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United States · Official source
4,730 records where Rep. Scheuer, James H. [D-NY-8] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1985
Medicare Vision Reform Act of 1985 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide coverage for all services provided by a doctor of optometry. (Current law permits coverage for optometric services only if related to the condition of aphakia). Requires payment for optometric services to be made on the basis of an assignment.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 1985
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that it will not allow any reduction in benefits under the Social Security Act by any method, or any downward adjustment, freeze, or delay in cost-of-living increases.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1985
Truth in Savings Act - Requires each advertisement, announcement, or solicitation made by any depository institution regarding the rate of interest payable on any account to: (1) state the annual percentage yield and the method of compounding interest; (2) state the annual rate of simple interest and the period such interest is in effect; (3) state the frequency of interest payments; (4) give equal prominence to all annual percentage yields and annual rates of simple interest; and (5) include specified statements explaining how fees and penalties could affect the annual yield and how the yield on accounts which mature in less than one year is determined on the basis of compounding for an entire year. Requires the annual percentage yield to be stated before the annual rate of simple interest. Requires an institution to give a person a written summary of such information concerning an offered account upon request. Requires each depository institution to maintain a written schedule of all fees, charges, and terms and conditions applicable to each type of account and service routinely offered. Requires that such schedule be disclosed to potential customers and requesting individuals and mailed to account holders. Directs the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to prescribe: (1) uniform terminology to be used by depository institutions to describe interest rates and other terms affecting account earnings; and (2) uniform methods of calculating annual rates of simple interest and annual percentage yields. Provides for the enforcement of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1985
Comprehensive Alzheimer's Assistance, Research, and Education Act of 1985 - Title I : Amendment to the Public Health Service Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish a National Alzheimer's Education Program to: (1) coordinate education and training programs of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Veterans Administration, other Federal entities, State and local governments, and private organizations; (2) establish an information clearinghouse; (3) provide information to health care providers, organizations, patients, and the general public; and (4) provide technical assistance to States and public and private organizations in the collection and dissemination of information. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 through 1988 for such purposes. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to States to plan, establish, and operate programs to: (1) coordinate the development and operation of diagnostic, treatment, care management, respite care, legal counseling, and education services provided by public and private organizations within the State; (2) provide respite care to patients with Alzheimer's disease and related disorders; (3) provide information to health care providers, organizations, and the general public on treatment and related services for patients and their families; (4) coordinate the development and operation of continuing education for health care providers on the diagnosis, treatment, and care management of Alzheimer's disease and related disorders; (5) review State policies on the financing and reimbursement of health care costs for such patients; (6) review State nursing home regulations as they apply to such patients; and (7) coordinate with the National Alzheimer's Education Program. Limits Federal grants for such programs to the lesser of one half the cost or $1,000,000. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 through 1988. Directs the Secretary to establish a plan for a research program for the study of Alzheimer's disease and related disorders. Directs the Secretary to make grants and enter into contracts with public and private entities for ten to 20 Alzheimer's disease research centers. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 through 1988. Provides for the recovery from Alaska of Federal grants provided under the Public Health Service Act if within 20 years from the date of completion of a medical facility, such facility ceases to be a publicly owned facility operated for the care or treatment of patients under Alaska's mental health program. Title II: Medicare and Medicaid Research, Demonstrations, and Waivers - Directs the Secretary to conduct research, waiver, and demonstration projects under the Medicare and Medicaid provisions of the Social Security Act to determine the: (1) coverage of alternative methods of health care for patients with Alzheimer's disease and related disorders; (2) coverage of nursing home care; and (3) appropriate reimbursement levels for nursing homes with such patients. Title III: Report - Directs the Secretary to report to the Congress within two years after the date of enactment.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1985
Urges the President of the Soviet Union to immediately grant permission for Doctor Semyon Gluzman and his family to emigrate to Israel.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1985
Designates the week beginning on April 13, 1986, as National Garden Week. Urges the wearing of garden flowers during that week as a symbol of appreciation for the contributions of the Nation's gardeners.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1985
Recognizes the 20th anniversary of the enactment of the Older Americans Act of 1965, and reaffirms congressional support for such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1985
