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United States · Official source
2,152 records where Rep. Penny, Timothy J. [D-MN-1] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 3 October 1985
Commends the Committee on Solar and Space Physics for their work on developing a program of solar and space physics research through the year 2000; and, endorses their reported goals and guidelines and their program recommendations.
United States · United States Congress · 3 October 1985
Commends the Astronomy Survey Committee for its work on developing a program of astronomical and astrophysical exploration and understanding; and endorses its research and program recommendations.
United States · United States Congress · 3 October 1985
Commends the Solar System Exploration Committee for its work on developing a program of continued exploration of the solar system by the United States; and, endorses its reported goals and program recommendations.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1985
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to deem an individual receiving inpatient hospital services under Medicare to be discharged and the services furnished to be post-hospital extended care services for up to 30 days, if: (1) a physician has determined that the individual is imminently terminally ill and that a discharge would be a hardship for both the individual and the individual's family; (2) there has been a determination that continued Medicare payment for inpatient hospital services may not be made; and (3) the individual elects and the hospital consents to have the provisions of this Act apply.
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 1985
Student Financial Assistance Equity Act of 1985 - Amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Eduction Act of 1965 (HEA) to direct the Secretary of Education (the Secretary) to conduct, publish, and disseminate an annual survey to determine average awards and types of awards to, and participation rates of, students receiving Federal student assistance, analyzed by age, gender, race, national origin, whether the student is disabled, and other appropriate subgroups. Revises provisions for supplemental educational opportunity grants (SEOG) and for work-study program funds to remove limitations on the portions of a higher education institution's SEOG allocation and work-study program funds which may be used for less-than-half-time students. Requires the institution to use for such SEOG and work-study program amounts that are reasonably proportionate to their need as compared to the need of students who are carrying at least one-half of the full-time academic workload. Removes the requirement that a student must be carrying or planning to carry at least one-half the normal full-time workload for the student's course of study, for purposes of eligibility for title IV student assistance programs (i.e. Pell grants, supplemental educational opportunity grants, guaranteed, insured, or direct student loans, work-study and other assistance). Makes a conforming amendment. Requires wages under the work-study program to be consistent with the provisions of the Equal Pay Act of 1963 and title VII (Equal Employment Opportunities) of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Requires the expected family contribution for independent students with dependents to be determined according to the same need analysis elements as the expected family contribution of the family of dependent students. Provides that, for purposes of need analysis determinations for less-than-half-time students, the cost of attendance allowance shall be limited to tuition and fees and an allowance for books, supplies, transportation, and miscellaneous personal expenses as determined by the institution. Revises the cost of attendance allowance for day care to provide for an allowance, to be determined by the institution, based on the actual (currently reasonable) expenses incurred for care of dependents (currently dependent children only) who require care in the student's absence. Adds a cost of attendance allowance for commuting students based on transportation expenses actually incurred in traveling to the educational institution for education activities. Provides that any student financial assistance received pursuant to a need analysis system approved by the Secretary for determining eligibility for assistance under title IV of HEA shall not be considered income or resources for determining eligibility for assistance under any other program funded in whole or in part with Federal funds. Permits the deferral of repayment of federally insured, guaranteed, and direct student loans for not more than 12 months of parental leave. Defines parental leave as a period: (1) during which the borrower is pregnant, caring for a newborn child and recovering from childbirth, or caring for a child immediately following the placement of the child through adoption; (2) during which the borrower is not in attendance at an eligible institution or gainfully employed; and (3) which follows, by six months or less, a period during which the borrower was in attendance at an eligble institution. Includes the establishment of innovative programs of student assistance information development and dissemination, focusing particularly on the needs of non-traditional students, among the purposes for which the Secretary is authorized to make grants and contracts under title X (Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education). Removes a requirement that copies of all rules, regulations, guidelines, instructions and application forms published or promulgated pursuant to title IV (Student Assistance) of HEA must be provided to specified congressional committees at least 30 days prior to their effective date. Directs the Secretary, after consulting with agencies and organizations involved in counseling and student financial assistance, to make contracts with appropriate institutions, private nonprofit organizations, or States to: (1) coordinate the development and dissemination of pre-eligibility and postsecondary access information; (2) develop materials to increase student awareness of Federal student assistance programs and postsecondary opportunities under title IV of HEA; and (3) operate short-term training institutes for junior and senior high school counselors and teachers, college admissions and other specified personnel, and community agency staffs to enable them to more effectively counsel students and adults regarding postsecondary opportunity and financial aid eligibility. Requires particular emphasis to be placed upon providing information to: (1) disadvantaged, minority, and handicapped individuals; (2) adults and nontraditional students, including single parents, re-entry adult learners, displaced homemakers, and unemployed and displaced workers; (3) geographically isolated or rural communities; (4) other under-represented groups; and (5) junior high school students and parents, including parents of low-income, minority, and handicapped students. Requires the Secretary, before entering into such a contract, to consider the potential contractor's ability to involve a broad range of professionals, including student financial aid administrators, high school counselors, college admissions counselors, and other specified personnel. Directs the Secretary to also establish a toll-free, "hot-line" student assistance information phone number that provides timely and accurate answers to questions of students and parents. Directs the Secretary to allocate from the Department of Education's operating budget a specified amount for each fiscal year to cover the costs of implementing these student aid information requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 20 September 1985
Increases eligibility for educational assistance for certain members of the armed forces by extending throughout the service period the time during which such member must have received a secondary school diploma. (Currently, such members must have received a diploma before completing initial active duty for training in order to be eligible for such assistance.)
