United States · United States Congress · 19 December 1985
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the effective date of any fundamental tax reform legislation should generally be January 1, 1987, while recognizing that appropriate transition rules may be necessary to avoid unintended adverse effects and recognizing further that retroactive effective dates may be necessary to extend certain provisions which expire before January 1, 1987.
United States · United States Congress · 18 December 1985
Amends the copyright law to prohibit a copyright holder from conveying the right to publicly perform an audiovisual work on non-network commercial television without simultaneously conveying the right to perform in synchronization any copyrighted music which accompanies such work.
United States · United States Congress · 18 December 1985
Authorizes the President to provide military assistance to the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA). Authorizes appropriations for such purpose for FY 1986.
United States · United States Congress · 18 December 1985
Expresses the sense of the Senate that under the Constitution any right, title, or interest of the United States in any territory, outer continental shelf, exclusive economic zone, or fishery conservation zone, including the islands of Wrangell, Herald, Bennett, Henrietta, and Jeannette, may only be transferred to another country by treaty and enactment of the Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 13 December 1985
International Terrorism Deterrence Act of 1985 - Directs the Secretary of State to: (1) identify and publish the name of each foreign state that provides support for acts of international terrorism; and (2) publish any determination that such a foreign state has ceased providing support for acts of international terrorism. Requires the Secretary to report annually to the Congress the names of each foreign state identified as supporting international terrorism. Sets forth sanctions that the President shall impose on such countries. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should negotiate with U.S. allies an agreement to impose against a country identified as supporting international terrorism sanctions that are similar to the sanctions imposed by the United States. Authorizes the President to waive such sanctions if the President determines that such a waiver is in the national economic interest of the United States. Establishes within the Treasury an Anti-Terrorism Trust Fund. Provides for funding the Trust Fund. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to report annually to congressional committees on the Trust Fund. Authorizes the President to consider any act of terrorism against a U.S. citizen, U.S. property, or U.S. interests to be an unusual and extraordinary threat against the U.S. national security, foreign policy, or economy within the meaning of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.
United States · United States Congress · 13 December 1985
Military Installation Security and Antiterrorism Act of 1985 - Amends Federal defense procurement provisions to require that each defense contract which is to be performed on a military installation shall include a provision which prohibits contractor personnel from performing such contract until: (1) a criminal history check has been made on such personnel; and (2) the Secretary concerned has reviewed such information. Directs the head of a Federal criminal justice agency to make such information available: (1) upon request of the Secretary concerned or the head of another Federal department or agency; and (2) after written consent from the person concerned. Prohibits the Secretary concerned or the head of any other Federal department or agency from requesting a criminal history record on any person unless such Secretary or department or agency head has first obtained the person's written consent for the release of such information.
United States · United States Congress · 13 December 1985
Proclaims October 23, 1986, 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 · 6 December 1985
Establishes a Senate Special Panel on Asylum to conduct a study of the general problems of persons from Communist countries seeking asylum in the United States. Requires a final report to the Senate within one year. Sets forth a specified limit on the expenses that such Panel may incur.
United States · United States Congress · 2 December 1985
Amends Federal bankruptcy provisions to prevent the discharge of any order, rule, or determination made pursuant to a State administrative process for obtaining and enforcing child or spousal support orders.
