United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1985
Federal Communications Commission Network Acquisition Approval Act of 1985 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require the Federal Communications Commission to take specified actions before granting any application proposing the acquisition of ownership or control of a television network whose board of directors has not approved the acquisition. Directs the Commission to require the applicant to file specified information, including: (1) the identities, managerial expertise, and financial resources of the persons involved in the acquisition; (2) the sources of funds and the details of financial arrangements involved in the acquisition, as well as any plan to liquidate assets; (3) any reduction in service to any community that would result from the acquisition; and (4) the reasons that the acquisition would benefit the public interest, convenience, and necessity. Directs the Commission to: (1) issue a public notice indicating that such information is available for public inspection; (2) allow a party 30 days after such notice is issued to file a petition to deny the application; and (3) conduct a full evidentiary hearing on such application.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1985
Coast Guard User Fee Authorization Act of 1985 - Authorizes the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to establish a system of fees to be charged to users of Coast Guard services. Prohibits the operating expenses of certain specified Coast Guard programs, including waterways management, from being recovered through such user fees. Outlines factors to be considered by the Secretary in establishing such user fees. Outlines those users of Coast Guard services from whom the Secretary may collect such fees, including owners and operators of vessels or recreational boats, licensees of the Coast Guard, and manufacturers of boating equipment and materials. Requires annual verification by the Secretary that the amounts spent on Coast Guard search and rescue activities are not less than the amounts collected annually for such purposes. Authorizes the Secretary to grant exemptions from such user fees. Provides that the collection of such fees does not alter the duties and liability of the United States in the performance of functions for which such fees are collected. Specifies civil penalties for various users of Coast Guard services who fail to pay the user fee. Requires such penalties to be assessed by the Secretary via written notice. Authorizes the Secretary to refer a penalty matter to the Attorney General for collection in appropriate cases. Authorizes the Secretary to deny entry to a port of the United States to a vessel if any required fees have not been paid.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 1985
Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to exempt from the naturalization English language requirement any person who: (1) is at least 65 years old; (2) has lived in the United States for at least five years; and (3) has made diligent efforts to learn English.
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 1985
Junk Bond Limitation Act of 1985 - Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act to prohibit an insured bank with a net worth of less than six percent from investing in noninvestment grade securities if the investment would be prohibited for a national bank. Amends the National Housing Act to prohibit an insured institution with a net worth of less than six percent from investing in noninvestment grade securities if such investment would be prohibited for a Federal savings and loan association. Amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to apply margin requirements to noninvestment grade securities. Declares that it shall be unlawful to extend or obtain credit to purchase or carry margin securities in the context of a tender offer, or a request or invitation for tender, other than in compliance with Federal Reserve System rules. Provides for the civil enforcement of such provisions by the Securities and Exchange Commission or an aggrieved individual.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 1985
Natural Gas Utilization Act of 1985 - Amends the Powerplant and Industrial Fuel Use Act of 1978 to repeal: (1) prohibitions on the use of natural gas and petroleum as a primary energy source in new electric powerplants and new major fuel-burning installations; (2) the prohibition on the construction of new powerplants without alternate fuel capability; (3) the authority of the Secretary of Energy to prohibit the use of natural gas in certain boilers; (4) the prohibition on the use of natural gas for decorative outdoor lighting; and (5) the authority of the Secretary to restrict increased uses of petroleum by existing powerplants. Makes conforming amendments. Repeals the incremental pricing provisions of the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 1985
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend the targeted jobs income tax credit for five years from 1985 to 1990. Includes as members of a targeted group handicapped individuals who are eligible to receive rehabilitative services. (Present law limits such group to handicapped individuals who have completed rehabilitative services.) Increases the eligibility period for supplemental security income (SSI) recipients and general assistance recipients to be included as members of a targeted group.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 1985