United States · United States Congress · 20 September 1985
Requests the President to resubmit the proposed Agreement for Cooperation with China to the Congress, together with a formal exemption from the safeguard and non-alteration requirements of transferred nuclear materials under the Atomic Energy Act of 1954.
United States · United States Congress · 20 September 1985
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that employee benefits should not be taxed.
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 1985
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to include obligations issued for supplemental State student loan programs within the definition of qualified student loan bonds for purposes of the existing State volume limitation on tax-exempt debt instruments.
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 1985
Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to treat processed agricultural products as like products for purposes of antidumping and countervailing duty investigations.
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 1985
Requires the Administrator of Veterans Affairs to arrange for an epidemiological study of any long-term adverse gender-specific health effects on women veterans of Vietnam as a result of exposure to herbicides such as Agent Orange or to dioxins produced during the manufacture of such herbicides. Requires such study to be conducted in accordance with a protocol approved by the Director of the Office of Technology Assessment. Requires reports concerning such study by the Director to the appropriate congressional committees, at specified periods. Requires the Administrator, not later than 24 months after the date of approval of the protocol approved by the Director, to report to the appropriate congressional committees concerning such study, together with recommendations. Requires the Administrator, within 90 days after the submission of each such report, to publish in the Federal Register any actions proposed by the Administrator with respect to programs administered by the Veterans Administration. Specifies that this Act does not authorize the enactment of new budget authority for a fiscal year before FY 1987. Outlines terms for a contract to carry out such study.
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 1985
Designates November 24, 1985, as National Day of Fasting to Raise Funds to Combat Hunger.
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 1985
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should form a National Commission on the Farm Credit System to recommend agricultural credit reforms.
United States · United States Congress · 11 September 1985
Gifted and Talented Children and Youth Education Act of 1985 - Establishes a Federal gifted and talented education (GTE) program to improve the capability of State and local education agencies (SEAs and LEAs) and private nonprofit schools to: (1) identify gifted and talented children and youth; and (2) provide those children and youth with appropriate educational opportunities. Directs the Secretary of Education from specified sums appropriated under this Act and after consultation with the advisory committee established by this Act to make grants to or contracts with SEAs, LEAs, institutions of higher education, or other public and private agencies to assist them in carrying out authorized GTE programs or projects, including personnel or supervisory training. Sets forth authorized GTE programs and projects, including: (1) preservice and inservice training (including fellowships) for GTE personnel (including leadership personnel); (2) model projects and exemplary programs for identification and education, including summer programs and cooperative programs involving business, industry, and education; (3) strengthening SEA and higher education institutions' capability to provide leadership and assistance to LEAs and nonprofit private schools in planning, operating, and improving such programs; (4) technical assistance and information dissemination; (5) research on methods and techniques for identifying and teaching gifted and talented children and youth; (6) conducting program evaluations and surveys; and (7) developing information and analysis. Establishes the National Center for Research and Development in the Education of Gifted and Talented Children and Youth (the National Center) through grants or contracts with one or more higher education institutions or SEAs, or a consortium or combination of such institutions and agencies, to carry out clauses (5), (6), and (7) of the preceding paragraph. Requires the Director of the National Center to carry out such National Center functions as may be agreed upon through arrangements with other higher education institutions, SEAs, LEAs, or other public or private agencies and organizations. Limits to 30 percent of the funds for authorized programs and projects that portion which may be used to conduct activities pursuant to provisions relating to the National Center and its research, evaluation, and information functions. Directs the Secretary and the advisory committee established by this Act, in administering this Act, to give highest priority to programs for: (1) identifying and educating gifted and talented children and youth who may not be identified through traditional assessment measures (such as the limited-English speaking, economically disadvantaged, handicapped, and women); and (2) developing or improving the capability of schools in an entire State or region of the Nation, through cooperative efforts and participation of SEAs, LEAs, higher education institutions, and other public and private agencies and organizations (including business, industry, and labor) to identify and educate gifted and talented children and youth. Sets forth provisions relating to participation of private school children and teachers in programs under this Act. Directs the Secretary to appoint an advisory committee on GTE, with members representative of State education agencies, teacher education institutions, researchers, teachers, and parents. Directs the Secretary to establish or designate an administrative unit within the Department of Education to: (1) administer the programs authorized by this Act; (2) coordinate all GTE programs that the Department administers; and (3) serve as a focal point for national leadership and information on the educational needs of gifted and talented children and youth and the availability of services and programs to meet those needs. Requires that such administrative unit be headed by a person of recognized professional qualifications and experience in GTE. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1987 through 1991.
