United States · United States Congress · 3 December 1985
Requires each State to: (1) establish parking privileges for handicapped persons (whether drivers or passengers); (2) grant handicapped non-residents the same parking privileges as handicapped residents; (3) establish the international access symbol as the exclusive identifier for handicapped parking and vehicles; and (4) certify to the Secretary of Transportation by a specified date that parking privileges for the handicapped are being enforced. Prohibits the Secretary from approving the State highway department project plans of any State which has failed to establish handicapped parking privileges under this Act. Requires the Secretary to withhold certain Federal-aid highway funds from a non-compliant State.
United States · United States Congress · 21 November 1985
Commission to Investigate Federal Involvement with the Immigration of Nazi Collaborators Act - Establishes the Commission to Investigate Federal Involvement with the Immigration of Nazi Collaborators to: (1) investigate any efforts made by the Government or Federal officials to assist Nazi war criminals and Axis collaborators in entering the United States; and (2) report to the President and the Congress within 18 months of the Commission's first meeting. Terminates the Commission 90 days after submission of such report. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 21 November 1985
Declares that the Congress supports expanded cultural exchange between the United States and the Soviet Union and pledges to work with the President to strengthen such exchange.
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 1985
Telecommunications Equipment and Information Services Act of 1985 - Authorizes the Bell operating companies to provide information services (excluding electronic publishing) and to manufacture telecommunications equipment, subject to such regulations as the Federal Communications Commission may prescribe. Conditions such authority on the Commission's determination that no Bell operating company could impede competition in the information services or telecommunications equipment manufacturing businesses. Requires the Commission to include in its annual report to the Congress an assessment, providing for public comment, of the impact of this Act on employment in such businesses.
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 1985
Campaign Finance Reform Act of 1985 - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to: (1) increase dollar limits on personal contributions to candidates and their authorized political committees; and (2) decrease the amount one multicandidate political committee may contribute to any other political committee. Limits to $100,000 ($125,000 where two or more candidates qualify for the ballot) the aggregate amount which all multicandidate political committees may contribute to a candidate for the House of Representatives in a general or special election, including any primary election, convention, or caucus relating to such general or special election. Limits to $25,000 the aggregate amount allowed for multicandidate political committee contributions in a runoff election for the office of Representative. Establishes a formula for multicandidate political committee contributions to candidates for the Senate based upon State populations and limited to an aggregate total of $750,000. Requires multicandidate political committees which make independent expenditures for advertisements connected with a candidate's campaign to disclose such information within the advertisement. Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require any station licensee which allows a person to broadcast material endorsing or opposing a candidate to provide the candidate opposing the endorsed candidate, or to the candidate opposed by the material, the opportunity to use the same amount of broadcasting time, without charge, during the same period of the day.
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 1985
Small Contribution Tax Credit Reform Act of 1985 - Amends the the Internal Revenue Code to repeal the income tax credit for contributions to presidential, state, and local candidates, political action committees, and newsletter fund contributions. Allows an income tax credit for congressional candidate contributions. Limits the amount of such credit to $100 for a taxable year ($200 in the case of a joint return).
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 1985
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the Congress and the President welcome Canada's interest in negotiating to remove all trade barriers between the United States and Canada; (2) bilateral negotiations could provide opportunities for both countries to facilitate trade and investment flows; (3) the primary goal of the negotiations is to achieve the broadest possible trade agreement; (4) the Congress intends to participate fully in the negotiating process; (5) such negotiations should begin immediately and conclude, if possible, by June 30, 1987; (6) effective dispute settlement procedures be an important part of any bilateral free trade agreement; and (7) the trade ministers of both countries should work to resolve outstanding trade disputes.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 1985
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Taiwanese authorities should continue progress toward a democratic system, in particular by allowing the formation of opposition political parties, ending censorship and guaranteeing freedom of speech, expression, and assembly, and moving toward full representative government.
