United States · United States Congress · 8 October 1985
Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize appropriations to help developing countries protect and maintain wildlife habitats and develop sound wildlife management and plant conservation programs. Requires each country development strategy statement or other country plan prepared by the Agency for International Development (AID) to include a detailed plan to assist that country in the conservation of biological diversity. States that, whenever feasible, such protection, maintenance, management, and conservation activities shall be accomplished through projects managed by private and voluntary organizations and other nongovernmental organizations. Directs AID to allocate at least a specified sum for projects managed by such organizations. Directs the Administrator of AID to take certain steps, including: (1) cooperating with appropriate organizations; (2) looking to the World Conservation Strategy as an overall guide; (3) engaging in dialogues and exchanges of information with recipient countries which stress the importance of conserving biological diversity; (4) supporting training and education which improve the capacity of recipient countries to prevent loss of biological diversity; and (5) the denial of any assistance for actions which invade or significantly degrade national parks or similar protected areas. Requires the annual report to the Congress on foreign aid programs to include a report on implementation of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 September 1985
Grand Jury Disclosure Amendments Act of 1985 - Amends the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure to permit the disclosure of grand jury materials to government attorneys and personnel for use in the performance of government duties for civil purposes without a court order. Permits personnel to whom disclosure of grand jury material has been made for criminal purposes to utilize that material to assist a government attorney in enforcing civil law matters. Allows the disclosure of grand jury matters otherwise prohibited when so directed by a court upon the showing of particularized need, preliminarily to or in connection with judicial proceedings. Allows the disclosure of grand jury matters, when permitted by a court at the request of a government attorney upon a showing that such matters may disclose a violation of State criminal law, to an appropriate official of a State or subdivision of a State for the purpose of enforcing such law.
United States · United States Congress · 20 September 1985
Federal Computer Systems Protection Act of 1985 - Amends the Federal criminal code to make it unlawful to knowingly obtain access or attempt to obtain access to a computer as part of a scheme to defraud or obtain money or property by false pretenses or to embezzle, steal, or convert the property of another if: (1) the computer is owned by, under contract to, or operated on behalf of the U.S. Government or a financial institution; or (2) if in committing or concealing the offense two or more computers are used which are located in different States or in a State and a foreign country. Makes it unlawful to knowingly and willfully without authorization damage, destroy, or attempt to damage or destroy such a computer or any computer programs or data contained in such a computer. Makes it a misdemeanor to intentionally without any authorization obtain access to such a computer. Provides that anyone who violates any provision of this Act shall forfeit to the United States any interest in any computer and computer program which has been used to commit the violation. Specifies that this Act does not prohibit any lawfully authorized investigative, protective, or intelligence activity of a State or Federal law enforcement agency, or of an intelligence agency of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 20 September 1985
Anti-fraud Criminal Enforcement Act of 1985 - Authorizes the Defense Contract Audit Agency of the Department of Defense to administer oaths and request by subpoena the production of all documents, reports, records, and other materials made or maintained by any contractor receiving over $100,000 in any one year pursuant to a contract or subcontract. Sets forth criminal sanctions against anyone who attempts to influence, obstruct, or impair with the intent to deceive or defraud a Federal auditor in the performance of official duties in relation to a contractor receiving over $100,000 from the United States in any one year period. Provides that the plant, employees, and books of a contractor or subcontractor furnishing goods, equipment, or services to an agency of the United States shall be subject at all times to inspection, interview, and audit by such agency. Allows the Attorney General to seek injunctive relief against any person believed to be engaged in a fraud or a conspiracy to defraud the United States. Authorizes a Federal court to require a defendant, upon conviction of a fraud or a conspiracy to defraud the United States, to pay the costs of investigation and prosecution. Disallows in a Government contract any costs incurred in the defense of any criminal or civil fraud investigation or litigation brought by the United States against a contractor. Provides that within three years after the expiration of the five-year statute of limitations, a prosecution for fraud or breach of a fiduciary obligation may still be brought against a Government contractor within one year after the facts relating to the offense became known to, or reasonably should have been known by, the Federal public servant responsible to act in such circumstances.
United States · United States Congress · 20 September 1985
Bribes and Gratuities Act of 1985 - Amends Federal law to allow the United States to terminate any contract, grant, or benefit of any person who has given a bribe or gratuity to an employee or official of an agency in order to obtain or influence the award of such grant, contract, or benefit. Authorizes the assessment, as exemplary damages, of an amount not less than three, but not more than ten, times the value of the bribe or gratuity.
