United States · United States Congress · 23 April 1985
Space Investment Tax Equity Act of 1985 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an investment tax credit for property used in space if such property is a spacecraft, or is used on a spacecraft, which is substantially controlled from one or more facilities located in the United States. Treats property used in space as depreciable property if such property would be depreciable if used on earth. Treats certain income derived from activities conducted in space as United States source income.
United States · United States Congress · 23 April 1985
Authorizes the President, on behalf of the Congress, to present a gold medal honoring George Gershwin to his sister, Frances Gershwin Godowsky, and a gold medal honoring Ira Gershwin to his widow, Lenore Gershwin. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to provide for the sale of bronze duplicates of the medal. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1985
Prohibits any agency of the government from obligating or appropriating funds for the production of lethal chemical weapons. Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the President should intensify efforts to achieve agreement with the Soviet Union and other countries to stop the production, proliferation, and stockpiling of lethal chemical weapons; (2) the Department of Defense should protect the armed forces against the use of lethal chemical weapons in attacks; (3) an agreement with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization must be concluded on the prepositioning of any new chemical weapons; and (4) funding of new lethal chemical weapons is unwarranted in light of the Federal budget deficit.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1985
Veterans' Housing Benefits Amendments of 1985 - Authorizes the Administrator of Veterans Affairs to provide mortgage assistance to veterans with loans guaranteed by the Veterans Administration in order to avoid foreclosure of such loans. Provides that such assistance shall be in the form of a loan to the veteran not to exceed $8,400. Provides that such assistance may be provided only if: (1) the dwelling that secures the primary loan is the current residence of the veteran; (2) the veteran is at least six months delinquent in payments on the primary loan; (3) the veteran is unemployed or has had a substantial reduction in household income through no fault of the veteran; and (4) the Administrator determines that there is a reasonable prospect that the veteran will resume payment on the primary loan within six months after receiving such assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1985
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a refundable income tax credit to any individual who maintains a household which includes one or more elderly qualified persons. Sets the amount of such credit at $1,000 for each such elderly person living in the household. Limits the aggregate amount creditable to $2,000 on any return for the taxable year. Defines "qualified elderly person" as any individual who: (1) has attained age 65; (2) has an impairment which, as determined by a physician, renders such individual physically or mentally incapable of caring for himself and has lasted or is expected to last six months or longer; and (3) has as a principal place of abode for more than half of the taxable year the home of the taxpayer.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1985
Authorizes the President to call a White House Conference on Library and Information Services, to be held not later than 1989, to develop recommendations for improvement of such services and their public use. Requires that the Conference be planned and conducted by the National Commission on Libraries and Information Sciences. Authorizes the Librarian of Congress, the Director of the National Library of Medicine, and the Director of the National Agricultural Library, upon request, to detail personnel to the Commission. Requires the Conference to submit a final report to the President within 120 days following its close. Directs that the final report be made public, and within 90 days after receipt by the President, transmitted to the Congress with recommendations. Establishes an advisory committee to assist in planning and conducting the Conference. Includes among its appointed members the Secretary of Education and the Librarian of Congress. Authorizes appropriations as necessary.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1985
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the public schools of the United States should be encouraged to include a study of the Holocaust in their history curricula.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1985
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should cancel his planned visit to the Bitburg Cemetery out of respect for the millions who suffered and died at the hands of the SS and the Nazis.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1985
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should take no action that will honor the memories of Nazi soldiers during his planned trip to the Federal Republic of Germany.
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1985
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish an applicable test rate of nine percent for determining whether there is imputed interest in the case of seller-financed property. Permits a lower test interest rate of 80 percent of the Federal Treasury rate where such rates are lower than the nine percent test rate. Provides for a blended test rate for instances where the loan amount exceeds $4,000,000. Provides that in determining whether wraparound financing meets such testing rate, the test shall be applied to the net rate of interest on the seller's equity in the financing after deducting the existing third party financing. Authorizes the imputation of interest in seller-financed property sales of $4,000,000 or less of ten percent or 90 percent of the Federal Treasury rates, whichever is less, where the test interest rates have not been met. Allows for a blended imputed interest rate where the debt amount exceeds $4,000,000. Requires that all loan amounts from a single transaction or series of related transactions be aggregated for purposes of determining the loan amount. Provides that the imputed interest rules will not apply to assumptions of loans unless the terms and conditions of such debt obligations are modified in connection with the assumption. Repeals the provisions of the Code limiting the amount of interest expense a purchaser of personal use property may deduct for tax purposes. Excepts debt instruments arising from the sale or exchange of a residence from the imputed interest provisions where the obligor of the instrument uses the property as his other residence. Provides that the imputed interest rules shall not apply in the case of sales or exchanges of property where the borrowed amount does not exceed $4,000,000. Requires the interest on the obligation issued in connection with such sales or exchanges to be taken into account by both the buyer and the seller on the cash receipts and disbursement method of accounting unless both buyer and seller agree to use the accrual receipts and disbursement method of accounting.
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1985
States that the House of Representatives condemns the Soviet Union's military terrorism and attempted destruction of Afghanistan. Recommends that the President provide medical, military, and food assistance to the Afghan Freedom Fighters.
