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United States · Official source
2,354 records where Sen. Danforth, John C. [R-MO] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 1985
Directs the Administrator of General Services to provide for the distribution within the United States of the U.S. Information Agency film "Hal David: Expressing a Feeling."
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1985
Domestic Food Assistance Act of 1985 - Title I: Food Stamp Program - Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to decrease from 20 percent to 18 percent the proportion of earned income disregarded for food stamp eligibility and benefit purposes. Requires that Federal educational grants shall be considered income for food stamp purposes to the extent that such grants are not used for tuition or mandatory school fees and regardless of whether they may be earmarked as reimbursements for expenses. Requires that payments for living expenses made to third parties on behalf of a household by State or local governments shall be considered as money payable directly to the household. Exempts medical assistance, child care assistance, energy assistance, and emergency or special assistance from such requirement. Requires that income received by participants in Job Training Partnership Act programs be counted as earned income for food stamp purposes. Diregards payments made to energy suppliers under the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program for purposes of determining the household shelter expense deduction for food stamp purposes. Allows States to use a standard utility allowance for households for which such payments have been made to a supplier if such household incurs out-of-pocket heating or cooling expenses. Requires that States use monthly reporting and retrospective budgeting for households having earned income or any recent work history. Provides that elderly or disabled households with no earned income and migrant households shall be subject to prospective budgeting and a requirement to report changes in household circumstances when they occur (rather than monthly). Allows States the option of whether to apply monthly reporting and retrospective budgeting to other types of households. Grants automatic food stamp eligibility to households in which all members receive either Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. Specifies that eligibility for food stamps may not be denied or terminated solely on the basis of an AFDC or SSI eligibility determination. Provides that disqualification for failure to meet any of the food stamp programs work requirements shall be two months, or until the requirement is complied with, or until the household member who fails to comply leaves the household. Requires States to operate a job search program for food stamp recipients. Increases the basic allocation for job search activities from $30 million to $40 million in FY 1986, and $50 million in FY 1987 and each FY thereafter. Requires that the Federal Government share in half the cost of any efforts beyond a State's share of the basic allocation. Allows staggered issuance of food stamps throughout the month (rather than at set times every month). Prohibits food-price increases by retailers or wholesalers relating to the issuance of food stamps. Requires the use of alternative means of issuing food stamps if it is determined that such means could improve program integrity. Prohibits financial institutions which redeem food stamps from retailers from charging a fee for redemption if the food stamps are submitted in accordance with Federal Reserve Board requirements. Requires States to periodically assess the need for operating food stamp offices within the State during evening and weekend hours. Requires States to provide a method of certifying and issuing food stamps to eligible households not residing in a permanent dwelling or without a fixed mailing address. Provides that any disqualified retail food store or wholesale food concern which is sold or otherwise transferred shall be subject to a civil money penalty based upon the amount of disqualification time remaining. Imposes such penalty on the person who sells or transfers such store or concern. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 through 1989. Provides that no funds appropriated to carry out this Act may be transferred to the Office of the Inspector General of the Department of Agriculture. Requires that States transfer to the Federal Government an estimated amount equal to the sales taxes collected on food stamp purchases in the State. Continues the authorization of $825 million for the Puerto Rico Block Grant for nutrition assistance through FY 1989. Revises certain administrative provisions of the Puerto Rico Block Grant program. Authorizes States to establish community work experience programs. Sets forth the purposes and requirements for such programs. Title II: Nutrition Surveillance - Amends the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 to require the Secretary and the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a comprehensive nutritional status monitoring program. Specifies requirements for such program. Title III: Food Distribution and Emergency Shelters - Allows public or private nonprofit agencies receiving agricultural commodities to transfer those commodities to other public or private nonprofit organizations which agree to use the commodities to assist low-income groups without cost or waste. Amends the Agriculture and Consumer Protection Act of 1973 to extend from FY 1985 to FY 1989 the authorization of appropriations to obtain commodities for the commodity supplemental food program. Requires the continuation of pilot commodity supplemental food projects for the elderly. Extends through 1989 current requirements for the provision of Federal funds for State and local administrative operating costs. Amends the Temporary Emergency Food Assistance Act of 1983 to extend the Temporary Emergency Food Assistance Program through FY 1989. Authorizes commissary stores of the Department of Defense to donate surplus, unmarketable food to local food banks. Title IV: Effective Dates - Sets forth the effective dates of the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1985
Amends the Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards Act and the Walsh-Healey Act to require overtime compensation only for hours of employment in excess of 40 hours in a workweek for employees of Federal Government contractors or subcontractors.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1985
Methanol Vehicle Incentives Act of 1985 - Amends the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act to set forth the manner of determining the fuel economy of methanol powered automobiles. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, for certain labeling purposes, to determine the fuel economy of a methanol powered automobile to be 15 percent of the prescribed fuel economy as calculated.