United States · United States Congress · 20 September 1985
False Claims Act Amendments of 1985 - Amends the False Claims Act to increase the civil penalties for false claims. Provides that "knowing," for purposes of the prohibition concerning false claims, means that the defendant: (1) had actual knowledge; or (2) had constructive knowledge, in that the defendant acted in reckless disregard of the truth. Defines "claim" to include any request or demand whether under a contract or otherwise for money or property made to a contractor or grantee if the Government provides any portion of such money or property or if the Government will reimburse such contractor or grantee for any portion of such money or property. Allows the Attorney General to apply for provisional relief to any U.S. District Court having jurisdiction whenever there is reasonable cause to believe that a false claim has been made. Revises the statute of limitations for a false claims civil action to allow such an action to be brought within three years from when the material facts became known or should have become known to the official within the Department of Justice charged with the responsibility to act in the circumstances. Establishes as the burden of proof in civil false claim cases proof by a preponderance of the evidence. Provides that a final judgment rendered in favor of the United States in any criminal proceeding charging fraud or false statements shall prohibit the defendant from denying the essential elements of the offense in any civil action concerning false claims. Allows a civil action concerning false claims to be brought in the judicial district where the defendant (or, in the case of multiple defendants, where any one defendant) is found, resides, transacts business, or where the violation allegedly occurred. Provides that the U.S. Court of Claims shall also have jurisdiction of any such action if the action is asserted by way of counterclaim by the United States. Authorizes the Attorney General to conduct False Claims Act investigations for the purpose of ascertaining whether any person has been engaged in any violations of a False Claims Act law. Provides that prior to the institution of a civil proceeding the Attorney General may require any person who may be in possession or control of any documentary material or who may have information relevant to a False Claims investigation to produce such documentary material for inspection, to answer written interrogatories, or to give oral testimony. Authorizes the Attorney General to issue in writing and cause to be served upon a person a civil investigative demand requiring the production of such information. Sets forth standards and procedures for the issuance and service of a civil investigative demand. Sets forth standards and procedures for the uses of any information obtained through a civil investigation.
United States · United States Congress · 20 September 1985
Grants the U.S. Claims Court exclusive jurisdiction over claims relating to a Government contract, whether suit is brought before or after the contract is awarded. (Currently, the Court has jurisdiction over such suits brought before the contract is awarded.) Declares that the district courts shall not have jurisdiction to hear such claims.
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 1985
Ocean Dumping Amendments of 1985 - Amends the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972 to prohibit the dumping of sewage sludge into ocean waters as soon as possible, but in no case later than the close of 1990 for any type of sewage sludge. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to prescribe ocean dumping permit fees such that they cover the costs of site selection, monitoring, enforcement, and environmental assessment. Prohibits the use of funds under such Act to finance ocean dumping.
United States · United States Congress · 11 September 1985
Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) the kidnapping of President Duarte's daughter is to be deplored and the individuals responsible for such terrorism are to be condemned; (2) the prayers of the American people are with the Duarte family and the El Salvadoran people; (3) the individuals responsible should release her; and (4) the President should provide assistance to the Government of El Salvador or to the Duarte family to achieve her safe return and to bring the kidnappers to justice.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1985
Expresses the sense of the Senate that no recess appointments should be made when the Senate stands adjourned or recessed within a session for a period of less than 30 days. Expresses the sense of the Senate that no recess appointments should be made of any person if: (1) such person has been nominated during the present presidential term; (2) the Senate has voted not to give its advice and consent; or (3) the appropriate committee has voted not to report such nomination to the Senate.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1985
Expresses the sense of the Senate that it condemns the growing incidence of violence against health care facilities (most of which provide abortion services). Encourages the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms and the Department of Justice to intensify their efforts and apprehend and convict the perpetrators of such violence. Urges the Department of Justice to use all applicable Federal criminal statutes against such persons.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 1985
Declares that whether or not the position of an agency in an adjudicative proceeding was substantially justified shall be determined on the basis of the administrative record, as a whole, in the adversary adjudication for which fees and expenses are sought. Provides that the decision on the award of legal fees and other expenses by the adjudicative officer of a Federal agency that conducts an adversary proceeding shall be the final administrative decision. Bars any such decision when the Government appeals the underlying merits of an adversary adjudication until a final and unreviewable decision is rendered by the court on appeal or until the underlying merits of the case have been finally determined pursuant to the appeal. Amends the definition of a "party" which is eligible to be awarded legal expenses to exclude any individual whose net worth exceeds $2,000,000 (currently $1,000,000) and any entity whose net worth exceeds $7,000,000 (currently $5,000,000), including any local government. Redefines an "adversary adjudication" for which such expenses may be awarded to include any appeal before an agency board of contract appeals under the Contract Disputes Act of 1978. Authorizes a party, other than the United States, if dissatisfied with an adjudicative officer's determination of such expenses, to appeal the determination to the appropriate U.S. court within 30 days after such determination is made. Requires a court's determination on such an appeal to be based solely on the factual record made before the agency. Authorizes a court to modify the determination only if it finds that the failure to make an award of expenses or the calculation of the amount of the award was unsupported by substantial evidence. Requires agencies to pay litigation expenses to prevailing parties from funds made available to the agency by appropriation or otherwise. Defines "civil action" to include any appeal by a party other than the United States from a decision of a contracting officer on a dispute in a Federal contract. Provides that a person shall be a prevailing party in eminent domain proceedings if the person obtains a final judgment which is at least as close to the highest valuation of the property attested to at trial on behalf of the property owner as it is to the highest valuation of the property attested to at trial on behalf of the Government. Amends the Equal Access to Justice Act to provide that certain provisions of the Social Security Act limiting attorney fees in old age, survivors and disability insurance benefit actions shall not apply with respect to the award of legal expenses to the prevailing party. Repeals provisions which limit the payment of judgments, fees, and other expenses to amounts provided in advance in appropriation Acts. Authorizes awards for fees and expenses incurred before October 1, 1981, in adversary adjudications commenced on or after such date. Revives certain expired provisions of the Equal Access to Justice Act relating to the termination date for awarding fees and expenses.
