United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1985
Amends the Small Business Act to limit direct financing with respect to loans to small businesses for plant acquisition, construction, conversion, or expansion unless: (1) it is shown that a participation is not available; (2) the applicant is a prospective business or one which has commenced operations within the preceding 18 months; and (3) it is accompanied by an additional 25 percent in funds from non-Federal sources. Decreases the dollar amount of immediate participation loans with respect to small business plant acquisition, construction, conversion, or expansion. Limits to ten years the period of time on direct or immediate participation loans to small businesses. Prohibits deferred participation on loans for such plant acquisition, construction, conversion, or expansion. Authorizes program levels for FY 1986 through 1988 to the Small Business Administration (SBA) for direct and immediate participation loans for small business plant acquisition, construction, conversion, or expansion. Makes specified amounts available out of such authorization for: (1) handicapped persons and organizations for the handicapped; (2) small businesses either located in urban or rural areas with high unemployment and low incomes or owned by low-income individuals; and (3) disabled veterans and Vietnam veterans. Prohibits loans for small businesses which design, manufacture, and distribute energy measures. Authorizes program levels for FY 1986 through 1988 for deferred participation loans and debenture guarantees for small business plant acquisition, construction, conversion, or expansion and small business development companies under the Small Business Investment Act of 1958. Makes specified amounts available out of such authorization for: (1) handicapped persons and organizations for the handicapped; (2) small businesses either located in urban or rural areas with high unemployment and low income or owned by low-income individuals; (3) small businesses which design, manufacture, and distribute energy measures; and (4) guarantees of debentures with respect to State and local development companies. Authorizes program levels for FY 1986 through 1988 under specified sections of the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 for: (1) direct purchases and guarantees of debentures and purchases of preferred securities with respect to small business investment companies; (2) surety bond guarantees under the Small Business Investment Act of 1958; and (3) payment guarantees for the installation of pollution control facilities by small businesses. Authorizes appropriations to the SBA for FY 1986. Makes specified amounts available out of such authorization for: (1) direct and immediate participation loans for small business plant acquisition, construction, conversion, or expansion, handicapped persons and organizations for the handicapped, small businesses either located in urban or rural areas with high unemployment and low income or owned by low-income individuals, and Vietnam veterans; (2) deferred participation loans and debenture guarantees for small business plant acquisition, construction, conversion, or expansion and small business development companies; (3) deferred participation loans to handicapped persons and organizations for the handicapped, small businesses either located in urban or rural areas with high unemployment and low incomes or owned by low-income individuals, small businesses which design, manufacture, and distribute energy measures; (4) guarantees of debentures with respect to State and local development companies; (5) direct purchases and guarantees of debentures and purchases of preferred securities with respect to small business investment companies; (6) surety bond guarantees under the Small Business Investment Act of 1958; and (7) SBA salaries and expenses. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 for disaster loans to small businesses and permits the transfer of funds from the disaster loan revolving funds for the payment of SBA administrative expenses. Authorizes program levels for FY 1987 and 1988 under the Small Business Act for direct disaster loans and loans necessitated by Federal action to small businesses.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1985
Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to develop and carry out a program for the expanded use of underutilized banks by Federal agencies for: (1) depositing Federal funds as demand deposits or otherwise; and (2) depositaries or financial agents. Defines an "underutilized bank" as a bank: (1) at least 51 percent of which is owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals; and (2) the management and daily business operations of which are controlled by such individuals. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress annually on program activities and recommendations for legislative and executive actions. Provides for the participation of Federal agencies in such program.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1985
Commission on Congressional Financing Act - Establishes the Bipartisan Commission on Congressional Campaign Financing to consider and study laws, regulations, and public commentary relating to the financing of congressional elections. Requires such study to give particular attention to the extent to which current campaign financing practices undermine public confidence in the Government. Requires the Commission to consider the following changes in the present system of campaign financing: (1) increasing or decreasing allowable contributions; (2) initiating a plan of public financing; (3) making available free or subsidized broadcasting time; or (4) examining the role of independent expenditures. Directs the Commission to make reasonable efforts to achieve the broadest bipartisan consensus in arriving at its recommendations. Requires the Commission, not later than one year after enactment of this Act, to submit to the Congress its final report. Terminates the Commission 90 days after submission of such report. Requires the Director of the Congressional Research Service of the Library of Congress and the Chairman of the Federal Election Commission, not later than two months after enactment of this Act, to transmit briefing papers to the Bipartisan Commission which catalog and synthesize pertinent reports, analyses, and recommendations. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1985
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend the residential energy income tax credit for solar energy property for five years (from 1985 to 1990). Phases out the percentage of expenditures which may be taken into account for such credit between the years 1986 and 1990. Limits to $6,000 the maximum amount of expenditures for solar hot water systems which may be taken into account for purposes of such credit. Specifies additional standards which solar hot water systems and active space heating systems must meet in order to qualify for such credit. Increases and extends for five years (from 1985 to 1990) the energy investment tax credit for specified types of solar energy property.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1985
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase to $4,000 the maximum deduction for contributions to retirement savings plans and to allow married individuals to compute the amount of their income tax deduction for contributions to retirement savings plans on the basis of the earnings of their spouse.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1985
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose a penalty tax on charitable organizations which fail to use certain funds set aside to provide legal services to the poor.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1985
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the United States should ratify the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1985
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) States should develop and adopt a model Act (and interstate recognition and enforcement procedures) providing grandparents with adequate rights to petition in State courts for privileges to visit their grandchildren after a dissolution of the parents' marriage; (2) the Secretary of Health and Human Services, through the National Center for Child Abuse and Neglect and the Administration on Aging, should provide technical assistance to States in developing guidelines which help determine the "best interest of the child" in such cases and which take into account the ability of grandparents to help satisfy such child's need for continuity of care.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1985
