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Official portrait of Rep. Pursell, Carl D. [R-MI-2]

Rep. Pursell, Carl D. [R-MI-2]

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1,742 records where Rep. Pursell, Carl D. [R-MI-2] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years

Bill· HRH.R. 2472 (99th)open

Economic Equity Act of 1985

United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1985

Economic Equity Act of 1985 - Title I: Retirement - Pension Vesting, Integration, and Portability Act of 1985 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to revise provisions relating to maximum age conditions under pension plans to provide for continued coverage for certain workers over the normal retirement age. Provides that pension plans may only exclude from participation, on the basis of age, an employee who has attained the normal retirement age under the plan if: (1) the plan is a defined benefit plan or a target benefit plan (as under current law); and (2) the employee's accrued benefit under the plan is greater than the normal retirement benefit to which the employee would be entitled at the normal retirement age if the employee commenced participation at the earliest possible entry age under the plan and served continuously until attaining the normal retirement age under the plan. Revises provisions relating to minimum vesting standards to reduce, from ten years to five years, the number of years of service which a pension plan participant must complete in order to earn a nonforfeitable right to 100 percent of the participant's accrued benefit derived from employer contributions. Permits multiemployer pension plans to retain the ten-year minimum vesting standard if such plans meet certain conditions, including complete reciprocity for workers who move from one regional pension plan to another within the same industry. Repeals a certain "class year plan" rule. Permits participants with three (currently five) years of service to elect, within a specified period to have their nonforfeitable percentage computed under the plan without regard to any plan amendment changing the vesting schedule. Revises minimum participation standards, minimum vesting standards, and benefit accrual requirements to provide for pension plan coverage of part-time workers. Revises the definition of "year of service," for purposes of minimum participation and vesting standards, to treat 500 to 1,000 hours of service per year by a part-time employee as one-half of a year of service. Provides that the date on which such employee completes such one-half of one year of service shall be the latest date until which the plan participation of such employee may be delayed. Includes service of at least 500 (currently 1,000) hours in determinations of years of plan participation for purposes of benefit accrual requirements. Establishes minimum benefit rules for integrated pension plans. Requires such plans to offer a minimum benefit without taking into account contributions or benefits under specified provisions of the Social Security Act, the Internal Revenue Code, or any other Federal or State law. Sets forth formulas, based on specified percentages of employee compensation, for determining such minimum benefit in the case of: (1) an integrated defined benefit plan; and (2) an integrated defined contribution plan or an integrated simplified employee pension. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to prescribe necessary or appropriate regulations to carry out the purposes of such minimum benefit rules for integrated plans in any case in which the employer has two or more plans. Provides for distributions of accrued benefits of less than $7,000 to portable pension accounts (individual retirement accounts or individual retirement annuities). Requires a pension plan to distribute a participant's nonforfeitable benefit to a portable pension account if: (1) the plan is a defined benefit plan, or an individual account plan subject to specified funding standards; (2) the present value, as of the date of separation from service, of such benefit is less than $7,000; and (3) the participant elects in writing, after receiving a required notice, to have such benefit distributed to such portable pension account in a distribution which is excluded from gross income under specified Internal Revenue Code provisions. Directs the Secretary of Labor to prescribe by regulation the manner and form in which such election is to be made. Requires the plan administrator, upon being informed by a participant that the participant wishes to make an election pursuant to these provisions, to provide notice to the participant of: (1) the present value, as of the date of separation, of the participant's nonforfeitable benefit (with such present value to be deemed equal to the actuarial equivalent, as of such date, of the normal form of benefit under the plan); (2) the amount of the participant's benefit on the date of the participant's retirement payable under the pension plan at normal retirement age expressed in the form of a single life annuity under a defined benefit plan or in the normal form of payment under an individual account plan; and (3) the additional tax (under specified Internal Revenue Code provisions as revised by this Act) on distributions from, or disqualification, of the portable pension account before the date on which the participant attains age 59 1/2. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to revise provisions relating to pension plans. Makes such revisions similar to those made to ERISA by title I of this Act with respect to: (1) continued coverage for certain workers over the normal retirement age; (2) a minimum vesting standard of five years of service (reduced from ten years), with the exception of multiemployer plans meeting certain conditions (including reciprocity); (3) repeal of the class year plan rule; (4) protection from changes in the vesting schedule for participants with three years of service; (5) coverage for part-time workers under minimum participation standards, minimum vesting standards, and benefit accrual requirements; (6) establishment of minimum benefit rules for integrated plans; and (7) distributions of accrued benefits to portable pension accounts. Revises provisions relating to additional tax on certain amounts included in gross income before age 59 1/2. Requires, in cases of early distributions or disqualification involving portable pension accounts to which accrued benefits from a pension plan have been distributed as provided under this Act, that the additional tax (for the taxable year in which the early distribution is received or the disqualification occurs) shall be equal to the amount of the early distribution, or of the disqualification, which is includible in gross income for such taxable year. Directs the Secretary of Labor to: (1) conduct a study of the feasibility and ramifications of requiring private employee pension benefit plans to provide cost-of-living adjustments to benefits payable under such plans; (2) compile data and analyze the effect inflation is having and may be expected to have on retirement benefits provided under such plans; and (3) submit study results, with recommendations, within two years after enactment of this Act. Social Security Modernization Act - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to provide that the combined earnings of a married couple which are attributable to the period of their marriage shall be shared equally between them for purposes of determining the eligibility for and amount of OASDI benefits to which each spouse is or may become separately entitled. Credits the survivor of the marriage with 100 percent of the combined total wages for the period of the marriage. Provides that this Act shall not apply in specified cases where it would result in a reduction of OASDI benefits. Provides