United States · United States Congress · 21 November 1985
Equity and Choice Act of 1985 - Amends chapter 1 (Financial Assistance to Meet the Special Educational Needs of Disadvantaged Children) of the Educational Consolidation and Improvement Act of 1981 (ECIA) (hereinafter referred to as Chapter 1) to add provisions for educational vouchers. Requires each local educational agency (LEA) to provide an educational voucher, upon parental request, to the parents of each educationally deprived child selected to participate in the LEA's Chapter 1 program. Requires each LEA to: (1) provide written notice to such parents of the options available to them under Chapter 1, including their right to obtain an educational voucher for their child; (2) afford such parents a reasonable period of time to request such vouchers; and (3) convene an annual public meeting to discuss the availability and authorized uses of such vouchers, and invite parents of all eligible children and representatives of private eligible educational institutions to such meeting. Sets forth authorized uses of such vouchers. Allows such vouchers to be used as payment toward tuition and/or to obtain compensatory services at: (1) a public school outside the child's school attendance area (if the LEA permits this); (2) a public school outside the child's district; or (3) private school. Sets forth formulas for determining the amount of such a voucher. Requires each LEA to provide regular Chapter 1 programs and projects for eligible public and private school children whose parents do not request educational vouchers from that LEA. Sets forth requirements for LEA applications for Chapter 1 assistance. Declares that such voucher payments to a private school or a public school outside the child's school district shall not constitute Federal financial assistance to the private school or that public school. Declares that the use of such funds by such private or public schools shall not constitute a program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance. Provides that such voucher payments to parents shall not be subject to Federal, State, or local income taxes. Requires that any private school eligible for such voucher payments include a statement that it does not discriminate against student applicants or students on the basis of race in any published bylaws, advertisements, admission application forms, or other published materials. Makes inapplicable to such voucher programs specified Chapter 1 provisions relating to authorized program design and description and application approval and assurances. Allows each LEA to use Chapter 1 funds to provide for transportation, on an equitable basis, to eligible children whose parents obtain vouchers and enroll such children at public schools outside their school attendance area or school district or at private schools. Makes such use of funds an administrative cost of carrying out Chapter 1 programs and projects. Sets forth provisions relating to nondiscrimination by private schools in such voucher program. Prohibits voucher payments with respect to any private school if there is in effect a judgment by a U.S. district court declaring that such school follows a racially discriminatory policy, or if a U.S. court of appeals has ordered the district court to enter such a judgment. Requires each private school, before receiving voucher payments, to file with the LEA a verified statement: (1) declaring that such school has not followed a racially discriminatory policy during the previous 12 months; (2) indicating whether such a declaratory judgment or order has been entered against the school in an action brought under this Act; and (3) attesting that the school has complied with the requirement to include a statement of nondiscrimination in its published materials. Grants the Attorney General exclusive jurisdiction to investigate and determine whether a private school is following a racially discriminatory policy. Defines "racially discriminatory policy" for purposes of this Act. Declares that a racially discriminatory policy shall not include failure of any institution to pursue or achieve any racial quota, proportion, or representation in the student body. Defines "race" to include color or national origin. Authorizes the Attorney General to have sole discretion to seek a declaratory judgment against any private school upon: (1) receipt within the previous one-year period of any allegation of discrimination against such institution; and (2) a finding of good cause by the Attorney General. Authorizes the U.S. district court for the district in which the private school is located to make a declaration with respect to whether such institution follows a racially discriminatory policy, upon the filing of an appropriate pleading by the Attorney General. Sets forth procedures with respect to such allegations, pleadings, and declarations. Authorizes the Attorney General to have sole discretion to enter into settlement agreements prior to and in lieu of filing such actions. Authorizes the court to award costs and reasonable attorneys' fees to any private school which prevails in such actions unless the court determines that the Attorney General was substantially justified. Provides for post-judgment motions for declarations that a school no longer follows a radically discriminatory policy. Sets forth technical and conforming amendments to ECIA and to specified provisions of Federal law relating to the creation of the declaratory judgment remedy.
United States · United States Congress · 1 November 1985
Suspends most-favored-nation treatment for Romania for six months. Directs the President, before the end of such six months, to: (1) assess the status of civil liberties and human rights in Romania; and (2) recommend to the Congress whether to extend the suspension of nondiscriminatory treatment to Romania.