United States · United States Congress · 13 November 1985
Authorizes educational assistance for apprenticeship or other on-the-job training under the All-Volunteer Force Educational Assistance Program. Limits the amount of educational assistance payable in any one month where the individual pursuing the educational program fails to complete 120 hours of training.
United States · United States Congress · 12 November 1985
Foreign Agents Compulsory Ethics in Trade Act of 1985 - Prohibits former high-level Federal civilian officers or employees or high-ranking officers of the uniformed services from representing or advising foreign principals during the ten-year period beginning on the last day of such a person's Federal employment or service. Authorizes the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Commerce to jointly determine a longer prohibitive period in the interest of national security. Establishes criminal penalties for violations of this Act. Defines and lists employee positions to which this Act applies.
United States · United States Congress · 6 November 1985
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the President should: (1) forever desist from congratulating the Soviet Union on the anniversary of the Communists' seizure of power; and (2) annually express, on November 7, our solidarity with the people and countries under Soviet domination, and our hope for their imminent freedom and national integrity.
United States · United States Congress · 31 October 1985
Anti-Terrorism Trade Preference Act of 1985 - Directs the Secretary of State to identify and publish the name of each country that repeatedly supports acts of international terrorism. Requires the Secretary to provide the Congress with a list of such countries annually. Imposes the following sanctions on countries identified as supporting international terrorism: (1) termination, withdrawal, or suspension of any treaty that relates to most-favored-nation treatment of such country; (2) denial of most-favored-nation treatment and imposition of column 2 tariff rates on imports from such countries; (3) non-application of the Generalized System of Preferences on imports from such countries; and (4) non-application of the provisions of the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act with respect to the products of such countries. Authorizes the President to waive such sanctions if it would be in the best interests of the United States. Directs the President to notify the Congress 30 days before any such waiver takes effect.
United States · United States Congress · 28 October 1985
Reaffirms congressional support for the Medicare Program and for the right of all Medicare beneficiaries to receive accurate and timely information regarding their benefits. Urges the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) convene a group of program participants to draft a simple statement of the rights and responsibilities of Medicare patients; and (2) transmit copies of the statement to all Members of Congress and hospitals and physicians participating in the program; and (3) urge participating hospitals to distribute copies of the statement to Medicare beneficiaries upon their hospitalization and to their families upon request.
United States · United States Congress · 24 October 1985
Joint Chiefs of Staff Reorganization Act of 1985 - Revises Federal provisions concerning the composition and function of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) to define the Chairman of JCS as the principal military advisor to the President, the National Security Council, and the Secretary of Defense. Authorizes a member of JCS other than the Chairman to offer, to the Secretary of Defense and then to the President, a separate opinion in disagreement with that of the Chairman concerning military advice given. Directs that the Chairman of JCS shall supervise the commanders of the combatant commands and act as their spokesman. Extends the term of the Chairman of JCS from two to four years. Establishes the position of Deputy Chairman of JCS. Prohibits the Deputy Chairman and the Chairman from being a member of the same military branch, unless the Secretary of Defense waives such prohibition for a limited period. Sets the term of the Deputy Chairman at four years. Requires the Deputy Chairman to perform such duties as delegated by the Chairman with the approval of the Secretary of Defense. Directs the Deputy Chairman to act as Chairman if the latter position is vacated for any reason. Directs the Deputy Chairman to act as director of the Joint Staff, which performs such duties as the Chairman prescribes. Eliminates any maximum number of officers on the Joint Staff. Provides that the four-year term of a member of the Joint Staff may be extended with the approval of the Secretary of Defense. Directs the Secretary to ensure that the Joint Staff is independently organized and operated in order to provide for the unified strategic direction of the combatant forces and their operation and integration into an efficient team of land, naval, and air forces. Requires the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to submit an evaluation to the President of any person for appointment to a grade above major general or rear admiral. Requires such evaluation to consider the performance of that officer as a member of the Joint Staff and in other assignments involving joint military experiences. Requires such evaluation to be submitted to the President at the same time as the submission of the recommendation for the appointment. Directs the Chairman or the Deputy Chairman of JCS to attend all meetings of the National Security Council and participate fully in its deliberations. Directs the Secretary of Defense, no later than six months after the enactment of this Act, to report to the Congress on plans for further changes in the administration of the military high commands of each of the armed forces. Outlines proposals to be developed in such report.