full benefits for disabled widows and widowers without regard to age. Enables an insured individual's spouse who has attained the age of 50 and is not entitled to any other monthly benefits to obtain a transition benefit for four months upon the death of the insured individual. Establishes the amount of such transition benefit at 71.5 percent of the primary insurance amount of the insured individual or, if it is higher, 71.5 percent of the primary insurance amount of the spouse. Repeals the separate definition of disability applicable to widows and widowers. Permits the months of a widow's or widower's entitlement to Supplemental Security Income benefits (title XVI of the Social Security Act) on the basis of a disability to be counted towards the 24 months needed to become entitled to hospital insurance benefits under Medicare (title XVIII of the Social Security Act) on that basis. Uniformed Services Former Spouses' Equity Act - Provides that a former spouse of a member of the uniformed services shall be entitled, unless expressly provided by a spousal agreement or court order, to an annuity: (1) equal to 50 percent of the retired or retainer pay of the member if married to the member throughout the creditable service of the member; or (2) equal to a pro rata share of 50 percent of such pay if not married to the member throughout the entire creditable service of the member. Requires that an election by a member not to participate, or to participate at a reduced level, in the Survivor Benefit Plan or to provide an annuity for a dependent child only must be made jointly with the member's spouse. Provides that such an election must be in writing. Allows a member who has a former spouse to jointly elect a spousal agreement with such former spouse or as provided under a court order to provide a survivor to the former spouse or to waive such an annuity. Treats a former spouse as a spouse for purposes of eligibility as a beneficiary, computation of annuities, and reductions in retired or retainer pay under the Survivor Benefit Plan if the member elects such treatment. (Present law treats a former spouse as a person with an "insurable interest" subject to certain restrictions and requiring larger reductions in retired or retainer pay.) Establishes a 24 month period during which members who were already divorced before the effective date of this Act may elect to have a former spouse covered under the Survivor Benefit Plan. Provides that a former spouse's share of retired or retainer pay shall be based on the gross amount of such pay. (Present law bases such share on the net amount of such pay after specified deductions.) Social Services and Child Care Assistance Act of 1985 - Title II: Dependent Care - Amends title XX (Block Grants to States for Social Services) of the Social Security Act to set allotment amounts for FY 1984, 1985, and 1986 and each succeeding fiscal year. Allocates, from the allotment set for FY 1986 and available for any fiscal year, specified amounts for: (1) funding for a National Resource Center on Family Day Care; (2) grants to States which fulfill certain conditions with respect to the licensing, regulation, and monitoring of child care services; and (3) the provision of services in accordance with title XX. Provides that, of the amounts allotted for the provision of services, specified amounts shall be used: (1) for the training and retraining of human services personnel; (2) for the training and retraining in the prevention of child abuse of licensed child care operators; and (3) for the provision of child day care services to children who are abused or neglected, who are members of families receiving aid under title IV (Aid to Families with Dependent Children) of such Act, or children who are members of specified low-income groups. Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to add a new title XII, School-Based Child Care Programs. (Redesignates the current title XII as title XIII.) Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 through 1990 for grants to institutions of higher education for: (1) construction, reconstruction, and renovation of facilities, located at such institutions, to be used to provide child care services (free for students from families with incomes less than 150 percent of the poverty level, and with a sliding-scale of fees based on income for other students participating); (2) child care services through vouchers for disadvantaged college students (with two-thirds of the participants to be low-income students who are first generation college students, and the remainder to be either low-income or first generation college students); and (3) child care personnel work-experience programs (which provide experience for students by arranging part-time employment for them in licensed child care programs). Requires the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to provide grants to public housing authorities to assist them in providing child care services for lower income families. Requires a program report to the Congress within three years. Authorizes FY 1986 through 1988 appropriations. Title III: Insurance - Nondiscrimination in Insurance Act - Prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin in the consideration of applications for, or the granting of, insurance policies and the terms of such policies. Permits insurers who regularly provide insurance solely to persons of a single religious affiliation to continue to do so. Prohibits any insurer from establishing auto insurance rates for women or any particular group of women which are higher or lower in relation to the rates offered men or any similarly situated group of men, except for non-gender related risk-based reasons. Grants to States having insurance discrimination laws the primary opportunity to enforce the prohibitions of this Act. Permits an aggrieved person to file a civil action in State or Federal court against an insurer if the State has terminated all proceedings under State law. Authorizes the Attorney General to bring a civil action in district court when there is reasonable cause to believe that a person or group is engaged in a pattern or practice of resistance to the rights granted by this Act and that such denial raises an issue of general public importance. Authorizes the Court to: (1) order the defendant to amend any relevant contract to comply with the provisions of this Act; (2) require the defendant to pay punitive damages in addition to actual damages; and (3) award the aggrieved person reasonable attorneys' fees. Continued Access to Group Health Insurance Act of 1985 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to require continuation coverage under group health plans for certain spouses, former spouses, and dependent children of employees insured under such plans. Makes such continuation coverage a requirement for the allowance of a tax deduction for employer contributions to group health plans. Provides that the spouse and dependent children of an insured employee may be entitled to five years of continuation coverage under a group health plan if the insured employee: (1) dies; (2) becomes separated or divorced from his or her spouse; or (3) becomes entitled to Medicare. Makes such coverage available only if it is elected within a specified period by or on behalf of the spouse or child to be covered. Sets forth notification requirements. Sets forth a special rule relating to collective bargaining agreements. Title IV: Employment - Requires the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission to: (1) conduct research for identifying and measuring wage discrimination; (2) assist any public or private entity in eliminating discriminatory pay practices; and (3) implement policies and procedures to prohibit employment discrimination. Requires the Commission to determine the number and nature of all charges filed under the