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the United States should initiate negotiations with its principal trading partners and other nations to obtain agreement on tariff and tax preferences to be accorded to exports by small businesses.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1985
Comprehensive Substance Abuse Education Act of 1985 - Authorizes the Secretary of Education to establish a Comprehensive Substance Abuse Education Program to assist school districts in establishing and improving substance abuse education programs for elementary and secondary school students. Includes under such assistance the preparation and provision of instructional materials and assistance in the training for instructors for such programs. Authorizes the Secretary to award grants to States for State personnel to implement this program. Directs the Secretary to report on such program to the Congress within one year after enactment of this Act. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1985
Benzidine Protection and Control Act of 1985 - Prohibits imports of benzidine or benzidine products on or after one year after enactment of this Act. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to enforce this prohibition. Directs the Secretary of Commerce, in consultation with the U.S. Trade Representative, to: (1) determine the scope and nature of benzidine and benzidine products in commerce in the United States; (2) determine the amount and sources of imports of benzidine and benzidine products; and (3) prescribe regulations which list the prohibited benzidine products and which set out the enforcement procedures. Directs the U.S. Trade Representative to: (1) begin consultations with those countries which produce or use benzidine and its salts; and (2) seek to negotiate through the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade a world-wide prohibition on the export of benzidine and its salts. Requires the Director of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health of the Public Health Service to: (1) identify those imported chemicals and products that are toxic; and (2) submit a list of such items to the Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1985
Requires the Director of the National Institute of Mental Health to develop and distribute suicide prevention information. Requires an annual report to the Congress. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1985
Authorizes the Armored Force Monument Committee, the United States Armor Association, the World Wars Tank Corps Association, the Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge, the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment Association, the Tank Destroyer Association, the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th, and 16th Armored Division Associations, and the Council of Armored Division Associations to erect a memorial in or near Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia, to honor and commemorate the American Armored Force. Directs the Secretary of the Interior, with the approval of the National Commission of Fine Arts and the National Capital Planning Commission, to select the site and approve the design and plans. Obligates the United States to expenses of maintenance only. Requires the commencement of the erection of the memorial within five years with a certification of sufficiency of funds necessary before commencement.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1985
Minority Investment Tax Act of 1985 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for the nonrecognition of capital gain where such gain is reinvested in the stock of a mutual fund or other investment company which: (1) primarily invests in business enterprises controlled by minority persons; and (2) is owned, managed, affiliated, or otherwise controlled by a qualified minority company.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1985
Amends the Truth in Lending Act to limit the rate of interest which may be charged on credit card accounts to not more than five percentage points higher than the discount rate on 90-day commercial paper in effect at the Federal Reserve district in which the card issuer is located.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1985
Authorizes the President, on behalf of the Congress, to present a gold medal to the family of Harry Chapin in recognition of Harry Chapin's efforts to address issues of world hunger. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to provide for the sale of bronze duplicates of the medal.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1985
Children's Justice Act - Amends the Child Abuse Amendments of 1984 to authorize a Children's Justice Grant program. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make additional grants to States under specified provisions of the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act for identification, treatment, and prevention of sexual abuse. Makes a State eligible for such assistance if the Secretary determines that the State, within one year after the enactment of this Act, has enacted specified legal and administrative changes with respect to the investigation and prosecution of child sexual abuse cases. Requires a State, to be eligible for such assistance, to have in effect a child sexual abuse program which includes at least one statute or administrative procedure to carry out the following categories of reforms: (1) handling such cases so as to reduce the trauma to the child victim; (2) improving the chances of successful prosecution or legal action against child molesters; and (3) improving procedures to protect children from sexual abuse. Directs the Secretary to issue necessary regulations for such assistance program. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 and 1987.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1985
Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct a clinical trial in order to determine the efficiency and economic feasibility of providing Medicare (title XVIII of the Social Security Act) coverage for personal emergency response systems. Requires each personal emergency response system to include, for purposes of the clinical trial: (1) communication equipment located in the home which transmits signals for emergency medical assistance over the telephone; (2) a local response center to monitor such signals; and (3) medical personnel or other persons to provide emergency medical assistance. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary to transmit to the Congress a report containing the findings and conclusions of the clinical trial, along with any legislative recommendations.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1985
Construction Work in Progress Policy Act of 1985 - Amends the Federal Power Act to provide that nothing in such Act shall be construed to affect the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's authority to approve the inclusion of the costs of construction work in progress (defined as construction of a facility used to generate electric energy) in the rate base of a public utility with respect to: (1) any pollution control facility; and (2) the conversion of oil or natural gas-fired facilities to the use of other fuels. Permits a public utility whose internal generation of funds during a test period established by the Commission is 30 percent or less of planned construction expenditures during such period to apply for the inclusion of the cost of construction work in progress in the public utility's rate base. Sets forth the items required in such an application. Requires the Commission to hold an evidentiary hearing upon receipt of an application from a public utility. Requires the Commission to approve the inclusion of the costs of construction work in progress in the utility's rate base if: (1) the facility being constructed is reasonably necessary to meet energy demands; and (2) the utility's financial condition would prevent the financing of such facility except at a cost significantly higher than the average cost of financing within the electric utility industry. Sets forth limitations on the amount of the costs of construction work in progress which may be included in a public utility's rate base. Requires public utilities to discontinue the capitalization of allowance for funds used during construction for those construction work in progress costs which are included in the rate base. Requires that revenues derived from construction work in progress be deferred from inclusion in utility rates for a certain period of time when the facility becomes used for public service.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1985