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 · 6 May 1985
Federal Trade Commission Act Amendments of 1985 - Amends the Federal Trade Commission Act to deny authority to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to find a method of competition unfair if, in any action under the Sherman Act, such method of competition would be held to constitute State action. Denies the FTC authority to study, investigate, or prosecute agricultural cooperatives for any conduct not in violation of antitrust Acts. Outlines procedures which the FTC must follow before issuing any complaint against a cooperative. Denies FTC authority to issue a complaint if it believes an exemption to the conduct complained of exists in the Capper-Volstead Act. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to designate those individuals who may have access to documents or information received from the FTC. Requires confidentiality of such individuals. Prohibits Department of Agriculture officials or employees from requesting information regarding any complaint unless specifically authorized in writing by the FTC. Authorizes the Secretary to file with the FTC a statement regarding the applicability of the Capper-Volstead Act to the conduct which is the basis of the complaint. Denies the FTC authority to conduct any study or investigation of any agricultural marketing orders. Repeals the authority of the FTC to pay attorneys fees, expert witness fees, and other costs of participating in a rulemaking proceeding. Prohibits the FTC from instituting a civil action, in cases involving consent orders, to obtain civil penalties for unfair or deceptive acts or practices. Permits a district court to review certain FTC determinations of law that an act or practice was unfair or deceptive. Permits the FTC to issue a notice of proposed rulemaking for certain rules only where it has reason to believe that the unfair or deceptive acts or practices are prevalent. Revises the effective dates for cease and desist orders issued by the FTC. Applies FTC civil investigative demand procedures only to acts, practices or methods of competition declared unlawful by a law. Requires that an unfair act or practice must be likely to cause substantial injury to consumers which is not reasonably avoidable by consumers themselves and not outweighed by countervailing benefits to consumers or to competition. Denies authority to the FTC to cancel the registration of a trademark on the ground that such mark has become the common descriptive name of an article or substance. Excludes Federal credit unions from the FTC's unfair acts and practices regulatory authority. Directs the National Credit Union Administration Board to promulgate and enforce regulations concerning unfair acts and practices by credit unions. Denies FTC authority to initiate any new rulemaking proceeding which results in a rule prohibiting commercial advertising on the basis that such advertising constitutes an unfair act or practice in or affecting commerce. Directs the FTC to submit to appropriate congressional committees a report describing complaints made, investigations undertaken, recommendations and opinions given, and consent agreements and other dispositions made by the Commission. Requires that such report shall also contain a statement of the reasons for the termination of any matter. Authorizes appropriations for the FTC for FY 1986 through 1988, including a specified amount to consolidate FTC Headquarters Offices in Washington, D.C., into no more than three buildings.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1985
Designates October 1985 as National Head Injury Awareness Month.
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
Amends the Tariff Schedules of the United States to provide for the classification of certain woven fabrics of man-made fibers and to require the rate of duty for such articles to be subject to the same staged rate reductions that were proclaimed by the President for a specified article of the Schedules.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1985
Amusement Ride Safety Commission Act - Establishes a National Commission on Amusement Ride Safety to conduct an investigation of the scope and adequacy of safety measures employed to protect the public from unreasonable risks of injuries from amusement rides. Directs the Commission to review: (1) Federal, State, and local laws; (2) voluntary safety standards; and (3) self-regulation measures. Directs the Commission to determine the uniformity of application and quality of enforcement of such laws, standards, and self-enforcement mechanisms. Directs the Commission to transmit to the President and the Congress a final report, not later than 18 months after enactment of this Act. Grants the Commission the power to hold hearings, subpoena witnesses, and order any person to give testimony by deposition.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1985
Expresses the resolution of the Congress to grant consent to certain additional powers conferred upon the Bi-State Development Agency by the State legislatures of Illinois and Missouri. Reserves to the Congress the right to require the Bi-State Development Agency to disclose and furnish information requested by the Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1985
Commends the Rural Electrification Administration and dedicated individuals for their contributions to the progress made by the Nation during the past 50 years in achieving the electrification of rural America.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1985
Condemns specified actions of the Sandinistas and the action of Nicaraguan President Ortega in traveling to Moscow as evidence of an effort by the Sandinistas to strengthen ties with the Soviet Union.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1985
Metropolitan Washington Airports Transfer Act of 1985 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to transfer all authority over the Metropolitan Washington Airports (Washington National Airport and Washington Dulles International Airport, including all airport employees) to the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (Airports Authority) under the terms of a 35-year lease and operations agreement set forth in this Act. Defines the Airports Authority as a single, independent airport authority to be created by the Commonwealth of Virginia and the District of Columbia for the purpose of operating the Metropolitan Washington Airports. Declares that the Secretary's authority to enter into a lease and agreement for such transfer shall lapse two years after enactment of this Act. Requires that basic lease and acquisition payments be sufficient to repay to the United States the hypothetical indebtedness of the Metropolitan Washington Airports to the Treasury, as determined by the Federal Aviation Administration. Requires the Airports Authority to pay to the Treasury, for deposit to the credit of the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund, certain costs incurred by such Fund due to the transfer of authorities under this Act. Requires that the lease of real property constituting Washington Metropolitan Airports comply with the operation and development of the Washington Metropolitan Airports as a unit and as primary airports serving the Metropolitan Washington area. Requires the Airports Authority to be a public corporate body with powers conferred upon it jointly by the Commonwealth of Virginia and the District of Columbia under specified guidelines which include: (1) operation of Metropolitan Washington Airports for public purposes; (2) independence