Civil Rights Act of 1954 and to report to the Congress with a summary prepared pursuant to this Act. Requires the Commission to conduct a study in consultation with organizations representing Federal employees and analyze: (1) the procedures established by the Director of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to establish classifications of positions in the competitive service; and (2) the actual practices of the Director and the heads of Federal agencies in complying with the principle of equal pay for work of equal value when establishing job classifications for employees. Requires the Commission to report to the President and the Congress on its findings and provide a copy to the Director of OPM. Directs the Director to submit his comments on the report to the President and the Congress. Directs the Secretary of Labor, acting through the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs, to report to the President and the Congress on actions taken to enforce the prohibitions contained in Executive Order Numbered 11246 against discrimination by Federal contractors. Requires the Attorney General, acting through the Office of Civil Rights, to report to the President and the Congress on actions taken to enforce the prohibitions against sex discrimination in compensation contained in title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Executive Order Numbered 11246, and other Federal laws. Requires Federal agencies responsible for submitting equal employment opportunity plans to include in such plans: (1) a review and identification of any discriminatory pay practices and any violation of the principle of equal pay for jobs of equal value; and (2) a plan for eliminating any such practices and remedying any such violation. Directs the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to provide, by contract with a consultant, for a report on discriminatory wage-setting practices and discriminatory wage differentials within the Federal position classification system and the prevailing rate (job grading) system. Defines "discriminatory wage-setting practices" as a practice resulting from lower rates of pay for female employees doing work comparable to that of higher-paid males. Requires OPM, within one month of receiving such report, to transmit a copy to the President and specified congressional committees, with written comments. Requires the consultant to submit such report to OPM and the Pay Equity Study Council (established by this Act) within six months after entering into its contract. Requires OPM, within ten days after the effective date of this Act, to establish a Pay Equity Study Council to assist in the selection of a consultant and comment on the final report. Requires that Council membership consist predominantly of representatives of labor organizations representing Federal female employees. Terminates the Council after it submits comments on the final report. Establishes a Commission on Employment Discrimination in the Legislative Branch. Directs the Commission to: (1) employ a nongovernmental consultant to study the compensation paid to Library of Congress personnel and analyze personnel policies of the Library; (2) evaluate the compensation system of the Library for compliance with title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and make any recommendations needed to achieve compliance; (3) develop a plan for the application of title VII through the legislative branch; and (4) make recommendations to the Congress for improvement of personnel policies and practices in the legislative branch. Directs the Commission to submit a final report to the Congress 18 months after enactment of this Act. Terminates the Commission 30 days after submission of the final report. Amends part A (General Provisions) of title XI of the Social Security Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to invite each State having an approved plan under part A (Aid to Families with Dependent Children) of title IV of the Social Security Act to submit an application to establish and conduct a demonstration project for the purpose of testing whether the provision of mandatory education or vocational training (or both) for the caretaker parents of dependent children under six years of age in families receiving AFDC would enable such families to leave the AFDC rolls quickly and assist such parents in securing long-term gainful employment at earnings levels sufficient to maintain their families without public assistance. Requires any State desiring to establish and conduct such a demonstration project to submit an application to the Secretary within six months after the enactment of this Act. Directs the Secretary to approve ten of the proposed projects. Requires six of the approved projects to be located in urban areas and four to be located in predominantly rural areas. Prohibits the approval of a project unless: (1) it is of sufficient size and scope to demonstrate program and cost effectiveness and to permit the drawing of valid inferences for evaluation and policy recommendations; (2) it will be conducted for a period of not less than three nor more than five years; (3) it covers all caretaker parents in families which are eligible for aid under the applicable State plan and which include one or more children under six years of age; (4) it provides for participation by caretaker parents on a voluntary basis; and (5) it complies fully with all other requirements and will contribute to the purposes of this Act. Defines "caretaker parent". Directs a State, in conducting an approved demonstration project, to: (1) offer each caretaker parent in a jurisdiction involved an opportunity to participate in the project; (2) establish an individualized program for the education or vocational training of each participating caretaker parent; (3) permit such parent to receive education or training under the program so established (from the time the youngest child in the care of such parent is six months old, or earlier with a physician's written permission) until either the parent is employed and self-sufficient, the parent is no longer a caretaker parent, or the family has become ineligible for aid; and (4) require the project to maintain support services, including child care, transportation, and health care services for each participant. Directs the Secretary to pay each State with an approved demonstration project 90 percent of the costs incurred by the State in establishing and carrying out such project. Requires the remainder of the costs incurred to be paid from non-Federal sources. Requires the education or training for caretaker parents in such program to meet the following requirements: (1) for caretaker parents without a high school diploma the education must lead to such diploma; (2) after receipt of such diploma (or in the case of an individual already having a high school diploma or better), the caretaker parent must participate in an approved post-secondary education program, an approved vocational education program, or a program of employment and training under auspices of the Job Training Partnership Act; (3) the award of an academic scholarship to a caretaker parent shall not result in any loss of eligibility or benefits under AFDC or any other public assistance program, so long as the scholarship payments are made directly to the appropriate educational institution; (4) the education and training must include instruction in family management and life skills, employment and job search training, career counseling, and community-supported recreational activities; (5) appropriate English language and adjustment training must be provided for caretaker parents from immigrant groups who have language or cultural adjustment difficulties; (6) special training must be provided for physically handicapped participants; (7) education and training for each participant in the project