United States · United States Congress · 29 October 1985
Fair Furniture Trade Act of 1985 - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to authorize the President to enter into a trade agreement with Canada which provides for changes in the Canadian tariff treatment for U.S. furniture products. Requires such agreement to provide for the elimination of: (1) differing tariff levels on furniture trade between the United States and Canada; and (2) any Canadian nontariff barrier to U.S. furniture products. Sets forth factors the President shall consider in negotiating such agreement. Provides for staged increases in the tariff on imports of Canadian furniture until such a trade agreement is implemented. Directs the President to consult with specified congressional and other committees in negotiating such agreement. Directs the President to proclaim the necessary changes in the Tariff Schedules of the United States in order to implement such a trade agreement.
United States · United States Congress · 21 October 1985
Unclaimed Property Act of 1985 - Directs the Comptroller General to examine Federal agency records annually for unclaimed property. Requires agencies to transfer all unclaimed property to the Administrator of General Services for disposition. Directs the Comptroller General to report annually, beginning June 30, 1987, to an authorized State officer (upon the request of such officer) all relevant information concerning unclaimed property in which the State may be interested if: (1) such State certifies that it is a lawful custodian and entitled to the unclaimed property; and (2) the Comptroller General is satisfied that the United States is protected against any claim if the State escheats or acquires lawful custody of such property. Sets forth procedures for the recovery of unclaimed property by States. Authorizes appropriations as necessary to the Comptroller General and the General Services Administration to carry out this Act. Makes conforming amendments to the Federal Property and Administration Services Act of 1949 and certain provisions of military law concerning the disposition of unclaimed property.
United States · United States Congress · 21 October 1985
Awards a congressional gold medal posthumously to Leon Klinghoffer to show the Congress' admiration for the bravery he displayed while kidnapped by terrorists. Authorizes the President to present the gold medal to his widow, Marilyn Klinghoffer. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 18 October 1985
Amends the Hobbs Act to redefine "extortion" to mean obtaining property from another with consent by use of actual or threatened force, violence or fear thereof, or wrongful use of fear not involving force or violence, or under color of official right. Expresses congressional intent not to: (1) exclude Federal jurisdiction on the ground that conduct involving force, violance, or fear thereof takes place in the course of a legitimate business or labor dispute, or on the ground that the conduct violates State or local law; or (2) chill legitimate labor activity by authorizing Federal prosecution for offenses occurring during a labor dispute not involving extortion.. Makes it a bar to a prosecution under this Act that the defendant's conduct: (1) was incidental to peaceful picketing in the course of a legitimate labor dispute; (2) consisted solely of minor bodily injury or property damage; or (3) was not intended to extort property.
United States · United States Congress · 4 October 1985
Directs the Secretary of Commerce to adjust census figures as necessary so that illegal aliens shall not be counted for purposes of the apportionment of Representatives in the Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 1985
Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 - Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to eliminate the second concurrent resolution on the budget and thus provide for the annual adoption of a single concurrent resolution on the budget (budget resolution). Sets forth maximum Federal budget deficit amounts for each of fiscal years 1986 through 1990 providing for the incremental reduction of the deficit to zero by 1990. Prohibits either House of Congress from considering or adopting a budget resolution or a revision thereof providing for budget outlays exceeding revenues by more than the prescribed maximum deficit amount. Requires the Congress to complete action on any reconciliation bill or resolution to: (1) an original budget resolution by June 15 of each year; or (2) a revised budget resolution within 30 days after the revision is adopted. Provides that no amendment that would increase specific budget outlays or reduce specific revenues set forth in a budget resolution or reconciliation bill as reported shall be in order in the House or the Senate, unless such amendment provides for offsetting adjustments in other outlays and revenues to ensure that total outlays are not increased and total revenues are not reduced. Requires each Senate and House committee to report its subdivisions of allocated budget outlays and new budget authority within ten legislative days after the budget resolution is agreed to. Makes it out of order for the House or the Senate, after the Congress has completed action