United States · United States Congress · 4 September 1985
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the President should establish a bipartisan commission on the budget deficit with the express charter to recommend appropriate policy to enable the Nation to achieve a balanced Federal budget by the end of FY 1989.
United States · United States Congress · 18 July 1985
Authorizes the President, on behalf of the Congress, to present a gold medal to Aaron Copland in recognition of his contributions to American musical composition. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to provide for the sale of bronze duplicates of the medal. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 18 July 1985
Dropout Prevention and Reentry Act of 1985 - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Act of 1965 (ESEA) to add a new title X, the Dropout Prevention and Reentry Act of 1985. (Redesignates the current title X as title XI.) Authorizes appropriations for FY 1987 through 1990 for such new title X. Directs the Secretary of Education, from such title X funds for any fiscal year, to allot 20 percent to each of five categories of local educational agencies (LEAs) (based on total elementary and secondary school student enrollments). Directs the Secretary, from the amounts allotted to such categories of LEAs, to award as many grants as practicable within each such category to LEAs whose applications: (1) have been approved; and (2) propose a program of sufficient size and scope to be of value as a demonstration. Limits an LEA to no more than one such grant in each of three fiscal years. Requires the amount of a grant to be, to the extent practicable, proportionate to the extent and severity of the local dropout problem. Limits the amount of a grant to 90 percent of the total cost of a project during its first fiscal year, 80 percent in the second, and 70 percent in the third. Sets forth grant application requirements (including plans for addressing the needs of pregnant minors and school-age parents). Directs the Secretary to give first priority within each category of LEA to applicants with either very high numbers or very high percentages of school dropouts. Sets forth requirements for review of LEA second or third year projects. Requires such grants to be used to carry out plans set forth in the applications. Lists activities such grants may also be used for, including counseling, remedial education, work-study, community-organization service, curriculum review, and school staff training. Requires at least 30 percent of each grant to be used for dropout prevention activities, and another 30 percent for dropout reentry activities (i.e. persuading dropouts to return to school and assisting former dropouts with specialized services once they return to school). Directs the Secretary, from amounts appropriated to the Secretary for FY 1986, to use a specified limited amount to conduct a one-year study of the nature and extent of the dropout program. Sets forth requirements for such study, (including development of a model dropout information collection and reporting system and minimum reporting system requirements). Sets forth general provisions for title X, including provisions relating to withholding payments, annual reports, and audits. Requires that title X grants supplement other funds.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 1985
Amends the Uniform Code of Military Justice to establish the offense of espionage during peacetime. Provides a sentence of life imprisonment (with no possibility of parole, suspension, or other release) for any person convicted of such offense.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 1985
Grants a Federal charter to the National Association of State Directors of Veterans Affairs, Incorporated.
United States · United States Congress · 16 July 1985
Entitles individuals who performed service as National Guard technicians before January 1, 1969, to credit for such service when determining length of service for purposes of civil service retirement, leave, employee death and disability compensation, group life and health insurance, severance pay, tenure, and status.