Requires Government procurement contracts to include provisions under which the contractor is prohibited from employing former Government officers or employees or former or retired members of the uniformed services who, during the five years preceding separation from Government service, had significant responsibilities for any procurement function with respect to such contracts. Declares such prohibition period to be that which ends five years after the end of the contract or the five-year period beginning on the date of the individual's separation from Government service. Sets forth the method of determining the liquidated damages to be paid by any contractor who violates such prohibition. Requires each contractor to send an annual report listing each former Government employee hired by that contractor within the previous five years to the agency by which each employee was last employed. Directs the Inspector General of each such agency to review the report to identify any violation of this Act. Requires the Director of the Office of Government Ethics to: (1) conduct an annual random survey of the reports to check for violations of this Act; and (2) report to the Congress annually on the operation of this Act. Makes this Act inapplicable to contracts for amounts less than $25,000.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1985
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) the President should express to the Soviet Union U.S. opposition with respect to the harassment and arrests of Hebrew teachers and Jewish activists in the Soviet Union; and (2) the Soviet Union should comply with its commitments under specified international human rights agreements and cease its persecution of individuals on the basis of their Jewish faith.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1985
Declares that the House of Representatives: (1) finds that the Job Corps program has been a cost-effective and successful effort to assist disadvantaged young men and women in obtaining and holding employment; (2) reaffirms its commitment to the Job Corps program; and (3) will not make or accept any reduction in the level of funding for the Job Corps program.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1985
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the United States should: (1) call for negotiations under the auspices of the Organization of American States that are consistent with the Contadora process for the peaceful settlement of conflicts among the five Central American countries; (2) seek the establishment of a multilateral agency to provide economic and humanitarian support for the reform of the Central American economy; (3) initiate the establishment of a multinational development fund; and (4) recognize the need for international cooperation, disband unilateral military and nonmilitary efforts in Central America, and seek to stabilize and to develop the region following the principles of existing agreements such as the Rio Treaty with the assistance of specified groups.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1985
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the policy of separate development and the forced relocation of South Africans is inconsistent with American values and internationally recognized human rights principles; (2) U.S. nonrecognition of South African "homeland" independence should continue; (3) travel to the United States should be denied to "homeland" officials who seek to enter this country unless they hold a valid passport recognized by the United States; and (4) the United States should urge that the forced relocation of South Africans be discontinued and that the rights of all South Africans be protected. Requests the President to send a copy of this resolution to Republic of South Africa officials.
United States · United States Congress · 20 February 1985
Indian Juvenile Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Act - Title I: Inter-Departmental Agreement - Directs the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Health and Human Services to agree to coordinate specified efforts of the Bureau of Indian Affairs (Bureau) and the Indian Health Service relating to alcohol and drug abuse programs for Indian youth. Provides for the biannual review of such agreement by the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Requires certain officials of the Bureau and the Indian Health Service to agree, upon a tribe's request, to coordinate resources and services related to alcohol and drug abuse with any Indian tribe. Requires the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Bureau, and the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Indian Health Service, to bear equal responsibility for the implementation of this Act in cooperation with Indian tribes. Title II: Education - Amends the Indian Elementary and Secondary School Assistance Act, the Indian Education Act, and the Adult Education Act, respectively, to provide for: (1) grants for the training of alcohol and drug abuse counselors in Indian elementary and secondary schools; (2) a specified percentage of fellowships to be awarded to persons specializing in guidance counseling for alcohol and drug abuse; and (3) grants to support adult education projects which provide alcohol and drug abuse counseling services. Requires Bureau schools and schools operated under the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act to provide instruction on alcohol and drug abuse to students in kindergarten and grades one through 12. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to: (1) establish summer recreation and counseling programs, coordinated with other similar Indian summer programs, for Indian youth on reservations; (2) require Bureau schools and schools operated under the Indian Self-determination and Education Assistance Act to remain open during the summer months of each year to provide adequate facilities (including use of public and private facilities) for such programs; and (3) provide, as needed, salaried coordinators for such programs. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to publish, on a quarterly basis, an alcohol and drug abuse newsletter and to circulate it to specified Government agencies that provide such alcohol and drug abuse-related services to Indian people. Title III: Family and Social Services - Requires any training program for community health representatives funded under the Bureau to include not less than two weeks of training on the problems of alcohol and drug abuse, including instruction in crisis intervention, family relations, and the causes and effects of fetal alcohol syndrome. Requires the Director of the Indian Health Service to provide training in alcohol and drug abuse to specified schools, Indian Health Service personnel, and others. Provides for the certification, by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, of any person who completes such training for purposes of obtaining academic credit or certification at any post-secondary school. Title IV: Law Enforcement - Requires the Director of the Bureau to provide education on alcohol and drug abuse among Indian youth to Bureau law enforcement personnel. Provides for the detention, in lieu of incarceration, of Indian juveniles in temporary emergency shelters (Indian households) if their offenses are related to the use or possession of drugs or alcohol. