal support for a project if it is determined that conditions of animal care, treatment, or practice in a particular project have not been in compliance with standards promulgated under this Act. Requires the Secretary to inspect each research facility at least once each year. Requires such follow-up inspections as may be necessary until all deficiencies which may be found are corrected. Imposes penalties for the release of any confidential information or trade secrets by any member of an institutional animal committee. Increases penalties for violations of the Animal Welfare Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1985
Requires the Secretary of Defense to prepare an acquisition plan before initiating full-scale development of a weapon system or other defense equipment under a major defense acquisition program. Requires the use of competitive procedures when required by statute in such a plan. Mandates the inclusion in the plan of the establishment and maintenance throughout the duration of the program of two or more development sources of such program and of two or more production sources for system integration and for the production of major subsystems so that each production contract will result in a majority or plurality of the production under the contract being awarded to the bidder with the proposal most advantageous to the United States. Allows the Secretary of Defense to waive such requirements if such requirement will materially increase total program cost and will delay program completion. Requires the Secretary to submit a report to the Congress with a request for specific statutory authority to enter into a sole source prime contract for a major defense acquisition program. Sets forth the information required to be included in such report. Prohibits the awarding or renewal of a sole source prime contract for any major defense acquisition program unless the Congress authorized such specific contract in an annual Defense Authorization Act or in other appropriate legislation. Requires the Comptroller General to conduct a comprehensive audit of each prime sole source contract awarded by the Department of Defense for a major defense acquisition program and report the results of the audit to the Congress. Directs the Secretary to develop and implement an introductory training program for all personnel responsible for assuring quality standards for weapon systems or other defense equipment. Requires the attendance at such program within the first six months of a person's assignment to duties involving quality assurance. Provides that the cost of repair or replacement, including all labor costs, for weapons systems, other defense equipment, or services provided to the Department of Defense which fail to meet quality standards must be borne by the contractor. Imposes a penalty on contractors for failure to disclose instances in which defense equipment or services fail to meet prescribed quality standards. Places the burden of proof upon the contractor in any action in which the reasonableness of any contract costs for which a contractor seeks reimbursement is at issue. Prohibits a former employee of the Department of Defense or member of the armed forces from accepting compensation from any contractor for a three-year period beginning on the date of separation from government service or from discharge or release from active duty, if within three years before such date, the employee or member of the armed forces had significant responsibilities in the performance of a procurement function with respect to that contractor. Imposes fines on the various parties for violation of such provisions. Requires each contractor to furnish by March 1 of each year to the Inspector General of the Department of Defense a report on persons whom the contractor furnished compensation during the preceeding year. Requires copies of such report to be furnished to the Congress. Requires the Inspector General to assess the accuracy of such reports and report any violations to the Attorney General for prosecution or other appropriate action. Imposes an administrative penalty on any contractor who fails to transmit such report to the Inspector General. Requires the Director of the Office of Government Ethics to submit to the Congress a report on actions relating to the review of the reports filed. Exempts contracts for an amount of less than $25,000 from these requirements. Directs the Office of Government Ethics to coordinate and review the implementation and administration of these requirements. Provides a procedure for any person to request an opinion as to the applicability of these provisions to compensation received which might be in violation of these provisions. Modifies the requirements respecting persons holding civilian office or employment in the Department of Defense concerning the disclosure of employment or former employment with certain defense contractors. Authorizes appropriations for the purposes of carrying out the functions of the Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization for FY 1986 and 1987.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1985
Designates August 14, 1985, as Social Security Day and the week of August 11 through August 17, 1985, as Social Security Week. Authorizes and requests the President to commemorate August 14, 1985, as the 50th anniversary of the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1985
Designates the week beginning June 16, 1985, as National Sheriffs Week.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1985
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the United States, in its endeavor to help developing countries to preserve the health of environmental systems and to promote global peace and security, should maintain the level of its contribution to the United Nations Environment Program at no less than the amount of its 1973 contribution.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1985
Haym Salomon Memorial Act of 1985 - Authorizes the American Jewish Patriots and Friends of Haym Salomon to place in the Capitol Building or on the Capitol Grounds a statue of Haym Salomon, a revolutionary war patriot of Polish and Jewish background. Authorizes such organization to also erect a monument to Haym Salomon on Federal land in the District of Columbia. Subjects the selected site, design, and plans for the memorial to the approval of the National Commission of Fine Arts and the National Capital Planning Commission.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1985
Designates the week beginning July 27, 1986, as National Nuclear Medicine Week.