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 1985
Controlled Substances Penalties Act of 1985 - Amends the Controlled Substances Act and the Controlled Substances Import and Export Act to increase the penalties for offenses involving: (1) a kilogram or more of cocaine; (2) two or more kilograms of any other narcotic drug in schedules I or II; (3) a kilogram or more of phencyclidine (PCP); or (4) 25 grams or more of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD). Provides for a fine of not more than $500,000 and/or imprisonment for not more than 30 years. Prohibits any person from being released on bail pending trial for or appeal with respect to an offense under such Act. Requires first offenders to serve at least one half of their sentences before they become eligible for parole. Makes second drug offenders subject to life imprisonment.
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 1985
Urges the President to begin talks with the Soviet Union aimed at creating a jointly administered U.S.-Soviet student exchange program. Sets forth certain aspects of such exchange program.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1985
Conrail Public Sale Act of 1985 - Title I: Amendments to the Regional Rail Reorganization Act of 1973 and the Northeast Rail Service Act of 1981 - Amends the Regional Rail Reorganization Act of 1973 to terminate the authority of the United States Railway Association (the Association) to purchase certain Conrail stock. Releases any Conrail director from liability for implementing in good faith the sale of the Federal interest in Conrail common stock . Directs the Secretary of Transportation to execute and deliver Purchase Agreements on behalf of the United States no later than ten days following the date of enactment of this Act. Prescribes guidelines for: (1) the sale of Conrail; (2) the cancellation of Conrail debt and preferred stock; (3) public interest covenants; and (4) accounting determinations. Makes Conrail responsible for funding all labor protection benefits after the closing date, and absolves the United States from any liability for such benefits after that date. Title II: Technical and Conforming Amendments and Repeals - Defines "Purchasers" to mean the investor group organized by Morgan Stanley and Company, Inc., to purchase the Federal interest in Conrail common stock as identified in the Shareholders Agreement. Defines "Shareholders' Agreement" as the agreement among the Purchasers, Conrail, and Morgan Stanley and Company, Inc. in the form filed with the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate. Title III: Revenue Provisions - Provides guidelines for the tax treatment of Conrail after the closing date. Specifies the earnings and profits which Conrail shall be deemed to have accumulated as of the closing date. Closes the Conrail taxable year upon the closing date. Title IV: Miscellaneous Provisions - Retains the common carrier status of Conrail after the sale. Provides that purchase of Conrail stock shall not be the sole basis of a determination that a purchaser has become a common carrier by railroad under Federal law.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1985
Dairy Unity Act of 1985 - Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to extend milk price supports for FY 1986 through 1990. Sets the preliminary support price as the product of $8.83 per hundred weight and the adjusted cost of production index (as formulated under this Act). Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish such support level on October 1 of each year. Directs the Secretary to provide for a support reduction if a milk diversion program is in effect. Extends milk diversion authority through FY 1990. Authorizes reductions if estimated purchases are between 5,000,000,000 pounds and 7,000,000,000 pounds, and requires them if such estimates exceed 7,000,000,000 pounds. Provides a civil penalty for a person who purchases one or more dairy cattle for slaughter and fails to slaughter such cattle within a reasonable time. Expresses the sense of the Congress that two years after the date of enactment of this Act the congressional agricultural committees should make an evaluation of the cost of production index. Amends the Dairy Production Stabilization Act of 1983 to establish in the Department of Agriculture a National Dairy Research Endowment Institute to provide a permanent system for funding dairy market-expansion research activities. Establishes in the Treasury a Dairy Research Trust Fund. Extends through FY 1990: (1) the dairy indemnity program; and (2) the program authorizing dairy products to be transferred to the military and to veterans' hospitals. Amends the Agricultural Adjustment Act, reenacted with amendments by the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937, to set forth minimum price adjustments for fluid milk marketing orders. Amends the Agriculture and Food Act of 1981 to extend seasonal production adjustment authority through FY 1990. Authorizes: (1) marketwide service payments; and (2) cooperative association representation. States that the legal status of producer milk handlers under the Agricultural Adjustment Act, reenacted with amendments by the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937, shall be the same after enactment of this Act as it was before such date.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1985
Constitutional Amendment - Provides for staggered four-year and two-year terms for Members of the House of Representatives with terms of all Representatives expiring every ten years. Requires Representatives who file as candidates in Senate elections to relinquish their seats in the House.