United States · United States Congress · 18 July 1985
Job Security Bank Act of 1985 - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to revise provisions relating to trade adjustment assistance program benefits. Requires workers, before receiving such benefits, to agree to repay certain amounts of such assistance whenever the worker begins full-time employment after total separation from the adversely affected employment. Requires such repayment in monthly installments over the course of the first year of such full-time employment. Sets forth formulas for determining the applicable repayment amount on the basis of the amount of income exceeding specified poverty levels from the full-time employment and the amount of program benefits received. Prohibits payment of program benefits to any worker if: (1) any amount was previously paid under retraining provisions for such worker; and (2) the worker continued or resumed, after the 60 day-period after the retraining ended, the adversely affected employment which had made the worker eligible for such retraining. Revises conditions for eligibility of workers for trade adjustment allowance payments. Removes the condition that all rights to unemployment insurance be exhausted. Adds a requirement that the worker submit a written certification that such worker will undertake retraining in a program approved by a private industry council established under the Job Training Partnership Act. Removes provisions relating to the prescription of regulations requiring workers to accept certain training or to search actively for work outside a certain area. Revises provisions relating to the weekly and maximum total amounts of trade adjustment allowances. Provides that, for any week during which the worker receives any unemployment insurance benefits, the allowance shall equal 50 percent of the amount of unemployment insurance benefits payable to such worker for a week within the period covered by the certification that occurs prior to the first exhaustion of unemployment insurance benefits. Sets the allowance at 100 percent of such amount for any week for which the worker does not receive any unemployment insurance benefits. Sets the maximum total amount of such allowances payable to a worker at 26 times such weekly amount of unemployment insurance benefits. Allows workers to elect: (1) the portion of the period for which such allowance is to be made (which may or may not include any week for which the worker is paid unemployment insurance benefits); and (2) to accept an allowance less than that to which such worker is entitled. Eliminates provisions relating to the application of State laws and to employment services. Revises provisions for retraining. Entitles certain workers to have approved retraining costs up to $3,000 paid for under the trade adjustment assistance program. Sets forth conditions relating to such retraining approval and payments. Prohibits such retraining payments to any employer who previously received such a payment for on-the-job training of a worker and who terminated such worker's employment within two years after such training began. Requires that retraining approval and determinations of the entitlement of a worker for payment of retraining costs be made without regard to whether a worker is separated from the adversely affected employment. Eliminates provisions relating to discretionary supplemental assistance, refusal to accept or continue training, and failure to make satisfactory progress. Eliminates provisions for job search allowances. Revises provisions for determining the amount of relocation allowances. Limits the amount of subsistence expenses to be taken into account to the lesser of the actual per diem subsistence expenses or 50 percent of the prevailing per diem allowance rate authorized under Federal travel regulations. Limits the amount of travel expenses to be taken into account to the prevailing rate authorized under Federal travel regulations. Eliminates provisions which provide for the termination of the trade adjustment assistance for workers program on September 30, 1985. Directs the Secretary of Labor to consult with the U.S. International Trade Commission and representatives of all organized labor unions at least twice every year on the determinations of eligibility as adversely affected workers and on the operation and effectiveness of the trade adjustment assistance for workers program. Directs the Secretary to report annually to the Congress on such matters. Revises group eligibility requirements under the trade adjustment assistance for workers to include coverage of certain situations where there are increased imports of articles like or directly competitive with articles that are composed of any other article produced by the worker's firm or an appropriate subdivision of such firm. Eliminates, effective one year after the enactment of this Act, provisions for an authorization of appropriations to the Department of Labor to carry out the trade adjustment assistance for workers program. Establishes, effective one year after the enactment of this Act, the Job Security Bank as a trust fund within the Treasury. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury, as trustee of the Bank, to make annual reports to the Congress and to invest certain portions of the funds in the Bank. Authorizes appropriations out of the Bank to carry out the trade adjustment assistance for workers program. Requires that the Bank's funds consist of amounts received from the import duty imposed under this Act and any worker repayments of such assistance. Directs the President to immediately undertake to negotiate changes in the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade so as to allow any country to impose a uniform duty of not more than one percent ad valorem on all imports in order to fund a trade adjustment assistance program for its workers. Imposes such a duty on all imports into the United States, effective one year after the enactment of this Act. Sets such duty at two-thirds of one percent ad valorem, but authorizes the President (at any time after two years after the enactment of the Act) to modify such rate to a uniform ad valorem rate which does not exceed one percent and which is sufficient to fund the trade adjustment assistance for workers program. Provides that, with specified exceptions, the amendments made by this Act shall be effective two years after its enactment.
United States · United States Congress · 16 July 1985
'Designer Drug' Enforcement Act of 1985 - Amends the Controlled Substances Act to establish criminal penalties for the manufacture or possession with intent to distribute or the distribution of unregulated drugs with a chemical structure or effect substantially similar to that of a controlled substance.