Motor Vehicle Safety Authorization Act of 1985 - Amends the following Acts to authorize appropriations for FY 1986 and 1987: (1) the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966; and (2) the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act with respect to bumper standards, automobile consumer information and odometer requirements. Prohibits the licensing of motor vehicles when the ownership is transferred unless: (1) the application for a new certificate of title is accompanied by the prior owner's title; and (2) the new certificate of title is printed in a specified manner indicating the odometer mileage. Authorizes States to submit alternative mileage disclosure requirements for the approval of the Secretary of Transportation. Provides that auction companies selling motor vehicles must maintain records showing: (1) the name of the most recent owner; (2) the vehicle identification number; and (3) the odometer reading on the date the auction company took possession of the vehicle. Requires such mileage information to be disclosed by the lessee of a leased motor vehicle when the lease ends or is transferred. Increases the civil penalty for violations of the odometer requirements from $1,000 to $2,000, and increases the criminal penalty for such violations from one to three years maximum imprisonment. Amends the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966 to authorize a tire dealer or distributor whose business is not owned or controlled by a tire manufacturer to elect to be subject to tire registration requirements. Revises the restrictions on certain imported vehicles that do not conform to Federal standards. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to exempt certain motor vehicles or equipment from such restrictions for purposes of: (1) research, investigation, study, demonstration, training, or national security; (2) completion in the United States of an incomplete foreign-built vehicle or equipment item; or (3) importation by certain uniformed service members for personal use. Requires motor vehicle distributors to furnish dealers with the manufacturer's certification previously furnished to the distributor. Prohibits dealers from selling defective motor vehicles or motor vehicle equipment. Imposes criminal penalties upon manufacturers who knowingly and willfully fail to notify owners or purchasers of motor vehicle safety defects or of failures to comply with motor vehicle safety standards. Amends the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act to direct the Secretary to promulgate Federal motor vehicle safety standards, establishing passenger motor vehicle bumper system rating and labeling requirements. Requires that comparative information regarding bumper system impact speed rating be distributed to the public. Directs the Secretary to arrange with the National Academy of Sciences to conduct a study of the effectiveness of State motor vehicle safety inspection programs in reducing highway accidents and limiting the number of defective or unsafe motor vehicles on the highways. Requires completion of the study and transmittal to the Congress by September 1, 1985.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1985
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) the Rural Electrification Program must continue to provide financing and technical assistance at reasonable cost; and (2) the people of the United States and Federal and State governmental agencies should commemorate the Rural Electrification Administration on its 50th anniversary.
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 1985
Korean War Memorial Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to erect and maintain a memorial on Federal land in the District of Columbia or its environs to honor members of the U.S. armed forces who served in the Korean War. Subjects the selected site, design, and plans for the construction of such memorial to the approval of the National Commission of Fine Arts and the National Capital Planning Commission. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 1985
Census Awareness and Accountability Act of 1985 - Requires the Secretary of Commerce with respect to each decennial and mid-decade census to submit to the appropriate congressional committees, not later than 18 months before the appropriate census date, a report containing the procedures for estimating and adjusting any overcount or undercount in any tabulation of total population. Establishes a program to provide grants to States and local governments to promote activities designed to minimize the extent of any undercounts which may occur in the decennial census. Authorizes amounts to be appropriated for FY 1986 through 1990 for such grants.
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 1985
Designates November 30, 1985, as National Mark Twain Day.
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 1985
Designates May 6, 1985, as Dr. Jonas E. Salk Day.
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 1985
Designates the month of March 1986 as National Hemophilia Month.
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 1985
Establishes in the legislative branch of the Government the Perot Commission on Americans Missing in Southeast Asia to conduct an investigation and report to the Congress its findings with respect to the existence and the release of prisoners of war in Southeast Asia. Sets forth specified administrative procedures and powers of the Commission. Requires the Commission to terminate 30 days after the filing of its report to the Congress or on January 3, 1987, whichever occurs first.
United States · United States Congress · 23 April 1985
Authorizes the President, on behalf of the Congress, to present a gold medal honoring George Gershwin to his sister, Frances Gershwin Godowsky, and a gold medal honoring Ira Gershwin to his widow, Lenore Gershwin. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to provide for the sale of bronze duplicates of the medal. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1985
Prohibits any agency of the government from obligating or appropriating funds for the production of lethal chemical weapons. Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the President should intensify efforts to achieve agreement with the Soviet Union and other countries to stop the production, proliferation, and stockpiling of lethal chemical weapons; (2) the Department of Defense should protect the armed forces against the use of lethal chemical weapons in attacks; (3) an agreement with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization must be concluded on the prepositioning of any new chemical weapons; and (4) funding of new lethal chemical weapons is unwarranted in light of the Federal budget deficit.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1985
Designates a portion of a specified street in the District of Columbia as Raoul Wallenberg Avenue.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1985
Directs the Postmaster General to issue a stamp commemorating the 40th anniversary of the Blue Angels. Specifies the design and denomination of the stamp. Establishes the dates within which the stamp shall be issued and directs that it be sold for a period set by the Postmaster General.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1985
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the President should not visit the military cemetery at Bitburg, Federal Republic of Germany.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1985
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should cancel his planned visit to the Bitburg Cemetery out of respect for the millions who suffered and died at the hands of the SS and the Nazis.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1985
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should take no action that will honor the memories of Nazi soldiers during his planned trip to the Federal Republic of Germany.