on the budget resolution for a fiscal year, to consider legislation that, if enacted, would: (1) provide for or require budget outlays or new budget authority in excess of the appropriate committee allocation reported in connection with such resolution, unless the legislation is favorably reported by the Committee on Appropriations of the House involved with a certification that the appropriate committee will take actions necessary to assure that enactment of such legislation will not result in a deficit exceeding the maximum deficit amount applicable; or (2) provide for new budget authority or spending authority or reduce revenues so that the resulting deficit would exceed the maximum deficit amount applicable. Requires the conference report on any legislation providing new budget authority or new or increased tax expenditures to disclose the information required to be disclosed in committee reports on such legislation. Requires the Federal budget transmitted to the Congress by the President each year, and revisions thereof, to set forth levels of outlays and revenues resulting in a deficit not in excess of the applicable maximum deficit amount. Permits the President to transmit alternative budgets satisfying such requirement. Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget and the Director of the Congressional Budget Office: (1) to estimate the levels of total revenues and budget levels for each fiscal year; (2) to estimate the rate of real economic growth during that year; (3) to determine whether the deficit for such year will exceed the applicable maximum deficit amount and whether such excess is statistically significant; and (4) if either Director determines that the maximum deficit amount will be exceeded, to submit a report to the President and the Congress specifying the amount of such excess, whether it is statistically significant, the estimated rate of real economic growth for that year, and the percentages by which automatic spending increases and relatively controllable expenditures shall be reduced during such year in order to eliminate such excess. Requires the President, upon receiving such a report, to: (1) issue an order that eliminates one-half of such excess by suspending or uniformly reducing (not below zero) automatic spending increases under Federal law for such year and the other half by sequestering such amounts of budget authority as are necessary to reduce each relatively controllable expenditure by a uniform percentage; and (2) send a message to both Houses of Congress identifying the total amount and percentage by which automatic spending increases are to be reduced, the total amount of budget authority to be sequestered, the amount of budget authority to be sequestered for each relatively controllable expenditure, and the account, department, establishment, project, or function affected by the cut in budget authority. (Authorizes the President to issue such an order if the reported excess is not statistically significant.) Directs the President to issue such order: (1) within 14 days after receiving such report if the estimate for real economic growth for the fiscal year is zero or greater; or (2) within 30 days if the estimate for real economic growth is less than zero. Authorizes the President, during such 30-day period, to submit to the Congress a joint resolution to: (1) reduce the deficit to an amount not exceeding the applicable maximum deficit amount; or (2) suspend the requirements of this Act for such fiscal year. Permits the President's message to the Congress to include alternative ways to reduce the deficit to an amount not exceeding the maximum deficit amount. Permits the Committee on the Budget of the House or the Senate, within ten days after the President has issued such an order, to report a joint resolution superseding such order. Makes it out of order for the House or the Senate to consider or agree to any such resolution which, if enacted, would cause the fiscal year deficit to exceed the maximum deficit amount. Sets forth House and Senate procedures for consideration of such a resolution. Waives specified provisions of this Act in any fiscal year for which a declaration of war has been enacted. Makes this Act applicable through FY 1990.
United States · United States Congress · 20 September 1985
Grand Jury Disclosure Amendments Act of 1985 - Amends the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure to permit the disclosure of grand jury materials to government attorneys and personnel for use in the performance of government duties for civil purposes without a court order. Permits personnel to whom disclosure of grand jury material has been made for criminal purposes to utilize that material to assist a government attorney in enforcing civil law matters. Allows the disclosure of grand jury matters otherwise prohibited when so directed by a court upon the showing of particularized need, preliminarily to or in connection with judicial proceedings. Allows the disclosure of grand jury matters, when permitted by a court at the request of a government attorney upon a showing that such matters may disclose a violation of State criminal law, to an appropriate official of a State or subdivision of a State for the purpose of enforcing such law.