must be provided for at least 20 hours per week and must be coordinated with available child care services; and (8) any caretaker parent who has completed all of the education and training required by this Act shall remain a participant in the project for 20 hours a week of job search and placement assistance (with coordinated child care) until either the parent is employed and self-sufficient or the family has become ineligible for AFDC. Provides that in the case of a caretaker parent who ceases to be a participant in the project because he or she has completed all of the education and training required by this Act and has become employed: (1) the parent will be provided with child care services, as necessary, without charge for a six-month period, and thereafter for a certain period subject to the payment of a gradually increasing portion of the cost of such services; and (2) the parent shall be considered for a 15-month period to be still a project participant for purposes of receiving Medicaid (title XIX of the Social Security Act) and shall thereafter be similarly considered to still be a participant for such purposes but subject to stated conditions. Requires all of the child care and transportation which is necessary for a caretaker parent to participate in a demonstration project to be included, without charge to the caretaker parent, as a part of the project. Requires each approved project to be designed so as to provide an effective demonstration of: (1) the planning and design of quality and cost-effective approaches to child and infant care; (2) the cost-effective utilization of existing publicly-funded educational, vocational, and other training programs; (3) coordination with other community service providers, including job developers; and (4) cost-effective and creative approaches to the utilization of transportation facilities. Prohibits participation in an approved project by a caretaker parent from resulting in any loss of eligibility or benefits under AFDC or any other public assistance program. Permits a State to make participation mandatory if: (1) it is necessary to operate a project in a cost-effective manner; (2) participants would not be disadvantaged financially or otherwise; and (3) children in need of assistance would not be disadvantaged. Provides that if any caretaker parent who is required to participate in a project refuses to undergo any education or training required by this Act or otherwise fails to participate in an approved demonstration project, without a reasonable basis for such refusal or failure as determined on medical, psychological, psychiatric, or other grounds by an appropriate licensed practitioner in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary (subject to a State being granted a waiver): (1) such parent's needs shall not be taken into account in determining need under AFDC with respect to the parent's family; and (2) any AFDC payments shall be made in the form of protective payments. Requires each approved demonstration project to have a voluntary advisory group to assist in developing the program and in monitoring the project. Sets forth reporting requirements (including reports to the Congress). Requires each State in which a demonstration project is located to submit to the Secretary such information as the Secretary may require concerning a project. Women's Business Ownership Act of 1985 - Establishes the National Commission on Women's Business Ownership to review: (1) the status of women-owned small businesses nationwide; (2) the role of the Federal Government in aid to and the promotion of women-owned small businesses; (3) data collection procedures and the availability of data relating to women-owned businesses, women-owned small businesses, and small businesses owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged women; (4) other Federal initiatives relating to women-owned small businesses, including those relating to Federal procurements; and (5) special impediments suffered by small businesses owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged women. Directs the Commission to recommend: (1) new private sector initiatives which would provide management and technical assistance to women-owned small businesses; (2) ways to promote greater access to financing and procurement opportunities for such businesses; and (3) other measures relating to small businesses owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged women. Terminates the Commission on the date that it transmits its final report to the President and to each House of the Congress. Authorizes appropriations. Title V: Tax Reform - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that the zero amount for heads of households shall be the same as the zero bracket amount for joint returns and surviving spouses. Increases the amount of the earned income tax credit from 11 percent to 16 percent of the first $5,000 of earned income. Provides for a phaseout of such credit for taxpayers with adjusted gross incomes between $11,000 and $16,000. Provides that governmental payments shall be disregarded for purposes of determining support and maintenance of a household. Provides that any refund of Federal income taxes or advance payment made to an individual by reason of the earned income credit shall not be taken into account as income for purposes of determining eligibility for benefits or assistance under any Federal program or any State or local program financed in whole or part with Federal funds. Provides for cost-of-living adjustments for the amount of the earned income credit and the phase-out thresholds of such credit beginning in 1987. Allows a refundable income tax credit for: (1) employment related dependent care expenses; plus (2) expenses for the respite care of a dependent. Sets the amount of such credit at 50 percent of the sum of such expenses. Reduces such percentage (but not below 20 percent) by one percent for each full $2,000 amount by which the taxpayer's adjusted gross income exceeds $11,000. Provides for cost-of-living adjustments to such adjusted gross income amount. Limits the amount of employment-related expenses and respite care expenses which may be taken into account for purposes of such credit. Allows such credit for expenses incurred for the care of: (1) a dependent of the taxpayer who is under the age of 15; (2) a dependent of the taxpayer who is physically or mentally incapable of caring for himself; or (3) a spouse who is incapable of caring for himself. Repeals present provisions relating to the income tax credit for dependent care expenses necessary for gainful employment. Increases the amount individuals may contribute on behalf of their spouses for purposes of the deduction for retirement savings. Provides that no deduction from gross income shall be allowed to a taxpayer for entertainment expenses for food, beverages, lodging, or entertainment incurred in connection with a facility which discriminates on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Exempts facilities operated by a religious organization where access is limited to members of a particular religion. Treats dues and fees paid to discriminatory facilities as nondeductible expenses. Requires the submission of a statement to the Secretary of the Treasury that a facility not open to the public does not discriminate in order for amounts paid to such facility to qualify for the entertainment expense deduction. Requires the posting of a public notice in the facility stating the nondiscriminatory policy. Permits the Secretary to revoke the acceptance of the statement of nondiscrimination. Requires the taxpayer to report on his or her income tax return any amounts paid or incurred for food, beverages, lodging, or entertainment in any facility which is not open to the public or does not serve the public in order to deduct such amounts from gross income.