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1985
Indoor Air Quality Act of 1985 - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to carry out a research program with respect to indoor air quality. Requires that such program be designed to: (1) gather data and information on all aspects of indoor air quality in order to contribute to the understanding of health problems associated with the existence of air pollutants in the indoor environment; and (2) coordinate Federal, State, local, and private research, development, and demonstration efforts relating to the improvement of indoor air quality. Authorizes the Administrator to establish committees of representatives of appropriate Federal agencies and advisory groups of representatives of the scientific community, industry, and public interest organizations as may be necessary to assist in carrying out such indoor air quality research program. Directs the Administrator to consult and coordinate with State and local officials and other interested parties having concerns related to such program. Directs the Administrator to submit to the Congress an indoor air quality research implementation plan within 90 days after enactment of this Act and a final report within two years of such enactment after consulting the National Academy of Sciences. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 and 1987.
United States · United States Congress · 16 April 1985
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that legislation should not be enacted which would further restrict: (1) eligibility for Federal student financial aid; or (2) access to higher education.
United States · United States Congress · 15 April 1985
States that the House of Representatives supports Solidarity Sunday for Soviet Jewry on May 5, 1985.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1985
Requires the initial report of the National Drug Enforcement Policy Board to include: (1) a comprehensive assessment of the current and potential contribution of synthetic narcotic analogs (designer drugs) to the illegal narcotics problem in the United States; (2) proposals for illegal drug law enforcement strategies to prevent the manufacture and distribution of synthetic narcotic analogs; and (3) recommendations to the Congress for necessary legislation to eliminate the manufacture and distribution of illegal synthetic narcotic analogs.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1985
Federal Drug Law Enforcement Agent Protection Act of 1985 - Amends the Controlled Substances Act to authorize awards of up to $100,000 to any individual who provides original information which leads to the arrest and conviction of a person who kidnaps or kills a Federal drug law enforcement agent. Provides that the money for such rewards be taken from the forfeiture proceeds within the Department of Justice.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1985
Makes it a Federal criminal offense for any person to possess a readily convertible firearm (a machine gun). Provides for a fine of not more than $250,000 or imprisonment for not more than ten years or both. Establishes an exception regarding the use of such firearm by the United States or by a State or local agency. Allows for a 90-day transition period before the prohibition takes effect. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to purchase during the applicable transition period any such firearm at a price not greater than fair market value. Requires the Secretary to notify persons possessing such firearms of the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1985
Superfund Expansion and Protection Act of 1985 - Title I: Provisions Relating Primarily to Response and Liability - Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA)(Superfund) to include among hazardous substances subject to such Act any petroleum released from an underground storage tank. Includes pollutants and contaminants under Superfund, defining them as any substance which after release into the environment causes disease or abnormalities upon exposure or assimilation, either directly or through the food chain. Excludes petroleum and natural gas except as otherwise indicated under such Act. Redefines "release" to include the abandonment of containers containing hazardous substances or pollutants or contaminants. Requires the President to consider long-range effects when evaluating the cost-effectiveness of offsite remedial actions. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to establish reportable quantities for all noncarcinogenic hazardous substances within six months of this Act's enactment and all other hazardous substances by November 1, 1986. Requires the Administrator to conduct periodic audits of reported releases and report to the Congress at least annually on such audits. Increases criminal penalties for failure to notify the Federal Governmentu of a hazardous substance release. Authorizes the Administrator to undertake any response action when faced with a release or threatened release of a hazardous substance unless the Administrator determines the responsible party will take appropriate action. Requires the Administrator to assess the health effects associated with such release or potential release. Exempts from liability for the effects of such release any party performing information or engineering services pursuant to an approved response action. Requires a State to pay 50 percent of the cleanup costs only if the State both owned and operated the polluting facility. Credits States with cleanup costs already dispersed as specified. Requires the Administrator to choose remedial actions which are: (1) consistent with the National Contingency Plan (NCP); (2) cost-effective; and (3) permanent whenever possible. Places facilities for which no permanent solution is technologically feasible on an interim National Priorities List (NPL), such list to be reviewed every five years to determine if a permanent solution has become feasible. Eliminates the requirement that pollutant levels be such as to protect human welfare, leaving the requirement that such levels protect human health and the environment. Requires pollutant levels to comply with the other Federal standards applicable. Specifies under what conditions removal actions must comply with the requirements of the Solid Waste Disposal Act. Entitles Federal and State environmental officials to access to the information and premises of any person who generates, treats, or disposes