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to promulgate, in consultation with the U.S. Attorney General, guidelines under which a law enforcement officer may place an Indian youth arrested for drug or alcohol abuse in a facility other than an emergency shelter. Provides that in instances where a State exercises criminal jurisdiction over any part of Indian country that such State is urged to require its law enforcement officers to place any Indian juvenile arrested for alcohol or drug abuse-related offenses in a temporary emergency shelter (Indian household) or community-based alcohol or drug abuse treatment facility in lieu of incarceration. Provides for the compensation and licensing of Indian households that are used as emergency shelters. Title V: Juvenile Alcohol and Drug Abuse Treatment and Rehabilitation - Requires the Director of the Indian Health Service to conduct a study to determine: (1) the size of the Indian population in need of residential alcohol and drug abuse treatment; (2) where facilities to provide such treatment are or should be located; and (3) the cost of providing such treatment. Requires the Director of the Indian Health Service to provide alcohol and drug abuse treatment services, including detoxification and counseling services, and follow-up care in Indian Health Service facilities and in facilities operated under the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act to Indian juveniles and adults. Requires the Director to report to the Congress on the progress of such treatment to Indian juveniles and adults. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in consultation with the Indian Health Service and the Bureau of Indian Affairs, to identify and utilize federally owned structures for use as residential alcohol and drug abuse treatment centers for Indian juveniles. Title VI: Definitions, Effective Date, and Authorization of Appropriations - Sets forth definitions and the effective date. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 20 February 1985
Amends the Small Business Act (the Act) to define "small business" for purposes relating to Government contracts to small businesses. Provides that determinations made by a contracting officer as to whether a business concern qualifies as a small business with respect to Government contracts shall be based on the facts as they exist on the date when such business concern makes a written self-certification as to its small business status. Requires a contracting officer, except under specified circumstances, to accept such self-certification of a business concern as a small business. Requires any dispute regarding the status of a business concern as a small business, or any dispute arising with respect to authority, program, or activity established under the Act to be referred to the Administrator of the Small Business Administration for final resolution. Provides for the judicial review of Small Business Administration (SBA) decisions regarding such disputes. Permits the Administrator of the SBA in effectuating the provisions of this Act to promulgate regulations containing separate and different criteria for specified programs under the Act. Prohibits the Administrator from promulgating any numerical criterion with respect to self-certification as a small business unless such criterion promotes new market entrants and inhibits market concentration among few producers of goods or providers of services. Requires such numerical criteria to be formulated for each market of purchases or sales (including leases) made by the Government and subject to specified provisions of the Act. Defines "market." Requires the Administrator to conduct a review of all numerical criteria and of all markets identified to ascertain whether they are in compliance with specified requirements under this Act. Provides for the adjustment, including the conditions for such adjustment, to the identification of markets or the numerical criteria for such markets. Lists the conditions for adjusting the numerical criterion for a market upward. Permits an interested party to petition the Administrator to conduct a special review of a particular market identification or numerical criterion established under this Act. Permits a decision on the merits of such petition to be rendered if it is determined that the failure to act prior to the next general review is likely to cause immediate and irreparable harm to a substantial number of business concerns, adversely affect a legitimate and substantial acquisition of a Federal agency objective, or be adverse to the purposes of this Act. Prohibits an eligible business concern from receiving a contract under specified programs of the Act unless such business concern agrees to perform a share of the work under the contract with its own labor force that is equal to or greater than specified minimum percentages of the total dollar amount of such contract. Provides that an eligible business concern that is in compliance with specified requirements shall not be denied an opportunity to submit an offer for any procurement contract for the supply of a product solely because such business concern is other than the actual manufacturer or processor of the product to be supplied under the contract. Prohibits an eligible business concern from receiving a contract under the Act for the sale or lease of Government property unless such business concern agrees to such terms and conditions pertaining to the disposal or use of such property as the Administrator deems appropriate. Makes conforming definitional changes to the Small Business Investment Act of 1958. Prohibits a business concern from being deemed ineligible for a program or activity under the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 solely because it is engaged in the production of food and fiber, ranching and raising of livestock, aquaculture, and all other farming and agricultural related industries.
United States · United States Congress · 20 February 1985
Amends the Federal Tort Claims Act to allow members of the armed forces to bring claims for damages against the United States for personal injury or death arising out of medical or dental care furnished by a Department of Defense hospital.
United States · United States Congress · 20 February 1985
Hate Crime Statistics Act - Directs the Attorney General to include within the Uniform Crime Reports the incidence of the intentional destruction of religious property (robbery, burglary, theft, arson, vandalism, and trespass) and offenses against persons and property committed to express racial, ethnic, or religious prejudices (homicide, assault, robbery, burglary, theft, arson, vandalism, and trespass).
United States · United States Congress · 20 February 1985
Small Business Independent Inventor Patent Fee Assistance Act of 1985 - Exempts independent inventors, nonprofit organizations, and small businesses from payment of patent fees. Prohibits the Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks from adjusting such fees for independent inventors, nonprofit organizations, and small business concerns. (Current law provides for the adjustment of such fees by the Commissioner.)
United States · United States Congress · 20 February 1985
Caribbean-Central America Higher Education Act - Requires the President to invite certain Caribbean and Central American countries (participant countries) to participate with the United States in the establishment of the Institute for Caribbean and Central America Higher Education. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Institute should: (1) be an educational center for sharing experiences in faculty development and university administration and developing proposals for improving the universities of the participant countries; (2) encourage persons associated with universities in the participant countries to participate in the Institute; (3) consult with U.S. institutions of higher education which offer programs of study in faculty development or university administration; (4) be administered by persons associated with either the university systems of the participant countries or U.S. institutions of higher education; and (5) be located at a specified university in Jamaica. Directs the President to encourage increased enrollment by individuals from participant countries in faculty development or university administration programs in the United States. Sets forth the President's duties with respect to such individuals. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 through 1989 to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 February 1985
Amends the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act to require the Secretary of Transportation to restore the Federal bumper standard as it existed on January 1, 1982. Declares that the Secretary is not prohibited from imposing a stricter standard than the standard to be restored.