from the State and local governments of Virginia and the District of Columbia; (3) authority to issue bonds; (4) acquisition of real and personal property; (5) power of eminent domain within the Commonwealth of Virginia; (6) a corporation constituted solely to operate both Metropolitan Washington Airports as primary airports serving the Metropolitan Washington area; and (7) authority to levy fees and enter into agreements. Prescribes the membership and terms of the Airport Authority's board of governors, including the appointment of: (1) five members by the Governor of Virginia; (2) three members by the Mayor of the District of Columbia; (3) two members by the Governor of Maryland; and (4) one member by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate. Prescribes the terms and conditions of the lease, including the continued applicability of airport regulations that: (1) the High Density Rule for Washington National Airport may only be amended for safety considerations; and (2) current nighttime noise limitation standards may not be amended. Transfers all rights, liabilities, and obligations of the Metropolitan Washington Airports to the Airports Authority. Retains the responsibility of the Federal Aviation Administration to reimburse the Employees' Compensation Fund. Authorizes the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct periodic audits of the Airports Authority's activities. Grants jurisdiction to U.S. district courts to compel compliance with the lease terms. Sets forth guidelines for the protection of Federal employee interests during the two-year period starting on the date of transfer, including: (1) retention of employees; (2) adoption of pre-transfer labor agreements; (3) credit for accrued annual and sick leave and seniority rights; (4) life and health insurance benefits; and (5) retention of pre-transfer retirement benefits. Confers upon the Airports Authority during the 35-year lease the same proprietary powers and restrictions with respect to Federal law as any other airport. Declares that the Metropolitan Washington Airports qualify as a "public airport" eligible for Federal assistance on the same basis as any comparable public airport operated by a regional authority. Grants the Commonwealth of Virginia concurrent police power authority over the Metropolitan Washington Airports, and grants the Virginia courts jurisdiction over airport land. Makes the authority of the National Capital Planning Commission inapplicable to the Airports Authority, but requires the Airports Authority to consult with such Commission and with the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation before undertaking actions which would materially alter either the exterior of the Dulles Terminal or the skyline of Washington National Airport. Provides that title to all real property shall pass to the Airports Authority upon conclusion of the 35-year lease and that at the end of such lease the United States shall relinquish all jurisdiction over the Metropolitan Washington Airports to the Commonwealth of Virginia. Repeals upon lease expiration certain Acts relating to the administration and maintenance of a public airport in the vicinity of the District of Columbia.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1985
Designates the first Sunday in August as National Day of Peace.
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 · 24 April 1985
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Marine Fisheries Program Authorization Act of 1985 - Extends through FY 1987 the authorization of appropriations for marine fisheries programs under: (1) the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Marine Fisheries Program Authorization Act; (2) the Commercial Fisheries Research and Development Act of 1964; and (3) the Anadromous Fish Conservation Act.
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 1985
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Program Support Authorization Act - Title I: Program Support: Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 and 1987 to the Department of Commerce for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to carry out: (1) executive direction and administration; (2) marine services; (3) aircraft services; and (4) duties under the National Advisory Committee on Oceans and Atmosphere Act of 1977. Title II: Selected Ocean and Coastal Programs - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 and 1987 to the Department of Commerce for the purpose of enabling the NOAA to carry out its duties: (1) in ocean dumping research; (2) under the National Ocean Pollution Planning Act of 1978; (3) in nonliving marine resources; (4) in ocean research; (5) in ocean services; and (6) in mapping, charting, and geodesy.
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 1985
Grants a Federal charter to the organization known as the Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War.
United States · United States Congress · 22 April 1985
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to revise the method of calculating the alternative minimum tax on corporations. Sets the rate of such tax at 15 percent of the corporate alternative minimum taxable income exceeding $100,000. Provides that such tax shall be imposed only if the amount of such tax is greater than regular tax liability and shall be in lieu of regular tax. Defines "corporate alternative minimum taxable income" as taxable income: (1) reduced by the corporate alternative minimum tax net operating loss deduction; and (2) increased by the amount of alternative minimum tax preference items. Specifies the tax preference items for purposes of the alternative minimum tax on corporations as: (1) accelerated depreciation of real property; (2) mining exploration and development costs; (3) reserves for losses on bad debts of financial institutions; (4) depletion; (5) intangible drilling costs; (6) accelerated cost recovery deductions; (7) amortization of pollution control facilities; (8) certain research and experimental expenditures; (9) construction period carrying charges; (10) trade name and trademark expenditures; (11) circulation expenditures; (12) certain organizational expenditures; (13) completed contract method of accounting; (14) certain interest expenses; (15) exempt foreign trade income; (16) certain life insurance company deductions; and (17) certain shipping income. Revises the method of calculating the minimum tax net operating loss deduction. Disallows any income tax credits to be taken against the corporate alternative minimum tax except the foreign tax credit. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to prescribe corporate tax rates designed to reduce regular tax rates by an amount equal to revenues raised by the alternative minimum tax on corporations.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1985
Amends the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 to extend through FY 1990 the authorization of appropriations for the making of various coastal zone management grants under such Act. Repeals a provision under the Coastal Zone Management Act Amendments of 1976 which authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to establish and pay compensation for four new positions in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1985
Extends through FY 1987 the authorization of appropriations for activities under the Magnuson Fishery Conservation and Management Act.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1985
Grants a Federal charter to the National Association of State Directors of Veterans Affairs, Incorporated.