of hazardous substances for purposes of determining the need for a response action. Directs the Administrator of the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry to prepare toxicological profiles on the most frequently found or threatening hazardous substances. Entitles the public to participate in the selection of a plan for remedial action. Authorizes the Administrator to provide grants for technical assistance to groups which may be affected by a release from a facility on the NPL. Establishes a schedule for the commencement of remedial investigations and feasibility studies for all facilities on the NPL. Provides for the listing of additional facilities at regular intervals. Requires the commencement of remedial actions at a minimum rate of 200 facilities per year by the start of FY 1987. Requires the Administrator to complete preliminary assessments of all facilities on the Emergency and Remedial Response Information System list by the start of 1987. Requires completion of remedial action for facilities currently on the NPL within five years or requires an explanation of nonperformance. Permits individuals to petition the Administrator for a health effects study where hazardous substances have been removed. Permits Federal authorities to provide the Congress with information on such studies and their conduct without administrative clearance or approval. Authorizes the Administrator to: (1) provide alternative water supplies; (2) relocate individuals; and (3) provide medical care if such studies indicate the necessity of such actions. Requires the Administrator to revise the NCP, consistent with these provisions. Permits an individual to petition the Administrator for a preliminary assessment of a release. Includes damage to the food chain and the ambient air among the factors determining a facility or site ranking under the NCP. Authorizes the Administrator to determine whether and how an individual may object to a nonreviewable abatement action. Includes additional Federal cleanup or abatement activities for which a responsible party would be liable. Requires each Federal agency which may be a defendant under this Act to provide its own counsel rather than the Attorney General. Grants Federally-ordered lab tests the presumption of accuracy. Makes liability strict, joint, and several under this Act for damages and costs resulting from the release and cleanup of hazardous substances. Entitles a defendant to prove such damages are divisible and to seek contribution. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 through 1990 for the Hazardous Substance Superfund, earmarking specified amounts for the Leaking Underground Storage Tank Account. Repeals the ability of any party to recover for damages to natural resources caused by a release. Requires an annual audit of the conduct of Superfund, including comparative reports of actions taken in earlier fiscal years. Establishes a statute of limitations of six years after the completion of the response action, regardless of the date of discovery of the loss. Permits a State to require contributions for response costs compensated under this Act. Title II: Federal Cause of Action - Entitles individuals injured by the disposal of a hazardous substance to recover damages from the responsible parties who will be held strictly, jointly, and severally liable. Entitles such individuals to compensation for expenses related to personal injury, economic injury, and limited pain and suffering. States that this Federal cause of action does not preempt State law regarding liability for damages in connection with any hazardous substance. Establishes a three year statute of limitations, running from the date of knowledge of the injury or the date of enactment of this Act. Prohibits dual recovery through worker's compensation or actions filed in a State court and this Act. Permits additional recovery against the source of the disposal for later manifested injuries. Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions - Permits citizen action lawsuits against any party, including the Federal Government, involved with hazardous substances in such a way as may present an imminent and substantial danger to health or the environment or against the President for failure to perform a required duty. Requires potential plaintiffs to give 60 days notice to the appropriate Federal and State officials as well as the alleged violator before commencing an action. Prohibits such action if the Administrator or the State has commenced and is prosecuting a court action already or a settlement has been reached. Permits intervention, as a matter of right. Prohibits citizen actions for the siting or issuance of permit to a hazardous waste disposal facility. Authorizes the Federal district court to award costs to any substantially prevailing party. Permits EPA intervention as a matter of right. Includes the disposal of a pollutant or contaminant under CERCLA only as specified. Directs the Administrator to commence the drilling fluids study required by the Solid Waste Disposal Act within six months of this Act's enactment. Directs the Administrator to select ten to 20 areas to establish and operate for three to five years a victim assistance demonstration program for individuals injured through exposure to hazardous substances. Sets forth application and program criteria and conditions for such grants. Requires such programs to include group insurance benefits for medical treatment and disability. Requires the President to report annually to the Congress on the effectiveness of these programs. Requires participating States to report on such as well. Title IV: Community Right to Know and Emergency Planning - Amends the Toxic Substances Control Act by adding a new title II concerning the communities' right-to-know, emergency planning, and liability. Requires each covered manufacturer, distributor, user, and importer of a covered hazardous substance (potential release) to prepare and update a fact sheet for such substance for distribution to local police, fire, and health officials. Requires the fact sheet to include the name, physical properties of, and hazards posed by the substance, including potential routes of human exposure to such substance, symptoms of such exposure, and appropriate emergency and first aid procedures. Requires status sheets on the same basis as fact sheets, with each status sheet to include the maximum inventory and method of storage of the substance, the quantity of its emission into the environment, and the quantity and method for disposal. Requires the releasor of a covered hazardous substance in an emergency situation to provide an emergency bulletin to the State and local police and other local officials. Requires the bulletin to identify the name and amount of the substance released and the response actions taken. Requires fact and status sheets and emergency bulletins to be made available for public inspection with public notice of such availability at the facility of the potential releasor. Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to publish a uniform format for fact and status sheets. Authorizes a State's Governor to identify local officials to receive covered hazardous substance release information, with the Administrator doing so in the absence of the Governor's identification. Requires the potential releasors to maintain records of information required by this Act. Requires manufacturers or importers to transmit fact sheets to covered distributors or users upon shipping of a covered hazardous substance. Excludes certain small businesses and research, medical, and household uses from coverage under this Act. Provides protection for trade secrets while continuing to make necessary information available to the appropriate persons. Excludes listed or possible carcinogens from such protection. Sets forth application and substantiation procedures for trade secret claims. Permits affected citizens or government officials to compel disclosure of nonsubstantiated trade secrets through the Federal courts. Authorizes the Administrator to grant exemptions from the basic notification requirements of this Act through specified procedures open to the public, based upon a cost-benefits analysis where there is no reasonable likelihood of harm. Directs each covered major manufacturer to develop within two years of enactment of this Act a comprehensive evacuation and emergency response plan which addresses the health and safety issues applicable to such manufacturer's particular situation. Requires the plan to include designations of the appropriate government officials to be notified, mitigation measures, evacuation routes, notification plans, and evaluation of community support services. Authorizes each Governor to designate emergency response districts within 18 months of enactment of this Act or the Administrator will do so. Permits each Governor to appoint an Emergency Response Committee per district or the Administrator will be treated as such Committee. Requires such Committees to review the manufacturers' plans, revising them where necessary. Directs the Administrator within 18 months of enactment of this Act to develop uniform national mandatory labeling requirements for pipes, storage tanks, or containers not otherwise required to be labeled which would reasonably be presumed to release a covered hazardous substance. Requires the label to indicate the appropriate response to a release. Directs the Administrator to designate covered major manufacturers for emergency response purposes within one year of enactment of this Act. Limits the designation to those whose substances would pose an imminent and substantial danger to health and the environment if released in significant quantities. Includes all persons covered under this Act in lieu of such designations. Includes Federal departments as potential covered major manufacturers. Exempts those whose emergency activities are sufficiently covered under other Federal or State law. Renders the manufacturer or processor strictly liable for damages caused by accidental or abnormal releases, excluding act of God or war. Covers medical, burial, and economic losses as well as pain and suffering (to a limited extent). Includes specified analysis and scientific evidence and studies among the evidence which may be introduced to establish causation. Establishes a three-year statute of limitations from the date of enactment or the date of realization of injury for causes of action for injury from the release of a covered hazardous substance, whichever is later. Provides that this Act does not preempt State or other law in the area of liability for damages. Requires entitled individuals to receive compensation for injuries sustained from a hazardous substance release from workers' compensation rather than under this Act. Sets forth categories of substances to be considered covered hazardous substances and procedures for adding additional substances. Directs the Administrator of the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry to compile and update a digest of all such substances. Exempts certain substances for this Act's purposes, based upon the form, amount, and other regulation of such substances. Establishes civil and criminal penalties, limiting criminal penalties to the knowing violation of emergency requirements. Authorizes citizens' suits to enforce this Act. Permits States to adopt more stringent right-to-know standards in the workplace context and emergency response requirements. Permits State and local governments to impose fees upon potential releasors to cover administrative costs. Title V: Amendments of the Internal Revenue Code to 1954 - Superfund Revenue Act of 1985 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase and extend through FY 1990 the environmental excise taxes on petroleum and specified chemicals. Includes an inflation adjustment for computing the tax on chemicals. Exempts exported chemicals from tax liability. Adjusts special rules for certain chemicals. Imposes a waste end tax on: (1) the receipt of hazardous waste at a qualified hazardous waste management unit; (2) the ocean dumping of such waste; and (3) the export of such waste. Sets increasing, per-ton tax rates on the disposal of such wastes. Sets forth reporting requirements and penalties for violations. Establishes in the Treasury the Hazardous Substance Response Trust Fund. Establishes within Superfund a separate Leaking Underground Storage Tank Account. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to study the economic impact of the environmental taxes on specified chemicals and report to the Congress on the results by April 1, 1986.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1985