United States · United States Congress · 20 February 1985
Community Assistance and Revitalization Act of 1985 - Title I: Designation of Revitalization Areas - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for the designation of revitalization areas by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development for purposes of extending the tax incentive measures provided by this Act. Provides that State and local governments shall nominate areas for such designation. Limits to 20 years the period during which such designations shall remain in effect. Authorizes the Secretary to make such designations during the period beginning on January 1, 1984, and ending on December 31, 1993. Limits the number of areas which may be designated before 1989. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress every four years concerning areas which have been so designated. Provides that the Secretary may designate such zones only if: (1) the area is within the jurisdiction of the local government; (2) the boundary of the area is continuous; (3) the area has a population of at least 4,000 if any portion thereof is located within a standard metropolitan statistical area (with a population of at least 50,000) or 2,500 otherwise or is within an Indian reservation; (4) the area meets specified unemployment and poverty requirements; and (5) the area comprises at least one square mile. Requires nominating local governments, as a condition of the Secretary's designation, to develop a revitalization area development plan. Sets forth the requirements of such development plans. Describes areas to which preference shall be given in the designation of revitalization areas. Requires the Secretary to promote the coordination of all Federal housing, community and economic development, banking, financial assistance, and employment training programs which are carried on within the revitalization area. Requires the head of each Federal department or agency which distributes Federal funds or awards Federal contracts for the purpose of futhering job training to give preferences to such revitalization agencies. Title II: Tax Incentives - Subtitle A: Definition of Revitalization Area Business - Defines "revitalization area business" as any person: (1) which is actively engaged in the conduct of a trade or business during the taxable year; (2) which has at least 50 percent of gross receipts attributable to a trade or business which produces goods or provides services within a revitalization area,; and (3) with respect to which at least 30 percent of any employees hired after a specified time are qualified employees. Provides that an existing business shall not be treated as a revitalization area business unless the average number of full-time employees is at least ten percent greater than the number of such employees during the taxable year preceding designation of the revitalization area. Subtitle B: Incentives for Employee Ownership - Allows an income tax credit for employee ownership of revitalization area businesses. Provides rules for the calculation of such income tax credit. Limits the amount of such income tax credit to $50,000. Allows the nonrecognition of gain from the sale or exchange of stock in a revitalization area business to: (1) an employee stock ownership plan or a tax credit employee stock ownership plan which invests primarily in stock issued by such revitalization area business (if specified requirements are met); or (2) such revitalization area business if such business is a producer cooperative. Subtitle C: Incentives for Investments in Revitalization Areas - Allows the rollover of gain on the sale of property where such gain is reinvested in specified revitalization area business property within a specified period of time. Allows an investment tax credit for certain low income rental housing. Allows a limited investment tax credit for establishment of an entrepreneurial development center. Subtitle D: Incentives for Revitalization Area Businesses - Allows revitalization area business an income tax credit based on the aggregate wages paid to newly-hired qualified employees. Limits the amount of wages which may be taken into account per employee by specified percentages over the first four years of employment. Allows a business expense income tax deduction for the purchase of small revitalization area business stock or debentures. Limits the maximum amount deductible to $10,000 ($20,000 in the case of a joint return). Requires the taxpayer to reduce the basis of such stock or debentures by the amount of the deduction taken. Establishes a minimum holding period of three years for such stock or debentures. Amends the Small Business Act to require that at least $50 million of the funds authorized by such Act shall be made available for direct loan obligations to small business concerns located in revitalization areas. Subtitle E: Expansion of Targeted Jobs Credit - Increases the amount of wages which may be taken into account for purposes of the targeted jobs income tax credit from $6,000 to $10,000. Repeals the termination date for such income tax credit. Title III: General Stock Ownership Provisions - Sets forth procedures for establishing in a revitalization area a General Stock Ownership Corporation (GSOC). Requires the local government having jurisdiction over the revitalization area to hold an election to select at least five individuals to serve as the revitalization area GSOC planning board. Sets forth administrative procedures and qualifications for candidacy for such election. Requires such planning board to determine, within one year after the designation of a revitalization area, whether establishment of an area GSOC would be in the best interests of the area. Requires the planning board, if it decides affirmatively, to formulate a plan for creating an area GSOC that will meet the needs of the area and to submit the plan to the Governor of the State. Authorizes the legislature or Governor to charter a revitalization area GSOC within 90 days after the plan is submitted if the legislature or Governor find that specified conditions have been met. Provides that the revitalization area GSOC planning board shall serve as the initial board of directors of the area GSOC. Requires a board of directors, within 90 days after the charter is issued, to propose a business plan for the area which specifies the objectives of the area GSOC, the type of investments the area GSOC may make, and the manner in which the area GSOC proposes to develop the area. Defines a "revitalization area GSOC" as a GSOC chartered by the State under this Act, authorized by its charter to acquire and develop real estate within the revitalization area, and which has a charter providing that: (1) its shares shall only be issued directly to eligible area residents on an equal basis; (2) each share of stock shall have full voting rights; (3) no stock shall be transferred except by will or inheritance; (4) at least 40 percent of all employees of the GSOC must be qualified employees; and (5) the board of directors must authorize the issuance of as many shares of GSOC stock as necessary to assure that each eligible area resident receives stock on an equal basis. Provides that contributions made to an area GSOC shall qualify as charitable contributions. Provides that only 50 percent of the gain realized from the sale or exchange of any property to an area GSOC shall be recognized. Title IV: Employee Stock Ownership Provisions - Increases from 25 to 50 percent the amount that may be deducted from income tax for contributions paid into an employee stock ownership plan which are applied to the repayment of the principal of a loan used to acquire the employer's stock. Allows an employer an income tax deduction for cash dividends paid on shares of his stock provided specified conditions are met. Permits a taxpayer to deduct a contribution to a tax credit employee stock ownership plan or an employee stock ownership plan as a charitable contribution provided specified conditions are met. Title V: Energy Provisions - Increases the qualified energy conservation expenditures, for purposes of calculating the residential energy credit, from 15 percent to 40 percent of the energy conservation expenditures made during taxable years ending after 1983. Extends the residential energy credit for dwelling units in revitalization areas indefinitely beyond its current expiration date of December 31, 1985. Increases the investment tax credit for energy property to 30 percent for a revitalization area business which invests in energy property between January 1, 1984, and December 31, 2002.