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1985
Telecommunications Trade Act of 1985 - Title I: Actions to Achieve Competitive Opportunities - Directs the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), within six months of enactment of this Act, to: (1) identify and analyze all acts, policies, and practices in the markets of foreign countries that deny to U.S. telecommunications firms competitive opportunities that are substantially equivalent to the competitive opportunities available to foreign companies in U.S. markets; and (2) determine which of such acts, policies, or practices denies trade agreement benefits to the United States, is unjustifiable and burdens or restricts U.S. commerce, or otherwise has the effect of nullifying or impairing any benefit to the United States under any agreement or impeding attainment of any objective of any agreement to which the United States is a party. Sets forth factors to be considered in making such analysis and determination. Authorizes the USTR to exclude a country from investigation if the USTR determines that the potential market in such country for U.S. telecommunications products and services is not substantial. Requires the USTR to report to the Congress within six months of enactment of this Act on such analysis and determinations. Directs the President to begin negotiations with those countries which deny U.S. telecommunications firms substantially equivalent competitive opportunities to enter into trade agreements which provide such opportunities to U.S. telecommunications firms. Sets forth the objectives of the negotiations. Directs the President, if unable to enter into such an agreement which achieves such objectives, to take, within two years of enactment of this Act, whatever actions within certain limits are necessary to achieve such objectives. Directs the President to take those actions which most directly affect trade in telecommunications products and services with the country concerned. Sets forth the actions the President is authorized to take in such circumstances. Directs the USTR, if a country does engage in unfair trade practices, to take whatever actions within certain limits are necessary to fully offset such acts, policies, and practices, and to restore the balance of concessions between the United States and such foreign country. Requires the USTR to review annually the extent to which a foreign country's policies meet the negotiating objectives achieved by trade agreements. Directs the USTR to take specified actions if the foreign country is not in compliance with such trade agreement or has adopted an unfair trade act, policy, or practice. Sets forth the actions the USTR is authorized to take. Directs the President and the USTR to consult with the Secretary of Commerce, the Federal Communications Commission, and a specified interagency trade organization to determine appropriate actions against foreign countries. Directs the USTR to provide the opportunity for presentations of views by interested parties for purposes of identifying the objectives of trade negotiations and determining appropriate actions against foreign countries. Directs the President to keep the Congress informed of: (1) the negotiating priorities and objectives for each country involved; (2) the assessment of negotiating prospects; and (3) any U.S. concessions which might be included in negotiations to achieve such objectives. Title II: Trade Agreement Authority - Authorizes the President, during the three years following enactment of this Act, to enter into trade agreements which meet specified objectives with foreign countries which provide for: (1) the harmonization, reduction, or elimination of duties or restrictions, barriers, or other distortions to international trade; or (2) the prohibition of or limitations on the imposition of duties or restrictions, barriers, or other distortions to international trade. Authorizes the President to enter into trade agreements with a foreign country to grant concessions as compensation in order to maintain the general level of reciprocal and mutually advantageous concessions if: (1) the President has taken action because no trade agreement could be reached under this Act; and (2) the USTR is not required to take action against such country under this Act. Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions - Authorizes importing a product that is subject to registration or approval by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) only if: (1) such product conforms with all applicable FCC regulations; and (2) the information which is required on a specified FCC form is provided to the appropriate customs officer at the time of entry into the United States. Directs the FCC, the Secretary of Commerce, and the USTR to provide enforcement assistance to the Secretary of the Treasury upon request. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to provide the Congress with information on such imports at least twice a year. Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to include within the definition of service sector access authorization any authorization that permits a foreign supplier of goods related to a service access to the U.S. market. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to report to the Congress at least once every two years on the impact of U.S. domestic policies and practices on the growth and international competitiveness of the U.S. telecommunications industry.