Foreign Motor Carrier Registration Act of 1985 - Amends the Motor Carrier Safety Act of 1984 to exempt commercial motor vehicles owned or operated by foreign carriers providing interstate transportation of property from Federal regulations regarding: (1) certain Federal safety standards; (2) safety equipment inspection; and (3) safety fitness certification. Requires the Secretary of Transportation to issue regulations regarding the safety roadworthiness of commercial motor vehicles owned or operated by foreign motor carriers and foreign motor private carriers providing interstate transportation of property (trucks). Requires such standards to differentiate among various categories of commercial motor vehicles and among various cross-border entry levels. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 for the Department of Transportation and the Interstate Commerce Commission (the Commission) to investigate the safety roadworthiness of such vehicles. States that foreign motor carriers and foreign motor private carriers providing interstate transportation of property shall be subject only to the safety roadworthiness rules adopted under this Act. Declares that commercial motor vehicles owned or operated by a foreign motor carrier or foreign motor private carrier providing interstate transportation of property may be required to pass safety roadworthiness inspections if the Department of Transportation and the Commission deem such an inspection to be in the national interest. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish procedures to determine safety roadworthiness. Directs the Commission to find an applicant unfit to operate under a foreign motor carrier registration certificate if the applicant does not meet the safety roadworthiness requirements. Prohibits a foreign motor private carrier from providing interstate transportation of property without an appropriate certificate of registration. States that the requirement that certificated foreign carriers be fit, willing, and able means safety roadworthiness and proof of minimum financial responsibility. Declares that the procedures to require proof of minimum financial responsibility shall differentiate among various categories of commercial vehicles and among various cross-border entry levels. Denies entry into the United States to any commercial motor vehicle providing transportation under a certificate of foreign motor carrier registration if a copy of such certificate is not in the vehicle. Requires the Commission to issue certificates of foreign motor carrier registration during a certain moratorium period only for the purpose of transporting property in a designated United States port adjacent to the foreign country in which the motor carrier or its owners are domiciled.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1985
Improved Standards for Laboratory Animals Act - Amends the Animal Welfare Act to revise the humane standards for animals transported in commerce. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to promulgate standards to govern the humane handling, care, treatment, and transportation of animals by dealers, research facilities, and exhibitors. Requires each research facility to establish an institutional animal committee with sufficient expertise to assess the appropriateness of animal care and treatment in experimental research. Requires the committee at each facility to: (1) inspect at least semiannually all animal study areas and animal facilities at the research facility; (2) file an inspection certification report of each inspection at the research facility; (3) notify the administrative representative of the research facility of any deficiencies; and (4) notify the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service and the funding Federal agency if such deficiencies remain uncorrected. Requires each research facility to provide for annual training in the humane treatment of animals for scientists, animal technicians, and other personnel involved with animal care and treatment in such facility. Directs the Secretary to establish an information service at the National Agricultural Library to provide information on improved methods of animal experimentation, including: (1) employee training; (2) preventing unnecessary duplication of animal experimentation; (3) reducing or replacing animal use; and (4) minimizing pain and distress. Requires a funding Federal agency to suspend or revoke Federal Support for a project if it is determined that conditions of animal care, treatment, or practice in a particular project have not been in compliance with standards promulgated under this Act. Requires the Secretary to inspect each research facility at least once each year. Requires such follow-up inspections as may be necessary until all deficiencies which may be found are corrected. Imposes penalties for the release of any confidential information or trade secrets by any member of an Institutional Animal Committee. Increases penalties for violations of the Animal Welfare Act.
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 · 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 · 23 May 1985
International Air Transportation Protection Act of 1985 - Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to direct the Secretary of Transportation to revoke an air carrier's international air transportation certificate if the Secretary establishes that a hostile takeover of such air carrier has occurred, and that a sale or transfer of such certificate has occurred (or been attempted) as part of the liquidation of such air carrier (other than in the ordinary course of business). States that the Secretary is not precluded from issuing any certificate for international air transportation if the Secretary finds the applicant is willing and able to provide such transportation and such transportation is consistent with public convenience and necessity.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1985
Authorizes the Secretary of Education to provide financial assistance to North Carolina State University in Raleigh, North Carolina, for the endowment of the Sam J. Ervin, Jr., Program in Public Affairs (which is an endowment for a fellowship program, public service research, and a distinguished speaker series). Authorizes appropriations.