United States · United States Congress · 20 September 1985
Federal Computer Systems Protection Act of 1985 - Amends the Federal criminal code to make it unlawful to knowingly obtain access or attempt to obtain access to a computer as part of a scheme to defraud or obtain money or property by false pretenses or to embezzle, steal, or convert the property of another if: (1) the computer is owned by, under contract to, or operated on behalf of the U.S. Government or a financial institution; or (2) if in committing or concealing the offense two or more computers are used which are located in different States or in a State and a foreign country. Makes it unlawful to knowingly and willfully without authorization damage, destroy, or attempt to damage or destroy such a computer or any computer programs or data contained in such a computer. Makes it a misdemeanor to intentionally without any authorization obtain access to such a computer. Provides that anyone who violates any provision of this Act shall forfeit to the United States any interest in any computer and computer program which has been used to commit the violation. Specifies that this Act does not prohibit any lawfully authorized investigative, protective, or intelligence activity of a State or Federal law enforcement agency, or of an intelligence agency of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 20 September 1985
Anti-fraud Criminal Enforcement Act of 1985 - Authorizes the Defense Contract Audit Agency of the Department of Defense to administer oaths and request by subpoena the production of all documents, reports, records, and other materials made or maintained by any contractor receiving over $100,000 in any one year pursuant to a contract or subcontract. Sets forth criminal sanctions against anyone who attempts to influence, obstruct, or impair with the intent to deceive or defraud a Federal auditor in the performance of official duties in relation to a contractor receiving over $100,000 from the United States in any one year period. Provides that the plant, employees, and books of a contractor or subcontractor furnishing goods, equipment, or services to an agency of the United States shall be subject at all times to inspection, interview, and audit by such agency. Allows the Attorney General to seek injunctive relief against any person believed to be engaged in a fraud or a conspiracy to defraud the United States. Authorizes a Federal court to require a defendant, upon conviction of a fraud or a conspiracy to defraud the United States, to pay the costs of investigation and prosecution. Disallows in a Government contract any costs incurred in the defense of any criminal or civil fraud investigation or litigation brought by the United States against a contractor. Provides that within three years after the expiration of the five-year statute of limitations, a prosecution for fraud or breach of a fiduciary obligation may still be brought against a Government contractor within one year after the facts relating to the offense became known to, or reasonably should have been known by, the Federal public servant responsible to act in such circumstances.
United States · United States Congress · 20 September 1985
Bribes and Gratuities Act of 1985 - Amends Federal law to allow the United States to terminate any contract, grant, or benefit of any person who has given a bribe or gratuity to an employee or official of an agency in order to obtain or influence the award of such grant, contract, or benefit. Authorizes the assessment, as exemplary damages, of an amount not less than three, but not more than ten, times the value of the bribe or gratuity.
United States · United States Congress · 20 September 1985
False Claims Act Amendments of 1985 - Amends the False Claims Act to increase the civil penalties for false claims. Provides that "knowing," for purposes of the prohibition concerning false claims, means that the defendant: (1) had actual knowledge; or (2) had constructive knowledge, in that the defendant acted in reckless disregard of the truth. Defines "claim" to include any request or demand whether under a contract or otherwise for money or property made to a contractor or grantee if the Government provides any portion of such money or property or if the Government will reimburse such contractor or grantee for any portion of such money or property. Allows the Attorney General to apply for provisional relief to any U.S. District Court having jurisdiction whenever there is reasonable cause to believe that a false claim has been made. Revises the statute of limitations for a false claims civil action to allow such an action to be brought within three years from when the material facts became known or should have become known to the official within the Department of Justice charged with the responsibility to act in the circumstances. Establishes as the burden of proof in civil false claim cases proof by a preponderance of the evidence. Provides that a final judgment rendered in favor of the United States in any criminal proceeding charging fraud or false statements shall prohibit the defendant from denying the essential elements of the offense in any civil action concerning false claims. Allows a civil action concerning false claims to be brought in the judicial district where the defendant (or, in the case of multiple defendants, where any one defendant) is found, resides, transacts business, or where the violation allegedly occurred. Provides that the U.S. Court of Claims shall also have jurisdiction of any such action if the action is asserted by way of counterclaim by the United States. Authorizes the Attorney General to conduct False Claims Act investigations for the purpose of ascertaining whether any person has been engaged in any violations of a False Claims Act law. Provides that prior to the institution of a civil proceeding the Attorney General may require any person who may be in possession or control of any documentary material or who may have information relevant to a False Claims investigation to produce such documentary material for inspection, to answer written interrogatories, or to give oral testimony. Authorizes the Attorney General to issue in writing and cause to be served upon a person a civil investigative demand requiring the production of such information. Sets forth standards and procedures for the issuance and service of a civil investigative demand. Sets forth standards and procedures for the uses of any information obtained through a civil investigation.