United States · United States Congress · 11 July 1985
Calls on the Soviet Union to: (1) release Anatoly Shcharansky, Yosef Begun, and other Prisoners of Conscience and allow them to leave the Soviet Union; (2) issue exit permits to long term "Refuseniks" including Ida Nudel and Vladimir Slepak; and (3) allow thousands of Jews who have requested such permits to leave.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1985
Designates the period October 1 through September 30, 1986, as the time to reflect on the achievements of the Peace Corps during its 25 years, and on ways such programs might be used in the future. Authorizes and requests the President to proclaim this period as a time to honor Peace Corps volunteers and reaffirm our commitment to such programs.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1985
Declares that the Senate agrees to cooperate with the Jacob K. Javits Senate Fellowship Program. Directs the Senate to provide assistance as may be necessary for the success of this fellowship program.
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 1985
Fair Insurance Coverage Act - Prohibits any insurer from discriminating in an insurance contract against any person because of blindness. Includes within the prohibition refusing to make or negotiate a contract for insurance or giving different treatment with respect to terms, conditions, rates, or benefits because of blindness. Establishes a preference for State actions prior to judicial enforcement under this Act. Authorizes any aggrieved person, in the absence of State actions or jurisdiction, to bring an action under this Act for individual relief. Authorizes the Attorney General of the United States to bring an action for injunctive relief whenever there is reasonable cause to believe a person is engaged in a pattern or practice of discrimination or when an individual is aggrieved and an issue of general public importance is raised. Grants the Federal district courts jurisdiction of such actions regardless of the amount in controversy. Allows a court to order monetary, equitable, or other appropriate relief, including punitive damages.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1985
Amends the Federal criminal code to make minor or technical changes to the Comprehensive Crime Control Act of 1984. Modifies the kinds of offenses for which pretrial detention on grounds of dangerousness is authorized to include serious explosive and firearms violations. Provides that a pretrial detention hearing shall be held upon motion of the government if the defendant has been convicted of two or more offenses. Grants the court discretion to reopen the detention hearing at any time before trial. Reenacts provisions of the Criminal Fine Enforcement Act. Repeals the authority to impose a sentence pursuant to the Federal Youth Corrections Act (which was repealed pursuant to the Comprehensive Crime Control Act of 1984). Modifies the terms of office, compensation, and duties for members of the United States Sentencing Commission. Requires the U.S. Marshal to return the defendant to the court for final sentencing only if the defendant is in custody. Provides for a presentence examination and a report by a psychiatric or psychological examiner as the basis for the hospitalization of a convicted person suffering from mental disease or defect. Provides that in the absence of an applicable sentencing guideline, the court shall impose an appropriate sentence, having due regard for its relationship to sentences prescribed by guidelines. Directs the court to include a statement of the reason for ordering only partial restitution to a victim. Repeals the requirement that the court give notice to the parties before imposing an order of restitution. Repeals the provision that states that the fulfillment of the terms and conditions of probation discharges the defendant's liability for any unexecuted fine or other punishment imposed as to which probation is granted. Allows a court not to impose a fine, restitution, or community service in extraordinary circumstances regarding mandatory or discretionary conditions of probation. Allows the court to modify conditions of probation without a hearing if certain conditions are met. Declares that a term of probation does not run while a defendant is imprisoned for a Federal, State, or local conviction unless the imprisonment is for a period of less than 30 consecutive days. Lengthens and modifies the authorized terms of supervised release. Authorizes probation officers to assist in the supervision of persons within the custody of the Attorney General while on work release, furlough, or other authorized release from confinement. Applies good time credit to the first year of imprisonment as well as to subsequent years. Allows the court to order restitution in addition to, but not in lieu of, any other penalty authorized by law. Extends certain remedies available for the collection or satisfaction of unpaid fines to the enforcement of a restitution order. Authorizes the Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts to contract with appropriate public or private agencies or persons for the detention of and care in the community of offenders who are addicts or drug-dependent persons. Sets forth the standard of review for cases challenging the application of the sentencing guidelines. Provides that the court must find that the lower court's construction was clearly erroneous before it can remand the case for further sentencing proceedings. Requires that district courts are to review sentences imposed by magistrates according to the same standards that apply to appellate court review of district court sentences. Makes the maximum sentence for juveniles the same as the maximum sentence for adults. Makes the "good time" provisions applicable to adults also applicable to juveniles. Provides that defendants already sentenced to imprisonment, but who are not appealing their convictions, shall remain in custody pending a government appeal protesting the length of the sentence. Implements U.S. treaty obligations with regard to persons sentenced to a term of imprisonment by a foreign court who are later transferred to the United States to provide that the overall sentence imposed may not be modified but only the portion of that sentence which is to be served in official custody (therefore allowing for supervised release). Revises the effective date for the sentencing reform and the abolition of the United States Parole Commission. Establishes transition procedures. Makes technical changes to the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations statute with regard to criminal forfeiture. Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to require a bond of $5,000 for a claimant to obtain judicial forfeiture of property otherwise subject to administrative forfeitures. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to transfer forfeited property to any other Federal agency. Amends the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970 to make technical changes with regard to criminal forfeiture. Authorizes seizures pursuant to the admiralty rules only for property subject to civil forfeiture under the Controlled Substances Act since the admiralty rules apply only to civil forfeiture in rem. Allows the Government to seek a stay of a Federal civil forfeiture action if a State indictment or information for the same kind of offense is filed. Authorizes use of the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund for the purpose of equipping forfeited vessels, vehicles, and aircraft for law enforcement functions for use by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Marshals Service. Exempts from deposit in the fund proceeds of forfeitures pursuant to the Endangered Species Act and the Lacey Act Amendments of 1981. Prohibits the admission of evidence obtained with respect to a psychological examination of defendants for purposes of ascertaining their competency to stand trial. Amends the Controlled Substances Act to revise the definition of "isomer" and "cocaine" with regard to drug penalties. Authorizes the Attorney General to enter into contractual agreements with State and local law enforcement agencies to provide for cooperative enforcement and regulatory activities under the Controlled Substances Act. Empowers the Attorney General to authorize State and local law enforcement officers to perform certain law enforcement functions. Amends the Controlled Substances Import and Export Act with regard to its definitions and penalties. Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to grant the United States Claims Court exclusive jurisdiction over all actions seeking review of the final decisions of the Bureau of Justice Assistance. Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 concerning disqualifications from serving as a consultant or advisor to an employee benefit plan because of a conviction of certain crimes. Amends the Currency and Foreign Transactions Reporting Act Amendments to increase from $5,000 to $10,000 the amount required to be transported before the reporting requirement is invoked. Amends the Comprehensive Crime Control Act of 1984 to prohibit crimes of violence perpetrated against the offender's own property. Imposes mandatory minimum additional penalties upon any person who carriers a firearm during and in relation to the commission of a Federal felony. Provides for such additional penalty for any person who carries a handgun loaded with armor-piercing ammunition during a crime of violence or a drug felony. Makes the attempted kidnapping of a Federal law enforcement officer an offense punishable by imprisonment for up to 20 years. Makes a technical correction to the prohibition regarding bank bribery. Revises the definition of "public official" for purposes of the prohibition against U.S. public officials acting as an agent of a foreign principal required to register under the Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938. Strengthens the provisions relating to the introduction or possession of contraband in prisons. Allows a probation officer, upon request of the Attorney General, to supervise any person provided protection under the witness protection program who is on probation or parole under State law if the State consents. Subjects such person to all Federal laws pertaining to probationers or parolees. Amends the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure to incorporate the same procedure for a conditional ruling on a defendant's motion for a new trial in connection with the granting of a post-verdict acquittal in a criminal case as exists under the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure in a comparable situation in which a motion for a new trial is coupled with a motion for judgment notwithstanding the verdict. Authorizes the U.S. Marshals Service to credit to its appropriations account all fees, commissions, and expenses collected for the service of civil process and seizures, levies, and sales associated with judicial orders of execution by the Marshals Service. Prohibits the special assessment from being imposed on any person convicted of an offense for which local rules of the district court, or other Federal law, establishes that collateral may be posted in lieu of appearance in court. Extends the deadline for spending funds granted to the States for victim compensation programs. Exempts from the prohibition against credit card fraud, the lawful authorized investigative, protective, or intelligence activity of a Federal, State, or local law enforcement agency or of a Federal intelligence agency. Imposes a maximum sentence of ten years on an accessory after the fact, if the principal is punishable by a life sentence. Defines "organization" for purposes of the Act as a person other than an individual. Extends the coverage for purposes of the prohibition against the bribery of public officials and witnesses and the prohibition against public officials receiving compensation for services rendered in relation to any proceeding in which the United States is a party, to include all Delegates to the Congress. Revises the offense of using or carrying an explosive or using fire during the commission of a Federal felony. Revises the definition of "racketeering activity" to add two more predicate offenses. Makes minor changes to the provisions dealing with the receipt of stolen property in interstate or foreign commerce.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 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 · 24 May 1985
Korean War Veterans Memorial Act of 1985 - Authorizes the American Battle Monuments Commission to erect 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. Directs that, upon its completion, the memorial shall be turned over to the Department of the Interior which shall then be solely responsible for its maintenance. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 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 an 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 · 24 May 1985
Authorizes the Black Revolutionary War Patriots Foundation to establish a memorial on Federal land in the District of Columbia to honor the courageous slaves and free black persons of the American Revolution. Directs the Secretary of the Interior, with the approval of the Commission of Fine Arts and the National Capital Planning Commission, to select the site, approve the design and plans, and provide for maintenance. Prohibits the use of any Federal funds for the memorial's construction. Terminates the Foundation's authority to establish such memorial five years from the date of enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1985
National Commission to Prevent Infant Mortality - Establishes the National Commission to Prevent Infant Mortality (Commission). States the duties of the Commission, which include: (1) identifying and examining Federal, State, local, and private resources which affect infant mortality; (2) identifying barriers to the health care needed to prevent high infant mortality; and (3) reviewing and carrying forward appropriate recommendations that promote the health status of childbearing women and their infants. Directs the Commission to: (1) recommend a national policy designed to improve the current approach to preventing infant mortality; (2) recommend specific changes needed in Federal laws and programs; and (3) present such recommendations to the President, the Speaker of the House, and the majority leader of the Senate within one year of enactment of this Act. Sets forth the powers of the Commission. States that the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act shall not apply to the Commission. Provides for the termination of the Commission. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1985
Requires 75 percent of the official mail of the Congress and 50 percent of the mail of Federal agencies to contain a photograph and biographical information of a missing child.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1985