Bill· HRH.R. 2440 (99th)open

A bill to authorize the Society of the Third Infantry Division to erect a Memorial in the District of Columbia or its environs.

United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1985

Authorizes the Society of the Third Infantry Division to erect a memorial on public grounds in the District of Columbia or its environs in honor of the men of the "Rock of the Marne" of the Third Infantry Division who served in both World Wars, Korea, and maintaining peace. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to select a site for the memorial subject to the approval of the National Commission of Fine Arts, the National Capital Planning Commission, and, under certain circumstances, the Mayor of the District of Columbia. Subjects the design and plans for the memorial to the approval of the Secretary, the National Commission of Fine Arts, and the National Capital Planning Commission. Directs that the maintenance and care of the memorial shall be the Secretary's responsibility unless the memorial is on public grounds under the jurisdiction of the District of Columbia in which case such duties fall on the District of Columbia. Provides that funds of the United States or the District of Columbia may not be used to erect the memorial. Directs that the authority to establish the memorial is contingent upon its erection beginning within five years with funds sufficient to ensure its completion.

Resolution· HRESH.Res. 165 (99th)referred

A resolution expressing the sense of the House that the Wallop-Breaux Trust Fund be administered as required by law.

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.

Bill· HRH.R. 2337 (99th)open

Metropolitan Washington Airports Transfer Act of 1985

United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1985

Metropolitan Washington Airports Transfer Act of 1985 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to transfer all authority over the Metropolitan Washington Airports (Washington National Airport and Washington Dulles International Airport, including all airport employees) to the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (Airports Authority) under the terms of a 35-year lease and operations agreement set forth in this Act. Defines the Airports Authority as a single, independent airport authority to be created by the Commonwealth of Virginia and the District of Columbia for the purpose of operating the Metropolitan Washington Airports. Declares that the Secretary's authority to enter into a lease and agreement for such transfer shall lapse two years after enactment of this Act. Requires that basic lease and acquisition payments be sufficient to repay to the United States the hypothetical indebtedness of the Metropolitan Washington Airports to the Treasury, as determined by the Federal Aviation Administration. Requires the Airports Authority to pay to the Treasury, for deposit to the credit of the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund, certain costs incurred by such Fund due to the transfer of authorities under this Act. Requires that the lease of real property constituting Washington Metropolitan Airports comply with the operation and development of the Washington Metropolitan Airports as a unit and as primary airports serving the Metropolitan Washington area. Requires the Airports Authority to be a public corporate body with powers conferred upon it jointly by the Commonwealth of Virginia and the District of Columbia under specified guidelines which include: (1) operation of Metropolitan Washington Airports for public purposes; (2) independence from the State and local governments of Virginia and the District of Columbia; (3) authority to issue bonds; (4) acquisition of real and personal property; (5) power of eminent domain within the Commonwealth of Virginia; (6) a corporation constituted solely to operate both Metropolitan Washington Airports as primary airports serving the Metropolitan Washington area; and (7) authority to levy fees and enter into agreements. Prescribes the membership and terms of the Airport Authority's board of governors, including the appointment of: (1) five members by the Governor of Virginia; (2) three members by the Mayor of the District of Columbia; (3) two members by the Governor of Maryland; and (4) one member by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate. Prescribes the terms and conditions of the lease, including the continued applicability of airport regulations that: (1) the High Density Rule for Washington National Airport may only be amended for safety considerations; and (2) current nighttime noise limitation standards may not be amended. Transfers all rights, liabilities and obligations of the Metropolitan Washington Airports to the Airports Authority. Retains the responsibility of the Federal Aviation Administration to reimburse the Employees Compensation Fund. Authorizes the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct periodic audits of the Airports Authority's activities. Grants jurisdiction upon the United States district court to compel compliance with the lease terms. Sets forth guidelines for the protection of Federal employee interests during the two-year period starting on the date of transfer, including: (1) retention of employees; (2) adoption of pre-transfer labor agreements; (3) credit for accrued annual and sick leave and seniority rights; (4) life and health insurance benefits; and (5) retention of pre-transfer retirement benefits. Confers upon the Airports Authority during the 35-year lease the same proprietary powers and restrictions with respect to Federal law as any other airport. Declares that the Metropolitan Washington Airports qualify as a "public airport" eligible for Federal assistance on the same basis as any comparable public airport operated by a regional authority. Grants the Commonwealth of Virginia concurrent police power authority over the Metropolitan Washington Airports, and grants the Virginia courts jurisdiction over airport land. Makes the authority of the National Capital Planning Commission inapplicable to the Airports Authority, but requires the Airports Authority to consult with such Commission and with the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation before undertaking actions which would materially alter either the exterior of the Dulles Terminal, or the skyline of Washington National Airport. Provides that title to all real property shall pass to the Airports Authority upon conclusion of the 35-year lease and that at the end of such lease the United States shall relinquish all jurisdiction over the Metropolitan Washington Airports to the Commonwealth of Virginia. Repeals upon lease expiration certain Acts relating to the administration and maintenance of a public airport in the vicinity of the District of Columbia.