United States · United States Congress · 20 February 1985
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the seasonally adjusted total unemployment rate (TUR) should be used to determine the availability of extended benefits and Federal supplemental compensation of the unemployed; (2) if the seasonally adjusted TUR is not currently available for a State, an alternative method of calculating such TUR should be developed and implemented with respect to determining the availability of such benefits; and (3) the Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, and other agencies involved with the gathering of unemployment data should take all steps necessary to improve U.S. capability to measure accurately the level of total unemployment and should recommend ways to improve current unemployment compensation benefit formulas so that such benefits are made available in areas of greatest need.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1985
South African Human Rights and Conditionality Act of 1985 - Chapter I: Imposition of Economic Sanctions - Prohibits U.S. persons from making any loans to South Africa or to any organization organized or controlled by South Africa. Excludes from such prohibition loans for educational, housing, or health facilities that are available to all persons on a nondiscriminatory basis and are located in areas accessible to all persons. Prohibits imports of gold or silver coins minted or sold by South Africa. Amends the Tariff Schedules of the United States to prohibit imports from South Africa of certain uranium compounds, coal, and uranium ore or metal. Prohibits any U.S. person from making any investment in South Africa. Authorizes the President to require U.S. persons who have branches or offices in South Africa or who control businesses in South Africa to submit periodic reports on such businesses. Prohibits cooperation of any kind provided for in the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 with respect to South Africa. Prohibits the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) from authorizing exports of any nuclear material, production or utilization facility, technology, or of any item which has significance for nuclear explosive purposes. Prohibits using the authority of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to distribute any special nuclear material, source material, or byproduct material of South Africa. Prohibits U.S. agencies from entering into any subsequent arrangement under the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 which would permit the transfer to or use by South Africa of any nuclear materials, equipment, or technology. Prohibits the Secretary of Energy from providing any authorization for any activity which would involve engaging in South Africa in specified nuclear production activities. Prohibits the Secretary of Commerce from issuing any export license for the export to South Africa of any goods or technology: (1) which are intended for a nuclear related end use or end user; (2) which have been identified as items which could, if used for purposes other than those for which the export is intended, be of significance for nuclear explosive purposes; or (3) which are otherwise subject to specified procedures established pursuant to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Act of 1978. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to use the authorities contained in the Export Administration Act of 1979 to prohibit the export to South Africa of any goods and technology contained on lists prepared by the NRC, the Secretary of Commerce, the Secretary of Energy, and the Secretary of State pursuant to this Act. Prohibits any officer or employee of any U.S. agency from making available to South Africa any information which could increase South Africa's nuclear capability. Terminates any license or authority described in this Act which was issued before enactment of this Act. Prohibits exporting to South Africa or to any organization controlled by South Africa any goods or technology subject to export controls under the Export Administration Act of 1979, except for certain previously published technical data and for certain medicines, medical supplies, and equipment. Directs the President to carry out a research program to try to develop synthetic substitutes for those strategic and critical materials for which South Africa is a major source of supply to the United States. Authorizes appropriations. Chapter 2: Additional Sanctions - Directs the President to impose additional sanctions against South Africa if within 18 months after enactment of this Act the President has not submitted to the Congress a certification that South Africa has made substantial progress towards: (1) implementing measures to assure that all South Africans may participate in the political, economic, and social life of that country; (2) freeing all political prisoners; and (3) implementing fair labor practices in both the public and private sectors. Requires the additional sanctions to take effect 60 days after the President submits such certification to the Congress unless within that 60-day period a joint resolution is enacted approving the President's certification. Declares as additional sanctions: (1) the prohibition of an honorary consular officer from South Africa; (2) the denial of foreign tax credits and deductions; and (3) the prohibition of landing rights for South African air carriers except in emergencies. Requires, within four years of enactment of this Act, the divestiture of South African investments by U.S. persons and the expulsion of the South African diplomatic mission to the United States, unless before the end of three years after enactment of this Act the President submits to the Congress the certification relating to progress in the rights of South Africans and, within 60 days of its submission to the Congress, a joint resolution is enacted approving the President's certification. Provides for expedited congressional consideration of such a joint resolution. Directs the President to take appropriate steps to seek the cooperation of South Africa in attaining the objectives of: (1) protecting the rights of all South Africans; (2) freeing all political prisoners; and (3) implementing fair labor practices. Terminates any sanctions imposed pursuant to this Act after the enactment of a joint resolution approving the President's certification. Directs the President to prohibit imports of articles of a foreign person into the United States if, after a U.S. person divests itself of his South African investments, such foreign person invests in the same or a comparable South African market and the President determines that such foreign person's investments were made as a result of the U.S. person's divestiture. Chapter 3: General Provisions - Authorizes the President to issue regulations to carry out this Act. Provides for enforcement of this Act. Sets forth penalties for violations of this Act. Makes this Act applicable to attempts to evade this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1985
Railroad Antimonopoly Act of 1985 - Amends the Sherman Act to prohibit any owner rail carrier from monopolizing a route by denying any shipper or other rail carrier the use, on reasonable terms, of a facility which is the sole facility over which bulk commodities must be moved to connect with the track of a competing rail carrier or to reach the destination of shipment. Bars any rate restriction under this Act if the owner rail carrier permits a competing carrier to use such sole facility. Specifies procedures for determining rates for the use of a sole facility if there is no competition. Prohibits an owner rail carrier from conditioning the use of a sole facility upon use of other facilities. Permits a shipper to elect to connect with a water carrier instead of, or in addition to, a competing rail carrier at the first connection point; provided that the cost of connecting with the water carrier is no greater than the cost of connecting with the competing rail carrier, or the owner rail carrier is reimbursed for the difference in cost. Entitles any person injured by a violation of this Act to bring an action to recover damages and to seek injunctive relief as provided under the Clayton Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1985