United States · United States Congress · 24 October 1985
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the United States: (1) should not sell advanced weapons to Jordan; (2) should ensure that Israel retains its qualitative military edge in the Middle East; and (3) should focus its efforts on bringing Jordan into direct peace negotiations with Israel.
United States · United States Congress · 23 October 1985
Authorizes the President to provide military assistance to the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA). Authorizes appropriations for such purpose for FY 1986.
United States · United States Congress · 22 October 1985
Prohibits the number of Soviet nationals admitted to the United States to serve as members of the Soviet mission at United Nations (U.N.) headquarters from exceeding the number of U.S. nationals who serve as members of the U.S. mission at U.N. headquarters, unless: (1) the excess number is the result of routine replacement of personnel and is not more than ten percent of the number of U.S. nationals serving at the U.S. mission; or (2) the President determines that the admission of additional Soviet nationals would be in the interests of the United States. Directs the Secretary of State to report to the Congress every six months on the number of Soviet nationals admitted to the United States because the President determined their admission would be in the national interest and on their duties with the Soviet mission. Declares that the Secretary and the Attorney General should report to the Congress within six months on a plan for ensuring that the excess number of Soviet nationals admitted due to a routine replacement of personnel does not exceed the five percent limit.
United States · United States Congress · 22 October 1985
Suspends most-favored-nation treatment for Romania for six months. Directs the President, before the end of such six months, to: (1) assess the status of civil liberties and human rights in Romania; and (2) recommend to the Congress whether to extend the suspension of nondiscriminatory treatment to Romania.
United States · United States Congress · 10 October 1985
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the President should initiate, in cooperation with our Western allies, the negotiation of a multinational agreement to establish an allied strategy to respond to international terrorism, procedures to provide and to disseminate intelligence information relating to such terrorism, and a multinational unit to resolve terrorist incidents; and (2) the United States should adopt as a national policy the termination of U.S. foreign assistance to nations that assist or fail to prosecute international terrorists.
United States · United States Congress · 8 October 1985
Amends the copyright law to prohibit a copyright holder from conveying the right to publicly perform an audiovisual work on non-network commercial television without simultaneously conveying the right to perform in synchronization any copyrighted music which accompanies such work.
United States · United States Congress · 3 October 1985
Federal Government Easy Access Act - Requires Federal agency correspondence outside the executive branch to include the name, phone number, and mailing address of individuals to whom responses and inquiries may be made.