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1985
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should withdraw the determination that the Government of Haiti is making progress toward improving human rights and toward implementing political reforms such as the establishment of political parties, free elections, and freedom of the press.
United States · United States Congress · 16 April 1985
Expresses the sense of the Congress that no limitation should be placed on the Federal income tax deduction for interest paid on a residential mortgage.
United States · United States Congress · 15 April 1985
Directs the Federal Trade Commission to issue a rule under the Federal Trade Commission Act regarding unfair and deceptive acts and practices by life care homes. Instructs the Commission to consider including requirements regarding the following: (1) the disclosure to prospective and current residents of specified financial and contractual plans, obligations, and dealings; (2) the definition of advertising practices which are unfair and deceptive and actions to be taken by life care homes to prevent such practices; and (3) the use of readily understandable terms in life care contracts. Requires the Commission to include a statement of the reasons why any such requirement is not included in the rules issued pursuant to this Act. Directs the Commission to study unfair and deceptive acts and practices engaged in by nursing homes and report such findings to the Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1985
Parental and Disability Leave Act of 1985 - Title I: General Requirements for Parental and Disability Leave - Entitles each employee to disability leave (for nonoccupational medical reasons) of not fewer than 26 workweeks in any one calendar year. Provides that such leave need not be taken consecutively and may consist of unpaid leave. Requires any employer which provides temporary nonoccupational disability leave or benefits, or both, to provide such leave or benefits in such a manner that each employee is entitled to a minimum of 26 workweeks of disability leave in any one calendar year. Provides that, if the benefits provided are paid benefits for a period of less than 26 weeks, the additional weeks of leave which are added to meet the 26-week minimum may be unpaid. Directs the Secretary of Labor to promulgate regulations governing employer verification of employees' eligibility for such leave. Requires that the same standards, procedures, or other requirements so imposed apply to all temporary disabilities. Entitles each employee to parental leave (for birth, adoption, or serious illness of a child) of not fewer than 18 workweeks in any two years upon advance notice to his or her employer. Provides that such leave need not be taken consecutively and may consist of unpaid leave. Requires any employer which provides parental leave or benefits, or both, to provide such leave or benefits in such a manner that each employee is entitled to a minimum of 18 workweeks of parental leave in any two calendar years. Provides that, if the benefits provided are paid benefits for a period of less than 18 weeks, the additional weeks of leave which are added to meet the 18-week minimum may be unpaid. Directs the Secretary of Labor to promulgate regulations governing: (1) employer verification of employees' eligibility for such leave; and (2) the form, content, and timing requirements of the notice to the employer. Entitles each employee who exercises his or her right to a disability leave or a parental leave under this Act, upon expiration of such leave, to be restored by the employer to the position held by the employee when the leave commenced or to an equivalent position. Requires the employer to maintain any existing health benefits of the employee for the duration of such disability or parental leave period. Entitles each employee, at his or her option, to take such disability or parental leave on a reduced leave schedule. Limits to a maximum of 39 consecutive weeks the total time over which such reduced leave schedule may be spread. Sets forth prohibitions against retaliation. Makes it unlawful to interfere with an individual's exercise of rights or participation in proceedings or inquiries under this title. Provides that any negative material change in the seniority, status, employment benefits, pay, or other terms or conditions of the position of an employee which occurs within one year of restoration to the position, or within one year of the termination of proceedings or inquiries, shall be presumed to be prohibited retaliation. Sets forth provisions for enforcement of this title. Gives an employee the right to bring a civil action against an employer to enforce the provisions of this title. Authorizes the Secretary to bring such actions, except against any public agency. Gives U.S. district courts original jurisdiction over such actions. Sets forth venue provisions. Provides for equitable relief, damages, punitive damages, and reasonable attorneys' fee and costs in such actions. Requires that the Secretary be notified of any such action. Gives the Secretary the right to intervene in any such action brought by an employee. Gives any aggrieved person the right to intervene in any such action brought by the Secretary. Sets forth a statute of limitations and a limitation on the period of recovery. Sets forth provisions for attorneys for the Secretary in such actions. Sets forth the investigative authority of the Secretary to determine whether any person has violated or is about to violate any provision of this title or any regulation or order issued thereunder. Limits required submissions, for purposes of such investigations, to an annual basis, unless the Secretary has reasonable cause to believe that there may be a violation. Authorizes the Secretary to prescribe regulations to carry out this title. Authorizes appropriations to enable the Secretary to carry out functions or duties under this title. Sets forth provisions relating to the effect of this title on Federal laws, State and local laws, and existing employment benefits. Title II: Commission to Recommend Means to Provide Salary Replacement for Employee Taking Parental and Disability Leaves - Establishes the Paid Parental and Disability Leave Commission. Sets forth provisions for Commission