Directs the Secretary of Education to establish a grant program to assist local educational agencies to establish and operate teenage suicide prevention programs. Sets forth grant application and program requirements. Limits the amount of any such grant to no more than $100,000 in any fiscal year. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 through 1988.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1985
Amends the Tariff Schedules of the United States to prohibit the importation into the United States of certain articles of uranium and coal from the Republic of South Africa or Namibia.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1985
Hazardous Materials Transportation Act Amendments of 1985 - Declares the purpose of this Act to be to promote the public safety by providing State and local governments with the authority to adequately meet their enforcement and emergency response responsibilities. Amends the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act to set forth standards and procedures for the Secretary of Transportation to use in making inconsistency and nonpreemption determinations about State and local safety requirements in relation to Federal requirements. Directs the Secretary to enter into cooperative agreements for the establishment of regional training centers to train State and local personnel to: (1) respond to hazardous materials transportation accidents; and (2) enforce State and local hazardous materials transportation requirements. States that such agreements shall be for terms of three years. Requires any party to an agreement with the Secretary to bear the cost of constructing training facilities. Directs the Secretary to provide, upon request, training materials and other assistance as may be appropriate. Requires parties to agreements with the Secretary, in developing training materials, to consider the procedures and standards for responding to hazardous substance releases as set forth in the national contingency plan required under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980. Directs (currently, authorizes) the Secretary to establish: (1) criteria for handling hazardous materials; and (2) minimum levels of insurance coverage sufficient to meet injury or damage claims resulting from transportation of such materials. Directs (currently, authorizes) the Secretary to require transporters or shippers of hazardous materials to submit registration statements and to amend such statements as necessary. Requires the Secretary to study and determine the most effective, equitable, and cost-efficient method for imposing a fee on all participants in the registration program to assist States or political subdivisions in developing and conducting enforcement and emergency response programs related to transportation of hazardous materials. Requires a report to the Congress on such study within 12 months of enactment. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1985
Professional Sports Community Protection Act of 1985 - States that it shall not be unlawful for a professional sports league or its clubs to enforce rules or agreements that: (1) decide that a member club may not relocate; (2) divide revenues to promote economic opportunities for member clubs; and (3) establish procedures and standards for the selection and termination of club ownership. Prescribes a notice requirement for clubs seeking relocation. Lists factors for consideration in determining whether a league will permit a club to relocate, which include: (1) the adequacy of the existing stadium and facilities; (2) the operating revenues or losses during the preceding three years; and (3) any offers to purchase the club at fair market value which would keep such club in its home territory. Provides that judicial review of the league's determination may be sought in a civil action brought in a district court of the United States by: (1) the club seeking relocation; (2) the stadium owner or operator; or (3) the local government. Prohibits the bringing of such action in a district court within the club's home or proposed territory. Requires leagues to file with the Secretary of Commerce their rules regarding: (1) team relocation; (2) division of revenues; and (3) selection and termination of club ownership. States that the provisions of this Act do not affect the applicability of the antitrust laws (as defined in the Clayton Act and the Federal Trade Commission Act). Preempts State and local laws inconsistent with this Act. Applies the provisions of this Act to any major league football, basketball, hockey, or soccer team.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1985
Amends the Peace Corps Act to declare that it is U.S. policy and a purpose of the Peace Corps to provide opportunity for service in the Peace Corps to at least 10,000 persons by the end of FY 1989 and thereafter. Directs the President to report to the Congress on plans to carry out such policy.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1985
Liberty Double-Eagle Bullion Coin Act - Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue gold double-eagle coins. Sets forth specifications for and the design of such coins. Makes such coins legal tender. Permits the sale of such coins at a price equal to the cost of minting and issuing such coins plus a surcharge equal to the amount by which the fair market value of gold bullion held by the United States and used in the minting of the coins exceeds the statutory maximum value of any gold certificates outstanding against the bullion. Requires the revenue from such surcharges to be used to reduce the national debt. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1985
Information Dissemination and Research Accountability Act - Establishes in the National Library of Medicine a National Center for Research Accountability to assist in eliminating duplication of effort in Federal research proposals involving live animals. Directs the President to appoint as members of the Center 20 experts in the biomedical information sciences who are currently employed by a Federal agency in a capacity which qualifies them to make determinations as to whether research proposals involving live animals are duplicative of other research efforts. Sets forth provisions for a Director of the Center. Prohibits Federal agencies from carrying out or funding any research proposal involving live animals unless the proposal is submitted to the Center following agency approval. Prohibits Federal funding of any such proposal which the Center determines would duplicate other research completed or in process. Authorizes the Center to contract with private entities to assist in the conduct of comprehensive full-text literature searches. Directs the President to establish rules to preclude any conflict of interest in the awarding of such contracts. Authorizes the President to appoint uncompensated advisors to the Members of the Center. Directs the Center to report annually to the President and the Congress. Provides for modernization of biomedical information storage and dissemination by the National Library of Medicine. Directs the Library to: (1) acquire, in full-text form, all biomedical information owned or available for use by Federal agencies (except information already in the Library or classified for national security reasons); (2) transcribe and store in full-text all such information in its collection, using modern technologies; (3) translate into English all foreign-language biomedical information owned or used by the Library; (4) make available through modern technologies, at cost, to medical libraries all full-text biomedical information in its collection; (5) support, by grants and contracts, the creation of new information for teaching and demonstrations, including audiovisual aids and computer graphics technologies; (6) make available, at cost, such new information to research and teaching institutions; and (7) increase the number of persons trained in modern methods of biomedical information storage and dissemination technologies by making available stipends, awards, and grants to persons engaged in such training. Provides that the cost to those requesting such biomedical or such teaching and demonstration information shall include the Federal expenses incurred in acquiring and making it available. Authorizes the Library to award contracts to the private-sector data recording industry to improve: (1) the development of technologies for storage and dissemination of full-text biomedical information; and (2) dissemination of such information to medical libraries for research use. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to appoint uncompensated advisors to the Library for purposes of this Act. Requires the Library to report annually to the Congress on its progress. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 and thereafter.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1985