Agricultural Patent Reform Act of 1984 - Amends the patent laws to extend the terms of patents which encompass specified products or methods for using a product, including methods of manufacturing which primarily use recombinant DNA technology, any of which are subject to certain nonpatent regulatory review periods. Sets forth the terms and conditions of such extension, including a five-year limitation on the extension and a 25-year maximum patent term for the earliest filing. Directs the Commissioner of Patents to notify the appropriate Federal agency upon receipt from the product sponsor of a notice of extension to determine the applicable regulatory review period and whether, within that period, the sponsor acted with due diligence. Provides for notice and informal hearings for persons interested in such determinations. Permits the setting of fees to cover the costs of review. Directs the Commissioner, upon a final determination of the applicable regulatory review period, to issue to the owner of record of a patent a certificate of extension stating the fact and length of the extension and identifying the product and the use and the claim to which such extension is applicable. Makes such certificate a part of the original patent. Limits the application of such patent term extension to patents for: (1) any new animal drug or antibiotic subject to regulation under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act; (2) any veterinary biological product subject to regulation under the Virus-Serum-Toxin Act; (3) any pesticide subject to regulation under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act; and (4) any chemical substance or mixture subject to regulation under the Toxic Substances Control Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1985
Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to authorize appropriations for FY 1986 through 1988 to be used by the Secretary of Commerce to assist in the planning and construction of public telecommunications facilities. Repeals a provision that requires 75 percent of the funds appropriated for such purposes in a fiscal year to be available to extend delivery of public telecommunications services to areas not receiving such services. Authorizes appropriations, to match up to a specified amount of non-Federal contributions to public broadcasting entities, for the Public Broadcasting Fund for FY 1987 through 1990. Repeals a provision that requires that a specified portion of the amount made available to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting from the Fund be earmarked for expenses of research, training, technical assistance, engineering, instructional support, and the payment of interest on indebtedness. Repeals provisions requiring a public telecommunications entity to refund to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting an amount of Federal funds equal to the amount of any unrelated business income tax paid by such entity.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1985
Expresses, on the 40th anniversary of V-E Day, the Nation's deep gratitude and recognizes the enormous debt owed to the American servicemen who fought in World War II.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1985
Condemns the Ethiopian Government's actions in the forced evacuation of the Ibnet refugee camp and the diversion of international relief efforts to help the needy in Ethiopia.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1985
Department of Justice Appropriation Authorization Act, Fiscal Year 1986 - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 to the Department of Justice for: (1) general administration; (2) the United States Parole Commission; (3) general legal activities; (4) the Foreign Claims Settlement Commission; (5) the Antitrust Division; (6) United States Attorneys and Marshals; (7) support of United States prisoners in non-Federal institutions; (8) certain administrative expenses including notarial fees and compensation for witnesses and informants; (9) fees and expenses of witnesses; (10) the Community Relations Service; (11) the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); (12) the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); (13) the Immigration and Naturalization Service; and (14) the Federal Prison System. Provides general authorizations for: (1) leasing automobiles; (2) emergency expenses; (3) benefits for overseas employees; (4) official reception and representation expenses; (5) travel expenses for family members accompanying officers and employees on temporary duty or during orientation or training; (6) antiterrorism training; (7) Cuban and Haitian entrants; (8) travel advances issued to Special Agents of the Department of Justice; and (9) fees and expenses of witnesses activities. Directs the Attorney General to perform periodic evaluations of the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the Department of Justice. Authorizes the Attorney General to appropriate funds for the expenses necessary to host the meeting of the General Assembly of Interpol and to sponsor Interpol conferences on international crime. Authorizes the Department of Justice to accept gifts of property for the purpose of aiding or facilitating the work of the Department of Justice. Imposes limitations. Allows the Foreign Claims Settlement Commission of the United States to make payments from its appropriations for the hire of passenger motor vehicles and for advances of funds abroad. Provides guidelines with respect to undercover investigative operations of the FBI and the prosecution of crimes against the United States and for the collection of foreign intelligence or counterintelligence. Permits establishment of corporations or business entities as part of an undercover operation. Establishes similar guidelines with respect to any undercover investigative operations of the DEA. Requires the FBI and the DEA to report annually to the Congress on undercover investigative operations.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 1985
Amends the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972 to prohibit the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from issuing a permit authorizing the incineration of hazardous waste at sea before the Congress receives a hazardous waste reduction and management feasibility report and plan and recommendations from the Administrator to assure that responsible parties are held liable and pay cleanup costs and damages, and the Administrator issues final permit regulations based upon such report and plan and public comments. Directs the Administrator to contract with the Office of Technology Assessment to prepare within three years of this Act's enactment a hazardous waste reduction and managment feasibility report which includes: (1) descriptive surveys of location and types of hazardous wastes and hazardous waste streams; (2) alternative storage and land-based technologies; (3) an assessment of wastes released into the environment and the impact of at sea incineration on human health and the marine environment; (4) epidemiological studies; and (5) an analysis of the transportation impacts for the land or barge transport of the hazardous wastes to the loading site for ocean incineration. Directs the Administrator to submit to the Congress within three years of the report a hazardous waste reduction and management plan which includes: (1) a comprehensive waste management plan; (2) coordination with Federal agencies for major spills of hazardous waste in port, in transit, and during incineration at sea; and (3) legislation which encourages the development of environmentally sound hazardous waste reduction and treatment technologies. Requires the Administrator to involve the public in formulating this plan through hearings and comment. Directs the Administrator to submit to the Congress transcripts of public hearings together with EPA's written response. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1985
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the United States should pay honor to the memories of the innocent civilians and American and Allied soldiers who died at the hands of the Nazis; (2) it is fitting and appropriate for the President, in a gesture of reconciliation, to visit the Federal Republic of Germany; (3) the President should recognize the importance of the relationship between the two countries; and (4) the President should reassess his planned itinerary for his forthcoming trip to the Federal Republic of Germany.