United States · United States Congress · 16 April 1985
Agriculture Act of 1985 - Title I: Dairy - Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to set milk price support levels at 90 percent of the previous three year average. Provides for: (1) automatic price support revisions on April 1 and October 1 of 1986 through 1989; and (2) additional adjustments based on Government purchase levels. Extends authority through 1989 for: (1) the dairy indemnity program; and (2) the program of dairy product transfers to the military and veterans' hospitals. Amends specified milk marketing order provisions. Title II: Wool and Mohair - Amends the National Wool Act of 1954 to extend the wool program through 1989. Title III: Wheat - Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to set loan and purchase levels for the 1986 through 1989 wheat crops at 75 percent of the preceding five year average, excluding high and low years. Limits annual adjustments to not more than ten percent. Sets 1986 target prices at not less than 1985 levels. Sets target prices beginning in 1987 at 110 percent of the preceding five year average, excluding high and low years. Limts annual adjustments to not more than five percent. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to require compliance with an acreage reduction or paid land diversion program as a condition of eligibility for program benefits. Requires the Secretary to implement an acreage reduction program if carryover stocks exceed four percent of annual world utilization. Suspends specified marketing quota and producer certificate provisions. Title IV: Feed Grains - Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to set loan and purchase levels for the 1986 through 1989 corn crops at 75 percent of the preceding five year average, excluding high and low years. Limits annual adjustments to not more than ten percent. Sets loan and purchase levels for grain sorghum, barley, oats, and rye in relation to corn levels. Sets 1986 target prices at not less than 1985 levels. Sets target prices beginning in 1987 at 110 percent of the preceding five year average, excluding high and low years. Limits annual adjustments to not more than five percent. Authorizes the Secretary to require compliance with an acreage reduction or paid land diversion program as a condition of eligibility for program benefits. Requires the Secretary to implement an acreage reduction program if carryover stocks exceed four percent of annual world utilization. Title V: Cotton - Suspends specified base acreage allotment and marketing quota provisions for the 1986 through 1989 upland cotton crops. Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to set upland cotton loan rates at the lower of: (1) 85 percent of the average U.S. spot market price (weighted by market and month) for the preceding five years, excluding the high and low years; or (2) 90 percent of the average of comparable cotton prices, quoted C.I.F. northern Europe. Limits annual adjustments to not more than ten percent. Sets 1986 target prices at not less than 1985 levels. Sets target prices beginning in 1987 at 110 percent of the same average market price used to determine loan rates. Limits annual adjustments to not more than five percent. Directs the President to establish a special limited global import quota for upland cotton if average spot prices exceed specified levels. Authorizes the Secretary to require compliance with an acreage reduction or paid land diversion program as a condition of eligibility for program benefits. Requires the Secretary to implement an acreage reduction program if upland cotton carryover stocks exceed normal supply by more than 15 percent. Title VI: Rice - Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to set loan and purchase levels for the 1986 through 1989 rice crops at 75 percent of the preceding five year average, excluding high and low years. Limits annual adjustments to not more than ten percent. Sets 1986 target prices at not less than 1985 levels. Sets target prices beginning in 1987 at 110 percent of the preceding five year average, excluding high and low years. Limits annual adjustments to not more than five percent. Authorizes the Secretary to require compliance with an acreage reduction or paid land diversion program as a condition of eligibility for program benefits. Requires the Secretary to implement an acreage reduction program if rice carryover stocks exceed normal supply by more than 15 percent. Title VII: Peanuts - Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to establish the national poundage quota for the 1986 through 1989 peanut crops at the level of the previous three-year average of domestic edible and seed use. Authorizes modifications of up to five percent. Extends price support provisions for the 1986 through 1989 peanut crops. Permits changes in support levels based upon changes in the prices paid index. Title VIII: Soybeans - Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to set loan and purchase levels for the 1986 through 1989 soybean crops at 75 percent of the preceding five year average, excluding high and low years. Stipulates that such level may not be less than $5.02 per bushel. Limits annual support reductions to not more than ten percent or below $4.50 per bushel. Title IX: Sugar - Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to set loan levels for the 1986 through 1989 sugarcane crops at 18 cents per pound. Bases sugar beet support levels on sugarcane prices. Title X: Miscellaneous - Subtitle A: Advance Diversion Payments - States that if the Secretary makes land diversion payments to assist in adjusting acreage for the 1986 through 1989 crops of wheat, feed grains, cotton, or rice, at least 50 percent of such payment shall be made available as soon as possible after program signup. Subtitle B: Grain Reserves - Terminates the producer-owned reserve storage program. Subtitle C: Miscellaneous Commodity Provisions - Limits annual deficiency payments to $50,000 per person for the 1986 through 1989 crop years. Subtitle D: General Provisions - Extends the special grazing and hay program through 1989. Title XI: Agricultural Export and Public Law 480 - Subtitle A: Export Provisions - Amends the Food for Peace Act of 1966 to extend authority through 1989 for the Agricultural Export Credit Revolving Fund. Exempts export sales financed or guaranteed by the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) from cargo preference laws. Amends the Agriculture and Food Act of 1981 to exempt the special standby export subsidy program from cargo preference laws. Directs the Secretary to use bonus commodities from CCC to offset the adverse effects of competing countries' subsidies and currency exchanges. Exempts such exports from cargo preference laws. Subtitle B: Public Law 480 - Amends the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954 to increase minimum export tonnage levels. Exempts such exports from cargo preference laws. Extends such programs through 1989. Title XII: Resource Conservation - Subtitle A: Conservation Reserve - Directs the Secretary to establish a conservation reserve program to convert cropland and highly erodible land to less intensive use. Subtitle B: Program Eligibility on Highly Erodible Land - Makes any person who cultivates crops on highly erodible land ineligible for price support and other agricultural loans and benefits. Subtitle C: General Provisions - Authorizes appropriations. Title XIII: Effective date - Makes the provisions of this Act effective upon enactment, unless otherwise so provided.