membership, including provisions to ensure a broad representation of child advocacy, women's rights, labor, management, and academic interests. Directs the Commission to: (1) study domestic and foreign systems, both existing and proposed, which provide workers with full or partial salary replacement or other income protection during periods of nonoccupational temporary disability leave, parental leave, and dependent care leave; (2) produce a comprehensive written analysis of such systems, including recommendations for implementation of such a system for all workers in the United States; and (3) propose legislation to implement a system of salary replacement for temporary nonoccupational disability leave (within two years after the effective date of this Act) and for parental leave. Sets forth provisions relating to Commission powers, administration, and compensation of members. Provides that the Commission shall prepare and submit to the Congress such interim reports as the Commission deems appropriate, but requires that its report and proposed legislation to provide salary replacement for employees on nonoccupational temporary disability be submitted to the Congress within two years of the date of enactment of this Act. Terminates the Commission 30 days after the submission of its final report.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1985
Amends part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide coverage for outpatient occupational therapy services.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1985
Renewable Energy and Conservation Transition Act of 1985 - Title I: Extension of Business Energy Credits - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend the energy investment tax credit for solar energy property from 1985 to 1990. Sets the amount of such credit during such period at 15 percent for low temperature solar property and 25 percent for all other solar property. Extends the energy investment tax credit for wind property from 1985 to 1988. Sets the amount of such credit at: (1) ten percent during 1986 and 1987; and (2) five percent during 1988. Extends the energy investment tax credit for geothermal property and biomass property from 1985 to 1988. Extends the energy investment tax credit for ocean thermal property from 1985 to 1990. Revises the definition of "solar property" for purposes of such tax credit. Sets forth special rules for geothermal equipment to qualify for such credit. Title II: Affirmative Commitment Rule to Extend the Business Credit for Certain Long-Term Projects - Extends the time period during which an affirmative commitment must be made in order for long-term energy projects to be eligible for the energy investment tax credit. Allows such extension: (1) from 1990 to 1993 for solar energy property; (2) from 1988 to 1990 for geothermal energy property; and (3) from 1985 to 1990 for hydroelectric generating property. Title III: Extension of Residential Energy Credits - Extends the residential energy income tax credit for solar renewable energy property from 1985 to 1990. Phases out such credit over such period of time. Provides that solar hot water systems and active space heating systems must meet certain additional standards in order to qualify for such credit. Extends the residential energy income tax credit for wind renewable energy property from 1985 to 1988. Phases out such credit over such period of time. Extends the residential energy income tax credit for geothermal renewable energy property from 1985 to 1988. Phases out such credit over such period of time. Revises the definition of geothermal deposits for purposes of such credit. Revises the definition of energy conservation expenditures for purposes of the residential energy income tax credit to limit the amounts taken into account to $700. Limits the energy conservation income tax credit to taxpayers with an adjusted gross income of less than $30,000. Title IV: Effective Date - Sets forth the effective date of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1985
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should analyze the proposals of the President's Private Sector on Cost Control (Grace Commission) and submit to the Congress within 90 days a unified report and recommendations with respect to an identification of: (1) the 1,635 proposals of the Commission and the expected savings from each of them; (2) each recommendation that the President or executive branch already has implemented; (3) each remaining recommendation which can be implemented solely by the President or the executive branch and which the President supports; (4) each recommendation which can be implemented solely by the President or the executive branch and which the President opposes; (5) each recommendation requiring congressional action on which the Congress has taken action, and the expected savings from such action; (6) each recommendation which requires further congressional action and which the President supports; (7) each recommendation which requires further congressional action and which the President opposes; and (8) any other information regarding any recommendation which the President deems necessary or appropriate to transmit to the Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 1985
Oil and Gas Leasing Reform Act of 1985 - Amends the Mineral Leasing Act to revise provisions relating to the authority of the Secretary of the Interior to lease oil and gas lands. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to lease to the highest responsible qualified bidder, by competitive bidding, any lands subject to disposition under the Act which may contain oil or gas deposits. Provides that a lease shall: (1) be for an initial period of five years and as long thereafter as gas or oil is produced from the leased area in compliance with the diligence standards; (2) entitle the lessee to explore, develop, and produce oil and gas, conditioned upon compliance with diligence standards; and (3) be conditioned upon an annual rental payment of at least $2.00 per acre. Requires a minimum royalty of $4.00 per acre in lieu of rental at the expiration of each lease year. Requires any lessee conducting exploration, development, or production of oil or gas to provide the Secretary access to all data and information obtained from such activity which the Secretary may request.