United States · United States Congress · 2 October 1985
Fair Trade Wage Act of 1985 - Title I: Minimum Wage Law Applied Extraterritorially - Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to impose minimum wage requirements on U.S. foreign enterprises as defined in the Tariff Act of 1930. Prohibits importing into the United States goods produced by any such employer found in violation of the minimum wage requirements. Title II: Earnings Parity - Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to impose, in addition to any other duty, an earnings parity fee on every article produced by a U.S. foreign enterprise and imported into the United States, in order to equalize the earnings of foreign workers for U.S. foreign enterprise with the earnings of U.S. workers in the same or similar industry and occupational classification. Sets forth the formula for calculating the earnings parity fee. Title III: Trade Adjustment Assistance Trust Fund - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to establish within the Treasury a Trade Adjustment Assistance Trust Fund. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to transfer to the Trust Fund the amounts collected as earnings parity fees. Requires the Secretary of Labor to hold, and invest part of, the Trust Fund and to report to the Congress annually on the Trust Fund's economic condition. Authorizes appropriations. Title IV: Neutralization of Tax Effects - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to limit the tax deduction under the accelerated cost recovery system for substitute facilities (business facilities outside the United States which were built or bought within five years of taking out of service similar facilities located within the United States). Prohibits taking depreciation or a foreign tax credit on substitute facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 2 October 1985
Corporation for Small Business Investment Charter Act - Amends the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to provide that references to small business investment companies operating under the Act shall be deemed to refer to small business investment companies operating under the provisions of this Act. Includes in the term "small business investment company" any organization which is qualified to conduct business with the Corporation for Small Business Investment. Requires small business investment companies to provide a source of equity capital for incorporated and unincorporated small businesses under such terms as the small business investment company may fix in accordance with the rules of the Corporation. (Currently, such capital is provided by small business investment companies in accordance with the regulations of the Small Business Administration.) Provides that small business investment companies may provide to small businesses: (1) equity investments and loans on a participation or guaranteed basis; and (2) consulting and advisory services on a fee basis. Establishes the Corporation for Small Business Investment. Authorizes the Corporation to: (1) make loans to small business investment companies; (2) purchase preferred securities, debentures, and guarantee debentures issued by such companies; and (3) act as issuer of such securities. Requires the Corporation to establish criteria for the qualification of: (1) small business investment companies to conduct business with such corporation; and (2) small business investment companies whose investments will be made solely in small businesses which will help facilitate the ownership in such businesses by persons who have been hampered by social or economic disadvantages. Permits the purchase of ownership interests in small business investment companies by national banks. Authorizes small business investment companies to: (1) purchase stock issued by the Corporation; (2) borrow money; and (3) issue its debenture bonds, promissory notes, or other obligations under conditions as prescribed by the Corporation. Authorizes and directs the Corporation and the Small Business Administration (SBA) to enter into an agreement in which the Corporation will acquire title to preferred securities and debentures issued by small business investment companies whose policy is to facilitate small business ownership by socially and economically disadvantaged persons, and held by the SBA, and Funds held by the SBA representing the reserve for losses against such preferred securities and debentures. Sets forth the conditions under which the Corporation shall hold such securities, debenture, and loss reserve Funds. Authorizes the Corporation to: (1) enter into agreements regarding the operation of small business investment companies; and (2) issue common and preferred stock. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to purchase obligations issued by the Corporation. Exempts from the securities laws of the United States all stock and obligations issued by the Corporation. Requires the Corporation to adopt rules on conflicts of interest which may be detrimental to: (1) small businesses; (2) small business investment companies; or (3) the Corporation. Requires the accounts of the Corporation to be audited annually. Requires a report of each such audit to be: (1) furnished to the Secretary; and (2) made by the Secretary to the President and the Small Business Committees of the Congress not later than six months following the close of each fiscal year. Requires the Corporation, after the end of each fiscal year, to transmit to the President, the Small Business Committees of the Congress, and the Administrator a report of its operations and activities during each year. Exempts from State usury laws all business loans made by a small business investment company pursuant to this Act. Transfers to the Corporation all title to small business investment company securities that are guaranteed by the SBA and held by the Federal Financing Bank.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1985
Amends the copyright law to make permanent the prohibition against importing certain English language books not manufactured in the United States and Canada, denying copyright protection to books imported in violation of this restriction (the manufacturing clause).