Bill· HRH.R. 2353 (99th)open

National Advanced Technician Training Act

United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1985

National Advanced Technician Training Act - Directs the Director of the National Science Foundation (NSF) to carry out a three-year national advanced technician training program under which accredited community and technical colleges, using matching non-Federal funds, will provide training in technical competencies in strategic fields. Requires such program to include emphasis on-the-job training intermixed with technical occupational training. Requires such program to place special recruiting emphasis on: (1) those who need retraining or upgrading to retain their jobs; (2) those who are unemployed, especially workers dislocated by plant closings and technological change; and (3) those who have recently completed high school or left high school prior to graduation. Requires the Director, in carrying out such program, to: (1) award grants on a competitive basis to accredited community and technical colleges which possess the demonstrated ability to provide competency-based occupational training; and (2) work with the Nation's network of community and technical colleges to establish and maintain, at NSF or by contract, a readily accessible inventory of advanced technician training programs which are serving public and private employers and addressing the changing workforce demands of emerging technology. Requires each community or technical college which is awarded such a grant to provide an associate degree training program in designated advanced-technology occupational fields. Sets the maximum grant award at $500,000 per year. Requires the Director, in order to assure that the program is consistent with the needs of industries, to appoint a 15-year National Advisory Council on Advanced Technician Training, which shall advise the Director on program goals and implementation, review program effectiveness, and report annually to the Director and the Congress. Requires the Council and the Director to submit to the Congress an annual report on the program, together with: (1) a program evaluation; (2) a catalog of the community and technical college programs identified by the required inventory; and (3) a recommendation on the feasibility of program expansion. Requires the national program to give special emphasis to those associate degree advanced-technician training programs which: (1) include flexibility in scheduling in order to accommodate working people and parents; and (2) take steps to meets the adaptive and training needs of handicapped young people and adults. Requires that funds appropriated under this Act be used to establish, strengthen, and expand the advanced technician training capabilities of community and technical colleges. Includes among the uses of such funds: (1) associate degree and short-cycle training program developments; (2) faculty development; (3) the development of instructional materials; (4) the lease or purchase of state-of-the-art instrumentation; (5) personnel exchanges among such colleges, the private sector, and government; (6) the development of cooperative training programs with business, industry, labor, and government; and (7) the promotion of private sector contributions to program costs, training sites, and work experience opportunities. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 through 1988.

Bill· HRH.R. 2262 (99th)referred

A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to authorize the Inspector General of the Department of Defense to take certain extraordinary actions regarding contracts of the Department of Defense.

United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1985

Authorizes the Inspector General of the Department of Defense to suspend payments under a contract with the Department of Defense, or revise the schedule for payments under such a contract if the Inspector General determines that: (1) based on audits there have been excessive charges; and (2) other remedies available by law and under the contract are insufficient to eliminate promptly waste, fraud, and abuse with respect to the contract. Allows the Secretary of Defense, in the interest of national security, to overrule such an action by the Inspector General. Requires the Secretary to report to specified committees of the Congress on the reasons for overruling such action.

Bill· HRH.R. 2157 (99th)referred

A bill to amend the Clean Air Act.

United States · United States Congress · 22 April 1985

Amends the Clean Air Act to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to include in the Agency's study of the cumulative effect of substances on the stratosphere, particularly, the ozone, the effects of other trace gases. Grants priority in such study to increasing and improving measurements of ozone and other chemical species in the atmosphere that would indicate potential trends in actual ozone. Grants priority in other studies and research to a quantitative analysis of any effects of statospheric changes on human health, crops, and the ecosystem. Directs the Administrator to contract triennially with the National Academy of Sciences to study and evaluate changes in the ozone and their effects. Requires the Academy to report triennially to the Administrator and to the Congress on the concentration of ozone in the stratosphere and its causes and implications. Requires that other Federal agency studies concerned with the stratosphere be continued, with an emphasis on studying and monitoring any changes in the ozone and their effects. Directs the President to enter into international agreements to reach consensus on the causes of and responses to the ozone problem. Requires the President to report annually to the Congress on the status of such efforts. Directs the Administrator to regulate chlorofluorocarbons only if they are determined to be causing a dangerous depletion in the ozone and such regulation is feasible and cost-effective.

Bill· HRH.R. 2124 (99th)open

A bill to prohibit the production of lethal chemical weapons, to encourage the negotiation of an international agreement to stop the production, proliferation, and stockpiling of lethal chemical weapons, and to encourage the improvement of defenses against the effects of the use of lethal chemical weapons on the Armed Forces.

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.

Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 244 (99th)open

A joint resolution to authorize and request the President to call a White House Conference on Library and Information Services to be held not later than 1989, and for other purposes.

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.

Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 122 (99th)referred

A concurrent resolution condemning the actions of the Nicaraguan Government that hinder freedom of religion.

United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1985

States that the Congress condemns: (1) Nicaraguan actions that hinder freedom of religion; and (2) the association of the Nicaraguan Government with international terrorist organizations, including the Palestine Liberation Organization. Calls upon the President, in communications with Nicaragua, to raise the issues of religious persecution of and compensation for members of the Jewish, Miskito, and other communities who have been forced to leave because of interference with freedom of religion.

Bill· HRH.R. 2010 (99th)referred

A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act with respect to effective dates of enrollments and disenrollments of medicare beneficiaries in health maintenance organizations and competitive medical plans.

United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1985

Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act with respect to the effective dates of enrollments and disenrollments of Medicare beneficiaries in health maintenance organizations (HMO) and competitive medical plans (CMP). Provides that when an individual is receiving inpatient hospital services or post-hospital extended care services other than through an HMO or CMP, the HMO or CMP must provide reimbursement for necessary services furnished other than through the HMO or CMP after the date of the individual's HMO or CMP enrollment. Provides that a disenrollment from an HMO or CMP shall be effective as of the seventh day after the request is made.