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 1985
Proclaims October 23, 1985, as A Time of Remembrance for all victims of terrorism. Urges Americans to wear a purple ribbon in honor of the sacrifices made in pursuit of peace and freedom. Authorizes and requests the President to call upon U.S. departments, agencies, and other interested parties to fly U.S. flags at half staff.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1985
International Narcotics Control Act of 1985 - Directs the Secretary of State (the Secretary), with the assistance of the National Drug Enforcement Policy Board, to study the feasibility of establishing a regional organization in Latin America which would combat narcotics production and trafficking through regional information-sharing and a regional enforcement unit. Requires the Chairman of the National Drug Enforcement Policy Board to report to specified congressional committees on the advisability of encouraging the establishment of such an organization. Directs the Secretary to issue a travel advisory warning U.S. citizens of the dangers of traveling in Mexico. Requires the travel advisory to remain in effect until those responsible for the murder of Drug Enforcement Administration agent Enrique Camarena Salazar have been brought to trial and a verdict has been obtained. Directs the President to report to the Congress, within 60 days of enactment of this Act, on why the U.S. armed forces should not exert greater effort in facilitating and supporting interception of narcotics traffickers and in gathering narcotics-related intelligence outside the United States. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to require each report on international narcotics control pursuant to this Act to describe the involvement during the preceding fiscal year of the governments of communist countries in illicit drug trafficking. Provides that the ban on involvement of U.S. personnel in arrest actions and interrogations in narcotics control efforts abroad shall not apply to the extent that the Secretary of State and the government of another country agree. Requires the Secretary to report any such agreement to the Congress before the agreement takes effect. Directs the Secretary to enter into negotiations with Brazil in order to establish a bilateral narcotics control agreement that shall have as a goal a ten percent reduction in illicit coca production in Brazil in 1986. Directs the President to consider, if such an agreement is not reached within three months of enactment of this Act, reassigning ten percent of the U.S. sugar quota for Brazil to designated Caribbean countries. Authorizes providing U.S. narcotics control assistance to Bolivia for FY 1986 and 1987 only if specified conditions relating to limitations on coca production and relating to yearly eradication targets are met by Bolivia. Authorizes making FY 1987 development assistance funds available for the Agency for International Development (AID) project in the Upper Huallaga Valley of Peru only if the Administrator of AID, after consultation with the Congress, determines that a comprehensive review of that project has been completed which establishes the effectiveness of that project in reducing coca leaf production, distribution, and marketing. Requires that a specified portion of the Economic Support Fund allocation for Jamaica for FY 1986 shall be withheld until the President certifies to the Congress that Jamaica is committed to a plan for reducing the illicit cultivation and distribution of marijuana. Directs the President to reprogram funds intended for Bolivia, Peru, or Jamaica for other countries if conditions set forth in this Act are not met. Authorizes contributing narcotics control assistance funds to the United Nations Fund for Drug Abuse Control only if that organization includes in its crop substitution projects a plan for cooperation with the law enforcement forces of the host country. Prohibits using foreign assistance funds to reimburse persons whose illicit drug crops are eradicated. Authorizes providing a country with narcotics control assistance only if the country agrees to provide at least 25 percent of the costs of any narcotics control program. Directs the Secretary of State to report to the Congress, within 90 days of enactment of this Act, on proposals to improve the staffing of the Bureau of International Narcotics Matters. Provides for information sharing between the Department of State and the Federal law enforcement agencies to ensure that foreign narcotics traffickers are denied visas to enter the United States. Directs the Chairman of the National Drug Enforcement Policy Board to report to specified congressional committees on steps taken to share such information. Directs the Secretary, with the assistance of the National Drug Enforcement Policy Board, to increase U.S. efforts to negotiate updated extradition treaties relating to narcotics offenses with each major drug-producing country.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1985
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the President should: (1) be commended for his efforts to negotiate a multilateral agreement banning chemical weapons; (2) continue to pursue such an agreement; and (3) seek the continuation and the development of bilateral discussions between the United States and the Soviet Union to achieve a verifiable ban on chemical weapons.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1985
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish an applicable test rate of nine percent for determining whether there is imputed interest in the case of seller-financed property. Permits a lower test interest rate of 80 percent of the Federal Treasury rate where such rates are lower than the nine percent test rate. Provides for a blended test rate for instances where the loan amount exceeds $4,000,000. Authorizes the imputation of interest in seller-financed property sales of $4,000,000 or less of ten percent or 110 percent of the Federal Treasury rates, whichever is less, where the test interest rates have not been met. Allows for a blended imputed interest rate where the debt amount exceeds $4,000,000. Requires that all loan amounts from a single transaction or series of related transactions be aggregated for purposes of determining the loan amount. Provides that the imputed interest rules will not apply to assumptions of loans unless the terms and conditions of such debt obligations are modified in connection with the assumption. Repeals the provisions of the Code limiting the amount of interest expense a purchaser of personal use property may deduct for tax purposes. Excepts debt instruments arising from the sale or exchange of a residence from the imputed interest provisions where the obligor of the instrument uses the property as his residence. Provides that the imputed interest rules shall not apply in the case of sales or exchanges of property where the borrowed amount does not exceed $4,000,000. Requires the interest on the obligation issued in connection with such sales or exchanges to be taken into account by both the buyer and the seller on the cash receipts and disbursement method of accounting unless both buyer and seller agree to use the accrual receipts and disbursement method of accounting.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1985