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 1985
Children's Justice Reform 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 · 3 April 1985
Civil Service Retirement Spouse Equity Amendments of 1985 - Amends the Civil Service Retirement Spouse Equity Act of 1984 to apply the guidelines regarding the termination of annuity benefits for survivors of Federal retirees who remarry before age 55, and the guidelines regarding restoration of such benefits upon dissolution of such remarriages, to: (1) remarriages occurring on or after the date of enactment of such Act (November 8, 1984); and (2) periods beginning on or after such date. (This would permit survivors who were widowed before May 8, 1985, the effective date of the guidelines, to remarry at age 55 without losing their benefits.) Provides that a survivor's annuity shall be either 55 percent of the Federal retiree's annuity or that portion which the retiree has designated for survivor annuity benefits. Permits a Federal retiree to elect a survivor's annuity for a former spouse within 18 months of the effective date of certain regulations under this Act (thus granting an 18 month extension to annuitants who wish to modify a previous election.) Allows Federal retirees who have elected a survivor's annuity for a former spouse before certain implementing regulations become effective to modify such election by designating in writing that only a portion of such annuity is to be used as the base for the former spouse's survivor annuity. Directs the Office of Personnel Management to prescribe regulations to implement the survivor annuity provisions, including regulations for making refunds pursuant to an annuitant's election modifications. Permits certain former spouses of Federal retirees who are entitled to a survivor's annuity to enroll in an approved Federal employees health benefits program within 12 months after the date of enactment of this Act. Applies survivor's annuity benefits guidelines to individuals married to Federal retirees as of the effective date of this Act unless: (1) the retiree notifies in writing that such benefits are not desired; or (2) the retiree has married after retirement and did not make a survivor's annuity election before enactment of this Act. Permits Federal retirees who have retired within 180 days after enactment the Civil Service Retirement Spouse Equity Act of 1984, and whose spouses have been precluded for certain reasons from receiving survivor annuity benefits, to elect for such benefits in writing within 18 months of the effective date of certain regulations prescribed by the Office of Personnel Management. Establishes guidelines under which certain survivor annuity elections shall be prospectively voided. Amends the annuity computation guidelines to provide that annuity elections made by married employees (or Members of Congress) on behalf of a spouse may be made only if any right of such spouse to a survivor annuity based on the annuitant's service is waived. Directs the Office of Personnel Management to notify Federal retirees who are retired as of the 180th day after enactment of the Civil Service Retirement Spouse Equity Act of 1984 of the procedures and deadlines applicable to the exercise of their rights under such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 1985
Defense Environmental Restoration Act of 1985 - Subjects facilities under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of Defense to the requirements of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) (Superfund). Exempts the Secretary from the financial responsibility requirements. Prohibits the delegation to the Secretary of any response authority under such Act, requiring such authority to remain with the President or the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as appropriate. Permits the designation of the Secretary and other Department of Defense (DOD) officials as natural resources trustees under such Act. Authorizes the Administrator to delegate other authorities to the Secretary or DOD officials if it would be cost-effective except the authority to approve remedial action at a site on the National Priorities List (NPL) in a nonemergency situation. Authorizes the President to issue response action orders as necessary to protect the national security. Directs the Secretary to establish within the Office of the Secretary an office to implement the Defense Environmental Restoration Program which includes investigating and cleaning up contamination from hazardous substances and correcting environmental damage. Directs the Secretary to carry out response actions with respect to releases of hazardous substances from sites and vessels under the Secretary's jurisdiction. Excludes response actions which do not result in a new facility from military construction requirements. Permits removal or remedial action by another responsible party. Directs the Secretary to pay all fees and charges imposed by State and local authorities for storage and/or disposal of hazardous substances on lands under the jurisdiction of the Secretary. Authorizes the Secretary to implement the administrative abatement authorities where there may be an imminent and substantial endangerment to public health or the environment from a DOD controlled facility. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 through 1990 to carry out the restoration program. Makes available to the Secretary amounts recovered from responsible parties for response actions of the Secretary. Authorizes the Secretary to settle claims under CERCLA up to a specified amount. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 through 1990 for emergency removal actions where the release or threatened release of any hazardous substance presents an imminent and substantial endangerment to the public health or environment. Limits the per-site expenditure unless the Secretary and the Administrator agree that continued response actions are required in an emergency-type situation. Requires each emergency removal action to be completed within six months if possible or within 18 months at the outside. Requires the Secretary to notify the Congress within 15 days of obligating emergency funds. Authorizes the Secretary to use facility maintenance funds for response actions, including emergency actions. Authorizes the Secretary to utilize the services of any other Government agency on a reimbursable basis to carry out this Act. Directs the Secretary to establish a research, development, and demonstration program regarding hazardous waste management, including cost-effective strategies and technological innovation. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 through 1990. Directs the Secretary to notify the Administrator of the Agency of Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) within one year of this Act's enactment of the 25 hazardous substances most frequently used at DOD facilities for which no standard or water quality criteria are in effect under the other Federal environmental and water quality statutes. Requires ATSDR to prepare profiles on such substances within one year of receiving the funds to do so. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary to keep the regional EPA offices and the appropriate State and local authorities informed about any hazardous substance releases or proposed response actions occurring at a DOD site within their area. Requires that such notice be made prior to taking a response action in nonemergency situations. Directs the Secretary to establish a Technical Review Committee of such authorities whenever possible to review and comment on DOD proposals. Requires the Secretary to provide an opportunity for public participation before adopting a plan for remedial action at any DOD site on the NPL. Directs the Secretary to report annually to the Congress on the implementation of this Act, including a statement for each site and its hazardous substances, the response actions taken or proposed, and the costs involved. Directs the Secretary to provide the Congress with information on military construction projects in the budget attributable to environmental restoration programs. Requires military construction authorizations to separately set forth the amount requested for environmental restoration for each military department and defense agency. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out otherwise unauthorized emergency construction for hazardous substance response actions up to a specified amount and after congressional notification.