United States · United States Congress · 20 June 1985
Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to use market purchases, loan settlements, and acreage reductions to reduce Government commodity program costs.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1985
Amends veterans' reemployment rights provisions to prohibit discrimination in hiring due to an individual's membership in the National Guard or reserve component of the armed forces.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1985
Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize the President to furnish assistance to support small-scale agricultural projects in Africa, technical assistance for such projects, and research on such projects. Directs the President to place special emphasis on grants to international and African non-governmental organizations and to U.S. private and voluntary organizations for such projects. Requires the Director of the Administrator of the Agency for International Development (AID) and the Director of the Peace Corps to: (1) assess the opportunities for their agencies to support such projects in Africa; and (2) place a high priority on providing such support. Sets forth requirements for the use of funds made available for such projects. Requires the annual report to the Congress on foreign aid programs to include a report on the implementation of this Act. Directs the Administrator of AID to study and report to the Congress within five years of enactment of this Act on the projects funded pursuant to this Act and their effectiveness in preventing famine. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 1985
Fair Insurance Coverage Act - Prohibits any insurer from discriminating in an insurance contract against any person because of blindness. Includes within the prohibition refusing to make or negotiate a contract for insurance or giving different treatment with respect to terms, conditions, rates, or benefits because of blindness. Establishes a preference for State actions prior to judicial enforcement under this Act. Authorizes any aggrieved person, in the absence of State actions or jurisdiction, to bring an action under this Act for individual relief. Authorizes the Attorney General of the United States to bring an action for injunctive relief whenever there is reasonable cause to believe a person is engaged in a pattern or practice of discrimination or when an individual is aggrieved and an issue of general public importance is raised. Grants the Federal district courts jurisdiction of such actions regardless of the amount in controversy. Allows a court to order monetary, equitable, or other appropriate relief, including punitive damages.
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 1985
Copyright Royalty Tribunal Sunset Act of 1985 - Terminates the Copyright Royalty Tribunal, effective with the enactment of this Act. Transfers the authority concerning the distribution of royalty fees to the Register of Copyrights.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 1985
Amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) to revise provisions relating to the disbursement of guaranteed student loans. Requires that such loans be disbursed by check and either: (1) sent to the eligible institution the student attends or plans to attend, and made payable to the order of the student; or (2) in the case of auxiliary loans, sent to the borrower and made payable to the order of the borrower, with the endorsement of the borrower required, and with the lender or guarantee agency required to notify such institution of such disbursement. Requires multiple disbursement of guaranteed student loans. Repeals specified provisions relating to incentives for the making of multiple disbursements. Makes conforming amendments. Extends the grace periods for repayment of federally insured student loans and guaranteed student loans from six months to nine months. Restricts eligibility for student assistance under HEA to citizens, nationals, and permanent resident aliens of the United States, with specified exceptions. Directs the Secretary of Education to evaluate the feasibility and efficiency of permitting students to establish lines of credit with eligible lenders, under the federally insured student loan and guaranteed student loan programs under part B (Federal, State, and Private Programs of Low-Interest Insured Loans to Students in Institutions of Higher Education) of title IV of HEA, that cover more than one year of attendance at an institution of higher education. Requires that such evaluation: (1) determine the extent of administrative cost reduction under such an arrangement; and (2) be conducted in consultation with institutions of higher education and eligible lenders. Directs the Secretary, within six months after the date of enactment of this Act, to report to the Congress on the results of such evaluation, with recommendations.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 1985
Designates the period of October 1, 1985, through September 30, 1986, as the time to reflect on the achievements of the Peace Corps during its 25 years and on ways such programs might be used in the future. Authorizes and requests the President to proclaim this period as a time to honor Peace Corps volunteers and reaffirm the Nation's commitment to such programs.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1985
Authorizes the President, on behalf of the Congress, to present gold medals to Jan Scruggs, Robert Doubek, and Jack Wheeler, in recognition of their tireless efforts to give the Vietnam Veterans Memorial to the Nation. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to sell bronze duplicates of the medal. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1985
Young Astronaut Program Medal Act - Commemorates the Young Astronaut Program by directing the Secretary of the Treasury to strike and deliver to the Young Astronaut Council no more than 750,000 medals with emblems, devices, and inscriptions determined by the Secretary. Authorizes the Council to dispose of the medals at a premium and to have them delivered as required in quantities of no less than 2,000. Directs that no medals be struck after December 31, 1987. Directs the Secretary to set the price of the medals at no less than the manufacturing cost plus a surcharge of ten percent of such cost. Requires the furnishing of security sufficient to fully indemnify the United States for such costs. Directs that the medals be struck in gold, silver, and bronze and in such size or sizes as determined by the Secretary. Gives the U.S. Comptroller General the right to examine the records of the Council which are related to the medals.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1985