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1985
Social Security Budget and Administrative Reorganization Act of 1985 - Title I: Establishment of the Social Security Administration - Amends title VII (Administration) of the Social Security Act to establish as an independent executive agency a Social Security Administration, headed by a Social Security Board. Provides that it shall be the duty of the Administration to administer the programs established by titles II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) and XVI (Supplemental Security Income) of the Social Security Act. Requires the Board to study and make recommendations as to the most effective methods of providing economic security through social insurance and as to legislation and matters of administrative policy. Establishes in the Administration: (1) a Commissioner of Social Security; (2) a Deputy Commissioner of Social Security; (3) a General Counsel; (4) an Inspector General; and (5) an Office of the Beneficiary Ombudsman, to be headed by a Beneficiary Ombudsman who shall represent the interests of beneficiaries under the Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance program and the Supplemental Security Income Program within the Administration. Requires the annual report of the Board to include a description of the activities of the Beneficiary Ombudsman. Requires the Board to make annual budgetary recommendations relating to the Administration. Requires that appropriations requests by the Administration for staffing and personnel be based upon a comprehensive workforce plan as established by the Board. Provides for the apportionment of administrative costs. Requires the annual report of the Board to include a section reflecting the use of budget authority provided to the Administration. Requires that authority for automated data processing procurement and facilities construction be provided in the form of contract authority covering the total cost of such acquisitions. Makes amounts needed for the liquidation of contract authority so provided available from the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund to the extent that such amounts are not needed to meet current obligations for benefit payments. Requires the Board and the Director of the Office of Personnel Management to implement demonstration projects relating to personnel matters. Directs the Board and the Administrator of General Services to implement such projects relating to delegations from the Administrator. Specifies the authorities which are to be delegated to the Board from the Administrator and the Director. Requires the Comptroller General to report to specified congressional committees concerning such projects, including an evaluation of the Board's readiness to assume full and permanent authority. Requires the Board to cause a seal of office to be made and judicial notice taken thereof. Provides for the transfer to the Administration of all functions carried out by the Secretary of Health and Human Services with respect to the programs and activities to be carried out by the Administration under this Act. Abolishes the position of Commissioner of Social Security in the Department of Health and Human Services. Sets forth effective date and transitional rule provisions. Title II: Conforming Amendments and Rules of Construction - Requires the Secretary and the Board to report to Congress within 120 days after the beginning of each regular session on their administration under this Act. Requires the Secretary to study and make recommendations on the most effective methods of providing economic security and on the administrative policy for the programs which he or she administers. Directs the Board to appoint, quadrennially, an Advisory Council on the Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance program and an Advisory Council on Health and Supplementary Medical Insurance to review the relation of the trust funds supporting the Old-Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance program and the Medicare program and the long-term commitments of those programs. Requires each council to submit a report to the Board for transmittal to the Congress and the Board of Trustees of each Trust Fund. Sets forth the effective dates of this title. Title III: Budgetary Treatment of Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance Program - Provides for off-budget treatment of the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund beginning with FY 1987.
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 1985
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the current Government of Guatemala is to be commended for its perseverance and determination to return to civilian rule.
United States · United States Congress · 20 September 1985
Fair Trade Wage Act of 1985 - Title I: Minimum Wage Law Applied Extraterritorially - Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to impose minimum wage requirements on U.S. foreign enterprises as defined in the Tariff Act of 1930. Prohibits importing into the United States goods produced by any such employer found in violation of the minimum wage requirements. Title II: Earnings Parity - Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to impose, in addition to any other duty, an earnings parity fee on every article produced by a U.S. foreign enterprise and imported into the United States, in order to equalize the earnings of foreign workers for U.S. foreign enterprises with the earnings of U.S. workers in the same or similar industry and occupational classification. Sets forth the formula for calculating the earnings parity fee. Title III: Trade Adjustment Assistance Trust Fund - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to establish within the Treasury a Trade Adjustment Assistance Trust Fund. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to transfer to the Trust Fund the amounts collected as earnings parity fees. Requires the Secretary of Labor to hold, and invest part of, the Trust Fund and to report to the Congress annually on the Trust Fund's economic condition. Authorizes appropriations. Title IV: Neutralization of Tax Effects - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to limit the tax deduction under the accelerated cost recovery system for substitute facilities (business facilities outside the United States which were built or bought within five years of taking out of service similar facilities located within the United States).