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 1985
Endorses the statements of the Secretary of State that: (1) the system of apartheid in South Africa is "totally repugnant to the people of the United States"; (2) the most recent killings "underline how evil and unacceptable apartheid is"; and (3) the most recent act of violence of the South African police is "deplorable and the people of the United States have nothing except denunciation to say for it." Requests the Secretary to conduct an independent investigation of the violence in the Eastern Cape area of South Africa between March 21 and March 24, 1985, and to submit a report to the Congress by April 30, 1985, on the circumstances relating to the violence.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1985
Federal Drug Law Enforcement Agent Protection Act of 1985 - Amends the Controlled Substances Act to authorize awards of up to $100,000 to any individual who provides original information which leads to the arrest and conviction of a person who kidnaps or kills a Federal drug law enforcement agent. Provides that the money for such rewards be taken from the forfeiture proceeds within the Department of Justice.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1985
Medicare and Medicaid Patient and Program Protection Act of 1985 - Amends part A (General Provisions) of title XI of the Social Security Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to exclude from participation in programs under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act any individual or entity: (1) convicted of a criminal offense related to the delivery of an item or service under title XVIII or under titles XIX (Medicaid), V (Maternal and Child Health Block Grant), or XX (Block Grants to states for Social Services) of such Act; or (2) convicted of a criminal offense related to neglect or abuse of patients in connection with the delivery of a health care item or service. Authorizes the Secretary to exclude from Medicare participation any individual or entity: (1) convicted of fraud with respect to any Federal, State, or locally financed health care program; (2) convicted of interferring with the investigation of health care fraud; (3) convicted of manufacturing, distributing, or dispensing a controlled substance; (4) whose health care license has been suspended or revoked; (5) suspended or excluded from participation in a Federal health care program; (6) claiming excessive charges or providing unnecessary services; (7) committing certain acts prohibited under title XI; (8) owned or controlled by an individual convicted of health care related crimes, fined for health care abuses, or excluded from Medicare or a State health care program; and (9) failing to supply certain information. Authorizes the Secretary to exclude any hospital failing to comply with corrective action required under title XVIII. Sets forth provisions relating to notice requirements, judicial review, and period of exclusion. Directs the Secretary to promptly notify each appropriate State agency administering or supervising the administration of a State health care program of each exclusion and the period of exclusion. Permits an excluded individual or entity to apply, following a period exclusion, to the Secretary for reinstatement. Sets forth provisions providing for civil and criminal penalties for acts involving Medicare or State health care programs abuse, including penalties for physician misrepresentations. Requires a State, as a condition of Medicaid plan approval, to provide for the following: (1) a system of reporting any type of adverse action concluded against any health care practitioner or entity by the State or a local licensing authority; and (2) such access to documents as may be necessary by the Secretary. Requires the Secretary to provide suitable safeguards for the confidentiality of such information. Requires any health care provider providing health care services for which payment may be made under the Act to assure that services or items furnished: (1) will be provided economically and only when, and to the extent, medically necessary; (2) will be quality services which meet professionally recognized standards of health care; and (3) will be supported by evidence of medical necessity and quality in such form and fashion and at such time as may reasonably be required by a reviewing peer review organization in the exercise of its duties and responsibilities. Permits a State to exclude from Medicaid participation any individual or entity excluded under Medicare pursuant to the patient and program protection provisions. Requires a State in order to receive Federal payments with respect to a health maintenance organization (HMO) to exclude any HMO that: (1) could be excluded because of the conviction of the owners or managers of certain crimes; or (2) contracts with any individual or entity convicted of such crimes. Prohibits Federal payments with respect to any amount expended for items or services furnished with respect to any individual or entity excluded from Medicaid participation because of the patient and program protection provisions. Prohibits a State under title V from making payments to any individual or entity excluded from participation pursuant to the patient and program protection provisions. Prohibits Federal payments with respect to any amount expended for items or services furnished with respect to any individual or entity excluded from Medicare because of the patient and program protection provisions of part A of title XI. Prohibits using a grant under title XX for payment for any item or service furnished by a person excluded from title XX participation because of the patient and program protection provisions of title XI. Revises disclosure requirements under part A of title XI. Revises Medicare provisions concerning agreements with providers. Modifies the Medicaid moratorium provisions of the Deficit Reduction Act of 1984 to consider a State's Medicaid plan to include any plan change submitted to the Secretary either before or after the enactment of that Act and whether or not approved or disapproved by the Secretary. Sets forth effective date provisions.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1985
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to eliminate the benefit disparity between those born before 1916 and those born after 1916 which was effected by the enactment of the Social Security Amendments of 1977. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to recompute the primary insurance amount so as to take into account the amendments made by this Act and to pay to any individual so entitled any additional lump sum amount to which such individual is entitled by reason of this Act. Prohibits the recomputation from reducing any individual's benefit.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1985