United States · United States Congress · 15 April 1985
National Science Foundation Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1986 - Authorizes appropriations to the National Science Foundation (NSF) for FY 1986. Provides that such funds authorized for FY 1986 will be available for the following categories: (1) advanced scientific computing; (2) astronomical, atmospheric, earth, and ocean sciences; (3) biological, behavioral, and social sciences; (4) engineering; (5) mathematical and physical sciences; (6) scientific, technological, and international affairs; (7) program development and management; (8) science and engineering education; and (9) the U.S. Antarctic program. Requires that a specified amount from such funds be reserved for support of studies on ethics and values in science and technology. Limits the amounts from appropriations authorized under this Act which may be used for: (1) consultation, representation, or other extraordinary expenses; and (2) expenses incurred outside the United States. Permits transfers of funds among categories as long as such transfers do not exceed ten percent of authorized amounts. Permits transfers in excess of ten percent if: (1) the Director of NSF submits a written explanation of the proposed transfer to specified congressional officers and committees; and (2) 30 calendar days have passed after such submission. Amends the National Science Foundation Act of 1950 to delete certain provisions relating to notification of meetings to members of the National Science Board (the Board). Provides that the Director of NSF may make contracts, grants, and other arrangements only with the prior approval of the Board or under authority delegated by the Board and subject to such conditions as the Board may specify (thus removing the Director's current authority to make grants, contracts, or arrangements involving specified limited amounts under certain conditions without the Board's prior approval). Amends such Act and other specified provisions of Federal law to remove the requirement that Assistant Directors of NSF be appointed by the President. Revises provisions for special commissions to provide that special commissions: (1) shall consist of such members as the Board considers appropriate; and (2) may be established to study and make recommendations to NSF on issues relating to research and education in science and engineering. Authorizes NSF to indemnify grantees, contractors, and subcontractors associated with the Ocean Drilling Program (thus making permanent a temporary authority under current law which would expire at the end of FY 1986). Removes a prohibition against NSF officers or employees acquiring, retaining, or transferring patent rights on inventions which they may make or produce in connection with performing their assigned activities and which are directly related to the subject matter thereof. Removes certain prohibitions against outside employment and activities by the Director, the Deputy Director, or any Assistant Director of NSF and against their holding any office in or acting in any capacity for any organization with which NSF makes any grant, contract, or other arrangement. Prohibits disclosure to the public of: (1) specified information supplied to NSF or to an NSF contractor by an industrial or commercial organization, unless such information has been transformed into statistical or aggregate formats that do not allow the identification of the supplier; and (2) the names of organizations supplying such information. Repeals specified provisions of the National Science Foundation Authorization Act Fiscal Year 1978 which require financial or other conflict of interest disclosure statements by NSF officials and employees. Amends the National Science Foundation Authorization, 1976 to remove a limitation on the monetary amount and the duration of the grant included in the Alan T. Waterman Award. Provides that the Board will periodically establish the amounts and terms of such grants. Repeals provisions of the National Science Foundation Authorization Act, Fiscal Year 1978 which require establishment of a Resource Center for Science and Engineering at an educational institution enrolling a substantial number of minority and/or low-income students. Amends the National Science Foundation Act of 1950 and the National Science Foundation Authorization Act, 1976 the National Science Foundation Authorization and Science and Technology Equal Opportunities Act to revise provisions for NSF functions relating to engineering research and education. Replaces specified references to "technology" with references to "engineering." Directs NSF to design, establish, and maintain a data collection and analysis capability to identify and assess the research needs of universities. Requires documentation of the needs of universities, by major field of science and engineering, for construction and modernization of research laboratories, including fixed equipment and major research equipment. Requires collection and analysis of university expenditures for construction and modernization of research facilities, the sources of funds, and other appropriate data. Directs NSF, in conjunction with appropriate Federal agencies, to conduct the necessary surveys every two years and report the results to the Congress. Requires that the first report be submitted to the Congress by September 1, 1986.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1985
Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to provide to the Soviet Union, on a reimbursable basis, equipment and services for the improvement of the United States/Soviet Union Direct Communication Link for crisis control.