United States · United States Congress · 20 September 1985
Directs the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, to modify the boundaries of the Little Rock Division of the Corps of Engineers to include all of the State of Arkansas, and to designate such district as a full service district.
United States · United States Congress · 20 September 1985
Directs the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, to review reports pertaining to the water supply needs of Pulaski and Lonoke Counties, Arkansas, and submit to the Congress a report on the results of such review.
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 1985
Electronic Communications Privacy Act of 1985 - Title I: Title 18 and Related Matters - Amends the Federal criminal code to extend the prohibition against the unauthorized interception of communications to specified types of electronic communications (present law prohibits only the interception of wire and oral communications). Specifies certain exceptions with respect to electronic communications. Extends such prohibitions to the communications of any provider of electronic communication services (present law extends only to communication common carriers). Prohibits the unauthorized access to an electronic communication system in order to obtain or alter information contained in such system. Imposes criminal penalties for the violation of such prohibition. Prohibits any person or entity providing an electronic communication service from knowingly divulging the contents of any communication carried on that service. Provides for specified exceptions to such requirement. Allows the Attorney General or the prosecuting attorney of any State or political subdivision to apply for disclosure of information contained in an electronic communication service. Specifies that such application shall meet the same requirements as that for an application for the interception of wire or oral communications. Allows any person whose electronic communication is intercepted, disclosed, or used to bring a civil action to recover civil damages. (Present law allows a civil action only for the interception or use of wire or oral communications.) Revises the amount of damages which may be recovered by such civil actions. Specifies a two-year statute of limitations for the commencement of such a civil action. Specifies additional crimes for which interception of wire, oral, or electronic communications can be authorized in the course of the investigation of such crimes. Sets forth additional requirements for applications, court orders, and the implementation of court orders for the interception of such communications. Requires that a court order authorizing such interception shall require that reports of specified information be made not less often than every ten days to the judge who issued such order. Title II: Pen Registers and Tracking Devices - Prohibits the installation or use of a pen register or a tracking device without first obtaining a court order pursuant to this Act or under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978. Imposes criminal penalties for violations of such prohibition. Defines "pen register" as a device which identifies the numbers dialed or transmitted on the telephone line to which the device is attached. Defines a "tracking device" as an electronic or mechanical device which permits the tracking of the movement of a person or object in circumstances in which there exists a reasonable expectation of privacy. Authorizes Federal and State law enforcement officers having responsibility for ongoing criminal investigations to apply for a court order allowing the installation and use of a pen register or a tracking device. Sets forth procedures for the application for an issuance of a court order allowing the use of a pen register or tracking device. Allows the issuance of such order if, in the case of a pen register, there is reasonable cause to believe that the information likely to be obtained is relevant to a legitimate criminal investigation. Sets forth requirements for the emergency use of a pen register or tracking device without prior court authorization. Requires a communications common carrier, landlord, custodian, or other person to furnish an authorized law enforcement officer information, facilities, and technical assistance necessary to accomplish the installation and use of a pen register or tracking device if such assistance is directed by court order or an emergency installation is authorized. Requires that anyone providing such assistance shall be compensated for any reasonable expenses incurred. Requires any judge issuing or denying an order for the use of a pen register or tracking device to file a report with the Administrative Office of the United States Courts. Requires the Attorney General and the principal prosecuting attorney of a State to report annually to the Administrative Office of the United States Courts concerning the use of pen registers and tracking devices authorized for use in criminal investigations. Requires the Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts to report annually to the Congress concerning the use of pen registers and tracking devices. Allows any person who is harmed by a violation of this Act concerning pen registers or tracking devices to bring a civil action to recover civil damages. Specifies the type of damages which may be recovered. Specifies a two-year statute of limitations for the commencement of such a civil action.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 1985
Congressional Committee Foreign Travel Reform Act of 1985 - Requires that all congressional committee foreign travel be approved in writing and in advance by: (1) the committee chairman for which the travel is performed; and (2) the Speaker of the House of Representatives or President pro tempore of the Senate, as appropriate. Requires the use of commercial air carriers to the greatest extent practicable. Requires the Speaker or the President pro tempore to formally request the Secretary of Defense (or Secretary of Transportation in the case of the Coast Guard) for the use of military aircraft for congressional committee foreign travel. Requires, prior to such request, that the proposed use be approved in advance and in writing by the committee with jurisdiction over the armed force involved. Directs the Speaker and President pro tempore to act jointly in cases of foreign travel of joint committees.