Youth Suicide Prevention Act of 1985 - Title I: Commission for the Study of Youth Suicide - Establishes the Commission for the Study of Youth Suicide. Directs the Commission to conduct a study that will: (1) examine the causes of suicide among children and youth; (2) identify the most promising strategies for intervening in and preventing suicide; and (3) analyze the options available for assisting States and communities in implementing youth suicide prevention programs. Directs the Commission to prepare both a short- and long-range national plan for the prevention of youth suicide. Directs the Commission, within 15 months after the date of its initial meeting, to transmit to the President and the Congress a report containing a detailed statement of the findings, conclusions, and recommendations of the study. Provides for the membership of the Commission, including the Secretaries of Health and Human Services and of Education, or their delegates, and citizen leaders including some chosen from lists submitted by the American Association of Suicidology, the American Medical Association, the American Psychological Association, and the American Psychiatric Association. Provides for a Commission Director and staff and for Commission powers. Terminates the Commission 90 days after its report is transmitted. Authorizes appropriations to carry out this title for FY 1986 and 1987. Title II: Grants for Programs to Prevent Suicide among Children and Youth - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (the Secretary), in cooperation with the Secretary of Education, to make grants for establishment and operation of youth suicide prevention projects to each applicant whose application is approved. Provides a list of the types of such projects which may be eligible for such grants (including youth school programs, community resources (such as 24-hour "teen hot-lines"), educational materials and public service announcements, and national and international conferences on youth suicide prevention. Requires that such grants be made under terms and conditions prescribed by the Secretary, in cooperation with the Secretary of Education. Limits the amount of such grant award to any one applicant to not more than: (1) a total of $500,000 for FY 1986 through 1988; and (2) 50 percent of the estimated cost of the project for any fiscal year. Makes States, local governments, and private nonprofit agencies eligible to apply for such grants. Directs the Secretary to approve an application if the applicant qualifies under specified provisions and meets such other requirements as the Secretary may prescribe by regulation. Requires that applications contain such information and assurances as the Secretary considers necessary. Sets forth qualification requirements for grant applicants. Requires an applicant that is a State or local government to have in effect and be implementing a primary suicide prevention program directed at children and youth. Requires an applicant that is a private nonprofit agency to demonstrate, in a manner prescribed by regulation by the Secretary, that the agency is cooperating with other private agencies and with Federal, State, and local governments to help prevent suicide among children and youth. Directs the Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Education, to submit to the President and the Congress an annual report evaluating the types and effectiveness of programs and activities assisted under this Act during the preceding fiscal year. Requires that the last such report transmitted contain recommendations on the desirability of continuing such grants. Sets forth auditing provisions. Terminates the grants program established by this title three years after the first grant is awarded. Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary for grants under this title in specified limited amounts for FY 1986 through 1988.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1985
Military Chaplains Faith Balance Act of 1984 - Directs the Secretary of Defense to increase the representation of underrepresented religious faiths among armed forces chaplains.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1985
Amends the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 to limit participation in the special supplemental food program for women, infants, and children (WIC) to States in which State or local sales taxes are not collected on purchases of food under such program.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1985
Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct a study of the benefit disparities caused by the 1977 changes in the social security benefit formula. Directs the Secretary to report the results of the study to the Congress and the Congressional Budget Office. Directs the Director of the Congressional Budget Office to report to the Congress that Office's conclusions and recommendations regarding the Secretary's report.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1985
Humane Product Testing Act of 1985 - Requires Federal departments and agencies to promote nonanimal alternatives to the LD50 test used in the testing of products. Phases out the use of such test to the degree possible within one year of this Act's enactment. (LD50 is a procedure whereby toxicity is measured in terms of the median dose which will kill 50 percent of the test animals within a specified period.)
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1985
World War I Veterans' Service Pension Act - Directs the Administrator of Veterans Affairs to pay a monthly pension of $150 to each veteran of World War I who meets specified service requirements. Requires such veteran, if receiving another pension administered by the Veterans Administration (VA), to elect which pension he will receive. Provides for the payment of a monthly pension of $100 to surviving spouses of World War I veterans who meet certain marriage requirements. Requires such surviving spouses to choose between pensions if they are currently receiving another pension through the VA.
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 1985
Comprehensive Nutrition Assistance Act of 1985 - Title I: National School Lunch Act and the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 - School Lunch and Child Nutrition Amendments of 1985 - Amends the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 and the National School Lunch Act to authorize appropriations through FY 1986 for: (1) the special supplemental food program for women, infants, and children (WIC); (2) State administrative expenses; (3) the nutrition education training (NET) program; (4) the children's summer food service program; and (5) the commodity distribution program. Authorizes appropriations through FY 1988 for State administrative expenses relating to the school nutrition programs. Increases NET authorizations. Reduces the student cost of a reduced price lunch from 40 cents to 25 cents and of a reduced price breakfast from 30 cents to 15 cents. Increases reduced meal income eligibility limits from 185 percent to 195 percent of the poverty level. Provides an additional six cents per breakfast to increase the nutritional quality of such program. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to promulgate related nutritional improvement regulations. Extends the lunch program "offer versus serve" provision to the breakfast program. Permits a child to refuse one breakfast item if such refusal option is permitted by the local school food authority. Raises the program tuition limit under such Act for private schools from $1,500 to $2,500. Requires annual inflation adjustments. Increases the number of reimbursable meals and snacks under the child care food program. Excludes certain medical expenses from household income for program eligibility purposes. Eliminates the requirement that free meal eligibility be the same as that required for food stamp eligibility. Prohibits the Secretary from requiring school lunch program income verification unless the direct cost of such verification is appropriated. Makes kindergartens in specified schools eligible for the special milk program. Establishes a tiered-payment system for the child care food program. Obligates specified food service equipment appropriations for low-income area schools. States that school food facilities and personnel may be used for nonprofit nutrition programs for the elderly. Prohibits the Secretary, through FY 