Bill· HRH.R. 1946 (99th)open

Narcotics Importation, Manufacture, and Control Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 April 1985

Narcotics Importation, Manufacture, and Control Act - Amends the Controlled Substances Import and Export Act to increase the criminal penalties for: (1) importing or exporting controlled substances; (2) bringing or possessing on board a vessel, aircraft, or vehicle a controlled substance; and (3) manufacturing or distributing a controlled substance. Prohibits granting a suspended or probationary sentence for persons convicted of such offenses. Denies such persons eligibility for parole. Permits imposing criminal penalties for attempts or conspiracies to commit such offenses. Requires such penalties to be imposed in the same manner and to the same extent as is prescribed for actually committing the offenses involved. Prohibits granting a suspended or probationary sentence for persons convicted of such attempts or conspiracies and denies such persons eligibility for parole if such sentences and parole are precluded for actually committing the offenses involved. Requires that any person who manufactures a controlled substance shall be imprisoned for the entire maximum term of imprisonment for such violation. Prohibits granting a suspended or probationary sentence and denies such persons eligibility for parole.

Bill· HRH.R. 1977 (99th)referred

Broadcast Licensing, Renewal, and Deregulation Act of 1985

United States · United States Congress · 3 April 1985

Broadcast Licensing, Renewal, and Deregulation Act of 1985 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to establish new procedures for reviewing petitions to deny broadcast license applications. Requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to grant a license renewal application by a radio or television broadcast station licensee unless the actions of the licensee evidence such serious disregard for the Communications Act and for the rules and policies of the FCC that denial of the application is justified. Prohibits the FCC from considering the applications of other persons for a broadcast station's facilities when the FCC is acting upon a license renewal application by a radio or television broadcast station. Permits persons holding construction permits or station licenses to transfer the permit or license without first obtaining an FCC finding that the transfer serves the public interest. Requires the FCC to be notified of such transfer. Provides for public notice of the transfer. Provides for disposition by the FCC of objections to such transfer. Prohibits the FCC from considering whether the public interest would be served by the transfer. Repeals certain provisions relating to the application of the antitrust laws to broadcast licensees. Prohibits the FCC from imposing requirements on radio or television licensees relating to: (1) types of programs; (2) programming formats; (3) ascertainment of the needs or interests of their service areas; (4) commercials; and (5) maintenance of program logs.

Bill· HRH.R. 1875 (99th)open

Military Chaplains Faith Balance Act of 1984

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.

Bill· HRH.R. 1877 (99th)referred

Humane Product Testing Act of 1985

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.)

Bill· HRH.R. 1918 (99th)referred

World War I Veterans' Service Pension Act

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.

Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 106 (99th)referred

A concurrent resolution to express the sense of the Congress that the President respond to those trade practices of Japan that are adversely affecting the interstate commerce of the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1985

Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should take appropriate action to: (1) enforce U.S. rights under international agreements to which Japan is a party; and (2) obtain the elimination of Japanese acts and policies which deny benefits to the United States under such international agreements and which burden or restrict U.S. commerce. Directs the President, within a specified time, to: (1) report to the Congress and give notice of the actions the President has decided to take to accomplish such objectives; and (2) implement all such actions. Declares that such actions should at least negate the cumulative impact that the elimination or relaxation of the voluntary restraints on Japanese automobile imports will have on the merchandise balance of trade between Japan and the United States. Declares that action taken to accomplish this objective should be directed against competitive Japanese exports, including automobiles, telecommunication products, optical fibers, textiles, and electronic products. Declares action taken to accomplish the major objectives of the resolution should be modified or revoked only if the President determines that such minimum objective has been achieved.

Bill· HRH.R. 1809 (99th)referred

A bill to end the use of steel jaw leghold traps on animals in the United States.

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.

Bill· HRH.R. 1769 (99th)open

Satellite Television Viewing Amendments

United States · United States Congress · 27 March 1985

Satellite Television Viewing Amendments - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to prohibit the encryption of satellite cable programming for two years after enactment of this Act.

Bill· HRH.R. 1575 (99th)open

A bill to amend the Equal Credit Opportunity Act.

United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1985

Amends the Equal Credit Opportunity Act to prohibit the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System from exempting from such Act any class of credit transactions that are primarily for personal, family, or household purposes. Permits the Board to exempt (for five years) a type or class of business or commercial transactions only after determining that application of such Act to such transactions would not contribute substantially to effecting the purposes of such Act.

Bill· HRH.R. 1562 (99th)failed

Textile and Apparel Trade Enforcement Act of 1985

United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1985

Textile and Apparel Trade Enforcement Act of 1985 - Limits the total quantity of 1985 imports of textiles and textile products from a major exporting country to the lesser of an amount equal to 101 percent: (1) of the total quantity of textile products imported from such country if the total had increased by six percent annually (one percent annually for wool products) during 1981 through 1984; or (2) if the United States has an agreement with such country providing for an annual growth rate of less than six percent, of the total quantity of such products from such country imported during 1984. Limits the total quantity of 1985 imports of textiles and textile products from an exporting country to an amount equal to the total quantity of such products imported from such country during 1984 plus: (1) 15 percent of such quantity in the case of a category that is not an import sensitive category; or (2) one percent in the case of an import sensitive category. Provides for changing the classification of a country, except for a Caribbean country, from an exporting country to a major exporting country if the total textile imports from such country equals or exceeds one and one-quarter percent of all textiles imported into the United States. Sets forth a formula for adjusting the growth of textile imports annually. Sets forth certain minimum quantities of textile imports that all countries shall be allowed to export to the United States. Requires the Secretary of Commerce to enforce this Act. Directs the Secretary, within six months of enactment of this Act, to establish an import licensing system under which an importer of textiles will be required to present an import permit as a condition of entry of such textiles. Directs the President to report to the Congress annually on the administration of this Act.