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 1985
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide coverage for services performed by a physician assistant under the supervision of a physician.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1985
Amends the Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp Act to direct the Secretary of the Interior to conduct an annual contest to select the design for the duck hunting stamp to be issued each year. Requires proceeds received from contest entry fees to be deposited in the Migratory Bird Conservation Fund established under such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1985
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to require the Internal Revenue Service to reimburse State and local law enforcement agencies that provide information which substantially contributes to the recovery of Federal taxes. Limits the amount of such reimbursement to ten percent of the sum ultimately recovered.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1985
Elderly Crime Prevention and Victim Assistance Act of 1985 - Establishes in the Office of Justice Programs of the Department of Justice the National Resource Office Relating to Crimes Against Older Individuals. Provides for the appointment of an administrator from the employees of the Department of Justice to head such office. Requires the administrator to coordinate activities of the Department of Justice relating to training of law enforcement officers, financial assistance for older victims, compilation of statistical information, and research with regard to crimes committed against the elderly. Requires the administrator to: (1) establish a liaison with all Federal departments and agencies involved with programs for older persons who are or may become victims of crimes; (2) disseminate information regarding such programs and assistance; and (3) provide technical assistance to reduce or prevent the committing of crime against older individuals.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1985
Toxic Substances Health Effects Act of 1985 - Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 to direct the Administrator of the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) to list the 100 hazardous substances which pose the most significant threat to human health or are most frequently found at facilities on the National Priority List (NPL) under the National Contingency Plan (NCP). Requires, for five years, the annual addition of at least 25 other hazardous substances. Directs the Administrator to prepare toxicological profiles for each substance listed which evaluate the information available and the need for additional research on a priority, 25 annual minimum basis. Requires the adequate staffing of the ATSDR to prepare such profiles. Permits an individual to petition the Administrator for a preliminary assessment of the environmental and public health hazards associated with the release of a particular substance. Requires the Administrator of the ATSDR to notify the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) if a substance's release may be dangerous so that such substance may be ranked. Directs the Administrator of ATSDR to conduct a health effects study on a hazardous substance where a preliminary assessment indicates its release may pose a threat to human health or upon petition by exposed individuals. Requires such study to be completed within nine months of the petition or assessment.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1985
Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to grant priority to cleaning up sites where the release of hazardous substances has resulted in the closing of a drinking water well or has contaminated a sole or principal drinking water source.
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 1985
Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide, with respect to Medicare (title XVIII of the Social Security Act) payment for lens implantation procedures, that the amount recognized as reasonable may not exceed a percentage (specified by the Secretary and which must be less than 100 percent) of the applicable adjusted DRG prospective payment rate with respect to discharges classified under the diagnosis-related group for lens implantation. Requires a report to the Congress.