1986, from reducing child nutrition benefit eligibility unless legislatively directed. Qualifies children participating in the food stamp or aid to families with dependent children (AFDC) programs for free breakfasts and lunches. Makes specified nonprofit private sponsors eligible for the summer feeding program. Increases FY 1984 WIC authorizations. Extends administrative fund allocation provisions through FY 1988. Directs the Secretary to apportion funds so as to insure that at least 70 percent of each fiscal year's amounts have been obligated or used by the beginning of such year's fourth quarter. Provides that such requirement shall not apply to supplemental appropriations enacted after January 1 of a fiscal year or to any reallocated funds. Prohibits States from using more than two and one-half percent of a current fiscal year's WIC appropriations for a preceding year's expenditures. Permits administrative funds to be used for technical assistance to improve State administrative systems. Includes AFDC among the programs to be coordinated with the child nutrition programs. Provides for a reduction in program paperwork. Requires the Secretary to fill any vacancy in the National Advisory Council within 90 days. Requires that the Council meet at least once annually. Requires the Secretary to: (1) conduct a study of the feasibility of a universal school lunch program; and (2) report to the Congress by January 1, 1988. Extends, subject to fund availability, the alternative (cash) assistance school lunch pilot study through the school year ending June 30, 1986. Requires the Secretary, subject to fund availability and upon request, to provide financial assistance to participating school districts that sustained losses due to the methodology change for the school year ending June 30, 1983. Authorizes appropriations for such purposes. Requires the Secretary to: (1) conduct a study of the State administrative expense allocation formula and procedures, including the merits of a State matching requirement; and (2) report to the Congress by January 31, 1986. Requires the Secretary to: (1) conduct a study of the effect on families of the child nutrition programs authorized under the Child Nutrition Act of 1966; and (2) report to the Congress by January 1, 1987. Prohibits a contract between a school food authority and a food service company to provide a la carte food service unless such company provides free and reduced price meals to eligible children. Sets aside specified WIC funds for eligible migrants. Title II: Other Food and Nutrition Programs -Amends the Temporary Emergency Food Assistance Act of 1983 (which makes excess commodities available to eligible agencies for distribution) to extend the authorization of appropriations for another year, through FY 1986. Sets aside specified funds from such program for previously unserved areas, particularly areas of rural poverty. Amends the Community Services Block Grant Act, through which the Secretary is authorized to make grants to assist and coordinate food assistance resources at the State, local, and community level, to increase the level of authorizations for FY 1985 and 1986. Sets aside specified funds from such program for organizations serving seasonal or migrant farmworkers and Indian tribes and organizations. Amends the Head Start Act to increase the authorization of appropriations for FY 1986. Limits the use of certain funds to increasing participation in the Head Start program. Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to increase specified amounts which may be deducted from a household's income when determining food stamp eligibility. Authorizes a State agency to calculate household income on either a prospective or retrospective basis. Increases the amount of assets a household may retain and still remain eligible for food stamps. Increases the value of household allotment allowed. Amends the Agriculture and Consumer Protection Act of 1973 to extend for another year, through FY 1986, the commodity supplemental food program. Authorizes local agencies to provide supplemental commodities to low-income elderly persons so long as such supplement does not reduce commodity assistance to women, infants, and children. Amends the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 to authorize appropriations for the Cooperative Extension Service for FY 1986, increasing the amount authorized for FY 1985. Sets aside specified funds from such program to carry out the expanded food and nutrition program known as the Smith-Lever Act. Sets aside specified funds for geographical areas in which the infant mortality rate or hunger-related disease is high.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1985
Simultaneous Nuclear Test-Ban Act - Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President, before August 6, 1985, should declare that the United States will begin a three month cessation of the testing of nuclear warheads on that date if before that date the Soviet Union makes a similar declaration that effective on that date the Soviet Union will begin a three month cessation of the testing of nuclear warheads. Declares the United States should continue such cessation indefinitely unless and until the President certifies to the Congress that the Soviet Union has conducted a nuclear warhead test. Expresses the sense of the Congress that during such cessation the President should seek resumption of the comprehensive test ban talks between the United States, Great Britain, and the Soviet Union. Prohibits the United States from obligating or spending any money for testing nuclear warheads during the three month period beginning on August 6, 1985, if the President does not declare such a cessation of nuclear testing. Authorizes such spending if the President certifies to the Congress that the Soviet Union on or after August 6, 1985, tested a nuclear warhead. Requires the President to include in any such certification: (1) an unclassified report summarizing the basis for the certification; and (2) a classified report describing the Soviet activities that are the basis for the certification. Provides for inclusion in such talks of proposals for long-term mutually acceptable verification measures. Requires the President to report annually to the Congress on: (1) the progress in nuclear arms control negotiations with the Soviet Union; and (2) whether the President believes that continuation of the cessation of nuclear testing is in the U.S. national security interest.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1985
Prohibits interstate and foreign commerce in any article of fur derived from an animal trapped in a steel jaw leghold trap. Establishes criminal penalties for violations of this Act. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to reward nongovernment informers for information leading to a conviction under this Act. Makes the Secretary, with the assistance of appropriate Federal or State personnel, responsible for enforcing this Act. Empowers enforcement officials to detain, search, and seize suspected merchandise or documents and to make arrests with and without warrants. Subjects seized merchandise to forfeiture.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1985
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit States and local governments to provide statements of tax refunds, credits, and offsets to individuals at any time during the calendar year for which such governments make a return, but not later than January 31 of the year following the year of the return. (Current law requires such statements to be furnished in January of the year following the year of the return.)