Nurse Education Act of 1985 - Amends the Public Health Services Act to reauthorize funds for FY 1985 through 1988 for the nursing special projects program. Authorizes additional projects that demonstrate: (1) clinical nurse education programs which combine educational curricula and clinical practice; (2) methods to improve access to nursing services in non-institutional settings; and (3) methods to encourage nursing graduates to practice in health manpower shortage areas. Revises the advanced nurse training program to authorize grants and contracts for programs that lead to masters' and doctoral degrees and prepare nurses to serve as nurse educators, administrators, researchers, or to serve in clinical nurse specialties which require advanced education. Authorizes appropriations for such programs through FY 1987. Authorizes grants and contracts for schools of nursing and other non-profit entities to meet the costs of programs for the education of nurse practitioners and nurse midwives. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 through 1988. Authorizes grants to schools of nursing for post-baccalaureate fellowships for faculty to: (1) investigate cost-effective alternatives to traditional health care modalities; and (2) examine nursing interventions that result in positive outcomes in health status. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 through 1988. Extends the authority for traineeships for nurse anesthetists. Provides financial assistance to nurse anesthetist faculty members for advanced education. Directs the Secretary to set dates by which schools of nursing must file applications for Federal capital contributions. Describes how such appropriations are to be allotted. Revises the date for the distribution of loan fund assets. Provides for the repayment of a specified portion of the balance of the student loan fund within 90 days after a school terminates its participation in such program. Repeals specified provisions of such Act dealing with Federal construction grants and assistance. Provides for the recovery of Federal construction assistance where such facility is: (1) sold or transferred to an entity which is not a public or non-profit school; (2) no longer used for the purpose for which it was constructed; or (3) used for sectarian instruction or as a place for religious worship. Allows the Secretary to waive Federal recovery rights for good cause.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1985
Amends part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide coverage for outpatient occupational therapy services.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1985
Renewable Energy and Conservation Transition Act of 1985 - Title I: Extension of Business Energy Credits - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend the energy investment tax credit for solar energy property from 1985 to 1990. Sets the amount of such credit during such period at 15 percent for low temperature solar property and 25 percent for all other solar property. Extends the energy investment tax credit for wind property from 1985 to 1988. Sets the amount of such credit at: (1) ten percent during 1986 and 1987; and (2) five percent during 1988. Extends the energy investment tax credit for geothermal property and biomass property from 1985 to 1988. Extends the energy investment tax credit for ocean thermal property from 1985 to 1990. Revises the definition of "solar property" for purposes of such tax credit. Sets forth special rules for geothermal equipment to qualify for such credit. Title II: Affirmative Commitment Rule to Extend the Business Credit for Certain Long-Term Projects - Extends the time period during which an affirmative commitment must be made in order for long-term energy projects to be eligible for the energy investment tax credit. Allows such extension: (1) from 1990 to 1993 for solar energy property; (2) from 1988 to 1990 for geothermal energy property; and (3) from 1985 to 1990 for hydroelectric generating property. Title III: Extension of Residential Energy Credits - Extends the residential energy income tax credit for solar renewable energy property from 1985 to 1990. Phases out such credit over such period of time. Provides that solar hot water systems and active space heating systems must meet certain additional standards in order to qualify for such credit. Extends the residential energy income tax credit for wind renewable energy property from 1985 to 1988. Phases out such credit over such period of time. Extends the residential energy income tax credit for geothermal renewable energy property from 1985 to 1988. Phases out such credit over such period of time. Revises the definition of geothermal deposits for purposes of such credit. Revises the definition of energy conservation expenditures for purposes of the residential energy income tax credit to limit the amounts taken into account to $700. Limits the energy conservation income tax credit to taxpayers with an adjusted gross income of less than $30,000. Title IV: Effective Date - Sets forth the effective date of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1985
Designates the week of May 18 through May 24, 1985, as National Food Bank Week.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1985
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should analyze the proposals of the President's Private Sector on Cost Control (Grace Commission) and submit to the Congress within 90 days a unified report and recommendations with respect to an identification of: (1) the 1,635 proposals of the Commission and the expected savings from each of them; (2) each recommendation that the President or executive branch already has implemented; (3) each remaining recommendation which can be implemented solely by the President or the executive branch and which the President supports; (4) each recommendation which can be implemented solely by the President or the executive branch and which the President opposes; (5) each recommendation requiring congressional action on which the Congress has taken action, and the expected savings from such action; (6) each recommendation which requires further congressional action and which the President supports; (7) each recommendation which requires further congressional action and which the President opposes; and (8) any other information regarding any recommendation which the President deems necessary or appropriate to transmit to the Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 1985
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.
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 1985
Designates the week beginning September 22, 1985, as National Adult Day Care Center Week.