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
Trade Emergency and Export Promotion Act - Declares that actions by the President, the International Trade Commission (ITC), the Secretary of the Treasury, the Secretary of Agriculture, and the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) pursuant to this Act shall not be reviewable by any court, except for abuse of discretion. Title I: International Trade Actions and Agreements - Declares that a national emergency exists because of distortions and imbalances in trade and instability in exchange rates and that such emergency requires extraordinary measures, including action to: (1) restore the value of the dollar; and (2) either eliminate foreign unfair trade barriers or prohibit countries which employ such barriers from enjoying trade surpluses with the United States or increasing shares of world export markets. Authorizes the President to negotiate and enter into with any foreign country or entity agreements limiting the export from such country or entity, and the importation into the United States, of any article. Directs the USTR to initiate proceedings against Japan before appropriate international bodies in order to obtain authorization to take trade actions against Japan on the grounds that: (1) Japan has failed to comply with trade agreements entered into with the United States; and (2) Japan has adopted numerous domestic policies and practices that impair and violate such trade agreements and impede achievement of their objectives. Directs the USTR, with the cooperation of the Secretary of Agriculture, to initiate actions under all international trade agreements to which the United States is a party in order to take appropriate countermeasures against agricultural export subsidies provided by the European Communities and other countries which will be used to prevent: (1) injury to U.S. agricultural producers; (2) nullification or impairment of such trade agreements; and (3) serious prejudice to the United States. Authorizes the USTR to initiate actions against each foreign country (except Japan and the European Communities) or entity that was an excess worldwide trade surplus country or an excess bilateral trade surplus country for 1984 under all applicable U.S. laws and international agreements in order to: (1) enforce the rights of the United States under such international agreements; and (2) obtain the elimination of certain trade acts, policies, and practices of such countries or entities. Directs the USTR to explain in proceedings initiated under this title that the United States finds it necessary to take the actions provided in title II of this Act as interim measures pending the outcome of such proceedings in order to protect vital U.S. interests. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to develop a plan to reduce fluctuations between currencies on foreign currency exchange markets. Sets forth characteristics of such plan. Title II: Interim Domestic Trade Actions to Respond to the Trade Emergency - Subtitle A: Stand-by Duties - Directs the ITC to determine annually each major exporting country's: (1) worldwide nonpetroleum export percentage; (2) bilateral nonpetroleum export percentage; (3) worldwide nonpetroleum trade surplus; (4) bilateral nonpetroleum trade surplus; (5) worldwide trade surplus limitation; and (6) bilateral trade surplus limitation. Requires the ITC to report annually to the President on: (1) the determinations on the trade of such major exporting countries; (2) the identity of each foreign country which was an excess worldwide trade surplus country or excess bilateral trade surplus country during the preceding year; and (3) whether or not standby duties should be imposed on imports from such countries. Requires the President, within 15 days of receiving such report to determine, with respect to each country identified as an excess worldwide trade surplus country or excess bilateral trade surplus country: (1) whether such country unfairly restricts or limits the access of imports to its markets; and (2) if the President determines that such country does restrict access to its markets, whether such restriction contributes to that country's trade surplus. Requires the President, if both such determinations are positive, to impose stand-by duties on all imports from such countries. Prohibits making such determinations or imposing such duties if the U.S. trade deficit divided by the U.S. gross national product is less than one and one-half percent. Requires the President to report to the Congress, within 15 days of receiving the reports on worldwide and bilateral trade, on the determinations made with respect to imposing stand-by duties. Declares that the rate of a stand-by duty shall be 25 percent ad valorem and that such duty shall be in addition to any other duties. Provides for the implementation of such duties. Requires all revenues from such stand-by duties to be allocated to the Public Debt Reduction Account in the Treasury. Expresses the sense of the Congress that all funds in such Account be used only to reduce the Federal debt. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to report annually to the Congress on the revenue derived from such stand-by duties. Prohibits imposing stand-by duties on articles imported after April 30, 1992. Prohibits requiring reports and determinations on trade surpluses after April 1991. Subtitle B: Reports - Directs the President to report annually to specified congressional committees on the operation of this Act. Title III: Trade Law Reform - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to transfer to the USTR from the President the authority to order import relief and the authority to extend tariff preferences. Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to transfer to the USTR from the President the authority to approve or disapprove ITC actions to prevent unfair practices in import trade.
![Official portrait of Rep. Robinson, Tommy F. [D-AR-2]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/r000354_200.jpg)