United States · United States Congress · 20 September 1985
Grants the U.S. Claims Court exclusive jurisdiction over claims relating to a Government contract, whether suit is brought before or after the contract is awarded. (Currently, the Court has jurisdiction over such suits brought before the contract is awarded.) Declares that the district courts shall not have jurisdiction to hear such claims.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 1985
Amends the Federal criminal code to provide that any person convicted of espionage shall forfeit to the United States any money or other property involved in or obtained as a result of such espionage activities. Provides that where such money or property is unavailable for forfeiture, the person convicted of such crime must forfeit property up to the value of the property gained from the espionage activity. Permits the courts to order the forfeiture of proceeds received or to be received from a contract relating to the depiction of such offense in a movie, book, newspaper, magazine, radio or television production, or live entertainment or presentation of any kind. Authorizes the Attorney General to pay a reward not to exceed $100,000 for information leading to the arrest or conviction of persons committing espionage, or leading to the prevention, frustration, or mitigation of the effect of an act of espionage. Disqualifies an officer or employee of the United States or of any State or local government while performing official duties from receiving such a reward.
United States · United States Congress · 13 September 1985
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide coverage for services performed by a physician assistant under the supervision of a physician.
United States · United States Congress · 11 September 1985
Amends the Indian Education Act Amendments of 1978 to define "eligible Indian student" as those children who are members of federally recognized tribes or who are at least one-fourth degree Indian blood. Allows children: (1) of Federal employees or tribal employees who reside on or near a Bureau of Indian Affairs' (Bureau) school to attend, pursuant to regulations prescribed by the Secretary of the Interior, such school without charge for tuition; and (2) who are not otherwise eligible under this Act, to attend a local Bureau school provided the local Indian school Board agrees to such attendance and the tuition fees charged are comparable to fees charged by the nearest public school district. Repeals specified sections of Federal law relating to tuition charges to white children in Indian schools.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1985
Low-Level Radioactive Waste Policy Amendments Act of 1985 - Amends the Low-Level Radioactive Waste Policy Act to confer responsibility upon: (1) each State for the disposal of specified low-level radioactive waste either by itself or in cooperation with other States; and (2) the Federal Government for ensuring the safe disposal of specified high-level and low-level radioactive waste materials. Directs the Secretary of Energy to submit to the Congress a comprehensive report regarding the safe disposal of certain radioactive waste. Authorizes the States to enter into regional compacts to establish and operate regional low-level radioactive waste disposal facilities. Declares such compacts and regional activities inapplicable to: (1) low-level radioactive waste activities generated by the Secretary; or (2) low-level radioactive waste disposal facilities operated exclusively for federally produced waste. Subjects low-level radioactive waste generated by the Federal Government to the same conditions as any such waste which is not generated by Federal activities. Requires each compact to provide that every five years the Congress may by law withdraw its consent. Requires each State in which a regional disposal facility is located to make disposal capacity available for low-level radioactive waste generated by certain commercial nuclear power reactors. Requires the States of South Carolina, Washington, and Nevada to enter into an agreement with each other to establish which disposal facility shall accept low-level radioactive waste from which generators of such waste. Sets limitations upon: (1) the availability of disposal capacity for low-level radioactive waste from specified sources; and (2) the allocations of disposal capacity for certain commercial nuclear power reactors. Sets requirements for access to regional disposal facilities by non-sited compact regions or by non-compact member States that do not have an operating regional disposal facility. Authorizes the suspension or denial of access to regional disposal facilities if such requirements are not met. Specifies disposal capacity allocations during a three-year licensing and construction period for low-level radioactive waste generators located within a non-sited compact region, or within a State that is not a member of a compact region. Sets guidelines for the assignment of disposal capacity allocations among eligible commercial nuclear power reactors. Directs the States of South Carolina, Washington, and Nevada to enter into an agreement with each other for the