Bill· HRH.R. 1460 (99th)open

Anti-Apartheid Action Act of 1985

United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1985

Anti-Apartheid Act of 1985 - Prohibits any U.S. person from making any loan to South Africa or to any organization owned or controlled by South Africa. Excludes from such prohibition a loan for any educational, housing, or health facility which: (1) is available to everyone on a nondiscriminatory basis; and (2) is located in an area accessible to all population groups. Declares that such prohibition shall not apply to loans for which an agreement is entered into before enactment of this Act. Directs the President to issue regulations prohibiting U.S. persons from making any investment (including bank loans) in South Africa. Excludes from such prohibition: (1) an investment which consists of earnings derived from a business enterprise in South Africa established before enactment of this Act and which is made in that business enterprise; or (2) the purchase of certain securities in such business enterprises. Prohibits any person, including U.S. banks, from importing into the United States any gold coin minted in or offered for sale by South Africa. Authorizes the President to waive the prohibitions against investments in South African businesses and against importing South African gold coins if: (1) the Government of South Africa meets at least one of seven conditions; (2) the President submits to the Congress a determination that such conditions are met; and (3) a joint resolution is enacted approving such determination. Authorizes the President to extend the waivers. Provides for expedited consideration of such joint resolution. Amends the Export Administration Act of 1979 to prohibit exporting computers, computer software, or goods or technology intended to service computers to or for use by South Africa or any organization owned or controlled by South Africa. Excludes from such prohibition donations of computers to primary and secondary schools. Declares that certain termination provisions of the Export Administration Act of 1979 shall not apply to such prohibition. Provides for enforcement of this Act. Sets forth penalties for violations of this Act. Directs the President to attempt to persuade through negotiations other countries to adopt restrictions on new investment in South Africa, on bank loans and computer sales to South Africa, and on the importation of krugerrands. Directs the President to submit annual reports to the Congress on the status of negotiations. Terminates the provisions of this Act and all the regulations issued to carry out this Act upon enactment of a joint resolution approving a determination submitted by the President to the Congress that apartheid in South Africa has been abolished.

Bill· HRH.R. 1479 (99th)referred

A bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to clarify the meaning of least restrictive setting for the mentally ill and to require as a condition to the receipt of grants for mental health that States have in effect plans governing the release of individuals in inpatient mental health facilities.

United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1985

Amends the Public Health Service Act to revise the meaning of least restrictive setting for the mentally ill for purposes of community mental health grants. Requires States to have plans in effect governing the release of individuals from inpatient mental health facilities in order to receive such grants.

Bill· HRH.R. 1395 (99th)referred

Congressional Pay Reform Act of 1985

United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1985

Congressional Pay Reform Act of 1985 - Amends the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946 to specify that pay adjustments for Members of Congress shall become effective on March 1 following the beginning of the next Congress after the Congress during which such adjustment is approved. Amends the Federal Salary Act to require the President to transmit to the Congress within a specified time period, recommendations for rates of pay of Members of Congress legislative and judicial employees. (Currently such recommendations are included in the Federal budget.) Prohibits the House of Representatives and the Senate from considering any bill or joint resolution carrying an appropriation for compensation of Members of Congress for any fiscal year if such bill or joint resolution carries an appropriation, or a limitation of appropriations, for any other purpose. Requires a recorded vote on such bill or resolution.

Law· HRH.R. 1349 (99th)enacted

Presidential Libraries Act of 1986

United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1985

Requires the Archivist of the United States to include in any report to the Congress on a proposed presidential archival depository a certification that any building or equipment offered as a gift or made available without transfer of title for such depository complies with the minimum standards relating to suitability for archival purposes. Authorizes the Archivist to solicit gifts or bequests of money or other property for a depository. Requires the proceeds of such gifts or bequests to be deposited into an account in the National Archives Trust Fund and expended for the same purposes and objects for which appropriations for operating, maintaining, protecting, or improving such depository might be expended. Directs the Archivist to provide for the establishment in such Trust Fund of separate endowments for the maintenance of depository land, buildings, and equipment to which shall be credited any gift or bequest offered for that purpose. Restricts the use of the income of such endowments to the payment of the cost of building operations. Prohibits the Administrator from taking title to, or making an agreement to use, any land, building, or equipment for a depository unless there is available, by gift or bequest, for deposit into an endowment for such depository an amount equal to at least 20 percent of the sum of: (1) the cost of acquiring or constructing such building and of acquiring and installing such equipment; and (2) the cost of acquiring such land to which the United States will hold title; or (3) the cost to the donor of making improvements to such land to which the United States will not hold title. Directs the Archivist to study the demand for, and the costs of, establishing a museum of the Presidents. Requires the study to examine the feasibility of establishing and operating such museum exclusively with non-Federal funds. Requires the results of such study to be included in the Archivist's report for FY 1986.

Bill· HRH.R. 1375 (99th)referred

A bill to amend the provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 so as to permit options in the provision of certain health benefits.

United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1985

Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to provide that ERISA does not preempt State laws: (1) which protect the freedom of choice of an individual under an employee benefit plan to select any licensed health practitioner to perform health services covered by such plan; or (2) which require surety bonds, cash or security deposits, or other financial guarantees or assurances to protect employee benefit plans from insolvency.

Bill· HRH.R. 1356 (99th)referred

Employee Educational Assistance Act of 1985

United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1985

Employee Educational Assistance Act of 1985 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend indefinitely the income tax exclusion for employee educational assistance programs. (Present law terminates such exclusion as of December 31, 1985.) Limits the maximum amount of such exclusion (beginning in 1986) to $5,000 of amounts paid or expenses incurred for educational assistance furnished to an employee during a calendar year. Exempts graduate students engaged in teaching or research activities from such maximum limit. Provides for annual cost-of-living adjustments in such maximum limit beginning in 1987.