Commends Lieutenant General Lincoln D. Faurer for exceptionally distinguished service to the U.S. Air Force, the national and defense intelligence communities, and the national security of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1985
Performing Arts Labor Relations Amendments - Amends the National Labor Relations Act to exclude specified types of employers and performers in the performing arts from coverage under unfair labor practice provisions prohibiting specified contracts or agreements between employers and labor organizations and prohibiting specified actions of labor organizations to force or require cessation of dealings with others, joining of labor or employer organizations, or recognition of or negotiation with labor organizations not certified as representative. Permits such employers, excluding employers in the broadcasting or motion picture industries, to: (1) agree with a labor organization to make membership in such organization a condition of performing arts employment; and (2) make agreements with a labor organization covering performing artists even if the majority status of the organization has not yet been established. Defines "employer" to include purchasers of musical performance services. Defines "employee" to include independent contractors engaged to perform musical services.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1985
Anti-Apartheid Act of 1985 - Prohibits any U.S. person from making any loan to South Africa or to any organization owned or controlled by South Africa. Excludes from such prohibition a loan for any educational, housing, or health facility which: (1) is available to everyone on a nondiscriminatory basis; and (2) is located in an area accessible to all population groups. Declares that such prohibition shall not apply to loans for which an agreement is entered into before enactment of this Act. Directs the President to issue regulations prohibiting U.S. persons from making any investment (including bank loans) in South Africa. Excludes from such prohibition: (1) an investment which consists of earnings derived from a business enterprise in South Africa established before enactment of this Act and which is made in that business enterprise; or (2) the purchase of certain securities in such business enterprises. Prohibits any person, including U.S. banks, from importing into the United States any gold coin minted in or offered for sale by South Africa. Authorizes the President to waive the prohibitions against investments in South African businesses and against importing South African gold coins if: (1) the Government of South Africa meets at least one of seven conditions; (2) the President submits to the Congress a determination that such conditions are met; and (3) a joint resolution is enacted approving such determination. Authorizes the President to extend the waivers. Provides for expedited consideration of such joint resolution. Amends the Export Administration Act of 1979 to prohibit exporting computers, computer software, or goods or technology intended to service computers to or for use by South Africa or any organization owned or controlled by South Africa. Excludes from such prohibition donations of computers to primary and secondary schools. Declares that certain termination provisions of the Export Administration Act of 1979 shall not apply to such prohibition. Provides for enforcement of this Act. Sets forth penalties for violations of this Act. Directs the President to attempt to persuade through negotiations other countries to adopt restrictions on new investment in South Africa, on bank loans and computer sales to South Africa, and on the importation of krugerrands. Directs the President to submit annual reports to the Congress on the status of negotiations. Terminates the provisions of this Act and all the regulations issued to carry out this Act upon enactment of a joint resolution approving a determination submitted by the President to the Congress that apartheid in South Africa has been abolished.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1985
Condemns the use of plastic or rubber bullets in Northern Ireland. Calls upon the Government of the United Kingdom to ban the use of plastic or rubber bullets against civilians.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1985
Bipartisan Commission on Congressional Campaign Financing Act - Establishes the Bipartisan Commission on Congressional Campaign Financing to consider and study laws, regulations, and public commentary relating to the financing of congressional elections. Requires such study to give particular attention to the extent to which current campaign financing practices undermine public confidence in the Government. Requires the Commission to consider the following changes in the present system of campaign financing: (1) increasing or decreasing allowable contributions; (2) increasing the income tax credit for campaign contributions; (3) initiating a plan of public financing; (4) making available free or subsidized broadcasting time; or (5) examining the role of independent expenditures. Directs the Commission to make reasonable efforts to achieve the broadest bipartisan consensus in arriving at its recommendations. Requires the Commission, not later than one year after enactment of this Act, to submit to the Congress its final report. Terminates the Commission 90 days after submission of such report. Requires the Director of the Congressional Research Service of the Library of Congress and the Chairman of the Federal Election Commission, not later than two months after enactment of this Act, to transmit briefing papers to the Bipartisan Commission which catalog and synthesize pertinent reports, analyses, and recommendations. Authorizes appropriations.
![Official portrait of Sen. Biden, Joseph R., Jr. [D-DE]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/b000444_200.jpg)