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
Reenacts and amends the Equal Access to Justice Act to declare 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 fees and expenses. 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 or 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 OASDI benefit actions shall not apply with respect to the award of legal expenses to the prevailing party. Repeals the termination dates of the Equal Access to Justice Act. Authorizes awards for fees and expenses in incurred before October 1, 1981, in an adversary adjudication commenced on or after such date.
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 · 30 April 1985
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should: (1) ensure that U.S. officials carry out the pledge to resolve the issue of the Americans still missing and unaccounted for in Indochina; (2) work for the immediate release of any Americans still held captive and the return of the remains of those who died in Southeast Asia; and (3) make every effort to secure the further cooperation of Laos and Vietnam in resolving this issue.
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 · 26 April 1985
Continental Scientific Drilling and Exploration Act - Directs the Secretary of Energy, the Secretary of the Interior through the the United States Geological Survey, and the Director of the National Science Foundation to implement the policies of the proposed Continental Scientific Drilling Program of the United States relating to earth science research and technological development. Prescribes guidelines for such implementation, including: (1) taking action to assure an effective cooperative effort in furtherance of the Program; (2) taking administrative and financial measures to assure the effective functioning of the Interagency Accord on Continental Scientific Drilling; (3) assuring the continuing operation of the Interagency Coordinating Group; and (4) assuring that the Interagency Coordinating Group receives appropriate Federal agency cooperation. Requires a report to the Congress within 180 days of enactment which describes: (1) policy objectives; (2) projected schedules of scientific and engineering events that would advance Program objectives; (3) resources and funding levels needed for projected schedules of events and Program policy objectives; and (4) cooperation with the international community.
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 · 25 April 1985
Uranium Mill Tailings Reclamation Act of 1985 - Directs the Secretary of Energy (the Secretary) to perform specified remedial actions and long-term maintenance and monitoring at active thorium and uranium processing sites. Authorizes the Secretary to designate either the State in which such sites are located, or the owners or licensees of such sites, to perform the remedial actions, monitoring, and maintenance. Sets applicable standards for such remedial action. Requires the consent of the owner of any such site before remedial actions may commence, unless the Secretary determines that a permanent cessation of operations leading to the production of byproduct material has occurred. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into a contract for remedial action with the owner or licensee of an active site. Requires any license pertaining to byproduct material (and any ownership of such byproduct material) to be transferred to the Secretary when remedial actions begin. Provides that the costs for remedial action and long-term maintenance and monitoring performed by the Secretary shall be paid from the Uranium Mill Tailings Fund established by this Act. Authorizes owners or licensees of an active site initially licensed after the effective date of this Act to perform remedial actions. Prescribes guidelines under which the Secretary shall reimburse the licensee (or property owner of record) the costs of remedial action performed at sites active on January 1, 1978. Grants the Secretary contract authority to undertake remedial action for uranium and thorium mills initially licensed after the effective date of this Act. Requires each contracting owner or licensee to reimburse the Tailings Fund for all reasonable costs associated with the remedial actions performed by the Secretary. Requires contracts entered into after the effective date of this Act for the purchase or sale or uranium or thorium to include remedial action funding provisions for costs attributable to uranium and thorium processing activities. Establishes the Uranium Mill Tailings Fund (the Fund) in the Treasury to be used by the Secretary of Energy for expenditures in connection with remedial actions and long-term maintenance and monitoring of uranium and thorium processing activities. Prescribes guidelines for the administration of the Fund by the Secretary of the Treasury. Requires: (1) the Secretary of the Treasury to report annually to the Congress on the Fund's financial condition; and (2) the Secretary of Energy to submit the budget of the Fund to the Office of Managment and Budget annually along with the budget of the Department of Energy. Apportions responsibility for remedial action costs associated with uranium and thorium processing activities undertaken by the Secretary before the effective date of this Act among: (1) the owners or licensees of relevant active sites; (2) the Federal Government; and (3) persons using source material or special nuclear material