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 1985
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Authorization Act of 1985 - Title I: Authorizations of Appropriations - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 and 1987: (1) under the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966; and (2) for the bumper standards, automobile consumer information study, and odometer requirements provisions of the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation (the Secretary) to derive a specified maximum amount from unobligated highway safety program funds to implement a national program encouraging the use of safety belts and passive restraints (airbags) in passenger automobiles. Title II: Drunk Driving Incentive Grants - Amends the Surface Transportation Assistance Act of 1982 to authorize appropriations for FY 1987 to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to carry out highway safety programs. Authorizes appropriations out of the Highway Trust Fund to implement alcohol traffic safety programs for FY 1987. Title III: Directs the Secretary of Transportation to reopen certain rulemaking proceedings to implement the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish performance criteria for occupant protection in side impact under dynamic crash tests; and (2) apply the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard to light trucks, vans, and multipurpose passenger vehicles. Amends the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966 to require the Secretary to promulgate a Federal motor vehicle safety standard establishing passenger automobile crashworthiness rating and labeling requirements for such automobiles manufactured on or after September 1, 1986. Amends the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act to require the Secretary to require automobile dealers to make available to prospective purchasers data comparing the crashworthiness of passenger automobiles.
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 1985
Automobile Occupant Protection Improvement Act of 1985 - Amends the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966 to require passenger automobile manufacturers to install front seat airbags in each passenger automobile manufactured for the American domestic market. Sets deadlines by which such airbags must be installed. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to dissemminate information to the public about the performance and benefits of airbags.
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 1985
Bumper Improvement Act of 1985 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to amend a certain bumper standard to ensure that it is identical to the bumper standard in effect on January 1, 1982. Declares that the Secretary is not prohibited from imposing a stricter standard than the standard to be restored.
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 1985
Authorizes the President, on behalf of the Congress, to present gold medals to Jan Scruggs, Robert Doubek, and Jack Wheeler in recognition of their efforts to give the Vietnam Veterans Memorial to the Nation. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to provide for the sale of bronze duplicates of the medal.
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 1985
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit U.S. businesses with operations in foreign countries to treat all of their domestic research and experimental expenditures as deductions against U.S. source income. (Current IRS regulations require the allocation of a portion of such expenses against foreign source income.)
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 1985
Federal Railroad Safety Authorization Act of 1985 - Amends the Federal Railroad Safety Act of 1970 to authorize appropriations for FY 1986 and 1987. Confers jurisdiction upon district courts to issue orders requiring immediate compliance with a subpoena or directive issued by the Secretary of Transportation against an entity which is located or doing business within such district court's jurisdiction.
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 · 2 April 1985
Patient and Program Protection Act for Medicare and Medicaid - 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 under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act any individual or entity: (1) convicted of a criminal offense related to the delivery of items or services 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; (2) convicted of a criminal offense, in connection with the delivery of health items or services, relating to fraud or theft, or neglect or abuse of patients; (3) convicted of obstructing any investigation into any offense described above; (4) convicted of unlawfully distributing or prescribing a controlled substance; (5) knowingly and willfully making any false statement in an application for payment under Medicare or a State health care program; or (6) committing certain other prohibited activities. Authorizes the Secretary to exclude from Medicare participation any individual or entity: (1) whose health care license has been suspended or revoked; (2) suspended or excluded from participation in a Federal or State health care program; (3) submitting false claims under Medicare or a State health care program; (4) where ownership or controlling interest in that entity or a managing employee of that entity is a person who has been convicted of specified health care related crimes, fined for specified health care abuses, or excluded from participation in Medicare or a State health care program; or (5) which fails to supply certain information. Entitles any individual or entity excluded from participation to a hearing. Directs the Secretary to promptly notify each appropriate State agency administering or supervising the administration of a State health care program of the fact and circumstances of each exclusion. Requires a State to exclude under its programs those individuals or entities excluded by the Secretary, but permits waivers if requested of and approved by the Secretary. Permits an excluded individual or entity to apply, following the period of exclusion, to the Secretary for reinstatement. Sets forth provisions providing for civil and criminal penalties for acts involving Medicare or State health care programs abuses. 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 programs protection provisions of part A of title XI. 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. Revises disclosure requirements under part A of title XI. Revises Medicare provisions concerning agreements with providers. Sets forth effective date provisions. Amends the Controlled Substances Act and part A (General Provisions) of title XI to authorize the Attorney General to suspend or revoke a registration to manufacture, distribute, or dispense a controlled substance upon a finding that the registrant has been excluded from participation under the Medicare program.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1985
Youth Employment Opportunity Wage Act of 1985 - Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to authorize employers to pay employees under 20 years of age 75 percent of the minimum wage rate between May and September of each year. Exempts such employees from special certificate requirements. Restricts such authorization to: (1) hours worked by eligible employees in compliance with applicable child labor laws; and (2) youth employed after May 1 of each year. Prohibits the removal of employees ineligible for the subminimum wage rate in order to replace them with employees who are eligible. Makes technical and conforming amendments to the Job Training Partnership Act. Directs the Secretary of Labor to monitor the implementation of this Act and to report to the Congress concerning the employment effects of this Act. Terminates such minimum wage rate exception after September 30, 1987.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1985