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to permit a hospital to exempt from the prospective payment system a prolonged respiratory care unit that is a distinct unit of the hospital.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 1985
Even Start Act - Establishes a pilot program to combine adult basic education for parents and school readiness training for children into a single educational program. Requires that funds made available to a grant recipient under this Act be used to provide a program of adult literacy training which includes as a major component involving parents and children together to enhance the likelihood of educational achievement. Requires that each such program receiving a grant include the following elements: (1) identifying and recruiting eligible participants; (2) screening and preparing parents and children for participation (including testing, referral to necessary counseling, and related services); (3) designing programs and providing support services to suit the participants' work and other responsibilities (including child care, transportation, and scheduling and locating services to allow joint participation by parents and children); (4) establishing instruction programs that promote adult literacy, equip parents to support the education and growth of their children, and prepare children for success in regular school program; and (5) providing and monitoring integrated instructional services to participants through home-based programs. Makes eligible for participation in such programs families that: (1) include a parent eligible to participate in an adult basic education program under the Adult Education Act; and (2) reside, with a child aged four or five, in a school attendance area designated for receipt of funds under chapter 1 (Financial Assistance to Meet Special Educational Needs of Disadvantaged Children) of the Educational Consolidation and Improvement Act of 1981 (ECIA). Makes eligible to apply for such program grants any agency, organization, or institution that operates an adult basic education program under the Adult Education Act and that serves an area: (1) in which the unemployment rate exceeds the national average; and (2) at least 75 percent of which is comprised of school attendance areas designated for receipt of funds under chapter 1 of ECIA. Sets forth grant application requirements, including: (1) a demonstration that the applicant can coordinate programs under the Adult Education Act with program under chapter 1 of ECIA, with other related programs such as health care, nutrition, child abuse, and substance abuse control and with State and local educational agencies; (2) a statement of methods to be used to provide program services for those most in need of them and for special populations, such as the handicapped and those with limited English proficiency; and (3) a demonstration that the applicant has qualified personnel to provide staff training and preparation. Directs the Secretary of Education to select 15 to 20 applications for final review, with two-thirds of these from urban areas and one-third from rural areas. Provides that three of these applications shall be selected for receipt of funds by a review panel composed of the Secretary, and specified members of State and local directors of programs under chapter 1 of ECIA and the Adult Education Act, chief State school officers, and representatives from a local Parent-Teacher Association and from institutions of higher education with training, respectively, in early childhood education and in adult literacy training. Sets forth program agreement requirements, including: (1) participant enrollment for at least 12 months; and (2) grant recipient provision of at least 25 percent of program costs for the third year of operation, 50 percent for the fourth year, and continued program operation after the expiration of assistance under this Act, if the program has been demonstrated to be effective. Sets forth requirements for evaluation and dissemination of results of such pilot projects. Requires that the results of such evaluation be submitted by the end of FY 1992 to the national diffusion network for possible dissemination. Directs the Secretary, in order to carry out this Act, to reserve specified amounts from FY 1987 through 1991 funds which would otherwise be available for: (1) grants to States for adult basic education and adult education programs to be carried out by local educational agencies and private nonprofit agencies; and (2) evaluation and studies under chapter 1 of ECIA. Provides that such requirement shall not apply to funds appropriated before the enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 1985
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide coverage for therapeutic shoes for individuals with severe diabetic foot disease, if the shoes are prescribed by a physician and fitted and furnished by a certified orthotist. Limits such coverage to one pair of shoes annually and $375 annually.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1985
Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) to direct the Secretary of Education to promulgate, within 30 days after the enactment of this Act, special regulations to prevent, in the computation of family contributions for any program under title IV (Student Assistance) of HEA, the inclusion in family income of any proceeds of a sale of the farm assets of that family if such sale results from a voluntary or involuntary foreclosure, forfeiture, or bankruptcy.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1985
Requires the first concurrent resolution on the budget for FY 1986 reported by the House and Senate Committees on the Budget to set forth new budget authority for FY 1986 not exceeding specified levels for major functional categories.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 1985
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the executive branch should release appropriations for the Special Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1985