allocation of additional disposal capacity among commercial nuclear power reactors whose allocations have been inadequate for specified reasons. Sets forth guidelines under which low-level radioactive waste disposal limitations or requirements are suspended due to emergency conditions. Authorizes the State in which a regional disposal facility is located to impose a surcharge upon low-level radioactive waste disposal. Directs the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and each agreement State to ensure that low-level radioactive waste disposal facilities licensed by the Commission or agreement State are bonded or covered by other financial assurance for a safe and environmentally sound radioactive waste disposal operation. Requires the Secretary of Energy to furnish technical and financial assistance to compact regions and to States seeking assistance under this Act. Requires the Secretary to submit a comprehensive report to the Congress regarding the operation of the national system for the management and disposal of low-level radioactive waste. Directs the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to promulgate criteria for: (1) the licensing of low-level radioactive waste disposal facilities that use disposal methods other than shallow land burial; and (2) the disposal of certain material classified as low-level radioactive waste.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1985
Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to exclude the employees of States and local governments from the provisions of that Act relating to maximum hours. Revises the definition of "employee" under that Act to exclude any volunteer for a State, local, or interstate public agency, even if such volunteer is paid expenses or a nominal fee to perform the voluntary services.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1985
Legal Fees Equity Act - Delineates criteria for the award of attorneys' fees to parties in judicial and administrative proceedings against the United States and State or local governments. Sets a maximum hourly rate of $75 for the award of attorneys' fees in civil actions. Prescribes guidelines under which courts and administrative officers are authorized to deny or reduce attorneys' fees. Requires monetary judgments to be reduced by the amount of attorneys' fees (but not more than 25 percent) where a monetary judgment is awarded and a Federal fee-shifting statute applies. Requires applications for an award of attorneys' fees to be made within a specified time after a decision has been entered. Prohibits an award of attorneys' fees where the Government can demonstrate the claims have become moot due to a change in Government policy and the pendency of such action was not a material factor in such policy change. Denies attorneys' fees for services performed subsequent to the time a written offer of settlement is made to a party, if such offer is not accepted and the relief finally obtained by the party is not more favorable to the party than the offer of settlement. Requires the Comptroller General to report annually to the President and the Congress on the amount of attorneys' fees awarded in judicial or administrative proceedings against Federal, State, or local governments. Imposes limitations on any executive or military department or any agency, board, or commission respecting the employment and compensation of outside private counsel. Authorizes such a body to retain outside private counsel only upon certification of need by the Attorney General (in accordance with set regulations). Sets a maximum hourly rate at $75. Requires the Attorney General, after consultation with the Office of Management and Budget, the Office of Personnel Management and other agencies, to implement regulations governing the circumstances in which Federal agencies can retain outside private counsel.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1985
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit farmer-owned cooperatives (at the option of the cooperative) to compute the net earnings of the organization by offsetting losses incurred by one or more allocation units of the organization (whether functional, divisional, departmental, geographic, or otherwise) against income of one or more other of such allocation units to the extent that such income is derived from business conducted with or for patrons of the organization. Requires certain information be furnished patrons of the cooperative respecting the offsetting of income and losses among allocation units and the right to additional financial information.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1985
Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act to declare that contributions, gifts, or payments by union members to a separate fund which is used by the union for political purposes must be voluntary and unrelated to monies required as a condition of employment. Declares it to be unlawful to use monies paid to an organization as a condition of employment for any type of election or campaign activity by such organization.
![Official portrait of Sen. East, John P. [R-NC]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/e000017_200.jpg)