United States · United States Congress · 27 March 1985
National Childhood Vaccine-Injury Compensation Act of 1985 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish the National Childhood Vaccine-Injury Compensation Program (Program). Prohibits the filing of a civil action for damages for vaccine-related injuries unless the procedures of this Act have been followed. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to prescribe rules governing the content of claims for vaccine-related injuries and procedures for filing such claims. Sets forth deadlines by which: (1) the Secretary must send the claimant and respondent lists of persons eligible to serve on hearing panels; (2) the respondent may join additional respondents; and (3) the claimant and respondent are to select persons for the hearing panel. Provides for the selection and replacement of additional hearing panel members. Permits each respondent to file a consent waiving his or her rights to a judge or jury trial. Allows the hearing panel to hear a claim if each respondent has filed consent. Allows the claimant to file an action for damages in a State or Federal court where none of the respondents have filed such consents. Permits the hearing panel to hear the claim against participating respondents where some, but not all, of the respondents filed consents. Allows the claimant to file an action in a State or Federal court against the nonparticipating respondents. Declares that such court action shall be stayed on any party's motion until the proceedings against the participating respondents are completed. Empowers the hearing panel to determine whether any alleged injuries are vaccine-related and, if appropriate, to award compensation. Sets an aggregate limit of $1,000,000 per person for such awards, including $100,000 for damages arising from pain, suffering, and emotional distress. Allows the claimant to reject the decision of the hearing panel by filing an objection within 60 days. Permits the respondent to appeal the decision of the hearing panel to a Federal district court within 30 days thereafter if no such objection is filed by the claimant. Directs the district court to affirm the hearing panel decision, unless: (1) the decision was procured by corruption or fraud; (2) the hearing panel exceeded its authority; or (3) the hearing panel denied a fair hearing to any party. Permits a claimant who has filed a timely objection to the hearing panel decision to maintain an action for damages in an appropriate State or Federal court. Permits the decision of the hearing panel to be admitted into evidence, unless: (1) the decision was procured by corruption or fraud; (2) the hearing panel exceeded its authority; or (3) the hearing panel denied a fair hearing to any party. Allows a plaintiff to recover a judgment for monetary damages to the full extent provided by State or Federal law where: (1) the respondent did not file a consent pursuant to this Act; or (2) the parties waived compliance with the procedures prescribed by this Act. Limits recovery to the extent provided by this Act where the respondent has filed a consent. Permits a respondent who has paid an award, judgment, or settlement to file a civil action in a U.S. district court seeking to recover all or part of it. Permits third-party impleaders and cross-claims. Allows a party to file an action for contribution or indemnification if that party: (1) did not file a consent pursuant to this Act or waived compliance; and (2) discharged a vaccine-injury claim. Declares that claims filed more than two years after the first manifestation of a vaccine-related injury shall be barred. Defines "covered vaccine" to include vaccines against diptheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, measles, mumps, and rubella. Establishes an Advisory Commission on Childhood Vaccines to: (1) advise the Secretary on the implementation of the Program; (2) study and recommend ways to encourage the availability of safe and effective vaccines; (3) survey information gathering programs and advise the Secretary on how to obtain useful information; and (4) recommend research. Directs the Secretary to develop parent information materials within one year of enactment of this Act. Describes the information to be included in such materials. Directs the Secretary to: (1) encourage the development of vaccines that result in fewer major adverse reactions than those currently on the market; and (2) assure improvements in the vaccine industry to reduce the risks of major adverse reactions. Requires the Secretary to report to specified congressional committees biennially.
United States · United States Congress · 27 March 1985
Permits a gas utility holding company registered under the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935 to: (1) acquire interests in cogeneration facilities; and (2) be exempt from utility rate regulation under the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978.
United States · United States Congress · 27 March 1985
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that travel by Members of Congress to the Soviet Union and travel by Soviet leaders to the United States serves the interests of the two nations and that such travel is encouraged.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1985
National Commission on Illiteracy Act - Establishes a National Commission on Illiteracy. Provides for Commission members to be appointed by the President and by specified congressional officers. Directs the Commission to conduct a full and complete study of the causes of illiteracy, including a study of methods of teaching reading and of methods of teacher training relating to classroom reading instruction. Directs the Commission to: (1) assess the factors which contribute to illiteracy; (2) recommend programs and policies for, and the appropriate local, State, and Federal role in, illiteracy prevention; and (3) assemble, analyze, and publicize its findings. Directs the Commission to submit to the President and the Congress: (1) such interim reports as it deems advisable; and (2) within 12 months after its first meeting, a final report of the study and investigation, with recommendations. Sets forth provisions relating to Commission administration, member compensation, and powers. Terminates the Commission 90 days after the submission of its final report. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1985
Finds that China's one child-per-family-population control program, with its reliance on coerced abortion and resultant increase in female infanticide, violates human rights and constitutes an ongoing crime against humanity. Calls upon the Chinese Government to cease this policy and upon other governments to oppose the institution of such policies in their own countries.
![Official portrait of Rep. Mrazek, Robert J. [D-NY-3]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/m001057_200.jpg)