National Nutrition Monitoring and Related Research Act of 1985 - Title I: Nutrition Monitoring and Related Research - Establishes a ten-year coordinated program, to be known as the National Nutrition Monitoring and Related Research Program, which will be implemented by the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Establishes an Intergovernmental Science Board for Nutrition Monitoring and Related Research to facilitate the management and implementation of such program. Directs the Secretary to appoint an Administrator of Nutrition Monitoring and Related Research Program to coordinate such program. Sets forth the functions of the Secretary with respect to such program including: (1) establishing a National Science Foundation administered matching grant program for specified nutritional and dietary purposes; and (2) submitting an annual report to the President and the Congress. Requires the Secretary to prepare and implement a comprehensive National Nutrition Monitoring and Related Research Plan which shall: (1) assess and report on U.S. nutritional and dietary trends; (2) assess and report on low-income food and household expenditures; (3) sponsor and conduct research; and (4) develop and update a national dietary and nutritional status data bank; (5) assist State and local agencies in developing procedures and networks for nutrition monitoring and surveillance; and (6) focus the activities of Federal agencies. Requires the plan to allocate the project functions and activities among the various Federal agencies and offices involved. Requires the Secretary to provide for and coordinate such scientific research and development as may be necessary to support the coordinated program and comprehensive plan. Authorizes appropriations. Title II: National Nutrition Monitoring Advisory Council - Establishes a 15-member Advisory Council to: (1) provide scientific and technical advice on the development and implementation of all components of the coordinated program and the comprehensive plan; (2) evaluate such program and plan; and (3) submit an annual report to the Secretary.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1985
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a deduction for the amount of the premiums paid on a life insurance contract the beneficiary of which is a trust established for the benefit of a disabled individual. Requires the insurance contract to be on the life of the taxpayer, the taxpayer's spouse, or a former spouse. Limits the amount of the insurance contract to $100,000. Sets forth rules for the establishment and operation of the trust for the benefit of a disabled individual. Provides that amounts distributed from such trust shall not be included in the gross income of the beneficiary of a qualified disabled individual's trust. Provides that the proceeds of the insurance contract shall be excluded from the estate of the taxpayer, and includes in the gross estate of the income beneficiary of the trust the remaining portion of the corpus attributable to the insurance contract and any accumulated income attributable to such amount. Sets forth a formula for computing the estate tax on this amount.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1985
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the administration should comply with the automatic appropriation and earmarking provisions of the Wallop/Breaux Sport Fish Restoration Trust Fund. States that funds owed to the States from such Fund should not be withheld or delayed.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1985
Petroleum Marketing Practices Act Amendments of 1985 - Amends the Petroleum Marketing Practices Act to: (1) redefine the term "failure"; and (2) define the terms "constructive termination" and "similar motor fuel marketing operations." Defines "constructive termination" to mean: (1) the failure by the franchisor to supply the franchisee with motor fuel in an amount equal to the minimum specified in the franchise agreement; (2) the failure by the franchisor to make motor fuel available to the franchisee in such minimum amount at a price which enables the franchisee to compete with similar motor fuel marketing operations of the franchisor; or (3) any adjustment in the quantity of fuel a franchisee is required or entitled to receive unless the franchisor can show that either the adjustment is applied equally to all franchisees and marketing operations of the franchisor within the relevant geographic area, or, if it is a downward adjustment, the franchisor can show that it is reasonable. Authorizes a franchisee who seeks court relief to make a prima facie case of inability to reasonably compete by showing that the price charged to the customer is less than the franchisee's cost of serving such customer. Prohibits a motor fuel franchisor from constructively terminating a franchise. Requires a franchisor, in certain circumstances prior to terminating a franchise, to make a bona fide reasonable offer to transfer the franchise to the franchisee. Permits nonrenewal of a franchise relationship if the franchisor and franchisee cannot agree to changes or additions to the provisions of the franchise which are fair and reasonable. Prohibits nonrenewal because of the failure of the franchisor and franchisee to agree to changes or additions to the provisions of the franchise which relate to materially altering, adding to, or replacing the marketing premises. Permits nonrenewal, in a situation where renewal is presently permitted, when it would be uneconomical to the franchisor despite any reasonable changes acceptable to the franchisee, only if the franchisor demonstrates that the nonrenewal is not being made with the intent of avoiding competition with the franchisee. Requires a franchisor to notify a franchisee, 90 days prior to the franchisor's final opportunity to exercise an option to buy or to continue leasing the land where the franchise is located, of the name, address, and phone number of the owner or holder of the underlying lease. Provides that if a franchisee enters into an agreement with the owner or lessor to maintain possession of the premises, then the franchise agreement may continue, at the option of the franchisee. Requires any franchisor who competes with its own franchisees to supply motor fuel to its franchisees at a price and on terms which reasonably enable the franchisee to compete