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 1985
Designates the week of June 23 through June 29, 1985, as Helen Keller Deaf-Blind Awareness Week.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1985
Medicare and Medicaid Patient and Program Protection Act of 1985 - Amends part A (General Provisions) of title XI of the Social Security Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to exclude from participation in programs under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act any individual or entity: (1) convicted of a criminal offense related to the delivery of an item or service under title XVIII or under titles XIX (Medicaid), V (Maternal and Child Health Block Grant), or XX (Block Grants to states for Social Services) of such Act; or (2) convicted of a criminal offense related to neglect or abuse of patients in connection with the delivery of a health care item or service. Authorizes the Secretary to exclude from Medicare participation any individual or entity: (1) convicted of fraud with respect to any Federal, State, or locally financed health care program; (2) convicted of interferring with the investigation of health care fraud; (3) convicted of manufacturing, distributing, or dispensing a controlled substance; (4) whose health care license has been suspended or revoked; (5) suspended or excluded from participation in a Federal health care program; (6) claiming excessive charges or providing unnecessary services; (7) committing certain acts prohibited under title XI; (8) owned or controlled by an individual convicted of health care related crimes, fined for health care abuses, or excluded from Medicare or a State health care program; and (9) failing to supply certain information. Authorizes the Secretary to exclude any hospital failing to comply with corrective action required under title XVIII. Sets forth provisions relating to notice requirements, judicial review, and period of exclusion. Directs the Secretary to promptly notify each appropriate State agency administering or supervising the administration of a State health care program of each exclusion and the period of exclusion. Permits an excluded individual or entity to apply, following a period exclusion, to the Secretary for reinstatement. Sets forth provisions providing for civil and criminal penalties for acts involving Medicare or State health care programs abuse, including penalties for physician misrepresentations. Requires a State, as a condition of Medicaid plan approval, to provide for the following: (1) a system of reporting any type of adverse action concluded against any health care practitioner or entity by the State or a local licensing authority; and (2) such access to documents as may be necessary by the Secretary. Requires the Secretary to provide suitable safeguards for the confidentiality of such information. Requires any health care provider providing health care services for which payment may be made under the Act to assure that services or items furnished: (1) will be provided economically and only when, and to the extent, medically necessary; (2) will be quality services which meet professionally recognized standards of health care; and (3) will be supported by evidence of medical necessity and quality in such form and fashion and at such time as may reasonably be required by a reviewing peer review organization in the exercise of its duties and responsibilities. Permits a State to exclude from Medicaid participation any individual or entity excluded under Medicare pursuant to the patient and program protection provisions. Requires a State in order to receive Federal payments with respect to a health maintenance organization (HMO) to exclude any HMO that: (1) could be excluded because of the conviction of the owners or managers of certain crimes; or (2) contracts with any individual or entity convicted of such crimes. Prohibits Federal payments with respect to any amount expended for items or services furnished with respect to any individual or entity excluded from Medicaid participation because of the patient and program protection provisions. Prohibits a State under title V from making payments to any individual or entity excluded from participation pursuant to the patient and program protection provisions. Prohibits Federal payments with respect to any amount expended for items or services furnished with respect to any individual or entity excluded from Medicare because of the patient and program protection provisions of part A of title XI. Prohibits using a grant under title XX for payment for any item or service furnished by a person excluded from title XX participation because of the patient and program protection provisions of title XI. Revises disclosure requirements under part A of title XI. Revises Medicare provisions concerning agreements with providers. Modifies the Medicaid moratorium provisions of the Deficit Reduction Act of 1984 to consider a State's Medicaid plan to include any plan change submitted to the Secretary either before or after the enactment of that Act and whether or not approved or disapproved by the Secretary. Sets forth effective date provisions.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1985
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to eliminate the benefit disparity between those born before 1916 and those born after 1916 which was effected by the enactment of the Social Security Amendments of 1977. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to recompute the primary insurance amount so as to take into account the amendments made by this Act and to pay to any individual so entitled any additional lump sum amount to which such individual is entitled by reason of this Act. Prohibits the recomputation from reducing any individual's benefit.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1985
Military Chaplains Faith Balance Act of 1984 - Directs the Secretary of Defense to increase the representation of underrepresented religious faiths among armed forces chaplains.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1985
World War I Veterans' Service Pension Act - Directs the Administrator of Veterans Affairs to pay a monthly pension of $150 to each veteran of World War I who meets specified service requirements. Requires such veteran, if receiving another pension administered by the Veterans Administration (VA), to elect which pension he will receive. Provides for the payment of a monthly pension of $100 to surviving spouses of World War I veterans who meet certain marriage requirements. Requires such surviving spouses to choose between pensions if they are currently receiving another pension through the VA.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1985
Declares that all persons in the workplace, regardless of whether they are employed in manufacturing or any other industrial or commercial enterprise, have a fundamental right to know when they are handling or are exposed to a hazardous substance which may threaten their health and well-being. Declares that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration should immediately revise its Hazardous Communication Standard so as to: (1) provide for the dissemination of meaningful information to workers on the actual identity and composition of hazardous substances which workers handle or are exposed to; (2) extend "Right to Know" protection to all workers in all industries and services which are not covered by this standard; and (3) set minimum requirements which States may improve upon through appropriate legislation. Commends the action of those State and local governments which have passed community "Right to Know" laws to safeguard the health and well-being of all their citizens in the community at large.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1985
Prohibits interstate and foreign commerce in any article of fur derived from an animal trapped in a steel jaw leghold trap. Establishes criminal penalties for violations of this Act. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to reward nongovernment informers for information leading to a conviction under this Act. Makes the Secretary, with the assistance of appropriate Federal or State personnel, responsible for enforcing this Act. Empowers enforcement officials to detain, search, and seize suspected merchandise or documents and to make arrests with and without warrants. Subjects seized merchandise to forfeiture.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1985
Designates the month of October 1985 as National Make-A-Wish Month.
United States · United States Congress · 27 March 1985
Authorizes and requests the President to designate the third week of June 1985 as National Veterans' Health Care Awareness Week.