National Bureau of Standards Authorization Act for FY 1986 - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 to the Secretary of Commerce for the following activities performed by the National Bureau of Standards (the Bureau): (1) measurement research and standards; (2) materials science and engineering; (3) engineering measurements and standards; (4) computer science and technology; (5) Center for Fire Research; (6) technical competence fund; and (7) central technical support. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 to the Secretary for the activities of the Office of Productivity, Technology and Innovation. Amends Federal law relating to the National Technical Information Service (the Service) to authorize the Secretary to: (1) make scientific, technical, and engineering information available through the Service without regard to specified Federal requirements that Government printing and binding be done at the Government Printing Office; and (2) acquire capital equipment and inventories from receipts for work or services performed or to be performed by the Service. Authorizes additional appropriations for FY 1986 to the Secretary for: (1) the Service's patent licensing activities; (2) the Bureau's expenses incurred outside the United States (to be paid for in excess foreign currency); and (3) adjustments in salary, pay, retirement, and other employee benefits. Provides that appropriations made under the authority provided in this Act shall remain available for periods specified in the Acts making such appropriations. Requires that sufficient income from the Working Capital Fund remain outside the general fund of the Treasury to ensure the availability of working capital necessary to replace equipment and inventories of the Bureau. Requires that fees for specified services provided by the Bureau be at least sufficient to meet these and specified other capital requirements. Provides that the Director of the Bureau shall be compensated at the rate for level IV of the Executive Schedule. Authorizes the Bureau, on its own initiative but only after consultation with local authorities, to investigate structural failures in structures used or occupied by the general public. Prohibits any part of any report resulting from such investigation from being admitted as evidence or used in any suit or action for damages arising out of any matter mentioned in such report.
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 · 28 March 1985
Authorizes use of the U.S. Capitol rotunda on April 18, 1985, during a specified time, for a ceremony as part of the commemoration of the days of remembrance of victims of the Holocaust.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1985
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the Export-Import Bank of the United States shall continue to provide preliminary and advance commitments for loans which may require approval on or after October 1, 1985, unless and until the Congress directs the Bank to alter its programs.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1985
Authorizes the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, from March 1, 1985, through February 28, 1986, to: (1) make expenditures from the contingent fund; (2) employ personnel; (3) utilize, on a reimbursable basis, the services of department or agency personnel; (4) procure consultant services; and (5) train professional staff.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1985
Agricultural Trade Amendment Act of 1985 - Amends the Commodity Credit Corporation Act to provide that agricultural exports, except for those under the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954 (P.L. 480), shall not be subject to cargo preference requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1985
Designates the week beginning September 8, 1985, as National Osteopathic Medicine Week.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1985
Designates March 21, 1985, as Afghanistan Day. Condemns the Soviet Union for the attempted subjugation of Afghanistan. Calls upon the Soviet Union to commit itself to a negotiated political settlement for Afghanistan.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1985
Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to provide for the revocation of "country under the agreement" status if any country having an agreement with the United States on subsidies and countervailing measures, or an equivalent obligation, either: (1) announces that it does not intend or is not able to honor its obligations with the United States; or (2) does not honor such obligations.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1985
Prohibits any change in the standard Federal regional or subregional office structure or policy as established by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) circular A-105 of April 4, 1974, except by Act of Congress. Allows combinations of standard Federal regions approved pursuant to such circular before January 1, 1984, to be continued without specific approval by Act of Congress. Requires the Director of OMB to wait at least 90 days after notifying the Congress of an agency's request for approval of certain regional or subregional organization plans before approving such a plan.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1985
Civilian Agency Multiyear Contracting Act of 1985 - Amends the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 to authorize a Federal agency to enter into a multiyear contract (not exceeding five years) for the purchase of property or services if: (1) adequate appropriations are available to make contract payments for the first year; (2) there is a reasonable expectation that the agency will request adequate funding for the contract period; (3) the contract will serve the Government's best interests by reducing costs, promoting economies in performance, improving contractor performance, and encouraging competition; (4) the minimum need and specifications for such services or property will remain stable; and (5) the contract will not inhibit small business participation. Allows such a contract to provide that performance during the second or any subsequent year is contingent on the appropriation of funds for that year and that a cancellation charge shall be paid to the contractor if performance is cancelled. Requires cancellation of contract performance or termination of the contract if no appropriations are available for the contract during the second or subsequent year of the contract term.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1985
Prohibits the cargo preference laws from applying to export activities of the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) or the Department of Agriculture under which: (1) stocks of farm commodities or the products thereof acquired by the CCC are made available to U.S. exporters, users, or foreign purchasers for the maintenance or expansion of commercial export markets for U.S. farm commodities; (2) commercial credit guarantees are blended with direct interest-free credits from the CCC to reduce the interest rate on export sales of U.S. farm commodities; or (3) the CCC or the Department of Agriculture promotes commercial exports of U.S. farm commodities. Exempts from such prohibition export activity undertaken to fulfill an agreement entered into before enactment of this Act.