for a civilian nuclear power reactor to generate electrical energy. Prescribes a cost-calculation formula. Requires the Federal Government to pay into the Fund 30 percent of remedial action costs associated with the extraction of uranium and thorium for use primarily in U.S. defense programs. Sets forth a fee schedule for persons using source or special nuclear material for a civilian nuclear power reactor to generate electricity. Directs the Secretary to propose to the Congress adjustments of the fee schedule if the Secretary determines that such adjustment is necessary to recover Federal costs incurred for active site remedial actions. Prohibits the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (the Commission) from issuing or renewing a license to any person to use a utilization or production facility (or to use special nuclear material at such facility) unless such person has agreed with the Secretary on the apportionment of remedial action costs. Authorizes the Commission to condition issuance of such license upon an applicant's agreement with the Secretary for the disposal of byproduct material. Limits the financial obligation of active site owners and of persons using source material (or special nuclear material for a civilian nuclear power reactor to generate electricity) to the fee apportionment formula promulgated under this Act. Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to make technical and conforming changes. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 23 April 1985
Protection and Advocacy for Mentally Ill Persons Act of 1985 - Expresses the sense of the Congress that each State should review and revise its law to ensure that mental health patients receive the protection and services they require. Declares that States should consider the recommendations of the President's Commission on Mental Health in making such revisions. Sets forth a bill of rights for mental health patients which includes the right to: (1) appropriate treatment; (2) an individualized treatment plan; (3) freedom from restraint or seclusion; (4) confidentiality of and access to records; and (5) privacy. Declares that a patient's attorney or legal representative shall have access to: (1) the patient; (2) the facility; and (3) subject to the patient's written authorization, the records. Permits States to apply for an allotment to establish a system to protect the rights of the mentally ill. Requires such a system to include the establishment of an advisory board to advocate the rights of the mentally ill. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to prescribe a formula for making such allotments. Directs the Secretary to report on the activities, accomplishments, and expenditures of such systems. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 and 1987. Repeals title V (Mental Health Rights and Advocacy) of the Mental Health Systems Act.
United States · United States Congress · 23 April 1985
Securities, Safety, and Soundness Act of 1985 - Amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to prohibit any person from acquiring certain equity securities between April 23 and December 31, 1985, if: (1) such person would then be entitled to cast 15 percent or more of the securities holders' votes in an election of directors of the issuer; (2) such acquisition is disapproved by a majority of those members of the issuer's board of directors who are not issuer officers or employees; and (3) 20 percent or more of the acquisition is financed by the issuance of takeover securities the proceeds from which exceed $25,000,000. Defines "takeover securities" as certain low-rated or unrated bonds or preferred stock, other debt instruments subordinated in right of payment to the payment of any substantial amount of unsecured indebtedness, or equity or quasi-equity instruments other than common or preferred stock. Prohibits any insured bank or institution from purchasing non-investment grade securities. Directs the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and the Federal Savings and Loan Insurance Corporation to prevent insured institutions from carrying non-investment grade securities as loans.
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1985
Amends the Tariff Schedules of the United States to add Afghanistan to the list of communist countries the imports from which are subject to the column two rate of duty. Prohibits granting nondiscriminatory (most-favored-nation) treatment to the products of Afghanistan. Prohibits entering into a commercial agreement with Afghanistan pursuant to the Trade Act of 1974. Prohibits Afghanistan from participating in any program under which the United States extends credit, credit guarantees, or investment guarantees.
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 · 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 · 1 April 1985
Authorizes the Senate Committee on the Budget, 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; and (4) procure consultant services.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1985
Urges the Secretary of the Treasury to instruct the Executive Director of the International Monetary Fund to work for the abolition of the Compensatory Financing Facility.
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
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.
![Official portrait of Sen. Domenici, Pete V. [R-NM]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/d000407_200.jpg)