Authorizes the Administrator of Veterans Affairs to provide mortage protection life insurance to certain veterans unable to obtain commercial life insurance at a standard rate because of service-connected disabilities. Establishes guidelines for such insurance regarding: (1) amount of insurance; (2) premium rates; (3) payment of insurance; and (4) policy provisions.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1985
Made in America Act - Limits the total number of new imported motor vehicles that may be introduced into interstate commerce for retail sale during any calendar year after 1985 to 15 percent of the aggregate number of new domestic and imported motor vehicles that were introduced into interstate commerce for retail sale during the base year. Defines the "base year" as the second calendar year preceding a calendar year for which such restrictions are established. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to allocate the number of new imported motor vehicles among foreign vehicle manufacturers on the basis of their respective shares of the U.S. market during the base year. Requires the Secretary to determine the limits for each calendar year at least four months before the beginning of the year. Requires the Secretary to publish the limits and the allocations for foreign manufacturers in the Federal Register. Imposes civil penalties for violations of the quantitative restrictions on imports. Requires each foreign vehicle manufacturer that produces more than 25,000 new imported vehicles that were introduced into interstate commerce for retail sales during any calendar year after 1982 to provide the Secretary with production, importation, distribution, and sales information. Terminates the quantitative limitations any time after December 31, 1990, if the Secretary finds that injury to the domestic industry has been prevented or remedied. Requires the Secretary to report annually to Congress on actions taken under this Act and on the impact of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1985
Changes the name of the Ernest Orlando Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory facilities at Livermore, California, to the Livermore National Laboratory. Amends the Department of Energy National Security and Military Applications of Nuclear Energy Authorization Act of 1980 to conform to provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1985
Summer Youth Employment, Training, and Education Act of 1985 - Amends the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) to require the addition of an education component to the summer youth employment and training programs under part B of title II (Training Services for the Disadvantaged) of JTPA. Requires that each service delivery area (SDA) be allotted an amount equal to at least 90 percent of the amount available to such area for the summer youth program in the preceding fiscal year. Requires ratable reductions in the allocation to each SDA if appropriations are not sufficient to provide such amount to each SDA. Requires that allotments to States and allocations to SDAs be: (1) made in accordance with provisions for prompt allocation of funds; and (2) available for planning purposes before the beginning of the summer months for which allotted and allocated. Requires that summer youth program funds be used so that participants spend a portion of their time on individualized, self-paced, remedial and basic academic and functional competency development and achieve specified types of performance standards established and developed in each SDA. Requires that the portion of a participant's time spent on such competency development be in addition to, and not in place of, regular employment under the summer youth program. Prohibits summer youth program funds from being used to provide employment to any individual who fails to comply with attendance standards established by the SDA with respect to such education components. Prohibits summer youth program funds from being used to compensate or reward participants for attendance at such education components, except under specified provisions which require that a portion of matching funds be used to provide bonuses to participants for achievement of academic and functional competence. Specifies that planning for summer youth programs does not have to be conducted during the summer months. Sets forth matching fund requirements for summer youth programs. Requires each private industry council (PIC), for each program year beginning after June 30, 1987, to make available from non-Federal sources an amount for use in such programs equal to at least one and one-half percent of the amount made available under JTPA for such programs in that SDA for the applicable program year. Allows each PIC, for program years beginning July 1, 1985, and July 1, 1986, to make available such matching amounts. Limits, for any program year beginning after June 30, 1987, such matching amounts to not less than $20,000 and not more than $100,000 per SDA. Requires each PIC to notify the State of the PIC's matching amount by April 1 of the preceding program year. Requires each State, for program years beginning after June 30, 1987, to provide to each PIC an amount equal to the PIC matching amount. Allows States to provide such State matching amount from non-Federal sources or to use funds available to them under part A (Adult and Youth Programs) of title II of JTPA and under chapter 2 (Consolidation of Federal Programs for Elementary and Secondary Education) of the Educational Consolidation and Improvement Act of 1981. Requires each State, for program years beginning July 1, 1985, and July 1, 1986, to reserve one and one-half percent of its State allotment under part A, to be allocated to PICs in proportion to the matching amounts made available by such PICs for such program years. Requires that such matching amounts be used to: (1) support the education and training components of the summer youth programs; (2) provide bonuses to participants for achievement of academic and functional competence; and (3) after complying with (1) and (2), create additional employment opportunities under the summer youth programs. Allows matching amounts to be in cash or in-kind, but requires that in-kind matching amounts be in the form of state-of-the-art basic and remedial education materials and equipment suitable for use for summer youth programs for the applicable program year. Requires each SDA to maintain complete records on the improvements in academic and functional competency attained by participants in the summer youth programs. Requires that such records be compiled by reference to State and locally determined general education diploma and basic education competency requirements. Requires each SDA to submit summaries of such records to the State. Requires States to submit annual reports on such summaries to the Secretary of Labor. Directs the Secretary to include an analysis of such reports in the Secretary's annual report to the Congress on employment and training programs. Provides that a specified portion of the State allotment under JTPA which is currently available for State education programs shall also be available to carry out matching requirements for summer youth programs.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1985
Authorizes reduced postal rates (one-half of the usual rate) during FY 1986 and 1987 for parcels of food, medicine, or clothing sent to Poland or the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics.
![Official portrait of Rep. Mitchell, Parren J. [D-MD-7]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/m000826_200.jpg)