with the franchisor. States that the burden of proof is on the franchisor to show lack of competition. Revises the definition of "trial franchise." Permits a franchisee to maintain a civil action against a franchisor if the franchisor constructively terminates the franchise. States that the death, retirement, or disability of a franchisee shall not be grounds for termination or nonrenewal of the franchise if, prior to the franchisee's death, retirement, or disability, the franchisee provides the franchisor with a succession plan. Permits termination or nonrenewal if: (1) the franchisor notifies the franchisee in writing, within 30 days of receipt of the plan, of the franchisor's rejection of the plan; (2) the rejection notice includes reasons for the rejection; and (3) the rejection is reasonable. Provides a franchisee with the right to sell or otherwise transfer the franchise subject to the approval of the franchisor. Prohibits the franchisor from withholding such approval upon the grounds that the territory within which the franchise is operated has been designated as direct marketing territory for the franchisor.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1985
Veterans' Housing and Memorial Affairs Amendments of 1985 - Directs the Administrator of Veterans Affairs to report to the Congress a plan to expand the national cemetery system in at least ten areas with the greatest need. Directs the Administrator to consider acquiring existing State cemeteries to meet such need. Gives contingent dates for the submission of the first such report. Amends provisions concerning national cemeteries and memorials to require that each grave marker in a national cemetery be upright. Provides an exception for individuals requesting flat markers. Requires the Administrator, no later than January 1, 1986, to designate for each cemetery in the National Cemetery System a section for graves with upright markers and a section for graves with flat markers. Directs the Administrator to establish a national cemetery in Merced County, California, on land which is donated by the Romero Ranch Company. Authorizes the Administrator to assist certain disabled veterans in acquiring a residence already adapted with special features deemed necessary due to the veteran's disability. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the one-percent loan origination fee charged by the Veterans Administration (VA) to veterans obtaining a home loan guaranteed by the VA should not be increased. Directs the President to request additional appropriations if he finds that additional funding for the VA home loan guarantee program is required.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1985
Veterans' Compensation Benefits Amendments of 1985 - Directs the Administrator of Veterans Affairs to establish a regional office of the Veterans Administration (VA) in each State, while maintaining its central office in the District of Columbia. Adds the loss or loss of use of one hand or foot or one lung to those extremities given special consideration in the determination of veterans' disability compensation. Expresses the sense of the Congress that payments by the VA to veterans as compensation for service-connected disabilities should remain exempt from Federal taxation, and that the President should reject any proposals to tax such payments. Raises the coverage of life insurance benefits for veterans under the Servicemen's Group Life Insurance program. Allows veterans who are members of the Retired Reserve as of January 1, 1986, to receive such increased coverage. Makes conforming changes to the Veterans' Group Life Insurance program, similarly granting members of the Individual Ready Reserve and the Inactive National Guard eligibility under such program. Makes eligible for certain veterans' benefits members of the National Guard or Air National Guard who perform full-time duty for training purposes after September 30, 1985. Makes former members of the National Guard or Air National Guard eligible if such member continuously served in such status for 181 days or more. Extends through September 30, 1988, the authority of the VA to operate a regional office in the Republic of the Philippines. Entitles surviving spouses of the Commandant of the Coast Guard to the same dependency and indemnity compensation rate as that accorded to surviving spouses of the chief of the other military services. Makes technical amendments to the Veterans' Benefits Improvement Act of 1984 and other Federal law.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1985
Medicare Vision Reform Act of 1985 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide coverage for all services provided by a doctor of optometry. (Current law permits coverage for optometric services only if related to the condition of aphakia). Requires payment for optometric services to be made on the basis of an assignment.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1985
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) the Rural Electrification Program must continue to provide financing and technical assistance at reasonable cost; and (2) the people of the United States and Federal and State governmental agencies should commemorate the Rural Electrification Administration on its 50th anniversary.
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 1985
Korean War Memorial Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to erect and maintain a memorial on Federal land in the District of Columbia or its environs to honor members of the U.S. armed forces who served in the Korean War. Subjects the selected site, design, and plans for the construction of such memorial to the approval of the National Commission of Fine Arts and the National Capital Planning Commission. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 1985
Amends the General Education Provisions Act to increase by two the number of members of the Assessment Policy Committee (who are appointed by the National Assessment of Educational Progress organization for purposes of its assessment of the performance of children and young adults in the basic skills of reading, mathematics, and communication, under its grant from or cooperative agreement with the National Institute of Education). Provides that one of these two new members shall be an elementary school principal and the other shall be a secondary school principal.