United States · United States Congress · 27 March 1985
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that travel by Members of Congress to the Soviet Union and travel by Soviet leaders to the United States serves the interests of the two nations and that such travel is encouraged.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1985
National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act, 1986 - Title I: NASA Authorization - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) for specified activities relating to: (1) research and development; (2) space flight, control and data communications; (3) construction of facilities; and (4) research and program management. Permits appropriations for research and development and for space flight, control, and data communications to be used for any items of a capital nature (other than acquisition of land) which may be required at locations other than NASA installations for the performance of research and development contracts, and for grants to nonprofit institutions of higher education, or to nonprofit organizations whose primary purpose is the conduct of scientific research, for purchase or construction of additional research facilities. Requires the Administrator of NASA (the Administrator) to notify specified congressional officers and committees whenever the cost of a facility exceeds a specified amount. Permits funds appropriated for research and development, for space flight, control and data communications, or for construction of facilities to remain available without fiscal year limitation. Permits appropriations for research and program management to be used for scientific contributions or extraordinary expenses upon the approval of the Administrator. Permits the funds for construction of any of specified facilities: (1) in the discretion of the Administrator, to be varied upward ten percent; or (2) following a report by the Administrator to specified congressional committees, to be varied upward 25 percent to meet unusual cost variations. Permits one-half of one percent of the funds appropriated for research and development or for space flight, control, and data communications to be transferred to the appropriation for construction of facilities. Authorizes the expenditure of such transferred funds, together with a specified amount of the funds appropriated for construction of facilities, to construct, expand, or modify laboratories and other installations. Requires the Administrator, 30 days before expending such funds, to notify specified congressional officers and committees of the nature, cost and necessity of such construction. Prohibits, until 30 days pass after congressional receipt of a full explanation by the Administrator, the use of funds appropriated pursuant to this Act for any program: (1) deleted by the Congress; (2) in excess of the amount actually authorized for the particular program under provisions for research and development, space flight, control and data communications, and research and program management; or (3) which has not been presented to either of the specified congressional committees. Declares that it is the sense of the Congress that it is in the national interest that consideration be given to geographical distribution of Federal research funds whenever feasible, and that NASA should explore ways of doing so. Authorizes the Inspector General of NASA to administer to or take from any person an oath, affirmation, or affidavit whenever necessary in performing functions assigned by the Inspector General Act of 1978, and to designate investigators or other employees to do so. Amends the National Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958 to provide that any invention made or used in outer space, after the effective date of this Act, on a space vehicle under U.S. jurisdiction or control shall be considered made or used in the United States for purposes of Federal law relating to patents and inventions. Provides that the authorization for the space shuttle includes provision for: (1) production of a fleet of four space shuttle orbiters, including structural and component spares; and (2) production readiness for a fifth orbiter vehicle. Amends the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act, 1985 to extend by six months the deadline for submission, to the President and specified congressional committees by the National Commission on Space, of a long range plan for U.S. civilian space activity. Directs the Administrator, within 90 days of the enactment of this Act, to: (1) review recommendations of the President's Private Sector Survey on Cost Control; and (2) submit a report to specified congressional officers and committees on the implementation status of each of such recommendations which affect NASA and are within the Administrator's authority and control. Directs the Administrator to initiate an immediate feasibility study and such planning efforts as may be necessary to ensure a timely flight opportunity for a physically disabled American. Title II: Shuttle Pricing Policy for Commercial and Foreign Users - Directs the Administrator to charge each commercial or foreign user of the Space Transportation System (STS), as reimbursement, a pro rata portion of an amount equal to the sum of the average additive cost of a flight, plus a capital recovery charge for a flight. Provides that such amount shall not exceed the average operating cost of a dedicated commercial flight of STS. Authorizes the Administrator to reduce such charge for any such user (but not below that user's pro rata portion of the average additive cost of a flight) as necessary to achieve: (1) preservation of U.S. leadership in space research, technology, and development; (2) efficient use of STS; (3) a long-range great increase in commercial space activities; and (4) enhancement of the U.S. position in international competition in providing space transportation services and capabilities. Directs the Administrator, for purposes of this title, to assume 24 flights per year of STS. Authorizes the Administrator to set a lower charge or provide no-cost flights for any such user who is involved in research and development programs with NASA. Provides that this title shall apply to STS flights during FY 1989 through 1991. Title III: Office of Commercial Space Transportation - Amends the Commercial Space Launch Act to authorize appropriations for FY 1986 to the Secretary of Transportation to carry out such Act (which provides for licensing and liability insurance requirements for commercial space launches).
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1985
Authorizes and requests the President to designate the month of January 1986 as National Eye Health Care Month.
United States · United States Congress · 25 March 1985
Designates the week of July 25 through July 31, 1985, as National Disability in Entertainment Week.
United States · United States Congress · 25 March 1985
Designates May 1985 as Very Special Arts U.S.A. Month.